The Wizard (1989)
Movie Info
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Cast
as Corey Woods
as Jimmy Woods
as Haley
as Nick
as Sam
as Putnam
as Bateman
as Spanky
as Tate
as Christine
as Counselor
as Bus Clerk
as Grease Monkey
as Salesman
as Biker
as Old Navajo
as Diner Manager
as Younger Boy
as Lucas
as Pinball Teen
as Stickman
as Hotel Security
as Rick
as Bubblegum Girl
as Diner Waitress
as Armageddon Announcer
as Poolside Waitress
as Armageddon Registrar
as Armageddon Announcer
as Mora Grissom
as Lucas' Buddy
as Studio Tour Guide
as Armageddon Official
as Trucker #1
as Trucker #2
as Salesman #1
as Salesman #2
as Tough Teen #1
as Tough Teen #2
as Tough Teen #3
Critic Reviews for The Wizard
All Critics (19) | Top Critics (3) | Fresh (5) | Rotten (14) | DVD (2)
Video-addicted kids may well find this exciting, but for anyone old enough to stay out later than 9 P.M. it's a distinct bore.
Hollywood hucksters, zap them, have borrowed from Japanese game-pushers in this shameless attempt to sucker America's children.
It was only after the three kids arrived safely at the championships that I began to question the ethics of the film, which is, among other things, a thinly disguised commercial for Nintendo video games and the Universal studio tour.
An ad for video games that makes video games look like a peyote hallucination.
A solid and entertaining road film that is never cloying or abundantly sweet.
The runaways' actions provide anything but responsible models for the children who make up the film's target audience, and the likable cast flails against the rampant idiocy and gross commercialism.
Audience Reviews for The Wizard
Does that above trailer look like product placement and late 1980's cheese? That is because it is. Do not get me wrong here, I can be a sucker for these types of films if they have a good payoff in the end or some drive toward a decent story. What made me happy watching this film, is that it does exactly that. Fred Savage has always had that little-kid charm to him and the supporting cast around him all serve a purpose toward this story. As his little brother Jimmy has the goal of getting to California, his talents of being a nintendo master surface. As three kids embark on a road trip to California, where the world championship nintendo games are being held, other stories from their past come to fruition. Now, the main story is as cheesy as it sounds, but when the gut punch comes, getting you emotionally invested in a particular character, "The Wizard" becomes slightly surprising. I am not trying to praise this film or call in great in any regard, but it is a serviceable story with more heart than you'd expect. "The Wizard" is a fine time.
Super Reviewer
It's more than a game... It's the chance of a lifetime. Saw it again! Great movie from my childhood which I still love and enjoy every single time I see it! Very nice roles by everyone who acted on this one. Super Mario Bros.3 one of the best video games ever created hands down! Corey and Jimmy Woods are two brothers who are being separated due to their parents divorcing. Jimmy is a mentally unstable kid that has had problems ever since his sister died at a young age. One day, Corey discovers that Jimmy has a natural talent for playing video games. He is one of the best around, and the two journey to the West Coast to compete in a video game championship, but along the way, they must avoid the adults, who are trying to take Jimmy away.
Super Reviewer
having grown up on this film i was excited to show it to my kids, and despite being about dated games, they loved it as much as i did. as long as one goes into this for good family fun, it works despite the unbelievable storyline.
Super Reviewer
The Wizard Quotes
| Putnam: | Here...have a sucker. |
| Tough Teen: | What is this kid, some kind of cyborg? |
| Lucas: | I love the power glove.... it's so bad |
| Lucas: | I love the power glove.... it's so bad. |