Loosely based on the 1975 hit Escape to Witch Mountain, Race to Witch Mountain is a non-stop action film that should have the entire family in high spirits. However, due to a run of lackluster dialogue and elementary actions, the film is never able to infiltrate its audience, becoming a somewhat disappointment by story's end.
At the heart of the film are Sara and Seth, two teens who are attempting to divert government officials, locate their ship and return to their home planet. Played by the gorgeous AnnaSophia Robb and Alexander Ludwig, both characters feature a harsh blend of childhood innocence and the knowing of adulthood. As a result, a tug-of-war fight begins to take its effect, ultimately serving as an unwelcome diversion from the story's quick progression.
Thankfully, audiences are able to ignore the unsure children, opting to pay close attention to the confused and bewildered Jack Bruno. And though its actor, Dwayne Johnson, continues to play every character the same way, you can't help but appreciate a swull guy who knows how to handle kids. His comedic timing, though slightly off, works in this sense as it plays off the high energy action sequences that seem to never stop coming.
In fact, I can honestly say that I was greatly surprised at the number of crashes and special effects that find their home within the film. The explosion of cars, the desert chase scene and the all-important Las Vegas conviction help to promote animosity amongst the audience, keeping them in tune even though the story is quickly becoming both ridiculous and unappealing.
And though you find yourself childishly smiling at the end, the fact of the matter remains constant: the film, which cost an arm and leg to create, doesn't bring justice to either the genre or the original. Sure it is interesting, and the kids will ooo and aww at the spectacles that unfold before them. But in all honestly, the movie is quite mediocre. A true disappointment for Johnson, and as you walk out of the theater, the only thing on your mind is the beauty and elegance of Robb. Which I am sure was not the focus that Disney was hoping for.
