If it took itself a little less seriously. Granted, I do like the film for what it is. It's called High School Musical and I saw it knowing I'd be seeing a musical set in High School-probably with a lot of cliches-and, that's what I got. But I think if it was a little more like say, Hairspray (fast, bright, colorful, feelgood movie), it would've been better.
shareI saw some parts of it, and it's not so bad and it can be cute but I still wouldn't consider it as a favorite. However I do like some of the songs like "Starting of Something New", "We're all in this Together," and "Stick to the Status Quo."
The only thing that would make me like the movie a bit better if Sharpay and Ryan have a better comeuppance. Since they were the mean kids who somewhat wrecked Troy/Gabriella's relationship along with their relations with other friends, I believe a better comeuppance would be that Sharpay and Ryan get expelled from the play or don't get the desired roles from the play at all. Much better comeuppance than being an understudy. I know some theater people who were happy to play any role in the play, even an understudy role or being part of the chorus.
My old jr. high had a saying about theater, "There are no small roles, only small-minded people."