Imperial Valley News

Hollywood, California - Race to Witch Mountain - Film Review by Lisa Miller (2009) Directed by Andy Fickman, Starring: Dwayne Johnson, Carla Gugino, AnnaSophia Robb, Alexander Ludwig, Ciaran Hinds, Tom Everett Scott, Billy Brown, Richard “Cheech” Marin, Garry Marshall, Kim Richards, Ike Eisenmann - Disney/Rated PG/Sci-Fi/99 minutes.

PG-Rated “Witch Mountain” might frighten the dickens out of parents bravely accompanying their young’uns. Those familiar with “Zathura: A Space Adventure,” have a built-in test. If you didn’t run shrieking from the theater, you’re cleared to race.

This time, the formula’s success owes much to Dwayne Johnson (Formerly wrestling’s “The Rock”), whose grasp on the beset hero spouting comic one-liners rivals that of Governor Schwarzenegger. Johnson portrays Jack Bruno, a Las Vegas cabbie and ex-felon trying to eke out an honest living. This means ignoring mob orders that he resume his post as their wheelman. Jack, a no-nonsense, good-hearted everyman, is equally bemused and disgruntled by a science fiction convention for geeks and freaks who “want to believe.”

Things are looking up when an attractive astrophysicist (Carla Gugino), hops in Jack’s cab, but he’s nonplussed after she reveals herself to be a keynote speaker at the convention. His next passengers are Sara and Seth (AnnaSophia Robb and Alexander Ludwig), a teenaged sister-brother duo flashing a wad of cash. When the kids claim to be aliens, Jack is all chuckles until Sara displays her telekinetic and mind reading powers, and Seth walks through solid objects.

In the film’s first of several scary sequences, a pair of black SUVs play squeeze the yellow cab down to the size of a model car. The man behind the attack, and ongoing governmental interference, is top U.S. Agent Burke. Played by Ciaran Hinds with stony stoicism, the character and his over-the-top agenda constitutes the film’s one misstep.

Apparently, government conspiracies are universal. A faction from Sara and Seth’s home planet is intent upon preventing the kids from completing their mission - one that will save earth from alien invasion. Their enemies have dispatched a Cyborg assassin - half-”Terminator” and half “Star Wars” drone - whose weapons include a highly maneuverable mini-plane.

Comedic respite is provided when Jack and the two kids disappear into the convention. Hot on their trail is the Cyborg, his metallic exoskeleton looking like just another conventioneer’s outfit.

Eventually, Agent Burke manages to capture the kids, clearing the path to enact a terrible Government plan. With help from Gugino’s astrophysicist and her anarchist friend, played by Gary Marshall, Jack puts his life on the line to save the kids who are only too happy to save his right back.

Handily winning the box office race on its opening weekend, the remake should have legs. Its superior special effects and cast deserve much credit, as does the film’s quick tempo and zingy one-liners, collectively telling an exciting and coherent story. Even better, almost limitless sequel possibilities virtually assure we’ll be visiting “Witch Mountain” again, and soon.