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HIGH SCHOOL MUSICAL: THE MUSICAL: THE SERIES SEASON 4

High School Musical: The Musical: The Series Season 4 is a great new season to add to the previous three. The series features many returning characters that are known and loved, as well as some new additions to the cast.

Season 4 has the East High students putting on a production of High School Musical 3: Senior Year. However things take a twist when it's revealed by a famous couple that they, along with some of the original cast of the High School Musical trilogy are going to be making High School Musical 4 right in the East High School. With tensions brewing and the movie crew taking over the school, the East High students are in for a wild ride this season.

The twists and turns that happen throughout this season are amazingly captivating. Every time I think things can't get crazier, they do. The relationship between Ricky (Joshua Bassett) and Gina (Sofia Wylie) is very cute and one of the best parts of this season. Actually all of the relationship and friendship dynamics in the show are very cute and scripted. Another cool part of this season is the return of lots of alumni from the original series, including Corbin Bleu, Lucas Grabeel and the legendary Alyson Reed. The whole cast excels in their performances of their characters -- the dynamics of the various relationships are well defined and make sense. For example the relationship between characters Ashlyn (Julia Lester) and Maddox (Saylor Bell Cruda) starts as a platonic friendship with lots of texting yet seems to be developing into more. The show is filmed again at the iconic East High School, which is an appealing part of the series that we all relate to now. One of my all-time favorite parts of this season is the creation of an entirely fake show called Mark and Spark with its own intro and theme song. A new character, Mack (Mathew Sato), comes to East High to star in High School Musical 4 and Mark and Spark is the show that made him famous when he was young. The show features many revised versions of Disney songs such as Now or Never from High School Musical 3 as well as lots of new original songs that are very catchy. One of my favorites is the song in episode one that Ricky and Gina write together about their relationship. Other returning actors include Dara Reneé, Julia Lester, Frankie Rodriguez, Kate Reinders, Liamani Segura and many more.

The message of this season is to be in the moment and don't get caught up in the past. It is a continuing message throughout the entire series.

High School Musical: The Musical: The Series Season 4 gets 5 out of 5 stars from me and I recommend it for ages 12 to 18 plus adults. The new season releases all episodes August 9, 2023 on Disney+.

By Avalon N., KIDS FIRST! Film Critic, age 15

I love High School Musical: The Musical: The Series Season 4. It's filled with engaging content and storylines that keep you hooked. The characters and themes are easy to enjoy and understand, especially if you are a High School Musical fan and even if you are new to the series.

The new series joins the East High drama club's return from a hectic summer camp when things take an unexpected turn. The original cast of High School Musical, the movie, arrives to introduce a new movie idea with the East High drama club included in the cast. The drama club will also stage an adaptation of one of the HSM films. The plot moves quickly and is fun and easy to follow with some unexpected surprises along the way. Each episode recaps the previous storyline and keeps it going with new twists, subplots and characters that make them easy to watch and watch again. The camera work with smooth zooms and clear focus on the actors enhances the viewing experience. I love how the costumes match the vibe of average teens, featuring popular brands and fresh styles. I appreciate the attention to detail with the set design; they truly reflect high schoolers rooms from the neat and organized to the truly messy. I couldn't help but enjoy the music. The background music really sets the mood and moves the story along. But it is the cast's songs that really tell the story with well-rounded lyrics and fun-to-listen-to melodies. I really enjoyed the harmonies of the Halloween special; full of fun and a great surprise to start off the first episode of the season--an excellent beat. The new main character Gina (Sofia Wylie) shows a deep emotional side while remaining strong and confident. I enjoy how relatable her character is. The scriptwriter did a strong job with fast-moving dialogue that is witty, complex and heartfelt. The writers create a series that entertains, with a story inside of a story, without being confusing. My favorite part is when Gina meets Mark (Matthew Sato) her childhood crush and her current boyfriend Ricky (Joshua Bassett) jealously and comically tries to prove he's better than him.

The message of this season is about taking things slowly, not rushing into decisions, and figuring things out calmly.

High School Musical: The Musical: The Series Season 4 gets 5 out of 5 stars from me and I and recommend it to ages 12 to 18, plus adults. Season 4 releases August 9, 2023 on Disney+.

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After an epic summer at Camp Shallow Lake, the Wildcats return to East High where they prepare a stage production of "High School Musical 3: Senior Year." But plans are disrupted when Principal Gutierrez announces that Disney has decided to make the long-awaited "High School Musical 4: The Reunion" movie on location at their beloved high school.