Today’s quick review: Sky High. The son of the two greatest superheroes in the world (Kurt Russell, Kelly Preston), Will Stronghold (Michael Angarano) has yet to develop any powers of his own. When he enrolls at Sky High, a high school for superheroes, he is assigned to the sidekick program with the other misfits. In addition to finding his place in high school, Will must figure out how to break the news of his powerlessness to his father.
Sky High is a superhero comedy about high school with a family-friendly tone. Sky High extrapolates the premise of the superhero genre a little farther, showing how the superheroes of the world might raise their children. Sky High has a sweet story about high school, gags about the superhero genre, and a dash of super-powered action. However, its mixed execution doesn’t make the most of its creative premise.
Sky High does a good job of mixing the mundane and the fantastic. The usual types of high school drama feel surprisingly natural in a superhero context. The world is a light and colorful one that has fun with its genre. Sky High also benefits from a recognizable supporting cast, with Kurt Russell, Bruce Campbell, Lynda Carter, and Mary Elizabeth Winstead in roles that play to their talents.
Where Sky High comes up short is its follow-through. The simple characters and thin plot are too child-friendly for their own good. The world borrows from the superhero genre without contributing much of its own. The special effects are adequate, but they pale in comparison with those found in modern action films. On the whole, Sky High feels almost like a TV movie: charming in its own way, but with sharp boundaries around what it can do.
Watch Sky High if you are a superhero fan looking for something different. Though not an outstanding movie, Sky High has a good premise and manages to do some fun things with it. Skip it if you prefer superhero films that are darker or more realistic. For a better unconventional take on the superhero genre, check out The Incredibles or Big Hero 6.
6.2 out of 10 on IMDB. I give it a 6.5 for decent entertainment value.