Film Reviews

Sky High

• Rating:
• Director: Mike Mitchell
• Starring: Kurt Russell
• Details: US, 100mins, PG.

Sky High is a high school for promising super-heroes where the class system consists of heroes and sidekicks rather than jocks and geeks - a place where the students study villainy, hone their powers and master gadgets while studying the usual books. Thrown into this world is Will Stronghold (Angarano), who is struggling to live up to his famous parents: legendary super-heroes The Commander (Russell) and Jetstream (Preston). The problem with Will is that he has no super-powers and, oh the shame of it, has been relegated to the role of sidekick. Now he must get through the year dealing with an over zealous coach, a bully with super speed and a good looking rebel who only plays by his own rules (why do girls like that?) while succumbing to the usual teenage angst of parental expectation and girls (lack thereof). But when an evil villain threatens his family and friends, Will must find something inside to save the day. Director Mitchell takes a while to set up the story, the better to explore the comic possibilities, but it is Russell's delivery that steals the show as the over-the-top father. Sky High would make a great television series but needs a little extra for the big screen.

Review by Gavin Burke