OK for kids 9+
Kid-friendly thriller is fun, if lacking in real magic.
What Parents Need to Know
Parents need to know that this fantasy action-adventure, inspired to some degree by Disney’s classic Fantasia, is targeted at the same audience who enjoyed star Nicolas Cage’s National Treasure movies. Like those movies, The Sorcerer's Apprentice has plenty of thrilling action sequences boosted by special-effects magic -- some of which may be too scary and/or intense for kids under 8. There's swordplay and electric blasts, and characters are threatened with peril and even death. But underlying all the action is a positive message about being true to yourself.
- Families can talk about the film's action scenes. Do movies have to have actual violence to be scary or intense?
- Why is Dave reluctant to go for greatness? What does Dave learn from Balthazar? Is theirs a believable friendship, given their differences?
- In these types of movies, good typically wins out over evil. Why is that conflict so fascinating to Hollywood?
The good stuff
-
Messages: At many different points in the film, the message that comes through loud and clear is that believing in yourself is essential to success ... and that betrayal is an act that not only damages others, but yourself as well.
-
Role models: Yes, there are "bad guys" (Morgana and Horvath). But Balthazar is principled, and Dave, although hesitant, simply wants to do what’s right. And his love interest is able to look beyond his awkward façade to appreciate the kind, interesting person within.
What to watch for
-
Violence: Most of the violent sequences are larger-than-life in nature, given the film’s fantastical premise, and there's not much gore. A swordfight takes place in a store in front of a frightened child; characters are electrocuted by energy blasts; characters threaten to kill each other; people are shown impaled on swords; a woman stabs Merlin.
-
Sex: Couples kiss.
-
Language: A few exclamations of "hell" and "God."
-
Consumerism: Labels visible for Reese’s, Golden Grahams, and an Emerson appliance.
-
Drinking, drugs and smoking: A college guy talks to his roommate about partying and living it up.
Fan Reviews provided by
5
Critics don't know what they are talking about by Mischif
It seems that these days critics can't be happy with a movie unless its "art" or breaks convention.
Sometimes a good old fashioned story is what you want. Yes this film didn't offer any surprises, but you know what, I don't care. It was fun, it was funny, it was well told.
64% of reviewers on the web thought this movie wasn't worth seeing. That just tells me that 64% of reviewers are pretentious snobs that can't just sit back and enjoy a light-hearted film.
Go see this film, if you let yourself, you'll like it.
4
DIDN'T MEET MY EXPECTATION by annabd
I will say go see it, but definately Nicolas Cage and Alfred Molina were the only best in the movie, the producer should choose a better and more experience actor to play the young guy, maybe like Zac Afron.
I like it but I will not see it again maybe when it comes out on dvd or not
I give this movie 3 stars.
5
The Sorcerer's Apprentice: Where do I sign up?! by iminluv
This is a very smart, fast, and full good vs. evil movie; the type Jerry Bruckheimer is known for. Jay Baruchel is "Christian Slater" cool; almost to the point you would think they were related. And of course Nicholas Cage works his "actorial" (new word) magic in a very convincing rivalry with a very convincing villain Alfred Molina. Couple this with realistic CGI and NO profanity and The Sorcerer's Apprentice is a mid-summer blockbuster that I will pay to see again with the whole family...the way movies should be!!!
4
good movie! by ash42389
I enjoyed this movie, just as I enjoy all Jerry Bruckheimer movies. I was worried it was going to be too "nerdy" and corny for my taste (I'm in my twenties), but they worked the magical elements into the movie in a nice way. There were some humorous moments in it, which i enjoyed. I would definitely watch it again or buy it when it comes out on DVD. It was very entertaining! The ONLY drawback was a predictable storyline, which wasn't a huge deal to me. I think teens and "older" kids would enjoy this movie a lot.
4
Better than reviews are saying !!! by volleybalk
I took my 24y/o g/f and 9 y/o son on release day to see this movie. It was $7.50 for the two adults and $5 for my son. It was def worth every penny. It had action and kept you guessing. I was not disappointed at all. Nick Cage brought it in this movie. As some reviews I have read were not impressed with his performance and saying that the cast was less than worthy. I would have to disagree with that. If you can get past the fact that Nick is a good enough actor to play in any role and picture him just being his character then it is a great movie. Go into this with an open mind and you will love it. I can't wait for the next one.
5
Amazing must see adventure by madmatio
This is a must see movie. If you like National Treasure, Prince of Persia, or Pirates of the Caribbean you will love this movie. It has action, suspense, humor and love all in one movie. It is a great movie and don't worry about the critics, just go and see it and enjoy it. If you go to see it with the attitude that it is bad then it will be. Go and have fun and you will be entertained.
5
Excellently entertaining movie!! by MarkusK
This was an absolutely wonderful movie! The plotline wasn't skewed or complicated, the actors did fabulous jobs and the effects were reaaly cool!! The acting was so good it felt like they weren't acting, but actual people instead of movie characters. And the way they blended the Fantasia Mop & Bucket routine was superb!
If you want to go see a movie that thoroughly entertains you and doesn't require you to overthink the story, sluff through blood guts and gore, and put up with trash talking bozos, then go enjoy yourself at The Sorcerer's Apprentice.
4
Like it by mariasmusical1st
I wouldn't recommend it to my 7 year old nephew, but a great teen movie!
4
So much better than the previews make it look! by suemarie
This is really a good movie. The cast is all good, especially Jay B. as David. There is an interesting story with likable characters and original action scenes. The whole family will enjoy it, except maybe the younger kids.
There are even some mops (and brooms) going crazy!
5
Sorcerer's Apprentice by margekring
A very enjoyable movie. Nicholas Cage is a favorite . Nice to see a movie without bed scenes and vulgar language.