Watcher's Annotation: Balthazar Blake has been searching for a new apprentice for centuries, has he finally found him in 21st Century New York?
Plot Summary: Balthazar Blake, Maxim Horvath, and Veronica Gorloisen were all once apprentices of the great sorcerer Merlin. Upon Merlin's death Maxim forged an alliance with the wicked Morgana Le Fay. Together, Balthazar and Veronica stopped the evil magicians trapping them in a mystical doll. Veronica pays the price however, taking Morgana into herself, becoming trapped with her. Before Merlin died he gave a dragon ring to Balthazar telling him the boy who could wield the ring would one day have the power to defeat Morgana. For centuries Balthazar hunted for the child only to find nothing. Until one day he came across a young boy who had gotten separated from his class during a field trip. During their meeting Balthazar discovers the dragon ring fits the boy, but before they can discuss anything the boy lets Maxim out of his prison. Balthazar imprisons himself and Maxim for ten years, the boy left with nothing but the dragon ring as proof of their meeting. Ten years later, Maxim and Balthazar are released and Balthazar again seeks the boy, Dave, out. Now in college Dave has tried to put the events of his childhood behind him, but still holds onto the ring. Balthazar explains that he has been searching for Dave and wishes him to become his apprentice; to train in the magical arts and learn the skills needed to defeat Morgana. Dave agrees, all be it slightly unwillingly, and together they try and stop the evil magicians from destroying the world.
Critical Evaluation: Above all else The Sorcerer's Apprentice is a fun movie. Many might remember the first retelling of the story from the movie Fantasia where Mickey takes on the role of apprentice. This completely new take on the old tale delivers lots of twists, turns, and plenty of magical adventure. Really the only reference to the Fantasia version comes in when Dave is, like Mickey, trying to use magic to clean up his mess, only for things to get completely out of control. Nick Cage does an excellent job as the eccentric Balthazar Blake. He is edgy, punchy, and funny all at the same time. His intense cool stare bodes well in the role of sorcerer. Overall, casting was well done for the film as Jay Baruchel does a nice job with the shy, awkward nerd. The movie has pleasant character arches with Dave finding himself and the power to be who he was always meant to be. There is also a love story thrown in for good measure, but it doesn't overpower the story line. The CG effects are also very realistic, but not overused. This allows for some pretty awesome magical battles that are visually stunning. While critics have panned the movie, calling it a Harry Potter rip off, I think Disney did a good job with the film. Yes, they are building off the success of the Harry Potter films, but fans of the magical genre will enjoy this take.
Director: Jonathan Charles "Jon" Turteltaub (born 8 August 1963) is an American film director and producer. He is a graduate of Wesleyan University and the USC School of Cinematic Arts. He is the son of television comedy writer Saul Turteltaub. He has directed several successful mainstream films for the Walt Disney Studios, including; 3 Ninjas (1992), Cool Runnings (1993), While You Were Sleeping (1995), Phenomenon (1996), Instinct (1999), Disney's The Kid (2000), 2004's National Treasure, as well as its 2007 sequel National Treasure: Book of Secrets, and The Sorcerer's Apprentice.Genre: Modern Fantasy
Curriculum Ties: Study of 1797 poem by Goethe, The Sorcerer's Apprentice. Ties into Arthurian and Merlin legends.
Movietalking Ideas: Dave's real world magic is in his Tesla coils, what other types of science seem magical?
Age: 13+
Challenge Issues: n/a
Why I Included This Movie: Fans of the wizarding worlds and/or Disney films will love this movie. It's great for all ages, but older teens will relate to Dave who is in college.
Walt Disney Pictures, 2010, Rated PG, ASIN: B002ZG99KO
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