Escape from Witch Mountain: The Rock "Escape from Witch Mountain: The Rock" is an action-adventure movie that was released in 2009. It is a sequel to the original "Escape from Witch Mountain" film that was released in 1975. The movie is directed by Andy Fickman and features Dwayne Johnson, AnnaSophia Robb, Alexander Ludwig, and Carla Gugino in key roles. The story revolves around two siblings, Seth and Sara, who have extraordinary supernatural powers. They possess the ability to move objects with their minds and communicate with each other telepathically. The film begins with them being sent to an orphanage at Witch Mountain due to their strange abilities.
That may sit just fine with young moviegoers, but the lobby is likely to be full of parents working cell phones, returning urgent calls, the significance of which are, well. . . .EndText
That may sit just fine with young moviegoers, but the lobby is likely to be full of parents working cell phones, returning urgent calls, the significance of which are, well. Kim Richards and Iake Eissimann, who played the orphans Tina and Tony in the original film and its 1978 sequel, Return From Witch Mountain , also have cameos although back in the day, the young actor went by the Anglicized name Ike Eisenmann.
The film begins with them being sent to an orphanage at Witch Mountain due to their strange abilities. However, their lives are about to change forever when they meet Jack Bruno, a taxi driver who gets entangled in their quest for freedom. Seth and Sara soon discover that they are aliens from another planet and have been pursued by an organization known as the US Government.
Disney remake comes up short
In the overlooked Disney film from 1975, Escape to Witch Mountain, a pair of imperiled orphans are rescued by Eddie Albert. In the new Race to Witch Mountain, the kids on the run are aided by Dwayne Johnson, a.k.a. The Rock.
In "Race to Witch Mountain," the quartet of (from left) Carla Gugino, Dwayne Johnson, AnnaSophia Robb, and Alexander Ludwig are pursued by a grim government operative and a space assassin.Read more
by By David Hiltbrand, Inquirer Staff Writer | Columnist Published Mar. 12, 2009, 3:25 p.m. ETIn the overlooked Disney film from 1975, Escape to Witch Mountain, a pair of imperiled orphans are rescued by Eddie Albert. In the new Race to Witch Mountain, the kids on the run are aided by Dwayne Johnson, a.k.a. The Rock.
So this loosely linked remake has at least supersized the hero. In most other regards, Race to Witch Mountain is a diminishment of the original.
The film doesn't really have a plot. It's more of a premise, cartoonishly executed.
AdvertisementA spaceship crashes in the Nevada desert, discharging Sara and Seth (AnnaSophia Robb and Alexander Ludwig), two eerie, very blond, anthropomorphic teen aliens.
They randomly recruit Jack Bruno (Johnson), a reformed felon now driving a cab in Las Vegas, to transport them on an urgent mission, the significance of which is . . . well, if it were important I'm sure it would have been explained.
Communication is initially stilted. ("The vehicles behind us are indicating a pattern of pursuit," drones Sara.) But Jack quickly comes to love these kooky little extraterrestrials.
The "race" in the title is apt since the movie is one long chase with Jack and his pale faces, conveniently joined by an astrophysicist (Carla Gugino), on the lam from a grim government operative (Ciaran Hinds) and a fully armored space assassin who looks like the Predator without the dreds.
Also in the lumpy mix are Cheech Marin as a mechanic and Garry Marshall as the world's first Borscht Belt conspiracy theorist.
Kim Richards and Iake Eissimann, who played the orphans Tina and Tony in the original film and its 1978 sequel, Return From Witch Mountain, also have cameos (although back in the day, the young actor went by the Anglicized name Ike Eisenmann).
Curiously, despite Johnson's imposing physique, it's the kids who do most of the smashing and grabbing, right up until the climax, when it's all-hands-on-neck. The big guy is there mostly to provide the punchlines. ("Don't go in the pimped-out refrigerator, Jack," he warns himself, standing in front of a disguised portal.)
He certainly wasn't recruited for his romantic flair. He and Gugino have all the chemistry of oil and water.
There's an extended gag about the flaky attendees at a UFO convention, which seems both anemic and stale, especially considering that the film's director, Andy Fickman, is a native of Roswell, N.M.
The action sequences are murky and the special effects passable at best. Fickman should consider giving Spielberg residuals because he throws in a little E.T. and a whole lot of Close Encounters of the Third Kind.
But the result resembles a breezy episode of Power Rangers.
That may sit just fine with young moviegoers, but the lobby is likely to be full of parents working cell phones, returning urgent calls, the significance of which are, well. . . .EndText
In the overlooked Disney film from 1975, Escape to Witch Mountain, a pair of imperiled orphans are rescued by Eddie Albert. In the new Race to Witch Mountain, the kids on the run are aided by Dwayne Johnson, a.k.a. The Rock.
The government wants to possess their powers for their own nefarious purposes. However, the siblings manage to escape and seek refuge in Witch Mountain, a place that holds the secrets of their origins. Throughout the movie, the characters encounter various challenges and obstacles as they try to unravel the mysteries surrounding Witch Mountain and their own identities. The Rock, who plays the role of Jack Bruno, transforms from a skeptic to a protector as he becomes instrumental in helping the siblings escape from those who wish to harm them. The movie showcases thrilling action sequences, special effects, and a heartwarming storyline about the bonds of family and the pursuit of freedom. It explores the themes of trust, acceptance, and the power of belief in oneself. The performances by the cast, especially Dwayne Johnson, add depth and charisma to the film, making it an enjoyable watch for both children and adults. "Escape from Witch Mountain: The Rock" is an entertaining and visually stunning movie that successfully combines action, adventure, and science fiction elements. It is a worthy sequel to the original film and has garnered a positive response from both critics and audiences. So, if you're a fan of action-packed fantasy movies, "Escape from Witch Mountain: The Rock" is definitely worth a watch..
Reviews for "Mastering the Witch's Mountain: Strategies for a Successful Escape"
1. John - 2/5
I was really disappointed with "Escape from Witch Mountain: The Rock". The movie had a confusing plot, and the characters were not well developed. The special effects were also very poorly done, and it took away from the overall viewing experience. I found myself struggling to stay engaged throughout the film and was ultimately left unsatisfied with the outcome. I would not recommend this movie to anyone looking for a captivating and well-crafted story.
2. Emma - 1/5
"Escape from Witch Mountain: The Rock" was an absolute disaster. The acting was terrible, and the dialogue was cringe-worthy. The film also had a rushed and confusing storyline, leaving me feeling lost and uninterested. The visual effects were very outdated, and the action sequences were poorly choreographed. Overall, this movie had no redeeming qualities and left me regretting the time I wasted watching it.
3. Mark - 2/5
I had high hopes for "Escape from Witch Mountain: The Rock," but it fell short of my expectations. The plot lacked depth, and the characters felt one-dimensional. The movie also tried to incorporate too many genres, making it difficult to follow and leaving me feeling disconnected from the story. The CGI effects were subpar, which added to the disappointment. Despite some exciting moments, the film failed to deliver a strong and cohesive narrative.
4. Sarah - 1/5
I can confidently say that "Escape from Witch Mountain: The Rock" is one of the worst movies I have ever seen. The acting was abysmal, and the script was laughably bad. The story had potential, but it was executed poorly, leaving me bored and uninterested. The excessive use of clichéd plot twists and predictable storytelling made the whole experience feel like a waste of time. I cannot recommend this film to anyone; it was a complete letdown.