Race to Witch Mountain Features Las Vegas

When I was a kid, two of my favorite movies were Escape To Witch Mountain and Return To Witch Mountain. Disney has decided to update these films with a new version called Race to Witch Mountain that is due in theaters March 13, 2009. So what does this have to do with Las Vegas?

In this updated version of the Witch Mountain movies, the plot centers around a Las Vegas cab driver played by Dwayne Johnson (aka “The Rock” to wrestling fans) who is enlisted by a UFO expert to protect two siblings with paranormal powers from the clutches of an organization that wants to use the kids for their nefarious plans.

In the first trailer released by Walt Disney films, there are several aerial shots of Las Vegas. I’m told that several portions of the film feature Vegas scenes that were shot in the city, including exteriors of Planet Hollywood, the Tropicana and several downtown locations.

Thanks to Trailer Addict, I’m able to bring you the first trailer to watch this holiday weekend:

I also found this clip on YouTube that was shot during the filming of a scene at the valet parking area of Planet Hollywood:

And another of Johnson filming at the Tropicana:

Does this look like a film you’ll want to see? I probably will, both for the Las Vegas settings and just to see how Disney updates the story.