“The Wizard” is the story of a dysfunctional family, trying, unsuccessfully, to set things straight.
Fred Savage stars as Corey Woods, the thirteen-year-old son of Sam Woods (Beau Bridges). Sam has been married twice, and had sons Nick (Christian Slater) and Corey with his first wife. When he remarried, to Christine (Wendy Phillips) they had twins, a boy and a girl. Jennifer, the female twin, drowned, and the male twin, Jimmy, was the witness. Ever since then, Jimmy has suffered from post-traumatic stress syndrome, and acts as though he has a mental disability. Sam and Christine divorced, and Christine took custody of Jimmy. The Woods haven’t seen Jimmy in two years.
When word reaches the Woods that Christine plans to place Jimmy (Luke Edwards)in a care facility, Corey decides to take matters into his own hands. He runs away and goes to the facility, sneaking Jimmy out in a Wonder Bread delivery truck. Jimmy mentions California, and Corey decides that’s as good of a place as any for them to go. He just can’t stand the thought of his brother being locked up.
As the boys are traveling, they run into Haley, a girl who’s street-wise and savvy. She agrees to help them reach California when she discovers that Jimmy has an amazing talent – he’s a wizard at arcade games. It’s nearly time for a huge arcade contest in California – the prize is $50,000. She’ll help them get there if they’ll split the money. Corey agrees and they’re on their way.
Meanwhile, Christine has hired a man named Putnam to hunt Jimmy down and return him. The children not only have to get to California in time for the competition, but keep out of the clutches of this man.
I’m not sure if this was a kids’ movie or not. There were some unsettling themes, such as the children being on the run and in danger, and there was some language. I have to tell you, though, some of that language made me laugh. Jimmy was being carted off by Putnam and Haley screamed, accusing him of touching her inappropriately. Security was on him in a flash. Later, she uses the same lie to get Putnam hijacked by some truckers. It was great.
In the end, the parents all realize that their methods haven’t been in the best interests of the children, and we get a strong indication that they plan to try harder.
This is one you may want to prescreen before showing your family. I liked it overall, but think it would be another few years before letting my children see it.
This film was rated PG.
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