The Sorcerer's Apprentice trailer: Nicolas Cage less crazy

Nic Cage does magic! It's like some kind of weird-but-wonderful crazy-assed Paul Daniels. Watch the trailer after the jump. You'll like it... not a lot, but you'll like it.

It seems the CGI is flowing free and loose in The Sorcerer's Apprentice, a film that is, in part, based on that freaky "magic broomsticks" cartoon, Fantasia, which was, itself, based on a poem... which was also based on another poem. Proof that a lack of original ideas has been a problem for a loooong time.

However, there's more to this film than clumsy mice and iambic pentameter. Nic Cage is Balthazar Blake, a sorcerer who trains a young apprentice (y'see, the title makes sense now, doesn't it?) to help in the fight against the forces of darkness.

The apprentice is played by Jay Baruchel, who's normally good for a laugh in anything, and the end-of-level baddie is none other than Doc Ock himself, Alfred Molina.

I think they've embellished the original story somewhat, unless I missed the part in Fantasia when Mickey is told he is destined to play an important part in the ultimate battle between good and evil. I was probably making tea.

The trailer is a nice surprise - CG-heavy, but looks like it could be a fun film to watch. Of course, this 'family-friendliness' means that Cage has toned down his usual batshit craziness, but there are a lot of people in the world who would argue that's a good thing.

In any case, sorcerers are always fun to watch. If you don't believe me, come to my hometown and look out for Wizard Man, the guy dressed in purple robes and carrying a heavy staff and a black cat on his shoulder as he offers strangers a palm reading.