Review: The Sorcerer's Apprentice
What happens when Disney recycles one of its classics? In the case of The Sorcerer's Apprentice, it gets a perfectly genial summer fantasy action tale likely to please most audiences. Based on a 20th century short film based on an 18th century poem, Jon Turteltaub (National Treasure) has created an energetic if uneven adventure about a young man who inherits magical powers and along with his unwelcome mentor, tries to save the world.
"Der Zauberlehrling" was written by Goethe in 1797. In the original, an apprentice uses magic beyond his means to clean while his master is away, resulting in comical disaster. In 1940, the poem was adapted by Disney into an animated short featured in Fantasia, and remained so popular it was included in Fantasia 2000.
The original story has exploded from a simple mishap into a centuries-old battle between evil sorcerers (Morganians) and the good ones (Merlinians), with Balthazar (Nicolas Cage), the last of Merlin's apprentices, seeking out an heir to Merlin's power. After a brief and traumatic encounter, young David (Jay Baruchel) has put the episode behind him, only to have his life turned upside down again. Now Balthazar and David have to stop the Morganians from completing a particularly heinous spell that will end the world as we know it.
Mickey Mouse has been replaced by Jay Baruchel (Tropic Thunder, She's Out of My League) -- not a bad choice for a 2010 successor -- as a charming misfit. Baruchel's not-quite-handsome looks and quavering voice make him a perfect geek with just enough hubris to get into trouble, whether it's chasing the girl of his dreams (Teresa Palmer), or learning how to use his powers.
Cage is playing a familiar crazy brainiac, this time with long hair, old man shoes and magical powers. Instead of raving about obscure historical facts, this time he's ranting about learning to be a sorcerer to stop the Morganians. Cage's quirky chemistry with Baruchel elevates the formulaic story as both Dave and Balthazar have similar stories despite being from different centuries and having a different perspective on their magical responsibilities. The two start out as an unlikely pair, but manage to elevate the formulaic dialogue into buddy-movie territory.
Unfortunately the rest of the cast turns in less than memorable performance, despite being strong actors. Alfred Molina as Balthazar's nemesis is more grumpy than menacing. Toby Kebbell plays the Morganian foil to Dave with a lot less charm than his RocknRolla cagey junkie-rocker, making him nothing more than a typical Disney heavy, despite the glam hair and high heels. Rounding out the main cast is the love interest Becky (Palmer), who is pleasant enough but not particularly memorable.
While The Sorcerer's Apprentice fully embraces the family-fare label, it still has action, with a car chase scene worthy of a full-tilt action film. The CGI during the action sequence and for the magic are pretty enough to keep most people entertained. The one scene that everyone wants to see -- on which the story is based -- is helped by CGI technology and the familiar tune, but doesn't generate the delight of the Mickey Mouse version.
The Sorcerer's Apprentice manages to charm from beginning to end. In a summer filled with family fare, The Sorcerer's Apprentice is likely to charm summer audiences.