Although it should initially come as a surprise to find out that the Disney machine created a sci-fi thriller like “Race to Witch Mountain,” think again. It may not be the average family flick we are accustomed to, but the movie nevertheless manages to look like an adventure that moviegoers of all ages would die for. Despite its PG-rated violence, frightening scenes and scary death threats, “Race to Witch Mountain” holds the air of an exciting venture.

In addition, the production is compelling with a cunning combination of action, wit and drama, thus bringing into play the most magnetic elements a Disney movie should benefit from in order to re-establish the studio’s clutch on a youth market that appeared to be sneaking out. Moreover, the film that opened on Friday, March 13, is expected to score big at the box office and maintain its success well into Easter weekend.

In spite of the fact that the film is a remake of the classic 1975 “Escape to Witch Mountain,” the helmer of the production, Andy Fickman, as well as its writers, Matt Lopez and Mark Bomback, have modernized and revised the story and obviously added better special effects to its visual side.

“Race to Witch Mountain” stars Dwayne Johnson as a Las Vegas cab driver who bumps into a couple of off teenagers who later prove to be extraterrestrial. The cabbie is followed by both mob foot soldiers and government agents who are trying to get their hands on the vehicle’s passengers at any cost.

Notwithstanding the fact that the film sometimes feels senseless, it shores up thanks to its bright direction, rock-hard stunts and lively sort of entertainment.