FILM: At the Close - Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part 2 (Review)

Eight months after the release of Part 1, the end of a decade-long story on the silver screen about a boy wizard has arrived with the release of HARRY POTTER AND THE DEATHLY HALLOWS PART 2.

The eighth and final film spun out of J.K. Rowling's incredibly successful Harry Potter book series, Part 2 picks up where Part 1 left off, with Lord Voldemort (Ralph Fiennes) gaining possession of the Elder Wand, and Harry, Hermione and Ron (Daniel Radcliffe, Emma Watson, Rupert Grint) at Shell Cottage after escaping from Malfoy Manor with the promise of returns to Gringotts and Hogwarts before their journey ends.

Director David Yates (HARRY POTTER AND THE DEATHLY HALLOWS PART 1) returns for his fourth go-around in the Harry Potter world to put the finishing touches on the franchise he has put his mark on over the last five years.

The focus of the film continues from Part 1, and the story starts with Harry, Hermione and Ron at Shell Cottage, but soon enough their journey continues to Diagon Alley and Gringotts, then to the Hog's Head in Hogsmeade before gaining access to the halls of Hogwarts for the final leg. However, here in Part 2 the presence of supporting characters increases once Hogwarts becomes the backdrop for the film and several get memorable moments in this last film.

But first for the main cast, the performance of the film belonged to Daniel Radcliffe as the revelation of Harry being one of Voldemort's Horcruxes became evident as the movie went on and the pain each Horcrux destruction was causing Voldemort was mirrored through him. And then the scene after Harry emerges from the Pensieve and learning that his death was inevitable from Severus Snape's (Alan Rickman) memories and having to come to grips with that. Dan's brilliant performance makes it impossible to keep a dry eye during that sequence as Harry accepts his fate, says goodbye to Hermione and sees his dead family one last time before facing Voldemort in the Forbidden Forest.

My personal favorite performance in the film would be that of Bellatrix Lestrange (Helena Bonham Carter). First having to play as if she was Hermione playing Bellatrix, which was done masterfully with just enough humor to make you smile while you were worrying if they were going to get away with the masquerade. And then as Bellatrix at Lord Voldemort's side, almost like an overeager puppy trying to please its master before then going out in her taunting style, as Molly Weasley (Julie Walters) defeated her in the Great Hall.

It was wonderful to see Professor McGonagall (Maggie Smith) get an opportunity to flex her magic muscle and show why she was such a respected witch and Albus Dumbledore's (Michael Gambon) second-in-command at Hogwarts. The confrontation with Snape where they dueled and she sent him flying out of Hogwarts like a bat was a long time coming and then to follow that up with leading the group of wizards and witches that were putting up protections on Hogwarts really gave us a feeling of how powerful a witch McGonagall is.

A group that did not get a mention in my Part 1 review but now that Part 2 is here need to be addressed is the Malfoys. From Lucius Malfoy (Jason Isaacs) and his struggle with dealing from the loss of status with Lord Voldemort, having to give up his wand and failing to keep Harry and his friends captured to in Part 2 turning into more towards just surviving the war and doing anything to do that made you feel for the once proud and braggadocios wizard. Narcissa Malfoy (Helen McCrory) since her inclusion in the films in HARRY POTTER AND THE HALF-BLOOD PRINCE made it clear that while she went along with Lucius and his wizarding ideal, family was what was most important to her. And she proved that once again in Part 2 as she checked on the fallen Harry Potter only with the mind of finding out about her son's well being and then lying to Voldemort as a way to thank Potter. And of course there is the son, Draco Malfoy (Tom Felton), who gives being evil one last try and after once again failing to beat Potter in the Room of Requirement joins his parents in doing what he has to to survive.

With the story returning to Hogwarts, several characters that didn't get much if any time in Part 1 made their presence felt here in Part 2: Cho Chang (Katie Leung), Seamus Finnigan (Devon Murray), Luna Lovegood (Evanna Lynch), Ginny Weasley (Bonnie Wright), Professor Horace Slughorn (Jim Broadbent), Professor Sybil Trelawney (Emma Thompson), Rubeus Hagrid (Robbie Coltrane), and if you look close you will see a small cameo for Professor Pomona Sprout (Miriam Margolyes) who hasn't graced the Potter films since Chamber of Secrets.

What was amazing was how the film improved on the Gringotts Bank we had not seen since the first movie 10 years ago. Especially in regards to the cart ride, intensifying it with the speed, twists and dips of a roller coaster much more in line with the description from the books that would cause a person to get motion sickness. And while I do not know if it was the exact same door, I would like to think that it is - and by that I mean the vault door for the Lestrange vault looked to be the same as the one used in the first film for vault 713.

But perhaps the most awe-inducing visuals came during the Battle of Hogwarts, where much of the castle was destroyed in the fight. To see one of the most memorable locations in film history literally get blown up into pieces was just the perfect illustration of the cruelty of wars to things that were once beautiful and full of wonderment. There was also the actual participants of the battle that roughly numbered in the hundreds easily, the scale of the confrontation was really felt and gave a real sense to just how much was on stake that night.

Fans of the Harry Potter series should be seeing HARRY POTTER AND THE DEATHLY HALLOWS PART 2 in droves (and they have). The only thing those not familiar with the series might need to do before watching this film is to checkout Part 1 because this is definitely a half of a story and there is definitely the assumption that the viewer knows what happened in the first half. Anyone that had complaints about Part 1 being slow will not have an opportunity to say that for Part 2 because from the Gringotts break-in to the Hogwarts battle the story is full of non-stop action that only takes a break when it comes time for the epilogue at the end, which is the perfect fairytale ending for this fantasy story. The John Williams/Chris Columbus era of Potter magic makes a symbolic return at the end when it comes time for Harry, Hermione and Ron to say goodbye to their kids on their way to Hogwarts and for us to say goodbye to the story of Harry Potter.

It is like J.K. Rowling, author of the Harry Potter books, said at the London World Premiere for HARRY POTTER AND THE DEATHLY HALLOWS PART 2, "Hogwarts will always be there, to welcome you home."

FILM: It's a Pirate's Life for Me - Pirates of the Caribbean - On Stranger Tides (Review)

The fourth film of the movie franchise spun out from one of Disneyland's most famous rides, The Pirates of the Caribbean, brings a new direction for the series focal character Jack Sparrow (Johnny Depp) with a new supporting cast and a new villain in Blackbeard (Ian McShane).

"Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides" also boasts a new director as Gore Verbinski departed for less Pirate-related ventures and in stepped Rob Marshall ("Chicago") to tell the story of Captain Jack's journey to the fabled Fountain of Youth.

Along his journey, Jack found himself in London - the first time seen in the series - where he impersonated a magistrate in order to preside over his own trial. There he finds Gibbs (Kevin McNally) who was being held under the impression he was Jack Sparrow, but was saved from the hangman's noose thanks to the real Jack's interference. But that was not the only reunion waiting for Jack in England, as his audience with King George II (Richard Griffiths) brought to his attention Barbossa's (Geoffrey Rush) new role as a privateer in service to the British Navy and Jack's subsequent escape from said meeting led him to identify the impostor pretending to be him as Angelica (Penélope Cruz), a former lover he met in a Spanish convent.

His run-in with Angelica puts Jack on the Queen's Revenge as a forced member of Blackbeard's crew, who is the newly found father of Angelica and wielder of supernatural powers. Throw in a school of deadly siren-like mermaids and an also interested in the fountain Spanish fleet and a land showdown comparable to the sea battle from "Pirates of the Caribbean: At World's End" occurs at the site of the Fountain of Youth.

Eight years after his first portrayal of Jack Sparrow, Johnny Depp continues to thrive in the role and find new ways to take the character in. Gone were the zany, over the top shenanigans that plagued the previous film and back was more of the fun, subtle Jack that wowed so many viewers with the original film. Geoffrey Rush follows suit by fleshing out more of the Barbossa character, bringing the villain of the first film, to the conniving pirate in the third to now a man full on in survivor mode, doing what needs to be done to keep going with the revengeful lust still strong inside.

Newcomers Ian McShane and Penélope Cruz brought much improved versions of roles filled by other characters earlier in the series. McShane's Blackbeard was more menacing and imposing than the cursed Barbossa from the first film and Cruz's Angelica had a fiery passion as a female pirate and opposite to Jack that the fair-haired Elizabeth never had.

Fans of the series should not fear the changes this film represents and instead embrace the new direction because in the end "Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides" is another fun, action-packed adventure with everyone's favorite pirate leading the way. Disney should be proud of this next installment, it is a good time for all-ages and a perfect new beginning should they decide to make a second Pirates of the Caribbean trilogy.

FILM: Wielding the Power of Thor (Review)

The much anticipated start of the summer of the comic book movie officially begins with Marvel Studios' release of "Thor", a theatrical film focused around their comic book character who is a Norse god from Asgard now a hero on Earth. "Thor" is the first of Marvel's three live action feature film entries this summer.

Directed by veteran actor of the silver screen and stage, Kenneth Branagh ("Hamlet"), "Thor" tells the story of a powerful but arrogant warrior who is cast out of the realm of Asgard and sent to live amongst humans on Earth, where he gains a new perspective on his impulsive ways.

The redemption journey for Thor (Chris Hemsworth) starts and ends in Asgard where he was born and groomed alongside his brother, Loki (Tom Hiddleston), to be the next heir for the throne of the King, their father, Odin (Anthony Hopkins). Asgard is a realm with stunning visuals, full of palatial structures that befit the grandness of the characters. Everything in Asgard has a grandiose quality to it, like Odin's throne and especially the Rainbow Bridge - the mystical gate that gives the Asgardians the ability to transport to other realms.

Perhaps the most stunning battle in the film happens early on when Thor leads Loki and his friends - Sif (Jaimie Alexander) and the Warriors Three (Ray Stevenson, Tadanobu Asano & Josh Dallas) - to Jotunheim to confront the Frost Giants after Thor's ascension to the throne ceremony was interrupted. Each Asgardian is given a chance to shine in the battle, but by far it was Thor and his hammer, Mjolnir, that performed the most impressive visual feats.

With Earth being the most realistic destination of the journey, the humor of the film picks up the visual slack of the New Mexico desert and it effortlessly flows with the action. The scenes with Thor conversing with S.H.I.E.L.D. Agent Coulson (Clark Gregg), Jane Foster (Natalie Portman) and her repeated hitting of Thor with her van, and the Warriors Three with Sif arriving to see Thor walking through the small town in their Asgardian armor.

There might not have been a more perfect casting choice than Chris Hemsworth as the mighty Thor. Last seen by many geek audiences in 2009's "Star Trek" as Captain Kirk's sacrificing father, here Chris continues that feeling of geniune compassion from that role while adding on levels of boisterousness and a sense of strength to be his character Thor.

Accomplished actor Anthony Hopkins plays Thor's father, Odin, the King of Asgard. Worry not about his age or his lack of an imposing physique, because Hopkins presence brings the right gravitas to the role, his inflection and pacing of speech displaying a wiseness and power worthy of Odin.

Natalie Portman fills the love interest position in the film as scientist Jane Foster, an astrophysicist investigating the strange astrological occurrences that coincide with the transportation from the Rainbow Bridge. Portman brings everything she is to the role as always and does not disappoint if you are looking for a strong, independent woman who knows what she wants and strives to get it.

Since some have brought up a dislike for the 3D conversion of the film, I ended up seeing "Thor" on a normal 2D screen and it is safe to say that even in two dimensions the film is a stunning visual masterpiece that will be fun to see in home theaters in a couple of months.

In the end, "Thor" is a fun, adventure-filled ride that any movie fan should find easily accesible and a treat to watch. This movie has set a high mark for the other Marvel features coming out this summer to match, and looking back this might be my favorite Marvel produced movie to date. It is a must see, and a must own once it comes to Blu-Ray.

FILM: Living the Dream - Tangled (Review)

Two decades ago, Disney Animation entered a golden age of feature film releases with the likes of Beauty and the Beast and The Lion King. One decade later, the sun began to set on Disney's animated hits leading to an eventual philosophical change in 2006 when Pixar was bought and the minds in charge of that studio were brought in to run Walt Disney Animation Studios.

And now, after putting finishing touches and improving the quality of Disney Animation feature films like Meet the Robinsons, Bolt, Princess and the Frog, the product has been taken to a new level with their latest release, "Tangled", which also happens to be the fiftieth Disney animated feature produced.

Directed by Nathan Greno ("Meet the Robinsons" screenplay writer) and Byron Howard ("Bolt"), "Tangled", like Princess and the Frog, is a return to Disney's wheelhouse - a princess fairytale. "Tangled" is based off of the German tale "Rapunzel", about a girl who is forced to live in a tower by an enchantress that took her from her parents and she has incredibly long hair and meets a prince.

With Disney's version, Rapunzel (Mandy Moore) is a lost princess living in a hidden tower with who she believes is her mother. Mother Gothel (Donna Murphy) actually kidnapped Rapunzel from her parents, the king and queen, because of the magical abilities contained in her hair. Along comes the thief, Flynn Rider (Zachary Levi), who has just stolen the tiara of the missing princess and needs a place to hide from the kingdom guards and the accomplices he double crossed. Rapunzel has a wish to see the floating lights that always appear only on her birthday and sees Rider as an opportunity to do just that and that is where the fun begins.

In the classic style of Disney, "Tangled" is an animated musical and as such the main characters were cast brilliantly. Musician and actress Mandy Moore plays Rapunzel perfectly with the cheery attitude and peppiness for the girl's innocence along with her melodious voice for the catchy songs. The film ends up being a breakout performance for actor Zachary Levi ("Chuck"), who as Flynn Rider plays the devilishly handsome hero role well and displays a talent for singing that was never before heard from him. And to bring veteran stage actress Donna Murphy into the film to play Mother Gothel might be the film's smartest move. Her voice captures the wickedness needed for a Disney villain and her singing takes the film to the next level.

The most magical part of the film may have to be the look and feel of it. It is by far one of the most beautiful animated movies I have ever seen, and very smartly they seemed to mold the design of the main characters to reflect the actors that voice them. Along with Pascal, the cute chameleon who at the beginning is Rapunzel's only friend, and Maximus, the kingdom guard horse that eventually becomes an ally to Flynn Rider thanks to Rapunzel, the film is filled with fabulously designed characters to fill out the supporting cast of "Tangled".

Any animation or Disney fan should immediately go out and see "Tangled" because you will not be disappointed. It is unfortunate that the film came out in a year where Toy Story 3 and How to Train Your Dragon had already wowed audiences and will probably be considered underrated as a result but in every respect this film matches their level of quality and entertainment. In my eyes it is an instant Disney classic that I will repeatedly rewatch in the future endlessly. It is worth a look without a doubt.

FILM: The Beginning of the End - Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part 1 (Review)

Nine years ago the first movie adaptation of the highly popular Harry Potter book series was released to the masses and now four directors and seven films later fans worldwide find themselves facing the end of a decade-long phenomenon with the debut of "Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part 1". To maintain a sense of familiarity with the films, Warner Bros. kept on David Yates ("Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix/Half-Blood Prince"), now the longest-running director of the franchise and that is with Part 2 still looming in 2011. But would one half of a story make for a good film?

As the first Potter film to be focused away from the comforts of Hogwarts, the story revolves around the trio of Harry, Hermione and Ron like never before. Adapted from the first half of the Deathly Hallows book when Harry, Ron and Hermione are forced to scatter away from the safety of the Order of the Phoenix and aimlessly stumble their way across the lands in search of Voldemort's Horcruxes and discover the existence of another set of items - the Hallows - that may be just as important to find.

Their journey takes them from the Burrow back to 12 Grimmauld Place, camping in the wilderness, along with a visit to the Ministry of Magic, the Lovegoods' home and Malfoy Manor. As a result, this film was clearly the darkest of the series yet, but this was also the most I have ever laughed during a Harry Potter movie. It's an interesting combination for the film to be able to produce varying reactions from the audience, be it fear, tears or laughs.

The performance of the cast was taken to another level for the second consecutive film, Daniel Radcliffe, Emma Watson and Rupert Grint return as the protagonists of the series and continue to shine in their roles as Harry, Hermione and Ron. Each had special moments in the film, Dan during the seven Potters scene where he had to play different characters pretending to be Harry, Rupert when Ron slowly loses focus on the Horcrux goal and starts to grow discontent with Harry and to an extent Hermione, and Emma as Hermione struggles to keep everything together when things look bleak.

Several new characters made their debut in the film: Rufus Scrimgeour (Bill Nighy) as the new Minister of Magic, Bill Weasley (Domhnall Gleeson) the oldest Weasley child, Mundungus Fletcher (Andy Linden) a less than respectable member of the Order of the Phoenix, Xenophilius Lovegood (Rhys Ifans) Luna's father and publisher of the Quibbler, and Albert Runcorn (David O'Hara) a Ministry official that unknowingly becomes part of Harry, Hermione and Ron's Ministry infiltration plans.

Others made their return to the series after being away for a few films: Ollivander (John Hurt) the wand maker, Fleur Delacour (Clémence Poésy), Dobby (Toby Jones) the house-elf, Kreacher (Simon McBurney), Madame Maxime (Frances de la Tour), Mad-Eye Moody (Brendan Gleeson) and the Dursleys (Richard Griffiths, Harry Melling & Fiona Shaw).

Being someone that favors bright, vibrant colors, I have always had an issue with the filters used on Potter films since Prisoner of Azkaban to make the colors muted and give the world a much darker look. This trend continues in this film, but what does change is the scenery for the characters as Hogwarts does not play a part. Instead we see numerous examples of European wilderness during camping scenes, various suburban environments when Hermione leaves her home and when the trio escape from the Weasley Wedding.

The interiors of two family homes, Malfoy and Lovegood, are shown in the film for the first time and accurately represent their respective tenants. The Malfoy home appears grandiose and gives off a dark mood with the current situation of Death Eaters visiting, the Lovegood home is colorful and unique but the underlying vibe of isolation and loneliness is reflected as well.

I was worried that the film would feel stretched as a result of being only half of a story but it did not at all. In fact, the film seemed like a really fast watch, and the chosen cliffhanger point was a great decision that leaves viewers wanting more. The brilliant choices and execution of Part 1 has me very excited for Part 2 next summer. "Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part 1" gets an A grade and i think it is safe to say that this movie will probably become my favorite of the series within a few more viewings. Go see it now even if you never were a Potter fan, this one in particular seems like a movie that should attract general viewers besides devotees.

Check out Geek Plate's Tumblr for today's Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows themed picspam.

FILM: Running Away with The Last Airbender (Review)

Fans of the highly successful Nickelodeon animated series, Avatar: the Last Airbender have been eagerly anticipating the show's translation to a live-action film but with embattled director, M. Night Shyamalan ("The Happening") behind the wheel, would "The Last Airbender" meet expectations?

The film covers the entire first season of the animated series, otherwise known as Book 1: Water. The story centers around a young boy named Aang (Noah Ringer), who is the last member of a tribe of monks known as Airbenders who have the ability to manipulate the air around them. He is found by the brother-sister duo of Sokka (Jackson Rathbone) and Katara (Nicola Peltz), two members of the Southern Water Tribe and together they go on a worldwide journey to find Aang the teachers he needs to become the Avatar he's meant to be and bring peace to a world corrupted by the evil Fire Nation.

Casting characters with a large fanbase can be tricky and there was plenty of controversy stirred up with "The Last Airbender". Noah Ringer fits the description of young Aang, but the portrayal comes up short. The lively, fun-loving character from the animated series is non-existent in the film, instead Aang is shown as quiet, moody and a boy afraid to face his role as the Avatar. Nicola Peltz fits Katara to a T. She overcomes the poor dialogue with the perfect attitude full of animated gestures that are synonymous with the character.

Jackson Rathbone does his best to fit the older brother role of Sokka but seems about ten years too old for the character. Maybe this was done by the studios to lessen the idea of three youths traveling the world on their own and making one into a more clear guide/protector role. Dev Patel plays Prince Zuko, the exiled son of the Fire Nation Lord who is obsessed with finding the Avatar to regain his father's approval. Unfortunately Patel's portrayal leaves Zuko as more of a weakened, morose son than the aggressive irritant Zuko is in the animated series.

For a film based on a successful TV series, fans would expect the look and feel of the film to match the quality of the show but M. Night Shyamalan focus was more on location shoots than the special effects and it showed in the film. Some of the decisions regarding the location of a scene seemed questionable, like having the Earth Tribe rebellion happen inside the village with Earth all around them instead of a Fire Nation Prison Barge surrounded by water which would have made more sense of the tribe submitting to the Fire Nation.

The worst perpetrator for the dismal performance of the movie is the director himself, M. Night Shyamalan. While fans can understand that the animated series set a high bar for the film to try to reach, the fact that the film is nearly unwatchable is pretty hard to believe. The film ended in a way to leave it open for the possibility of sequels to cover the other seasons of the series but the lack of fan support may make that nothing more than a pipe dream. Maybe in five or ten years the creators can look to give a live-action film another try, and bring with it the fun and energy that made the show so entertaining and was noticeably missing from the flailing film.

If you are a fan of the show, watching "The Last Airbender" will only have you comparing it to the TV series and becoming puzzled by how poorly it was made. If you are not familiar with the animated series I would recommend staying clear of this film because you probably would not be able to finish it. Instead, track down the sets of the animated series and give them a watch because you will not be disappointed.

FILM: To Infinity and Beyond with Toy Story 3 (Review)

Toy lovers and Disney fans have reason to gather and celebrate one last time as the toys we grew up with give us an opportunity to say goodbye in "Toy Story 3."

Fifteen years after the original pioneered full length CG animated films, and eleven years after the sequel reminded us how much we loved these characters from Disney Pixar comes the final part of this unexpected trilogy with viewers returning to the lives of these toys right when Andy is getting ready to go to college and there are less toys around than there once was. The systemic formula plot of the franchise leads the toys away from Andy's house and the decisions and trip to get back there is the adventure of the film.

Majority of the recognizable cast of the film return for the third installment and there are some additions to it like Ken (Michael Keaton) introduced with his fabulous dreamhouse, the opposite to Barbie that was just made for her, and assistant to Lotso (Ned Beatty), the strawberry scented formerly huggable bear that had taken over Sunnyside Daycare and turned it into a prison for toys that he rules over.

The most glaring missing character would be Bo Peep, the nursery toy that was Woody's companion. Unfortunately what she was made it impossible for her to go traveling with the other toys in "Toy Story 2" (which was why she was only in the beginning and end of that movie) and made it impractical for her to be part of the toys that Andy passes on to Bonnie at the end of this movie. It is sad to think that her and Woody are separated forever but I like to think that they meet again in the future.

Advancement in technology over the span of the three films is in full glorious display in "Toy Story 3" especially with the scene where the toys are in danger at the trash dump and the thousands of pieces of debris that fill up the screen surrounding the toys. They've come a long way from the simple CG sets they made for the original film to gigantic worlds for the characters to explore onscreen.

With a runtime just over 100 minutes the film is perfectly balanced with fun, adventure, mystery, thrills and emotions to give viewers a well rounded movie-going experience. Fans of the franchise, animation, toys, childhood and just plain fun will enjoy the movie and like me be filled with happy tears as the credits roll.

Saying goodbye is one of the hardest things a person can do in their life and with "Toy Story 3" viewers are presented with the perfect timing to say goodbye to characters we have grown to love along with Andy while they say goodbye to him. The toys are safe with a new owner that will play with them and they will definitely have further adventures but for us it's the end of the ride.

We will just have to imagine it with our minds. To infinity and beyond.

Check out Geek Plate's Tumblr for today's Toy Story themed picspam.

FILM: A Magical Ride with Sorcerer's Apprentice (Review)

If you're a fan of fantasy, magic and overlooked good guys stepping up when it matters most, then you'll enjoy "The Sorcerer's Apprentice."

Inspired from the memorable sequence in Disney's 1940 epic, "Fantasia," where Mickey Mouse finds his hands full with bewitched broomsticks and buckets, the movie - directed by Jon Turteltaub ("National Treasure") - emcompasses more than that moment but does emulate the scene with a touch more humor than Mickey's cleaning escapade. The story centers around Dave Stetler, who at the age of ten crosses paths with Balthazar Blake (Nicholas Cage) and forever has his life changed when Merlin's dragon ring reacts to him.

Magical lore seeps in through the background as Balthazar is one of three apprentices of Merlin that were given the duty to protect the world from the followers of Morgana and spelled not to age a day until they discovered the Prime Merlinian. The adversary, Horvath, was also one of the three apprentices but his allegiances shifted when the last of Merlin's apprentices, Veronica, chose Balthazar for romance instead of him. Horvath embraces the ways of Morgana and seeks to punish the world for his pain and release Morgana in The Rising, leaving Dave Stetler as the final hope for the side of good as only the Prime Merlinian would have the power to defeat her.

Nicholas Cage shines in the role of Balthazar Blake, a sorcerer who has searched for over one thousand years for the Prime Merlinian. He plays the role of an out of his era mentor well, with a level of cool eccentricity that only added to his character's mystique. Jay Baruchel plays the twenty year-old version of Dave that has the stigma from meeting Balthazar ten years previously and is reluctant to step into the role of hero. But like Baruchel's animated role from this year's "How to Train Your Dragon" form Dreamworks, here in the role of Dave Stetler he grows into the responsibility placed onto his shoulders and surpasses expectations, becoming an endearing hero to the audience.

In a movie where the special effects will clearly make or break the look of the film, the effects in "The Sorcerer's Apprentice" easily bring credibility to the magic that is thrown around by the characters. Balthazar's steel eagle that he creates from a building gargoyle - that locale gave me "The Dark Knight" vibes - and rides throughout the film looks phenomenal as does the bull statue Horvath animates near the end of the film but perhaps most impressive is the sequence where a giant paper dragon that is being marched through a Chinatown parade is then transformed into a real, fire-breathing version that chases after Dave.

The film's runtime comes in just under two hours and overall, "The Sorcerer's Apprentice" is a perfect example of entertaining Summer fun for the whole family. Filled with fantasy, magic, adventure and let's not forget the charming love story that is sprinkled in throughout makes it easy to recommend this movie as one you won't regret sitting down and enjoying with your family.

Check out Geek Plate's Tumblr for today's picspam on a 'magical' theme.