http://www.mb.com.ph/articles/267502/nicolas-cage-it-s-hard-hit-mark-being-scary-and-funny-same-time

Nicolas Cage: Its hard to hit the mark on being scary and funny at the same time

Nicholas Cage

LOS ANGELES --- Academy award-winning actor Nicolas Cage was in a jovial mood in a recent interview.

He spoke passionately about his new baby, The Sorcerers Apprentice, a magical fantasy film in which he stars and is also one of the executive producers. We talked to Nicolas together with his co-star, Jay Baruchel, who plays Dave Stutler, his apprentice.

Nicolas, who has given us the National Treasure franchise, Ghost Rider and Leaving Las Vegas, said that he got the basic idea for The Sorcerers Apprentice after watching Disneys Fantasia.

This movie was something I developed at a time in my life when I wanted to entertain both parents and kids together, he said. I wanted to create a family ritual. So I combined mythology, magic, fantasy and the Merlin aspect.

Producer Jerry Bruckheimer pointed out in a separate interview that when Nicolas brought up the project to me, I loved the idea and the screenplay was great. He added that he enjoys working with Nic because he is a friend. He is an amazing talent. He has great ideas and he works hard for his character. He is always on the go at six in the morning. He is such a joy to work with. He is always fun, inventive, and he definitely makes a producer look good.

Jay, a charming Canadian actor who has appeared in several films like Tropic Thunder, Shes Out of My League, and How to Train Your Dragon, admitted that it was a no brainer for him to accept the project because I have always loved doing magic even when I was a kid. I used to pretend to shoot energy from my hand. Working and living for six months in New York and with Nicolas no less were also added treats!

Directed by Jon Turteltaub, Sorcerers is about how Balthazar Blake (Nicolas), a thousand year old sorcerer, comes back to modern-day Manhattan to try to defend the city from his arch nemesis, Maxim Horvath (Alfred Molina). He recruits Dave (Jay), a nerdy average college student who unwillingly becomes his apprentice.

I just love doing physical comedy, Jay revealed, smiling. As for Nicolas, The fun scenes for me were when I was training Dave to be my apprentice.

He confessed, though, that the most challenging part for him was when I have to hit the mark on how to be scary and funny at the same time. If you look at the Fantasia segment, Balthazar looks scary. But I also wanted him to be funny. Jay was able to help me on that as well. I just love working with him.

Jay, for his part, said, I am excited to do this big movie because I am so used to doing indie movies in Canada in seven days straight.

Thats another thing we have in common, pointed out Nicolas. We both came from indie movies.

Nicolas, who just turned 46 last January 7, revealed that the best thing about being in his forties is the gift of my children definitely and the experience of love in my family.

As for his future projects, Nicolas mentioned that he wanted to do something biographical. I love Beethoven, he said. I dont know if I would be able to play him. I dont look anything like him and I dont know if I should play him. I will let you know if I do.