OK for kids 8+
Sci-fi remake is action packed and intense for a PG film.
What Parents Need to Know
Parents need to know that this new take on Disney's classic Escape to Witch Mountain is scary -- the destruction of the world is at stake, and the main characters are in constant peril. And, for a PG-rated film, it has more violence and intense moments than you might expect. Since the alien villain and government agents are all trying to kill or capture the extraterrestrial teens, the kids are constantly in danger and have to ward off many threats, including explosions and direct gunfire. There's also a little bit of mild flirting between two characters and several product placements. Language is mostly limited to threats like "you're dead."
- Families can talk about whether the amount of violence in this movie is OK for the kid audience it's being advertised to. Kids: Was it scarier than you thought it would be? Is it less scary because the main characters are aliens? Why or why not?
- How are Seth and Sarah different from other aliens you've seen inmovies and TV shows? What do they learn about humankind -- and viceversa?
- For fans of the original Disney Witch Mountain movies, how does this remake compare?
The good stuff
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Educational value: The movie is intended to entertain, not educate.
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Messages: Amid the peril and danger, the main characters learn about trusting others.
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Role models: A man selflessly helps kids who are in trouble. But on the other hand, U.S. government officials are depicted as mean and violent. People who believe in UFOs are made fun of but eventually validated in their belief that extraterrestrials exist.
What to watch for
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Violence and scariness: This film is more violent than most PG-rated Disney flicks. Not only is an alien assassin trying to kill the protagonists, but the government operatives are also ready to use deadly force. The scary alien sets fire to places and continuously tries to shoot Sarah, Seth, and pretty much anyone who's in his way. No one looks dead, but obviously the alien's explosions injure people. Sarah also uses her telepathy to set cars on fire or crash them in the street. Characters engage in hand-to-hand fights. The confrontations are loud and frightening, but there's no blood or obvious death.
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Sexy stuff: Two characters flirt, hold hands, and are told by a telepathic alien that they're thinking of each other.
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Language: Mild: Words include "pimped" and threatening language like "you're dead," "deadly force authorized," and "we can make you disappear."
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Consumerism: Product placements include Cadillac Escalade, Chevy Avalanche, Ford Mustang GT, Planet Hollywood, the movie Bullitt, Star Wars stormtroopers, and various hotels on the Las Vegas strip.
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Drinking, drugs and smoking: Not an issue
Fan Reviews provided by
5
Totally Shocked by Superjay
I had no intentions to see this movie. From the previews it looked like another failed attempt by the Mouse to remake a classic and the previews did not help their plight. But my nephew and niece desperately wanted to see it so I took them to a matinee.
OMG! Completely surprised!! It is a definite must see for families. There's the right amount of action, drama, and comedy to make kids laugh and adults smile at how their children love a movie that wont warp their tiny little brains. Very reminiscent of the more whole some (i.e cat from outer space) action films that Disney used to do before he passed. Some people may poo poo this because of one reason or another, but so what ! it's good family fun and I will be adding it to my DVD collection when it comes out. There are a couple of minor complaints from me as far as the movie not tying up some loose ends at the end (redundant). But if your taking your kids they wont notice. Good Job Mouse I give you an A- for Race to Witch Mountain.
5
MUST SEE by usagrl
I highly highly highly recommend the movie for everyone (well maybe not anyone under 3/4 YOA) It had tons of excitement, laughter and all around a great story line. I have to admit I had two reasons for wanting to see the movie. I remember seeing Escape to Witch Mountain as a kid and really liking it. Then top it off the "The Rock" Dwayne Johnson was in it and I think him being in films is always a great addition. :) I will not ruin the movie by telling you the whole story, but just by telling you that if you like ET, or Escape to Witch Mountain as a kid, Transformers now, or any action packed Movie or even any Disney Movie you will love this.
5
Race to Witch Mountain by Mythreefarnboys
Action packed from the time it started, all the way to the end.
Very entertaining for small kids to adults.
Worth your money and time.
5
RACE TO WITCH MOUNTAIN by sandsimon8
THE MOVIE WAS GREAT LOVED IT AND MY DAUGHTER REALLY ENJOYED IT.
5
road to witch mountain by janisde
Great movie kids and adults will enjoy this one.
5
race to witch mountain by Allycat33
This was a wonderful movie. I originally went to see it because my son wanted to watch it. I havent heard iof it and just thought that it was another one of those "kid" movies that I really wouldn't be interested in. I was pleasently surprised to find that this was a great movie for the whole family. Full of advanture and creative story line that will keep you interested from begienning to end.
4
Family Movie by SneakySF
It has an old school family thing going on. I'd classify it as a lite hearted kid thriller adventure movie, a little bit of everything to keep the whole family interested. A Go for the family and a So-So for everyone else.
5
One of Disney's best by Nicoco2
Action from beginning to end. Probably Disney's best remake. Nice story line and a great movie for all ages. Great on big screen, seems like it would loose appeal if you wait for the video.
5
Loved RTWM by kmhnova
I read the book that this movie was based on as a child, "Escape to Witch Mountain", and saw the original made for TV Disney movie -- the plot and the story captivated me. I absolutely loved the update, not just because of the movie-technology and special effects of today (so many years after the original), but also because despite the changes to the plot, the simple feeling of good triumphing over evil in the context of good family sci-fi fun and very likeable characters (and a few you love to not like!) was accomplished very well in this movie. Yay Disney! Thanks for another really good feature!
5
movie by xtremejosh2006
Me and my girlfriend could not stop laughing it was very funny the rock was great !