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The Sorcerer's Apprentice (DVD)
Rating: PG
Director: John Turteltaub
Cast: Jay Baruchel, Monica Bellucci, Nicholas Cage, Alfred Molina, Teresa Palmer
Release Date: January 12, 2010
Distributor: Walt Disney
The Film: 2.5
The Disc: 2.0
FILMINK rates DVDs and Blu-rays out of 5"...a missed opportunity."
Legend has it that the illustrious wizard Merlin was the victim of a mutiny by two of his disciples, and that the world was only saved from destruction by the actions of a loyal disciple, Balthazar (Nicolas Cage). Cut to present day New York, and Physics Major Dave (Jay Baruchel) is identified as the only individual who can prevent the apocalypse unleashed by the inevitable release of the rogue disciples. This necessitates Balthazar's protection and mentorship, and the pursuit of Dave's demise by the evil Horvath (Alfred Molina).
Jon Turteltaub's (National Treasure, Phenomenon, eek) fantasy/adventure delivers special effects that are highly competent, but lack any great sense of excitement, due in part to the film's obvious desire to appeal to the broadest possible audience.
The cast is always surplus to requirements in a film of this type. Nevertheless, whether the fault lies with the actor or the role, Baruchel's performance has little to recommend it. Young Australian actress Teresa Palmer is saddled with the thankless role of the requisite love interest, and Monica Bellucci's appearance is nothing more than a cameo. On a positive note, Cage invests far more in the role than it demands. Overall, though, The Sorcerer's Apprentice must go down as a missed opportunity.
Extra features include a couple of featurettes and deleted scenes.
