Exciting Disney Remake; But Where is My Flying Winnebago?
Written: Mar 20 '09
|
Product Rating:
|
|
| Bang For The Buck |
 |
|
|
Pros: Exciting, action packed Disney adventure
Cons: Violence could have been toned down just a bit
The Bottom Line: I enjoyed this adventurous, modernized remake- it was well paced, well acted and an enjoyable ride.
|
|
|
| BeastieGirl's Full Review: Race to Witch Mountain |
The Disney Channel has been heavily promoting their new film, Race to Witch Mountain, a remake of the 70’s classic Disney films, Escape to Witch Mountain and Return to Witch Mountain. My husband and I were suckers for all the advertising and went to see it with my mother and our almost five year old daughter. For a PG rating, I thought the violence was a little much and there were some definitely scary parts for young children, but overall, we all enjoyed the Race to Witch Mountain.
Starring Dwayne Johnson (of WWE Fame as the Rock), AnnaSophia Robb (from Charlie and the Chocolate Factory) and Carla Gugino (from Entourage and Night at the Museum), Race to Witch Mountain does well with its casting- the acting was not over the top Oscar worthy, but great performances were all delivered and except that the plot was a little out there, I wasn’t annoyed by any of the actors or disappointed in anyway- basically, my expectations were met.
The storyline of Race to Witch Mountain was definitely in the sci-fi fantasy genre, where two young teenagers appear from outer space, hook up with Jack Bruno (Dwayne Johnson), a reformed felon turned cab driver in Las Vegas. They are in a desperate race to get back to their spaceship and return to their home planet, unscathed by our Department of Homeland Defense (the uber-secret sect, of course). With a few other exciting twists to add to the suspense of this Disney movie, I felt like it was exciting enough to keep my daughter’s attention through the entire movie. A few scary parts made her (and me) cringe a bit, and she covered her eyes more than once as well. Given the PG rating, there was nothing that was inappropriate, per se, but I did feel that there was a slight bit more violence than I would have liked to have seen. Of course, my husband liked the entire thing- he said he felt transported back to the days when he first saw the original Witch Mountain movies.
The two children, Sara and Seth, played by AnnaSophia Robb and Alexander Ludwig (of virtually unknown fame) started the film out by acting a little strange (somewhat robotic), which I guess is how they are supposed to be, considering they are technically aliens. As the movie goes on, however, they appear to be pretty normal kids, acting in an adventure movie- developing personalities and tugging on the heartstrings of adults. The original kids from the Witch Mountain movies in the 70s had cameos in Race to Witch Mountain, I found that mildly amusing.
Race to Witch Mountain was paced well, although it was fast paced at times, which went well with the action of the movie. The plot was pretty easy to follow and even with a near the end bathroom break, I didn’t get too far sidetracked from what was going on. Again, it kept my attention and that of my daughter’s- a pretty decent feat, I’d say. My husband, clearly and action-adventure movie fan found himself enjoying this film as well and my mother wasn’t complaining- in all, I think that speaks well for the movie- that it was put together in a way for all audiences to enjoy.
One thing I didn’t like so much was some of the bigger violent scenes. Perhaps I am just more sensitive that others, but the dramatic violence echoed that of movies such as Transformers. For a PG movie, and a Disney one at that, I didn’t expect it. There were some humorous bits that made me smile, but possibly went over my daughter’s head. There was no foul language and overall, the theme was one of good vs. evil- how can you argue with that.
I would recommend this movie- even recommend to see it in the theater. As the rating suggestions, Parental Guidance would be recommended- the few scary moments were unexpected for us and I was a little concerned. Kids 8 and older should have no problems with the “scary” scenes, but for little ones, I could see it being a bit disturbing. Overall, this was a fun action-adventure movie that nostalgic thirty and forty-somethings will certainly enjoy along with younger generations- leave it to Disney to take care of that!
Recommended:
Yes
Movie Mood: Family Movie
Worst Part of this Film: Nothing
|
|
|
|
|
- Add to My Yahoo!: 
- Add to Google Homepage: 
© 1999-2009 Shopping.com, Inc.