The Sorcerer's Apprentice

Director: John Turteltaub
UK release: August 2010
Starring: Nicolas Cage, Alred Molina, Jay Baruchel, Teresa Palmer, Monica Bellucci

IMDB Page



She said:

Most people will know the Sorcerer's Apprentice as 'that scene' in Fantasia where Mickey Mouse enchants some brooms and loses control of them. It is striking and vivid, and as a 5 year old child I loved it. If you haven't seen it, click here for the bit from Fantasia. So I think it is safe to say a had some doubts when I heard about this Nicolas Cage film which is, essentially, a 2010 blockbuster based on a 1940 Disney cartoon set to a piece of Dukas music from 1897 that is based on a Goethe poem written in 1797. I didn't see how they could make this film without completely destroying the layers of history behind it; I'm glad to say that this didn't happen!

Now, like many people toying with the idea of seeing this film I was mightily put off by the fact it starred Nicolas Cage, aka Mr Wooden. Wow is that man a terrible 'actor' who we can all agree would not be as famous if he wasn't a Coppola. However I have to put my hands up and say "I enjoyed it. I enjoyed a Mr Wooden film". Cage's cliched acting actually fitted in quite well with this fluffy family film and created a great comic duo along with sidekick (or apprentice!) Jay Baruchel.

The thing I really enjoyed about The Sorcerer's Apprentice is the special effects and imagination. The film marries science and technology with magic and folklore to create a modern twist. There is no denying this is a film based solely around spectacle (as is the original Goethe poem) and I personally loved the scope and creativity of the special effects; the giant Eagles detaching from the Chrysler Building springs to mind.

However I do not want to oversell this film. Despite being enjoyable this isn't the best written plot ever, and could have been executed better. Like a lot of family fantasies the director forgets to give the back story as much attention as the action. Despite learning the history of the Sorcerer and the villain (played by Molina) I found both characters under-developed emotionally. I didn't believe their motives totally and I think this should have been catered to, for more mature viewers like myself.

Overall this film was not the disaster I was expecting. The soundtrack, composed by Trevor Rabin takes musical influence from the original Dukas music while their is an obligatory homage to 'that' Mickey Mouse scene. I give this film {{{3 out of 5}}}.

He said:

Like Helen I really didn't expect very much sitting down to watch this film. If you have read any of our previous reviews involving Nicholas Cage you will know that we are not his biggest fans. However he does occasionally find a role that suits him, Con Air and Gone in 60 Seconds spring to mind.

Helen has already touched on the various high points of the film far more eloquently than I could ever hope to. I will say that as unlikely a duo as Cage and Baruchel are, they have excellent on-screen chemistry together. This is, at its heart, a buddy film.

Baruchel's character - Dave - accomplishes something very few characters in similar fantastical situations manage to do; he remains the geeky teen guy that he is. So often we see characters that inherit amazing abilities and then find themselves defined by said abilities. But Dave manages to still be every bit as geeky even when he finally gains control over his abilities. I'm not sure if this is due to Baruchels superb acting ability, or if Jay Baruchel is really just that much of a geek! I think I'll let you all weigh in on that particular debate in the comments below.

Overall this is a fun film and I give it {{{3.5 out of 5}}}

They said:

Depending on your personal opinion of Nicholas Cage and Jay Baruchel this is undoubtedly still a fun film that at the very least is worth renting for a family night in. We give it {{{{6.5 out of 10}}}}

QUESTION FOR THE COMMENTS: What is the worst Nicolas Cage film you have ever seen?

How to train your Dragon [3D] (Directed by Dean DeBlois & Chris Sanders)

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Starring:
Jay Baruchel, Gerard Butler, Craig Ferguson, America Ferrera, Jonah Hill, Christopher Mintz-Plasse

She said:

I love a good animated film and Dreamworks has not disappointed with their latest release. This film is fun, fresh and cute. The script was witty and chuckle-aloud funny although no quotes stand out in my memory. That isn't a criticism by the way... I'm just noting it!

We have both criticized and praised different films for using 3D in this blog. This particular film I think used it well. It was not gimmicky but it did add an extra dimension (duh) that I welcomed. I loved the animation overall especially the design of the dragons. They were each very individual with obvious personalities. There was a good balance of scary and adorable... mainly adorable.

Apart from that I know it is rare but I don't have much to say about this film. It is neither terrible nor the best thing I have seen. I very much enjoyed it and would gladly watch it again! I'm sure this will become a family favourite. I give it {{{4 out of 5}}}

He said:
I really enjoyed this film. Dreamworks is pushing out highly anticipated animated films this year like they are going out of style. How to train your Dragon is the first of three (The other two being Shrek Forever After (in July) and Despicable me (Holiday season.) And I am pleased to say that they have set the bar high!

The basic story is easily obtained from the above trailer, and is standard material for Dreamworks' films. Hiccup is the like-able unlikely hero with a slightly unusual pet/friend. (spoiler!!! it is a DRAGON!) This is a fun film that is written beautifully. The voice acting is fantastic, while all the names night not ring a bell with you now, this is a dominantly young up and coming team of actors that you will be seeing a lot of in the coming years.

One of my favorite aspects of the animation of this film is the movements of the dragons. Despite being reptile in look and well nature, the mood and behavior is very similar to domestic felines. There are moments in a couple of scenes that reminded me of my own cat.

This is a fun film that the entire family can enjoy together and I am sure it will soon be a lot of children's favorites. (A lot of families are likely to bringing home plush replicas of the dragon Toothless during the Easter weekend.) I really enjoyed this film and give it {{{4 out of 5}}}

They said:

If you enjoy previous Dreamworks creations like the Shrek franchise, Kung fu Panda and Flushed Away this film will not disappoint. We give it [[[8 out of 10]]]

Nick and Norah's Infinite Playlist (Directed by Peter Sollett

IMDB Page

Starring:
Michael Cera, Kat Dennings, Aaron Yoo, Rafi Gavron, Ari Graynor, Alexis Dziena, Jonathan B. Wright, Zachary Booth, Jay Baruchel

She Said:

This film wasn't what I was expecting from the title although that is definately not a criticism. I was expecting two people to be putting together some kind of mega iTunes playlist... but actually the story is more sensible than that (I use the word sensible loosely). It is a 'guy who is hung up on girl meets girl who is clearly better for him and vice versa'. And if you are wondering - they bond over a love of music.

I really loved this film. The first reason is because of the casting. Michael Cera and Kat Dennings together have caused me to need to coin the phrase 'adorably awkward' (which, as James pointed out to me at the time, is quite possibly the caption for Cera's headshot.) Awkwardness happens in love and I appreciate films that show this. It made the film more realistic and empathetic.

The top casting continues to the supporting actors. Cera's and Dennings' friends are fantastic and although are not the most reliable people, they are the sort of friends you need - ones that knows what is best for you and above all, make you smile.

You should see this film because there are two main subplots: the search for a band hiding at a location in New York and, this is my faourite, the journey of a piece of chewing gum which... is... well just watch it. I give this film {{{4 out of 5}}}

He said:

I love sitting down to watch a quirky movie and actually enjoying it from start to finish. This is one of those quirky films. The title leads one to believe it will be heavily laden with a soundtrack begging to define the film, nothing could be further from the truth. There is a strong independent music vibe but it is never overwhelming or off putting.

One of the few teen comedies of late to not go for the raunchy visual gags that seem so prominent in recent years, (though there is one gag inducing scene involving Ari Graynor's character's chewing gum) This is a fun film about two people brought together by their friends, that find they are exactly what the other needs.

I have seen this film several times and have enjoyed more with each viewing. The fact that this is a film based on a young adult novel is encouraging as John Green's Paper Towns has been optioned by the same production company: Mandate Pictures. I give this film {{{4 out of 5}}}

They said:

If you are looking for a fun "one night in the city" type of film and enjoy witty dialogue and well paced films we recommend Nick and Norah's Infinite Playlist . We give it {{{8.5 out of 10}}}