SHARPAY’S FABULOUS ADVENTURE
(not rated)
MOVIE: *** (out of 5)
BLU-RAY EXPERIENCE: ** (out of 5)
BY KEVIN CARR
Now that the “High School Musical” franchise has been played out, Disney is trying to keep the magic going with “Sharpay’s Fabulous Adventure.” In this direct-to-DVD film, Ashley Tisdale returns as Sharpay, only this time she’s the hero rather than the antagonist. Sharpay has a chance to make it big on the stage, so she travels to New York City to become a star.
However, once she gets there, she faces a harsh city, high rent and a prima donna in the lead role. As a follow-up to “High School Musical,” this is cute. What’s really nice is that it doesn’t just rehash the same old story from the first three films. It gives Sharpay a reason to be the lead without violating all her narcissism from the series.
Like the “High School Musical” films, “Sharpay’s Fabulous Adventure” is made for the tween crowd, most of whom have grown up since the release of the first film. So it’s hitting a new audience. It’s not a film that’s made for sci-fi geeks and cinemasnobs, but maybe for their kids. In the end, it has some cute songs and a story that differentiates it from the original franchise enough to enjoy.
The Blu-ray includes a bonus DVD of the film. The features include bloopers, “Austin Cam” which follows the male lead on set and “The Evolution of Sharpay” which traces the character from her early “High School Musical” days to her own movie.