Metacritic reviews

These are standard youth-movie dilemmas, but they're brought to life by the high-energy cast and the musical numbers, which Ortega shoots with electrifying pizzazz.

What it lacks in narrative ambition, it makes up for in dazzling choreography.

For the most part, the film's musical numbers are dynamic, propelling the story forward. The same cannot be said about Peter Barsocchini's colorless screenplay.

Exudes genuine appeal, thanks to director Kenny Ortega's brilliant choreography and a gifted cast.

Even if the refreshing gust doesn't stay with you long, it's fun while it lasts.

Efron is the epitome of sexless Disney heartthrobs, but he's an electrifying song-and-dance man, so much so that his castmates (Bleu excepted) look like they have concrete shoes by comparison.

The result unfortunately has the blandness of a mediocre TV sitcom.

While Ortega and fellow choreographers Charles Klapow and Bonnie Story stretch their imaginations, there's something almost lazy about the picture's underachiever script.

Set against a production design seemingly inspired by the American flag, director Kenny Ortega's choreography is industrial and efficient, if haplessly stranded somewhere between Michael Jackson and the Village People.

If you're gay and/or eight years old, HSM3 is the movie event of the year.