Is Sky High a Disney Channel Original Movie?
Background and Development
Sky High is an American teen comedy film written and directed by Jason Reitman. The movie is a direct sequel to the 2005 film Ghost Town, which starred Kristen Bell and Ryan Reynolds. Ghost Town was a moderate box office success, grossing over $42 million worldwide, and is often credited with helping to establish Reitman as a rising talent in the film industry. In 2007, it was announced that Sky High would be developed as a Disney Channel Original Movie, with Reitman serving as the director and executive producer.
Original Movie Details
| Character | Description |
|---|---|
| Annie Jay | A preteen prankster |
| Hamish Mayfield | An intelligent and awkward student |
| Steve Jurgens | A charming and popular student |
| Peg Roth | A sweet and loyal classmate |
The story follows Annie Jay, a precocious and mischievous preteen, who attends the prestigious Westboro Academy for Young Superheroes. Annie befriends Hamish Mayfield, a brilliant and awkward student, and Steve Jurgens, a charming and popular student who becomes her unlikely mentor. As Annie navigates her relationships with her peers and her love interests, she must also contend with the pressures of being a teenager and the corrupting influence of the wealthy and influential students at Westboro Academy.
Cast and Crew
The cast of Sky High includes:
- Kristen Bell as Annie Jay
- Chris Klein as Hamish Mayfield
- Thomas Warkol as Steve Jurgens
- Leah Jensen as Peg Roth
The crew of Sky High includes:
- Jason Reitman as Director
- Jason Eliasen as Executive Producer
- Peter Gallagher as Producer
- Jonathan Aibel as Co-Producer
Production and Release
Sky High was produced by ImageMovers and Sony Pictures Family Entertainment, with a budget of $50 million. The film was shot on location in Portland, Oregon, and surrounding areas. It was released on June 1, 2007, and Skyscraper was played on Disney Channel.
Marketing and Reception
Sky High received generally positive reviews from critics, with an approval rating of 63% on Rotten Tomatoes. The Hollywood Reporter praised the film’s "witty dialogue, smart direction, and more." Rolling Stone noted that the film’s "campy humor and lighthearted tone make it a diverting summer romp." However, some critics found the film’s tone to be inconsistent, and that it relied too heavily on Ghost Town-style gross-out humor.
The film also performed moderately well at the box office, grossing over $24 million worldwide on a budget of $50 million. Sky High was seen as a success for Disney Channel, and helped to establish the network as a major player in the realm of teen comedies.
Conclusion
Sky High is an American teen comedy film that serves as a direct sequel to the 2005 film Ghost Town. While it did not achieve the same level of success as its predecessor, Sky High was still seen as a moderate box office success and a critical success, earning 63% on Rotten Tomatoes. With its lighthearted tone, witty dialogue, and campy humor, Sky High is a diverting summer romp that is worth watching for fans of teen comedies.