One of my favorite parts of seeing any new film is the magical anticipation of more films to come. During the coming attractions for Sorcerers Apprentice, 2 new films caught my attention. First was a fun look a Tangled, This twisted take on the Rapunzel story is the first computer generated film to come out of the Disney animation studio since Bolt. Tangled looks to be a fresh and original adventure that is definitely something to look forward to! The second was Secretariat, a live action film that retells horse racings greatest underdog story, about a horse no one believed could win the Triple Crown. This looks to be another inspirational film about over coming obstacles to show your worth. While I have never had an interest in horse racing I remember that its not really about the subject as much as it is a message about being a better person, and believing in yourself, especially when no one else does. Let’s face it, Disney is pretty much the best at delivering that message. Which just so happens to be at the center of Sorcerer's Apprentice.
In Sorcerers Apprentice the magic of Disney shows to be more powerful than just a little pixy dust. This amazing and magically delightful film mixes the unique style we have come to love from Jerry Bruckheimer, The top notch directing of Jon Turteltaub with a somewhat awkward romantic comedy that culminates in a film for all to enjoy. Disney has reached far back to the iconic days of fairy tales to illustrate the trials and tribulation of a young apprentice and his journey to becoming a powerful sorcerer. This saga didn’t begin with this movie, but with the story of a mouse who thought he could wield the power of a great sorcerer to get his cleaning done a little faster. I am of course speaking of the Disney short “Sorcerers Apprentice” in the classic Disney film Fantasia. The concept of this recognizable animated tale starring Mickey Mouse was adapted into a fitting story for modern day audiences. Disney has also managed to broaden the power of this magical world by basing the power of a Sorcerer's magic on science. All of these elements combine to crate a film that turns out to be a fitting tribute to the original short.
On to the film! The film begins with a historic look at how the sorcerers came to be under the direction of Merlin. The story develops into conflict when one of Merlin's followers chooses to turn to the dark arts and use his magic for evil. This sorcerer, Maxim Horvath turns on Merlin and kills him. On Merlin’s death bed he reveals that only his true decedent can defeat this evil. The film then takes place in present day where after thousands of years of searching, Merlin's disciple, Balthazar (Nick Cage) finds Dave (Jay Baruchel) the long lost descendant of Merlin and the person with the power to defeat Maxim Horvath. Now the only problem is Dave believing in himself.
This movie was unique in the respect that the overall message has a much deeper meaning then just believing in yourself. It is as much about valuing the ones you love and enjoying the time you have with them. But aside from that deep Disney message that is thrown in, the film is funny, action packed, and just a little bit geeky. This movie truly has everything for everyone, even a Star Wars reference. Nicolas Cage and Jay Baruchel are a great match that bring the action and power of a Jerry Bruckheimer film to life with that twist of comedic relief. One of the more interesting aspects of the film is the use of modern science to really bring the power of magic to life. I was impressed and thoroughly educated at the same time.
I enjoyed this film. From the early Fantasia references to the suspense of not just good vs. evil but the action and romance as well. So will evil be defeated? Will our geeky awkward apprentice land the girl? Will you like this film as much as I did? For the answer to this and many more exciting questions, run. Don't walk, to you nearest cineplex to see this masterful summer film.
Thank you for reading! Tyler Enboden aka @TheCurrentMouse
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