March 13, 2009 Race To Witch Mountain
Studio: Walt Disney Pictures Rating: PG for sequences of action and violence, frightening and dangerous situations, and some thematic elements.
The plot of Disney's "Race To Witch Mountain" is fairly simple. A Las Vegas cabbie (former pro wrestler Dwayne Johnson) is pressed into service to protect a pair of teenagers.
They're being chased by a shadowy organization which has nefarious plans for them. And there is also an intergalactic bounty hunter on their trail. But that's only because they may be aliens.
Soon a UFO expert (Carla Gugino) joins the group and everyone tries to avoid the bad guys while making their way to the mysterious Witch Mountain.
"Race To Witch Mountain" has a very nice blend of action and story. It's really not a remake of Disney's 1975 "Escape To Witch Mountain." Instead, many of the key story points have been updated and given a modern twist which frankly makes the movie work a little bit better. AnnaSophia Robb and Alexander Ludwig play the young aliens and they do a fine job with their roles.
Director Andy Fickman gives them plenty of obstacles as they try to reclaim their spaceship and return home, saving planet Earth in the process.
Johnson has become a pretty well rounded action star. He can do much more than just serve as a movie's muscle. He's funny and has a charming personality. It was a great casting decision putting Johnson in the lead role.
On the downside, there are some developments that may leave you shaking your head. I would advise you not to examine the script too closely. There are certainly gaping plot holes littered throughout but just go with it. This is a fun, family-friendly movie that provides a good time at the theater.
On my rating scale, "Race To Witch Mountain" hits a HOME RUN.
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