Nicolas Cage Embraces the Mystical Realm in this Overlooked Disney Masterpiece

Highlights

The Sorcerer's Apprentice was a 2010 film that didn't perform as well as other Disney movies, despite having a talented cast and elements of imaginative magic.

Two ancient sorcerers engage in a modern-day battle, as a young boy named Dave emerges as the heir to the most powerful sorcerer ever. The film received a 40% rating from critics on Rotten Tomatoes, while fans were somewhat more generous, granting it a rating of 53%. Regarded as a straightforward fantasy adventure, the movie lacks intricacy.

Disney live-action remakes seem to be released almost every year due to the tremendous success the company has achieved. However, before these remakes became popular, Disney released a gem in 2010 called The Sorcerer's Apprentice. This film, featuring notable actors such as Nicolas Cage, Jay Baruchel, and Alfred Molina, had all the necessary components for a great movie.

Directed by Jon Turteltaub and with contributions from various writers, The Sorcerer's Apprentice was based on old stories and Fantasia shorts with the same title. While it wasn't a complete failure, the movie didn't reach the level of success that Disney films typically do. Despite being somewhat overlooked, there is a growing call to appreciate and remember this simple yet entertaining film.

What Is The Sorcerer’s Apprentice About?

In their eternal rivalry, two ancient sorcerers are brought into the present day, involving an ordinary geek named Dave Stutler. Dave possesses the potential to become the true successor to the legendary sorcerer Merlin. In medieval England, Merlin is betrayed by one of his three apprentices, Horvath, during a fierce encounter with the infamous Morgana le Fey. Another apprentice, Veronica, absorbs Morgana's soul into her own body and is ultimately saved by the third apprentice, Balzathar, who traps them both inside a Grimhold. Balthazar, determined to find Merlin's successor, faces numerous battles against those who seek to free the evil sorceress, including his old comrade Horvath.

More than a thousand years later, a young boy named Dave stumbles upon a shop during a field trip and is identified as the Prime Merlinean, the successor to the greatest sorcerer of all time. Unfortunately, the curious boy unintentionally releases Balzathar's former rival from the Grimhold, resulting in both Balthazar and Horvath being trapped for a decade. Throughout the battle, Dave's pants get soiled, giving the impression that he wet himself and leading to mockery from his classmates. This humiliation drives him to try to forget everything he witnessed, despite still possessing a magical ring.

As a modern university student, Dave coincidentally encounters a girl he used to have a crush on from his past as Horvath and Balthazar escape their ten-year imprisonment. Horvath immediately seeks out Dave, but with the assistance of Balthazar's stronger magical abilities (and a majestic eagle), they manage to protect Dave and evade Horvath. After some convincing, Dave agrees to assist Balthazar in locating the Grimhold. This leads them into another confrontation with Horvath, who has recruited the assistance of an additional ancient sorcerer. However, Dave and Balthazar triumph over the new sorcerer and a colossal dragon, prompting Dave to make the decision to pursue sorcerer training.

Feeling the need for support, Horvath seeks the assistance of a well-known TV magician named Drake Stone for his wicked battle, bestowing upon him a level of power that would be the envy of any blood magician. Unlike Balthazar, Horvath shows no concern for Drake Stone's well-being, eventually leading to the naive magician's downfall. It is during this time that Dave discovers Morgana's plan to cast a spell that would grant sorcerers dominion over the Earth and realizes that he is the sole individual with the potential to one day defeat her.

What Is The Sorcerer’s Apprentice’s Rating On Rotten Tomatoes?

After a disastrous date, Dave and Balzathar part ways temporarily. However, Dave eventually rejoins them as Horvath and Drake execute their plans to obtain the Grimhold. As part of his scheme, Horvath double-crosses Drake Stone and devises a plan to manipulate Dave after kidnapping Becky, the object of his affection. With Horvath gaining the upper hand, it appears that the release of Morgana and the impending apocalypse are imminent unless Dave and Balzathar can find a way to prevent it.

Despite its initial charm, The Sorcerer’s Apprentice has received mixed reviews from both critics and audiences on Rotten Tomatoes. Critics have given the movie a meager 40% rating, labeling it as "rotten." On the other hand, fans have been a bit more forgiving, rating it at 53%. The film's plot has been the main point of contention, with many considering it forgettable even when expressing positive opinions about the movie. Some of the positive reviews categorize The Sorcerer’s Apprentice as a mindless escapade, offering a straightforward fantasy adventure for moviegoers seeking entertainment without complex layers.

How Does The Sorcerer’s Apprentice End?

Dave's troubles escalate as Horvath successfully frees Morgana Le Fey's soul from the Grimhold. Faced with their overwhelming magical prowess, Dave resorts to his expertise in science. Utilizing his Tesla coils, Dave confronts Horvath and Morgana, but soon discovers that Morgana possesses an unimaginable power, surpassing that of any sorcerer.

With everyone under Morgana's control, Dave, the Prime Merlinean, must take a stand against her magic. Displaying her might, Morgana launches a devastating spell that fatally strikes Balzathar, causing his heart to cease beating. Yet, Dave enters the fray once again, merging his scientific knowledge with his own magical talents, allowing him to ultimately emerge as the victor and vanquish Morgana forever.

Refusing to let his mentor perish, Dave employs his abilities to revive Balthazar's heart, enabling the ancient sorcerer to reunite with his long-lost love Veronica after a millennium apart. As the situation reaches its resolution, Dave and Becky seize Balzathar's enchanted metal eagle and embark on an adventure to France.