The Sorcerer's Apprentice (2010)
In "The Sorcerer's Apprentice", Balthazar Blake is a master sorcerer in modern-day Manhattan trying to defend the city from his arch-nemesis, Maxim Horvath. Balthazar can't do it alone, so he recruits Dave Stutler, a seemingly average guy who demonstrates hidden potential, as his reluctant protege. 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. "The Sorcerer's Apprentice" suffers from a bit complicated set up, but it becomes a lot more entertaining and mildly enjoyable half way through. Awkward hero and scary mentor, threat of global apocalypse, simplistic action plot, silly comic relief, awkward romance - it's all there. But, it's what the movie does with that is why it's so fun, and the action is actually eye-candy and fun to watch. Nicolas Cage is also pretty good here, considering his career has been a bit of a joke lately. He does not seem to know when he wants to be serious or wants to ham it up, but it works for his unorthodox sorcerer. Baruchel delivers his 'geek' performance in exactly the same ways he delivers his previous performances ("She's Out of My League" anyone?). He's clumsy, likable and honest, yet a little to goofy at times. The rest of the cast does a good job as well - Alfred Molina is sinister to the max, and the perfect choice for a villain, and the always beautiful Monica Belluci looks amazing. Visually, The Sorcerer's Apprentice is fairly good. Jon Turteltaub's direction is light-hearted and pretty decent. The production design gives an epic, yet at times a bit gloomy look to the movie, and the special effects grade from cheesy to amazing. "The Sorcerer's Apprentice" does cater to a younger audience, but also provides enough action, passable CGI effects, and enough humor to be enjoyed by adults as well. It's far from great, but if you're looking for mindless summer entertainment, this is the one.
- My Rating: 6.25/10
- Rotten Tomatoes: 41% (5.2/10)
- IMDb: 6.3/10
4 comments:
Almost went to see this, but figured it would be a fun NetFlix rental.
I saw it last night on big screen, and didn't regret it. :) The atmosphere in the theater was great, and I had a lot of fun watching it.
I think this will be entertaining. No one is looking for an epic, meaningful, Oscar worthy performance here. I'll have a couple chuckles, see a few cool special effects, and wish I knew some magic.
You haven't seen it yet, Jaccsy? No award-worthy performances here... only loads of fun and tones of cheesy effects :) I wish I was Sorcerer's apprentice :)
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