Race to Witch Mountain – WISE Score & Parent Review | Screenwise

Race to Witch Mountain

Name: Screenwise
Author: Screenwise

movie2009

52%

WISE Score

Avg. Tomatometer

The Rock drives alien teens around Vegas in this forgettable 2009 Disney remake that's safe but aggressively mediocre.

41%

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Race to Witch Mountain

movie

PG, 2009

52%

WISE Score

Avg. Tomatometer

The Rock drives alien teens around Vegas in this forgettable 2009 Disney remake that's safe but aggressively mediocre.

41%

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41%

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Screenwise Verdict

Look, this is one of those movies that exists. It's not offensive, it's not scary, it's not inappropriate—it's just aggressively okay. The Rock does his thing, there are aliens with glowing powers, stuff explodes, everyone learns a lesson about friendship or whatever.

The problem is that even by 2009 standards this was generic, and it hasn't improved with age. A 2.4 on Letterboxd is brutal (that's out of 5, folks). Kids who grew up with the MCU and modern effects-driven blockbusters will find this pretty dated and slow.

It's perfectly safe for family movie night if you've exhausted literally every other option on Disney+, but there are dozens of better family sci-fi adventures out there. It won't hurt anyone to watch it, but nobody's going to remember it either. The cinematic equivalent of plain oatmeal—nutritionally fine, utterly forgettable.

Age Fit

Best for 7-11 year olds who are into action movies and sci-fi but not ready for Marvel-level intensity. Teens will likely find it too juvenile and dated, while younger kids might be overwhelmed by the constant chases. It's squarely in that tween sweet spot, though even they might get bored.

WISE Breakdown

Wholesome

Disney family adventure with positive themes of helping others and teamwork. Dwayne Johnson's taxi driver character models kindness by protecting two alien teens despite personal risk. The tone is action-oriented but maintains appropriate boundaries for family viewing. Some chase sequences and peril, but handled in a classic Disney adventure style without meanness or cruelty. Pacing is fast but not chaotic.

Imaginative

Sci-fi premise of alien teenagers with powers trying to prevent planetary destruction has some creative elements, but execution is fairly formulaic. It's a remake of the 1975 film, so the core concept isn't particularly original. The alien abilities and government conspiracy elements provide some wonder, but the movie doesn't deeply explore its imaginative potential—it's more action-driven than thought-provoking. Doesn't really invite kids to build or create beyond basic 'what if aliens were real' questions.

Safe

Common Sense Media rates it for age 8+, which aligns with typical Disney action-adventure content. PG-rated with sci-fi action violence (chases, crashes, energy weapons) but no gore, graphic content, or inappropriate material. The peril is fantasy-based rather than realistic violence. No sexual content, minimal language concerns. Government agents are antagonists but not gratuitously scary. Fairly predictable Disney formula means no shocking twists or traumatic content that would catch families off-guard.

Enriching

Limited educational or developmental value beyond basic entertainment. Themes of loyalty, trust, and doing the right thing are present but surface-level. The sci-fi elements don't explore scientific concepts meaningfully. Character development is minimal—it's primarily a chase movie. Doesn't build critical thinking, problem-solving, or empathy in substantial ways. The Rock's charm carries it, but there's not much for kids to take away beyond 'aliens and action are cool.' Pure popcorn entertainment without much substance.

Parent Info

✓

Why It Might Be Great

Dwayne Johnson brings his signature charm to a family-friendly action role—he's genuinely likable even when the script isn't
Straightforward sci-fi adventure with clear good guys and bad guys, no moral ambiguity to confuse younger viewers
Action sequences are exciting enough for kids without being too intense—classic Disney formula of peril without real danger
Available on Disney+ so easy access if you need something inoffensive for a rainy afternoon

⚠

What to Watch For

Lots of chase scenes, crashes, and sci-fi weapons—fine for most 8+ kids but younger ones might find the constant action overwhelming
Government agents as villains might prompt questions about authority and who to trust
The plot is paint-by-numbers predictable, so don't expect to be engaged as a parent—bring your phone
It's just not very good—41% on Rotten Tomatoes tells the story; your kids might be bored too

Conversation Starters

"If you could have one superpower like the alien kids, what would you choose and why?"
"The taxi driver helped people he didn't know—when is it important to help strangers, and when should you be careful?"
"Why do you think the government wanted to catch the alien teenagers instead of listening to them?"
"If aliens came to Earth, how do you think we should treat them?"

Deep Dive

The "just okay" era of Disney

This movie landed right in that late-2000s sweet spot where studios were obsessed with turning every vintage property into a high-speed chase. It’s a very specific flavor of cinema: lots of lens flares, government suits in dark glasses, and a lead actor who is clearly overqualified for the script. With a 5.7 on IMDb and a dismal 2.4 on Letterboxd, we aren't exactly talking about a masterpiece. It’s the kind of movie that feels like it was designed by a committee to be "exciting enough" for a Sunday afternoon without actually having a soul.

Why it feels dated

If your kids are used to the polished storytelling of modern streaming series or high-budget superhero films, they might find the rhythm here a bit clunky. The special effects were decent for 2009, but they don't hold up particularly well against what’s coming out today. The supernatural elements are mostly limited to some glowing effects and basic telekinesis, which might feel a little thin for a generation raised on the spectacle of the last decade.

The stakes also feel strangely low. Even though there are mysterious agents and high-tech facilities involved, you never really feel like anyone is in genuine peril. If you're worried about the intensity of those chase scenes or whether the government-conspiracy vibes are too much, our parent's guide to Race to Witch Mountain breaks down exactly how much "action" is actually in this movie.

The "rainy day" utility

The best way to use this is as low-stakes filler. It’s available on Disney Plus, so it costs you nothing but time. It’s a safe bet if you have a group of kids with a wide age range—the eight-year-olds will enjoy the "supernatural powers" aspect, and the older ones will at least appreciate the constant movement. Just don’t expect to sit through it yourself without checking your phone every ten minutes. It’s a movie that happens at you rather than one you get invested in.

If your kid is currently obsessed with "kids with powers" stories but has already exhausted the better options, this is a functional stopgap. It’s not going to be anyone’s favorite movie, but it won’t cause any nightmares or require a long debrief afterward. It’s just... there.

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