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Movie Reviews
by Todd Pearage

Race to Witch Mountain (8/4/2009)

Rated PG for sequences of action and violence, frightening and dangerous situations, and some thematic elements.

Directed by Andy Fickman (The Game Plan)

Starring Dwayne Johnson, AnnaSophia Robb, Alexander Ludwig and Carla Gugino


Todd's Rating: Worth Buying

One of the best family-action movies ever.

Walt Disney Pictures resurrects one of their time-honored franchises with Race to Witch Mountain. This family film that tells the story of two children, Sara and Seth (AnnaSophia Robb and Alexander Ludwig), who possess some very cool special abilities and must search for the cure for their dying planet. Along the way they get a cab driver (Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson) and a UFO specialist (Carla Gugino) caught up in their adventure.

First things first, Dwayne Johnson is awesome. Whether he is the tough guy in Walking Tall, the no nonsense coach in Gridiron Gang or the tender-hearted father figure in The Game Plan, he is a bona fide movie star. He is terrific in Race to Witch Mountain and one reason is because he gets to put all those characteristics together. He also gets to drive fast, kick butt and show off his comic talent. AnnaSophia Robb and Alexander Ludwig are also perfectly cast as the alien siblings.  

Secondly, there were plenty of surprises. One of the biggest was the action sequences that are unusual for a Disney film. Whether it’s the mob or the government agents or the alien assassin chasing the trio, there were plenty of car chases, explosions and fight scenes. The other ones may be harder to find, but if you are familiar with the original, you should find them without any problem. (If you are not familiar, just watch the DVD extras – it’s a short feature, but so worth it.)

Race to Witch Mountain was unexpectedly entertaining. It had the perfect mix of good clean fun, exciting action and plenty of charm. The original 1975 picture Escape to Witch Mountain was followed by a sequel, a made-for-TV remake. I could only hope for more new Witch Mountain films. This one was “Worth Buying.”


SHOULD KIDS SEE IT?
There is one scene that may be a bit scary for younger viewers, but my 11 and 8 year olds loved it… we all say Yes!

Todd Pearage Todd Pearage is a movie buff at heart, but he's not your traditional film critic. Todd is a blue collar film geek, from his job years ago at Blockbuster to his heartfelt online movie reviews. But Todd isn't just a film geek. He has worked with middle and high school students since 1991 as a youth pastor in Baptist, Methodist and Presbyterian Churches. Todd and his wife Lynda are both graduates of Philadelphia Biblical University and have two children, Brianna and Caleb. Todd loves sports and movies and is always up for a good laugh. He is a die-hard Pittsburgh Steelers fan, and his favorite movies include Braveheart and Tommy Boy. Todd's reviews reflect his love for kids and for his family.


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