Live From Studio 1A: Superbad and High School Musical 2

G. Rice — Wed, 22 Aug 2007 16:53:38 GMT

It is totally beyond me how Superbad has grossed $31 million in a weekend, simply for the fact that it's juvenile humor is aimed at 13-15 year olds, coupled with the fact that the foul language in this movie that has warranted it's "R" rating, excludes that age group. Any adult that wastes their money on this film, (including my own dumb self) will be walking out of the theater shaking their heads at the fact that they have wasted two full hours of their life watching what has to be the foulest movie to come out of Hollywood this year. (There's more bad language in this movie than a Comedy Central Roast.) And, on a scale of 1 to 10 for funny, I would have to give it a 4. Mature adults, don't waste your time, nor your money. Parents of teens, don't take your kids, nor rent this movie for them, unless you are VERY liberal about what you allow them to watch.

Live From Studio 1A: Superbad and High School Musical 2

ian williams — Wed, 22 Aug 2007 17:12:44 GMT

Superbad = real life
High School Musical = singing and dancing if you were on crystal meth in high school

Live From Studio 1A: Superbad and High School Musical 2

Mev in MA — Wed, 22 Aug 2007 17:29:29 GMT

Ian,

Maybe it was your real life. It may even be closer to real life than H.S.M., but do we have to celebrate the baser parts of being a teen like this (to the tune of $31M? We really enjoy aiming for the mud don't we?

Live From Studio 1A: Superbad and High School Musical 2

Rebecca, GA — Wed, 22 Aug 2007 17:42:01 GMT

HA! Ian, that was hysterical!

"High School Musical = singing and dancing if you were on crystal meth in high school"

Live From Studio 1A: Superbad and High School Musical 2

Blake B, Dallas, TX — Wed, 22 Aug 2007 17:45:45 GMT

I'm a fan of a good film, clean or dirty. Superbad may contain pretty foul language and sexual humor, but that doesn't necessarily make the film stupid or juvenile. I think pretty much everyone can relate to the characters one way or the other and it was cleverly written. The entire theatre laughed from start to finish.

Live From Studio 1A: Superbad and High School Musical 2

Nick, Boston — Wed, 22 Aug 2007 17:47:55 GMT

I can't wait to see Superbad after work tonight, it looks hilarious. I don't care for your judgments, if my enjoyment of a stupid movie has that much effect on your life you should reevaluate.

Live From Studio 1A: Superbad and High School Musical 2

Jheron, Pataskala, OH — Wed, 22 Aug 2007 17:49:17 GMT

High School Musical 2 was cute. My kids are 6 & 7 and it was pretty much the most anticipated event of the summer for them. They have played the first movie so many times on the DVD player that the DVD machine just opens by itself when I approach with the box. It was a family movie that we could watch together, as a parent of young children I always appreciate that. Superbad my appeal to someone, but sure is not this family!

Live From Studio 1A: Superbad and High School Musical 2

rob — Wed, 22 Aug 2007 17:57:14 GMT

Superbad was hilarious. It's a movie. It's supposed to be for entertainment purposes, so don't take it too seriously-i bet kids these day are just like the kids in the movie. Go see it. It is very vulgar, so if you don't like that, then don't see it, if you do, then you'll enjoy it.

Live From Studio 1A: Superbad and High School Musical 2

Trevor in Minneapolis — Wed, 22 Aug 2007 18:01:05 GMT

I have to agree with Ian on this one. Superbad = today's youth vernacular. Kids talk like this in reality. That is why the movie did so well. It reminds a generation of themselves and how they acted with their friends (to an exaggerated degree). I think everyone just needs to accept that. That doesn't mean teach it to your kids or take them to this movie. But accept that is how that age group acts nowadays.

Live From Studio 1A: Superbad and High School Musical 2

Nan in Charleston, SC — Wed, 22 Aug 2007 18:04:14 GMT

I personally find it refreshing and encouraging that HSM has drawn such a huge audience. I'm so very tired of vulgarity! HSM & HSM2 have proven there's still a demand for quality.

Live From Studio 1A: Superbad and High School Musical 2

Mike Finch, BC, Canada — Wed, 22 Aug 2007 18:07:13 GMT

I just saw this last night. Very funny. It may not have related to your life going through highschool but being that its based on a true story that the writers wrote soon after graduating and even used all the original names of their classmates after getting them to sign a release... well my point is clear. This movie is one of the funniest of the summer, up there with Knocked Up. Well worth paying to go see. No your grandma isnt the best choice to bring with you but your 15yr old child is going to crap his pants laughing at this.

Live From Studio 1A: Superbad and High School Musical 2

Dominic, Nogales, Arizona — Wed, 22 Aug 2007 18:39:06 GMT

Superbad and High School are NOTHING alike. In High School Musical, these kids are trying to find true love. Aww... like a fairy tale, right? Where as to Superbad takes place in reality and it's all about getting laid (like in the real world). High School is about getting laid before you graduate, everyone knows that. This is the message Superbad is trying to get across (and many other High School movies). High School Musical is just giving little kids false hope that High School is all about dancing and singing to gay little songs. Well yeah, I just wanted to inform those of you who live in Lala Land who believe in true love of this. Peace. I'm outtie.

Live From Studio 1A: Superbad and High School Musical 2

Max Trapp, Selbyville, DE — Wed, 22 Aug 2007 18:58:30 GMT

I haven't seen Superbad, so I can't comment on that movie, but my wife, 34 year old son and I all watched High School Musical the other evening and we all thoroughly enjoyed it. Even my son, who would probably love Superbad just from the reviews and comments I have read, really enjoyed H.S.M. It's nice to occasionally watch a movie that doesn't assult all of your senses with Blood, Gore, Violence and constant super foul language. Watch and enjoy!

Live From Studio 1A: Superbad and High School Musical 2

Julie, Mt. Olive, Illinois — Wed, 22 Aug 2007 19:01:17 GMT

I loved Superbad! I was almost falling out of my seat laughing. You can be a mature adult and still
love this movie, G. Rice. After 40 Year Old Virgin, Knocked Up & Superbad, I am a fan for life of Judd Apatow, Seth Rogen, Evan Goldberg, Jonah Hill, Michael Cera and McLovin! And I will be going to see all future movies these guys are involved with.

Live From Studio 1A: Superbad and High School Musical 2

joshua, memphis, tn — Wed, 22 Aug 2007 19:04:40 GMT

i'd rather innoculate todays youth to the dangers of excess, than brainwash them with walt disney's facism of pants-on love and world of smiling zombies. who wouldn't? disney = quality? what?!

superbad was funny, not the best movie of all time, but it was ture to life, it had a great message, it was smart and it was FUNNY!

the whole magical world of disney is a "big lie" much like the one hitler used to talk about in private. people think it's cute to whitewash history, and love, and death so that kids will be entertained without the need to process what they see. at the best it leaves a vacuum where insight ought to be, and at worst it allows insidious social experiments to be played out on a global scale with youth as the rats.

the best we can hope for walt disney's victims is disillusionment at some point. but that leads to another host of problems and pain, and does nothing to stop the next generation from filling their kids rooms with a mess of primary colored fairtales that do everything BUT eductate and promote good character.

life is vulgar. life smells bad. life is full of cops, life is complicated and full of shadows, hidden meanings, unspoken agendas, and missed opportunities. if you all you hand to a child is sanitized, that kid is going to step out of the house one day and drop dead from all the germs and viruses taking advantage of his weak defenses. same goes for matters of the mind and conscience.

go ahead and fill your kids' heads with prozaic nonsense, teach them to bow deeply to their flag, let them know how dirty their dirty parts are, remind them again and again that no matter what, as long as they try as hard as they can they will always win....or you could just snap out of it and let your kids grow up with proper perspective and guidance.

Live From Studio 1A: Superbad and High School Musical 2

SUZIE DOE — Wed, 22 Aug 2007 19:05:34 GMT

WHAT HAPPENED TO CLEAN,PLEASANT, HUMANE,BEAUTIFUL,LIGHT,SWEET........INSTEAD OF DIRTY,HORRIFIC,VICIOUS,UGLY,MEAN...ARE WE SO PERVERTED AS A SOCIETY THAT'S IT FOR US???????

Live From Studio 1A: Superbad and High School Musical 2

Carole Malarkey, Lowell, MA — Wed, 22 Aug 2007 19:11:52 GMT

High School Musical 1 & 2 greatly appealed to my 3 generation family - Ages 6, 42 & 65. And I'm not ashamed to say this "grammy" has watched HSM1 even when the 6 year old wasn't around. Great fun! Great talent! Great music and dancing!!

Live From Studio 1A: Superbad and High School Musical 2

c dyer, cincinnati, oh — Wed, 22 Aug 2007 19:16:25 GMT

Please, HSM was a good clean show, I haven't seen Superbad,(yet) my 15 yr old wants to see it but is rated R which means you should be 17, I got to tell you all this is, is a generation of foul mouth kids,and I blame alot of their parents, who are from my generation,who speak to their children with foul langage. I find it disgusting coming from anyone, exspecially the F-BOMB. I don't know why people think they can't get their point across without cussing. I think you just sound stupid. Please don't be proud of the fact that you cuss alot or have sex with every, TOM,DICK,HARRY, MARY, JANE, SUE or what every their names are, that is why your generation has so much sexual diease, which believe me you might be able to use medicine now to control it, but it will catch up with you when you are older, ie:40's 50's, which you might think is old now but you won't when you are that age. Do you realize if you as a generation don't change the way you eat, exercise and your sexual behaviors you will be the first generation not to out live my generation (48 yrs old)After hearing about this movie, I don't think my daughter needs to see this, I don't care how funny you think it is, I'm sure I would see some humor in it, but the cussing will just tick me off.

Live From Studio 1A: Superbad and High School Musical 2

Courtney, Moorpark, CA — Wed, 22 Aug 2007 19:31:23 GMT

If you didn't like Superbad you've obviously forgotten how to let loose, relax and enjoy life. I've never laughed throughout an entire movie before, And i'm not some stupid stoner teenager that thinks any curse word is funny. I found the characters to be embarassingly endearing. And I loved the cops. They were great. So if your complaining about this movie, get over it & stop whining.

Live From Studio 1A: Superbad and High School Musical 2

Nadia, Nashville, TN — Wed, 22 Aug 2007 19:31:37 GMT

Superbad was funny. It was a date movie for me and even though the language threw me off for a while..I must admit I laughed the whole time. Not only did I laugh so did the rest of the adult theater. So is Superbad more related to real life? Yes, even my date was like, this was so me in high school." I was trying to get some. That doesn't mean I don't appreciate a good disney film. You must find the balance and learn how to distinguish between both genre's. I mean just watch them both, they are just for entertainment purposes only.

Live From Studio 1A: Superbad and High School Musical 2

Kevin W. — Wed, 22 Aug 2007 19:36:51 GMT

Joshua in Memphis....

You didn't have a very happy childhood did you?

Go Disney!!!

Live From Studio 1A: Superbad and High School Musical 2

Ashley — Wed, 22 Aug 2007 19:42:12 GMT

Okay, while I haven't seen Superbad, I really want to. Like many others have said, it's true to life, and looks absolutely hilarious. So it's vulgar. So are most teenagers. Get over it.

That aside, I think attacking High School Musical is unfair. I haven't seen either of them, and I have no desire to because of the extreme overmarketing, but I'm sure they're still decent movies with good music and a nice story. My 19 year old cousin and many of my friends liked them.

And to c dyer I would like to say this. Our generation is more protected sexually than most others before us. We know about disease, and we take precautions. We're also in better health than most other American age groups. Teenage obesity rates are below the national average and a lot of us are into sports.

And it's not polite to insult an entire generation of people based on false generalizations. Since you're so much more mature, you should know that.

Live From Studio 1A: Superbad and High School Musical 2

christine k — Wed, 22 Aug 2007 19:48:31 GMT

Superbad was funny. It was entertainment. It doesn't need to be a reflection on all youth. I don't really think it's appropriate for teenagers, but that's WHY it's rated R! And Superbad is not really JUST about getting laid...okay maybe for the Seth character it is! But not for Evan. He is surprisingly sweet and arguably moral. Which would apparently shock many of you that have not seen it and want to write it off as simply a vulgar waste of your time.

Live From Studio 1A: Superbad and High School Musical 2

joshua, memphis, tn — Wed, 22 Aug 2007 19:56:17 GMT

whatever, go burn some books and do 50 hail maries just for thinking about 'cuss' words...

and i got news for anyone mentioning "generations" you forget who used up all the oil, and came up wuth all the drugs, and decided that abortion was an acceptable form of birth control. yup, the boomers. and they didn't start it either, their parents were drunk on whiskey and high on valium, touched their daughters, and beat their sons, bought everything that was ever sold to them and came up with the cold war to distract themselves from the crushing reality of modern wage-slavery that was their lives.

you've left us an inheritance of fear, hatred, greed, waste, abuse, delusion, hypocracy, veiled fascism, and invented drugs for invented diseases...i hope you all realize the judgement your generations receive in history will be brutal and clear eyed.

Live From Studio 1A: Superbad and High School Musical 2

Gloria, CA — Wed, 22 Aug 2007 19:59:38 GMT

"ganstas, whats up guys"- McLovin

Superbad was the funniest movie of this summer. The audience was laughing the whole time because the characters were easy to relate to. Everyone had that crazy friend who said crazy things and had insane ideas, and even though you knew how horrible the ideas were, you still went along with them.
All my friends were obsessed with HSM, I've seen the first one once and thought it was ridiculous. Then last week when HSM2 aired, I had to change the channel 30 minutes in because I couldn't believe how bad it was.
Superbad had great humor and no it wasn't immature, its just how teenagers act not just now but for years and years. Look at Grease, the boys AND girls are all obsessed with sex, the difference is that its sugar coated with song and dance. Sandy becomes a whore in the end and you don't see parents restricting their kids from watching the movie.

Live From Studio 1A: Superbad and High School Musical 2

Mom who works with teens, Pittsburgh, PA — Wed, 22 Aug 2007 20:17:49 GMT

Thanks, Trevor for your wise, on target comments. Adults need to realize that how kids talk and what they find funny is usually going to be more adult than what they are supposed to be interested in (which was the same when all us oldsters were teens, too!). Dominic, believe it or not, I know and work with a lot of teenagers who (although they might like to have sex) find romance just as interesting (yes, even the boys). I believe it is a much a social "unrealism" that all kids want to be skanky, just like it would be unrealistic to think that all adults that find humor in reality TV are living like Flavor Flav or Jenna! Teens want sex, yes, but I don't think they've stopped wanting love.

Live From Studio 1A: Superbad and High School Musical 2

Marcus H, Marysville CA — Wed, 22 Aug 2007 20:22:36 GMT

Josh from Memphis,

I feel sorry for you. To come from a background that has left no room for hope, hope of a better life, or a better future. You are right that the real world is tough and at times can seem like nothing in it is right. But it is movies like HSM 1 and 2 that show us there there is still hope and that if you do try, you might fail but you can also suceed. Thomas Edison was once asked how his progrees was on the light bulb, his response "I know a thousand ways that don't work."

If we raise our children with a sense that there is nothing worth fighting for or striving for, then kiss technology, inovation, and new ideas good bye.

It is the struggles of life that make success worth the effort.

I am glad Disney managed to make the first HSM a clean family fiendly movie, HSM 2 was just as great..I hope this is a wake up to hollywood that there is a market for this type of entertainment.

As for Super Bad, haven't seen it, don't plan on it. I am sure there is room for this just not for my Family.

Live From Studio 1A: Superbad and High School Musical 2

Minnie, WA — Wed, 22 Aug 2007 20:28:59 GMT

When you're anywhere from 6-13 years old, High School Musical will, of course, appeal to you: the good guy wins, dance numbers ensue, singing... Stuff that makes you feel all warm and gooey inside. Basically, if you were spoon-fed a steady diet of Disney while you were growing up, you'll probably like/love HSM.

On a side note, I'm super-impressed that all the older commenters immediately tag the 16-24 generation as being "dirty," "diseased," etc.

By the way, if you're going to claim our generation is full of "diease," at least spell it right. :)

It really shows that you know nothing about our generation; you're just going by what you see when you're channel surfing on Sundays and see some random rap video.

Anyway, Superbad is at least somewhat realistic. Guys trying to get laid? Yeah, it happens. Believe it or not, your grandsons will more than likely search out an "easy lay" at least once in their life. Your granddaughters? You'd be surprised at how many girls act the same way, if you get what I mean. And it's not just this generation- the generations before us acted this way, too! Get off your self-righteous high horses and admit that at one point in your life, you dropped the F-bomb, either had, or considered having, promiscuous sex, and took part in other not-so-clean activities. Hypocrisy at its finest.

Oh, and HSM depicts such a skewed portrayal of what high school is like. High school is full of crap. Fun crap and bad crap. When they go to history class, they are going to find out that life isn't always great; bad crap has gone down in the past. Why sugarcoat all of these aspects of life (mainly when you're dealing with a 12 year old) when they will ultimately find out the truth, leaving them disappointed?

Anyway, Superbad or HSM2? Depends on who you are. If you prefer to view the world through rose-colored lenses, then HSM2 should satiate your appetite for entertainment. However, if you like to view the world through non-colored lenses, consider Superbad.

Live From Studio 1A: Superbad and High School Musical 2

Shane from IN — Wed, 22 Aug 2007 20:34:12 GMT

To all those who are degrading superbad for all the vulgar, foul things it contains. THough I have not seen it readign the reviews and comments left by others it sounds just like high school. And I would hate to break it to most people who blame parents for it, but that is an obscene generalization. It is brought on by a few parents who allow their children no boundaries and consequwently they learn inappropriate stuff at young ages (listen 6th grade, you would be surprised at what the kids know). It is these few children who then go and teach it to all the others.

Live From Studio 1A: Superbad and High School Musical 2

McLovin — Wed, 22 Aug 2007 20:45:36 GMT

Joshua in Memphis, dude, calm down. It's going to be ok. We're just talking about a movie here.

Live From Studio 1A: Superbad and High School Musical 2

Carole Malarkey, Lowell, MA — Wed, 22 Aug 2007 20:56:50 GMT

Wow! I've only seen Grease about 50 times and I didn't know Sandy "became a whore at the end". Movies really seem to bring out the best and worst of people! All movies don't have a message, they don't need too. If you enjoy one and others don't, hey, that's what makes the world go round. But don't shove your moralistic, realistic and really dark views on people. I'll probably never see Superbad, doesn't do anything for me; but obviously most seem to love it! THAT'S life!!

Live From Studio 1A: Superbad and High School Musical 2

JAS Salt Lake City, UT — Wed, 22 Aug 2007 21:03:55 GMT

Superbad = Reality

High School Musical 2 = An ecstasy/crack induced nightmare of over the top singing and dancing.

What are the chances that the people that really dug HSM2 are Walmart shoppers, watch fox news, and really enjoy American Idol?

Live From Studio 1A: Superbad and High School Musical 2

Kellie, CA — Wed, 22 Aug 2007 21:13:26 GMT

I'm a 38 year old female and enjoyed both SuperBad and HSM2. You've got to realize that both are skewed from reality and just enjoy them for what they are. SuperBad: a hilarious story with quick-witted foul humor and shockingingly funny physical comedy. HSM2: a simple, fun and entertaining show that reminds you about the sweetness of youth. Both are good in their own right, though my 42 year old boyfriend wouldn't be caught dead watching HSM2.

Live From Studio 1A: Superbad and High School Musical 2

Jebus, Canada — Wed, 22 Aug 2007 21:14:50 GMT

superbad = the love/hate movie of the year!

It's to cater to a certain audience and if ur not in that audience then don't go around and complain that it was such a bad movie..

HSM is aimed at little kids fantasy worlds and superbad is aimed at teenagers highly exaggerated lifestyles..

Live From Studio 1A: Superbad and High School Musical 2

Tricia St. Louis, Mo — Wed, 22 Aug 2007 21:52:32 GMT

Wow, reading this is so interesting. It just shows how people are so different in opinion, but each one of us thinks we are more right than the next.

My opinion, I like Disney. I haven't seen HSM1 or 2, I would like to though. I like the Disney channel and I am 22. I would rather watch that than American Pie. I choose and strive to live my life in an "innocent and biblical" fashion, but that is how I feel good about myself and it is a God given right.

I will not be seeing the "Teen" movie, but it is more of keeping that kind of stuff away from my mind as much as I can. What goes in does come out. I know that is an impossible thing to stay away from in this world, but just b/c it is so popular doesn't mean I have to partake in it to stay in the ages. I am fully aware of what our ages are capable of.

Both movies are a personal choice. If you feel uncomfortable with things like the "Teen" movies, than stay away from them, but don't expect too many followers. It's the norm for today. I do agree with that. I just don't choose to live it.

I am married

Live From Studio 1A: Superbad and High School Musical 2

David, San Antonio TX — Wed, 22 Aug 2007 21:58:21 GMT

Superbad was funny but more offensive than necessary. Haven't seen HSM2 and probably won't. I only wanted to share two comments:

First, I think it is harder to make an unoffensive great movie than an offensive one. Give HSM2 a break.

Second, regardless of how much I laughed, As a parent it is difficult to imaging watching some of the more disgusting parts of Superbad with a 15 year old child. To all the commentors who have noticed our current generation's guttering up as evidenced by their need for movies like saw and ultra gross-out comedies, parents who would take their young kids to see Superbad are making it worse. I wish I could get some of the sick stuff I've accidently seen wiped from my memory, so I wouldn't share my fate with a young kid.

Live From Studio 1A: Superbad and High School Musical 2

B.A, NY — Wed, 22 Aug 2007 22:05:09 GMT

" HSM and HSM2 are both movies for all ages from 5-50. SuperBad is the most disgusting movie ever!!! the vulgar language and the "sexual content" in that movie is HORRIBLE! whoever made it is clearly disgusting. c dyer from ohio i completely agree with you 200 percent. yes kids talk this way but it's becuase they hear it in schools and tv and movies, and their parents never said anything to them.

and because they talk like that DOES NOT by any means make it descent in ANY movie.

Live From Studio 1A: Superbad and High School Musical 2

Jennifer, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma — Wed, 22 Aug 2007 22:48:09 GMT

I have two girls ages 5 and 7 and of course, they loved the HSM movies. In fact, my 7 year old had her birthday party the night HSM2 premiered. Sure, the movie is a musical and a bit cheesy with the singing and dancing (most musicals are) but it was just fun for them to watch.

I know for a fact that my young girls have no idea what real high school is like or even what high school is! It's beyond their realm of reality right now. They are only concerned with the here and now of their lives (kindergarten and 2nd grade). They aren't learning about life by watching a Disney movie - they learn about life by living their own! Watching the movie is about having fun. Period.

I have not seen Superbad so I can't comment on it. But I would suspect most people go to a comedy for a good laugh, not to sit around later and contemplate the differences or similarities in the movie to "real life".

Live From Studio 1A: Superbad and High School Musical 2

Bryant (San Diego, CA) — Wed, 22 Aug 2007 23:22:46 GMT

Quick question: for those of you quick to jump the gun on either one of these pictures, don't you have to at least watch both of them? 'High School Musical' is made for a younger audience and directed towards a younger audience than ANY of the Judd Apatow movies - and for good reason. There's nothing wrong with having a slight bit of imagination behind the rose-tinted glasses, but there's a line between optimism and sheer ignorance. I'll be the first to admit, I didn't care for either 'High School Musical' incarnation because I do not like musicals. However, I will not disregard its positive impact on youth (I don't live under a rock and I have younger siblings/relatives). Likewise, you would have to be completely insane to believe that this is what happens in real life. If you model your life entirely off of something like this, I either truly envy you for your cheery optimism or think you should seek help for your detachment from real-life issues that occur without aid of song-and-dance.

By the same token, to say that coarse language and such sexual content seen in 'Superbad' is either, a) unrealistic, b) misleading, or c) a bad influence is obviously playing the role of media watchdog and has NOT seen the movie in context (or, for that matter, must have skipped high school). The entire story hinges upon growing out of a juvenile attitude towards women and acting more adult (see: restrained, mature). If you missed this, that's really a shame. Also, to say that underage teens are going to see this movie is not the problem of the movie producers or actors - it's a problem/choice of the parents.

Granted, 'Superbad' is not going to be everybody's favorite movie - but to shut it down because it's not child-friendly like 'High School Musical' is absolutely ridiculous as it's not intended to be. If you're a parent and don't want your underage kid to see it, that's your prerogative. Don't preach otherwise. The only thing these two films have in common is childhood struggles. Aside from that, this is an apples-to-oranges comparison.

Live From Studio 1A: Superbad and High School Musical 2

Joe Schmo — Thu, 23 Aug 2007 00:44:48 GMT

I agree with the writer of this blog, but why would you bother writing a comparison of two movies when you only saw one of them. I haven't seen HSM 2 either, but I think your age reference of 6-16 is a little off. HSM 2 sounds very juvenile so I doubt teens actually in high school would want to see it, especially if kids in kindergarten and second grade are watching it. Probably no one past 12, especially boys, would be caught dead in a HSM 2 showing.

Live From Studio 1A: Superbad and High School Musical 2

Carrie Bremer, Comon, Missori — Thu, 23 Aug 2007 02:21:46 GMT

I love the 2nd movie of HSM I think its alot better than the first movie but yah thats my opion.

Live From Studio 1A: Superbad and High School Musical 2

Sharon, Monrovia, CA — Thu, 23 Aug 2007 04:02:04 GMT

Minnie--to claim that "the generations before
us acted this way, too" is an all-too-common rationalization and it simply is not true.

Ironically, I expect this fallacy has been created and perpetuated by movies that portray prior generations "this way".

SOME people have always been vulgar and sex-obsessed and for SOME, life HAS been "full of shadows, hidden meanings, unspoken agendas, and missed opportunities" as Joshua believes. But not as many as today's generation have been led to assume.

Don't dismiss happier, more satisfied, more decent folk as hypocritical. They know what they have lived.

Live From Studio 1A: Superbad and High School Musical 2

Casey, Minneapolis, MN — Thu, 23 Aug 2007 04:05:52 GMT

I think most kids that watched High School Musical realize it is not really going to be that way in high school. Most girls like the music and think that Zac Efron is cute. I have three daughters and all liked the movie, but not one of them is planning on singing and dancing in high school!

I am sure Superbad is funny for some. Some kids might like both. Both movies were made for entertainment, not "You must see this in order to understand high school."

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Casey, Minneapolis, MN — Thu, 23 Aug 2007 04:07:40 GMT

Totally agree with Bryant!

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Casey, Minneapolis, MN — Thu, 23 Aug 2007 04:11:26 GMT

Joe Schmo, I had a house full of 10th grade girls watching it - nope not for the movie, but to watch Zac Efron. He is like the 70s Shawn Cassidy! I heard he is doing the remake of Footloose too. I agree it is not a boy movie at all!

Live From Studio 1A: Superbad and High School Musical 2

Louise, Santa Maria, CA — Thu, 23 Aug 2007 04:18:29 GMT

I may be in the minority at this time, but when I watch a movie, I want to be entertained. I am surrounded by the reality of life 24/7. Sometimes I just want to escape and have fun. It doesn't have to teach me anything, I just want to see the world through rose-colored glasses and see the joy and beauty in the world. I want to feel hopeful about the future and see the world through a child's innocent eyes for a little while. I think that is why Walt Disney created Disneyland in the first place. It seems to boil down to those who look at the glass as half empty and those who see it as half full. It is the same glass, just different perspectives. So there is room for a difference of opinion and obviously there must be many fans of each of these movies or they wouldn't be making so much money.

Live From Studio 1A: Superbad and High School Musical 2

47, Seattle, WA — Thu, 23 Aug 2007 10:56:02 GMT

Sharon, you have blinded yourself to what went on in high school (unless you went to catholic school or are over 65.) High school has been like this for a while, ever since the sexual revolution.

Have you ever seen American Graffiti? The movie was made in 1973 (it took place in '62) and had teens looking for booze and sex. It might have been "cleaner," but that was because censors were super strict back than. Do you think that this was not happening at that time? If not, why would George Lucas make a movie that took place in a time when he was the same age as the characters, but make them do things that people his age wouldn't do?

Not to mention that I know older people who say that high school wasn't the "cleanest" place.

So, you're wrong, it's perfectly true.

Also, it's very arrogant and hypocritical of you to say that you're happier and more decent than anyone else. Especially in the next sentence when you say, "they know what they have lived."

And to the culture police: don't judge a movie's content before you see it. It's because of people like you that we have the Parents Television Council.

Live From Studio 1A: Superbad and High School Musical 2

Courtney Clark, NJ — Thu, 23 Aug 2007 14:27:13 GMT

Wow, Superbad was hysterical! And I'm not in the "13-15" age group that people think the movie was aimed towards. Like everything else in life, go see for yourself before you judge something. It's great to be able to laugh out loud for two hours and not feel like you wasted $10 on a movie

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Krull, ATL, GA — Thu, 23 Aug 2007 14:31:05 GMT

I cannot believe some of the comments on here. I see some of the first comments talking about how foul and vile this film is. To you, this must all be a fantasy world, but for me, and countless people like me, that was pretty much my final years in high school. Not everyone comes home from school to a swell glass of lemonade and a cookie, then heads over to the neighbors house to sing. Sorry if real life offends you, but we're certainly not in the age of Leave it to Beaver anymore, and you blind parents are the ones who need to watch out the most, because by having expressed such lame views online, I cannot imagine the lame values you are putting off onto your children. Theres drugs out there, theres sex happening all the time. And guess what, its all happening around your children.

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J. — Thu, 23 Aug 2007 14:31:38 GMT

Superbad = an exagerated version of the private lives (what they don't tell parents) of teenagers.

HSM = an idealized version of the public (what they do tell paresnts) of teenagers.

In other words, when the parents aren't looking, the kids from "HSM" become "Superbad".

Live From Studio 1A: Superbad and High School Musical 2

Roy — Thu, 23 Aug 2007 14:38:20 GMT

Though I haven't seen it, I probably wouldn't want to see "High School Musical 2" or its predecessor because it looks like a dream-land. I did "Superbad" because I related to the situation, wanting acceptance from some young lady at the time. Still, both films are valid for the people who enjoy each one.

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carly, nj — Thu, 23 Aug 2007 15:24:35 GMT

have we become so uptight as a society that we can't just appreciate a movie for what it is? it's just a fun, hilarious take on what high school was like for a lot of people. (inlcuding me - and i'm not in that 13-15 year old bracket either). if you don't like it - don't watch it!

Live From Studio 1A: Superbad and High School Musical 2

cracked corn, abq, nm — Thu, 23 Aug 2007 15:27:50 GMT

to all those who disliked Superbad and thought it was excessively vulgar and obscene, I must say that you obviously have never seen many movies in the past 20 years because I can make a grocery list out of the films that eclipse Superbad in vulgarity and obscenity. Films that would shatter the glass house you live in and expose all your hidden insecurities to finally reveal your 'sins' to the outside world that is so deadly and dangerous.

for those unfamiliar with film outside of what is plastered on the screen and advertised on television, i will state the obvious answer of BORAT. a hilarious film that pokes fun and everyone and everything, offending nearly every person on the planet in some way or another. so whatever happened to all you 'haters' crying about that huh?

to all those who think 'hairspray' is all giggles and fun and family fare well how about watching the original hairspray by john waters? then afterwards find some of his other films, which are a lot better. such as polyester, female trouble, pink flamingos, serial mom and desperate living.

other notable films that may be less known to the general populous but are surely to offend are: Nekromantik, Nekromantik 2, schramm, cannibal, visitor q, cannibal holocaust, thriller: a cruel picture, gozu, singapore sling, i spit on your grave, murder set pieces, versus, hard candy, the list goes on and on.

I enjoyed superbad a lot because it really reflected my life in high school as a teenager. i got mostly high grades (high 80's to low 90's in all classes except gym) and no i wasnt raised in a crackhouse or beaten severely, i was raised by a single mother who raised me and 3 other kids, and eventually a grandchild by her oldest, on the salary of a cook and then a grocery store cashier and did a damn good job of it. but when youre living on food stamps and making $6k a year, you really dont have the time to fluff your child up with pretty tales of disney characters and high school basketball captains and dancing. most of your time is spent trying to clothe and feed your children and give them a dose of reality so that they can fend for themselves when that time comes. and yes i did drink and do a few other things but thats what every other kid was doing too. it was an adventure, it was life and you can only be a teenager once so why not make all the mistakes you can so that when youre older you can look back and go 'wow i was dumb! but i sure had fun doing it!' instead of being some uptight adult who cant laugh or enjoy life because its not ok to have fun unless its some 50's sock hop style ultra sterile environment where no one touches and everyone drinks fruit punch and eats white pound cake.

btw im 26 and a half years old and work for a fortune 500 multi-national corporation and this is my 7th year at this company. i make upwards of $50k/year after taxes, have a house, a car and lots of musical instruments to entertain myself with. now if my child grows up doing the same things i did as a teenager (which are nearly identical to those in superbad) only to end up as well of as i am, then i say more power to him!

ps: superbad was super awesome!

Live From Studio 1A: Superbad and High School Musical 2

TJ, Wisconsin — Thu, 23 Aug 2007 15:33:25 GMT

You cannot cheer the Disney Corp and expect to remain blameless for what's going on in the real world today. As a corporation, Disney is one of the few remaining media conglomerates who create the "news" and "entertainment" and force it down the throats of today's members of society who are afraid to think for themselves. Disney operates strictly for the bottom line and if it was in their interest to sell vulgar product, they'd sell out your little Johnny or Susie without thinking twice.

One earlier post wondered how many of the Disney fans here are also fans of Fox News, thus being comfortable with being told what to think and how everything was better in the 50's (and blame the Democrats for how everything is in the gutter now). These are the same sheeple who post about how "great" HSM is. HSM is just a remake of the same garbage that Disney has been putting out for the past 50 years - and it really wasn't any good to begin with. But it does fuel the fires of these sheeple who beleive that the culture of america is toxic and all we need to do to fix things is just think good thoughts.

Disney Corporation is the Anti-Christ. It demands payments and tribute on a regular basis. It gets your kids hooked on poorly animated movies, sub-standard toys made in China, and demands that you spend your savings to visit an over-priced "amusement park" which is neither amusing nor even close to being park-like. In return, they will tell you how to think, how to act, and how to live. I suspect that when the "real world" bursts into that dreamland, you get people posting here about great HSM is because it doesn't have any of those things that remind you of what the real world is like.

Live From Studio 1A: Superbad and High School Musical 2

D Detroit, Michigan — Thu, 23 Aug 2007 15:33:48 GMT

I have seen bits and pieces of highschool musical and myself a parent of a 17 year old soon to be senior, I believe he would rather see Superbad. I have not seen it yet, but it sure looks funny, and enlightening!!! Superbad is rated R and this is for the 17 and up crowd. The two movies are uncompairable so I don't know what the argument is. Of course if I had a child under 17 I wouldn't let them see Superbad. I'm sure my son will be going to the movies soon to see it which is fine with me. A lot of parents today are in denial thinking their child would never do that. As a parent I have learned to never say never. Parents that keep their children sheltered, never exposing them to the real world are in for a rude awakeening. It's called rebellion when their kids turn different than the ways of their parents.

Detroit

Live From Studio 1A: Superbad and High School Musical 2

Brian, Fairfield, Montana — Thu, 23 Aug 2007 16:50:33 GMT

The only problem that I have with high school musical 2 is the part in the movie when zac efron tells ashely tisdale that he doesn't want to sing with her and that he thinks more of what his friends think of him then anything else. That line made me so mad, as a 18 year old if I had the chance or one of my friends had a chance to get a full ride scholorship by just singing with a girl or doing other stuff to help me get the scholorship i would support my friends and my friends would tell me to go for it to. So what is HSM2 really teaching kids throughout america go for college or because your friends complain about you, you will give that scholorship up.

Live From Studio 1A: Superbad and High School Musical 2

S., Grove City, Ohio — Thu, 23 Aug 2007 16:58:07 GMT

I have not seen superbad because I do not want to. However, I want to thank Kenny Ortega for making such a great movie in HSM 2 (and of course, the first one too). My neice was having her 14th birthday party the night that HSM2 premiered and had several high school students (boys and girls) so glued to the TV that they didn't pay one bit of attention to the band my sister hired for the night. The following night my daughter had a HSM2 party and we had boys and girls from ages 4-11 here and they ALL loved it.

Wahoo to High School Musical! I hope that Kenny keeps up coming up with good clean fun movies for us to watch.

And, oh for all of you that think that HSM is unrealistic, too bad huh? Would it be nice to go to school as a teen and be accepted for who you are and what would be the harm trying to have clean fun?

Live From Studio 1A: Superbad and High School Musical 2

Cathy, Dupo, IL — Thu, 23 Aug 2007 17:06:52 GMT

I saw Superbad last night and thought it was hilarious! I was howling with laughter the whole movie--and I'm 39 years old. The characters are just like I remember when I was in high school.

Live From Studio 1A: Superbad and High School Musical 2

Cecilia, Newark, N.J. — Thu, 23 Aug 2007 17:19:29 GMT

Being the single mother of two girls 8 and 4 I have to disagree with Joshua in every way I don't think my daughters by watching High School Musical are going to believe life is just like that singing and dancing thru life, but I also think that real life is tough enough and it's alright to let children be children, let them enjoy their childhood and maintain their innocence for as long as possible.

Live From Studio 1A: Superbad and High School Musical 2

Jeremy, Winchester, VA — Thu, 23 Aug 2007 17:33:11 GMT

The movie and plot are the same, just as everything in America, SEX sells!!! I sat down to watch Superbad and laughed my butt off, whereas HSM 2? Well I havent even seen the first one and I own it.

Live From Studio 1A: Superbad and High School Musical 2

KH, Dallas, TX — Thu, 23 Aug 2007 17:40:34 GMT

Minnie, you're 100% right!

47, you also.

You could have also mentioned any number of "teen, high school" movies including Porky's, Bachelor Party, etc. Even in the John Hughes films from the 80's, the stories depicted teen drinking, drug use and s-e-x. Read the studies: teen drug use and sex is actually down from 10-15 years ago and less than a generation ago. Get off your high moral horses and stop needing to look down upon others in order to make yourself feel good.

HSM's target audience is girls aged 6-12 (and 12 is pushing it). It's a pefect movie and sequel for that age group and they love it! How do I know?...I have an 8 year old daughter.

That is NOT the target audience for SB. So, there's little point in comparing the two.

Finally, I'm sick of all the "world was so much better back then" talk (meaning the '50s specifically). What made it better?...The racism of segregation?...The lack of opportunities for women and minorities?...Our society is a much better place now and the "younger generation" is much better educated and aware than even 20 years ago. Given them some credit.

Live From Studio 1A: Superbad and High School Musical 2

carson — Thu, 23 Aug 2007 18:17:15 GMT

i will be a freshman in high school this year & i know that h.s.m 2 is rather unrealistic because it is a musical.i know that no one at school will be singing and dancing like the movie, but i think the message is good.i am not allowed to watch rated R movies and i don't want to.people my age(14) do not need to hear everything that is in the movie but i do realise that i will be hearing most of what i know will be in a movie based on a plot of 2 guys whose goal is to get laid.

Live From Studio 1A: Superbad and High School Musical 2

Jen R — Thu, 23 Aug 2007 18:59:11 GMT

My husband and I loved Superbad. We are in our early 40s and think this movie is true to life. Yes, it is extremely vulgar and certainly not appropriate for anyone under 17, but how can you not love McLovin. It made me think happy thoughts about my high school days, when your having the best time of your life. PS My kids loved High school Musical 2 and so did I.

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Julie — Thu, 23 Aug 2007 19:27:40 GMT

To B.A in NY, to quote Judd Apatow, 'the movie is funny and filthy, but is also a beautiful movie about friendship'. Why would you go see the movie if you are offended by vulgar language and sex?

Live From Studio 1A: Superbad and High School Musical 2

Bill, Jacksonville, FL — Thu, 23 Aug 2007 21:00:40 GMT

In the movie "To Kill a Mockingbird", Atticus says to his son Jem, after a run-in with the antagonist Bob Ewell: "Son, there are a lot of bad things in this world. I wish I could keep them all from you - but I just can't".

The picture here is that the parent recognizes what is good and what is bad - and weighs it by the innate ability to discern which is which - not by weighing it by the world's "norm", because the world, as Atticus stated, is exactly where all the "bad things" are to begin with!

IMHO, to say that it's "perfectly OK" to let kids fill their mind with "Super-bad"-type material because "that's reality" is a cop-out and very large load of crap. Furthermore, it mocks the absolute values of right and wrong. You're either believing the lie that it's not really "bad" or you're just giving up the fight for what is truly "good".

If I offer you a delicious plate of brownies which I happen to also mention contains a tablespoonful of dogs___ from our backyard, you're going to:

A) Eat them anyway and insist on believing that the secret ingredient is not really "bad"; or
B) Eat them and rationalize it by saying "well, that's how Brownies are being made these days"; or
C) Recognize the secret ingredient for what it is and say "why in the world would I want that?".

Just because we can't keep ALL the bad things in this world from our kids doesn't mean we give up trying to do so by copping out, buying in, and selling out to the depravity which symptomizes the lion's share of Hollywood's profits today.

I would find it interesting how the average 40-something year-old "real man" who wouldn't be caught dead in HSM2 would feel about taking his 12-year old daughther to see Superbad. No problem, you say? My point - exactly.

I've read this entire message thread, and I must say.....whoa.

Here's the point, kids - there's right, and there's wrong, and there's nothin' in the middle - it's one or the other - period. There REALLY is absolute truth, and what is not is lie. And this world? Well, it's fallen. But that doesn't mean we have resign ourselves to falling with it to wallow around in its darkness saying "Yup, that's reality!" There REALLY does exist the option to strive to rise above it and say "you know, if that's what the world has to offer, then I'm not buying it". Just because that's the way it is doesn't make it right.

If not for your own sakes, then for the kid's sakes - ya know?

As far as the article which started this whole trail of brain droppings - I've never been to a rodeo, but I'm sure they're very similar to the opera I went to once - I mean, from the standpoint of how all the characters strive to achieve something. ;)

Live From Studio 1A: Superbad and High School Musical 2

Kim, Arizona — Thu, 23 Aug 2007 23:39:18 GMT

Wow, some of you make me really sad. I agree with Ceceila, let's just let the kids be kids -instead of making them think they must act like the kids in Superbad just to be normal. I had about 8 14-17 year olds at my house watching HSM2 and having a great time. Sure, some of the boys made fun, but they could have gone in the other room to play video games or jumped in the pool, but they were intrigued by the movie. Yes, it's a little "leave it to beaver", but it's amazing how many of these kids tell me, "I wish my mom was home after school". I also saw SB (took my 16 year old and friend), growing up in the John Water's 80's and also enjoying American Pie, I expected a good laugh. I was horrified. This movie was so over the top it was truely fantasy also. Sadly, if they had toned it down some it could have been quite funny and still appealed to their intended audience. For all you kids out there, no, this is not normal behavior for the majority of kids. You don't have to be foul mouthed, drunk or obsessed with sex to fit in. It doesn't prepare you for real life unless you plan to be a clerk at an adult video store.

Live From Studio 1A: Superbad and High School Musical 2

Mel Cletus — Fri, 24 Aug 2007 15:41:05 GMT

I tell you what, them young girls dancing around in High School Musical are a lot prettier than that fat guy from Superbadd

Live From Studio 1A: Superbad and High School Musical 2

Eric, Chicago, Il — Fri, 24 Aug 2007 16:01:21 GMT

HSM = bad actors, even for young adults, formulaic music, lyrics, and plot, overdramatized everything. It was the perfect disney moneymaker because any parent with children under 12 has no other choice for wholesome content.

Superbad is not for anyone under 18, and I'm guessing is funnier for those at least a few years out of high school, but probably not over 40. I loved it, it was a much more exciting version of my last days of high school.

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Jane Doe — Fri, 24 Aug 2007 18:42:11 GMT

I baby-sit two little kids...and they and their friends abolsutely *love* HSM. I went to the theatre and watched Superbad. I loved it. Yes, the film is extremely vulgar and yes HSM is just way too corny...but they're both great films. I would rather have the kids look up to something like HSM than people like Paris, Britney and Lindsay...yet on the other hand, for mature teenagers and adults who just want to laugh Superbad is a must. Think of Oscar Wilde. He said, "Life imitates art far more than art imitates life." Think of this when considering both films.

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Melissa, Memphis, TN — Sat, 25 Aug 2007 04:19:10 GMT

Misery loves company. Hollywood will continue to make movies that are vulgar for that very reason. That is a fact of life. Isn't it something that folks LAUGH at the truly immoral? Satan must be laughing as well. I guess you could say I have got those rose-colored glasses firmly in place, thank God.

Live From Studio 1A: Superbad and High School Musical 2

Sharon, Monrovia, CA — Tue, 28 Aug 2007 21:56:54 GMT

To 47 in Seattle--I went through public high school AND college in the 60's. My point is that as many as half of those students were NOT just looking for booze and sex, nor did they use pot or other drugs. But films get made about the other half!

I'm glad to see something like HSM provide balance. And yes, I am a member of the Parents Television Council and I hope more will join!

The longer you've lived, the more clearly you can see the deterioration of both values and behavior over time. Comparing this slide with the decline of censorship, it is clear that whatever films depict as "normal" actually does BECOME the norm. The notion that the media only reflects reality, rather than shaping it, is a convenient excuse, but it doesn’t hold up to the real-life experience of “the other half” . . . or third . . . .or is it only a tenth now? . . .