Sky High (Widescreen Edition) Reviews

• Good Family Summer Fun

  
  By A2RKI7RPP5CJMG on 2005-08-02
  "Sky High" is one of those rare films these days that combines humor, action, and a solid plot that holds the attention of not just young kids and pre-teens, but older teens and parents as well. It stars Michael Angarano as Will Stronghold, son of the two greatest superheroes ever, the Commander and Jetstream. There are some pretty hefty expectations placed on the boy, not to mention the typical problems of teens like falling in and out of love, bullies, wanting to fit in and.....flame-throwing arch-enemies.
  
  In all, Angarano does a solid job as Will. His parents are played with flair and wit by Kurt Russell and the beautiful Kelly Preston. Russell is an egotistical jerk, but in a superhero-type way. Preston is an all-around good mother, who loves her son even if he can't save the world if need be. Steven Strait plays Warren Peace, Will's arch-enemy and probably one of the best performers in the flick. Danielle Panabaker throws in a solid performance as the plant-loving Layla. The "sidekicks" that Will hangs out with also do a great job. They provide the majority of the humor in the film, especially Zack, whose power is glowing. Mary Elizabeth Winstead plays the girl of Will's dreams.
  
  A few surprise appearances in the film are Lynda Carter as Principal Powers, Bruce Campbell as the school's gym coach, Boomer, and Cloris Leachman as the school nurse. Former Kids In The Hall Dave Foley(Mr. Boy) and Kevin McDonald(Medula) turn in some light-hearted and rather funny performances as well. They make the film for the older crowd, especially Foley, who was once a sidekick and now teaches the school's future sidekicks.
  
  Overall, the special effects are a little sketchy at times, but they are done in a light way that makes the audience very forgiving. The story moves along at a swift pace and my four year-old never grew restless. She loved watching the superheroes on the screen.
  
  I'll admit that I picked up on who were the heroes and who were the villains rather quickly. Also, the story as a whole was rather predictable. However, since most superhero flicks these days aren't that kid-friendly, "Sky High" is more than deserving of the four stars I'm giving it. There is some violence, but no deaths. Also, the violence is done with some iffy effects, so younger viewers should be able to distinguish that the onscreen action isn't real. Language wasn't a factor in this film. In fact, I don't think there was any swearing in the film.
  
  In short, if you want to take your entire family to a movie and bet that they will all enjoy it, "Sky High" is the ticket. It has plenty of laughs and action for the youngsters and the oldsters. Recommended to families with children of all ages. It's one of the few films you can bring the whole family to this summer without someone getting bored.
  
  

• Hey! This Ain't Bad!

  
  By A2WX1UESDOLXRE on 2005-08-04
  I went to see this because I had a three year old and five year old nipping at my heels to take them to the theater, and since this was the only children's movie playing, I really had no choice. I expected to go in and help them with their drinks and their popcorn, reminding them to be quiet at times, all the while staring at the floor or the walls and wondering when the movie would end. I ended up making them fend for themselves, as I totally got into this funny, super hero, family friendly movie.
  
  Will is a normal teenager, well, for the most part. His superhero parents-- the Commander (super strength) and Jetstream (flying ability)-- believe that their son also has amazing ability. However, they're unaware of the actual situation-- Will has no superpower and may NEVER have a superpower. They hold out hope, though, that he'll develope power, but until then, Will is labeled a "Sidekick" and takes classes with other kids at Sky High about being the best superhero sidekick they can be. Will has the all typical things to deal with-- bullies (one named Warren Peace who can turn his arms into torches), girls (his best friend likes him, but her competition is a senior who also has her eyes on Will), and of course, living up to everyone's expectations.
  
  This is such a fun movie! And the kids I took giggled and oohed and awed throughout the whole movie. I didn't even have to get up to take them on potty breaks like I normally do because they were thoroughly entertained and refused to miss anything. Lots of movies were hyped during this summer, most of those were total letdowns, and here's this movie, which some people haven't even heard of, and it's probably the best one to see, especially if you're looking for a fun (and clean, I might add) movie to see. There's action, comedy, and all kinds of great characters. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED!!
  
  

• Better than expected, funny family comedy.

  
  By A2JYIDH7JIG48H on 2005-07-31
  Sky High was better than I expected, and certainly one of the only original films so far this year. The idea is a simple one, but fresh: Superheros send their children to Sky High school to learn to use their super powers - if they have any. It's a high school that's literally floating in the sky, with anti-gravity technology, to keeps it's location secret and secure from super villains.
  
  The situation is fully exploited for comedy and somewhat for suspense. The kids have all the usual problems normal kids have in school - peer pressure, snobbery, dating, etc. But they also have more dangerous problems, as you might imagine, and as the writers of this film fortunately imagined for us, with plenty of slapstick resulting from the various superpowers used by novices. The plot is mostly about Kurt Russell's boy developing his super power and getting involved with a supervillain.
  
  One of the funniest parts, to me, is a line delivered by Cloris Leachman as the school nurse: "Kids who are bitten by radioactive insects or fall into vats of toxic waste get super powers within a day. Or else they die." But there's a lot more humor like that as well as plenty of slapstick. I think this is the funniest Disney movie I've seen in years, funnier than the remake of Freaky Friday.
  
  

• If Only High School Were Really This Super

  
  By A2I6MHMAZZDCRX on 2006-03-07
  Will Stronghold (Michael Angarano) is about to start his first day of high school. He's attending his parent's alma mater, and the pressure to live up to their legacy is huge. See, his parents (Kurt Russell and Kelly Preston) happen to be the biggest superheroes known to mankind. As The Commander and Jetstream, they routinely work together to save the world. But Will has a big problem; he has no super powers of his own.
  
  Will is quickly put in the Sidekick's class, a huge dishonor he tries to keep from his parents. Even so, he quickly makes friends and begins to settle in, even attracting the attention of the beautiful student body president, something unheard of for a freshman in the Sidekick class, or Hero Support if you prefer.
  
  Danger lurks around every corner, however. Will has an arch nemesis on campus and someone is watching the Stronghold's secret lair. Will Will develop any powers to help cope with these problems?
  
  This movie is supposed to be mindless fun for the young and young at heart, and it succeeds mightily. All the actors do a great job, especially the mostly unknown teen cast. The adults in the film have fun with their rolls. Everyone's trying to do a good job but have fun at the same time, and that spirit draws you into the film. I especially enjoyed Lynda Carter's brief appearances as the school principal, and she gets the best line out of the entire movie.
  
  The plot, on the other hand, is fairly predictable for anyone who has seen a Disney family film before. I had most everything figured out before it happened, but that didn't stop me from enjoying the movie for one minute. Being a high school movie, it has many cliches from that genre as well, but with a clever superhero twist. The special effects are decent and help draw you into the film.
  
  The DVD is nothing special, but it gets the job done. The wide screen picture and full surround sound are great. Extras include a music video (Bowling for Soup with "I Melt with You"), bloopers, behind the scenes, stunts, and an alternate opening. Of these, the only one really worth watching is the alternate opening. It's fun and helps fill in a couple plot points from the movie better.
  
  This is the perfect movie to watch with the family or after a long week when you just want to relax. It takes itself just seriously enough to be fun but not so seriously that it becomes overly cheesy.
  
  

• Good movie!

  
  By A2MUD2VY9HWFXQ on 2005-08-04
  I went into "Sky High" without any expectations. I wasn't trying to compare it to "X-men" or "Harry Potter", but simply wanted to see what looked like a compelling teenage super hero fantasy.
  
  I wasn't disappointed, and neither was my fiance' - and we are both 32!!
  
  "Sky High" is a fun time to be had by all. The effects are funny- the performances all good- and the direction and storyline both quite amusing. I wont review the whole plot line as that has been done already several times.
  
  Just keep in ming that "Sky High" is a family film, and it's from Disney. There really is nothing "dark" about this movie. It's all pure fun.
  
  If your like me and are thinking of checking this one out, but just arent quite sure, I say give it a chance. You more than likely will not be disappointed. I laughed at several scenes and left the theater feeeling as though I had gotten my moneys worth out of the ticket price.
  
  Recommended!
  
  
  
• Summer Sleeper Makes Good
  By A30TK6U7DNS82R on 2005-08-01
  Will Stronghold's got some big problems. On his very first day of school, he has to confess to the whole student body that he has no superpowers, and Coach Boomer (Bruce Campbell, hilarious as usual) thrusts him into "Hero Support"--the so-called loser track. On top of that, a pair of bullies, junior superheroes Speed and Lash, decide to make his life miserable. And then like any other teen he has to meet the expectations of his mom and dad, and he knows they'll be ashamed of him. The only difference between him and you is that he goes to Sky High, a fortress of solitude that hangs miles above the USA by a system of anti-gravity engines devised by clever mad scientists.
  
  As though things aren't bad enough for our boy, he's got Warren Peace smouldering staring at him and if looks could kill, Will would be six feet under. Long ago, when Will's dad was in school, he knew Warren's dad and eventually put him away into life imprisonment. Warren Peace is the son of a superhero and a supervillain--kind of a "half blood prince." Whatever, he's tremendously good looking, brooding, dark, like James Dean crossed with Angel the Series. The actor who plays him is talented too, more than just a pretty face.
  
  In fact most of the young actors are true finds. As Will, Michael Angarano is appealing, and the two girls who are chasing him are each, in different ways, knockouts. Layla, the hippie girl next door, looks like a lot like Avril Lavigne and a lot like Jennifer Garner. Her red hair is a tribute to the character Molly Ringwald played in PRETTY IN PINK, and she's just as appealing, her eyes can act rings around most adult actresses. As her rival, Gwen Greyson, Mary Elizabeth Winstead has a lot of unaffected Southern charm, and natural sex appeal, sort of on the Jordana Brewster model. No wonder Will has trouble making up his mind which girl is best for him!
  
  The movie is smart and challenging and not just for kids! It has the same wit and savoir faire of GALAXY QUEST. In every little corner of the film, the gags come fast and furious, I guarantee you won't be able to catch every one. Just the jokes about Will's pal Zack (Nicholas Braun) and his hidden superpower--the ability to glow, weakly--are worth the admission price of the film. The movie has clever uses for its music cues. We shrieked with laughter when, every time the camera focussed on Gwen Greyson, the soundtrack swelled with the 80s teen hit "True." You don't just laugh the first time, you laugh every time.
  
  I didn't know whay to expect going into the film, I only knew that Kurt Russell was in it; but oddly enough Kurt is the weak link of the film, and he and Kelly Preston (who I usually like), as Will's Mom and Dad ("Commander" and "Jetstream") aren't very good and when the picture shifts to give them some scenes, the audience loses interest fast.
  
  The other adults are a scream. Medulla the science teacher has a giant conehead and a swollen ego; Ron Wilson, the bus driver, makes comedy out of the pathos of always being a sidekick. Jim Rash, as Gwen's father (Rash also plays another part which is just as funny) is magnificent, he's like Pee Wee Herman done up as David Larsen's comic character "The Crypt Tickler." People in the audience gasped when Cloris Leachman came on the screen, looking hideous as the nurse, but quickly enough we got used to her extreme old age. Dave Foley played the sidekick's teacher with genuine sweetness and innocence, it was great to see him acting in a big budget movie again.
  
  But all in all this is a movie in which a surprising number of talented teens make a giant splash. I predict great things for Michael Angarano, Mary Elizabeth Winstead, Danielle Panabaker, Nicholas Braun, Kelly Vitz, Dee Jay Daniels, and others in the cast. I think it'll be one of those ensemble casts (like THE OUTSIDERS or AMERICAN GRAFFITI) that people look back at in awe, and say, "Wow, I didn't know he was in this movie!"
  
  
• Fun From Start to Finish
  By A3FVAWZNKW9GX on 2005-09-04
  Remember Kurt Russell in his early Disney days? He played crazy characters like Dexter Riley in "The Strongest Man in the World" and "The Computer Wore Tennis Shoes." Equally preposterous is Russell as Steve Stronghold in "Sky High." He's a superdad, with super strength, wife who can fly. Unfortunately, his high school son has a problem: He's ordinary.
  
  The star here isn't Russell. It is Michael Angarano as Will Stronghold, son of Russell's Steve Stronghold. With two super parents, he has a lot to live up to at Sky High School. At Sky High, everyone has super powers. Except Will. He probably does have at least one, but he hasn't noticed them yet. He's anxious he won't fit in, and worst of all, not living up to his family's heroic reputation.
  
  When an enemy from his dad's younger days tries to take over Sky High, Will must save the day. The problem is that he doesn't even know there is a problem. When he does figure it, he has no idea what to do.
  
  Compounding his problem is the enemy is his girlfriend. The girl who loves him, however, is someone else. The person he needs most to help him is the son of his dad's archenemy.
  
  With a nod to "Breakfast Club," there's a sidekick set who are thrown together into one class. They don't exactly match, yet they learn to work as one.
  
  Imagine a lesser version of "The Incredibles" for a younger age group. Many scenes are predictable, and there is little we haven't seen before as adults, but your ten year-old hasn't seen it yet. They won't get the grown-up joke about Lynda Carter and Wonderwoman, but they will laugh anyway.
  
  Some stereotypes prevail, with the most redundant one being Will's friend Layla. She can do tricks with plants, and brings in a cliche eco-worship personality, like Willow on "Buffy, the Vampire Slayer."
  
  Sound complicated? It isn't. It is all good fun. Even though there are more characters than usual, the movie is a solid ensemble of personalities and super powers.
  
  The message is a good one, that sooner or later, everyone learns what they do best. Your kids will eat this stuff up, and you won't be bored in the process.
  
  I fully recommend "Sky High."
  
  Anthony Trendl
  editor, HungarianBookstore.com
  
  
• Very entertaining movie
  By AKBXDAWUBQNQL on 2005-08-08
  I went to see this movie expecting to find an entertaining movie and that's exactly what I found. It is the story of a boy who is the son of the two world greatest superheroes...but who doesn't have any powers himself. When he starts attending the high school for superheroes he will discover who he is and what a superhero is really about.
  Don't expect to find a great plot in this movie (for most part it is pretty predictable). But the story is nice and the message is clear (I don't want to give more spoilers here...). This is just a movie to watch and relax. But if you are only expecting that, then you'll really enjoy it!
  The acting was good, and the movie overall was pretty funny, but don't expect deep dialogues. I would recommend it for the whole family. Adults and kids will probably have fun! Although the movie has some scenes of violence, they are not worse than those in the Harry Potter movies.
  
  
  
• Sky High Entertainment
  By A5EBS3LXG8GB on 2006-03-18
  OK, I admit it. I am a fan of superhero movies! This was a good one. Not perfect... it is too predictable. However, the kid actors are great. Kurt Russell seemed a bit wooden to me, but the other adults did a great job, and really seemed to be enjoying themselves. A prime example is "Coach Boomer," Bruce Campbell. You'll recognize a lot of other faces here.
  
  My wife and daughter loved this movie too. Our daughter is four, now, and was scared during some of the more intense moments. It is rated PG for some violence. No swearing or sex, of course. This is Disney, after all.
  
  So, all in all a really enjoyable movie. I hope to see a sequel.
  
  
  
• A hilarious movie the whole family will love
  By A25HYPL2XKQPZB on 2006-04-25
  I rented Sky High for the kids and it turns out I was probably the one that liked it the most. Sky High is the place where future super heroes go to school. There, they learn how to be heroes (or side kicks) and go to classes like Mad Science and PE (save the civilian is a popular game).
  
  Will Stronghold is a typical kid trying to live down the fame of his two superhero parents. Kurt Russell is great is the cocky dad who wants and expects his son to be a great super hero as well. Kelly Preston is pretty but really doesn't have much to do.
  
  Will goes to school knowing he has yet to develop any superpowers. Some of the best moments are when each kid has to display his powers and then be assigned to the hero or sidekick track. Most adults will enjoy all of the super hero jokes. The plot revolves around a typical high school movie plot of the boy falling for the popular girl and ignoring the girl who really likes him.
  
  The plot never gets too serious and instead plays for the jokes. The cast was great, from the high school bad guy Warren Peace, the cute Lela (played by Danielle Panabaker sp?, sure to be a future star), Russell, and cameos by Bruce Cambell and Wonder Woman herself Linda Carter).
  
  Your kids will enjoy this movie and so will the parents. There is nothing offensive in this movie so it is safe for all audiences.
  
  
• COOL LIGHT-HEARTED FILM!
  By A1L1W29MM1T3OP on 2005-07-30
  In this age of excessively violent films filled with inappropriate scenes and language, Sky High is a nice alternative. This film will appeal to viewers for a number of reasons. It does a good job of showing some of the anxieties and problems that are faced by typical high school students, even though these are not typical teens. The film is just campy enough to be funny, but not to totally make fun of itself.
  
  
  The highlight of the film for me (and probably for many other viewers) is the casting of Lynda Carter as Principal Powers. She possesses the power of a comet and makes an entrance that gives a clever nod to her Wonder Woman days. Lynda's last line near the end of the film also gives a more obvious nod to her TV role. She plays the role with great style and "power".
  
  The remainder of the cast is very good as well and produces a quality film that will provide great entertainment for people of all ages. See it today.
  
  I hear there is a possiblity of a sequel and maybe a TV series. Let's hope so.
  
  
  
  
• "If life were to suddenly get fair, I doubt it would happen in high school."
  By A2BD0G4SRK0WMV on 2005-07-31
  What tremendous fun! Who knew that a movie about alienation, teenage trauma and unrequited love could be so exciting, hilarious and just plain joyful? And who knew the normally House of Oh-So-Lame-o (aka Disney) could be the one to make it? Of course, the fireballs didn't hurt.
  
  Sky High is a high school like any other in many ways: There are clueless teachers, menacing bullies, cool kids, nerds and cheerleaders. But unlike other schools every kid in Sky High is descended from Superheroes, so when the bullies corner you in the bathroom you can't escape from their superspeed, the student body president is a "technopath" and the entire cheerleading squad consists of just one girl.
  
  Will Stronghold, the son of the two most famous heroes in the world, is about to attend his first day as a freshman. At first he is respected because of his last name, but when it's discovered that he doesn't have a single power (yet) life gets very rough. He still manages to make friends, but they're all in the "sidekick" class: kids who have powers but are not considered special enough to be full-blown heroes. Plus, the ultra-scary Warren Peace, son of a superhero and a supervillain, has it out for him. Something about Will's dad putting away his dad ("Not even eligible for parole until his third life").
  
  Although interesting enough from the very beginning, "Sky High" gets better and better as it goes along, with stand out scenes being a thrilling P.E. class game (called "Save the Citizen") and the final fiery, flying-y showdown. The cast is also great: Old hands Kurt Russell (as "The Commander") and Lynda Carter (as the principal, with the catchphrase "Comets Away!"), and lots of new faces in the super kids. I particularly liked Danielle Panabaker as Will's best friend Layla. Her sweet, hippie-chick persona was a breath of fresh air in every scene.
  
  And then there is newcomer Steven Strait, playing Warren Peace (LOVE that name). With his bad-boy smirk and James Dean leather jacket, he blows everyone else off the screen whenever he's on it. He's so good, in fact, that Layla begging his help to win Will for her boyfriend really didn't make sense. Ain't a girl alive who would be looking at Will when Warren was around. Especially in that tux.
  
  With plenty of comic-book insider jokes and genuinely funny sight-gags, "Sky High" should give you a good time no matter what your age. You get thrills, chills, laughs and a muy caliente firestarter resisting the call of the dark side. What more could you want?
  
  (If you do see it, watch for Cloris Leachman in a great cameo as the x-ray visioned school nurse.)
  
  
• Great Family Movie Fun
  By A2VEB9Z1W5DD4C on 2005-11-02
  This movie is a good purchase selection for anyone with kids between the ages of 5-15. Adults will enjoy this movie as well. This movie has all the typical uncomfortable high school situations (other than graphc sexual situations)that make you remember the often stressful days of high school. You know, moments like when you're called in front of gym class to perform some task in front of everyone; when you have a crush; or even when you just ride the bus on the first day and have to make new friends.
  
  The super hero side is really an interesting twist. They could've made the same movie with the young star trying to live up to his Dad's legacy in football, but instead they took the approach of having a young man who's father is a great super hero. Add in a fun plot and you have a movie that the whole family can enjoy.
  
  The young actors/actresses do fine, but Kurt Russell really shines in his role. He was perfectly cast, as was Kelly Preston as the superhero-in-her-own-right wife.
  
  The movie's theme is basically that we're all important and we should respect all of our peers. This was a fun movie with a nice message. I wholeheartedly recommend it.
  
  
• Enjoyable family romp with "Super" star power
  By AQP1VPK16SVWM on 2005-11-27
  A great pop philosopher once said, "You may leave school but it never leaves you"*, nowhere is that more true than at the high school for the off-spring of superheroes Sky High literally located among the clouds. Although this superhero satire isn't quite as deft as "The Incredibles" or even "Mystery Men" was at its best, it's an enjoyable romp that kids will laugh at and parents won't feel embarrassed to watch. Sure it may come across as a glorified Disney TV movie but what elevates the film above that are the performances of the cast. Will (Michael Angarano) is the son of the greatest superhero the world has ever known; The Commander (Kurt Russell) and Jetstream (Kelly Preston). When not fighting crime this married duo fight the war of real estate sales. When it appears that Will has no superpowers, he's worried that he'll disappoint his dad and end up just relegated to sidekick classes at his new high school Sky High. His worst fears seem a reality when in his first day at school Coach Boomer (the wonderful Bruce Campbell) drops a car on him and the best Will can do is avoid being crushed putting him in the "sidekick" category like his teacher The Commander's former sidekick Mr. Boy (Dave Foley). Now Will not only has to deal with peer pressure, the hazards of dating and razzing from the school bullies he also has to figure out a way to survive as nothing more than a glorified geek. Will discovers resources he didn't think he had when the school, his friends and his family are threatened by a seemingly unstoppable villain.
  
  As usual Buena Vista provides an exceptional crisp transfer. There weren't any analog defects that I could note and, truly, this transfer looks super most of the time. But like all superheroes this DVD does have its weakness-there's some minor edge enhancement noticeable in some scenes and some minor compression artifacts particularly in scenes that involved swirling mists and/or dust clouds. On the whole The Commander would be proud. The sound is equally super with remarkably crisp and clear dialogue. The surround speakers are nicely used putting you in the middle of the action.
  
  While it appears that this film might have some mild mannered extras, most of them are pretty good overall. "Breaking Down the Walls: The Stunts of `Sky High'" focuses on the stunt action of the film and, given that this is a fantasy film with flying superheroes and kids that shoot fire out of their hands, there's quite a few of those. "Welcome to Sky High" is a behind-the-scenes featurette. It resembles the promotional featurette that the Disney Channel ran when the show was in theaters. It's not profound but then again neither is the movie and it does provide enough of a glimpse behind-the-scenes to satisfying most kids. We also get an alternate opening sequence along with the "I Melt with You" (a remake of the 80's hit single by the British band Modern English) music video featuring the band Bowling for Soup.
  
  An enjoyable film that probably would have been a Disney Channel original movie if not for the star power and visual effects involved, "Sky High" won't insult kids nor will they be demanding a sequel. Parents will enjoy some of the silly hijinks that happens in the film as well. It's worth a rental and might keep your kids occupied while you're busy wrapping those Christmas gifts.
  
  *Songwriter Andy Partridge "Playground" from XTC's album "Wasp Star"
  
  
  
  
• "Sky High" is a thumb's up for both kids and parents
  By A2S1JQWKZMGFD2 on 2006-01-23
  It is always a struggle to find a movie at the video store for "family movie night" that both of my elementary school daughters will enjoy and I will, if not enjoy, be able to tolerate. I have certainly appreciated the effort that many studios have made to make kids' films more enjoyable for parents. When my younger daughter chose "Sky High," I was not terribly optimistic, but Disney actually did a pretty good job making it sort of fun for this GenXer. More importantly, the younger crowd LOVED it.
  
  Will Stronghold (Michael Angarano), the son of two superheroes, Commander (Kurt Russell) and Jetstream (Kelly Preston), is about to start high school. Will is not going to just any high school. As the son of superheroes, he will go to Sky High, where he will follow in is parent's footsteps. However, Will has a secret. He does not have any super powers, so he is relegated to classes for "Sidekick's," and that is obviously a disappointment to his famous father. At Sky High, Will must deal with everything a "normal" kid must face while growing up, but, through a series of typically teen-age blunders, discovers he must also face his parents' greatest nemesis, Royal Pain (Mary Elizabeth Winstead). The future of Sky High and of the entire world depends on Will.
  
  Disney used a lot of great tricks to transcend the generational gap in "Sky High." For GenY, some of the costumes, acting, and special effects were very much reminiscent of the wildly popular, live-action, Saturday morning television show, "Mighty Morphin Power Rangers." What boy born after 1978 was not secretly in love with the Pink Power Ranger portrayed by Amy Jo Johnson? (Confession: When my little sister watched "Power Rangers" a couple of decades ago, I was sort of into the Pink Power Ranger myself!) Royal Pain's costume, body movements, secret hideout, and general evil demeanor are a dead-ringer for "Power Rangers" genre. For Gen X, a wonderful little trick that I had not seen before, although I have to imagine it has already been employed, is the use of classic, coming-of-age anthems, like, among others, "I Melt The World," "Save It For Later," "Voices Carry," "Everybody Wants To Rule The World," "And She Was," but had them recorded by contemporary artists. Heck, I think the entire soundtrack is comprised of `80's remakes. (I still think The Talking Heads' version of "And She Was" is superior to that of Keaton Simons, but what would a six-year old care?) For both Baby Boomers and some early GenXers, the casting of Kurt Russell is sort of an interesting bookend to Russell's Disney career. I remember going with my parents to local single screen cinema to see Disney's "The Computer Who Wore Tennis Shoes" and "The World's Strongest Man" with Kurt Russell playing the teen-age lead. Appearances by the original television "Superwoman," Linda Carter, as well as "Kids in the Hall," Dave Foley and Kevin McDonald go a long way to make "Sky High" ironically humorous for the adult audience. Nicely done.
  
  A film completely appropriate for the younger crowd with just a little cartoonish violence, "Sky High" is a thumb's up for both kids and parents. This is the kind of movie that made Disney what Disney was. If we see more "Sky High's," Disney will very soon once again become the entertainment powerhouse it used to be.
  
  
  
• Excellent!
  By A1CDZM5YMB61PD on 2006-11-25
  Life is hard for any teenager going off to high school for the first time, but it's even tougher for Will Stronghold (played by Michael Angarano). You see, he's the son of the superheroes Stronghold (Kurt Russell) and Jetstream (Kelly Preston), and his parents are expecting great things out of him at Sky High - the high school for superheroes. But, Will's got a problem, he doesn't have any superpowers.
  
  Oh, and things only go from bad to worse when he discovers that he has an arch-enemy - Warren Peace (Steven Strait) - whose super-villain father is serving four consecutive life sentences thanks to Will's father. Plus, there are the school bullies, unhelpful teachers, and a whole mess of problems. Can things get any worse? Oh yeah! [Color, released in 2005, with a running time of 1:40 minutes.]
  
  I must admit, when I picked up this movie, I did not have high expectations. It just didn't look that good. Well, I must say that I now deeply regret not having seen this movie in the theatre! This is an excellent Disney movie, of the caliber that Disney used to make years ago. Indeed, it was nice to see Kurt Russell back in a quality Disney flick.
  
  Also, I really thought that Steven Strait did an excellent job as Warren Peace. He pulled off a good job as an angry teen/moody superhero (think Wolverine). Heck, I thought that the whole cast did a great job. This is a prime example of what Disney can do when they put their minds to it.
  
  So, if you want a good and entertaining movie for the whole family, then look no further than Sky High. My family and I loved this movie, and we recommend it to you and your family!
  
  
• If You Don't Watch Saturday Morning Cartoons, Do Not See This
  By on 2005-08-01
  Will Stronghold is a teen who's parents, Josie Jetsream and Commander Stronghold, are the greatest superheroes and real estate agents in the world. Commander has super-stregnth; Jetstream has the ability to fly. Will starts high school at Sky
  High. When all the freshmen are put together to be put in the classes of either hero or sidekick, Will becomes a sidekick for
  having no powers. The next day at lunch, after confronting arch
  enemy Warren Peace, Will discovers that he inherits powers from
  his dad (super stregnth). He's resassigned to hero class, and that leads him to trouble with his friend Layla because of his crush, Gwen Grayson. On the night of homecoming, a threatning supervillain takes a weapon called the Pacifier and turns everyone into babies. It's up to Will and his friends to stop
  the heroes, turn the babies back to their regular age, and defeat the villain.
  
  The major highlight of the movie is at the end of the film (I'm
  not telling, you'll have to wait and see it). This is a great movie, but stay away if you don't like Saturday morning cartoons.
  
  
• Family fun
  By AX6GG8U1HDSZZ on 2005-08-03
  Colorful. Well-paced. Enjoyable humor. Careful writing regarding issues that parents worry over: bullying, choices of friends, working for approval, making the grade.
  
  This movie definitely plays best to the pre-High School age group and their parents. A fantasy high school in the sky reached by special conveyance shares the "wow" factor that Hogwarts School offers in the Harry Potter stories. This isn't the darker good/evil battle, either, that the schools for X-Men or Harry and his friends represent. This is just a school set aside for special people in a world that "gets" super heroes.
  
  Yes, some of the trademark elements of high school coming-of-age stories are present in this story, including the internal class snobbery, the first love and misplaced love stories, and the hero making his impact in the end, but this movie remains first and foremost one that enjoys fantasizing about having special powers.
  
  The kids in this movie all do a first-rate job, worthy of a classic Disney live-action comedy. The adult characters are, of course, a little more 2-dimensional than the kids, but the adult actors all seem to enjoy themselves in their roles. There are some cute jokes that only those of us of a certain age will appreciate, too, including Lynda Carter's reference to Wonder Woman, and an old publicity shot of Kurt Russell in his own teenage Disney days (see "The Computer Wore Tennis Shoes") that shows up as a yearbook photo.
  
  Don't hesitate to the take the whole family to see this. There's something for everyone. Teenage boys will appreciate the beautiful young ladies (and even the lovely Kelly Preston) and all the goofy action. Teenage girls will enjoy the story, too.
  
  
• HILARIOUS!!!
  By AFGVJ3FQQBT7A on 2005-08-04
  I nearly split my sides laughing at this movie. basically, theres really no way to describe this movie without ruining it. this movie had to have the best surprise ending ive ever seen. my friend P. and i saw this movie, and couldnt get enough of it. anyone who wants to see this movie, i say go for it. your money WONT be wasted(unless youre one of those people who only goes to see those boring movies with no action and has no sense of humor whatsoever.) dont miss your chance to watch this extremely funny movie. i swear youll nearly fall out of your seat laughing.
  
  
• This film has it all
  By ABM9O1I37GNQ6 on 2005-08-04
  Who would have thought Kurt Russell would ever appear in a Disney movie? Well, maybe he has appeared in a few, and those movies are the better for it. "Sky High" is no exception. This is a fun movie. Sure, it is a bit formulaic; it adheres strongly to all of the plot developments required of any light high school flick. Add super-human powers, and you have "Sky High." What else are you going to do on a Saturday afternoon anyway?
  
  Phil-Phil
  
  
• Defeat evil; get the girl
  By AT04V4H3AO3T5 on 2005-08-10
  Kurt Russell is back in familiar territory, once more starring in a Disney film. This particular film, I must admit, is entertaining. My daughter dragged me to it against my wishes, but I ended up having a good time of it. The standard high school movie plots apply, but this time, the students themselves are budding super heroes, and this adds a bit of flash to the production. Heroes and villains abound, and betrayals and redemptions ensue in their due courses. In the end, a good time is had by all, and ultimately there is nothing here to offend adult sensibilities.
  
  Jeremy W. Forstadt
  
  
• Best Movie Ever!
  By A3QKQADUWCWZHA on 2005-10-11
  Haven't seen the DVD yet, but the movie was "The BEST Movie Ever", according to one seven year old who is not easily impressed by movies. From an adult point of view, it is pretty corny...but the scene where the villians are struggling with infant car seats is a classic!
  
  
• Very Fun and Entertaining Film (if viewed with the right mindset)
  By A3VHEN1LDM6EQ on 2005-12-29
  Don't go into this expecting the level of seriousness found in "Batman Returns" or even "Spiderman." This film is terrific for what it is: a spoof of comic books and comic book films (particularly the goofier ones like the Batman TV series of the 1970s). The film pokes fun at the genre and at itself. It's action sequences, costumes and much of its dialogue are supposed to be over-the-top. Apparently, some Amazon reviewers don't get that.
  
  The performances are, for the most part, great. Kurt Russell, the films only big-budget star, seems to be having a terrific time hamming it up as The Commander. The kids all do a fine job, as well.
  
  Some have said this film is "The Incredibles" meets "Harry Potter", and that's fair, but I found "Sky High" to be much wittier and more entertaining than those films - particularly script- and performance-wise. It's a shame it was poorly marketed and failed at the box office.
  
  
  
  
• Super Hero fun for everyone
  By AGV4NOT3H3FEW on 2006-01-24
  Sky High is one of those movies that you develop a fondness for - not particularly well made, not particularly original (see Robert Kirkman's "Invincible" for a great take on super-heroic offspring) - but its got such heart and is made with so much obvious joy that you'll find yourself forgiving its minor flaws (bland performances from some of the young actors, fairly clumsy direction that makes this seem as though it was a made-for-cable movie) - what's that old saying? `It's the singer not the song' - despite its fairly artless nature it succeeds by sheer force of enthusiasm.
  
  Set in a school for the offspring of superheroes and focusing on the troubles and trials of super-peer pressure and the desire to be great, it's the older actors who are especially good at bringing the whole thing alive - Kurt Russell is (barely) suppressing a smile as he plays the "superman" archetype father, and Bruce Campbell is great as the gym-teacher who assigns the students the status of either hero or (shudder) sidekick. Best of all is a scene-stealing performance by Dave Foley as a former sidekick-turned-teacher whose delusions of "Bucky-ness" seem to always hover just beneath his eager-to-be-needed surface.
  
  I hesitate to say it's perfect for the whole family because that always hints at blandness. Better instead to just call it a fun, vastly enjoyable popcorn movie that everyone can enjoy (and if you are a comics fan, past or present, you'll love it).
  
  
  
• Sky High is Super family fun
  By AC1U7PPQJKA9D on 2006-02-03
  As a lover of all Disney films it was a no-brainer that I would be drawn to this movie. But I must confess that the last few live action releases from Disney have been less than "super".
  So it was refreshing to see Disney hit a homerun this time with "Sky High".
  
  The last few years we have seen a large amount of super hero movies, from Spider man to the Incredibles, and while they all use the time honored tradition of super powers these new ones tap into an element I would call the "humaness of the supers". We see their flaws and troubles, and it helps the viewer relate a little more to the world we see on the screen.
  
  We've even seen pop groups tap into this, if you haven't heard the song by Five for Fighting called "Superman" with the catch line "it's not easy to be me" you need to hear it!
  
  I really enjoyed this movie. The struggle between the "heros" and "the sidekicks" is strangely familiar, and the expectations the super hero parents have for their children is also true to this life.
  
  Teenagers will like this, as will children and parents. And it might even spur on some conversations between parents and children about some of the struggles they have.
  
  Please pick this movie up!
  
  
• Way Better Than I Thought!
  By A3IVKVJ9KG08MK on 2006-03-22
  I saw this movie with pretty low expectations and it blew them away! This is a very good movie! Kurt Russell was in some Disney superhero movies in the late 70's and this is a kind of a modern version of one of them! The story is overall good and yes it is somewhat predictable, yet I was drawn in by some of the characters and to their lives. I felt some of their struggle.
  Yet at the same time this movie does not try to be serious at all and that is the fun of it!
  Very funny and engaging and wholesome family fun! Check out the DVD for more extras etc. I hope I'm not a sidekick!
  
  
• Great for parents and kids
  By A33CLVW2K7SL1P on 2006-09-26
  I didn't expect much originality. All of the previews for the movie demonstrated that this was a hodgepodge of other populer superhero or recent children's books/films. The previews were largely correct.
  
  What I didn't expect was to be entertained, and even surprised at the interesting twist.
  
  For originality, the movie doesn't score high. That's not to say that everything is obviously copied, but it does borrow heavily from existing material. But for wholesome fun and that "enjoyability" factor, it scored better.
  
  This is a perfect movie for its intended audience - and probably their parents too. They'll love it.
  
  
• The Incredibles meets Mean Girls meets Harry Potter
  By A3QVI57VT1VGRO on 2005-08-01
  We are always looking for movies that make a nice night out for the family, and "Sky High" fits the bill nicely. The plot is fun although pasted together from other movies: Will Stronghold is the son of a pair of superheroes: the Commander, who is super-strong, and his wife Jetstream, who can fly super-fast [shades of the Incredibles]. He is tapped to go to a super-hero school, Sky High, where a magical rite-of-passage sorts people into future heroes and future also-rans [shades of Harry Potter]. At school, he must suffer the snobbery of the high-school elite [shades of Mean Girls]. His head is temporarily turned by a beautiful meangirl, but eventually with the help of his true geek-and-nerd friend, he saves the world.
  
  Although I've described it as a pastiche of other movies, "Sky High" is well done and clever. The "special skills" of the school's students are used to good effect (skills that at first seem lame - like the magical ability to turn into a hamster, or to glow in the dark - eventually turn out to be VERY useful).
  
  The teen actors all do a nice job, but the adult actors look antique, a testimony to botox and the arts of corsetry. Kurt Russell as Will's dad the Commander is especially wooden (I think it's the botox, myself), and looks swamped by his silly costume. Ditto Lynda Carter (formerly Wonder Women) as the school's principal, whose youthful appearance seems dependent on spackle or some other plaster-like substance. Among the adults only Cloris Leachmann, in a very brief cameo as the school nurse, has a genuinely funny moment.
  
  But the kids come off as genuinely heroic, so "Sky High" is a worthy addition to the Disney live-action pantheon.
  
  
• Sky High
  By AW99SBGWEXP0J on 2005-08-03
  Will Stronghold (Angarano) is not a normal 14-year old. His parents are the two most known superheros in the world, Commander (Russell) and Jetstream (Preston). Will is starting high school at Sky High, his parents' alma mater. Sky High is a high school for kids with super powers. And there lies the problem -- Will has no super powers. He has been waiting for them to appear, as some show up late, but to no avail. At school, Will and his best friend Layla (Panabaker) get placed in the "Sidekicks" class.
  
  Will is afraid of what his parents will think, knowing that they expect great things from him. So, he tries to delay telling them for as long as he can. Another problem is that the girl of his dreams, Gwen (Winstead), is out of reach in the superheros class. Soon, things start to change for Will, and he finds himself in a position where hi must step up and save the day.
  
  "Sky High" works surprisingly well. As a superhero movie, it gives the audience plenty of superpowers to take in. They are all done with solid special effects. When the effects are less than stellar, it suits the situation and does not work against the movie. As a high school movie, "Sky High" is right on the money as Will experiences the different cliques (heros & sidekicks) and gives us a glimpse into each. Resemblences to the real world are scary.
  
  The young actors, all virtual unknowns, are all up to the task. They all breathe life into their characters and make them real. Russell, Preston, and Campbell all give good performances that call for a little over the top acting. "Sky High" is a pleasant surprise as the summer movie season begins to wind down. It is a movie that can be enjoyed by everyone, and I highly recommend it, especially for those with kids.
  
  
• for those that love to see super hero movies this one rocks
  By A2LW6M4L9I49Y4 on 2005-08-06
  it has a great cast of stars
  
  a intellegent story dealing with the growing up issuse and
  relation ship as well as peer pressure
  
  it has a lot of twists and turns as well as a few plot twists
  that will keep you guessing
  
  excellent movie for kids and young adults as well
  
  
  

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