sky high movie review

• Cast & crew
• User reviews

Set in an era where superheroes are commonly known and accepted, young William Stronghold, the son of the Commander and Jetstream, tries to find a balance between being a normal teenager and... Read all Set in an era where superheroes are commonly known and accepted, young William Stronghold, the son of the Commander and Jetstream, tries to find a balance between being a normal teenager and an extraordinary being. Set in an era where superheroes are commonly known and accepted, young William Stronghold, the son of the Commander and Jetstream, tries to find a balance between being a normal teenager and an extraordinary being.

• Mike Mitchell
• Paul Hernandez
• Bob Schooley
• Mark McCorkle
• Kurt Russell
• Kelly Preston
• Michael Angarano
• 272 User reviews
• 100 Critic reviews
• 62 Metascore
• 3 nominations

• Will Stronghold

• News Anchor
• (as Chris Wynne)

• Ron Wilson Bus Driver

• (as Dee-Jay Daniels)

• Little Larry

• (as Malika)

• Principal Powers

• Coach Boomer

• Carbon Copy Kid
• All cast & crew
• Production, box office & more at IMDbPro

More like this

Did you know

• Trivia While Kurt Russell 's suit had a cooling system, a tube where iced water circulated, Kelly Preston 's didn't, because it was so tight.
• Goofs Will doesn't actually step on Medulla's foot in the mad science laboratory. This is an intentional Goof showing Medulla's prissy nature. It's supposed to be funny.

[last lines]

Will Stronghold : In the end, my girlfriend became my arch enemy, my arch enemy became my best friend, and my best friend became my girlfriend. But, hey, it's high school.

• Crazy credits The end credits are decorated with still-frame comic-book illustrations. One of the still frames has a single animated element - a purple monster's eye, which moves and blinks. (It appears just before the music credits.)
• Alternate versions In the Disney Channel premiere of Sky High, the end credits are different than they are in the theatrical and DVD releases. Instead of the comic book type end credits like in the theatrical version it is replaced by DC with the credits on the left side and a montage of scenes from the film on the right side of the credits.
• Connections Edited into Sky High: Alternate Opening (2005)
• Soundtracks Everybody Wants to Rule the World Written by Ian Stanley , Roland Orzabal , Chris Hughes Produced by Jeff Saltzman Performed by Christian Burns Courtesy of Hollywood Records, Inc.

User reviews 272

• Jul 26, 2005
• How long is Sky High? Powered by Alexa
• If Ethan is in slime form, can he be blended and drunk like a smoothie?
• July 29, 2005 (United States)
• United States
• Official site
• Official Sky High Wikia
• Planet High
• California State University Northridge - 18111 Nordhoff Street, Northridge, Los Angeles, California, USA (Sky High exterior)
• Walt Disney Pictures
• Max Stronghold Productions Inc.
• See more company credits at IMDbPro
• $35,000,000 (estimated)
• $63,946,815
• $14,631,784
• Jul 31, 2005
• $86,369,815

Technical specs

• Runtime 1 hour 40 minutes
• Dolby Digital

Related news

Contribute to this page.

• IMDb Answers: Help fill gaps in our data
• Learn more about contributing

More to explore

Recently viewed

Film Review: ‘Sky High’

By Joe Leydon

Film Critic

• ‘The Long Game’ Review: Young Latinos Aim to Earn Respect and Victory on the Golf Course in Uplifting Period Drama 1 week ago
• ‘The Ballad of Davy Crockett’ Review: Passable Historical Drama Imagines an Early Adventure of the Legendary Frontiersman 2 months ago
• ‘Accidental Texan’ Review: Amiably Old-Fashioned Dramedy Showcases Appealing Performance by Thomas Haden Church 2 months ago

Smartly written and sprightly played, “ Sky High ” satisfies with a clever commingling of spoofy superheroics, school-daze hijinks, and family friendly coming-of-age dramedy. Comparisons to “The Incredibles” are inevitable, though not entirely apt, but this lively live-action Disney release stands on its own merits as a tongue-in-cheek fantasy with cross-generational appeal. Pic could prove a surprisingly powerful performer in the late-summer B.O. sweepstakes, and will subsequently fly off shelves in homevid release.

In developing their high-concept premise, scripters Paul Hernandez, Bob Schooley and Mark McCorkle borrow concepts and archetypes from various corners of the Marvel and DC comic-book universes. (X-Men and the Legion of Super Heroes are only the two most obvious inspirations.) Fanciful scenario can be enjoyed as both a savvy homage brimming with wink-wink inside jokes, and as a straight-ahead action-comedy about gifted teens training to join the ranks of superhumanity.

It’s never easy for the offspring of celebrities to establish their own identities. But for 14-year-old Will Stronghold ( Michael Angarano ), it’s especially difficult to emerge from the long shadows cast by his dynamic parents, the fantastically strong Commander ( Kurt Russell ) and the high-flying Jet Stream ( Kelly Preston ). When not battling evil, they’re real estate agents Steve and Josie Stronghold.

Popular on Variety

With mom and dad fully expecting him to join the superhero biz, Will reluctantly begins his advanced education at their alma mater, Sky High, a lavishly appointed school on a secluded campus miles above the ground. (Thanks to anti-gravity devices, the entire campus remains permanently aloft, hidden by convenient cloud banks.) In many ways, it’s a high school like any other, complete with peer pressures and polarized cliques. The big difference is, the primary division isn’t between jocks and geeks. Rather, freshmen are labeled as either Heroes or Sidekicks, according to their abilities and potential.

Will almost immediately is designated as a Sidekick, with little hope for reassignment because, despite his bloodline, he evidences no sign of being superpowerful.

Helmer Mike Mitchell (“Deuce Bigalow: Male Gigolo”) subtly handles the script’s metaphorical allusions to adolescence as a time of uncertainty, evolution and establishing identity. Instead of belaboring the obvious, he plays for laughs, keeping the pic light even during elaborate action sequences.

As a Sidekick, Will feels at ease with other dweebs: Layla (Danielle Panabaker), who reins in her powers to control plant life in order to remain Will’s classmate; Ethan (Dee-Jay Daniels), who can melt into a puddle; Magenta (Kelly Vitz), a shape-shifter who, alas, can only shape herself into a guinea pig; and Zach (Nicholas Brown), who can glow like a nightlight.

On the other hand, Will can’t avoid clashes with Warren Peace (Steven Strait), who can toss fireballs from his fingertips — and who nurses a grudge against Will because the latter’s parents arrested Warren’s super-villainous father.

Under the watchful eye of shape-shifting Principal Powers (former “Wonder Woman” Lynda Carter) and the demanding tutelage of high-decibel Coach Boomer (Bruce Campbell), Will eventually discovers his super strength.

Beautiful classmate Gwen Grayson (Mary Elizabeth Winstead) can’t help but notice. However, Layla isn’t pleased that her old friend is being a mite too friendly with someone else.

Narrative is fueled by the mischief caused by a vengeful villain who targets the Commander, Jet Stream and other Sky High alumni. But funniest bits of “Sky High” have relatively little to do with its serviceably comic-bookish plot. Slyly self-satirical perfs by Russell and Preston are consistently delightful, and various oddball touches trigger guffaws of assorted intensity.

In addition to spot-on contributions from Carter and Campbell, funny character turns by Dave Foley (as a former teen sidekick), Kevin McDonald (as a brainy science teacher) and, briefly, Cloris Leachman (as a nurse with x-ray vision) increase the laugh quotient.

Angarano hits the right notes of sincerity and uncertainty while making an engaging impression. Supporting roles are vividly played, with Kevin Heffernan a standout as a gung-ho but super-powerless bus driver for Sky High (portrayed, in a bold stroke of casting, by Cal State U., Northridge).

Overall tech package is sufficiently first-rate to providing some semblance of credibility while sustaining seriocomic tone. (Even f/x tricks are laced with humor.) Costume designer Michael Wilkinson has created a lineup of nifty superhero attire, and music supervisor Lisa Brown has assembled a bevy of covers of well-chosen ’80s pop hits.

• Production: A Buena Vista release of a Walt Disney Pictures presentation of a Gunn Films production. Produced by Andrew Gunn. Executive producers, Mario Iscovich, Ann Marie Sanderlin. Directed by Mike Mitchell. Screenplay, Paul Hernandez, Bob Schooley, Mark McCorkle.
• Crew: Camera (Technicolor), Shelly Johnson; editor, Paul Amundson; music, Michael Giacchino; music supervisor, Lisa Brown; production designer, Bruce Robert Hill; art director, William Hawkins; set decorator, Robert Gould; costume designer, Michael Wilkinson; sound (Dolby Digital/SDDS/DTS), Paul Ledford; assistant director, Justin Muller; casting, Allison Jones. Reviewed at Edwards Marq*e Cinema, Houston, July 26, 2005. MPAA Rating: PG. Running time: 100 MIN.
• With: Will Stronghold - Michael Angarano Steve Stronghold/The Commander - Kurt Russell Josie Stronghold/Jetstream - Kelly Preston Layla - Danielle Panabaker Ron Wilson, Bus Driver - Kevin Heffernan Principal Powers - Lynda Carter Gwen Grayson - Mary Elizabeth Winstead Coach Boomer - Bruce Campbell Mr. Boy - Dave Foley Warren Peace - Steven Strait Ethan - Dee-Jay Daniels Zach - Nicholas Braun Magenta - Kelly Vitz Mr. Grayson - Jim Rash Lash - Jake Sandvig Speed - Will Harris Penny - Khadijah, Malika Mr. Medulla - Kevin McDonald Nurse Spex - Cloris Leachman

More From Our Brands

Cher, ozzy osbourne, dave matthews band, mary j. blige lead rock and roll hall of fame 2024 class, inside the hidden world of vip perks at america’s marquee sports arenas, nba suitors crowd the paint as exclusive disney, wbd window closes, be tough on dirt but gentle on your body with the best soaps for sensitive skin, alice & jack finale recap: ‘til death do us part — grade the season, verify it's you, please log in.

• Buena Vista Pictures Distribution

Summary Freshman Will Stronghold (Angarano) must learn to live up to the legacy of his superhero parents (Russell and Preston) when he attends Sky High, a special high school for teens with superpowers. (Walt Disney Pictures)

Directed By : Mike Mitchell

Written By : Paul Hernandez, Bob Schooley, Mark McCorkle

Where to Watch

Kurt Russell

Steve, the commander.

Kelly Preston

Josie, jetstream.

Michael Angarano

Will stronghold.

Danielle Panabaker

Christopher wynne, news anchor.

Kevin Heffernan

Ron wilson bus driver.

Dee Jay Daniels

Loren Berman

Little larry.

Nicholas Braun

Malika haqq, khadijah haqq.

Jake Sandvig

Will harris.

Mary Elizabeth Winstead

Gwen, royal pain.

Lynda Carter

Principal powers.

Bruce Campbell

Coach boomer, dustin ingram, carbon copy kid.

Steven Strait

Warren peace.

Cloris Leachman

Critic reviews.

• All Reviews
• Positive Reviews
• Mixed Reviews
• Negative Reviews

User Reviews

Related movies.

Seven Samurai

The Wild Bunch

North by Northwest

Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon

The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King

The French Connection

The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring

Mad Max: Fury Road

The Incredibles

Star Wars: Episode IV - A New Hope

House of Flying Daggers

Assault on Precinct 13

The Hidden Fortress

Gangs of Wasseypur

Captain Blood

Related news.

Every Zack Snyder Movie, Ranked

With the arrival of Zack Snyder's latest Rebel Moon chapter on Netflix, we rank every one of the director's films—from bad to, well, less bad—by Metascore.

Every Guy Ritchie Movie, Ranked

We rank every one of the British director's movies by Metascore, from his debut Lock, Stock, and Two Smoking Barrels to his brand new film, The Ministry of Ungentlemanly Warfare.

2024 Movie Release Calendar

Jason dietz.

Find release dates for every movie coming to theaters, VOD, and streaming throughout 2024 and beyond, updated weekly.

April Movie Preview (2024)

Keith kimbell.

The month ahead will bring new films from Alex Garland, Luca Guadagnino, Dev Patel, and more. To help you plan your moviegoing options, our editors have selected the most notable films releasing in April 2024, listed in alphabetical order.

DVD/Blu-ray Releases: New & Upcoming

Find a list of new movie and TV releases on DVD and Blu-ray (updated weekly) as well as a calendar of upcoming releases on home video.

Notice: All forms on this website are temporarily down for maintenance. You will not be able to complete a form to request information or a resource. We apologize for any inconvenience and will reactivate the forms as soon as possible.

• DVD & Streaming
• Action/Adventure , Comedy , Drama , Kids , Sci-Fi/Fantasy

Content Caution

In Theaters

• Michael Angarano as Will Stronghold; Kurt Russell as The Commander; Kelly Preston as Josie Jetstream

Home Release Date

• Mike Mitchell

Distributor

• Walt Disney

Movie Review

Will Stronghold is just an average suburban teenager. That’s a problem. As the only child of the greatest superheroes in the world The Commander and Jetstream (aka Steve and Josie Stronghold, real estate agents), everyone expects Will to have incredible abilities of his own. But on the first day of his freshman year at their alma mater in the clouds, Sky High, Will still can’t lift a car like Dad or defy gravity like Mom.

His inadequacies become embarrassingly clear when the snide gym teacher Coach Boomer separates the heroes from the sidekicks. Turn into a giant rock monster? Hero. Turn into a guinea pig? Sidekick. Since Will’s got nothing, he joins the academic and social ranks of “hero support” along with his best friend, Layla (who refuses to reveal her plant-controlling powers as a protest against the whole unfair “hero/sidekick dichotomy”).

But just as Will and his disappointed dad begin to accept his place in the world, a cafeteria confrontation with a fireball-throwing bad boy reveals Will’s latent super strength. Suddenly, he finds himself propelled into the hero class, skyrocketing popularity and the arms of his crush, pretty senior “technopath” Gwen Grayson. But his new status threatens his old friendships. And a villainous plot at school will force him to join the family world-saving business much sooner than anyone thought.

Levity comes courtesy of Sky High’s familiar faculty. Dave Foley steals scenes as the slightly pathetic—graying and somewhat bitter—sidekick homeroom teacher Mr. Boy. Kevin McDonald’s Mr. Medulla dispenses one-liners from under his giant brain. Rounding things out are Cloris Leachman as a school nurse with helpful x-ray vision and Linda Carter (Wonder Woman!) as Principal Powers. Who wouldn’t want to go to this high school?

Positive Elements

The PG-rated Sky High is aimed at tweens and majors on some super messages. For one, Will has two strong (really strong), committed parents who are married and genuinely like each other—unusual for kids in most Disney flicks. They’re not perfect. Dad’s expectations put lots of pressure on Will, and Will gives into some normal teen temptations including lying, disobedience and reluctantly hosting a party while the ’rents are away. But all his wrong choices have clear, negative consequences. And Mom and Dad are Will’s first stop when looking for support and guidance.

Other positive messages are more standard teen fare: We should respect everyone, including those who aren’t well liked by the crowd. We all have the potential to be heroes. Popularity isn’t worth sacrificing real friendship. We should be honest about our feelings. You’ve got to stay in good shape to look good in a latex costume.

Sexual Content

Teen romance leads to a few kisses, with one reference to “making out.” In an aside, one adult character agrees to a date when he finds out its with a woman’s “evil twin.” A few heroines sport some cleavage.

Violent Content

The cartoonish action violence is sometimes loud and fiery and often sends bodies flying and crashing through walls, but no one really gets hurt. Bullies push around smaller kids, including handing out “swirlies” and stuffing them in lockers.

Crude or Profane Language

Most bad language is carefully avoided. God’s name is used in exclamation. Coach Boomer suggests a student’s power may be “butt kissery.” G-level utterances include “shoot” and “bite me.”

Drug and Alcohol Content

Back in the late ’60s and early ’70s, a young Kurt Russell starred in a series of movies that cemented Disney’s then-reputation for live action flicks that were safe, fun and a little cheesy. Films such as The Computer Wore Tennis Shoes , The Barefoot Executive and The Strongest Man in the World delivered silly, outrageous adventures seemingly designed to be nothing more than two hours of quirky family escapism.

Disney’s squeaky-clean Sky High recaptures some of that spirit while mixing in the goofy superhero spoofery of the 1960s Batman TV series, decent special effects and the angsty teen comic drama of all those current Disney Channel sitcoms. The result is a generally kid-friendly, low stress, sometimes funny little adventure that’s easy to watch and easy to forget.

In a summer crowded with dark, brooding and complex celluloid superheroes, though, Sky High’s light tone, bright colors, chuckles and easy lessons may provide a welcome relief to families looking to satiate their youngsters’ hero-hunger.

Christopher Lyon

Latest reviews.

Spy x Family Code: White

Villains Inc.

Rebel Moon – Part Two: The Scargiver

The Ministry of Ungentlemanly Warfare

Weekly reviews straight to your inbox.

Sky High Review

21 Oct 2005

100 minutes

Stop us if you’ve heard this one before: an awkward adolescent with prominent parents goes to a school for specially gifted children in order to hone his special powers. That’s the premise of Sky High, which at first glance looks scarily like a Harry Potter/Incredibles hybrid. Fortunately, though, the film’s smart enough to develop its own identity.

Director Mike Mitchell cannily combines the staples of high-school comedy (bullies, romantic triangles, tyrannical teachers) with something altogether more fantastical — and it’s a blend that works well. The kids’ quirks are more original than your average superhero’s — witness the lass who can shapeshift into a purple-striped guinea pig, or the kid who melts into a puddle on cue.

But it’s the grown-up co-stars who steal the film. Kurt Russell is hilarious as the superhero dad who’s incapable of acknowledging any of his son’s shortcomings, while there’s a great little turn from Bruce Campbell as a sports teacher with a nice line in bellowing.

As derivative as it all may be, it’s still superb entertainment — and in a kids’-film market dominated by computer animation, it’s even better to see a live-action movie making its mark.

Related Articles

Movies | 01 08 2005

Movies | 24 05 2005

Common Sense Media

Movie & TV reviews for parents

• For Parents
• For Educators
• Our Work and Impact

Or browse by category:

• Get the app
• Movie Reviews
• Best Movie Lists
• Best Movies on Netflix, Disney+, and More

Common Sense Selections for Movies

50 Modern Movies All Kids Should Watch Before They're 12

• Best TV Lists
• Best TV Shows on Netflix, Disney+, and More
• Common Sense Selections for TV
• Video Reviews of TV Shows

Best Kids' Shows on Disney+

Best Kids' TV Shows on Netflix

• Book Reviews
• Best Book Lists
• Common Sense Selections for Books

8 Tips for Getting Kids Hooked on Books

50 Books All Kids Should Read Before They're 12

• Game Reviews
• Best Game Lists

Common Sense Selections for Games

• Video Reviews of Games

Nintendo Switch Games for Family Fun

• Podcast Reviews
• Best Podcast Lists

Common Sense Selections for Podcasts

Parents' Guide to Podcasts

• App Reviews
• Best App Lists

Social Networking for Teens

Gun-Free Action Game Apps

Reviews for AI Apps and Tools

• YouTube Channel Reviews
• YouTube Kids Channels by Topic

Parents' Ultimate Guide to YouTube Kids

YouTube Kids Channels for Gamers

• Preschoolers (2-4)
• Little Kids (5-7)
• Big Kids (8-9)
• Pre-Teens (10-12)
• Teens (13+)
• Screen Time
• Social Media
• Online Safety
• Identity and Community

Explaining the News to Our Kids

• Family Tech Planners
• Digital Skills
• All Articles
• Latino Culture
• Black Voices
• Asian Stories
• Native Narratives
• LGBTQ+ Pride
• Best of Diverse Representation List

Celebrating Black History Month

Movies and TV Shows with Arab Leads

Celebrate Hip-Hop's 50th Anniversary

Common sense media reviewers.

Man rises to top of criminal gang; violence, language, sex.

A Lot or a Little?

What you will—and won't—find in this movie.

Crime seems to pay handsomely to those who aim to

A seemingly nice guy turns violent and power-hungr

A woman is shot at point-blank range in the head.

Breasts are seen as couples have sex in dim lighti

"F--k," "s--t," "p--sy," "d--k," "ass," "hell," "d

Adults smoke cigarettes.

Parents need to know that Sky High is the phrase young punk Angel uses to describe the heights he wants to reach in his criminal endeavors. This Spanish drama (in Spanish with English subtitles) showcases many jewelry and luxury car heists, some violent and chaotic and others subtle and well-planned…

Positive Messages

Crime seems to pay handsomely to those who aim to rise above petty and thoughtless thievery. Cops are mostly dirty and protect the most powerful criminals. If you're okay with getting arrested now and then, the stakes are worth it, until they’re not.

Positive Role Models

A seemingly nice guy turns violent and power-hungry, is unfaithful to two women, and flaunts his disdain for authority to his own detriment.

Violence & Scariness

A woman is shot at point-blank range in the head. Blood is seen. A boyfriend and girlfriend shove each other. Cars crash. Thugs punch each other and threaten each other. Hoards of armed police chase criminals.

Did you know you can flag iffy content? Adjust limits for Violence & Scariness in your kid's entertainment guide.

Sex, Romance & Nudity

Breasts are seen as couples have sex in dim lighting. Sexual moaning is heard. A man and woman kiss passionately in a car.

Did you know you can flag iffy content? Adjust limits for Sex, Romance & Nudity in your kid's entertainment guide.

"F--k," "s--t," "p--sy," "d--k," "ass," "hell," "damn," "bastard," "bitch," "prick," "jerk off," "suck," "douchebag," and "f-ggot."

Did you know you can flag iffy content? Adjust limits for Language in your kid's entertainment guide.

Drinking, Drugs & Smoking

Did you know you can flag iffy content? Adjust limits for Drinking, Drugs & Smoking in your kid's entertainment guide.

Parents Need to Know

Parents need to know that Sky High is the phrase young punk Angel uses to describe the heights he wants to reach in his criminal endeavors. This Spanish drama (in Spanish with English subtitles) showcases many jewelry and luxury car heists, some violent and chaotic and others subtle and well-planned. Characters pull guns on each other and get into fights. A woman is shot at point-blank range in the head. Blood is seen. Expect frequent use of language, including "f--k," "s--t," "p--sy," "d--k," "ass," "hell," "damn," "bastard," "bitch," "prick," "jerk off," "suck," "douchebag," and "f-ggot." Bare breasts are seen in sex scenes. To stay in the loop on more movies like this, you can sign up for weekly Family Movie Night emails .

Where to Watch

Videos and photos.

Community Reviews

• Parents say
• Kids say (1)

There aren't any parent reviews yet. Be the first to review this title.

What's the Story?

Angel (Miguel Herron of Money Heist ) is an earnest mechanic, seemingly polite and respectful, who suddenly turns into an adrenaline junkie when he joins the rough, tough robbery gang of Poli (Richard Holmes). Even after the violent and soulless Poli betrays him on his first caper, Angel sticks with the gang, gradually seeing the angles and betraying Poli right back. Angel thinks big and tries to eliminate middle men standing in his way, leading him to collaborate with Rogelio (Luis Tosar), a polished but dangerous kingpin with connections at the top of the police department. Angel makes good on the business end and marries Rogelio's daughter, Sole (Asia Ortega), which both offers him safety but also puts him under scrutiny. Various elaborate heists, schemes, and betrayals follow. Elaborate money laundering plots ensue. Angel burns bridges and continues to have an affair with his true love, a tough moll named Estrella (Carolina Yuste). Will he make it out alive?

Is It Any Good?

This is a movie that seems interesting but loses steam . Sky High gets off to a promising start, introducing a sweet and likable Angel, but as he becomes irretrievably corrupt and as he arrogantly thumbs his nose at the police, the action stagnates into a one-note, repeating pattern. Angel seems like a nice guy, so it's difficult to believe his transformation into a ruthless, macho hothead. And a narrative with so much potential gets bogged down in showy, fast-paced editing designed to showcase precise and dazzling capers. The dazzle wears off as the plot settles into a predictable rinse-and-repeat cycle -- a series of dull and pointlessly risky tensions and risks. Even the enormously sympathetic Herron can't inject the newly ruthless Angel with sufficient charm to keep us interested for two long hours.

Talk to Your Kids About ...

Families can talk about incentives that lead people into crime. Why do you think the seemingly-nice Angel so eagerly and unquestioningly accepts an invitation to take part in a robbery led by a guy he doesn't like?

The movie tells us that Angel is smarter than the local small-time gang leader, prompting Angel to betray him and go out on his own. How does having brains get Angel into trouble? What does that tell us about the possibility of having self confidence beyond one's abilities?

What role do you think poverty plays in the criminal behavior displayed in the movie?

Movie Details

• In theaters : December 18, 2020
• On DVD or streaming : April 1, 2021
• Cast : Miguel Herrán , Luis Tosar , Asia Ortega , Carolina Yuste , Richard Holmes , Fernando Cayo
• Director : Daniel Calparsoro
• Inclusion Information : Latino actors, Female actors
• Studio : Netflix
• Genre : Drama
• Run time : 121 minutes
• MPAA rating : NR
• Last updated : July 14, 2023

Did we miss something on diversity?

Research shows a connection between kids' healthy self-esteem and positive portrayals in media. That's why we've added a new "Diverse Representations" section to our reviews that will be rolling out on an ongoing basis. You can help us help kids by suggesting a diversity update.

Suggest an Update

Our editors recommend.

Money Heist

Man on a Ledge

Thriller movies, best action movies for kids.

Common Sense Media's unbiased ratings are created by expert reviewers and aren't influenced by the product's creators or by any of our funders, affiliates, or partners.

Sky High (United States, 2005)

Initially, Sky High looked like it was going to be one of the summer's throw-away movies - a family comedy with suspicious similarities to last year's The Incredibles . Imagine my surprise when I discovered that not only is Sky High too good to be considered a mere "throw away," but, from a pure entertainment perspective, it is arguably the most enjoyable motion picture of the season. Sky High is funny, smart, energetic, subversive, and has a few substantive things to say. There's nothing on director Mike Mitchell's dismal resume to indicate he was capable of crafting such a welcome diversion.

There is a little of The Incredibles to be found in Sky High , but that's not where the cinematic connections end. Other allusions include X-Men, Harry Potter, Spy Kids , and Can't Buy Me Love . The script, credited to a trio of writers (Paul Hernandez, Bob Schooley, Mark McCorkle) succeeds at the tricky task of lampooning a genre while also becoming an entry. The writing is sly and knowledgeable, and chock full of "in" jokes and witticisms in categories ranging from character names ("Warren Peace" - say that aloud) to set design (Bat-poles) to throw-away lines (Lynda Carter saying, "Who do you think I am? Wonder Woman?") No, this isn't Tolstoy, and despite the "Warren Peace," it's not intended to be. But it is perfect for the mood of the film, which is one third comedy, one third action, and one third drama. And, with no sex or profanity, and only a little in the way of cartoon violence, it's appropriate for the whole family.

The central character is Will Stronghold (Michael Angarano), the 14-year old son of the world's two most revered superheroes, Commander (Kurt Russell) and Jetstream (Kelly Preston). In costume, they repeatedly save the day, while hiding behind their secret identities as mild-mannered real estate agents. For Will, it's time to start high school at his parents' alma mater, Sky High - the learning center for people with superpowers. Joining Will is his best friend, Layla (Danielle Panabaker), who has an affinity for plant life. But there's problem - Will hasn't shown any signs of superpowers, and this gets him placed in the "sidekick" class. While there, he has little chance of attracting the girl of his dreams, Gwen Grayson (Mary Elizabeth Winstead), a senior with an affinity for technology. And it doesn't help that one of his teachers, Coach Boomer (Bruce Campbell), doesn't like him. How can Will survive without powers living in his parents' shadow, and how can he find a way to tell his mother and father the truth about his non-existent abilities? And what happens when Commander and Jetstream's arch-enemy hatches a diabolical plan?

For a film as effervescent as Sky High frequently is, the characters are surprisingly well developed. And there are lessons to be learned. Will's experiences with different high school cliques ("heroes" and "sidekicks") are allegorical, and illustrate themes that many pre-teens and teenagers can relate to (alienation, rebellion, etc.). A subplot that has Will turning his back on his friends when the lure of fame and status beckon recalls the storyline of the '80s teen comedy, Can't Buy Me Love . The lesson is the same: popularity is fickle, but true love and friendship last forever.

There are plenty of opportunities for laughter in Sky High , and I won't ruin the surprise of discovery by cataloguing them here. The soundtrack is strong (although there are quite a few covers), with many of the songs used in inventive ways. (Spandau Ballet's "True" being the most striking example.) The real-life difficulties of being a superhero while raising a family are acknowledged, but not overplayed. This does not feel like a rip-off of either Spy Kids or The Incredibles . The special effects are solid - believable when desired and intentionally cheesy when that's called for (such as the robot at the beginning). And the powers of many classic superheroes are represented: Spider-Man, the Flash, Plastic Man, the Human Torch, the Thing, Iceman, and Superman.

The actors are well-cast. Most of the young thespians are fresh faces with limited experience (primarily in TV projects). Michael Angarano, Danielle Panabaker, and Mary Elizabeth Winstead top a list of strong performers who capture the essences of characters that are more compelling than one might anticipate. Steven Strait is suitably James Dean-ish as Warren Peace, Will's nemesis. Better-known actors like Kurt Russell, Kelly Preston, and the always welcome Bruce Campbell miss few, if any, notes. And Kevin Heffernan has a small part (as bus driver Ron Wilson) in which he channels John Candy.

There have been so many disappointments during the summer of 2005 that, upon finding something that exceeds expectations, I want to trumpet its existence. One could successfully argue that Star Wars: Revenge of the Sith and Batman Begins are more complete motion pictures, but it's hard to deny that Sky High has more charm. With likeable characters, an involving and amusing storyline, and solid direction, the film's appeal is hard to deny. Ignore the lame trailers and give Sky High a shot.

Comments Add Comment

• Princess Bride, The (1987)
• City Lights (1931)
• This Is Spinal Tap (1984)
• Feast (2006)
• Dumb and Dumberer (2003)
• Freddy Got Fingered (2001)
• Forbidden Kingdom, The (2008)
• Haywire (2012)
• (There are no more better movies of Michael Angarano)
• Final Season, The (2007)
• Lords of Dogtown (2005)
• Snow Angels (2008)
• Hudsucker Proxy, The (1994)
• Evil Dead, The (1969)
• Evil Dead II, The (1987)
• Ant Bully, The (2006)
• Congo (1995)
• (There are no more worst movies of Bruce Campbell)
• (There are no more better movies of Kelly Vitz)
• (There are no more worst movies of Kelly Vitz)

Discovering good movies, one bad movie at a time

Sky High (2005)

Blockbuster history: superhero movies for children, connect with us.

Support The Show

Sky High Movie Review: A flat, even if flashy, crime drama 

Rating: ( 1.5 / 5).

What’s the most enjoyable aspect of an open-world game? More than the storyline and the tasks, the real joy lies in the virtual freedom the game offers: the freedom to drive cars at breakneck speed, explore the world in an unrestricted way, perhaps even perform crimes, and manage to get away. However, what if your haphazard, indulgent virtual tour turned out to be a film? That’s what  Sky High  feels like.

From omnipresent light-flares and eye-catching colors to high-speed automobiles and electronic music, the film’s ultra-stylish exterior bears a strong resemblance to video games. This is only amplified by the caricaturish characters who are always on the run. The frustration here though is you are not a controller; you are a mere spectator. For lack of a joystick with which to control proceedings, you are never able to steer these characters towards more exciting paths. 

A young Angel (Miguel Herran) is brimming with the desire to move from the streets of Madrid to the high-rise buildings, the latter becoming a metaphor for his aspiration to climb the social ladder. Angel is smitten by Estrella (Carolina Yuste), the girlfriend of a local gangster Poli (Richard Holmes), and expectedly, the two come to blows. You may expect the film to take the route of  This Means War,  a film in which two alpha males wage war over a woman. However, there’s no such action, even of the garden variety, with this film, which mistakes flashy visuals for engaging storytelling. Barely a scene later, Poli and Angel are shown to join hands for a robbery, and this transition in their dynamic is baffling, and it’s even worse that this goes on to serve as a foundation for ensuing drama.

The screenplay is reminiscent of video games as well. Every time the film shifts its geographical setting, we foresee the beginning of a new mission. Halfway through the runtime, the film’s identity crisis kicks in. As heists and robberies take a step back, relationships take centrestage. It’s a film that never seems to be able to make up its mind on what it wants to be. Ultimately, it ends up being a film that bites way more than it can chew, and as a result, you get an array of mediocre villains and a number of subplots that fail to add any depth.

Towards the end, when Angel finally makes it to the high-rise building, there is a callback to the film’s opening moments, but you are indifferent to his struggles and successes, and his story as a whole. It’s a story that spans three years over the course of its two-hour runtime, and yet, the pacing is sluggish.  Sky High  should have been far more fun.

Related Stories

"At Last, A Fun Comic Book Movie!"

What You Need To Know:

SKY HIGH is hilarious. Often, it is very tongue-in-cheek, intentionally corny, yet full of great insights into high school life. Director Mike Mitchell has done a terrific job of keeping this movie on course. SKY HIGH transcends its own B-movie genre by being better made, better acted, better directed, and more fun than most comic book movies.

(BBB, C, L, V, N, M) Very strong moral family worldview with several clearly defined moral decisions including giving up the Number One girl on campus for the girl who is really your best friend, apologizing to your parents and vice versa, taking responsibility for your actions, caring for others, and consistently trying to save and help others, with of course light Christian undertones but nothing overt; five light obscenities and two Oh, God; lots of action violence, including heavy objects dropped on people, adults turned into babies, one character throws balls of flame at another, heavy objects thrown at people, and many comic action violent activities with shape changing, but these are all done with a light touch and no on screen murders , unlike movies like FANTASTIC 4; typical high school romantic interests, mild kissing three or four times and nothing salacious; babies in diapers but no other nudity; no alcohol, smoking or drugs; and, shape-changing and deception and lying by villain but rebuked.

More Detail:

SKY HIGH is the first fun, funny comic book movie of 2005. Unlike the heavy-handed FANTASTIC FOUR, SKY HIGH keeps a balanced tone, that may appeal to a broader age range and that elicited applause at the end of the movie. Although it has some profound themes, it never strays into the darkness of many other comic book movies.

A comic book type movie created just for the motion picture medium, the movie tells the story of Will Stronghold, whose parents are famous superheroes, the Commander and Jetstream. When they’re not saving the world the Commander and Jetstream are real estate agents, Steve and Josie.

SKY HIGH opens with Will going to a special high school for the children of superheroes. During the first day, each student has to reveal their powers. One can melt, another can turn into a guinea pig, another can grow plants, another is super fast, and Will, well, he doesn’t have any superpowers, but everyone expects him to because his parents are the most renowned graduates of Sky High. Will’s best friend, Layla (who has the power to grow plants), decides to be a sidekick with Will. The sidekicks are made up of teenagers whose powers are too feeble to be superheroes.

For some reason, however, the top girl on campus, Gwen, who is a superhero and can move technology with her mind, takes a liking to freshman Will. Meanwhile, another superhero who can shoot fireballs out of his hands, Warren, resents Will because Will’s father, the Commander, sent Warren’s father to jail.

The plot thickens as it becomes clear that someone is trying to destroy the superheroes by turning them into babies. Will discovers that he does have some powers, but makes some critical mistakes along the way. The story involves him learning from his mistakes and trying to save the world when the villain is revealed and his parents are turned into babies.

SKY HIGH is hilarious. Often, it is very tongue-in-cheek, intentionally corny, yet full of great insights into high school life. Director Mike Mitchell has done a terrific job of keeping this movie on course. The plot points are unexpected, well developed and properly positioned. This is not an attempt at serious art, but it transcends its own B-movie genre by being better made, better acted, better directed, and more fun than most comic book movies.

Kurt Russell plays the Commander and is a wonderful father figure. He too has to learn from his mistakes.

Love is the bottom line that holds all the relationships together. Lust is rejected. And, self-discipline and doing the right thing are more important than romance. Thus, the movie teaches virtue while entertaining the audience. It is one of the best of the Class of 2005.

Now more than ever we’re bombarded by darkness in media, movies, and TV. Movieguide® has fought back for almost 40 years, working within Hollywood to propel uplifting and positive content. We’re proud to say we’ve collaborated with some of the top industry players to influence and redeem entertainment for Jesus. Still, the most influential person in Hollywood is you. The viewer.

What you listen to, watch, and read has power. Movieguide® wants to give you the resources to empower the good and the beautiful. But we can’t do it alone. We need your support.

You can make a difference with as little as $7. It takes only a moment. If you can, consider supporting our ministry with a monthly gift. Thank you.

Movieguide® is a 501c3 and all donations are tax deductible.

• Action/Adventure
• Children's/Family
• Documentary/Reality
• Amazon Prime Video

More From Decider

Bill Maher Compares Nickelodeon To Neverland Ranch After Watching 'Quiet...

Woody Allen in Exile: 'Coup De Chance' Finally Arrives On Streaming, Where...

Donald Trump Once Invited 'The View's Joy Behar To Be On 'The Apprentice'...

'Bob Hearts Abishola's Billy Gardell Tells ‘Live’ About His Bariatric...

'The Golden Bachelor' Stars Gerry Turner And Theresa Nist Divorcing Three...

'The View' Reacts To O.J. Simpson's Death: "The Tragedy Was The...

'The View' Forced To Evacuate Their Studio Before Wednesday's Show After...

'X-Men '97' Gives Gambit a Hero Moment You'll Never Forget

Share this:.

• Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window)
• Click to share on Twitter (Opens in new window)
• Click to share on WhatsApp (Opens in new window)
• Click to email a link to a friend (Opens in new window)
• Click to copy URL

Stream It Or Skip It: ‘Sky High: The Series’ On Netflix, Where A Widow Takes Over Her Husband’s Smash-And-Grab Gang

Where to stream:.

• Sky High: The Series

Stream It Or Skip It: ‘See You In Another Life’ On Hulu, About A Teen Who Participated In The 2004 Madrid Terror Bombings

Stream it or skip it: ‘love, divided’ on netflix, a sweet fantasy romance that seems to ask the question “what if amélie was a contestant on ‘love is blind’”, 11 best new shows on netflix: april 2024’s top upcoming series to watch, stream it or skip it: ‘dinner party diaries with josé andrés’ on prime video, where the chef, restaurateur, and humanitarian welcomes celebs into his kitchen .

We don’t ask for much from shows and films that have a lot of action. Give us good chase or fight scenes, give us a character or two that we can latch onto — whether they’re good or bad guys — and we’re good. A new Spanish series on Netflix, based on a 2020 film about a smash-and-grab robbery crew , pretty much scratches that itch.

SKY HIGH: THE SERIES : STREAM IT OR SKIP IT?

Opening Shot: “MADRID.” A tractor trailer pulls into a truck stop.

The Gist: A group of robbers steal the cab of the tractor trailer and drive it to a warehouse where lots of expensive hams are being stored. They load the hams into another truck and leave. But as the police chase them down the highway, one of the robbers throws hams at them to slow them down. The plan isn’t exactly successful. Sole (Asia Ortega Leiva), the widow of Ángel (Miguel Herrán), the gang’s old leader and the daughter of Rogelio (Luis Tosar), the stolen-goods dealer that hired them to steal the pricey hams, decides to bail the entire group out of jail. Since Ángel’s death, she’s been dependent on her father and really doesn’t want to be; he even sends stolen merchandise to her athleisure shop for her to sell, which she refuses.

Bills are starting to come due, she needs to support herself and her son, and the money that Ángel left, which is not as much as Rogelio believes she has, is running low. But Sole has a plan: First, get Mercedes (Patricia Vico), the attorney Rogelio used in his early days, to help her figure out how to grow the money she has left. Rogelio warns Sole from associating with Mercedes, but it seems that Sole knows what she wants to do.

The next thing is to take over the smash-and-grab robbery gang that Ángel was in. She knows they can be good at their jobs, but also can be distracted doing jobs; she feels she can keep them all in line.

Rosa (Alana La Hija del Jeque), who delivers food, goes to Sole’s house to deliver some beer. But it turns out that she delivers more than just food and booze, as we see in a part of town with a bunch of burned-out cars. She also has a connection to Sole; she calls Sole from a cell phone, and it comes up on Sole’s phone as “Estrella”, an old friend that got killed a few months prior.

After getting that call, Sole and Mercedes go to the police, specifically Duque (Fernando Cayo), the detective that has been after Rogelio for months. She thinks the calls are coming from the police, since they were the last to have Estrella’s phone. He’s positive he can get some proof of Rogelio’s operation via someone on the inside. He also tells Sole that he no longer has Estrella’s phone and that the last call to it came from her at the police station, when she was arrested in conjunction with a case involving Chinese mobsters and missing cash.

What Shows Will It Remind You Of? Sky High: The Series is based on the 2020 movie Sky High , with a lot of the same characters and actors carrying over to the series.

Our Take: There’s not exactly a ton of depth to Sky High: The Series . There’s a lot of scenes of the robbery gang doing their indelicate work; there’s no scheming in their work, no planning a heist that involves misdirection and other complex logistics. The group Sole is leading aren’t the brightest guys but are good at smashing and grabbing.

A new member of the group, Fernan (Álvaro Rico), is a bit of a mysterious wild card, but he’s also the most effective member of the group. He’s also Duque’s mole; that aspect will lend some intrigue as Sole and Mercedes conspire on bigger and bigger jobs. But for the most part, the story doesn’t give us a ton of character development.

Does that matter here? It’s like with the Fast and Furious franchise; there are characters there, but you mostly watch it for the car chases. That’s more or less what we are looking for here, which is lots of action and a little bit of story.

We’re not sure how Rosa will befriend Sole, but there is an meeting that seems inevitable. And perhaps there, with the connection between the two that Sole doesn’t know about, some more story will develop. Of course, Sole’s relationship with her father Rogelio, and everything that revolves around that, will also round out the storytelling. But how much we’ll get of that between the smashing and the grabbing will be anyone’s guess.

Sex and Skin: Nothing in the first episode, but that doesn’t mean there won’t be any during the rest of the season.

Parting Shot: After a relatively successful smash-and-grab of a jewelry store, Sole pays off a man who will give her crew access to a construction site. They need that access to grab the front loader they need to do the job.

Sleeper Star: Luis Tosar, a veteran Spanish actor, is properly menacing as Rogelio.

Most Pilot-y Line: Sole goes out with her friends, and the three of them wake up in her car the next morning. One of them sees a skyscraper and says one of her recent dates worked there. The other friend says, “Sure, and he brought you all the way up there to see… his office.” Yep, we get what “his office” means. We all get it.

Our Call: STREAM IT. Sky High: The Series isn’t anything deep, but there’s just enough plot to keep you watching between action scenes.

Joel Keller ( @joelkeller ) writes about food, entertainment, parenting and tech, but he doesn’t kid himself: he’s a TV junkie. His writing has appeared in the New York Times, Slate, Salon, RollingStone.com , VanityFair.com , Fast Company and elsewhere.

• Sky High (2021)
• Stream It Or Skip It

'Dune: Part Two' Comes to Digital, But When Will 'Dune 2' Stream on Max?

Are 'Chicago Med,' 'Chicago Fire' and 'Chicago P.D.' New Tonight? Here's When 'One Chicago' Returns to NBC With New Episodes

'Bob Hearts Abishola's Billy Gardell Tells ‘Live’ About His Bariatric Surgery and 170 Lb Weight Loss: "I Went From A Young Jackie Gleason To An Old Paul Newman"

Is 'Grey's Anatomy' New Tonight? Here's When The Next Episode of 'Grey's Anatomy' Is On ABC And Hulu 

Does Mariko Die in 'Shōgun'? Anna Sawai Explains the One Big Difference Between the Book and Episode 9 "Crimson Sky"

Stream It Or Skip It: 'Under The Bridge' On Hulu, A Drama About The Real Life Murder Of A Teen In A Small Canadian Town

Log in or sign up for Rotten Tomatoes

Trouble logging in?

By continuing, you agree to the Privacy Policy and the Terms and Policies , and to receive email from the Fandango Media Brands .

By creating an account, you agree to the Privacy Policy and the Terms and Policies , and to receive email from Rotten Tomatoes and to receive email from the Fandango Media Brands .

By creating an account, you agree to the Privacy Policy and the Terms and Policies , and to receive email from Rotten Tomatoes.

Email not verified

Let's keep in touch.

Sign up for the Rotten Tomatoes newsletter to get weekly updates on:

• Upcoming Movies and TV shows
• Trivia & Rotten Tomatoes Podcast
• Media News + More

By clicking "Sign Me Up," you are agreeing to receive occasional emails and communications from Fandango Media (Fandango, Vudu, and Rotten Tomatoes) and consenting to Fandango's Privacy Policy and Terms and Policies . Please allow 10 business days for your account to reflect your preferences.

OK, got it!

Movies / TV

No results found.

• What's the Tomatometer®?
• Login/signup

Movies in theaters

• Opening this week
• Top box office
• Coming soon to theaters
• Certified fresh movies

Movies at home

• Fandango at Home
• Netflix streaming
• Prime Video
• Most popular streaming movies
• What to Watch New

Certified fresh picks

• Abigail Link to Abigail
• Civil War Link to Civil War
• Arcadian Link to Arcadian

New TV Tonight

• The Jinx: Season 2
• Knuckles: Season 1
• THEM: The Scare: Season 2
• Velma: Season 2
• The Big Door Prize: Season 2
• Secrets of the Octopus: Season 1
• Dead Boy Detectives: Season 1
• Thank You, Goodnight: The Bon Jovi Story: Season 1
• We're Here: Season 4

Most Popular TV on RT

• Fallout: Season 1
• Baby Reindeer: Season 1
• The Sympathizer: Season 1
• Ripley: Season 1
• Shōgun: Season 1
• 3 Body Problem: Season 1
• Under the Bridge: Season 1
• Sugar: Season 1
• A Gentleman in Moscow: Season 1
• Parasyte: The Grey: Season 1
• Best TV Shows
• Most Popular TV
• TV & Streaming News

Certified fresh pick

• Under the Bridge Link to Under the Bridge
• All-Time Lists
• Binge Guide
• Comics on TV
• Five Favorite Films
• Video Interviews
• Weekend Box Office
• Weekly Ketchup
• What to Watch

All Guy Ritchie Movies Ranked by Tomatometer

All A24 Movies Ranked by Tomatometer

What to Watch: In Theaters and On Streaming

Awards Tour

Renewed and Cancelled TV Shows 2024

Best Moments From The Migration Movie

• Trending on RT
• Video Game TV Ranked
• Most Anticipated Movies
• Play Movie Trivia
• MGM: 100 Years, 100 Essential Movies

Sky High Reviews

[Sky High] hardly breathes the sweat and perfume that current movies are looking to pay tribute to. However, it is worth noting that the film is entertaining. [Full review in Spanish]

Full Review | Original Score: 6/10 | Mar 20, 2023

Sky High is a movie that struggles to execute its promising ideas.

Full Review | Original Score: 5/10 | Jan 16, 2023

Sky High hits all the right notes for a heist movie - the crew, the plan, the job, the getaway.

Full Review | Apr 12, 2021

Even the film's most ingenious heist, armored cars on a ferry, isn't handled with the sort of snap, crackle and pop you expect from a thriller these days.

Full Review | Original Score: 1.5/4 | Apr 5, 2021

Some okay performances and individual scenes help to earn Sky High some goodwill, but it's very difficult to recommend beyond that.

Full Review | Original Score: 2/5 | Apr 2, 2021

Find Family Movies, Movie Ratings and Movie Reviews

Sky High Parent Guide

This superhero movie rises above its genre with a light touch and laugh out loud humor that will be appreciated by viewers of all ages..

Going to a "special" high school just means extra pressure for Will Stronghold (Michael Angarano), the son of two super heroes. Unsure he has inherited any of the right stuff, the teenager is forced to find out after he meets a classmates with a grudge against his family.

Release date July 28, 2005

Run Time: 100 minutes

Get Content Details

The guide to our grades, parent movie review by rod gustafson.

High school is tough enough already, but imagine if you had to worry about other issues while negotiating the thorns and flowers of puberty. Such is the case for a select group of teens attending Sky High, a very “special” school for those with budding superhero powers.

Among the freshman is Will Stronghold (Michael Angarano), son of Commander Stronghold (Kurt Russel) and Jetstream (Kelly Preston). Because they are two of the most famous superheroes in the world, Will’s reputation precedes him as he steps upon the turf of his parents’ Alma Mater. Yet, what his fellow students (and even his mom and dad) don’t know is, Will still hasn’t discovered his special power.

First day jitters just get worse when it’s time for gym class and Coach Boomer (Bruce Campbell) begins having the kids demonstrate their powers. Based on Boomer’s assessment, they are either designated as a “hero” or a “sidekick”—the latter being the group to which Will’s friends are ascribed. But for the boy with the super pedigree, high expectations make the situation even more humiliating. The only thing worse is having to reveal his lowly sidekick status to his father.

However, a school rebel inadvertently helps the young man unlock his potential. Warren Peace (Steven Strait), the flame-throwing offspring of a hero mother and a villain father, has a grudge against the Stronghold family. When he decides to take out his hot temper on the cold-footed Will, the confrontation leaves the underdog suddenly bursting with newfound strength—and reassigned to the hero class.

Sadly, the promotion means seeing less of his sidekick friends, however Will gets over any feelings of remorse after meeting his new lab partner Gwen (Mary Elizabeth Winstead), an attractive senior and student body president—with a secret.

For those expecting another teen movie, Sky High rises far above the rest of this genre. The imaginative script parallels jocks and geeks, with the added benefit of providing some great discussion starters and lessons for young audiences. These serious moments come off with grace and style, thanks to a good dose of humor that works for children and grown-ups.

Not falling into the “kids know best” trap, both young and old play necessary roles within this community of characters. For instance, Will learns the importance of trusting his parents, while Ron the bus driver (Kevin Heffernan), an adult who didn’t inherit his parents’ best genetic traits, demonstrates how you don’t need superpowers to make a significant difference.

With virtually no profanity, only a few moments of teen romance, and some superhero violence that’s never overdone, Sky High graduates with flying colors for family viewing,

About author

Rod Gustafson

Watch the trailer for sky high.

Sky High Parents' Guide

In reality, how are heroes and sidekicks determined in your school? Is this a fair classification? Where do you think you fit?

What role does peer pressure play in Will’s life? How did his relationship with Gwen put him and his family at risk? Have you, or your friends, ever been “blinded” by love?

Ron, the bus driver, should have had the benefits of super powers after having two superhero parents. How does he make up for this loss? How can attitude affect our outlook on life?

Loved this movie? Try these books…

​Young readers who daydream about being superheroes should get a kick out of Deb Pilutti’s Ten Rules of Being a Superhero .

Preschoolers will enjoy The Day I Lost My Superpowers by Michael Escoffier. This sweet story combines children, superpowers, and warm parent-child relationships in a story parents and kids will both enjoy.

Teen readers will likely enjoy Dangerous by Shannon Hale. This novel tells the story of the world’s least likely superhero, Maisie Danger Brown, a one-armed, half-Peruvian teenager living in Salt Lake City. Can Maisie develop superpowers and save the world? You betcha.

Shannon Hale has also written a series for younger readers about a superhero princess. Entitled Princess in Black , the series follows Princess Magnolia and her alter ego.

What if the sidekick is the one who saves the world? In A Hero at the End of the World , Erin Claiborne tells the story of Oliver Abrams, friend of the destined superhero, who defeats the villain. Teens will likely enjoy this twist on the Harry Potter series.

The most recent home video release of Sky High movie is November 28, 2005. Here are some details…

School has never been as out of this world as it is in Buena Vista Home Entertainment’s Sky High . Offered either in wide or full screen editions, the DVD features an alternate opening, Breaking Down the Walls (the stunts of Sky High) and Welcome to Sky High (a behind-the-scenes look at the making the movie with the cast and crew). All buddy superheroes will take comfort in the Super Bloopers (which features a little extra kissing not mentioned in our review, and a prank that shows a boy in boxer shorts), while music fans will enjoy Bowling for Soup’s music video I Melt With You . Audio tracks are available in English (Dolby Digital 5.1), Spanish (Dolby Digital 5.1), French (Dolby Digital 5.1), with subtitles in French.

Related home video titles:

The Incredibles is another film with super characters, created jointly by Disney and Pixar Studios. And did you notice the old yearbook picture of Will’s dad? In a past Disney film, Kurt Russell (Captain Stronghold) played a whiz kid in The Computer Wore Tennis Shoes , the movie in which he wore that same great sports jacket!