8 Awesome Reasons Why The 80's Movie The Wizard Remains Relevant

Central character Jimmy Woods is an outcast due to an undiagnosed condition that's likely on the autism spectrum. Jimmy builds structures to express himself, walks highways to a mystery destination, and remains non-verbal for much of the film.

He hides his feelings away as if they were in the ever-present lunchbox he carries around. This is what makes his statement of "I don't want to quit" halfway through the plot so empowering. Jimmy latches onto a key opportunity that turns out to be his emotional outlet.

Over the past decade, the increase in children with autism makes Jimmy an even more contemporary and empathetic character. Current audiences recognize relatives and friends who struggle with the disorder and engage in the behavior Jimmy exhibits.

Recent studies at the University of Michigan examine whether video games help or harm autistic children. Ultimately, they found that certain games reduce isolated behavior and social awkwardness in children like Jimmy. The Wizard introduced this question years earlier.

While the debate's ongoing, the role of Jimmy exemplifies the necessity of the study and the possible benefits of their research. Each passing year reveals that Jimmy's less of an outcast and more of a champion for kids who resemble him.