Return to Witch Mountain is a 1995 American made-for-television science fiction-adventure film and a sequel to the 1975 film Escape to Witch Mountain. It was written by Dan Gurney and Steve Tormey, and directed by John Hough. The film originally aired as part of The Wonderful World of Disney on ABC. Return to Witch Mountain follows the story of two siblings with paranormal abilities, Tia and Tony Malone. Tia has telekinetic powers while Tony can communicate with animals. In this sequel, the siblings return to Witch Mountain, a place they are drawn to due to their origins as extraterrestrials.
In this sequel, the siblings return to Witch Mountain, a place they are drawn to due to their origins as extraterrestrials. Once they arrive, they discover that a group of ruthless individuals called "The Watchers" are after them. The Watchers want to harness the children's powers for their own nefarious purposes.
Prepare to return to Witch Mountain with Disney+ reboot starring Bryce Dallas Howard
If you remember the trips we’ve had to Witch Mountain, this latest story is quite interesting. But if anyone can make it work, it’s the fantastic Bryce Dallas Howard.
In a new story from TVLine, the site confirms Howard will star in a new Escape to Witch Mountain series coming to Disney+ sometime soon. The series is described as a “reimagining,” and the Disney streamer has ordered the series pilot.
The franchise began in 1975 with Escape to Witch Mountain. That original film spawned two sequels, Return to Witch Mountain and Beyond Witch Mountain. In 1995, we saw a remake of Escape to Witch Mountain, a made-for-TV movie. Then years later, Dwayne Johnson attempted to reboot the series with 2009’s Race to Witch Mountain. It did not pan out, as the film sits at 42% on Rotten Tomatoes.
Per TV Line, this new Disney+ series will follow “two teens that develop strange abilities and, in turn, discover that their sleepy suburb may not be as idyllic as it seems.” Isabel Gravitt and Levi Miller will play the teens Tia and Ben, joined by Howard, playing Audrey, Tia’s mother. Audrey is described as a “warm mama bear type, but like everyone in this town, not everything is as it seems.”
Tia is described as a straight-A student, while Ben struggles to make his grades. Tia experiences “hallucinations” in which people around her step outside their living bodies, and Ben soon learns he can force others in his vicinity to move according to his will.
Travis Fickett and Terry Matalas co-wrote the series pilot, and will also serve as executive producers alongside director Augustine Frizzell.
As Disney+ attempts more nostalgia bait like Hocus Pocus 2 and Disenchanted, they’ll likely tap into more classic properties like Escape to Witch Mountain. Could a new version of Flubber be soon on the way? One can only dream…
About EJ Moreno
EJ Moreno is a film and television critic and entertainment writer who joined the pop culture website Flickering Myth in 2018 and now serves as the executive producer of Flickering Myth TV, a YouTube channel with over 27,000 subscribers. With over a decade of experience, he is a Rotten Tomatoes-approved critic who is also part of the Critics Choice Association and GALECA: The Society of LGBTQ Entertainment Critics.
Throughout the film, Tia and Tony must use their abilities and work with a kind-hearted scientist named Jason O'Day to outsmart and evade The Watchers. Return to Witch Mountain is a thrilling adventure filled with danger, suspense, and heartwarming moments. It explores themes of identity, family, and the power of love and friendship. The special effects, although dated compared to modern films, effectively showcase the supernatural abilities of the main characters. The film received mixed reviews from critics upon its release. Some praised the performances of the lead actors, especially the chemistry between the siblings played by Elisabeth Moss and Erik von Detten. Others felt that the plot was predictable and lacked the charm of the original film. Despite the mixed reception, Return to Witch Mountain remains a nostalgic and entertaining sequel for fans of the original Escape to Witch Mountain. It continues the story of Tia and Tony Malone and their extraordinary abilities, while also introducing new characters and challenges. If you enjoyed the first film or are a fan of family-friendly adventure movies, Return to Witch Mountain is worth a watch..
Reviews for "The Cinematic Universe of 'Return to Witch Mountain' (1995) and its Continuity"
1. Sarah - 2/5 - I was really disappointed with "Return to Witch Mountain". The plot was messy and confusing, and the characters lacked depth. The special effects were also very dated, which made it hard to fully immerse myself in the film. Overall, I found it to be quite forgettable and not as enjoyable as the original "Escape to Witch Mountain".
2. Mark - 1/5 - "Return to Witch Mountain" was a complete letdown for me. The acting was subpar, with most of the characters appearing wooden and lacking any real emotion. The story felt predictable and cliché, and I found myself losing interest halfway through. Even the action sequences failed to excite me. I would recommend skipping this film and sticking to the 1975 original.
3. Jennifer - 2.5/5 - I was excited to watch "Return to Witch Mountain" as a fan of the original, but it fell short of my expectations. The storyline felt rushed and lacked cohesiveness, making it difficult to fully invest in the characters. The performances were fine, but there was a noticeable lack of chemistry between the leads. While the film had its moments, I ultimately felt underwhelmed and wished for a more engaging narrative.
4. Alex - 2/5 - I found "Return to Witch Mountain" to be quite underwhelming. The plot lacked originality and was filled with predictable twists and turns. The action scenes felt contrived and uninspired, failing to deliver any real excitement. Additionally, the dialogue and character development were weak, making it hard to connect with the story. Overall, I was left wanting more from this film, as it failed to capture the charm and magic of the original.
5. Emily - 2.5/5 - "Return to Witch Mountain" just didn't do it for me. The pacing felt off, with some scenes dragging on while others were rushed. The special effects, though perhaps impressive at the time, now appear dated and take away from the overall viewing experience. The performances were decent, but the lackluster script failed to give the actors much to work with. While it had its moments, this film failed to leave a lasting impression and can easily be skipped.