Barnes & Noble

Although it borrows concepts from the Spy Kids movies and The Incredibles, Sky High offers enough ingenious touches of its own to emerge as a true original. It takes place largely in a high school for the children of superheroes. The freshmen that have inherited powers of their own are designated as Heroes and trained accordingly, while those less gifted are relegated to Sidekick status -- the superhero equivalent of the waterboy. Falling into the latter category is Will Stronghold (Michael Angarano), who is doubly embarrassed by his apparent lack of powers because his parents are the most famous superheroes of all: the Commander (Kurt Russell) and Jetstream (Kelly Preston). As if negotiating puberty wasn't bad enough! Director Mike Mitchell (Surviving Christmas) handles this fanciful premise with tongue planted firmly in cheek, and he keeps a tight rein on the cast so that there's a clear distinction between the comedic set pieces and action sequences. Kurt Russell is a huge asset as the Commander; as a superhero he cuts quite an imposing figure, but he's equally convincing as a loving dad who wants the best for his son. Angarano handles his own role with the aplomb of an older, more experienced actor, and the picture owes much of its success to his skillful portrayal -- one that should appeal both to underachieving teenage boys, and to the parents who love them. Well paced and dotted with inventive action, this rollicking adventure-comedy is a super addition to the family DVD library. Ed Hulse

All Movie Guide

An ordinary teenager finds out he's not so ordinary after all in this comedy-adventure. Will Stronghold (Michael Angarano) has his share of anxieties about starting high school, but once he arrives on campus, he discovers he's attending Sky High, a special learning facility for the children of superheroes. Will realizes his father is actually super-human crime fighter Captain Stronghold (Kurt Russell), while his mom is fellow champion Josie Jetstream (Kelly Preston). However, in Will's first few days at school, Coach Boomer (Bruce Campbell) is unable to discover any superior abilities in him, meaning that instead of joining the school's budding heroes, he's been relegated to the ranks of the lowly sidekicks. In time, Will discovers he happens to have super strength after all, but will he learn to hone his new gifts in time to fend off the bullies at school, get the girl of his dreams, and save his folks from a longtime nemesis? Sky High also features Lynda Carter, Dave Foley, and Kevin McDonald. Mark Deming

Product Details

• UPC: 786936288353
• Source: WALT DISNEY VIDEO
• Region Code: 1
• Presentation: Wide Screen
• Time: 1:40:00
• Sales Rank: 1,897

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