THE WIZARD
** out of *****
Reviewed by TJ McDonald

Genres
Comedy
Drama
Family

1989
Directed by
Todd Holland
Written by
David Chisholm
Cast
Fred Savage .... Corey Woods
Christian Slater .... Nick Woods
Luke Edwards .... Jimmy Woods/The Wizard
Jenny Lewis .... Haley
Beau Bridges .... Sam Woods
Wendy Phillips .... Christine Bateman
Vincent Leahr .... Tate
Dea McAllister .... Councelor
Sam McMurray .... Bateman
Jackey Vinson .... Lucas

Let me start by saying that The Wizard is in no way a good movie. This film is nothing but a 100 minute long advertisement for Nintendo. It is to computer games what Transformers (1984-1987) was to toys – a successful marketing campaign. With that in mind, this 1989 film from director Todd Holland was (for anyone who even vaguely remembers the 1980s)…like, totally awesome, dude!

The Wizard is the story of three children on a road trip. Corey Woods (Fred Savage) breaks his rather vacant half-brother, Jimmy Woods (Luke Edwards), out of the institution where he has been committed and they make a break for California. On the way they discover two things – 1) a streetwise girl, Haley (Jenny Lewis), who joins them in their travels – and that 2) Jimmy is a wizard at computer games ('50,000! You got 50,000 on Double Dragon??'). They resolve to take him to the Computer Game World Championship and also to encounter as much Nintendo product placement as they possibly can – apparently.

No one can dislike any Fred Savage 80s movie. I think it's a law or something. The Wizard is no exception. Savage delivers a performance that reminds us why he got so many parts in the first place. Plus, he's so goddamn cute. His child-actor co-stars offer nothing particularly special but this is more than made up for by a supporting cast that includes Christian Slater as the older brother and Beau Bridges as the dead beat dad – both of which provide fun little performances in the son-and-father-grow-closer-together subplot. Also, for those of you who like this sort of thing, my friend spotted a young and well-mulleted Tobey Maguire in a 5-second long, non-speaking role. See if you can spot him too.

What surprised me most about this film is the relatively low freak-out factor when the three small children go missing. Is there a state-wide manhunt? No. Are their news reports day and night? No. Well, what is there then? Just Bridges and Slater cruisin' the highways in a rusty pickup (did someone say 'roadtrip'?). And when the kids are chanced upon by a mean-looking biker gang, are they mugged or kidnapped? Of course not, the friendly bikers give them all a lift into Reno. It was a friendlier time back then.

I cannot bring myself to criticise this film. Sure it could be brought low for so many misdeeds: The plot; the script; the fashion – in both clothing and hairstyles; the shameless self promotion of Universal Studios by filming action scenes in their own theme park (for God's sake!). But ultimately, as I've said, it was kids movie made with the sole purpose of selling games, consoles and associated paraphernalia. Besides, the sound track is awesome! 80s power ballads at their finest. A special mention goes to "(You've Got It) The Right Stuff" by The New Kids on the Block, for rocking the party that rocks the party.

The Wizard is a kids movie that is no longer for kids. Even the least discerning of today's younger generation would find this movie way to kitsch to endure. But for those of us who look back on films like Flight of the Navigator (1986) and Labyrinth (1986) with nothing but childhood joy, then add The Wizard to your collection. For only you will truly sigh with joy when you see Lucas (Jackey Vinson) – the mullet-sporting, pre-teen gaming guru – turn to the camera and say, 'I love the Power Glove. It's so bad.'

TJ McDonald's reviews also appear on DVD Compare, where they include details of the DVD release. For this review click here.

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