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Race to Witch Mountain (2009)

Director: Andy Flickman

Time Out rating

Average user rating

22 reviews

Movie review

From Time Out London

A fairly clunky relic of Disney’s spluttering ’70s live-action output, 1975’s ‘Escape to Witch Mountain’ had the smart idea of putting two kids with telekinetic powers at the centre of a pursuit thriller. Effects technology may have progressed, but the idea of teen protagonists who can do cool stuff hardly dates for family audiences, hence this retooled version. Modernisation also brings a starring role for Dwayne ‘The Rock’ Johnson, as a Las Vegas cabbie who picks up an unusual fare – two peroxide-blonde youngsters (Alexander Ludwig, Anna Sophia Robb) with a penchant for circumlocutory English, a wad of cash and the power to move objects at will. Turns out they’re extraterrestrials, whose mission to save their planet could have ramifications for our own survival, especially if they’re collared by shady government agents tracking them in a fleet of black SUVs.

Leading man Johnson manages to exude brawn while keeping within the bounds of the PG rating, but though amiable, his acting limitations are exposed by a plot requiring him to express wonderment at the interplanetary shenanigans. There’s no shortage of zingy (if derivative) material, but the filmmakers seem content with anodyne chase sequences and tired action moves, which register little impact. It’s pacy all right, but glib and uninvolving for grown-ups, though perhaps furnished with enough in the way of spaceships, lasers and digital explosions to pacify undemanding little ’uns of an afternoon.

Author: Trevor Johnston 2009-04-07 09:37:28

Time Out London Issue 2016, 9-15 April, 2009

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User reviews of this film

kylie said...

Posted on Sep 18 2009 23:52 going 2 c this 2moro looking forward to it!x

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charlie said...

Posted on Jul 28 2009 23:41 FABULOUS thouroughly enjoyed it went with my 3 children 1 boy 2 girls between 9 and7 all loved it and even took the mother in law she really enjoyed it taking hubby next

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Blue star ocean said...

Posted on Jul 24 2009 07:22 I'm taking my 3 children to see it today we r excited hopefully they will enjoy it as much as I prob will!

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Rebecca said...

Posted on May 07 2009 11:15 dont look babyish 2 me x

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destiny said...

Posted on May 04 2009 12:33 i cant wait to see it it looks fun the aliens should be great lol

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Grace said...

Posted on May 03 2009 19:32 I looks ok could be good but mite be a bit babyish so plz tell me that i should go and c it

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Kirsty said...

Posted on Apr 26 2009 00:15 Saw this film today with my son. Was absoulutely fantastic, didnt want it to end!! Best childrens film ive seen in a while!!

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ryan said...

Posted on Apr 25 2009 10:05 i'm goin to see it today looks brilliant can't w8t

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natasha said...

Posted on Apr 22 2009 12:54 im going seeing it today and im really looking forward to seeing it after all the greats comments wooop cant wait...

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david.s said...

Posted on Apr 19 2009 14:39 im gong to see it today and after reading all of these comments am looking forward to it the tralers sem great and the idea itself seems good although worn this could bring freshness to the idea

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hev said...

Posted on Apr 19 2009 14:22 Thought it was well worth going to see - great family film.
Great effects, action amd humour.
Go see it!

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hev said...

Posted on Apr 19 2009 14:22 Thought it was well worth going to see - great family film.
Great effects, action amd humour.
Go see it!

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Maya.D said...

Posted on Apr 19 2009 08:27 Ive just seen the film today it was great it was like t was real

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Rebecca said...

Posted on Apr 17 2009 17:00 It sounds really good with all these amazing comments , iv seen the trailor n now i cant wait 2 see it x

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Grandad A said...

Posted on Apr 16 2009 18:46 Went to see this film with 8 yearold grandaughter,We both loved it, Fast action from start to finish, amiable cast and good effects. pick and mix expensive.

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