Race to Witch Mountain

When 'Escape to Witch Mountain' came out in 1975, it captured children's imaginations across the country. It was a simple, unassuming story of a brother and sister by the names of Tony and Tia (played by Ike Eisenmann and Kim Richards respectively) who are searching for their past. But these children aren't ordinary children. They have powers of telepathy and telekinesis, and thus become the objects of pursuit by an evil millionaire. It was a good, wholesome film, which you'd expect being it was made by Disney.

Three years later, Disney released a sequel, entitled 'Return from Witch Mountain'. This was more action oriented, but the storyline wasn't nearly as engaging nor as rewarding. Then in 1982, Disney released direct to TV a third film, entitled 'Beyond Witch Mountain'. This was aired only once in its first two decades of existence and was never released on home video. These days, it makes a very rare appearance on the Disney Channel. As such, it is extremely difficult to find anywhere. After many long years of searching, however, the staff at FilmQuest have finally managed to track down a copy of it and it's now on order and should reach our offices soon. Stay tuned for a full review of it shortly. It is notable for having both Tracey Gold and Kirk Cameron in it, both of whom would go on three years later to star together in the TV series 'Growing Pains'.

In March 2009, a remake of the original film is slated to be released. This will be called 'Race to Witch Mountain' and will star Alexander Ludwig and AnnaSophia Robb (from 'Bridge to Terebithia') as the siblings, Tony and Tia. It will also have the child actors from the original film in cameo roles as a police officer and a waitress. It should prove to be an interesting film as it's going to have an X-Files/Roswell feel to it. Remember, you read about it here first!