Think of "High School Musical" as the sweeter, goofier cousin of "Mean Girls." Cady's story is not that different from Gabriella's: an academically gifted student who arrives at her new high school and develops mutual feelings with a popular jock. Although Troy and Gabriella are both secretly interested in music, their accidental audition for the school musical throws both of their social groups into complete chaos. Just to drive the point home, the whole school literally sings a song called "Stick to the Status Quo." Of course, this being a Disney Channel movie, things eventually work out, with everyone learning important lessons about how cliques and stereotypes can stifle creativity and individuality.
