You may have seen “Escape from Witch Mountain” or “Return to Witch Mountain,” but now there’s a third version!

“Race to Witch Mountain” is a new children’s film directed by Andy Fickman, which is yet again about two alien kids. This time they have come to Earth to save their own planet from its dying atmosphere, though they are being followed every step of the way, not only by an evil alien, but by federal agents and gangsters as well.

The kids, played by AnnaSophia Robb and Alexander Ludwig, who have interesting powers, get help from an unlikely source: their taxi driver, who was played by Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson! They are later joined by space scientist Dr. Alex Freedman, played by Carla Gugino, who helps them find the alien’s spaceship so they can return home in time to save their planet and stop their military forces from attacking Earth.

Johnson (he’s dropping “The Rock” now) really made the movie what it was, starring as a former convict and race car driver who is trying to clean his slate and make an honest living by working as a taxi driver in Las Vegas. He delivers all of his lines expertly with perfect timing and made me laugh through the whole movie.

I especially love when he is talking to himself about why he is helping the kids even though it seems like he shouldn’t even be involved, but he knows they have no one to turn to and he helps them anyway. I think Johnson has always been a great actor with good stage presence, especially suited to children’s movies such as this and “The Game Plan” because of his ability to come across as caring but strong at the same time. He made “Race to Witch Mountain” come to life!

Unfortunately, the film also had its weak points, the major one being its quite generic plot. The story-line was extremely unoriginal and was exactly like every other alien movie. The plot could have been improved and although it was fairly predictable, it wasn’t entirely bad. There were quite a few very funny lines and some interesting parts, too.

Ultimately, it was a funny movie, especially for an entertaining family night out. The acting was good overall, and Johnson was hilarious. Just don’t expect to be blown away by the genius of the story.

Also, I am looking forward to the opening of the IMAX at Lincoln Square Cinemas on March 27, starting with the release of a movie I can’t wait to see that is about aliens as well: “Monsters vs. Aliens!”

Aran Kirschenmann, 12, is a contributing writer for the Bellevue Reporter and a seventh grader at The International School in Bellevue.