← Back to Directory
Sky High
Movie

Sky High

2005 • Action, Comedy, Family

Woke Score
2
out of 10

Plot

It all begins when young Will Stronghold, the son of the two famous superheroes: Steve and Josie, A.K.A. the incredibly strong, seemingly invulnerable Commander and and the high-speed flying Jetstream. However, Will does not actually know if he has any powers of his own, and has not told his parents this. He and his best friend, Layla are facing their first day of a secret school in the clouds like none on earth: Sky High, the first and only high school for kids with super-human powers going through crime-fighting puberty. But with no apparent superpowers of his own, however, Will seems destined to grow up a mere sidekick. But as he discovers his true strengths, he'll also learn that it takes loyalty and teamwork to truly become a hero!

Overall Series Review

The movie follows Will Stronghold, the son of the world's greatest heroes, as he enters Sky High without powers and is relegated to the 'Sidekick' class. This experience forces him to confront the school's inherent hierarchy, which judges students based on a narrow definition of power and utility, creating a 'Fantastic Caste System' that marginalizes those deemed 'hero support.' The narrative is a straightforward high school comedy and coming-of-age story, centering on themes of friendship, finding one's authentic self, and proving that merit comes from character and courage, not merely inherited status or raw power. The film's central conflict revolves around dismantling a system of arbitrary, power-based elitism. The climax involves Will and his sidekick friends saving the day using their unique, previously overlooked powers. The Stronghold family unit is presented as functional and loving, despite the pressure of high expectations on the son. There are no overt messages of civilizational self-hatred, gender ideology, or anti-religious sentiment.

Categorical Breakdown

Identity Politics2/10

The core theme focuses on class-based oppression within a power-based system ('Hero' vs. 'Sidekick'), which critiques elitism, not race or immutable characteristics. The narrative champions the universal meritocracy of the 'sidekicks' over the status of the 'heroes.' Characters of various ethnicities are present without the plot drawing attention to race or lecturing on intersectional privilege or systemic oppression based on race.

Oikophobia1/10

The institutions of family and the superhero community are presented with respect. Will's parents, the Commander and Jetstream, are a cohesive, loving, and heroic couple who serve their nation. The movie's criticism is directed at the school's arbitrary sorting system, not at Western civilization or the concept of heritage itself, which is largely revered.

Feminism3/10

Female characters like Jetstream are prominent, powerful, and competent heroes. The female protagonist, Layla, is idealistic and possesses unique powers but is not a flawless 'Mary Sue' as she struggles with unrequited feelings and social standing. The primary villain is a highly intelligent and capable female, grounding the film closer to an equal or complementary dynamic. A minor theme in one scene suggests the equality of girls and guys.

LGBTQ+1/10

The core relationships are strictly traditional male-female pairings. There is no overt presence of LGBTQ+ characters, themes, or explicit lecturing on gender ideology. The nuclear family structure is the normative base for the Stronghold family, and sexuality is kept private and chaste, fitting a family-friendly film.

Anti-Theism1/10

The movie contains a strong, transcendent moral message about loyalty, friendship, and character over superficial status. Reviews note positive moral content and 'good life lessons.' There is no evidence of anti-religious sentiment or the vilification of Christian characters or institutions.