The film is another addition to the super-hero fantasy genre. It centres around a simple story about sorcerer Balthazar’s (Cage) attempts to find a person who could defeat Morgana (Alice Krige) who had tried to unseat Merlin a millennia ago. To add a love story, we have Balthazar’s beloved Veronica (Belluci) trapped by the bad guys. Finally, Balthazar picks a student Dave (Baruchel) who he thinks can finally help defeat Morgana and the baddies.
Like any youth-oriented fantasy films, ‘The Sorcerer’s Apprentice’ has everything from adventure, mythology, comedy, wizardry and romance tightly packed. You have similar scenes over and over again that kids could well relate to.
The cast combination is also good with excellent show by Molina as villain. Refreshing, and relieving, is Baruchel’s looks, which is not exactly of the hero next door. There are some classic shots with a good dose of graphic effects.
Overall, the film has too much jumping from characters and at times, the ‘childish script’ falters too long. ‘The Sorcerers’ Apprentice’ is a not a work of art, but will certainly be a hit with kids.
Reviewed by Robert L.Sungte, Deccan Herald
English (U)
Director: Jon Turteltaub
Cast: Nicolas Cage, Alfred Molina, Jay Baruchel, Monica Bellucci