| Field | Details |
|---|---|
| Movie Name | Sky High (2005) |
| Director | Mike Mitchell |
| Writer | Paul Hernandez (screenplay), Bob Schooley, Mark McCorkle (story) |
| Lead Actor | Michael Angarano |
| Cast | Michael Angarano, Danielle Panabaker, Mary Elizabeth Winstead, Kurt Russell, Kelly Preston |
| Genre | Action, Adventure, Comedy, Family |
| Release Date | July 29, 2005 (United States) |
| Duration | 1h 40m (100 min) |
| Budget | $35 million |
| Language | English |
| IMDb Rating | 6.2/10 |
WATCH NOW
If Superman and Wonder Woman got married, what would their kids be like? This suggests the premise of Sky High. The movie takes its name from the school in the sky where kids with a variety of superpowers need to learn how to responsibly use those powers, which emerge in puberty.
The film attempts, with some success, to authentically evoke teenage angst in the manner of John Hughes while having all the fun of animated comic strips. Think The Incredibles meets Pretty in Pink.
Will Stronghold (Michael Angarano) is the 14 year old son of the greatest superhero couple of all time, The Commander (Kurt Russell) and Jetstream (Kelly Preston), who dream that their son will grow up to save the world someday. Will pretends to be super strong like his father, but only his good friend Layla (Danielle Panabaker) knows what he fears. He doesn’t appear to have any superpowers.
But the truth will soon be known. On the first day of high school all freshmen are tested for their powers, leading to assignment of “hero” status or “sidekick” status thereby institutionalizing the “in” and “out” crowds. Will, however, is assigned to “hero support” when he can’t demonstrate any powers. Out of loyalty to Will, Layla hides her powers (she can instantly grow plants and trees) so she can join him as a sidekick, along with a small group of “losers” whose talents are unimpressive.
The cliquishness of high school is dramatized by the behavior of Gwen (Mary Elizabeth Winstead), the prettiest girl in the school, who as an older student and student body president possessively takes Will under her wing. Will is insensitive to the difficulty this creates for Layla, whose deep affection for him must go unexpressed. High school would not be complete (and a plot would lack conflict) without bullies, including one with the ability to stretch his elastic body without limit and another who can move so fast he becomes a blur.
Will eventually must confess his embarrassing lack of powers to his parents, the picture of every child who cannot live up to his parents’ expectations. His father is devastated but his mother suggests that powers are just slow to arrive for some people. And indeed this is the case with Will, whose superhuman strength and ability to fly emerge at just the right moment when the story escalates to a battle of the superpowers.
Gwen, it turns out, is the evil technocrat who can control technology with her mind. She also has a history with The Commander and Jetstream, who defeated her in a former incarnation. It becomes the task of Will, Layla and their friend all of whose humble powers will make a difference to save the world. Predictable lessons emerge but are no less entertaining. Everyone has a unique talent that is valuable, keep your word and be loyal to your friends.
For more movies like Sky High (2005) visit Hurawatch.
Also watch: