The Sorcerer's Apprentice (2010) - movie

Title: The Sorcerer's Apprentice (2010)
Director: Jon Turteltaub
Format: live action movie
Length: 109 minutes

Before I start, let me note that this is the Nicholas Cage version of an old animated classic. For those familiar with the original, where Mickey Mouse plays as Merlin's apprentice, this is nothing like it. They aren't similar at all. What Jon Turteltaub does is weave a completely different tale using some of the basic principles that the animation played upon.

We meet main character Balthazar (Nicholas Cage) and open the movie with a small history less about who he is and why he's important. We also see his connection with Merlin, and find he's actually the powerful wizard's apprentice. Fast forward to the future, we meet the second main character of the story: Dave (Jay Baruchel), who is meant to be the successor of Merlin's powers hundreds of years after the man's death.

Turteltaub decides to make the movie modern, to give the audience something that they can connect to. Now, for those who favor the more mystical approach of magic, this might not be your cup of tea. For people who like it urban and modern, then perhaps it's right up your alley.

Dave is an awkward sort of boy who grows even more awkward fresh out of his teen years. He's the sort of sympathetic character who the audience is supposed to sympathize and maybe even empathize with. Baruchel plays awkward very well, fitting into the role of a nerd and social reject nicely. Popularly known for his voice acting as Hiccup in How To Train Your Dragon, Baruchel brings out Dave's inner sarcastic, rattled, shy, yet ambitious personality.

Balthazar is a peculiar, quirky sort of sorcerer who has one thing in mind: his mission. Unfortunately for me, I had some trouble relating to Balthazar. Something about how Cage played him wasn't too convincing for me. I think I was supposed to be awed and kept in wonder about him, but I didn't quite see it. Granted, I've never been a huge fan of Nicholas Cage to begin with, but I tried not to let my previous experience with him ruin the movie.

Tried.

While the movie was fun and had enough spark and adventure to entertain a young audience (as expected of Disney), I expected something a little more... compelling. Something that I, as part of an older crowd, wouldn't cringe at even while watching with nieces or nephews. Disney has made movies that were captivating for all ages before. We've seen them pull something out for a more mature crowd (i.e. Pirates of the Caribbean). But I don't think this movie falls into that category where it can appeal to everyone.

It's mostly for children, probably older children in their later years of elementary and maybe through part of junior high. Kids who like the idea of magic being possible in modern day, who might enjoy other movies like Harry Potter -- the first few before the story gets all dark and dreary, and focuses more on Harry's final battle with Voldemort -- might like this sort of thing.

Honestly, I don't watch a lot of Disney's live action movies, so I can't really name one to compare this movie with. But I'm sure there are a few out there that Disney has churned out in the past handful of years that have a similar vibe to them.

At the very least, it's not the most nerve grating of movies. Parents or older individuals being forced to watch this with kids (like me) probably won't be scarred for the rest of their lives. Some people, who might have a kinder heart towards these sorts of movies could possibly even find it fun. There is a lot of flashing magic and the pace of the movie is relatively fast. You won't feel like you're being dragged along since so much is going on.

Is there better out there? Could the execution have been smoother? Yes. But for what it was, I'll just say: it's for a certain type of audience; if you're not part of it, then don't be surprised if you end up disliking the movie.

Overall: 3 out or 5