So... 1: This exists. 2: Austin Butler is in it. Quite the discovery on my part.
Admittedly it has been many years since I've set eyes on the (original) <em>'High School Musical'</em> films, which I'm nonplussed by, though I didn't even know this existed until fairly recently - had to get it watched, being somewhat of a completionist and all that. If I'm honest, musical numbers aside, it's ever so slightly a better watch than the trilogy - certainly less cringe.
I assume he is credited in the opening credits, but I missed that if so and only realised Butler was in it when he first appeared onscreen... and even then I wasn't too sure as he kinda looks 50% like Austin Butler and 50% not like Austin Butler.😄 Then I remembered, when <em>'Elvis'</em> came out, hearing that he was a Disney Channel kid. It's a weak role for him here, though he is fine.
Ashley Tisdale is the standout, as you would obviously expect. There are a couple of recognisable faces in there behind Tisdale, including Robert Curtis Brown. No surprise that none of the main stars from the other three flicks made an appearance in this 2011 release. Well, apparently Lucas Grabeel makes a cameo at the end in certain releases - I watched on Disney+ and didn't see that, unless I missed him.
<em>'Sharpay’s Fabulous Adventure'</em> is not that far from being a watchable film to be honest, which isn't something I thought I'd be saying so minor kudos to those behind this.