The Sorcerer’s Apprentice

Jeri Jacquin, Movie Maven

Opening in theatres this Friday from director Jon Turtletaub and Walt Disney Pictures is magic of the highest order from “The Sorcerer’s Apprentice.”

This film tells the story of the master sorcerer Balthazar Blake (Nicholas Cage) who come from the time of Merlin. As his apprentice, Balthazar was given the task to save the world from the evil Morgana.

Now it is modern day Manhattan and Balthazar must save the world from his nemesis Maxim Horvath (Alfred Molina). To do this he recruits the young man Dave Stutler (Jay Baruchel), a clumsy and lovelorn college student who only wants to capture his childhood sweethearts – well – heart!

Dave discovers that within him is a hidden power he never knew he had. Now, with Balthazar’s help, Dave is in for a crash course in sorcery to stop Horvath from opening a doll that will release Morgana and the end of the world.

It will take both of these wizards of wonder to bring about the end of evil and the beginning of more adventures.

FINAL WORD: Cage is quite charming in his role as Balthazar. He doesn’t try to steal the film but instead enhances it with equal footing to the “prime Merlinian”. Although focused for his own personal reasons, Cage’s character is understanding of his young ward and that makes for a great onscreen relationship.

Baruchel is interesting as Dave. Playing the awkward sorcerer-in-training he is also charming with his fumblings. Always questioning himself, Baruchel’s character takes two steps backs to every one step forward. To be quite honest I kept hearing “How to Train your Dragon” with that voice of his which is very distinctive.

Molina as Horvath is an angry and forlorned sorcerer himself. He manages to be all that and have a sense of humor. Molina has always been a versatile actor so playing evil with style isn’t all that difficult for him.

Jerry Bruckheimer is also the producer of this film. He and Cage have had a pretty good working relationship as seen in the “National Treasure” films. The producer has “National Treasure 3” on his burner so keep your eye out for it!

Other cast include: Alice Krige as the evil Morgana, Teresa Palmer as Becky, Toby Kebbell as Drake Stone, Monica Belluci as Veronica, Omar Benson Miller as Bennet, and James A. Stephens as Merlin.

TUBS OF POPCORN: I give “Sorcerers Apprentice” three tubs of popcorn out of five. The special effects are delightful and not over the top. It is a little longer than it needs and that might be problematic for the younger audiences. But if your looking for a cool ride in the world of magic then this is it!

Parents taking their children might be nostalgic at the dancing mops. See what your Disney memory conjures up!

In the end – it’s the coolest job ever.