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Sky High
The son of the world's two best-known superheroes is starting at super school - the only problem is, he doesn't have any powers. Comedy starring Michael Angarano and Kurt Russell
Will Stronghold (Angarano) is the 14-year-old son of two of the world's most successful superheroes, the Commander (Russell) and Jetstream (Preston), who regularly save the city/the US/the planet from bad guys. As a news reporter says after they take down giant robots, "The Commander and Jetstream - what would we do without them?" Will is about to start at superhero school Sky High but he hasn't any powers, something he's kept secret from everyone except his best friend Layla (Panabaker). The truth is revealed when the pair start school and are put through the "hero" or "sidekick" selection process run by bullying coach Boomer (Campbell). In John Hughes-esque terms, the heroes are the jocks, the sidekicks the nerds. Certainly Will's sidekick friends are a goofy bunch, showcasing such apparently useless powers as being able to melt into a puddle (Daniels), glow in the dark (Braun) and shapeshift into a guinea pig (Vitz). Will also has to contend with the school bad boy, Warren Peace (Strait), picking on him in retaliation for the Commander and Stronghold busting his super villain dad. Luckily, Will's mother was right about him being a "late bloomer" and his powers do develop. Furthermore, Gwen (Winstead), the prom queen-type he swoons over (to the sound of Spandau Ballet in his head), falls for him. Of course, something nefarious is afoot and a super villain has plans for the school. Can they be foiled? Sky High sends up comic book superheroics while also paying affectionate homage. It's packed with nods to acclaimed costumed champions; there are sundry characters with classic superpowers, from Human Torch-style flame control and a Quicksilver/Flash-style speedster, to a Thing-type rock hero and a woman with freeze powers like Iceman - there's even a little cameo for a guy who can walk up walls, ?? la Spider-Man. The film also acknowledges the 'Batman' TV series - a cave-like Secret Sanctuary, accessed via poles - while the casting of Lynda Carter as the school principle is a clear nod to 'Wonder Woman'. Sky High's ably put together, from the special effects to the corralling of the large cast (the supporting adults, like Kevin McDonald as a big-brained boffin, are particularly good value). The humour is suitable for kids and parents and the ultimate message is anodyne and benign - "We're not heroes and sidekicks," explains Will. "We're just people." Verdict The John Hughes high school formula reworked for the spandex and super powers scene. Appealing and charming. |
