Rated PG for sequences of action and violence, frightening and dangerous situations, and some thematic elements.
Directed by Andy Fickman (The Game Plan)
Starring Dwayne Johnson, AnnaSophia Robb, Alexander Ludwig and Carla Gugino
One of the best family-action movies ever.
Walt Disney Pictures resurrects one of their time-honored franchises with Race to Witch Mountain. This family film that tells the story of two children, Sara and Seth (AnnaSophia Robb and Alexander Ludwig), who possess some very cool special abilities and must search for the cure for their dying planet. Along the way they get a cab driver (Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson) and a UFO specialist (Carla Gugino) caught up in their adventure.
First things first, Dwayne Johnson is awesome. Whether he is the tough guy in Walking Tall, the no nonsense coach in Gridiron Gang or the tender-hearted father figure in The Game Plan, he is a bona fide movie star. He is terrific in Race to Witch Mountain and one reason is because he gets to put all those characteristics together. He also gets to drive fast, kick butt and show off his comic talent. AnnaSophia Robb and Alexander Ludwig are also perfectly cast as the alien siblings.
Secondly, there were plenty of surprises. One of the biggest was the action sequences that are unusual for a Disney film. Whether it’s the mob or the government agents or the alien assassin chasing the trio, there were plenty of car chases, explosions and fight scenes. The other ones may be harder to find, but if you are familiar with the original, you should find them without any problem. (If you are not familiar, just watch the DVD extras – it’s a short feature, but so worth it.)
Race to Witch Mountain was unexpectedly entertaining. It had the perfect mix of good clean fun, exciting action and plenty of charm. The original 1975 picture Escape to Witch Mountain was followed by a sequel, a made-for-TV remake. I could only hope for more new Witch Mountain films. This one was “Worth Buying.”
SHOULD KIDS SEE IT?
There is one scene that may be a bit scary for younger viewers, but my 11 and 8 year olds loved it… we all say Yes!
Conversation Starter
Three Simple Questions (with Answers You May Be Looking for):
- What are some of the messages or themes you observed in this movie?
- How do you suppose we—as serious Christ-followers—should react to this movie?
- How can we move from healthy, Bible-based opinions about this movie to actually living out those opinions?
