Looking for a new movie to take the kids to see? Then take it from me, Disney are on a total roll this summer, because following the genius that is Toy Story 3 their new movie, The Sorcerer’s Apprentice, is absolutely spellbinding.
The movie stars one of my personal favourite actors Nicolas Cage as Balthazar Blake, a master sorcerer in modern-day Manhattan trying to defend the city from his arch-nemesis, Maxim Horvath (Alfred Molina).
The dashing and very quick witted Balthazar recruits Dave (played by the wonderful Jay Baruchel), a shy geek seriously lacking in confidence, as his unlikely protégé – although Dave is in fact The Chosen One. They embark on Dave’s training, with occasionally hilarious results. (Of course we all know that famous sequence from Fantasia when Mickey the naughty mouse tries to cut corners with some magic and a broom, resulting in utter chaos – well I won’t spoil it for you, but it’s one of the highlights of this movie.) Gradually the Sorcerer’s Apprentice becomes the master magician he was born to be and against all odds gets closer to the girl of his dreams.
Alfred Molina is a brilliant villain but the film really belongs to Nic (I like to call him that) and Jay, who make an awesome double act. The special effects are amazing and the story is excellent, never a dull moment.
If you’re looking for a fantastic film for children aged eight and up this summer then I’d definitely recommend The Sorcerer’s Apprentice. No 1 Son was entranced from start to finish. Five (magic) stars.
written by Liz Jarvis