New Movie Friday: Inception! The Sorcerer’s Apprentice! Watch the Trailers!

Two of the new movies today, ‘Inception’ and ‘The Sorcerer’s Apprentice,’ have gotten tons of press, so you probably know a lot about them. But I bet a lot of folks have never heard of the third movie, ‘Standing Ovation.’ Who knows, it could be a breakout hit. Here’s the rundown:

‘Inception’ (PG-13 for sequences of violence and action throughout, 148 min). I’ve been waiting for this brain-twisting movie all year. Directed by Chris Nolan, it stars Leonard DiCaprio as Dom Cobb, a skilled thief who robs people of valuable secrets – from their subconscious during dream states. Cobb’s abilities have made him a coveted player in the world of corporate espionage, but also an international fugitive.

Now Dom’s being offered a chance at redemption. One last job could give him his life back, but first he has to accomplish the impossible inception – plant an idea rather than steal one. Also stars Joseph Gordon-Levitt, Ellen Page, Tom Hardy, Ken Watanabe, Cillian Murphy, Tom Berenger, Marion Cotillard, and Michael Caine. Will ‘Inception’ be too smart for moviegoers, like Rolling Stone’s Peter Travers suggests? Let’s hope not. We need more movies like this.

More movies and trailers after the jump…

’The Sorcerer’s Apprentice’ (Rated PG for fantasy action violence, some mild rude humor, and brief language, 121 min). Nicolas Cage could use some good buzz, since some of his recent films haven’t scored at the box office. Hope this movie does the trick. It’s directed by Jon Turteltaub and produced by Jerry Bruckheimer, who worked with Cage on the ‘National Treasure’ movies. 

Cage stars as Balthazar Blake, a master sorcerer in modern-day Manhattan trying to defend the city from his arch-nemesis, Maxim Horvath (Alfred Molina). But Balthazar can’t do it alone, so he recruits Dave Stutler (Jay Baruchel), a seemingly average guy who demonstrates hidden potential as a sorcerer. Dave gets a crash course in the art and science of magic, and together, these unlikely partners work to stop the forces of darkness. And maybe get the girl.

‘Standing Ovation’ (Rated PG for some rude behavior, 108 min). As mentioned, I really haven’t heard too much about this movie, but it looks cute. Kind of ‘America’s Got Talent’ meets ‘American Idol’ meets ‘High School Musical.’

Inspired by a music-video contest with a million-dollar prize, five classmates form a music group called “The 5 Ovations.” Despite their limited resources, these street-smart teens have the skill and passion to create awesome song-and-dance numbers, and have a real shot at victory. Standing in their way, however, are The Wiggies, five rich and unscrupulous sisters who will stop at nothing to win the contest!

Image: Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures