Sky High

Sky High, released in 2005, is an American superhero comedy film that blends the high school teenage drama with the extraordinary world of superpowered beings. The movie stars Kurt Russell, Kelly Preston, and Michael Angarano and is directed by Mike Mitchell. PG-rated, Sky High provides a fun, lighthearted adventure fit for all ages.

The film follows protagonist Will Stronghold, played by Michael Angarano. Will is the only child of The Commander (Kurt Russell) and Jetstream (Kelly Preston), the world’s most legendary superheroes, both of whom have always fought to protect the earth from all sorts of evil. As the son of this formidable duo, there are great expectations for Will to follow the legacy of his parents. However, Will hides a big secret: He's yet to develop any superpowers.

The teen is heading to Sky High, a high school floating high above the clouds, which is dedicated to training the next generation of superheroes. In Sky High, students are primarily divided into two categories during their first moment in school: "Heroes" and "Sidekicks", the difference becoming clear based on the potential and strength of their superpowers. This categorization process is akin to a rite of passage, seen as a crucial step in their growth as superheroes, or sidekicks, in the future. But Will, in spite of his heritage, lands up in the ‘Sidekick’ category due to his apparent lack of powers, bringing embarrassment to his superhero legacy and turning him into a social misfit at school.

The Sky High school's life is filled with challenges and adventures. We see our main characters juggling typical teenage problems regarding love, acceptance, and friendship, in addition to mastering their superpowers. Will's focus is divided between studying hard enough to shift from sidekick to hero, dealing with teenage crushes, and navigating the dynamics of a new quirky group of friends who are all sidekicks, each funnier and weirder than the next. Entwined with these storylines is Will's relationship with his parents and the intense pressure to live up to their expectations.

But salvation arrives when Will begins to channel his powers right when the student body is threatened by an unforeseen villain. Suddenly, his struggles to fit into the astounding universe of sky-high are not just about him, but about the fate of the whole school. Will must summon the power to become the hero he's destined to be, embrace the true essence of his powers and understand that the classification between a "Hero" and a "Sidekick" is not as clear-cut as it seems.

Kurt Russell and Kelly Preston play convincingly proud yet concerned parents, loving yet unaware of their son's lack of superpowers. They showcase the textbook superhero competence with the classic humility associated with their roles, making them beloved characters. Michael Angarano delivers a strong and charming performance as the young hero-to-be,. His portrayal of a teenager grappling with the gargantuan task of fulfilling his lineage is compelling, making for an engaging protagonist. The teen is surrounded by a talented cast of misfits with varying superpowers, each of whom contributes uniquely to the charm and comedy of the story.

The special effects, far from massive blockbuster standards, still manage to entertain and amaze. Sky High’s creatives have skilfully constructed a school that floats who-knows-how-many feet above the earth and filled it with peculiar characters, each with their uncanny abilities. The strength of Sky High lies in its witty maturity as it manipulates the conventions of the superhero genre with a sense of light-hearted comedy and simple life morals. It somehow manages to create intensity with the storyline without letting go of the inherent adolescent humor.

"Sky High," with its simple yet compelling storyline, is a fun spin on superhero movies. It talks about typical teenage problems within the context of a superhero universe, making it a perfect movie for the entire family. Everyone young and old can enjoy the cleverly thought-out story that blends ordinary high school tropes with extraordinary superhuman elements in an entertaining way. Will Stronghold is a relatable protagonist for many youths, his struggles mirroring daily problems faced by ordinary teenagers. As such, the movie presents an impactful life lesson – that everyone, whether deemed a 'hero' or 'sidekick,' possesses their own innate heroic qualities, showcasing the importance of self-confidence, friendship, and loyalty. This family-friendly comedy teaches you that, ultimately, heroes are not always made; sometimes, they are born, just waiting for the right push to reveal their true potential.