The High School Musical Phenomenon

No, I'm not talking about all those artsy fartsy types who love to sing and dance. I'm talking about the Disney channel mega hit(s)- High School Musical and High School Musical 2. If you have a child anywhere from 8-15 (and maybe even older or younger) then you must know about this. HSM 2 debuted last weekend with the highest viewer ever for a cable movie. 17 MILLION people. What is it that makes the kids want to watch? Are there subliminal messages? Is it because Chad or Troy are so cute? Is it because they want to be like Sharpay or Gabriella? Is it because they are in a hurry to grow up?

I think it is because: the girls are cute, the boys are cuter, there is dancing, and singing (and a kiss or three). My kids have not stopped listening to the CD since Saturday when I gave them both a copy. Okay, that's a little fib. They stop long enough to re watch the movie everyday. Since we got an extended summer break due to a teacher's strike, they have already seen it three times this week. I draw the line at once a day. No more viewings than that.

Most of the kids I know are already taking about HSM 3! What are your thoughts on the HSM phenomenon??