The Wizard (released in theaters on Dec. 15, 1989) arrived at the absolute peak of “Nintendo Mania.” While critics at the time dismissed it as a feature-length commercial, the film has since evolved into a beloved cult classic that captures the spirit of 80s youth adventure and the burgeoning digital culture that would change the world.
The story follows Corey Woods (Fred Savage), a young boy who breaks his traumatized younger half-brother, Jimmy (Luke Edwards), out of a mental institution. Jimmy, who rarely speaks and insists on carrying a lunchbox everywhere, possesses an uncanny, savant-like ability to master any arcade game he encounters.
Hoping to reach “California” to prevent Jimmy from being institutionalized for good, the duo begins a cross-country trek. Along the way, they meet Haley (Jenny Lewis), a street-smart drifter who joins their mission.
To fund their journey, they hustle arcade players across the desert, eventually aiming for “Video Armageddon,” a massive gaming tournament in Universal Studios with a $50,000 grand prize.
While they are pursued by their father (Beau Bridges) and older brother (Christian Slater), as well as a sleazy runaway bounty hunter, the kids must face off against the formidable Lucas—the quintessential 80s bully equipped with the then-futuristic Power Glove.
The film culminates in the legendary reveal and competitive debut of Super Mario Bros. 3.
While the video games are the spectacle, the film is anchored by genuine performances.
Savage, at the height of his The Wonder Years fame, provides a grounded emotional center.
Edwards manages to be incredibly moving despite having very little dialogue, and the chemistry between the three leads creates a “kids on a mission” vibe reminiscent of The Goonies.
Bridges and Slater provide a lighthearted subplot that adds to the film’s road-movie charm.
Frank McRae also stars as their trucker friend, Spanky.
The Wizard starring Fred Savage (Photo/Universal Pictures)
Reception for The Wizard
The Wizard grossed $2.1 million on its opening weekend, finishing fifth at the box office.
The film would gross $14.3 million in its theatrical run.
Legacy
The legacy of The Wizard is inextricably linked to gaming history:
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The Power of the Reveal: It famously served as the North American unveiling of Super Mario Bros. 3, one of the most successful marketing crossovers in cinema history.
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The Power Glove: The film immortalized the peripheral with the iconic line, “I love the Power Glove. It’s so bad.”
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eSports Pioneer: Long before Twitch and professional gaming leagues, The Wizard romanticized the idea of the “pro gamer” and the high-stakes tournament circuit.
The Wizard is a vibrant time capsule and it captures a specific moment when video games transitioned from a basement hobby to a global cultural phenomenon, wrapped in a touching story about brotherly love and healing.
