'Sorcerer's Apprentice' gentle on nerves of parents

The Sorcerer’s Apprentice

By Andy McKinney
Gazette/Connection Film Critic 
This big budget Disney extravaganza reunites the star (Nicholas Cage) the director (John Turteltrab) and the producer (Jerry Bruckeimer) who were responsible for the two “National Treasure” films.  The efforts of these Hollywood heavyweights and the squeaky clean Disney style result in an entertaining family film.  There is not much to brag about here, but it is a solid value for your money and it is something that folks of all ages and interests can enjoy.
           

Cage plays a centuries old wizard with a mission.  He must stay alive long enough to find the successor to Merlin - King Arthur’s Merlin.  Only this successor can ultimately defeat the super evil Morgana Le Fey, now trapped in the “Grim Hold” but not dead. 

He finds the apprentice in New York college student Dave, played by Jay Baruchel.   Jay adds a vaguely East Coast accent to his nerdish, insecure persona that makes him more interesting, and the accent plays very well.  His love interest is the beautiful actress Teresa Palmer.  Both these young actors have plenty of on screen experience behind them and it shows in their solid, believable performances. 
           
The special effects are lavish and very well done, especially the flying beast - of which I will say no more.  But this is a movie about a young man assuming the mantle of the long gone Merlin, not an excuse for excessive pyrotechnics.  The people are realistic (a realistic wizard?) and dominate the film, not the computer aided effects.
           
We in the audience get nearly two hours of satisfying big screen entertainment.  The PG rated film is gentle on the nerves of parents with no sexy stuff or bad language - or blood and guts for that matter.  There is a tasty homage to the Mickey Mouse animated film of the same name.  In true Disney tradition, there is a fairy book style happy ending.
           

Bruckeimer, Turtletrab and Cage together made the magical, wonderful “National Treasure.”  “The Sorcerer’s Apprentice” is about as good as the not quite as wonderful “National Treasure 2.”  Even so, the colorful and engaging “The Sorcerer’s Apprentice” gets a slightly above average three and a half saw blades.
           
Also opening this week is the very interesting “Inception.”  I would see it for the all star cast alone, never mind that it is the best reviewed film of the year thus far.  Grownups have a genuine choice this week.
           
I hope to see you at the Saw Mill.