This attempt by Disney at Harry Potter-style magic is a barrage of spectacular special effects in search of an appealing story. Jay Baruchel exudes nerdy charm as a physics student told by immortal sorcerer Nicolas Cage that he's Merlin's descendant, predicted to defend Manhattan from an army of the dead. Cue exasperating disbelief, awkward spell-training sessions and time-outs for college romance before the battle royale with evil Alfred Molina, who's attempting to revive super sorceress Alice Krige. National Treasure director Jon Turteltaub ensures the eye-candy action is never boring, yet it's never more than merely competent, either, and fails to produce any sense of wonder. The fantasy elements here are vaguely construed as an expansion on the Mickey Mouse broom-cleaning segment from 1940's classic Fantasia, which is referenced briefly when Baruchel is late for a date. Other imaginative CGI fireworks include a Chrysler Building metal eagle taking flight, a Chinatown parade dragon coming to life and a mirror-image world. Just a shame about the bog-standard plot.

Balthazar Blake is a master sorcerer in modern-day Manhattan trying to defend the city from his arch-nemesis, Maxim Horvath. Balthazar can't do it alone, so he recruits Dave Stutler, a seemingly average guy who demonstrates hidden potential, as his reluctant protégé. The sorcerer gives his unwilling accomplice a crash course in the art and science of magic, and together, these unlikely partners work to stop the forces of darkness.