‘High School Musical 2’ hits high notes

Since kids, tweens and teens galore are going to see the sequel to Disney’s biggest ever original movie no matter what, this review is more of a guide for parents/grandparents into the mania surrounding all things “High School Musical.”

Eight million tuned into the original, and the same number or more are anticipated to see the sequel (which originally debuted on the Disney Channel — and if your young ones missed it, catch it on demand or on your neighbor’s Tivo or on the Disney Channel at 8 tonight our time.

This time the gang takes their vocal escapades from the school yard to the country club. It’s almost as good as the first one, which amounts to greatness.

Families across the nation hosted HSM2 parties like chicks did when “Sex and the City” went off the air. If you woke up to a brood of little girls in sleeping bags on your living room floor Saturday a.m., you were not alone.

It’s summertime for Troy (Zac Efron, who’s a teen icon now), Gabriella (Vanessa Hudgens), Sharpay (Ashley Tisdale, basically plays her as Tori Spelling’s character from 90210, but worse) and the rest of the stylish East High Wildcats.

Sharpay’s parents own a country club outside of town, and since she has the ultimate crush on Troy, she arranges for him to be hired on as a waiter/caddy at the posh resort. The only problem —all of Troy’s classmates gain employment as well. This throws a wrench into the plans of pretty in pink on the outside, but green with envy on the inside Sharpay.

Keeping things on the melodic path there is a Midsummer’s Night Talent Show that all staff usually participates in every year. Will Troy and Gabriella steal the show again? Not if the pouting resident princess has anything to say about it. She wants Troy and will stop at nothing (in the PG realm) to gain his affection.

The musical numbers are spectacular throughout and should wow all 8- to 18-year-olds. This is all of those summer “Saved by the Bell” episodes combined. It is un-“Dirty Dancing.” That being said, it is really refreshing compared to most of the garbage out there on the small/big screen. MTV constantly throws sex, drugs and violence at viewers around the clock. You would blush or cry if you tuned into Comedy Central’s decade smash hit “South Park.”

“You Are the Music in Me” is the central dance number written specifically for almost-lovebirds Troy and Gabriella. The air is saccharine as they rehearse the number while gazing into each other’s eyes across the piano. You will get the “Grease” d/jˆ vu feeling more than once, for this is merely a modern version. The couple never kisses until the end, but their close calls are quite enough to keep juvenile hearts at doubletime pitter patter.

Other spiffy numbers in the film and on the soundtrack (that’s flying off shelves) include a neat kitchen dance off scene to the tune of “Work This Out” that’s got a more than positive perseverance message. And dreamboat of the decade Efron dazzles in the solo “Bet On It.” All songs built in to this media Goliath are already classics.

Kenny Ortega (“Newsies”) was responsible for both direction and choreography, and he keeps a zany and zippy pace throughout. This franchise is like Fruit Loops cereal — full of fun, sugar and flare.

Looks like the juggernaut that is the Mouse will continue to please for audiences no matter what the year. Whether it’s Annette Funicello making boys swoon on the MM Club in the fifties or Zac Efron melting young ladies with the most charming of grins today — Disney will always have an encouraging hand on the upbringing of our youth. “High School Musical 2” is just another chapter in the book that Walt began.

amackey@gvnews.com