Premiered: August 17, 2007

On: Disney Channel

Starring: Zac Efron, Vanessa Hudgens, Ashley Tisdale, Lucas Grabeel, Corbin Bleu, Monique Coleman, Mark L. Taylor, Bart Johnson, Jessica Tuck, Robert Curtis Brown, Alyson Reed, Chris Warren Jr., Ryne Sanborn, Olesya Rulin, Kaycee Stroh, Tanya Chisholm & Leslie Wing Pomeroy

A sequel to the hit Disney Channel Original Movie, High School Musical 2 loses some of the charm but amps up the musical numbers for an entertaining family film.

During the summer before their senior year, Sharpay (Ashley Tisdale) has Troy (Zac Efron) hired at her family’s country club. But her plan to win him over is thwarted when a majority of the East High Wildcats, including Troy’s girlfriend Gabriella (Vanessa Hudgens), also gain employment there.

From the first musical number, “What Time Is It?,” to the finale “All For One,” the numbers are bigger and mostly better here. Two of the most memorable are Chad (Corbin Bleu) and Ryan’s (Lucas Grabeel) baseball dance-off “I Don’t Dance” and Troy’s cringeworthy but iconic “Bet On It.”

You can see the fun the cast has and the comfort they have playing their characters for a second time.

Final say: A party you don’t want to miss. ★★★★☆