SORCERER'S APPRENTICE (2010)  Movie Review

Disney’s Sorcerer’s Apprentice hit theatres on July 16th, 2010. It is a story set in Manhattan about a hero’s journey, love, and sacrifice, ancient ideals that still live in breath in our stories today. However, this film explores it in a way that has never been seen before. Magic and science working hand in hand.

The film also contains a tip of the hat to Fantasia including the mop scene and the dragon scene. It is fun to watch their modern take on the timeless classic brought to life. Dave brings a few mops to life in order to clean up his lab. However, things get out of hand and he loses control. Had Balthazar not intervened, who knows what would have happened.

The journey begins with Merlin and Balthazar Blake engaging in battle with their evil foe, Morgana, in order to save the world. Before Merlin dies, he bequeaths a mission on Balthazar to find the next Merlin who will be the Prime Merlinian to defeat Morgana and put an end to her evil plot to take over the world.

A thousand years later, he finds the one. His name is Dave and he’s a physics student. His knowledge of physics becomes crucial, because he mixes it with his magic. Only with a balance between magic and science is he able to defeat the enemy and save the world.

For example, Balthazar explains how to create fire using physics in three simple steps.

1. Clear your mind.

2. See the molecules.

3. Make the molecules shake.

The story also teaches about conquering one’s fears. Dave’s friend, Becky, needs to conquer her fear of heights to stop the evil from rising. She goes to the top of a skyscraper, climbs a radio tower, and kicks down a satellite and stops the magic/satellite feed that would have raised the dead. In the meantime, Dave overcomes his insecurities. Balthazar helps him learn to believe in himself.

It is a classic tale with excellent modern twists making it a must see family film this summer. It is full of excitement, humor, and moral lessons. Nicholas Cage makes an amazing performance as Balthazar. He executes the right amount of humor, emotion, and action into his role. I sincerely hope he continues acting in the near future.