By Robert Orwig
Three Rivers News

 

Throwback Movie Hour! Ladies and gentlemen, come on back to 2005 when we stepped foot into high school. Not just any high school—Sky High, the premier high school for kids who have superhero parents or sidekick parents. Come along for the journey of a lifetime.

 

Released in the summer of 2005, Sky High delivered a fresh, comedic take on the superhero genre long before cinematic universes dominated the box office. The story centers on Will Stronghold (Michael Angarano), the son of the world's most famous superhero duo: The Commander (Kurt Russell) and Jetstream (Kelly Preston). The catch? Will starts his freshman year at a floating high school in the sky without having developed any superpowers of his own.

 

Upon arrival, freshmen face the dreaded placement test conducted by the boisterous Coach Boomer (Bruce Campbell). Students are instantly split into two distinct tracks: "Hero" or "Sidekick" (officially designated as Hero Support). Sent to the sidekick track alongside his best friend Layla (Danielle Panabaker), Will has to navigate the everyday pressures of high school life—cafeteria hierarchy, social rivalries, and growing pains—all while keeping his secret from his legendary parents.

 

What makes Sky High stand out two decades later is its perfect blend of mid-2000s nostalgia, sharp humor, and an all-star ensemble cast. Featuring memorable performances from Mary Elizabeth Winstead, Lynda Carter, and Steven Strait, the film captures the classic high school experience through a retro-futuristic, comic-book lens.

 

Whether you watched it back in 2005 or are revisiting it today, Sky High remains a lighthearted throwback classic that proves you don't need super strength to save the day—you just need the right team behind you.

 

Three Rivers News Verdict: 5 out of 5 Stars