Review – The Sorcerer’s Apprentice

The Sorcerer’s Apprentice is not a very good film. It is extremely predictable (even more so than most movies of this genre) and from the beginning, you know exactly how the movie will progress and end. But because the cast is so good the movie ends up being tolerable.

The story revolves around young Dave Stutter (JAY BARUCHEL) and his encounter with magician, Balthazar (NICOLAS CAGE) who used to work for Merlin (of all people!) Along comes the sophisticated baddy Maxim Horvath (ALFRED MOLINA) who is holding a long term grudge against Balthazar who imprisoned him in a jar with Morgana (ALICE KRIGE) and Balthazar’s ex Veronica (MONICA BELLUCCI) for over a thousand years. There is a lot of conventional nonsense, like Dave being the magician Balthazar has been searching a thousand years for who will save the world and there is a sub-plot about Dave trying to win the heart of Becky (TERESA PALMER) a girl he has had a crush on since childhood.

Really, the only reason to see this movie is for the cast, specifically Jay Baruchel, Tobby Kebbell and Alfred Molina. Baruchel is definitely a star on the rise. He is very sweet, charming and has great comic timing. He has a Woody Allen type persona, but it is more believable that girls would be interested in him. Women will like him because he’s geeky cute and men will like him because he is non-threatening and “like them”. Tobby Kebbell steals every scene he is in, much the way he did in Rock n’ Rolla a few years ago. He plays a self absorbed David Blaine-type “illusionist” and it is a lot of fun to watch him prance about. Lastly, you can always count on Alfred Molina, no matter what nonsense movie he might be in, to give a good performance. As usual, he makes a cheeky, fun villain, but still grounds the character in as much reality as a movie like this will allow.

When the actors in Sorcerer’s Apprentice are working their magic, it is entertaining. But since the whole point of a movie like this is to show off spectacular action sequences, it is ironic that, with the exception of the final sequence, the film drags during them. It is one of those cases where it is clear that the producers thought that cool new effects (lightning bolts shooting from the actors hands) was enough to captivate audiences. But action sequences do not stand on their own without help. They need careful pacing and editing just as dramatic scenes do. Whiz bang effects and stunts are not in themselves engrossing enough to hold an audiences attention. In spite of this problem, one of the more successful moments in the film is the sequence inspired by Fantasia (set again to the famous tone poem by Paul Dukas.) It is a well staged, enjoyable moment and gives Baruchel the opportunity to do some great slapstick comedy.

It is hard to recommend Sorcerer’s Apprentice, unless you are a big fan of one of its stars. But if you are dragged to the theatre by your child, it is a painless way to spend an afternoon.

Jay Baruchel

The awkward, adorable, silly-funny guy is epitomized by Jay Barachel. At least on screen he is. Jay has played that cute, sweet, uncomfortable fella in numerous films, including the Judd Apatow directed Knocked Up, Tropic Thunder and I’m Reed Fish. Jay also lent his memorable voice to the lead character, Hiccup in How to Train Your Dragon. Most recently Jay took on a starring role as Kirk in She’s Out of My League in which he was able to demonstrate his ability to take on a lead romantic role by using his charm and wit to unintentionally swoon the beautiful Molly played by Alice Eve. And… might I say, his bare booty was a surprising treat.

The Canadian born actor, who sported a Canadian maple leaf tattoo on his chest during Knocked Up, has been in the film and television industry since the 1990’s. Jay got his first big break on the Nickelodeon series, “Are you Afraid of the Dark?” He also played a large part of the well received, however, short-lived television series, “Undeclared” in later 2001.

Jay attributes his acting successes partly to his ability to improvise while filming.  During an interview with avclub.com, he called himself a “chronic ad-libber.” It seems that his time under Apatow’s direction (in both “Undeclared” and Knocked Up), has entrusted him with the confidence to embrace his natural humor which makes him relate-able on screen. Jay also said that “one attribute you need as an actor is to be malleable” because “rigidity is the enemy of acting.” Granted, I’m sure this is not what he meant, but I would like to see how “malleable” he is… or perhaps how “rigid“…yes, yes, dirty, I know.

Although Jay has expressed graciousness for his successful acting career and continued roles in popular films, he has stated that acting is just a means to an end for him. And that end may surprise you. Jay told avclub.com that he his ultimate goal is to direct horror movies in his native Canada. Thankfully for us Americans and the rest of the world where his films are available, he is still acting. But he has already experimented with his dream by writing, directing and producing the 2002 film, Edgar and Jane, which is described as a “frantic journey” and “a hyper-real, religious epic [film] about love, revenge and the end of the world.”

Starting July 14th, Jay can be seen in the Sorcerer’s Apprentice as the newly recruited Dave Stutler, chosen by Nicholas Cage, a modern-day sorcerer to help him defend their city from evil-doers.

One things for sure, whether Jay Baruchel continues to provide us with that tilted-down head, bashful smirk combined with off-beat humorous one-lined snippets or he embarks on his directorial dream full-time, he’s sure to do it with an air of adorable, that is bound to make many of us keep following him for more… or stalking him… or just “googling” him… whichever you prefer.

Fansites:
Jay Baruchel Fan

Official Sites:
The Sorcerer’s Apprentice
How To Train Your Dragon
She’s Out of My League

Gallery:

Rate This Actor:
(4 votes, average: 4.25 out of 5)


 Loading ...

The Sorcerer’s Apprentice

Walt Disney Studios, producer Jerry Bruckheimer and director Jon Turteltaub, the creators of the “National Treasure” franchise, present THE SORCERER’S APPRENTICE — an innovative and epic comedy adventure about a sorcerer and his hapless apprentice who are swept into the center of an ancient conflict between good and evil.

Balthazar Blake (NICOLAS CAGE) is a master sorcerer in modern-day Manhattan trying to defend the city from his arch-nemesis, Maxim Horvath (ALFRED MOLINA). Balthazar can’t do it alone, so he recruits Dave Stutler (JAY BARUCHEL), a seemingly average guy who demonstrates hidden potential, as his reluctant protégé. The sorcerer gives his unwilling accomplice a crash course in the art and science of magic, and together, these unlikely partners work to stop the forces of darkness. It’ll take all the courage Dave can muster to survive his training, save the city and get the girl as he becomes THE SORCERER’S APPRENTICE.

Opens July 16th.

Official Site
Facebook Page

Walt Disney Studios Announces Wondercon 2010 Lineup

STUDIO TO SHOWCASE “PRINCE OF PERSIA: THE SANDS OF TIME,”
“THE SORCERER’S APPRENTICE” AND “TOY STORY 3″

Jake Gyllenhaal, Jordan Mechner, Nicolas Cage, Jay Baruchel, Teresa Palmer-
plus Filmmakers Jerry Bruckheimer, Mike Newell, Jon Turteltaub and Lee Unkrich expected at San Francisco convention

BURBANK, Calif. (March 11, 2010) – Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures has tappedkey cast members and filmmakers from three upcoming films to take part in WonderCon 2010, one of the industry’s most popular comics and pop culture conventions, April 2-4, 2010, at the Moscone Center in San Francisco.

Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures’ presentations include:
* “PRINCE OF PERSIA: THE SANDS OF TIME” – Jake Gyllenhaal (the film’s Prince
Dastan), Jordan Mechner (executive producer and creator of the video game that inspired the film), director Mike Newell and producer Jerry Bruckheimer share insights about and footage from this epic action adventure set in the mythical lands of Persia. Geoff Boucher will moderate. Saturday, April 3, 2010, 12:15-12:45 p.m. Esplanade Hall.

* “THE SORCERER’S APPRENTICE” – Nicolas Cage, Jay Baruchel, Teresa Palmer, director Jon Turteltaub and producer Jerry Bruckheimer discuss this summer’s most magical adventure that stars Cage as the sorcerer and Baruchel as his reluctant apprentice-all in modern-day Manhattan. A sneak-peek of footage from the film will be shared. Geoff Boucher will moderate. Saturday, April 3, 2010, 12:45-1:15 p.m. Esplanade Hall.

* “TOY STORY 3″ – Director Lee Unkrich from Disney*Pixar’s all-new comedy adventure shares a few toy stories, plus a sneak peek of footage from the film, which stars Woody, Buzz and all of Andy’s favorite toys, as well as some new faces, including Barbie’s friend Ken, a pink teddy bear named Lots-o’-Huggin’ Bear and a thespian hedgehog named Mr. Pricklepants. Saturday, April 3, 2010, 1:15-1:45 p.m. Esplanade Hall.

ABOUT THE MOVIES
PRINCE OF PERSIA: THE SANDS OF TIME
From the team that brought the “Pirates of the Caribbean” trilogy to the big screen, Walt Disney Pictures and Jerry Bruckheimer Films present PRINCE OF PERSIA: THE SANDS OF TIME, an epic action-adventure set in the mystical lands of Persia. A rogue prince (JAKE GYLLENHAAL) reluctantly joins forces with a mysterious princess (GEMMA ARTERTON) and together, they race against dark forces to safeguard an ancient dagger capable of releasing the Sands of Time-a gift from the gods that can reverse time and allow its possessor to rule the world. PRINCE OF PERSIA: THE SANDS OF TIME is directed by Mike Newell (“Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire”) with a cast that includes BEN KINGSLEY and ALFRED MOLINA, a screenplay by Boaz Yakin and Doug Miro & Carlo Bernard, and a screen story by Jordan Mechner. In theaters May 28, 2010.

TOY STORY 3
The creators of the beloved “Toy Story” films re-open the toy box and bring
moviegoers back to the delightful world of our favorite gang of toy characters in
TOY STORY 3. As Andy prepares to depart for college, Buzz, Woody and the rest of his loyal toys are troubled about their uncertain future. Directed by Lee Unkrich (co-director of “Toy Story 2″ and “Finding Nemo”), TOY STORY 3 is a comical new adventure in Disney Digital 3D(tm) that lands the toys in a room full of untamed tots who can’t wait to get their sticky little fingers on these “new” toys. It’s pandemonium as they try to stay together, ensuring “no toy gets left behind.” Meanwhile, Barbie comes face to plastic face with Ken (yes, that Ken), and a few new toys join in the fun, including a thespian hedgehog named Mr. Pricklepants and a strawberry-scented teddy bear named Lots-o’-Huggin’ Bear. Pixar veteran Darla K. Anderson (“Cars,” “Monsters, Inc.”) produces, while Michael Arndt, Academy Award®-winning screenwriter of “Little Miss Sunshine,” brings his unique talents and comedic sensibilities. In theaters June 18, 2010.

THE SORCERER’S APPRENTICE
Walt Disney Studios, producer Jerry Bruckheimer and director Jon Turteltaub, the creators of the “National Treasure” franchise, present THE SORCERER’S APPRENTICE — an innovative and epic comedy adventure about a sorcerer and his hapless apprentice who are swept into the center of an ancient conflict between good and evil. Balthazar Blake (NICOLAS CAGE) is a master sorcerer in modern-day Manhattan trying to defend the city from his arch-nemesis, Maxim Horvath (ALFRED MOLINA). Balthazar can’t do it alone, so he recruits Dave Stutler (JAY BARUCHEL), a seemingly average guy who demonstrates hidden potential, as his reluctant protégé. The sorcerer gives his unwilling accomplice a crash course in the art and science of magic, and together, these unlikely partners work to stop the forces of darkness. It’ll take all the courage Dave can muster to survive his training, save the city and get the girl as he becomes THE SORCERER’S APPRENTICE. The screenplay is by Matt Lopez and Doug Miro & Carlo Bernard from a screen story by Matt Lopez and Larry Konner & Mark Rosenthal. In theaters July 16, 2010.

ABOUT WONDERCON
Brought to you by the same people who produce Comic-Con in San Diego, WonderCon is one of the country’s leading and most popular comics and pop culture conventions.