Rated PG for fantasy action violence, some mild rude humor and brief language
Starring: Nicolas Cage, Jay Baruchel, Alfred Molina and Monica Bellucci
Directed by: Jon Turteltaub (National Treasure and National Treasure 2: Book of Secrets)
Nicolas Cage plus Jon Turteltaub equals magic…again.
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 pit their powers against those of the fiercest—and most ruthless—villains of all time. 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.
It’s hard to express how surprised I am that I liked this movie. I think it’s because Nicholas Cage is either awe-some or aw-ful. There really is no in between. Let me prove my point. Let’s look at his last dozen or so films (not including animated/voice work).
1.2004 National Treasure …awesome!
2.2005 Lord of War…awesome…ok maybe not awesome but ok
3.2005 The Weather Man …awful
4.2006 The Wicker Man …awful
5.2006 World Trade Center …awesome
6.2007 Ghost Rider…awful
7.2007 National Treasure: Book of Secrets …awesome
8.2007 Next …awful
9.2008 Bangkok Dangerous…awful
10.2009 Knowing …awful
11.2009 The Bad Lieutenant: Port of Call – New Orleans…awful
12.2010 Kick-Ass…awful
Point proven.
Not only is Cage fantastic as the ageless sorcerer but Jay Baruchel is hilarious as his reluctant apprentice. And once again Alfred Molina plays the perfect villain. It really is a great cast.
I loved the story and the character development. If a film rushes or takes too much time with either aspect of a film it can ruin things quickly. The Sorcerer’s Apprentice found that perfect balance between story/characters and pace/action.
That being said, it’s the action and fight scenes that really make this film enjoyable. Even better, there were plenty of laughs throughout all the action and a few parts that are pretty creepy.
I still can’t believe I’m giving a Nicolas cage film a Theater Worthy score…but I am – go see this one!
SHOULD KIDS SEE IT?
There are a few scenes that may cause younger viewers some sleepless nights but my 9 and 12 year olds loved it.
Conversation Starter
Three Simple Questions (with Answers You May Be Looking for):
Q: What’s the message/theme of this movie?
A: Like the recent Harry Potter film, the obvious answer here is witchcraft and sorcery. But another message throughout the film is that although the young apprentice may not have all the answers or do everything the right way, he is extremely valuable to the Sorcerer.
Q: How do you suppose we—as serious Christ-followers—should react to this movie?
A: We see this played out in churches all the time. We hear that the children/students are the future of the church. Truth is they are the church…period. We need to recognize their gifts and help develop them.
This isn’t a modern church problem. In I Timothy 4:12, Paul tells Timothy, “Don’t let anyone look down on you because you are young, but set an example for the believers in speech, in conduct, in love, in faith and in purity.” Timothy was Paul’s apprentice.
Q: How can we move from healthy, Bible-based opinions about this movie to actually living out those opinions?
A: We need to give our children/students the opportunities to use their gifts and abilities. Take some time this week to identify areas your child/student can take more ownership or responsibility.
