"Race to Witch Mountain" is a 2009 science fiction adventure film that serves as a remake of the 1975 Disney film "Escape to Witch Mountain." Directed by Andy Fickman, it stars Dwayne Johnson, AnnaSophia Robb, Alexander Ludwig, and Carla Gugino. The film follows a Las Vegas cab driver, Jack Bruno (Dwayne Johnson), who gets caught up in an adventure to protect two alien siblings, Sara (AnnaSophia Robb) and Seth (Alexander Ludwig), who possess extraordinary powers. The original film, "Escape to Witch Mountain," was based on the 1968 novel written by Alexander Key. It featured a similar storyline where two orphaned siblings, Tony and Tia, have psychic abilities and are pursued by villains who seek to exploit their powers. The original film garnered success and paved the way for a sequel titled "Return from Witch Mountain" in 1978.
The Witches of Eileanan by Kate Forsyth, a historical fantasy trilogy in which the young Isabeau leads a horde of persecuted witches.
As Frances tells the story of her life with her first husband and manipulative uncle, and of a society full of superstition and lies, a picture begins to form. To expand beyond Lewis alone, the complicated depiction of powerful women in this book mirrors the changing landscape of gender equality in Britain and abroad.
The original film garnered success and paved the way for a sequel titled "Return from Witch Mountain" in 1978. In the 2009 remake, the story is reimagined with several modern updates. The film begins with the two alien siblings crash-landing their spacecraft on Earth.
Fascinating Witch Stories in Historical Fiction
Since we were on the subject of vampire books last week, I thought this week would be a great time to revisit some novels about accused witches. After all, witches and witchcraft are popular themes in novels, especially historical fiction.
I’ve done more than my fair share of reading and writing historical fiction set around witches, witch accusations, and witch trials. The key to remember, at least with three of these novels, is that while the characters are accused of witchcraft, they aren’t actually witches.
The novel that stands out in this crowd is Daughters of the Witching Hill by Mary Sharratt, where Mother Demdike and her granddaughter Alizon do indeed seem capable of casting spells.
They seek the help of a skeptical taxi driver, Jack Bruno, who reluctantly agrees to assist them. It soon becomes clear that the siblings are being pursued by a secret government organization that intends to capture them. As Jack and the siblings embark on a journey to reach Witch Mountain, they encounter various obstacles and face off against the government agents chasing them. Along the way, the group forms a bond and discovers the true purpose of the aliens' visit to Earth. "Race to Witch Mountain" received mixed reviews upon its release. While some appreciated its updated visuals and Dwayne Johnson's performance, others found the storyline predictable and lacking the charm of the original film. Nevertheless, it managed to gross over $100 million worldwide, making it a commercially successful remake. Overall, "Race to Witch Mountain" is a modern retelling of the classic story of alien siblings who possess extraordinary powers. Despite the mixed reception, it remains an entertaining adventure film that pays homage to the original while incorporating contemporary elements..
Reviews for "The Emotional Journey of "Escape to Witch Mountain" Original: How the Adventure Tugs at our Hearts"
1. Jessica - 2/5 stars - I was really excited to watch the original Rican to Witch Mountain, but I was ultimately disappointed. The plot felt shallow and rushed, and the special effects were definitely outdated. The acting was also a bit lacking, and I struggled to connect with the characters. Overall, it just didn't live up to my expectations and I wouldn't recommend it.
2. Kevin - 2/5 stars - Rican to Witch Mountain original had potential, but it fell short for me. The storyline was intriguing, but the execution was lacking. The pacing felt off, and the dialogue didn't flow naturally. I also found it hard to believe in the characters and their motivations. It's a shame because I had high hopes for this classic film, but it just didn't deliver.
3. Samantha - 3/5 stars - I found Rican to Witch Mountain original to be an average watch. While it had its moments, overall, it didn't leave a lasting impression on me. The story was interesting, but it lacked depth and character development. The special effects were also quite dated, which took away from the overall experience. I wouldn't necessarily discourage others from watching it, but it's not a film I would actively seek out.
4. Michael - 2/5 stars - Rican to Witch Mountain original was a disappointment for me. The acting felt stale and forced, and I couldn't fully invest in the characters or their journey. The plot had potential, but it wasn't fully realized and left me wanting more. The special effects were also underwhelming, even for its time. Overall, it just didn't hold up well, and I wouldn't recommend it as a must-watch.