Is The Wizard Worth Watching?
Answer: Yes, The Wizard is definitely worth watching if you enjoy Adventure movies.
It features a runtime of 100 minutes and offers a standard storyline that appeals to general audiences.
The Wizard Review
Last updated: January 18, 2026
Detailed Premise & Narrative Foundations
Released in the dynamic cinematic landscape of 1989, The Wizard emerges as a significant entry in the Adventure, Comedy, Drama, Family domain. The narrative core of the film focuses on a sophisticated exploration of 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. Unlike standard genre fare, The Wizard attempts to deconstruct traditional tropes, offering a conventional take on its central themes.
Cast Performances: A Masterclass
The success of any Adventure is often anchored by its ensemble, and The Wizard features a noteworthy lineup led by Luke Edwards . Supported by the likes of Vince Trankina and Wendy Phillips , the performances bring a palpable realism to the scripted words.
Performance Analysis: While the cast delivers competent and professional performances, they are occasionally hampered by a script that leans into familiar archetypes.
Final Verdict: Is it Worth Watching?
In summary, our editorial assessment of The Wizard (1989) is mixed. With an audience rating of 6.1/10, it stands as a highly recommended experience for genre enthusiasts.
The Wizard Plot Summary & Detailed Storyline
Quick Plot Summary: The Wizard is a Adventure, Comedy, Drama, Family film that presents a compelling narrative that engages viewers from start to finish. This summary provides a scannable look at the movie's central conflict and narrative structure.
The Wizard Ending Explained & Final Analysis
Ending Breakdown: The Wizard concludes its story with a mix of closure and open interpretation. The finale presents its approach to adventure resolution.
The emotional climax centers on character transformation, offering viewers material for post-viewing discussion.
Ending Analysis:
- Narrative Resolution: The story concludes by addressing its primary narrative threads, providing closure while maintaining some ambiguity.
- Character Arcs: Character journeys reach their narrative endpoints, reflecting the film's thematic priorities.
- Thematic Payoff: The ending reinforces the adventure themes established throughout the runtime.
The final moments of The Wizard reflect the filmmakers' creative choices, offering an ending that aligns with the film's tone and style.
Who Should Watch The Wizard?
Worth Watching If You:
- Enjoy Adventure films and don't mind familiar tropes
- Are a fan of the cast or director
- Want solid genre entertainment
The Wizard Box Office Collection
| Metric / Region | Collection (Approx) |
|---|---|
| Production Budget | $6.0M |
| Worldwide Gross | $14.3M |
| Trade Verdict | FINANCIAL DISAPPOINTMENT |
The Wizard Budget
The estimated production budget for The Wizard is $6.0M. This figure covers principal photography, talent acquisitions, and visual effects. When accounting for global marketing and distribution, the break-even point is typically 2x the base production cost.
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Full Cast & Crew of The Wizard
- Luke Edwards – Jimmy
- Vince Trankina – Tate
- Wendy Phillips – Christine
- Dea McAllister – Counselor
- Sam McMurray – Bateman
Top Highlights
Luke EdwardsJimmy
Vince TrankinaTate
Wendy PhillipsChristine
Dea McAllisterCounselor
Sam McMurrayBateman
Beau BridgesSam
Fred SavageCorey
Christian SlaterNick
Will SeltzerPutnam
Roy ConradBus Clerk
Where to Watch The Wizard Online?
Streaming Hub🎟️ Rent on
Amazon VideoParents Guide & Age Rating
The Wizard is rated PG. It is generally suitable for all ages.
Final Verdict
Analyzing the audience sentiment, IMDb rating of 6.1/10, and global collection metrics, The Wizard stands as a challenging project for the creators. It remains an essential piece of the 1989 cinematic year.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is The Wizard movie hit or flop?
The Wizard has received mixed reviews with a 6.1/10 rating, making it a moderate success with the audience.
Is The Wizard worth watching?
The Wizard is a mixed bag. It might be worth watching if you're a fan of Adventure, Comedy, Drama movies, but read reviews first.
Where can I watch The Wizard online?
The Wizard may be available for rent or purchase on digital platforms like Apple TV, Google Play, or Amazon Prime Video. Specific streaming availability can vary by country.
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How The Wizard Compares & Where it Ranks
Critic Reviews for The Wizard
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 is bad and I'm not quite sure who this movie was made for (there is a joke about a teenage girl accusing a grown man of grabbing her breast) but there are some funny bad moments. **2.75/5**
movieMx Verified
This analysis is compiled by our editorial experts using multi-source verification and audience sentiment data for maximum accuracy.
