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224 reviews in total

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131 out of 173 people found the following review useful:
Easy charming fun - perfect summer fare, 16 July 2010

Author: archravenstorm from United States

The same people who to me are surprisingly rudely negative about this film would probably say I'm too easily pleased, but I enjoy movies as escapism for the most part and see no need to pick this very enjoyable vehicle to death. Actually, some early negatives I'd read had me worried that I would be irritated I spent the money, instead I've already decided to buy this when it comes out.

Overall, I'd say if you like romping easy movies like The Mummy, National Treasure, and Lake Placid you'll like this, plus refreshingly (without being sickeningly sweet) there is not one swear word or sexed-up scene, so take the older kids and Grandma. I thought Nicolas Cage was excellent, he looked great and can wear a leather duster better than most, and there was some nice chemistry between Cage and Baruchel. Alred Molina looked like he was having fun and is such an enjoyable villain. Baruchel does a good job - he is so geeky at times it is a tad painful - and I found myself rooting for him. The 2 main female characters are lovely and appealing personalities.

More pluses: A lively pace and I never lost interest plus a fair number of laughs. Some interesting character twists with the oily young rock-star magician helping Molina, and some very funny cheeky nods to the original animated Fanatasia - watch for the nod to Star Wars. Great and interesting special effects that made sense when they were used. Even the way the actors moved when they were doing magic was very good (for some reason the wand-waving in Harry Potter sometimes reminds me of people using a flyswatter or shaking a bug off a stick, that didn't happen in this film).

So no, this isn't some classic of cinema, it is what it is and is a bit thin here and there, but it's also quite good for a "magical romp" and is in no way a bad film or a waste of money. I could have done without the occasional background songs which seemed designed to emphasize romantic angst or appeal to young teenagers, but that was bearable. I saw this at an early evening show and there were not many people in the theater, but we all laughed and there was applause at the end, and we left the theater smiling. Personally I think the critics panning this are full of BS or are trying to prove what intellectuals they are. In the meantime see this with your family or take your friends, and then go out and get some ice cream and sit outside and enjoy summer. Hope they make a sequel, too.

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157 out of 239 people found the following review useful:
It's fun to be an apprentice... under certain conditions, 8 July 2010

Author: Scott Baldwin (Mohasamedi45@gmail.com) from Edmonton, Canada

First off guys, you have nothing to worry about. I'm not a studio plant. You can check my review profile for proof of this.

Earlier tonight I had the chance of seeing this movie at a screening held by my radio station. I got the passes through them and took my girlfriend. I admit I saw the trailer and thought, "ah, looks cool. I may check it out in the theatres." So I went in expecting what I got in the trailers, with not much else for expectations.

Anyone who has seen the trailer will know what to expect- a pretty straightforward plot, with Baruchel and Cage fronting the film, tonnes of action and great special effects. To my surprise, with that as my main expectation, I was surprised with how entertaining the movie was! Of course, you can't think it won't cheesy and cliché free. But even with the clichés in the film, it's still a load of fun. The plot is not amazing, but the fun, the action, and the great humor was enough to make up for it.

The performances are nothing short of excellent. Jay Baruchel does a great job playing his usual "nerdy" character, if you've seen movies like The Trotsky or She's Out of My League, or even the previews for this movie you'll know you're not seeing anything different. Nonetheless he still does a great job and we all love his job at playing Dave. I also loved Nicholas Cage a GREAT deal, and I don't normally like him, but he was great in Kick-Ass and Bad Lieutenant earlier this year, and I could kinda foretell he would continue his awesome streak, and he does so. He plays Balthazar very mysteriously yet comically. Also great was Alfred Molina as Maxim and Tony Kebbell's very flamboyant portrayal of Drake Stone.

The action scenes are a real breath of fresh air- FINALLY a movie where the action scenes are comprehensible! Obviously it's a family movie so Turteltaub wouldn't choose the popular shaky-camera quick edit style. The action is really fun! There's tonnes of it and the special effects are a good bonus too. There's tonnes of humor in the film, and it was NOT just what you see in the trailer that was funny. There's one particularly hilarious scene in the middle which I won't spoil since it's too funny!

Overall, while not a masterpiece, The Sorcerer's Apprentice was a fun time at the cinema, and a good film for the family, even if it leans towards a tad frightening in some parts. That said, I'd recommend it for sure and it'll make for a good brainless summer action flick for the whole family.

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75 out of 105 people found the following review useful:
Fun, 25 July 2010

Author: Fiendish_Dramaturgy from .: Fiendish Writings in the Dark :.

Dueling sorcerers, a compelling back-story, top-notch acting talent, and the Disney brand bring the idea born of Fantasia's Sorcerer's Apprentice to the big screen in a live full movie adaptation. While this film did not fully live up to its potential, it is a fun movie which will find its way into the collection.

This is silly and sappy just like any other live action Disney movie, and if allowed, will worm its way into the heart in a disingenuous way. If you view this film expecting Casablanca or the Godfather, you WILL be unimpressed. But if you go in expecting to be entertained, you shouldn't be disappointed.

The action sequences between Cage and Molina aren't elevated as much as many would expect, due to the story centering around the kid's battle, not Balthazar's. This is another standard Disney formula wherein the kid is undeserving, unprepared, and uneducated in the ways of the Samurai but is thrust into the center of the fray, regardless. Those who would rail against this formula, obviously weren't there to see a Disney movie.

All in all? The five of us ranging in age from 45 to 15, loved it. It is clever, and creative, marrying the science of magic known by today's standards with the arcane stories of our past. I found it intriguing and adventurous enough not to be preachy, while still managing to educate even the most unwilling movie goer.

It rates an 8.4/10 from...

the Fiend :.

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74 out of 106 people found the following review useful:
Great fun, cynics need not apply, 17 July 2010

Author: supercygnus from United States

Jay B. is funny and charming in a believably nerdy fashion; Cage is at his quirky but charismatic best; the effects are plentiful and top notch; there's both a tragic love story and a young cute one plus a healthy dose of clever references to Disney's epic Fantasia (from which this film is partially inspired). If you read this list of attributes and it caught your interest and like the idea of centuries old sorcerers doing battle across New York in spectacular fashion then it wont matter what any other review says, you're going to want to check this flick out. It's funny, the cast is likable and there's a freaking dragon tearing up Chinatown (and that isn't even the finale!). On the other hand if all of this made you cringe, well nothing is going to persuade you to see it either. The truth is SORCERER'S APPRENTICE is fairly predictable, and the opening few minutes suffer a great deal from a completely distracting (and not needed) bit of narration but it is also solid matinée fun that I know I (and apparently the theater of folks I saw it with) really enjoyed.

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46 out of 70 people found the following review useful:
Great flick for kids even..., 31 August 2010

Author: Patrick Splinter from Edina, MN

The kids & I were trying kill some time while Mom had a baking party at the house so we went to this with zero expectations. I was very pleasantly surprised. Nicolas Cage does a great job at the sorcerer who is looking for the "Prime Merlinian". He is the sorcerer who will inherit Merlin's powers. Our hero (David) is of course that person. The fun is in Cage's ability to be annoyed with the kid and like him at the same time. The CGI is enough to enhance the story but not overwhelm it. All four of my kids (ages 4-11) liked it. Some parts might be a little scary but not too bad (a dragon clomping around is all). Fun family flick.

PS I also liked that the hero held a door for a girl. I pointed that out to my boys who need to learn that.

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40 out of 63 people found the following review useful:
Baruchel ruined it, 6 December 2010

Author: alen-k from Zagreb, Croatia

This Disney movie is fun and the effects are first grade.

Nicolas Cage is good as expected. Same goes to Alfred Molina and it's always nice to see Monica Bellucci.

BUT, there is one BIG problem and that is Jay Baruchel. Why, o why, they had to put him into this movie? He ruined it completely with his annoying appearance, voice and, above all, irritating not-at-all-talented acting. They should have find different actor for this role. I don't have someone in mind but this one is very wrong. Without him it would be a much better movie.

But, it's still entertaining, in spite of occasional not funny jokes which are forced into scenario. The story is bearable and neat effects pulls it out of average, slightly.

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31 out of 46 people found the following review useful:
Deserves Better!, 3 December 2010

Author: g-bodyl from United States

Believe it or not, this is actually a pretty good movie. I was annoyed with a few aspects of the movie such as my extreme annoyance with Jay Baruchel. But I think Nic Cage carried the movie. He is a very talented actor and he proves it in each movie he's in whether it's good or bad.

This is about wizard named Balthazar who lives in modern day New York City. He has been searching for many centuries for the perfect kid who would be finally be his apprentice. He finally meets that kid and he trains him to be the one to save the world.

The acting is pretty good. Of course Nic Cage is more than good. I was also impressed at Alfred Molina. Jay Baruchel is very annoying here. I just wanted to punch him in the face.

People compare this movie for some reason to Harry Potter. I'll say now that this is no Potter. This film is no masterpiece like the Potter series but it still is good.

Overall, this is a pretty good family movie. I would turn a deaf ear to the critics and watch this. I rate this film 8/10.

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38 out of 61 people found the following review useful:
"Sorcerer's Apprentice" weaves magic at Fantasia film fest., 10 July 2010

Author: Suzq22 from Canada

*** This review may contain spoilers ***

What film, filled with fantasy, magic AND physics, mild horror, adventure, humour, great action and special effects? Why it's Disney's The Sorcerer's Apprentice of course. Starring Nicolas Cage and hometown (Montreal/Canadian) boy Jay Baruchel.

"The Sorcercer's Apprentice" made its Canadian debut on Thursday July 8th, as the opening film feature at the commencement of the 14th edition of the Montreal Fantasia Film Festival, hosted, as it has been for the past several years by Concordia University.

In one of the venue's largest theaters, about 700 of us were treated to the screening of said film, in advance of its opening next Wednesday, July 14th.

And what a treat it was.

After the general Festival opening announcements, Jay Baruchel (who was in attendance) introduced the film to the happy hometown audience. Then we sat back and allowed the magic to unfold.

Without giving too much (or anything) away, I can safely say that The Sorcercer's Apprentice was indeed an enjoyable film.

Nic Cage made good as the "just a bit" crazy master sorcerer Balthazar Blake, on the quest to find the one who could be the next to acquire Merlin's magic and defeat the evil Morgana.

And Baruchel proved to be well cast as the nerdy, endearing, reluctant hero / apprentice.

With a nice, balanced blend of action, adventure and pretty cool special effects. The film takes the viewer on a fun ride, reminiscent of classic Disney fun family fare. And it'd also no doubt leave you laughing out loud at some unexpected moments in dialogue.

If you enjoyed The National Treasure movies, then you will certainly enjoy The Sorcerer's Apprentice.

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21 out of 28 people found the following review useful:
Light and entertaining fun for the whole family, 6 August 2010

Author: phd_travel from United States

Overall, this is entertaining and well done. The effects are not revolutionary but at least fit in to the story rather than detract from it. No violence or mayhem - its OK for a younger to general audience. Main fault is the hero Dave played by Jay Baruchel isn't up to the part.

The script is pleasant if predictable - does the nerd hero rise to the task and vanquish the evil forces. There could have been more historical witches besides Abigail Williams of Salem. There are some humorous bits but not too many.

Acting is better than expected. Nicholas Cage is quite good more serious and less horsey than usual. Monica looks a little older and has too little screen time. Alfred Molina is convincing without being annoying. Alice Krige (Morgana) is good and looks young. Teresa Palmer (Becky) the girlfriend acts and looks like a blonde Kristen Stewart.

The main problem is Jay Baruchel (Dave) is a too geeky to the point of spastic sometimes. It is painful to watch him. He lacks charm and charisma nerdy or otherwise. He is not a cute geek. He speaks like he has a speech impediment. Would have been better with someone more like Shia Labeouf, Justin Long or Michael Angarano if they wanted one of the new nerd/geek heroes.

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34 out of 62 people found the following review useful:
ughh...horrible..., 15 November 2010

Author: ulqcannera

*** This review may contain spoilers ***

i was really expecting this movie to be something special.. Disney and all that.. but no.

without nicolas cage this movie wouldn't deserve 5 min of watching.. and still he was holding back the entire movie,like someone forbid him to act and just wanted him to say those lines of text in front of the camera and be gone.

there's no passion,no heart,just empty lines of text. and our prime merlinian? (do i really have to say how stupid that sounds? that "title" alone ruins the whole story from the start.)

jay baruchel plays a total idiot. maybe he wasn't acting either? why didn't they place the whole story in the past? around that 700 and some AD? such a good idea for a story ruined with this modern day stupidity.

nothing is explained properly in the movie,intro was the most interesting part and lasted only for a few minutes,there was no scene to display the love between veronica and balthazar and later on they suddenly can't be apart?

i could go on.. becky..that drake guy..horvath.. they weren't funny. any of them. just boring.

all of these new movies aspire to be realistic.. and it's boring. HELLO! we already live in reality! why the hell would you want to see it in a movie all over again?? make a fantasy movie that's a fantasy and don't mix it with this everyday crap routine. make a new better world and stop trying to keep this one. this is why old movies rule and new movies suck. watch fantasia with mickey mouse instead. nuff said

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