Some films are meant to do more than just come and go unnoticed and eventually get bogged down somewhere. Unfortunately, this exact fate sometimes also happens to truly brilliant genre representatives who have what it takes to become a modern classic. There is original fantasy often few and far between.
No princesses, no live action remake, no superheroes, just creative, modern fantasy. This is Duel of the Magicians. But the film went under without a hitch after its theatrical release in 2010. At the same time he has sensational action sequences, creative magic and a Nicolas Cage who performs incomparably. You can currently stream it on Disney+.
In Duel of the Magicians, a desolate student becomes the heir to the most powerful wizard of all time
Dave (Jay Baruchel) is a bright guy. Unfortunately only when it comes to physics. Relationships are less his strength. Maybe because he was in a curiosity shop as a child traumatic experience that would leave his mark on him forever: in front of his eyes, two strange men were at each other’s throats – and then simply disappeared.
Years later, this experience suddenly catches up with him. The two men escape their magical prison. They both are powerful wizardsformer students of the great Merlin. One is power-hungry, evil and wants to bring the dangerous sorceress Morgana back to earth – Horvath (Alfred Molina). The other, Balthazar (Cage), is still fighting for good.
Both are after Dave. Because he is, even if he doesn’t want to admit it, the only true heir to Merlin. The only one who can become as powerful and stop Morgana – or plunge the world into chaos.
Duel of the Magicians on Disney+ brings a breath of fresh air to the fantasy genre with a brilliant Nicolas Cage
It’s almost a bit absurd that this film was so lost at the time and was never allowed to make any big waves. Sorcerer’s apprentices are a rarity outside of Harry Potter, and both the extremely smart but bumbling protagonist and the magic system in this world combined with real physics are refreshingly original. The effects are really impressive.
The creative magic and action sequences are extremely fun. But the clear highlight is Nicolas Cage. He doesn’t stand out here because of his blonde hair. Cage’s Balthazar is a mix of all his strengthsas they rarely come together – an amalgam of brilliant Cage talents.
Serious, touching scenes like in Pig? We’ll fight. Sensitive surrogate father role? Clear. Cool magical metal power fantasy like Ghost Rider? Naturally. Guilty pleasure romance like in City of Angels? To melt away. Quick sayings and humor are always at hand. And last but not least, a little bit – or rather a good amount –
iconic madness not missing.
So if you’re in the mood for a likeable and perhaps slightly weird fantasy with Nicolas Cage in top form, you can watch Duel of the Magicians currently streaming on Disney+.
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