In a film that will no doubt engender feelings of nostalgia in those who saw it as children, 'Escape to Witch Mountain' is a reminder that Disney used to be good for fairly decent live-action films instead of churning out cheap teeny-booper soaps and 'comedies' (I use this term in the loosest sense of the word) brimming with brats who have the acting prowess of a plank of wood.
Based on the 1968 novel by Alexander Key, the film centres around orphaned brother and sister, Tony and Tia Malone, who possess paranormal abilities. They have scant memories from early childhood of being ship-wrecked and protected by a mysterious uncle, and discover a strange map to Witch Mountain in the 'star case' Tia carries. When a rich and ruthless businessmen Aristotle Bolt plans to harness the twins' powers for his own selfish purposes, Tony and Tia flee to find out what is hidden in Witch Mountain. On their way, they are aided by a prickly but good-hearted old man Jason O'Day and his cat Winkie.
This is an enjoyable, easy-going family film where Ike Eisenmann (who seems to have an affinity with sci-fi roles) and Kim Richards, as the guileless Tony and Tia, give good performances and are able to depict the strong sibling bond between their characters well. While some scenes, in typical Disney fashion, are a tad cheesy and the special effects don't stand up to films made in the Nineties and Noughties, it is still as enjoyable now as it was when I saw it as a child and I imagine it can still thrill today's young children (especially those weary of the tat that passes for children's TV and films these days). 'Escape to Witch Mountain' is an endearing family film, which might not have the best special-effects, but which has a story which will stand the test of time.
This film is nicely complimented by the sequel 'Beyond Witch Mountain', where Eisenmann and Richards reprise their roles as the now adolescent twins who return for holiday only to find themselves pursued by cruel people wanting to use their abilities. What viewers should avoid like the plague is the atrocious 1995 re-make of 'Escape to Witch Mountain' that has an odd and messy plot.
Based on the 1968 novel by Alexander Key, the film centres around orphaned brother and sister, Tony and Tia Malone, who possess paranormal abilities. They have scant memories from early childhood of being ship-wrecked and protected by a mysterious uncle, and discover a strange map to Witch Mountain in the 'star case' Tia carries. When a rich and ruthless businessmen Aristotle Bolt plans to harness the twins' powers for his own selfish purposes, Tony and Tia flee to find out what is hidden in Witch Mountain. On their way, they are aided by a prickly but good-hearted old man Jason O'Day and his cat Winkie.
This is an enjoyable, easy-going family film where Ike Eisenmann (who seems to have an affinity with sci-fi roles) and Kim Richards, as the guileless Tony and Tia, give good performances and are able to depict the strong sibling bond between their characters well. While some scenes, in typical Disney fashion, are a tad cheesy and the special effects don't stand up to films made in the Nineties and Noughties, it is still as enjoyable now as it was when I saw it as a child and I imagine it can still thrill today's young children (especially those weary of the tat that passes for children's TV and films these days). 'Escape to Witch Mountain' is an endearing family film, which might not have the best special-effects, but which has a story which will stand the test of time.
This film is nicely complimented by the sequel 'Beyond Witch Mountain', where Eisenmann and Richards reprise their roles as the now adolescent twins who return for holiday only to find themselves pursued by cruel people wanting to use their abilities. What viewers should avoid like the plague is the atrocious 1995 re-make of 'Escape to Witch Mountain' that has an odd and messy plot.