The Wizard
Corey and Jimmy Woods are two brothers who are being separated due to their parents divorcing. Jimmy is a mentally unstable kid that has had problems ever since his sister died at a young age. One day, Corey discovers that Jimmy has a natural talent for playing video games. He is one of the best around, and the two journey to the West Coast to compete in a video game championship, but along the way, they must avoid the adults, who are trying to take Jimmy away.
Despite its small-scale budget of $6.0M, The Wizard became a solid performer, earning $14.3M worldwide—a 138% return.
Plot Structure
Story beats plotted across runtime
Narrative Arc
Emotional journey through the story's key moments
Story Circle
Blueprint 15-beat structure
Arcplot Score Breakdown
Weighted: Precision (70%) + Arc (15%) + Theme (15%)
The Wizard (1989) reveals carefully calibrated narrative architecture, characteristic of Todd Holland's storytelling approach. This structural analysis examines how the film's 15-point plot structure maps to proven narrative frameworks across 1 hour and 40 minutes. With an Arcplot score of 7.1, the film balances conventional beats with creative variation.
Characters
Cast & narrative archetypes
Jimmy Woods
Corey Woods
Haley Brooks
Nick Woods
Lucas Barton
Sam Woods
Main Cast & Characters
Jimmy Woods
Played by Luke Edwards
A traumatized young boy who stopped speaking after his twin sister's death and runs away to California.
Corey Woods
Played by Fred Savage
Jimmy's older brother who helps him escape and discovers his prodigious video game skills.
Haley Brooks
Played by Jenny Lewis
A resourceful girl who joins the brothers and helps them navigate their journey to California.
Nick Woods
Played by Christian Slater
The older half-brother who pursues the boys across the country to bring them home.
Lucas Barton
Played by Jackey Vinson
An arrogant video game champion who becomes Jimmy's rival at the Video Armageddon competition.
Sam Woods
Played by Beau Bridges
The boys' father who is separated from his wife and struggling to connect with his sons.
Structural Analysis
The Status Quo at 1 minutes (1% through the runtime) establishes Jimmy Woods, a traumatized young boy, is shown wandering alone trying to reach California. His fractured family struggles with his condition after his twin sister's death.. Notably, this early placement immediately immerses viewers in the story world.
The inciting incident occurs at 11 minutes when Jimmy escapes from the institution where he's been placed. Corey discovers him missing and realizes his brother is trying to walk to California alone.. At 11% through the film, this Disruption aligns precisely with traditional story structure. This beat shifts the emotional landscape, launching the protagonist into the central conflict.
The First Threshold at 25 minutes marks the transition into Act II, occurring at 25% of the runtime. This indicates the protagonist's commitment to Corey actively chooses to commit to the journey to California with Jimmy and Haley. They enter the world of competitive gaming, hustling for money at arcades across the western states., moving from reaction to action.
At 49 minutes, the Midpoint arrives at 49% of the runtime—precisely centered, creating perfect narrative symmetry. Significantly, this crucial beat The kids learn about Video Armageddon, a massive gaming competition in Los Angeles with a $50,000 prize. They realize this is their destination - it raises the stakes and gives them a concrete goal., fundamentally raising what's at risk. The emotional intensity shifts, dividing the narrative into clear before-and-after phases.
The Collapse moment at 73 minutes (73% through) represents the emotional nadir. Here, Jimmy has an emotional breakdown at Dinosaur National Monument, the place connected to his sister's death. He reveals his trauma and Corey realizes the journey may not heal Jimmy - it might break him further., shows the protagonist at their lowest point. This beat's placement in the final quarter sets up the climactic reversal.
The Second Threshold at 79 minutes initiates the final act resolution at 79% of the runtime. Jimmy chooses to continue to the competition. Corey realizes it's not about the money or winning - it's about Jimmy having agency and finishing what he started. They arrive in Los Angeles united., demonstrating the transformation achieved throughout the journey.
Emotional Journey
The Wizard's emotional architecture traces a deliberate progression across 15 carefully calibrated beats.
Narrative Framework
This structural analysis employs a 15-point narrative structure framework that maps key story moments. By mapping The Wizard against these established plot points, we can identify how Todd Holland utilizes or subverts traditional narrative conventions. The plot point approach reveals not only adherence to structural principles but also creative choices that distinguish The Wizard within the adventure genre.
Todd Holland's Structural Approach
Among the 2 Todd Holland films analyzed on Arcplot, the average structural score is 7.2, reflecting strong command of classical structure. The Wizard takes a more unconventional approach compared to the director's typical style. For comparative analysis, explore the complete Todd Holland filmography.
Comparative Analysis
Additional adventure films include The Black Stallion, The Bad Guys and Puss in Boots. For more Todd Holland analyses, see Firehouse Dog.
Plot Points by Act
Act I
SetupStatus Quo
Jimmy Woods, a traumatized young boy, is shown wandering alone trying to reach California. His fractured family struggles with his condition after his twin sister's death.
Theme
Corey's father discusses putting Jimmy in an institution. The theme emerges: belief in someone others have given up on, and the healing power of family connection.
Worldbuilding
Establishment of the broken family dynamic. Corey discovers Jimmy has extraordinary video game skills. Parents are divorced, Jimmy is non-verbal and obsessed with California. Corey is protective but powerless.
Disruption
Jimmy escapes from the institution where he's been placed. Corey discovers him missing and realizes his brother is trying to walk to California alone.
Resistance
Corey debates whether to bring Jimmy back or help him. He chooses to run away with Jimmy, beginning their journey to California. They meet Haley, who discovers Jimmy's gaming talent and sees profit potential.
Act II
ConfrontationFirst Threshold
Corey actively chooses to commit to the journey to California with Jimmy and Haley. They enter the world of competitive gaming, hustling for money at arcades across the western states.
Mirror World
Haley becomes the group's strategist and protector. Her street-smart independence contrasts with Corey's sheltered loyalty, teaching him resourcefulness while he teaches her about genuine care.
Premise
The fun road trip adventure. Jimmy dominates at every arcade, earning money and reputation. They evade their pursuing father and bounty hunter Putnam. The promise: a kid gaming wizard on a cross-country adventure.
Midpoint
The kids learn about Video Armageddon, a massive gaming competition in Los Angeles with a $50,000 prize. They realize this is their destination - it raises the stakes and gives them a concrete goal.
Opposition
The pressure intensifies. They encounter Lucas, a arrogant rival gamer with corporate backing. The family pursuers close in. Money runs low. Corey's fear of losing Jimmy grows as they near California.
Collapse
Jimmy has an emotional breakdown at Dinosaur National Monument, the place connected to his sister's death. He reveals his trauma and Corey realizes the journey may not heal Jimmy - it might break him further.
Crisis
Corey processes whether he's helping or hurting his brother. The group must decide if continuing to Video Armageddon is right or selfish. Dark night of doubt about their entire journey.
Act III
ResolutionSecond Threshold
Jimmy chooses to continue to the competition. Corey realizes it's not about the money or winning - it's about Jimmy having agency and finishing what he started. They arrive in Los Angeles united.
Synthesis
Video Armageddon finale. Jimmy faces Lucas in the championship. The family arrives and watches. Jimmy wins by mastering a game no one has seen before (Super Mario Bros 3), proving his unique gift. Family reconciles.
Transformation
Jimmy speaks clearly for the first time, calling out to Corey. The family is reunited and healing. Corey has matured from passive protector to active advocate. Jimmy has found his voice through being believed in.