THE SORCERER'S APPRENTICE — ★★★ — Jay Baruchel, Nicolas Cage, Alfred Molina; also showing in the large-screen format; rated PG (violence, mild vulgarity); in general release
The worst thing people can do is to go into "The Sorcerer's Apprentice" expecting it to be on par with the original Disney film of the same name.
That 1940 cartoon short, which featured Mickey Mouse, was arguably the best thing about the animated collection "Fantasia."
This live-action feature can't possibly touch that classic in terms of quality and enjoyment.
It does, however, pay homage to the beloved Mickey Mouse cartoon — with very specific imagery and music in two scenes, including a post-credits sequence that will please longtime Disney fans.
And, when judged on its own merits, this action-fantasy is actually one of the more fun movies to come along this summer. It has a good combination of thrills and laughs.
Jay Baruchel stars as the title character, a college student named Dave Stutler.
Balthazar Blake (Nicolas Cage), who claims to be a recently awakened, ancient wizard fighting for the forces of good, believes that Dave is a long-prophesied hero. Balthazar hopes that Dave can help him banish his longtime nemesis, Maxim Horvath (Alfred Molina), once and for all.
However, science wiz Dave will need training in the magical arts to do that, and he's pretty skeptical. But once Dave sees how using magic can help him woo his childhood crush, Becky (Kristen Stewart lookalike Teresa Palmer), he quickly agrees to become Balthazar's student.
And Dave's help is desperately needed. Horvath has also awakened in the present day and is trying to free an even more powerful magician, Morgana Le Fay (Alice Krige), who's been imprisoned for centuries.
Balthazar has another motive for needing Dave's aid. His lady love, Veronica (Monica Bellucci), has been imprisoned alongside Morgana.
The filmmakers, who include "National Treasure" director Jon Turteltaub, are wise to play up the more comic elements of the story.
They were also smart to cast Baruchel, a likable young actor whose constantly cracking voice and mannerisms aren't that dissimilar to those of Mickey Mouse.
As for Cage, he appears to be embracing the crazier side of his personality, and he actually seems to be having some fun playing this character.
The film's bad guys include veterans Molina and Krige, as well Toby Kebbell ("RocknRolla"), whose character is clearly modeled after one current stage magician.
"The Sorcerer's Apprentice" is rated PG and features violent action and imagery (swordplay, magical combat, creature attacks, automotive, and explosive and fiery mayhem), some mildly vulgar humor (flatulence gags involving animals) and derogatory language and slurs. Running time: 107 minutes.
e-mail: jeff@desnews.com