This kids’ adventure from Disney is amiable with nice performances.
Race to Witch Mountain (2009)
Tomatometer
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Reviews Counted:138
Fresh:59
Rotten:79
Average Rating:5.1/10
Consensus: Despite the best efforts of a talented cast, Race to Witch Mountain is a tepid reboot that lacks the magic of the original.
Australian Rating: PG [See Full Rating] Mild action violence
Runtime: 1 hr 39 mins
Genre: Action/Adventure
Australian Theatrical Release:
Apr 15, 2009 Wide
US Box Office: $67,128,202
Synopsis: Former professional wrestler Dwayne Johnson (aka "The Rock") makes family-friendly fare with director Andy Fickman’s (THE GAME PLAN) sci-fi adventure, RACE TO WITCH MOUNTAIN. Johnson plays Jack... Former professional wrestler Dwayne Johnson (aka "The Rock") makes family-friendly fare with director Andy Fickman’s (THE GAME PLAN) sci-fi adventure, RACE TO WITCH MOUNTAIN. Johnson plays Jack Bruno, a surly former felon who is trying to stay out of trouble by driving a cab in Las Vegas and who embarks upon the adventure of a lifetime when two teens appear in his taxi and need a ride to (seemingly) the middle of nowhere. He quickly realizes that the mysterious siblings, Sara (AnnaSophia Robb) and Seth (Alexander Ludwig), are far from average--especially when they are pursued by a villain wearing a high-tech suit of armor. With the help of Dr. Alex Friedman (Carla Gugino), the trio travels to Witch Mountain, a secret government outpost in the Nevada desert, with the hopes of evading their pursuers and sending Sara and Seth home--and saving Earth in the process. This latest installment in the Witch Mountain series comes more than 30 years after the release of the first two films, ESCAPE TO WITCH MOUNTAIN and RETURN FROM WITCH MOUNTAIN. Kim Richards and Ike Eisenmann, who played siblings Tia and Tony in the original films, appear in small but pivotal roles as a waitress and a sheriff. Johnson makes Bruno likable, even though the character barely likes himself. Robb and Ludwig are well cast as the earnest siblings who hold the fate of the world in their hands. Chase scenes abound and special effects that highlight the teens’ special powers are prevalent, but the film remains kid-friendly. Cheech Marin and Garry Marshall make brief cameo appearances. [More]
Starring: Dwayne Johnson, AnnaSophia Robb, Alexander Ludwig, Carla Gugino
Starring: Dwayne Johnson, AnnaSophia Robb, Alexander Ludwig, Carla Gugino, Ciaran Hinds, Tom Everett Scott, Christopher Marquette, Cheech Marin, Garry Marshall
Director: Andy Fickman
Director: Andy Fickman
Screenwriter: Andy Fickman, Mark Bomback, Matt Lopez
Producer: Andrew Gunn
Composer: Trevor Rabin
Studio: Walt Disney Pictures
Reviews for Race to Witch Mountain
Johnson is effective, at least at first, but is ultimately let down by creaky production and a script that runs out of ideas long before the end, forcing most characters to yell "Watch out!" for the last twenty minutes.
A proficiently made sci-fi family adventure, this updated reimagining of Alexander Key's book hits the spot for its target audience plus parents, for whom the charismatic presence of Dwayne (The Rock) Johnson counts for plenty.
Race to Witch Mountain is pretty standard kiddie fare: Cute, precocious children are protected by a world-weary, wisecracking father figure and one-liners abound.
Boring and unoriginal, this new version might have some fancy visuals and a loud soundtrack but they're just a smokescreen for how boring and lifeless the film is.
A reasonably satisfying family film that updates things while staying true to the adventurous, sci-fi spirit of the originals.
If it's possible for a movie to be agressively bland, Race to Witch Mountain is that movie. [Blu-ray]
...suffers from a pervasively stagnant atmosphere that effectively drains the energy right out of its high-octane moments...
There are no sustained characters of any kind, despite some capable acting talent. There is no believable relationship between the characters. There is no attempt to develop any of the political issues the film touches upon.
In 35 years, people probably will have forgotten 'Race to Witch Mountain' the way my generation has amnesia when it comes to its 1975 predecessor 'Escape to Witch Mountain.'
The result is a disappointingly unadventurous adventure, with characters and events that never involve us.
There are decent special effects, and Johnson can play it tough while also being a kid-friendly presence.
Family audiences in search of Easter entertainment will not feel disappointed by what is basically one long chase and the film will make a great theme-park ride.
The pre-Star Wars Disney sci-fi adventure Escape to Witch Mountain gets a 21st-century reboot here, with beefed-up action, hyperactive editing and even a few shout-outs to George Lucas's blockbuster classic thrown into the mix.
In the long run, one would be advised to walk slowly and sluggishly, not race hurriedly, to the so-called new and improved findings at weak-kneed Witch Mountain.
Latest News for Race to Witch Mountain
August 03, 2009:
RT on DVD: Race to Witch Mountain, The Soloist, Delgo
We know it's shaping up to be quite a disappointing week for DVD, but we promise at least a little light at the end of the tunnel. If fantasy is your thing, you've got the... More...
March 24, 2009:
Fickman Answers Paramount's Call ![]()
Andy Fickman's dance card continues to fill up: the "Race to Witch Mountain" director just signed on to helm Paramount's adaptation of Sarah Mylnowski's young adult novel "Gimme... More...
March 16, 2009:
Fickman Heads Up Monster Attack Network ![]()
"The Game Plan" and "Race to Witch Mountain" director Andy Fickman will continue his family-friendly streak for Disney, where he's just been signed to helm an adaptation of the... More...
March 15, 2009:
Box Office Guru Wrapup: Witch Mountain Races to the Top
This weekend Wrestler-turned-actor Dwayne Johnson became the undisputed heavyweight champion of the North American box office with his Disney adventure film Race to Witch... More...
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