The Disney movie High School Musical (HSM) was first released in 2006 and was an instant success with young teens across the world. They loved watching the chemistry between the cast grow, the on-going romance that Troy and Gabriella, and the quirky storylines.
However, the most noteable takeaway from HSM was the music. After each movie, audiences were introduced to several hit songs that the viewers couldn't get out of their heads. During the summer vacations, one could never go a day without hearing someone sing "Breaking Free," "Fabulous," or "Just Want To Be With You." With these elements, HSM remains a nostalgic, childhood, fan-favorite.
Thanks to HSM, audiences alike can agree they expected high school to be the fairy-tale that was portrayed in High School Musical. However, this was not reality once HSM fans grew up. They learned that the movies may have exaggerated an element or two.
The Importance Of High School Sports
The Basketball team at East High School impacted the culture of the students on a large scale. With chants such as “What Team!” and hits like “Now Or Never” and “Get Your Head In The Game,” basketball was portrayed to have a positive and significant impact on the lives of all students.
This may be true for American high school students. However, from a global point of view, this was a lie. HSM reached worldwide success and its outreach set the expectation that high school and sports go hand in hand. However, in a country like Australia, high school sports are of no importance, and HSM’s use of basketball to excite young viewers about high school was far from reality.
The Idea Of Finding “The One” At Age 16
Troy and Gabriella’s love story was one of the reasons why many HSM fans expected to find “the one” in high school. In the first film, the two protagonists find each other on New Year's Eve and later on in the same school. This bought out the romantic side of all viewers as Troy and Gabriella’s romance was nothing but a fairy tale.
Although the couple faced their obstacles, the constant romantic gestures told young audiences that love was easily attainable at the age of 16 and this may be true for some high school sweethearts. However, this is not always the case.
Everyone Can Suddenly Break Out In Perfect Rhythm And Pitch
One of the main reasons why HSM remains a nostalgic favorite for many fans is the songs. No matter which movie was your favorite, HSM released music that enabled them to maintain a highly loyal fanbase.
At East High, it was common for all students to take part in a flash mob and sing along in perfect pitch. This was one of the biggest lies told by the movies as our younger selves expected high school to be filled with music and performances. In reality, high schoolers can expect assignments and tests.
A Whole Cohort Can Find A Job At The Same Resort
High School Musical 2 was released in 2007. HSM 2 explored the students' summer break and their journey working at the same country club. At the Evans county club, the students at East High School were seen to be working in the kitchen as sous chefs, lifeguards, and personal golf caddies for the clubs' elite guests.
This was far from reality as most 16-year-olds don’t get the chance to work in such high positions. Further, High School Musical told audiences that during summer breaks, it’s possible to work alongside all your friends. However, in reality, it’s difficult enough to find work.
All Senior Students Partake In A Play
High School Musical: Senior Year showcased the lie that a whole cohort could partake in a school play. However, for many senior students, time is best well spent studying for final exams.
In HSM 3, the senior students at East High had no problem with taking on a drama project regardless of the endless amount of assignments that are usually given in the final year of high school. At this instance, HSM further lied to the audience by portraying the final year of high school to be solely focused on a school play.
High School Is So Fun You’ll Never Want It To End
In the song “High School Musical,” the lyrics “I just hope the rest of my life/ Will feel as good as my/High School Musical” sold the lie that these times will be the most amazing experience of a person's life. So much so, that audience would never want it to end.
However, in reality, the moment most HSM fans started high school, they could not wait for it to be over. This lack of excitement for high school may be attributed to the disappointment based on the expectations set by HSM. However, for many HSM audience , leaving high school was one of the best experiences as it signified a new chapter of life.
Pink Lockers Are Sadly Not A Thing
Lockers in High School Musical were a staple throughout the trilogy. The lockers in the movies excited everyone for high school. The most notable locker was Sharpay Evans pink locker. Having a small space for yourself made high school seem exciting and to a young audience, personalizing the space to be pink glamourized the idea of a simple locker.
Further, scenes such as Troy giving Gabriella a “T” necklace next to the lockers made it seem as though having a locker was eventful. However, in reality, most school lockers are basic and certainly cannot be painted pink.
A Whole Year Can Be Very Close And United
In high school, it was common for everyone to stick with people they relate to the most. Many high school TV shows and movies focus on the reality of high school cliques. However, in HSM, the trilogy defies reality as the “status quo” is challenged. In HSM, Troy and Gabriella’s love story bought the junior year cohort together.
This unity would also extend to all students being in school plays and singing along, regardless of their traditional cliques. Although this seems positive, in reality, this isn’t the case. Typically, most high school students stick with the same group of people they are used to, keeping to themselves.
School Facilities Are Fancy
East High School was relatively fancier than the regular high school. East High was equipped with a full-size basketball court, rooftop garden, and theatre. Although never stated, a high school with all these facilities would be considered private, and attending a private high school is not a reality for many.
High schools are commonly equipped with a moderately sized gymnasium, which could be used for sport and arts. HSM sold the story that high schools are fancy, hence, when audience grew up and attended High school, they were disappointed at the lack of amenities available.
Schools Close At Night
In High School Musical 3, Troy Bolton can be seen performing the song “Scream.” During this performance, Bolton is on school grounds, able to freely move around. The scene ends with him on stage while speaking with his drama teacher Ms. Darbus.
In reality, it isn’t possible for students to spontaneously be at school after hours. Most high schools are equipped with at the least, a minimal level of security, and Troy Bolton being on school grounds is not something an audience member can attempt in real life.
