Escape to Witch Mountain

Don't be fooled by the sci-fi elements, or the fact that this film was directed by someone who's tried his hand even at horror movies; it's only for kids under 13. Dumb story, variable special effects, and a quite obnoxious little boy (Eisenmann). Thank god Ray Milland and Donald Pleasence (with his uniquely creepy voice) are around to lend some class to this corny piece of Disney fluff. (**)

The fairly newly released DVD is cool because it has audio commentary by the director, Ike Eisenmann and Kim Richards. After all these years, Kim Richards' voice sounds exactly the same. Kim and Ike comment how wonderful Eddie Albert and some of the other actors were to work with -- very professional and treated them with respect. It is quite a fun audio commentary. Kim and Ike explain how some of the special effects worked. Movie itself has very COOL special effects -- the best part being when the coat and hat "came alive" to terrorize the sheriff of that redneck town. Nobody felt bad for the sheriff because he was so creepy. Any movie that has interaction with kids and animals will be enjoyable for kids and this one features horses, dogs, a cat and a bear. What kid cannot relate to this? That aspect does make it appealing to kids. Unfortunately, a really bad script makes this movie plodding and not as interesting as it could be. I almost like the sequel better because Bette Davis is so over the top and Christopher Lee is such a fun guest star.

After their foster parents die, telepathic Kim Richards (as Tia Malone) and telekinetic Ike Eisenmann (as Tony Malone) must return to living in an orphanage. On an outing with ever-delightful Reta Shaw (in her last film role), the siblings' otherworldly powers are discovered, by Donald Pleasence (as Lucas Deranian), the devious driver for dastardly millionaire Ray Milland (as Aristotle Bolt). With help from heart-warmed Eddie Albert (as Jason O'Day), the children must escape from Mr. Milland, who has nefarious plans The usual Disney clichés - cute kids, lovable animals, old pros - but significantly better than what had, by the time this film was originally released, become the norm at the studio: mediocre to poor kid fare. Children deserve quality. "Escape to Witch Mountain" is more imaginative than insulting; and, as you'll see, it could arguably be called ahead of its time. The players and animals are nicely corralled by director John Hough; "Winkie" is the cat's meow, and the instrumental puppet dance is quite memorable. ******* Escape to Witch Mountain (3/21/75) John Hough ~ Ike Eisenmann, Kim Richards, Eddie Albert, Ray Milland