The Wizard
The Wizard

The Wizard

1989Movie100 minEnglish

A boy and his brother run away from home and hitch cross-country, with help from a girl they meet, to compete in the ultimate video-game championship.

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Insights

IMDb5.4/10
Rotten Tomatoes33%
Google Users66%
Director: Todd HollandGenres: Adventure, Family, Comedy

Plot Summary

A young boy, Jimmy, who is a prodigious video game player, escapes from a troubled home situation with his older brother, Corey. They embark on a cross-country journey to the National Video Game Championships in California. Along the way, they encounter various characters and challenges, all while honing Jimmy's gaming skills.

Critical Reception

The Wizard was primarily marketed as a vehicle to promote Nintendo products, particularly the Power Glove and the game Super Mario Bros. 3. Critically, the film received largely negative reviews, with many critics citing its weak plot and overt product placement. However, it has gained a cult following over the years, especially among those who grew up with the film and its connection to early video game culture.

What Reviewers Say

  • Praised for its nostalgic value and connection to early video game history.
  • Criticized for its flimsy plot and heavy-handed product placement.
  • Seen as a fun, albeit cheesy, family film from the late 80s.

Google audience: Google users generally appreciate "The Wizard" for its nostalgic trip back to the 1980s and the early days of video gaming. Many viewers recall it fondly from their childhood, enjoying its lighthearted adventure and the excitement surrounding video games. However, some acknowledge its significant product placement and a somewhat predictable storyline.

Fun Fact

The iconic scene where Jimmy plays Super Mario Bros. 3 for the first time in the film was actually filmed before the game was officially released to the public in North America, adding to its mystique and demand.

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My Review

TMDB Reviews

1 reviews
JPV852

JPV852

Has some heart at times, almost ruined by the blatant and, hate to use this word, cringe-worthy product placement from Hostess to Nintendo to Universal Studios (which makes sense since this was one of their movies). The acting and writing i...