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The Sorcerer’s Apprentice

By Christopher Gildemeister

 

Release Date: July 14, 2010

MPAA rating: PG for fantasy action violence, some mild rude humor and brief language

Starring: Jay Baruchel, Nicholas Cage, Alfred Molina, Teresa Palmer, Toby Kebbell

Recommended age: 7+

Overall PTC Traffic Light Rating: Green

 

 

Sex

Kissing, brief innuendo

Violence

Death, explosions, fantasy violence, slapstick

Language

“Oh my God,” “pee,” mild toilet humor

Behavior

None

 

 

A thousand years ago, the wizard Merlin battled the evil sorceress Morgana le Fay, aided by his three apprentices. Together, they imprisoned Morgana; but only the prophesied heir to Merlin’s power will be able to totally destroy her evil. Merlin’s apprentice, the immortal Balthazar, has waited patiently for the one foretold to appear. Enter Dave Stutler, a klutzy science geek who just wants to date the beautiful Becky. After a series of strange events, Dave agrees to become Balthazar’s “sorcerer’s apprentice;” but when Morgana’s follower Horvath reappears, Dave must cope with a war of magic in which he has become a reluctant soldier. Can Dave achieve his potential, overcome Morgana and Horvath…and win Becky’s heart?

 

There is little content of concern to parents in The Sorcerer’s Apprentice. Most of the movie’s violence occurs in the opening minutes, with medieval soldiers shown dead, swordfights, and Merlin being stabbed and dying. Some of the “magical” effects may be mildly disturbing to young children, such as a head in a jar in Balthazar’s shop, or a swarm of beetles reassembling into Horvath. After the opening, the film settles down to standard fantasy violence, such as explosions, lightning zapping, magical duels and statues coming to life. Dave comments about having to “pee,” a group of children mock him for “peeing his pants,” and his dog is shown urinating on the floor and passing gas. Innuendo is limited to Dave leering at Becky’s legs.

 

The Sorcerer’s Apprentice is an enjoyable action-packed comedy that will appeal to teens and families. Of particular note is one sequence which pays tribute to the “Sorcerer’s Apprentice” sequence in Disney’s animated classic Fantasia. The Parents Television Council does not recommend this movie for viewers under age seven.

 


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