Exploring Fiction Feature #7: “The Sorcerer’s Apprentice (2010)”

Sometimes, it feels great to hop off the grimdark train and catch a ride on the refreshing Positivity Express. Throw in a little nostalgia, a little cult classic, and a pinch of camp, and you have The Sorcerer’s Apprentice (2010). Directed by Jon Turteltaub and starring Nicolas Cage and Jay Baruchel, this film was a personal favorite from the moment I first saw it, and even though it fared poorly in its initial run, I cannot help but go back to it even now if I want a pure, family-friendly fantasy comedy.

The Sorcerer’s Apprentice sees Dave Stutler (Baruchel), a physics nerd and current college student, thrust into an unlikely apprenticeship at the hands of ancient sorcerer Balthazar Blake (Cage). Dave is the “Prime Merlinian”, the destined descendant of Merlin prophesied to defeat the evil witch Morgana Le Fay for good. Facing obstacles from all sides, including romance, rival factions, and a plot to destroy the world, Dave must embrace his destiny and fulfill the lifelong quest of his tireless master.

There may be a chance I am viewing this movie through slightly-tinged nostalgia goggles. Still, though, like many other entries on Exploring Fiction Feature, I honestly cannot fathom why general audiences disliked this film. Sure, upon rewatch years later the beginning felt a little rushed, and sure, the romance is a tiny bit cheesy, but it was always like that. The Sorcerer’s Apprentice embraced those flaws so wholeheartedly, I hardly even noticed them. So, while I can understand the common critiques of this movie, I do not agree.

What makes this film really work is Jay Baruchel. Of course, Nicolas Cage is Nicolas Cage here, and that is earnest praise, but Baruchel pulls off his character to perfection. He feels and acts exactly like a grown-up nerd who lives with the embarrassment of a public incident in his youth. What’s more, his gradual progress from anger to reluctance to acceptance of the magical world around him and his place in it feels completely seamless. But best of all is his awkward-yet-endearing romantic chemistry with Teresa Palmer, who plays Dave’s love interest Becky Barnes. The two are great together, and though the subplot is admittedly somewhat campy, it does feel genuine. Their interactions are exactly how you would imagine a slightly-confident nerd talking to his childhood crush to be.

The story of The Sorcerer’s Apprentice can make no claim to stark originality or deep worldbuilding, but it doesn’t need to. It is a well executed low stakes to high stakes story, with our protagonist’s growth fueling the change. True, the ultimate villain Morgana Le Fay is mostly a Macguffin until the climax, but Alfred Molina as Maxim Horvath is a charming yet chilling antagonist in her place.

One other aspect of this film bears mentioning, even in its own designated paragraph. The manner in which Balthazar and Dave, master and apprentice, finally began to appreciate each other’s situations and connect with each other was masterfully done. When Balthazar saw Dave falling in love in the middle of their training, he recognized himself in his apprentice. He told Dave as such, revealing the story of himself and Veronica long ago in the days of Merlin, and of the sacrifice she made for him then. Upon sharing this moment, Dave and Balthazar beheld each other in a new light. They gained respect for each other, but also empathy, as Dave sympathized at his master’s sacrifice, and Balthazar saw in his apprentice the same spirit of young love he’d once possessed. This bit of storytelling was masterful, and really brought The Sorcerer’s Apprentice together.

Box office failures are sometimes destined to flop, but some are simply overlooked or underappreciated. This was the case, at least in my opinion, for The Sorcerer’s Apprentice (2010). Based off a beloved yet barebones Disney project from the days of Walt, this film was full of charm, heart, and laughs, and shone through with its fun cast and warming message. Like so many great stories, it seems to have fallen to the wayside of time, but if I can help it, The Sorcerer’s Apprentice will soon garner the recognition it deserves.