This weekend High School Musical 2 proved that sequels are can be better, or at least better marketed, than the original. After cross-promoting the MySpace out of Zac Efron, HSM2 was the most watched basic cable program ever. Sigh. It’s oddly reassuring that to know that 14-year olds still have nothing to do on Friday nights.

Meanwhile, today the Times writes, “The movie has made a trio of fictional high school students named Troy, Gabriella and Sharpay as recognizably Disney as that 79-year-old mouse.”

Recognizable … at least until they finish puberty.