Sky High

Sky High must have felt like a homecoming for Kurt Russell: just like the low-budget Disney flicks he starred in as a teenager (The Computer Wore Tennis Shoes, Now You See Him, Now You Don't), it's a cliché-dependent, high-concept flick that aims no higher than the unsophisticated standards of its preadolescent target audience—yet somehow often succeeds in spite of itself. Michael Angarano (Almost Famous) plays Will Stronghold, teenage son of the world's greatest superhero couple (Russell and Kelly Preston), who has yet to hit super-powers puberty—thus making him an outcast in superhero high school. Beyond the occasional rib-tickling one-liner, the movie relies heavily on tedious 'tween-movie staples: unattainable crush, neglected best friend, "super" bullies, snooty cheerleaders, clumsy dialogue written by adults with no clue how kids talk, etc. But frequently director Mike Mitchell manages to turn the campiness and corniness to his advantage, especially when an over-the-top archrival arrives with nefarious plans for the school and Will's parents. Sky High feels like a nostalgic throwback to the cheap, dumb, slightly behind-the-times movies we didn't know enough to dislike back when we were young. A strong optional purchase. [Note: Available in either widescreen or full screen versions, DVD extras include the 16-minute behind-the-scenes featurette “Welcome to Sky High,” “Breaking Down the Walls: The Stunts of Sky High” (7 min.), “Super Bloopers” (5 min.), an alternate opening (4 min.), the music video “I'll Melt With You” performed by Bowling for Soup (4 min.), an original storyboard pitch (2 min.), Easter eggs, and trailers. Bottom line: a decent extras package for a fun if unexceptional Disney film.] (R. Blackwelder)