Story by Elena Torres

What tools does a "High School Musical" character use to achieve her goals (or anything, for that matter)? Song and dance, of course. Well, at least that's how Ashley Tisdale's character, Sharpay, does it.

"Now she's competing for this Juilliard scholarship," Tisdale revealed of her snobby songstress' plot developments in the eagerly-anticipated, theatrically-released "High School Musical 3: Senior Year." "You know how she is when she wants something! You know, she has to get it." Read more...

Well, you can't say the cast isn't enthusiastic about the start of production for the first big-screen version of the blockbuster "High School Musical" franchise.

Shooting is soon to begin on the third flick that finds high school seniors Troy (Zac Efron) and Gabriella (Vanessa Hudgens) facing the depressing prospect of attending different colleges. Co-starring Ashley Tisdale, Lucas Grabeel, Corbin Bleu and MOnique Coleman, much dancing will ensue. "High School Musical 3: Senior Year" is scheduled to hit theaters on October 24, 2008.

- “It’s not the mileage, it’s the years?” Steven Spielberg and George Lucas discuss “Kingdom of the Crustal Skull.” (Entertainment Weekly)

- While their star discusses the possibility of Indy 5…in twenty years. (USA Today)

- This is where the magic happens: Jon Favreau takes us on a tour of Tony Stark’s pad. (Yahoo)

- Ashley Tisdale in negotiations for “Teen Witch,” a fantasy musical. (Hollywood Reporter)

- Ridley Scott taps Casey Affleck for “The Kind One,” the story of an amnesiac who winds up working for a mobster. (Variety)

A sunny Thursday arrives with news on Ashley Tisdale, Jessica Biel, Kevin Smith, and more. Dig in below.

- "They Came From Upstairs." She came from "High School Musical." Ashley Tisdale joins cast of alien invasion teen flick for feature film debut. (Hollywood Reporter)

- Jessica Biel joins romantic comedy "Easy Virtue," based on a Noel Coward play. (Hollywood Reporter)

- From Ben to Matt. "Gone Baby Gone" actress (and likely best supporting actress winner) Amy Ryan joins Paul Greengrass's "Imperial Life in Emerald City" alongside Mr. Damon. (Variety)

- Kevin Smith blogs from the set of "Zack and Miri Make a Porno." (Silent Bob Speaks)

- Did Morgan Spurlock actually find Osama Bin Laden for new documentary? (/film)