The Teenagers in Film Grease And High School Musical
Popular musical film Grease is renowned for its cheerful soundtrack and stellar cast. The plot centers on two adolescents who cross paths and develop a bond. Due to the many social connections that keep them apart at school, they find it difficult to accept their love for one another. A similar plot to High School Musical 1 has two students bucking societal norms to pursue their interests in a variety of activities. High School Musical 1 is considerably cleaner, has a larger suggested age range, and is enjoyable for most ages even though both films portray similar storylines. The feature was characterized by an editor in Millea (2018) who said, “One generation’s delight may be another generation’s agony” (p. 16). Movie buffs of all ages may relate to a moving image in one way or another. Additionally, this movie has garnered great marks for its relatability and the social life lessons it offers.
In High School Musical 1, Troy and Gabriella, two teens, first meet while participating in karaoke at a New Year’s celebration. Eventually, once Gabriella goes to Troy’s high school, they learn that they are in the same homeroom class. Gabriella competes on the school’s decathlon squad, while Troy is the basketball team’s captain. Both children like singing, but when they tried out for their school’s winter musical, friends and relatives embarrassed them. This movie also explores the other students at East High and their path toward embracing all personalities and hobbies, in addition to the developing connection between Troy and Gabriella.
High School Musical 1 is more cleaner in terms of language and aesthetics than Grease. There isn’t a single curse word spoken in the whole movie. All of the attire is modest and suitable, with the exception of one moment when Troy star Zac Efron is shown without a shirt on. No improper romantic moments are included. Troy and Gabriella, the two major protagonists, clasp hands or give each other hugs to express their love for one another. The journalists said, “If you didn’t know they were dating, you wouldn’t know they were dating,” according to a website from 2007. They excel at avoiding being evident (Dyball et al., p. 64). Troy and Gabriella almost have a kiss in the film’s conclusion, but other students stop them.
The suggested viewing age may be decreased thanks to this cheerful and clean film. The suggested viewing age is eight years old and older, according to a website (Maher, 2019, n.p.). The dramatic, fascinating characters, as well as the general cleanliness, make this movie popular with viewers. Because they can link it to their high school years and experiences, many adults like this film. Because the movie is a representation of the struggles they are now facing in middle school and high school, teenagers and tweens may connect to it. Last but not least, the upbeat tunes are another reason why most kids appreciate this movie.
Particularly for teenagers and tweens, the social components of this film are incredibly relevant and genuine. “Its allure to tweens is inherent, touching practically every psychographic chord visible in the pimpled populace,” the reporter Roberts said, “(including) teenage concern about fitting in” (2006, p. 44). It is age-appropriate since most teens nowadays want to avoid standing out from the crowd. This film captures the limitations that young people experience as they search for their identity while avoiding rejection from their peers. Nowadays, a lot of students struggle to locate companions or clubs with similar interests. High School Musical 1 does an excellent job of capturing some high school student clichés. Troy and Gabriella are two exceptionally gifted high school students in the film who both have a love of music. Before they both embrace it by trying out for their school’s winter musical, their love for music is kept a secret while they are both in school. When the two teenagers get callbacks, they confront difficulties. Their many buddy circles embarrass them into thinking they should just concentrate on the one thing they are good at.
The social constraints present in schools are superbly shown in High School Musical 1. The movie’s portrayal of common adolescent angst factors like established cliques, low self-esteem, and peer pressure, according to author Maher, is the only thing that really detracts from it (2019, n.p.). Cliques and social pressures are important issues that affect practically every school. The implications that these occurrences may have are not minimized in this film. Several of the key characters in this film exert peer pressure on other pupils to join a certain social circle. Stick to the Status Quo is the song they sing. While the majority of students at the school sing that there shouldn’t be any modifications to these group borders, a few pupils at the school express their own hobbies outside of their social or talent group in this song. To maintain the status quo is to not alter anything. “If you want to be cool; follow one easy rule; don’t tamper with the flow, no-no; keep to the status quo,” the song’s lyrics said (Greenberg & Lawrence, 2006, n.p.). These lyrics imply that standing out from the crowd and disrupting established social groupings are not popular. In this movie, peer pressure is a severe conduct that occurs often.
But by the film’s conclusion, the pupils had learned to appreciate one another’s hobbies. Troy’s basketball team and Gabriella’s decathlon squad work together to ensure that each of them may take part in all the activities they like. The couple’s extreme dissatisfaction at not being allowed to participate in one of their favorite student activities was evident to both teams. As the teams collaborated, they came to the realization that individuals may have several hobbies. This demonstrates the important lesson that individuals should be encouraged in their choices and pleased for the pleasure of others.
There are several relevant moments and scenarios in High School Musical 1. Due to the fact that so many viewers can identify with the challenges the characters go through during the film, it is both entertaining and engaging overall. Similar to the 1978 film Grease, the plot is straightforward yet has a variety of aspects. Because of the right language, upbeat music, and insightful lectures, it is clean and engaging. Following their viewing of this film, audiences are encouraged to continue learning the tale of Troy and Gabriella by watching High School Musical 2, the second installment in the series.