Author: Jeffrey Lumpkin
Article:
I am an adult; admittedly not a "teenager" or "tweener". Still
it is hard to avoid all of the hype concerning the debut of the
new Disney movie "High School Musical 2" this Friday on the
Disney channel. When the original High School Musical came out
early last year, it became a hit movie within the industry. Not
many people, beforehand, could have predicted the influence that
this movie had all across the United States. Unlike most movies
which when re-aired on television have their Neilson ratings
diminish over time, it was not the case with "High School
Musical." The ratings actually grew with each airing on the
Disney channel. Indeed, just like the "Titanic" movie phenomenon
in the late 1990's when teen aged kids, (girls especially)
flocked to the theater to see Leonardo DiCaprio repeatedly, many
kids have watched "High School Musical" again and again. Disney
even began airing the movie with the song lyrics appearing on
the screen so viewers could sing along to the music. It also
allowed the two lead actors of the movie, (Zac Efron and Vanessa
Hudgens, pictured above) to become idols to adolescent fans all
over America. Indeed Efron, appeared in another hit musical this
summer "Hairspray", and I am sure that many 14-18 year old girls
went to the movie just to see Mr. Efron. Another actress in the
movie, Ashley Tisdale, (who is known for her appearance in the
Disney television show "The Suite Life of Zach and Cody")
released her debut solo album. The "High School Musical" CD
grossed the most sales of any album released all of last year in
this country. Disney broke the bank with sales of clothing
merchandise, videos, toys, and dolls bought by "tweener" fans of
the movie. High School music programs all across the United
States produced theatrical performances of this movie. Who would
have "thunk it", as the saying goes?
Actually with the power, clout, and influence that the Disney
network has, especially with kids under 14; perhaps it is not so
surprising that the "High School Musical" phenomenon spread like
a virus across this country. Disney is known for producing
movies that are suitable for kids. Parents do not have to worry
about their children watching anything on the network that would
prove to be embarrassing; graphic language, even the hint of
sex, racy dialogue, violence, etc., are strictly off limits,
naturally by the network. The original "High School Musical"
theme, which merged the influences of music, sports, dancing,
and a g-rated love story between two high school kids, had a
very important message which everyone can relate to. This
message was that if you have a dream in life, do not allow
anything to prevent you from striving to achieve those dreams.
Zac Efron's character was a star basketball player for his
school's team. His father was the team coach and demanding of
his son in his athletic pursuits. But Efron's character also
yearned to sing, and to be in the high school's annual musical
production. The young man was even willing to place his position
as a character in the musical production ahead of his role on
the basketball team; much to the chagrin of his father/coach. I
believe the message was that a person, (a 16 year old high
school student in this case) has to have as much believe in
himself, (or herself) and be willing to follow his, (or her)
dreams); without being swayed or influenced selfishly by others.
As I stated above, it was interesting to note how the original
"High School Musical" movie had such an influence, even amongst
high school students in this country. In an era in which many
high school kids throughout this decade have been known to be
fans of rap and hip-hop music, (along with their profane lyrics
and degradation of females), the USA Today newspaper several
weeks ago ran a front page story about the Disney musical/movie.
This article discussed the positive influence that the movie had
generated in America, and how the original CD released last year
had dwarfed the sales of all other rap and similar music of that
genre. Indeed rap albums released during the year 2006 had
dropped substantially as many high school aged kids chose to
invest their money in an album from a Disney movie. I hope that
I am not naive in believing that perhaps teen aged kids are
sending a message to the "50-Cent's" of the world. The message
is that many 12-17 year old adolescents are suddenly being
turned off by X-rated rap, foul-mouthed lyrics, and words to
music that portray women as sexual objects; and for these women
to be used and abused by men.
For that I say: Go "High School Musical"!! Even as an adult, I
will probably have my television tuned to the Disney Channel
this Friday at 8 pm. - when the "High School Musical 2" movie
debuts. I'd watch that anytime over a rap concert in which the
featured artist spews every swear word known to mankind when
performing his/her songs!
Copies of this article and others may be found on my blog.
Visit the link at: http://love--music.blogspot.com
High School Musical 2
music downloads
About the author:
Music and movie downloads
No comments:
Post a Comment