Sky High (PG)

“Sky High” is a predictable movie, and brings absolutely nothing new to the table in terms of plot. We have the age old “will they/won’t they” drama between Will and Layla, as well as the “kid in a new school has a hard time” motif that we’ve seen dozens of times over in countless better films (think “10 Things I Hate About You”). In fact, the movie seems to borrow most of its scenes from a slew of off-key comedies and actioners that have come before. There’s the grudge between the new guy and school bullies that’s lifted from Sam Raimi’s first “Spider-man” film, as well as the obnoxious-yet-cool school bus driver that practically channels Chris Farley from “Billy Madison.”

Other problems lie in the film’s inclusion of big budget actors to fill the film’s characters flatly and unconvincingly. Kurt Russell, who has shown wonderful acting ability in serious dramas such as the high octane “Backdraft,” or John Carpenter’s cult classic “Escape from New York” is completely wasted here, and seems as though he’s not even trying. Likewise, Kelly Preston, who has turned in dynamic roles such as in Cameron Crowe’s “Jerry Maguire,” is little more than unnecessary, her scenes contrived and unconvincing. And amidst it all, most of the adults in the school (the most popular being Coach Boomer cast, for some unknown reason, with “The Evil Dead” icon Bruce Campbell) are disinteresting, adding nothing to a film that was clearly about kids with superpowers, and not the school administration policing them.

However, the film offers some bright performances and scenes, mostly between Will, Layla, and Warren Peace. Though pulling attitude and demeanor straight from Heath Ledger’s performance from “10 Things,” Steven Strait is convincing and edgy as the school misanthrope, his grudge with Will having more to do with protecting his image than any desire to do him harm. Likewise, Michael Angarano does a fairly decent job as the movie’s lead, (though some scenes such as a school competition to ‘save the citizen’ are unnecessarily dramatic, at no fault of his own, however) bringing an everyman to the table that will please youthful audiences and possibly even some adults. However, of the young cast, Danielle Panabaker is the most effective as ‘Sidekick’ Layla (her superpower of controlling plants not as powerful or useful as others in the school), bringing an irresistible charm and likability to Layla that makes Will’s ignorance of her feelings for him all the more frustrating. You’ll root for her without even trying as she moves from reserved Sidekick to confident hero during the film’s progression.

“Sky High,” clearly a movie about superheroes, wouldn’t work without a villain, but there’s really no way to talk about this without spoiling the film for those who haven’t seen it. The film is a cross between any of a thousand teen romance/coming of age television shows and a composite of superhero movies to hit box offices, yet manages to bring the materials together into a pleasing mix that will entertain kids, yet probably won’t offend adult audiences looking for escapism. The acting is hit or miss, with most of the younger, less experienced cast bringing in anything that resembles a good performance, but the feel of the movie, a killer soundtrack featuring such ‘80s greats as ‘Voices Carry’ by ‘Til Tuesday, and believable special effects save it from the land of forgettable throw-a-ways. If you want a fun movie to watch with the kids or are feeling nostalgic, you could probably do a lot worse than “Sky High.” But, on the flip side, you could probably do a lot better.

– by Mark Ziobro