Prepare to enter a world where the line between physics and magic is very, very thin. A world in which Nicolas Cage is an apprentice to the greatest Wizard of all time: Merlin, and he is sportin' some blonde locks. A world in which the two leads have no chemistry and Jay Baruchel is given the opportunity to prove himself as a sorcerer and as a potential member of the Justice League of America (which was a potential series that has since been put on hold.) A world where even a seasoned actor such as Alfred Molina just can't get a handle on what kind of movie he is in. Welcome, fellow Disney Channel Surfers, to the world of "THE SORCERER'S APPRENTICE."
Based on that super short segment in "Fantasia," which was the most watchable segment in that movie (along with "Night on Bald Mountain.) but the same can't be said for this 2010 live-action fantasy/adventure. The action sequences are well-executed and the concept of magic and science converging is a trope we enjoy. And, it goes without saying that Nicolas Cage is a delight to watch.
Centuries ago the three apprentices of Merlin (Balthazar, Horvath, Veronica.) had to battle the evil Morgana. Merlin was betrayed by one apprentice, Horvath, and the soul of Morgana was seized by Veronica who was unfortunately trapped within a small container called the Grimhold, trapped until such a time as Balthazar can locate the next Grand Merlinian; a hapless young man named Dave. And so the hunt for the Grimhold begins and we are treated to stunning visuals (for the time) and a whole lot of clunky scenes shared between actors who can't seem to connect. It is still a really fun watch and has some really promising concepts for fantasy fans. We hope you enjoy !
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THE JUNGLE BOOK (1994) - This was the first of Disney's live-action reimagining's of their animated classics. Bet you thought it was 101 Dalmations, didn't ya? This movie stars Jason Lee Scott who you might recognize as Liu Kang in the Mortal Kombat movies and, in an uncharacteristically villainous role, Cary Elwes. The story of a boy raised by jungle animals finds himself thrust into the world of man when an old friend discovers him in the untamed land. Unable to accept his primitive nature, people start to try and civilize Mowgli but ultimately Mowgli must learn to accept both who he is and the world that surrounds him. This movie is filled with romance, fun and adventure. (Available on HBO Max, Hulu and Amazon.)
GEORGE OF THE JUNGLE (1997) - For a more unusual take on the whole "Jungle boy" story, we have this classic. Starring the beloved Brendan Frasier as the titular character, George, who was also raised in the jungle but by a far more quirky cast of characters including a elephant who behaves like a dog named Shep and a talking Ape named...Ape. George is discovered by a band of travelers and falls in love with the beautiful Ursula, who falls in love with our loin-cloth-wearing hero and must decide whether to follow her heart or her sense of duty, imposed on her by a couple of conservative parents and a jealous fiancé. The laughs are frequent and the style is very original.
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