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Upon Jane’s recommendation, I wanted to see Sky High. Since Bebe was so stressed out because of exams and projects, he wanted to see something light and funny. So of we went to the movies.

I knew that this was a light, comedic romp and did not expect anything life-changing about watching it. I came out of the movie theatre charmed and energized by this film. One would say that it is a typical high school flick but the setting, circumstances and characters give it a fresh spin.

Sky High is the story of a high school for people with super powers. Focus of the film is Will Stronghold (Michael Angarano), the son of Commander (Kurt Russell) and Jetstream (Kelly Preston), the two most popular superheroes. It’s the first day of school but Will still has to discover his powers so the pressure is on! Will’s best friend Layla (Danielle Panabaker) who has the power to make plants grow. Will and Layla have a Dawson Leery-Joey Potter relationship.

On the first day of school, the freshmen are classfied as either “Hero” or “Hero Support” aka Sidekick class. Since Will has not shown his powers, he ends up in sidekick class together with Layla who in turn refused to join the power placement test. Their group consisted of kids whose powers are melting, glowing and shape shifting…into a guinea pig. (^_^) Their class is taught by Mr. Boy, one-time All-American Boy and sidekick to the Commander. Dave Foley still has that boyish appeal despite the obvious aging in his appearance that made him perfect for this role.

It won’t be a superhero tale unless there are archenemies. Will’s major archenemy is Warren Peace, the son of a hero and a supervillain. Warren’s dad was put in jail but Will’s dad. He’s known as the evil tough guy. Lash and Speed are the requisite bullies and Gwen Grayson is the campus heartthrob and chair of the homecoming committee.

One of my favorite characters is Ron Wilson — Bus Driver, the only person born of two strong superhero parents who never got his powers. He drives the superhero students to the secret Sky High location, suspended high up in the clouds. It is a minor character but IMHO, he steals the show every time he is on screen.

The casting of Lynda Carter as Principal Powers is simply inspired. I love the fact that they had her saying the line, “I’m not Wonder Woman, you know” towards the end of the movie. Kurt Russell appeared to be enjoying himself in the role of Steve Stronghold/Commander. At first I thought that he was too old to play a superhero dad to a teenager but watching the film, it just works.

All in all, Sky High was just a bucketload of fun. I wanted it to be longer as the characters are so engaging. I would recommend this based on the fun-factor. If you are looking for laughs and young (or young at heart), you would appreciate the humor of the movie.

By the way, the soundtrack was sooooo ’80′s! The had Eveybody Wants to Rule the World, True and Melt with You playing in the movie.