The Highest Sky is Disney’s latest movie, and although it doesn’t do its mass justice, it’s certainly worth the ticket price, whether for a child or an adult. High Sky stars Kurt Russell, Kelly Preston, Michael Angarano (roles in many movies, including Seabisquit and Mr. Dogtown), Danielle Panabaker (roles in several TV shows, including Mom at Sixteen, and Stuck in the Suburbs), and Steven Strait ( seen from the new movie).
High in the Heart is the only high school comedy-drama. Of course, with a touch of Disney magic, it becomes a simple high school comedy-drama that revolves around a high school superhero. While the initial reaction may be that this is a kids’ movie, it is not. Disney has a knack for appealing to all ages, and this movie is no exception.
There are a couple of hidden jokes aimed at the older crowd, but the humor is also pretty funny. The supporting cast, including Bruce Campbell (as the gym teacher, of course), a superhero-bus passenger, and the lead character’s idiotic companion is the primary source of humor.
Example: the main character (Michael Angarano as Will stronghold) breaking through the bus driver gate, destroying it. and the man behind him cries “Excuse me.” Surprisingly, I work with such jokes, and I found myself constantly laughing out loud.
Back from the comedy movie, we have a story. Will Stronghold is the son of the most famous superheroes in history, Duke (Kurt Russell) and Jetstream (Kelly Preston). At the beginning of the school year, Will is yet to see any sign of superpowers. It’s a bit of a mystery whether they’re coming, but (if you haven’t guessed) they show up pretty quickly. Meanwhile, the villain unfolds the plot in the background, until he must save his parents and the rest of the High Heavens.
They are all excellent characters. Most of the focus is between Will and his friends (and enemies) at school. There is a best friend who secretly has a plot against him (played by Danielle Panabaker), high school bullies, and his own personal arch-enemy (the reason why the Emperor put his father in prison).
There is also a kind of tension between the superior handsome man, who seems to have a machine in his will, and his best friend, who competes for his interest. The drama between these kids in entertainment act is realistic. Although, this type of material is not likely to be nominated for an Oscar, it still makes for an enjoyable movie experience.
Action movie and special effects movies can be both good and bad. The downside is that it’s a very cheap movie to watch. This almost looks like it could be a no-for-TV Disney movie. (It probably could have been if it didn’t have Kurt Russell and Kelly Preston) On the other hand, it seems the creators were going for a corny, superficial look.
Looking at the movie, it doesn’t seem at all as if they threw in some cheap effects, but rather the effects they chose, the overall feeling they added the movie. It’s meant to be funny, and it makes fun of itself in many ways. Thankfully, The Highest Heaven is not unusual in this respect. As it turns out, the actual visual effects are top-notch, and the movie takes a corny, superficial look from the intent of the corny and superficial scenes.
The visual effects, from the fast-flying magical school to a girl who can change plants at will, are no less visually appealing than movies like X-Men.
All in all, The Solid Family Sky High is a comedy. Not even a kids’ movie like Shrek, and it’s a good time to watch movies regardless. High Heaven gets 7/10 stars.
