The Famous Starstore Blog

The Sorcerer’s Apprentice
Directed by: Jon Turteltaub
Written by: Matt Lopez, Doug Miro & Carlo Bernard
Starring: Nicolas Cage, Jay Baruchel, Alfred Molina

The Sorcerer’s Apprentice might be the least amazing film about magicians I’ve ever seen — but, walking hand in hand with my expectations, it’s also one of the most honest. The trailer says it all; I mean, Nicolas Cage and Alfred Molina play sparring sorcerers in present day Manhattan. Jerry Bruckheimer produces. You get what you pay for.

The idea is predicated on infusing the old with the new. Balthazar (Cage) and Horvath (Molina) are meant to be Merlin’s thousand-year-old protégés, the former of whom cannot age until he’s located his master’s direct descendant, and the latter has only recently been freed from a millennial stint in magic artifact jail. Toss in lovable idiot Dave (Jay Baruchel), who must balance his university life with wizard training under Balthazar’s tutelage, and the premise quickly lends itself to elaborate feats of ancient spell-casting set to some truly awful modern rock.

To compare, I think one of the strengths of The Imaginarium of Doctor Parnassus earlier this year was the way it managed to mingle its mysticism with England circa the 21st century. Jon Turteltaub, who hit the big time directing Cage in the National Treasure films, doesn’t have the well-developed sense of visual irony Terry Gilliam does. The magic world of The Sorcerer’s Apprentice is impressive photographically, but it gets forgotten amidst an ever-brilliant color palette.

Let’s be real. No one expected a universe on par with Harry Potter, but the reason the movie doesn’t wow is because Turteltaub doesn’t take the time to ground it in reality. There are so few scenes that don’t incorporate some permutation of CGI wizardry that it entirely loses its impact given the real world setting. What’s more, Balthazar reneges (often) on his instruction not to practice magic in public; “It would be complicated,” he explains. Later, after defeating a dragon in plain sight of hundreds at a Chinese New Year celebration, he transforms Dave and himself into comical NYPD caricatures, and talks his way out of the situation with a single sentence.

That’s actually one of the better gags in the movie, and while it’s dramatically counter-productive, it’s also indicative of Sorcerer’s saving grace — its sense of humor. And really, how could a movie with this cast have ever taken itself seriously? I know the Nic Cage hater wagon is about twelve cars long at this point, but I’m a fan, campy performances and all. He isn’t especially over the top as Balthazar, but a couple of his signature Cage-isms shine through, and I think he’s genuinely talented as a comedic actor. Meanwhile, Baruchel won me over back in Tropic Thunder, and Alfred Molina has now twice this summer made something of disposable roles (see, Prince of Persia).

Because of them, I find the film hard to hate. It runs long at 110 minutes, and the last act in particular is sloppily conceived, but it rarely got on my nerves. It’s a blockbuster’s blockbuster, and a tolerable children’s adventure film. There isn’t a whole lot going on in terms of the filmmaking, or any nuance to the storytelling; in fact, its straightforwardness runs exactly counter to the spirit of illusion and deception.

But maybe the greatest triumph of The Sorcerer’s Apprentice is that in spite of its obvious shortcomings (not the least of which is the recurrent use of “Secrets” by the band OneRepublic), it still manages to be intermittently fun. It’s not the worst film of the summer, it’s not even the worst Disney film of the summer (see, Prince of Persia) — it’s just a languid, hopelessly average popcorn flick no one saw because it was released the same weekend as Inception.

But then, it’s no great tragedy that it goes unseen. If you’ve seen the trailer, in essence you’ve seen the film, and already know what you’re missing. If, on the other hand, the idea of Nicolas Cage as a goofy, bedraggled wizard teacher does something for you — well, you’ll get exactly what you pay for. – Colin
Film Junk

‘Inception’ received another warm reception from moviegoers, marking a second straight box office win for Christopher Nolan’s drama about reality vs. perception. It headed off an interception from challenger ‘Salt,’ the Angelina Jolie spy thriller

Filed under: Movie News, Box Office, Summer Movies

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Moviefone UK

Thanks for checking out our Salt Review

Genre: Suspense Thriller
Directed by: Phillip Noyce
Staring: Angelina Jolie, Liev Schriber, Chiwetel Ejiofor
Released: July 23, 2010

THE GENERAL IDEA

As a CIA officer, Evelyn Salt swore an oath to duty, honor and country. Her loyalty will be tested when a defector accuses her of being a Russian spy. Salt goes on the run, using all her skills and years of experience as a covert operative to elude capture. Salt’s efforts to prove her innocence only serve to cast doubt on her motives, as the hunt to uncover the truth behind her identity continues and the question remains: “Who is Salt?”

THE GOOD

Angelina Jolie has convinced me beyond any doubt that she can kick anyone’s ass. She is badass, and while often she appears to need a sammich, if there was ever a doubt that she could convincingly pull off an action role (she’s done many) this is it. But more importantly she impresses me as an actress. All through this film you are wondering if she really is the spy or is she set up. She plays this out like Jolie might be a spy herself. She would have me fooled.

And I do sense Phillip Noyce’s style of suspenseful action. He excells at the spy game genre, and this is no exception. Action plays out well in his hand, but only for the most part. And the action is good, if a bit over the top.

THE BAD

Sometimes a bit over the top, but very real and present danger (see what I did there??) bends to the implausible. Sometimes it peeks a little too high over the top and we have to forgive it for the sake of the pacing of the film. Its fun, but briefly takes away from the real suspense and gripping mystery of the film.

As she should, Jolie dominates this movie physically and visually. But I don’t feel any real empathy for her husband, or anyone else in the CIA. They all just feel like faceless suits there as pylons for her to dance around. The supporting cast just wasn’t all that important. If they had some real developement of the characters, the film would have some heart. Instead we just get Salt in a battle against her own situation.

The plot is what will lose you. Never is it explained WHY anything that happens does. I won’t spill the big reveal, but with all this double crossing and espionage and lies, when the truth finally surfaces we are not given a motivation at all. There is no gripping “I had to do this because” moment. She just does.

The big reveal lacks any heartfelt bang.

OVERALL

The movie lacks any real character and heart, but it has a lot of action, some good suspense and keeps you guessing if Salt is a spy or was she set up. Its worth the watch for the thrill and action, but the constant comparisons to Bourne and The Fugitive are in surface alone. This movie lacks depth, but does have a lot of fun and thrilling action and suspense.

I give Salt a 5 out of 10

The Movie Blog

Last time we checked, the wheels were starting to turn for a new Superman film to actually be made. A great script was hatched between the Nolan brothers and David S. Goyer. Christopher Nolan (The Dark Knight, Inception) was going to “godfather” the film, while Jonah Nolan was given the crack to direct his first ever feature. The studio has not decided who should direct the film. Today, we get news of who are the rumored frontrunners, and that the studio might make big announcements regarding Supes pretty soon.

Collider reports:

The source of this particular item is The Playlist, who remain skeptical about the idea. However, since an intriguing wealth of info originates from a “good source,” it was worth putting into print. The highlights:

-Jonah Nolan is “the frontrunner” to direct Superman, which would be his feature debut. Christopher Nolan is a major supporter of his younger brother at the studio, which certainly can’t hurt. It appears that part of J. Nolan’s appeal is his status as writer/director: Warner Bros. wants a multi-hyphenate filmmaker to keep the payroll low.

-There is a Man of Steel draft that has really wowed the studio, which might help explain Goyer’s presence on the shortlist. According to the source, “It’s either going to be Goyer or Nolan directing from the sounds of it.”

-The gig was offered to the Wachowski brothers, but no dice. (They’re likely engulfed by their Iraqi war film CN9.) Likewise, Zachary Levi of Chuck fame has no involvement with the development of the reboot despite rumors to the contrary.

-Expect an unknown to don the cape, as the studio would like to secure the talent for a three-picture deal. Per the source, “there is a list knocking around, but its nothing major and really worth nothing more than a fan wish-list.”

-Finally, expect “major announcements” on this, the weekend of Comic-Con

As a Superman fan, this is pretty exciting news/rumor. It’s expected for the studio to make a big announcement during this year’s Comic-Con festivities. Maybe we’ll get confirmation to all of the story’s highlights. Or maybe we’ll get just one big confirmation. I’d like for the studio to announce that the film is going to start filming soon, and finally, who’s going to be the director. That’s all I’m asking. As long as Christopher Nolan is involved, I’m at ease.

What do you guys think? Young Nolan or Goyer?

The Movie Blog

Comic-Con is barely underway in San Diego and we already have some big news from the show floor!

While chatting up “World War Z” author Max Brooks at the booth for comic publisher Avatar Press, the writer confirmed to MTV News that the adaption of his novel about the zombie apocalypse is not only moving forward, but Brad Pitt is now officially attached to star in the film. Additionally, Brooks revealed that Paramount has optioned the movie rights to two more of his projects: “The Zombie Survival Guide” and “The Zombie Survival Guide: Recorded Attacks” graphic novel.

Pitt’s production company Plan B Entertainment first secured the rights to “World War Z” back in 2007 after a bidding war with Leonardo DiCaprio’s company, Appian Way. The actor has long been rumored as a potential lead for the film, but Brooks received the call confirming Pitt’s attachment (and the other “Survival Guide” deals) while signing copies of the books at the Avatar booth tonight (Wednesday, July 21) during Preview Night at Comic-Con.

“I can’t believe how cool Paramount has been to me and these projects, and how cool Plan B has been,” said Brooks when asked for his reaction to the news.

According to Brooks, the studio is currently targeting a Summer 2012 release for the film, which chronicles a worldwide zombie outbreak through the first-hand accounts of survivors. The original screenplay was penned by “Babylon 5″ creator J. Michael Straczynski, but was later rewritten by Matthew Michael Carnahan.

Brooks said the studio recently received a new draft of the “World War Z” script, and “Quantum of Solace” director Marc Forster is still attached to direct the film.

“I’m glad they took their time, and are trying to make the best zombie movie they can,” said Brooks. “I’m so glad they stayed with the project and so glad they found the right team.”

Of the two new books optioned by Paramount, “The Zombie Survival Guide” offers instructions for surviving an attack by the living dead, while “Recorded Attacks” chronicles some of the major battles that occurred in the war against zombies. The “Recorded Attacks” graphic novel was published through a partnership with Random House and Avatar Press.

“I’m thrilled for all of Max’s success,” said Avatar editor-in-chief William Christensen, who also served as the “Recorded Attacks” editor. “I’m looking forward to all of the other projects we’re working on with him in the coming years, too.”

Attending Comic-Con this year? Make sure to drop by the Avatar Press booth, where Max Brooks will be signing books throughout the show!

MTV Movies Blog

DC Universe: The Source
Brightest Day

Hey guys, quick Green Lantern update. Here’s the latest images floating around the internet from The Green Lantern. It includes Ryan Reynolds and his ring, Blake Lively, Tim Robbins, Angel Bassett, and Peter Sarsgaard as Hector Hammond. Enjoy the images thanks to iFanboy…

What do you guys think?

The Movie Blog

Blog

DC Vertigo graphic content, announced that “Shoot” by Warren Ellis and Phil Jimenez will finally see print as part of a “Vertigo risen” in line. Originally scheduled to run in Hellblazer # 141 “Shoot” treated with fire school and was shot after the Columbine massacre in 1999, as it was considered too sensitive to publish, even if it was written long in advance. On his blog, Ellis wrote,

regime

DC Comics at the time decided it could not be rejected in its finished form. I refused to go with the changes they wanted to do. They decided not to publish the book at all. I left.

According

graphic content, other stories in the works include the matter by Brian Azzarello, Grant Morrison, Garth Ennis and artist Jim Lee, Phil Jimenez, Bernie Wrightson , and others. Hm. The blog entry does not mention the fact that “Shoot” has been enriched, and in fact, is one of the most euphemistic we’ve ever read, but “Vertigo Risen” line probably include things that former editor Paul Levitz would not be printed, but the current regime is less objectionable. And then the debate begin!

All

guess what else will see the day? The beat

For some time now, the new Conan movie has been filming in Bulgaria. Apparently they have just finished wrapping up that process. To mark the end of filming, they’ve just released the first official look at the new Conan the Barbarian. Here’s Jason Momoa doing his best young Arnold Schwarzenegger impersonation. Enjoy the photo…

I’m on the fence about Momoa as the new Conan. But I admit to being a bit unfair on him, because of my love for Schwarzenegger’s Conan. I grew up on those films…so it’s a bit hard. Even if the originals where cheesy or weak on some respects, it doesn’t matter, I love them. I guess we’ll have to give Momoa a chance here…we’ll see how it turns out.

What do you guys think? Looking forward to this new Conan film?

The Movie Blog

“Toy Story 3″ marks the end of a very long journey for Pixar. “Toy Story” hit theaters 15 years ago, introducing the world to what would quickly become known as the most consistently creative filmmaking team on the planet. The tale of Woody, Buzz and their pint-sized pals ends with the release of the third and final movie in the “Toy Story” trilogy. Or that’s what we were led to believe at least.

Now director Lee Unkrich is out there saying that we haven’t seen the last of the talking toys. In fact, we’ll be seeing them next summer in the Pixar-standard animated short appearing in front of “Cars 2.” There are no thoughts of a fourth movie in the series… yet. But fans should be pleased that there are also no thoughts of putting these characters to rest for good. For more from Unkrich, check out this interview over at MSN Movies.

MTV Movies Blog