Race to Witch Mountain (2009)

The Rock, or 'Dwayne Johnson' as he's now known, is a down on his luck cabbie in Las Vegas, that is until he accidentally picks up two young alien children who happen to be looking for a ride home. Unfortunately, his taxi doesn't go into space, but he vows to help them get back to their ship. Naturally, those shady Government agents have other plans and set out to thwart them.If you could imagine The X-films, but on at 3pm on a Sunday afternoon, then you're sort of in the right area, only 'Race to Witch Mountain' has more chases than Scully and Mulder normally have to get through. In fact, the first half of the film is pretty much one long chase. Therefore, when the film takes its foot off the pedal (so to speak) mid way through, the paces feels like it's slowed dramatically, which is a downside, but simply because the beginning has been so fast.But, don't worry, there are more chases and action to come - With Mountain isn't an easy place to just walk into, so Dwayne's punching and kicking skills will be tested to the limit as he has to fend off not only the U.S. Government, but also an alien bounty hunter.This is family fun. There's nothing new here, but it's one of those rare action films that the whole family can sit down and enjoy.http://thewrongtreemoviereviews.blogspot.co.uk/

Okay so it's a Disney kids film – but I found this remake of an original 1975 version (which I have not seen as @ December 2012) to be very entertaining and quite exciting. There's an exciting car chase where the authorities are after the aliens (who are disguised as kids) in the first 15 minutes or so (great fun) followed by an alien hunter also in pursuit of them (this is not quite as entertaining, but fairly explosive). As you'd expect for a 2009 film the special effects are very good as the kids special abilities are gradually revealed – however these are kept to essentials only and the CGI is not overblown. The dog is very funny. There's a suitably exciting rescue attempt from inside the mountain (a sort of secret Area 51 base housing the kids captured saucer) and a final confrontation with the alien hunter (who looks a lot like 'The Silence' from Doctor Who once the helmet comes off). Good stuff.

(Credit IMDb) In Las Vegas, the regenerated ex-con Jack Bruno works as taxi driver. During an UFO Convention at Planet Hollywood, the skeptical Jack picks up Dr. Alex Friedman, who will present a scientific lecture in the event. Then he is pressed by two henchmen of his former boss, the criminal Wolff, that wants to talk to him, but Jack does not want to return to the crime life. Jack fights and gets rid of them; out of the blue, he finds two teenagers on the backseat of his cab. They tell that they are siblings, Sara and Seth, and they need to travel to a location outside Las Vegas in the middle of nowhere. Meanwhile the government finds a spacecraft that crashed nearby Las Vegas and is chasing the two aliens; after the investigation of the men of Major Henry Burke, they discover that the two siblings are the aliens. Jack Bruno, Sara and Seth are chased by Henry Burke's team and by the "Syphon", a killer...I detest remakes, especially if it's of a movie that I was indifferent on. Surprisingly enough, Race to Witch Mountain Managed to exceed my expectations thanks to some wise casting, and enjoyable action scenes in this movie. Dwayne Johnson's undeniable charisma serves this movie well, and I enjoyed the kid actors more then I did in the original. Favorite two scenes have to be where Dwayne takes them to hide out at a restaurant, and the taxi chase scene. It's far from perfect, but it's really a decent little family movie.Performances. Dwayne Johnson is at his charismatic best here. I've whined in the past about him relegating himself to Disney movies, but let's face it. He's fantastic in them. He carries the movie with his swagger and charm, and I loved his performance. Carla Gugino is very easy on the eyes and a credible actress to boot. Her chemistry with Dwayne seemed very natural. Alexander Ludwig and AnnaSophia Robb are likable as the kids, and show decent poise for there age set. Ciaran Hinds is decent as the villain.Bottom line. I quite enjoyed this one for what it was. Dwayne has a solid career ahead of him, and dare I say this is better then the supposed classic original? I personally feel it is. Give it a whirl!6 ½ /10

My daughters (11 and 5) wanted to see this film WITH me. Not caring for action films and not at all impressed with Dwayne Johnson, I was really reluctant, but acquiesced on account of the girls' persistence. This turned out to be a big surprise for me. Not only did I enjoy the story, but I was impressed with Dwayne Johnson's performance.No, he is not an Academy Award actor. What the "the Rock" does convey is an involvement with the characters around him. Until I saw this film, I had this picture of him as a real blow-hard. Not only is Johnson a pleasing actor, but he is funny while playing the tough guy. I have yet to see his other pictures, but I do hope he does more films along the lines of ETWM. He is perfect for what I call family adventure films.JKHolman