The Disney film ‘Escape to Witch Mountain’, is an old favorite of many. Due to director John Hough’s expertise in suspense films he was able to bring Alexander Key's book to a whole new light. Like his past work(s) of ‘The Legend of Hell House’ that was a Golden Scroll nominee for Best Horror Film. Along with the almost perfect casting of Ike Senmann (Tony) and Kim Richards (Tia), that looked so alike that imagining them as siblings was no trouble. As it was hard to remember that they were not actually related by the end. Along with antagonist Aristotle Bolt Played by Ray Millard who uses his wealth and power to try and get the children. Said siblings get help from the most unlikely man, the RV legend Jason O’day played by the late Eddie Albert. This movie doesn't stop moving, one look away and it's a conundrum the kids caused that Jason and Aristotle have to overcome.
The only thing anyone going into this movie should know is that the movie is set a little back in time. There are cars and phones but it's obviously not modern. Though it portrays the issue of people not accepting/fearing those that are different then they are. Which can be referenced in the past as well through slavery, the Salem witch trials (though back in Salem they were all normal, it was fear that drove them), and even now today with the recurrent issue of immigration. If you are different and coming to a place not your own then people will use you (pay the immigrants less for more work) or remove you (some event) by their own means. Relating to when this movie was filmed in 1975 the Vietnam war was ending.
Escape to Witch Mountain’ centers around siblings Tia & Tony's search for a past forgotten, while escaping those who seek to use their powers. Said powers are called ‘psychokinetic’ that would make Jean Grey look like an amateur. Through the movie they have used them to not only succeed in different activities, but for their own survival.
Though it is not as easy as it seems.
With these powers comes unwanted attention. Weather that is from the other kids at the orphanage, to creepy old men looking to keep them forever. If the kids did not have the powers they have then Aristotle would not of had them adopted and they would still be at the orphanage. Or better yet had been adopted by a nice family that was not power hungry or creepy. Though the movie would have been over pretty quick then wouldn't it?
The movie tries/succeeds in asserting the point; People fear those that are different, without trying to understand them. Through using children (a symbol of innocence) as the ones being sought after. Men coming after them for their unusual talents. While others fearful of their abnormalities result to violence. It is a common issue that has been around since the beginning. For new viewers they should focus on the people the kids interact with and are just around during the first half of the movie. As it is clear to see the others feelings towards the siblings.
It is a movie angled towards children as it’s a Disney movie. Though when watching the film the older viewers can enjoy the sense of life and spirit the movie brings. Not to forget the more adult themes surrounding the plot and adorable nature of the protagonists.
The only thing anyone going into this movie should know is that the movie is set a little back in time. There are cars and phones but it's obviously not modern. Though it portrays the issue of people not accepting/fearing those that are different then they are. Which can be referenced in the past as well through slavery, the Salem witch trials (though back in Salem they were all normal, it was fear that drove them), and even now today with the recurrent issue of immigration. If you are different and coming to a place not your own then people will use you (pay the immigrants less for more work) or remove you (some event) by their own means. Relating to when this movie was filmed in 1975 the Vietnam war was ending.
Escape to Witch Mountain’ centers around siblings Tia & Tony's search for a past forgotten, while escaping those who seek to use their powers. Said powers are called ‘psychokinetic’ that would make Jean Grey look like an amateur. Through the movie they have used them to not only succeed in different activities, but for their own survival.
Though it is not as easy as it seems.
With these powers comes unwanted attention. Weather that is from the other kids at the orphanage, to creepy old men looking to keep them forever. If the kids did not have the powers they have then Aristotle would not of had them adopted and they would still be at the orphanage. Or better yet had been adopted by a nice family that was not power hungry or creepy. Though the movie would have been over pretty quick then wouldn't it?
The movie tries/succeeds in asserting the point; People fear those that are different, without trying to understand them. Through using children (a symbol of innocence) as the ones being sought after. Men coming after them for their unusual talents. While others fearful of their abnormalities result to violence. It is a common issue that has been around since the beginning. For new viewers they should focus on the people the kids interact with and are just around during the first half of the movie. As it is clear to see the others feelings towards the siblings.
It is a movie angled towards children as it’s a Disney movie. Though when watching the film the older viewers can enjoy the sense of life and spirit the movie brings. Not to forget the more adult themes surrounding the plot and adorable nature of the protagonists.
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