The Sorcerer's Apprentice (2010)

Master sorcerer Balthazar Blake must find and train Merlin's descendant to defeat dark sorceress Morgana la Fée.

Director:

Jon Turteltaub

Writers:

Lawrence Konner (screen story), Mark Rosenthal (screen story)

Stars:

Nicolas Cage, Jay Baruchel, Alfred Molina

1 win & 1 nomination.

Cast

Cast overview, first billed only:
Nicolas Cage	...	Balthazar
Jay Baruchel	...	Dave
Alfred Molina	...	Horvath
Teresa Palmer	...	Becky
Toby Kebbell	...	Drake Stone
Omar Benson Miller	...	Bennet
Monica Bellucci	...	Veronica
Alice Krige	...	Morgana
Jake Cherry	...	Young Dave
James A. Stephens	...	Merlin
Gregory Woo	...	Sun-Lok
Wai Ching Ho	...	Chinese Woman
Jason R. Moore	...	Subway Mugger (as Jason Moore)
Robert Capron	...	Young Dave's Pal (as Robert B. Capron)
Peyton List	...	Young Becky (as Peyton Roi List)

Storyline

Balthazar Blake (Nicolas Cage) is a master sorcerer in modern-day Manhattan trying to defend the city from his arch-nemesis, Maxim Horvath (Alfred Molina). Balthazar can't do it alone, so he recruits Dave Stutler (Jay Baruchel), a seemingly average guy who demonstrates hidden potential, as his reluctant protégé. The sorcerer gives his unwilling accomplice a crash course in the art and science of magic, and together, these unlikely partners work to stop the forces of darkness. It'll take all the courage Dave can muster to survive his training, save the city and get the girl as he becomes The Sorcerer's Apprentice.

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Plot Keywords:

wizardry | incantation | sorcerer | ring | training | 

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Taglines:

It's The Coolest Job Ever.

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Genres:

Action | Adventure | Family | Fantasy

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Motion Picture Rating (MPAA)

Rated PG for fantasy action violence, some mild rude humor and brief language

Details

Official Sites:

Official Facebook Official site

Country:

USA

Language:

English Cantonese Ukrainian

Release Date:

14 July 2010 (USA)

Also Known As:

The Sorcerer's Apprentice

Filming Locations:

USA

Box Office

Budget:

$150,000,000 (estimated)

Opening Weekend USA:

$17,619,622, 18 July 2010

Gross USA:

$63,150,991

Cumulative Worldwide Gross:

$215,283,742

Company Credits

Production Co:

Walt Disney Pictures, Jerry Bruckheimer Films, Saturn Films

Technical Specs

Runtime:

109 min

Sound Mix:

DTS Dolby Digital SDDS

Color:

Color

Aspect Ratio:

2.39 : 1

Did You Know?

Trivia

One of the people that Horvath summons is Abigail Williams. At age 12, Williams was the first person to make the accusation of witchcraft in 1692 Salem, Massachusetts. This led to the Salem witch trials and the deaths of at least 20 people. There is no definite evidence of what happened to Williams after the trials ended.

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Goofs

When leaving the shop the camera and crane can be seen in the reflection in the shop window.

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Quotes

[first lines]
Narrator: The war between Sorcerers was fought in the shadows of history, and the fate of mankind rested with the just and powerful Merlin. He told his secrets to three trusted apprentices: Balthazar, Veronica, and Horvath. He should have trusted only two.

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Crazy Credits

During the opening credits the sound effects of the Walt Disney Pictures and Jerry Bruckheimer Films logos are replaced with sound effects from the film (sounds of spell casting and Tesla discharge).

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Connections

References Raiders of the Lost Ark (1981)

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Soundtracks

Secrets
(2009)
Written by Ryan Tedder
Performed by OneRepublic
Courtesy of Interscope Records
Under license from Universal Music Enterprises

User Reviews

Fun

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 :.