On Sunday, I decided to rewatch Escape to Witch Mountain (1975). I had an idea for a story and this old movie came to mind. Escape to Witch Mountain has a lot of heart. We follow two adorable kids, looking for answers to their powers, assisted by an initially reluctant older gent. My impression of the second movie, Return to Witch Mountain (1978), was similar. In this film the kids were older, a bit wiser, and assisted mostly by other kids, yet still the heart remained. I would love to see these films get a glow up but not a blow up. Case in point, Race to Witch Mountain (2009).

When I saw the streaming site had one more, Race to Witch Mountain (2009). I thought neat, would this be more modern, a glow up but with heart? No. This one annoyed me. It went grand. World apocalypse grand and I just had to think, why? The kids were not sweet or cute. Apparently in 2009, witches had turned into heartless, extraterrestrial robots. The older gent from the first few movies was now a young Dwayne Johnson. But why? Then I considered, wait but maybe when things reach modern times, they need to escalate to keep with audience expectations. I tried to lean into that idea. Things need to change, I guess?

Then something clarified things for me.

Yesterday, I happened upon the remake to Footloose (1984) called, imagine this, Footloose (2011). And there was my proof – remakes need not escalate. They can be true to the original and keep the heart of things, essentially what made the originals good. They can keep that essence.

So when I hear that they might have another Goonies movie, I think, please keep the heart. Never sacrifice the heart. Modern day can handle it, trust me!

Until Next Time,

The Lit Maven

Yesterday, I was going through my old journals and found this list of ‘things I know for sure’ regarding learning and education in 2017. For me, in 2023, nothing has changed from this list. I still love the ‘real’ things like books, paper and people. Even with the digital explosion and the AI, it is hand-ons learning that centers me and inspires my creativity. Everything needs balance. I strive to make sure that there is some balance in the work I do with students and teachers. Here is the list! Enjoy!

From 2017 

Things I know for sure:

Reading is social. The digital experience can never replace the paper experience.

Do the read alouds, kids want to hear you.

Kids first, grade assignment is secondary.

Relationships are important…every child, every staff member, every parent.

Miserable people are few and far between.

Writing must happen every day.

Everyone wants to hear how they are doing, confirmation is nice.

Folding paper is always fun…at any age.

Change the paper, 8×11 is standard, you’re not.

Writing can get a bad “wrap”. Don’t be the person that delivers that package.

Being reaffirmed can defuse a situation…we all want to be heard.

Permission is the barrier between Now and Wow!

Until Next Time,

Brandi