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"THE SORCERER'S APPRENTICE" (2010) (Nicolas Cage, Jay Baruchel) (PG) Alcohol/ Drugs Blood/Gore Disrespectful/ Bad Attitude Frightening/ Tense Scenes Guns/ Weapons Minor Mild Extreme Moderate Mild Imitative Behavior Jump Scenes Music (Scary/Tense) Music (Inappropriate) Profanity Heavy Mild Extreme None Minor Sex/ Nudity Smoking Tense Family Scenes Topics To Talk About Violence Mild None None Moderate Heavy QUICK TAKE: Fantasy/Action/Adventure: After more than 1,000 years of searching, an apprentice of Merlin attempts to train the heir apparent to the wizard in the ways of magic before another rogue apprentice and his accomplice raise the dead and take over the world. PLOT: Dave Stutler (JAY BARUCHEL) is a physics student in college whose biggest concern is trying to impress Becky Barnes (TERESA PALMER) and not embarrass roommate Bennet (OMAR BENSON MILLER) too much. Dave's known Becky since fourth grade, but an unlikely incident during a field trip forever tainted her view of him, at least in his opinion. And that's when he had an encounter with Balthazar Blake (NICOLAS CAGE) and Maxim Horvath (ALFRED MOLINA), two opposing apprentices of Merlin who had been locked in battle for more than 1,000 years. Long ago, Horvath joined forces with sorcerer Morgana (ALICE KRIGE) to get their hands on a spell that would raise the dead and enslave all of mankind. To thwart that, Balthazar and Merlin's third apprentice, Veronica (MONICA BELLUCCI), battled them, with Veronica sucking Morgana's soul into her body before ending up trapped in a Russian nesting doll, while Balthazar trapped Horvath in a separate container. Since then, Balthazar had been trying to locate the "prime Merlinian," a boy who would become Merlin's successor, and he knew he found him in Dave. But then Horvath escaped and then both he and Balthazar ended up trapped in a container until they reemerged ten years later. Now both apprentices want Dave -- Horvath so that he can find the piece and release Morgana, while Balthazar needs to train the young man as quickly as possible in the ways of magic so that he can take on Horvath should he succeed. With the bad apprentice enlisting the aid of flamboyant bad boy magician Drake Stone (TOBY KEBBELL) to complete his quest, Balthazar races against time to get Dave ready, stymied by the fact that the young man is distracted by his attraction to Becky. WILL KIDS WANT TO SEE IT? Younger kids might if they've seen the original cartoon short, while others could be enticed by the magic angle or if they're fans of anyone in the cast. WHY THE MPAA RATED IT: PG For fantasy action violence, some mild rude humor and brief language. CAST AS ROLE MODELS: NICOLAS CAGE plays an apprentice of Merlin who's been searching the past millennium for a replacement to the legendary wizard. When he realizes Dave is the one, he sets out to train him in the ways of sorcery as quickly as possible, but must contend with Horvath and his nefarious plan. He has little time for Dave's puppy love for Becky, but must contend with that and other setbacks and obstacles. JAY BARUCHEL plays a college student who's completely immersed in his world of physics until both Becky and Balthazar reappear in his life. Although initially skeptical of the wizard, he soon takes to learning the tricks of the trade, but must keep all of that secret from Becky with whom he's clearly smitten. ALFRED MOLINA plays Balthazar's rival who's also one of Merlin's original three apprentices who joined forces long ago with Morgana in going over to the dark side of magic. He wants to find and release her from her long-term prison and then take over the world with her. TERESA PALMER plays a college student who knew Dave back in fourth grade and is surprised to run into him again in college. She isn't quite sure what to make of him but likes something about him, even if he acts oddly from time to time. MONICA BELLUCCI plays Merlin's other apprentice who sucked Morgana's soul into her body long ago to save the world, and must contend with her reemergence more than 1,000 years later. TOBY KEBBELL plays a flamboyant and egotistical magician who was never fully trained in the ways of dark magic, but nevertheless is assigned to be Horvath's assistant for his nefarious plan. ALICE KRIGE plays the evil sorceress who convinced Horvath to join her quest for world domination and reemerges in the 21st century to enact just that. CAST, CREW, & TECHNICAL INFO HOW OTHERS RATED THIS MOVIE Curious if this title is entertaining, any good, and/or has any artistic merit? Then read OUR TAKE of this film. (Note: The "Our Take" review of this title examines the film's artistic merits and does not take into account any of the possibly objectionable material listed below). OUR WORD TO PARENTS: The following is a brief summary of the content found in this fantasy adventure film that's been rated PG. Profanity consists of a few minor expletives, while other expletives and colorful phrases are also uttered. Some cleavage is present, as is brief kissing. Fantasy/action type violence is present (characters blasting others with magic & blobs of energy, etc.) and those scenes and various moments of peril could be unsettling, suspenseful or maybe even scary for the youngest of viewers and/or those with low tolerance levels for such material. Bad attitudes are present, as is some crude humor. A few alcohol related comments are present, and glasses of what appear to be wine are in front of a young couple, while potential imitative behavior also occurs. Should you still be concerned about the film's appropriateness for yourself or anyone else in your home, you may want to look more closely at our detailed listings for more specific information regarding the film's content. For those concerned with bright flashes of light on the screen, there's some of that at several points in the film, especially when Dave shows off his electrically charged physics experiment, complete with lightning bolt type charges through a room. For those prone to visually induced motion sickness, there are moments of camera movement in the film, including a shot looking straight up that then spins around. ALCOHOL OR DRUG USE Bennet enthusiastically states "bio-nerds" are getting drunk tonight. Balthazar poses as a cop to talk to other cops and tells them that reports of a dragon are from some parade revelers hitting the sake too hard. We see what looks like wine in front of Bennet and a young woman. BLOOD/GORE A prologue from long ago briefly shows dead bodies on the floor from an unseen attack (no blood). After seeing Balthazar and Horvath battling and being in danger himself, young Dave rushes outside. One classmate yells out, "He peed his pants" and we see a wet stain around his crotch, prompting many of the kids to laugh at him. The inside of a paper dragon in a parade suddenly turns sinewy and intestine-like as it turns into a real dragon. We see movement under bare skin of a mystical man's belly (representing a miniature version of a large dragon he's sent after Dave). When Balthazar tells Dave that there's no going back once he steps into the world of magic, Dave jokes that maybe he should pee first. When Balthazar doesn't laugh, Dave says he can hold it. We see Dave standing at a urinal and slightly hear a related sound. Dave's dog farts twice and is then seen peeing on the floor. Goo comes out of a container, turns into a figure trying to push through an elastic type sheath and then forms into Veronica with some snakes around her body. Morgana (in Veronica's body) causes flames to shoot forth from a large pentagram through the city, bouncing off satellite dishes to form an even larger pentagram above the city. In turn, that unleashes supernatural "smoke" that races around the world, starting to raise the dead. In one instance, we see a skull form decomposed flesh on it, but once Morgana's plan is thwarted, that goes away. Morgana fires bolts of energy at Veronica and Balthazar, while Dave fires the same back at her, but they simply go through her wispy body (and in one case, her head splits apart to avoid the same). DISRESPECTFUL/BAD ATTITUDE We hear that Horvath was one of Merlin's apprentices, but that he then teamed up with Morgana to get their hands on a spell that would raise the dead and enslave all of mankind. They were also responsible for Merlin's death, and their quest continues in the present day setting. Horvath also uses Drake as his assistant in that. Those who don't like the notion of and/or use of magic should note that occurs throughout the film. After seeing Balthazar and Horvath battling and being in danger himself, young Dave rushes outside. One classmate yells out, "He peed his pants" and we see a wet stain around his crotch, prompting many of the kids to laugh at him. Dave tells various white lies to Balthazar and Horvath (to try to protect himself). A car stops due to Horvath in its path, prompting the driver to yell at Horvath, "Get out of the way, freak." Horvath then uses magic to crack the man's windshield with two holes. A thug holds a knife on Dave and Becky as he robs her in a subway station. FRIGHTENING SCENES Scenes listed under "Violence," "Blood/Gore" and "Jump Scenes" may be unsettling, suspenseful or scary to younger viewers and/or those with low tolerance levels for such material. We see various oddities in Balthazar's shop, including things in jars, such as a girl's head that we quickly realize is apparently a doll's head, while a human skull is also seen. Balthazar gives young Dave a ring that then comes to life and wraps around his finger. Young Dave drops a magical prison container and it cracks open, with many insects pouring out. They then stack on each other en masse, eventually and quickly forming into Horvath. Horvath throws a large urn out a window, with Balthazar forming into himself from sand as all of that plummets toward the street (he barely manages to grab a ledge to avoid hitting the pavement). Dave finds Horvath in his apartment, and Horvath threatens, "I'll cut the truth out of you." Dave runs into something while running out his place, and must then elude a pack of wolves that Horvath sends after him (through NYC). Dave ends up hiding down on a train station track, but one wolf spots him and Horvath gives the kill order. One then leaps at Dave, but it and another turn into puppies that land on Dave's chest. Balthazar then blasts Horvath down, followed by rescuing Dave off the track via a large metal and/or stone "bird" as a train approaches (with Horvath scrambling back up onto the platform and out of the train's path just in time). Balthazar stands up on the edge of a roof high above the street. A parade's paper dragon turns into a real dragon and comes after Dave, blasting through the front of a building (biting at him), up some steps, and down a hallway, forcing Dave out onto the fire escape. He must then avoid flames shot his way, but he then causes that dragon to burn up, while Balthazar blasts the mystical man controlling the dragon. Dave uses magic to cause mops and other cleaning items to clean up his lab. When he returns, the place is flooded, with the water nearing some electrical outlets. He then ends up barely holding on above the electrified water, and then falls hard to the floor when Balthazar uses magic to rid the place of the water. Balthazar and Dave pursue Horvath and Drake through the city in a high speed chase that involves swerving and close calls. Horvath turns his car into a trash truck and that smashes into Balthazar's car that then crashes into others. Horvath then uses his truck to lift a trash dumpster to smash the top of Balthazar's car (with Balthazar and Dave still inside -- but they escape unscathed). Balthazar steps on a rug that acts like quicksand, causing him to sink into it and he scrambles to get out before he disappears below the surface. Horvath holds Becky hostage and has the tip of his magic cane under her chin. Balthazar purposefully falls backwards off the edge of a tall building's roof (and lands on a large flying creature). Goo comes out of a container, turns into a figure trying to push through an elastic type sheath and then forms into Veronica with some snakes around her body. Morgana (in Veronica's body) causes flames to shoot forth from a large pentagram through the city, bouncing off satellite dishes to form an even larger pentagram above the city. In turn, that unleashes supernatural "smoke" that races around the world, starting to raise the dead. In one instance, we see a skull form decomposed flesh on it, but once Morgana's plan is thwarted, that goes away. Horvath blasts Balthazar back and causes the iconic bull statue of Wall Street to come to life. It charges at Balthazar and bashes into a fence behind him, and then into a car. As Balthazar tries to avoid that, Horvath sends a newspaper vending box (or something similar) into Balthazar. Balthazar then blasts Horvath, while a large metal bird swoops in and grabs the bull before it gets Balthazar. SPOILER ALERT: Balthazar appears to be dead at the end of the film, but Dave uses a magical version of CPR to bring him back to life. GUNS/WEAPONS At various points in the film, various sorcerers blast others or items with powerful blobs of energy. A prologue set long ago briefly shows dead bodies on the floor, flames shooting down a stairwell at others, and Merlin and Morgana battling with swords. Horvath blasts Balthazar back, followed by magically controlling a sword to battle him from a distance. A thug holds a knife on Dave and Becky as he robs her in a subway station. Drake blasts Balthazar back against a fan where cables hold his wrists onto that. Balthazar then frees himself and blasts Horvath back. Drake then blasts Balthazar, followed by Horvath sending knives at Balthazar, but Dave uses magic to cause them to stop short. Horvath holds Becky hostage and has the tip of his magic cane under her chin. IMITATIVE BEHAVIOR Phrases: "Oh boy," "No way," "Bio-nerds," "He must hunt and grunt," "Are you kidding me?" "Who are you, Braveheart?" "I'll cut the truth out of you," "Yeah, for sure," "Get out of the way, freak," "Are you insane?" "Oh, go team magical stuff," "Sweet," "Prescription-grade abandonment issues," "Dude," "Shut up," "Let's go 'Thunder and Lightning,'" "Which is nerdy," an incomplete "What the..?" "What, are you in Depeche Mode?" "Enough, you idiot," "Moron," "You exist to make my life a living hell" and "What the heck?" The action, fighting and other stunts might be enticing for some kids to try to imitate. As a 4th grader, Dave draws a partial King Kong and biplanes on a bus window so that they line up with the Empire State building when they pass by. We see miscellaneous graffiti. Balthazar stands up on the edge of a roof high above the street. Drake acts and dresses flamboyantly, and has painted fingernails. Balthazar and Dave pursue Horvath and Drake through the city in a high speed chase that involves swerving and close calls. Drake has tattoos on his arms (or long sleeves that have the same look). Balthazar purposefully falls backwards off the edge of a tall building's roof (and lands on a large flying creature). JUMP SCENES Sand or a similar substance suddenly blasts from a large urn, quickly forming into Horvath. A witch girl suddenly shows up behind Becky. MUSIC (SCARY/TENSE) An extreme amount of suspenseful, ominous and action-oriented music plays in the film. MUSIC (INAPPROPRIATE) None. PROFANITY At least 2 hells and 1 possible "God." SEX/NUDITY We briefly see a shirtless boy or young teen in a montage. Dave follows some papers that have blown through a classroom, ending up directly in front of a seated Becky, and he stares up close at her stocking-covered legs. A male mystical warrior is partially shirtless (the upper part is bare). We twice see a painting poster of Drake, including with a woman down by his leg, showing a lot of her own bare leg. Inside the room where that's located, we see various attractive women at his beck and call. Some of them show some cleavage. We briefly see a head and shoulders shot of Dave showering. Becky shows a little cleavage. Bennet and a young woman appear ready to kiss, but a call from Dave interrupts them. About Becky wanting to stick with him as they take on Morgana, Dave tells Becky that she's (what sounded like) "sexy." Veronica shows a lot of cleavage. Balthazar and Veronica briefly but passionately kiss (clothed), while Dave and Becky do the same elsewhere. SMOKING None. TENSE FAMILY SCENES None. TOPICS TO TALK ABOUT Those who don't like the notion of and/or use of magic should note that occurs throughout the film. The idea and responsibilities of being a chosen one. The legend of Merlin. Dealing with embarrassing situations. Physics. VIOLENCE A prologue set long ago briefly shows dead bodies on the floor, flames shooting down a stairwell at others, and Merlin and Morgana battling with swords. He gets the upper-hand and holds his sword to her neck and she starts to dissolve/disappear, but Horvath fires a blast at Merlin, followed by Morgana stabbing Merlin (we don't see the impact, and there isn't any blood with any of that). Veronica then sucks Morgana's soul/being into her own body, followed by Balthazar capturing both in the container, followed by Horvath. Balthazar uses an energy blast to blow and then hold Horvath up against a skylight type ceiling. Horvath then fires one back that blasts Balthazar, followed by the two struggling and fighting (with another energy blast hitting stuff in the store). Horvath blasts Balthazar back, followed by magically controlling a sword to battle him from a distance. That's followed by him shooting flames at Balthazar before coming after young Dave. But Balthazar tackles Horvath and young Dave runs out the door (when he returns, everything appears normal and there's no damage anywhere). Dave finds Horvath in his apartment, and Horvath threatens, "I'll cut the truth out of you." Dave runs into something while running out his place, and must then elude a pack of wolves that Horvath sends after him (through NYC). Dave ends up hiding down on a train station track, but one wolf spots him and Horvath gives the kill order. One then leaps at Dave, but it and another turn into puppies that land on Dave's chest. Balthazar then blasts Horvath down, followed by rescuing Dave off the track via a large metal and/or stone "bird" as a train approaches (with Horvath scrambling back up onto the platform and out of the train's path just in time). Balthazar uses magic to cause a traffic ticket to burst into flames (as a proof of magic to Dave). A car stops due to Horvath in its path, prompting the driver to yell at Horvath, "Get out of the way, freak." Horvath then uses magic to crack the man's windshield with two holes. Balthazar blasts an older woman back to a door, but only because he realizes it's really Horvath in disguise. Horvath then releases a mystical warrior on Balthazar, and that man uses magic to send many acupuncture type needles flying at Balthazar who shields himself with his heavy trench coat and then uses magic to blast that man out through a window. A parade's paper dragon turns into a real dragon and comes after Dave, blasting through the front of a building (biting at him), up some steps, and down a hallway, forcing Dave out onto the fire escape. He must then avoid flames shot his way, but he then causes that dragon to burn up, while Balthazar blasts the mystical man controlling the dragon. Balthazar magically causes beads to wrap around and hold Horvath. Balthazar fires a plasma bolt into some materials in Dave's lab (as part of his training). Dave then fires such shots of plasma that hit things and ricochet, including hitting his own catcher's chest pad and then his clothed crotch when he lifts that. Horvath blasts stuff in Drake's place. Balthazar uses his magic to cause Dave's physics experiment machinery to zap Dave twice. A thug holds a knife on Dave and Becky as he robs her in a subway station. Dave then follows him, uses magic to trap him in a turnstile, and then causes a trash can to levitate, catch on fire, and then hit the robber, knocking him down and/or out. Drake pins Dave to a restroom wall and lifts him off the floor. Moments later, Horvath pins Dave back against a wall with his cane and informs him that he's going to kill him. Balthazar then blasts Drake back into some lockers, while he and Horvath hit each other. Drake then accidentally blasts Horvath back through a mirror into another dimension, followed by Balthazar flicking Drake (via magic) into a bathroom stall. Drake blasts Balthazar back against a fan where cables hold his wrists onto that. Balthazar then frees himself and blasts Horvath back. Drake then blasts Balthazar, followed by Horvath sending knives at Balthazar, but Dave uses magic to cause them to stop short. Dave uses magic to cause an urn to hit Drake on the head, causing his and Horvath's car to hit another. After Balthazar and Dave end up in a reverse mirror reality, Horvath blasts glass windows and such in passing to prevent them from escaping back through them (but they succeed). Horvath turns his car into a trash truck and that smashes into Balthazar's car that then crashes into others. Horvath then uses his truck to lift a trash dumpster to smash the top of Balthazar's car (with Balthazar and Dave still inside -- but they escape unscathed). Horvath steals Drake's magical powers (leaving him limp) and then does the same to a witch girl. Dave and Becky avoid a blast from Horvath that blows the head of a statue behind them. Horvath blasts Balthazar back and causes the iconic bull statue of Wall Street to come to life. It charges at Balthazar and bashes into a fence behind him, and then into a car. As Balthazar tries to avoid that, Horvath sends a newspaper vending box (or something similar) into Balthazar. Balthazar then blasts Horvath, while a large metal bird swoops in and grabs the bull before it gets Balthazar. Morgana fires flames at Balthazar and Veronica, but Dave blocks them with magic. She then fires bolts of energy at Veronica and Balthazar, while Dave fires the same back at her, but they simply go through her wispy body (and in one case, her head splits apart to avoid the same). Morgana then blasts Dave repeatedly, but he then uses outside sources to blast and shock her, followed by him repeatedly blasting her with energy balls until she disintegrates into nothingness. Reviewed July 8, 2010 / Posted July 14, 2010

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