Hyper-Speed Disney Wild Ride

If you like fast-paced action with lots of cool special effects; then fasten your seat belt as this is the movie for you! Disney’s “Race to Witch Mountain” has a comparable feel to being strapped into one of those crazy run-away adventure rides at Disney World Theme Park. The film’s a ‘modern re-imaging’ of the 1975 classic “Escape to Witch Mountain” and an enjoyable treat for the entire family. Disney kept true to nostalgia and cast the child stars from the original film in this remake; look for Kim Richards as Tina the waitress and Ike Eisenman plays Sheriff Antony.

Dwayne Johnson (formerly known as ‘The Rock’ from the WWF wrestling circuit) stars as (Jack Bruno) a Las Vegas cab driver who picks up two extra terrestrial teens; Sara played by (AnnaSophia Robb) and Seth (Alexander Ludwig). The kids are actually supposed to be twins in the film and look enough alike to pull it off. Sara and Seth are on a mission from outer space and in dire need to reach their destination–ASAP. The duo gains additional assistance from Dr. Alex Friedman played by Carla Gugino (Watchmen) an astrophysicist speaking at a UFO convention in Las Vegas. She’s recruited by Johnson to bridge the gap between earth and outer space.

Directing the film is Andy Fickman who directed Johnson in “The Game Plan” and Amanda Bynes in “She’s the Man.” Fickman is noted as having a strong interest in UFO’s and the film has a personal connection for him.

The basic plot of “Race to Witch Mountain,” involves two extra- terrestrial kids that land on earth in the New Mexico desert and are on a mission to find a device that was left by their parents. The device holds a secret that involves not only saving their planet but earth as well. The kids are being chased by a special UFO unit from our government and a very large alien ‘transformer looking’ dude with special powers. Chase scenes and near misses with trains and semi trucks are all part of this ‘fasten your seat belt’ movie.

Part of the fun in the film is the wacky Sci-Fi convention in which a multitude of characters are dressed as aliens and movie personas. Star Wars fans and Trekkies unite in Vegas for a weekend of lectures, reenactments and book signings. One such UFO expert is played by Gary Marshall. He belts out the line, “Greetings Earthlings,” with a huge smile on his face as he’s either; always wanted to say that line in a movie or he’s just being his wacky self.

Johnson is convincing in the role and he’s actually the perfect guy to help the kids with their journey. He’s a big guy and is very protective of the kids, he’s great with the stunts and blends well with the theme of the story.

The main outer space ship is finally located at Witch Mountain and it’s impressive. The teens remain central to the plot and as in all Disney films the ending is heartwarming. I must tell you that there are lots of machine guns in this film and the ‘transformer alien dude’ does show his face at the end and it is gooey and a little scary.

All and all an entertaining ride for all.

Sarah Adamson © 2009