Race to Witch Mountain is a 2009 science fiction adventure film that serves as a loose remake of the 1975 film Escape to Witch Mountain. The film was directed by Andy Fickman and stars Dwayne Johnson, AnnaSophia Robb, Alexander Ludwig, and Carla Gugino. It follows the story of two alien siblings who have crash-landed on Earth and are being pursued by corrupt government agents and extraterrestrial bounty hunters. The film begins with two alien siblings, Sara and Seth, crash-landing on Earth in a UFO. They possess supernatural abilities such as telekinesis and the ability to control and manipulate technology. They seek the help of a cab driver named Jack Bruno, played by Dwayne Johnson, who reluctantly becomes involved in their mission to return to their home planet.
As fear and desperation grow, the personalities of the characters emerge. "We agreed to a scouted-out project!" one guy complains, and the other says, "Heather, this is so not cool!" Heather keeps up an optimistic front; the woods are not large enough to get lost in, she argues, because "This is America. We've destroyed most of our national resources." Eventually her brave attitude disintegrates into a remarkable shot in which she films her own apology (I was reminded of explorer Robert Scott's notebook entries as he froze to death in Antarctica).
Eventually her brave attitude disintegrates into a remarkable shot in which she films her own apology I was reminded of explorer Robert Scott s notebook entries as he froze to death in Antarctica. Because their imaginations have been inflamed by talk of witches, hermits and child murderers in the forest, because their food is running out and their smokes are gone, they and we are a lot more scared than if they were merely being chased by some guy in a ski mask.
They seek the help of a cab driver named Jack Bruno, played by Dwayne Johnson, who reluctantly becomes involved in their mission to return to their home planet. As the film progresses, it is revealed that Sara and Seth are not the only extraterrestrial beings on Earth. A government agency known as Siphon is also pursuing them, hoping to use their powers for their own gain.
The Blair Witch Project
We're instinctively afraid of natural things (snakes, barking dogs, the dark) but have to be taught to fear walking into traffic or touching an electrical wire. Horror films that tap into our hard-wired instinctive fears probe a deeper place than movies with more sophisticated threats. A villain is only an actor, but a shark is more than a shark.
"The Blair Witch Project," an extraordinarily effective horror film, knows this and uses it. It has no fancy special effects or digital monsters, but its characters get lost in the woods, hear noises in the night and find disturbing stick figures hanging from trees. One of them discovers slime on his backpack. Because their imaginations have been inflamed by talk of witches, hermits and child murderers in the forest, because their food is running out and their smokes are gone, they (and we) are a lot more scared than if they were merely being chased by some guy in a ski mask.
AdvertisementThe movie is like a celebration of rock-bottom production values--of how it doesn't take bells and whistles to scare us. It's presented in the form of a documentary. We learn from the opening titles that in 1994 three young filmmakers went into a wooded area in search of a legendary witch: "A year later, their footage was found." The film's style and even its production strategy enhance the illusion that it's a real documentary. The characters have the same names as the actors. All of the footage in the film was shot by two cameras--a color video camcorder operated by the director, Heather (Heather Donahue), and a 16-mm. black and white camera, operated by the cameraman, Josh (Joshua Leonard). Mike (Michael Williams) does the sound. All three carry backpacks, and are prepared for two or three nights of sleeping in tents in the woods. It doesn't work out that way.
The buried structure of the film, which was written and directed by Eduardo Sanchez and Daniel Myrick, is insidious in the way it introduces information without seeming to. Heather and her crew arrive in the small town of Burkittsville ("formerly Blair") and interview locals. Many have vaguely heard of the Blair Witch and other ominous legends; one says, "I think I saw a documentary on the Discovery Channel or something." We hear that children have been killed in the woods, that bodies have disappeared, that strange things happened at Coffin Rock. But the movie wisely doesn't present this information as if it can be trusted; it's gossip, legend and lore, passed along half-jokingly by local people, and Heather, Josh and Mike view it as good footage, not a warning.
Once they get into the woods, the situation gradually turns ominous. They walk in circles. Something happens to their map. Nature itself begins to seem oppressive and dead. They find ominous signs. Bundles of twigs. Unsettling stick figures. These crude objects are scarier than more elaborate effects; they look like they were created by a being who haunts the woods, not by someone playing a practical joke. Much has been said about the realistic cinematography--how every shot looks like it was taken by a hand-held camera in the woods (as it was). But the visuals are not just a technique. By shooting in a chill season, by dampening the color palette, the movie makes the woods look unfriendly and desolate; nature is seen as a hiding place for dread secrets.
AdvertisementAs fear and desperation grow, the personalities of the characters emerge. "We agreed to a scouted-out project!" one guy complains, and the other says, "Heather, this is so not cool!" Heather keeps up an optimistic front; the woods are not large enough to get lost in, she argues, because "This is America. We've destroyed most of our national resources." Eventually her brave attitude disintegrates into a remarkable shot in which she films her own apology (I was reminded of explorer Robert Scott's notebook entries as he froze to death in Antarctica).
At a time when digital techniques can show us almost anything, "The Blair Witch Project" is a reminder that what really scares us is the stuff we can't see. The noise in the dark is almost always scarier than what makes the noise in the dark. Any kid can tell you that. Not that he believes it at the time.
Roger Ebert
Roger Ebert was the film critic of the Chicago Sun-Times from 1967 until his death in 2013. In 1975, he won the Pulitzer Prize for distinguished criticism.
At a time when digital techniques can show us almost anything, "The Blair Witch Project" is a reminder that what really scares us is the stuff we can't see. The noise in the dark is almost always scarier than what makes the noise in the dark. Any kid can tell you that. Not that he believes it at the time.
In addition, a sinister alien bounty hunter named Burke is hot on their trail, determined to capture them. Throughout the film, the group encounters various obstacles and challenges as they journey to Witch Mountain, where the siblings' spaceship is located. Jack, Sara, and Seth must rely on their wit and powers to outsmart their pursuers and reach their destination safely. Race to Witch Mountain combines elements of action, adventure, and science fiction, providing an entertaining and thrilling viewing experience. The film explores themes of friendship, trust, and the power of family bonds. It also raises questions about humanity's role in the universe and the ethical use of power. Overall, Race to Witch Mountain is an enjoyable and fast-paced film that appeals to audiences of all ages. With its engaging story, impressive special effects, and strong performances, it successfully updates and expands upon the original film's concept..
Reviews for "The Timeless Appeal of Race to Witch Mountain"
1. John - 2/5 - I found "Race to Witch Mountain Original" to be extremely disappointing. The plot felt overly repetitive and predictable, with the same chase sequences and narrow escapes occurring time and time again. The characters, despite being portrayed by talented actors, lacked depth and development, making it difficult to feel any sense of connection or investment in their journey. Overall, the film failed to capture my attention and left me feeling underwhelmed.
2. Emily - 1/5 - I cannot express enough how much I disliked "Race to Witch Mountain Original." The storyline was convoluted and confusing, leaving me scratching my head and wondering why I was still watching. The special effects were underwhelming and failed to bring the fantastical elements of the story to life. Additionally, the dialogue felt forced and unnatural, making it difficult to take the film seriously. Overall, I found this movie to be a complete waste of time and would not recommend it.
3. Alex - 2/5 - "Race to Witch Mountain Original" failed to live up to my expectations. The plot felt rushed and poorly developed, with several plot holes that left me feeling unsatisfied. The performances by the main cast were decent, but they were let down by a lackluster script and uninspiring dialogue. The action sequences were repetitive and lacked excitement, ultimately failing to hold my interest. Overall, I was left feeling underwhelmed and wishing I had spent my time watching something more engaging.