RACE TO WITCH MOUNTAIN

Director: Andy Fickman

Cast: Carla Gugino, Dwayne Johnson-Cochran, AnnaSophia Robb, Cheech Marin, Christine Lakin

Synopsis: A UFO expert enlists the help of a cabbie to protect two siblings with paranormal powers from the clutches of an organization that wants to use the kids for their nefarious plans.

Genre: Sci-Fi & Fantasy

Release Date: March 13, 2009

Las Vegas – UFO Convention – SCI FI geeks – the men in black – a pretty doctor – the Rock and a two alien kids. Interested? Director Andy Fickman delivers an fun time action flick with Race to Witch Mountain.

At first, I wasn’t enthusiastic about seeing Dwayne Johnson play a caretaker to a couple of alien kids on the run from the feds, but I was unexpectedly entertained. The action scenes are captivating as always with the ‘Rock’, the clever writing caught my attention right from the start and the film grew on me.

An ex-con cab driver, played by Dwayne Johnson, recruits help from UFO specialist (Carla Cugino) to help two alien visitors find their spaceship somewhere in the Nevada desert. The goal is to save planet Earth from total destruction. Offering believable characters, both child actors Anna Sophia Robb and Alexander Ludwig kept perfect composure as the little non-green extraterrestrials.

Although the storyline is obviously quite a stretch from reality, the film is engaging and easy to follow. The humor isn’t overbearing, it’s subtle, in just the right moments.

Let’s face it, Johnson is a movie star; his work doesn’t disappoint. I’m just waiting to finally see that romantic dramatic side of him, but if action is his thing, that’s fine by me.

I know if Johnson’s in the picture I will not be bored. (By the way, notice the news reporter in the first few minutes of the film; remember ‘Jimmy Reardon’ from the 90′s? Yep, that’s the beautiful Meredith Salenger back on the scene!)

It is nice to see Johnson’s soft side and I myself am psyched to see animal actors deliver such fine performances as Buck the dog in the role of Junkyard.

This film is not E.T. , but I like it. I was able to channel my inner child and my inner geek, hence, two well earned Chinny Bini paws will serve justice in this very entertaining PG-13 adventure.