Common Sense Note

Parents need to know that a primary story element in the 1989 movie The Wizard is a little boy's mental disability (we would now call it post-traumatic stress disorder), which is sometimes treated unkindly. Several characters call him names ("mutant," "moron," "freak," "mental case," and more), his parents consider putting him in an institution, while others are protective of him. The film's plentiful action is mainly cartoonish, and while there are no serious injuries or deaths, there are fist fights, car crashes, a chase on a tram, numerous escapes from captivity, and many scuffles. Expect some cursing (i.e."ass," "s--t," "butthead," "son-of-a-bitch") and product placement.

Sexual Content

A young girl shouts "He touched my breasts!" to get out of a difficult situation. The declaration is repeated. A pre-teen couple share a brief kiss.

Violence

Lots of cartoon action with no serious injuries. Three children are physically threatened, a gang of street toughs rough them up, and a bounty hunter captures them several times only to have them escape. They also maneuver on foot through a fiery King Kong exhibit on the Universal Studios tour. In addition, the adult characters engage in moderate action throughout, including: car chases, brief scuffles and fist fights, a man wielding a small knife, and cars used as weapons to disable other vehicles.

Language

Occasional swearing: "hell," "damn," "butthead," "son-of-a-bitch," "ass," "s--t," and "bitch." Insults directed at the mentally-challenged little boy: "mutant," "moron," "mental case," "brainless," "space case," "freak," and "maniac."

Social Behavior

This movie is a kid's fantasy of independence in the face of incompentant and careless adults. The relationship between the kids is positive and compassionate, though the scenarios throughout the movie are greatly exaggerated, and full of don't-try-this-at-home scenarios like kids hitchhiking across several states.

Consumerism

Kids either mention or play numerous popular video games of the era throughout, including Super Mario Bros 3. Other products featured: Pepsi, Bud Lite, Michelob, Sinclair Oil, Hostess Cupcakes, WonderBread, AC Auto Parts, and more. A lengthy sequence takes place on the Universal Studios Tour and Amusement Park.

Drugs / Tobacco / Alcohol

A father reprimands his teen son for drinking, but the boy is never shown on camera consuming alcoholic beverages. One elderly man is seen drinking a beer.