The Wizard (1989)

In a move right out of the genius book of movie marketing, The Wizard exploded onto screens in 1989 to a resounding roar from the legion of original Nintendo adopters in anticipation for the first glimpse of the Super Mario Bros. 3 game. Though it didn't skyrocket into box office bonanza-land, the film did exactly what it set out to do -- prepping hoards of fans for the new incredible lands for which they were about to play in the upcoming months. As if having the big reveal of anticipated sequel wasn't enough, the movie is jam-packed with enough other Nintendo promotions to secure it as a time capsule of the second ascent of home gaming after Atari. If the young leads aren't playing Double Dragon at a truck stop, then they're wide-eyed over the local pro as he deftly maneuvers the car in Rad Racer with the Power Glove. Sure, the dialogue is dreadful, as is Fred Savage, but the audience at the time could have cared less. Also making a supporting appearance is Christian Slater, still in full Jack Nicholson via-Heathers mode, as well as a young Jenny Lewis of future indie rock songstress fame. The Wizard might age a bit worse than the games it was pimping (which says a lot), but it does stand as a fine reminder to how exciting it was to be a kid in those days. ~ Jeremy Wheeler, All Movie Guide