8 Awesome Reasons Why The 80's Movie The Wizard Remains Relevant
The cult classic film, The Wizard, reflects modern culture more than ever before.
Despite its energetic plot and light-hearted appeal, Todd Holland's The Wizard (1989) gets weighed down by countless criticisms from modern-day audiences. Less than impressed viewers find the comedy-drama dated, too sentimental, or laughable. Roger Ebert accused the film of being a one-hundred and forty minute advertisement for Nintendo and Universal Studios.
On the other hand, loyal fans focus on the nostalgic charm of the cross-country adventure. The beloved cult classic still resonates with them as they watch Jimmy Woods hop into a Hostess Cupcake truck with cousin Corey, crush the Super Mario 3 finale, and remember his late twin sister in a dinosaur tourist trap.
Who stands victorious in their evaluation of The Wizard? Its admirers should feel just as vindicated as Jimmy when he trounces Lucas at the Video Game Championships. Various aspects of current culture show the importance of the film and why it continues to matter to millennials and younger generations.
While the animatronic King Kong appears archaic, today's consumers will find other scenes more than a little familiar. Cutting-edge companies capitalize on ideas first displayed in the film. The characters themselves represent early manifestations of unique people in present-day society. There's no denying that The Wizard foretold pieces of the future and that's worth more than all of Lucas' ninety-seven games.
Though critics offer well thought-out opinions, time has proven that The Wizard possesses formidable staying power and cultural significance. The family film's indisputable impact earns it a high score.
8. The Ascension Of Retro Arcades
The Wizard contains several scenes where characters gaze over a player's shoulder as they score on standing retro arcade games. Jimmy snakes two salesmen bent over the boxy, old-school consoles. Corey oversees Jimmy as he moves from each of the casino's arcade offerings to the soundtrack of Paul Carrack's "I Live By the Groove."
Going to the arcade remains a pleasant memory for many millennials who remember spending the entire day there. New gadgets erase the need to stand for hours on end or drudge up quarters from pockets.
However, the recent resurrection of retro arcades speaks to an alternative way of thinking. In summer 2017, customers readjusting their joysticks may be a common image in several new establishments.
Edinburgh game lovers recently opened a retro arcade cafe with thirty old-school classics such as Street-fighter II and Pac-Man. In Smithfield, millennials flock to compete in bars complete with Donkey Kong and Mortal Kombat consoles. Many of the games come courtesy of console collectors who wanted younger generations to enjoy the experiences they had in their childhoods.
These trendy hang-outs are testaments to a true fact: the love of looking over your friends' shoulders as they master levels lives on beyond the Wizard.