High School The Musical

I never got to go to Prom, and I never got to graduate High School. I wouldn't say I was bitter about these facts, just simply that these are two seminal experiences I never got to experience.

My reason for not doing either of these things isn't because I am dumb or anything (although that might play a part,) but more to do with the fact that I 'schooled' in England.

There's no UK equivalent of Prom - a rite of passage where Hollywood suggests every American teenager loses their virginity - and the UK version of High School is rather dull when contrasted with the glitzy schools portrayed in movies and TV Shows.

Don't believe me? Well, compare Bev erely Hills 90210 with Grange Hill. Both set in schools featuring teenagers; one is full of the beautiful people who drive cars and have great hair, the other full of people who fell out of the ugly tree, get the 67 bus and use enough grease in their hair to lubricate a submarine engine (should the need arise).

UK 'school' movies are the same. I LOVE quality High School comedies like She's All That or Mean Girls, they're witty and sharp. They're also so damned glamorous. In contrast the wittiest thing we've come up with is Gregory's Girl - a movie which has it's moments, but the story about a girl who wants to play soccer isn't quite as intelligent (or funny) as a modern day reworking of The Taming of the Shrew.

In American movies even the ugly girl is a head turner (especially when she takes off her tortoiseshell glasses, before letting her hair fall out of a bun and shaking it loose). Where as in English films even the head turner is an ugly girl, one usually in possession with thighs a rugby player could be proud of, a face only a mother could love, and a haircut administered by someone using pinking (if not garden) shears.

High School in contrast rocks. I'm sure there's bullying and shit, but I bet it's better - and way cooler - than anything on this side of the pond. If I went to High School this is the soundtrack that would accompany me. Hopefully it wouldn't be quite like Good Charlotte portray it in the video...