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:

Disney [United States] Official Facebook

Country:

USA

Language:

English Cantonese Ukrainian

Release Date:

14 July 2010 (USA)

Also Known As:

El aprendiz de brujo

Filming Locations:

USA

Box Office

Budget:

$150,000,000 (estimated)

Opening Weekend USA:

$17,619,622, 18 July 2010, Wide Release

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

The Chinatown sequence took 5 months to plan. Half a ton of confetti was used in this sequence.

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Goofs

When the car is changed into a Ford Pinto, Nicolas Cage mentions the car is a 1973 Pinto, but he is incorrect. It is either a 1974 or 1975 Pinto as proven when looking at the front bumper. The 1973 Pinto had a slim bumper, and the 1974 and 1975 models had a thick 5 mph impact bumper.

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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

There is a very brief (30 seconds or less) scene at the very end. SPOILER: The scene opens in the store Arcana Cabana, where we see the Mickey sorcerer hat under glass, then Horvath's hat, followed by a hand (Obviously Horvath, since we see his cane as well) picking it up and a roach left behind.

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Connections

References Braveheart (1995)

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Soundtracks

New Life
(2009)
Written by Cedric Lemoyne, Orenda Fink
Performed by Opluss (as O+S)
Courtesy of Saddle Creek

User Reviews

Light and entertaining fun for the whole family

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.