It's Harry Potter meets The Incredibles minus the memorable characters, hearty laughs, great writing and all around movie goodness.
Sky High (2005)
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Reviews Counted:120
Fresh:87
Rotten:33
Average Rating:6.5/10
Consensus: This highly derivative superhero coming-of-age flick is moderately entertaining, family-friendly fluff.
Rated: PG [See Full Rating] for action violence and some mild language
Runtime: 1 hr 40 mins
Genre: Childrens
Theatrical Release:21-10-2005
Synopsis: Most teenagers cringe at the thought of meeting their parents' high expectations--good grades, well-behaved friends, and a plan for the future--and none more so than Will Stronghold (Michael... Most teenagers cringe at the thought of meeting their parents' high expectations--good grades, well-behaved friends, and a plan for the future--and none more so than Will Stronghold (Michael Angarano), the son of legendary superheroes Commander (Kurt Russell) and Jetstream (Kelly Preston). This clever Disney comedy follows Will from his first day as star student at Sky High, an elite school for the children of superheroes. The only problem is that Will apparently has no special powers, and he can't let his parents find out! Lacking the abilities needed to attend hero classes, Will falls in with the misfit sidekicks, whose only powers include turning into a guinea pig, glowing, and melting. However, when an old villain with a new power reappears on the scene, the pressure is on Will and his sidekicks to save his parents, his school, and the earth itself. Perhaps as a tribute to the classic era of teen films, SKY HIGH features a soundtrack bursting with 1980s hits covered by contemporary artists, including Flashlight Brown, Bowling for Soup, and Vitamin C. The film also features performances that will please adult viewers, including a cameo as the school principal by former Wonder Woman Lynda Carter, comedian Dave Foley as a washed up sidekick, and EVIL DEAD star Bruce Campbell as Coach Boomer. Truly fun for all ages, the charming teen stars, fast pace, and universal story make SKY HIGH a clear family classic on par with SIXTEEN CANDLES, SPY KIDS, and NATIONAL LAMPOON'S VACATION. [More]
Starring: Kurt Russell, Michael Angarano, Bruce Campbell, Dave Foley
Starring: Kurt Russell, Michael Angarano, Bruce Campbell, Dave Foley, Kelly Preston, Liz Winstead, Lynda Carter, Kevin McDonald
Director: Mike Mitchell
Director: Mike Mitchell
Screenwriter: Mark McCorkle, Bob Schooley
Producer: Andrew Gunn
Composer: Michael Giacchino
Studio: Buena Vista Pictures
Reviews for Sky High
a dull, kid-friendly regurgitation of readily available (and superior) iconographic comics
Mike Mitchell directs scenes in big, bright comic-strip panels: colorful and exaggerated, with everything spelled out in veritable word balloons.
a lively and lightweight adventure that finds the elusive middle ground between comedy and comic-book heroics that the makers of 'Fantastic Four' never did.
Although it aims for Spy Kids and The Incredibles territory, this family entertainment is strictly for those too young to attend the titular institution.
Director Mike Mitchell deftly blends two genres -- the high school romance and the special-effects-laden superhero comic book adaptation -- and manages to spoof yet salute both with a refreshing lack of pretension.
This zippy Disney adventure-comedy asks that age-old question, 'Is there life after high school?,' and answers it with a cheerful 'Not really.'
An amiable and satisfying romp that will put a smile on the face of viewers young and old.
Sky High is too hopelessly contrived for its actors to be able to make it work.
This movie about a high school for superheroes is so good-natured and self-deprecating that it's virtually impossible to dislike the thing.
It cleverly puts the perils of adolescence on the same level with fights against monsters and giant robots and bad guys who want to take over the world.
The creators of Sky High have their finger expertly placed on their movie's pulse.
The clever script finds the fun while Michael Angarano keeps the emotions real as a kid who learns that real friends don't care if you're a star.
Confident and strong, directed with enough of an edge to be interesting, written with heart and a genuine wit.
A brightly entertaining teenage comedy as frothy and predictable as cotton candy, but also just as sweet.
Sky High is a diverting family comedy that at its best aims to be a live-action Incredibles and at its middling a live-action episode of Kim Possible.
By today's whiz-bang standards, may seem a tad tame and old-fashioned, but it's a harmless trifle whose easy-going, undemanding tone should appeal to younger viewers.
Sky High doesn't make any big statements. In fact, modesty is a big part of its appeal — even its cheesy special effects add to the warm, homey quality it strives for and achieves.
Worried it might be redundant given Incredibles? Worry Not. Sky High stands mightily on its own, albeit employing a standard formula. I had a great time.
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