Wizards Synopsis & Review: Plot Summary

🎯 Quick Overview

😅 Plot Summary – Badly Explained

Two wizard bros duke it out after the apocalypse; one’s a hippie, the other’s obsessed with Hitler’s home movies, and the whole thing’s like a bad dream you had after eating too much cheese.

🍿 Wizards: Detailed Plot Synopsis

A Post-Apocalyptic World

Two million years after a nuclear holocaust, the Earth is repopulated by magical creatures like elves, fairies, and mutants. A fairy queen gives birth to twin wizards, Avatar, embodying good, and Blackwolf, embodying evil. After their mother’s death, Blackwolf’s thirst for power leads to his banishment to the desolate lands of Scortch.

The Rise of Blackwolf

In Scortch, Blackwolf discovers remnants of ancient technology and war machinery. He also unearths old Nazi propaganda films, using them to fuel his army of mutants and trolls. Blackwolf’s forces begin a campaign to conquer the peaceful lands, spreading fear and destruction.

Avatar’s Quest

Avatar, along with the elf warrior Weehawk, the fairy princess Elinore, and Peace, a robot assassin reprogrammed for good, embark on a quest to stop Blackwolf. They face dangers and challenges as they journey towards the heart of Blackwolf’s power.

⚠️ Spoilers and Ending Explained

🎬 Cast & Characters

• Avatar (Bob Holt): A kind-hearted wizard who must confront his evil brother to save the post-apocalyptic world.
• Blackwolf (Steve Gravers): The evil twin brother of Avatar, who uses technology and Nazi propaganda to conquer the world.
• Elinore (Jesse Welles): A fairy princess and companion to Avatar, learning to embrace her magical abilities.
• Weehawk (Richard Romanus): A hot-blooded elf warrior who aids Avatar in his quest against Blackwolf.
• Peace (David Proval): A reprogrammed robot, formerly an assassin named Necron 99, who joins Avatar’s party.

💬 Memorable Quotes

• Avatar: “Oh yeah… one more thing: I’m glad you changed your last name, you son of a bitch!” – Avatar says this sarcastically to Blackwolf right before shooting him.
• Narrator: “The world blew up in a thousand atomic fireballs…” – The opening line sets the stage for the post-apocalyptic fantasy world of the film.

💰Box Office

• Budget: $1.2M
• Domestic Gross: $9M
• Worldwide Gross: $9M

💥 Wizards Reviews

Personal Review

Alright, buckle up, because ‘Wizards’ is a trip! The animation style is unlike anything I’ve ever seen and the story is a bizarre mix of fantasy and war. I went into this movie expecting something totally off the wall, and I got it. The end battle scene blew my mind. I loved every second of the movie!

• Who would enjoy:
  • “Fans of Ralph Bakshi’s other works”
  • “Viewers interested in post-apocalyptic fantasy”
  • “Those who appreciate cult classic animation”
  • “Adults who enjoy thought-provoking animated films”
• Content warnings ⚠:
  • “Fantasy violence”
  • “Nazi imagery”
  • “Suggestive content”
  • “Mature themes”

Professional Reviews

• Variety: “Bakshi’s blend of animation styles and WWII imagery creates a visually jarring experience. While the themes of technology vs. magic are intriguing, the uneven storytelling and bizarre character designs may leave audiences confused.
• The New York Times: “Wizards is a strange, ambitious film, but ultimately falls short of its potential. Bakshi’s artistic vision is evident, but the film’s execution is flawed by a confusing narrative and inconsistent animation quality.
• Los Angeles Times: “A psychedelic, post-apocalyptic fantasy that mixes animation with live-action war footage. Wizards is a visually unique film that explores the dangers of propaganda. Despite its ambition, the film suffers from a disjointed plot and questionable character design.

Audience Reactions

The movie has a cult following for its unique animation and dark themes.: The blending of fantasy and war elements stands out.

The battle between magic and technology resonates with viewers.: The film’s bizarre visuals and thought-provoking themes have cemented its place in cult film history.

Overall Consensus: A cult classic that’s appreciated for its unique animation, dark themes, and blending of fantasy and war.

Awards

🛠️ Behind the Scenes

• “Ralph Bakshi originally conceived of the film as a fantasy based on the Holocaust, but later altered the concept.”
• “The film’s visual style combines traditional animation, rotoscoping, live-action war footage, and still drawings, creating a unique and often jarring aesthetic.”
• “Mark Hamill, who voiced Sean the fairy, was relatively unknown at the time, having just starred in the first ‘Star Wars’ movie.”
• “The budget constraints forced Bakshi to use creative and cost-effective animation techniques, such as re-using animation loops and incorporating stock footage.”

🖥️ How to Watch Wizards?

Wizards (1977) is available for streaming purchase or rental on platforms like Amazon Prime Video and Apple TV. Check local listings for possible broadcast schedules on classic movie channels. Physical copies on Blu-ray and DVD are also readily available online and in retail stores.

🎥 Similar Movies

If you enjoyed Wizards, you might like these similar films:

• Fire and Ice (1983): Another Ralph Bakshi collaboration with Frank Frazetta, sharing a similar blend of fantasy and animation with strong visual style.
• Heavy Metal (1981): An anthology of animated sci-fi and fantasy stories with a dark, adult tone and diverse animation styles.
• The Lord of the Rings (1978): Another Ralph Bakshi animated film that covers dark fantasy with rotoscoping and mature themes.

🛒 Wizards Related Products

• Wizards (Blu-ray): Experience the cult classic in high definition, with restored visuals and audio, plus exclusive bonus features. A must-have for animation and fantasy fans.
• Wizards Movie Poster: A high-quality reproduction of the original theatrical poster, perfect for decorating a home theater or adding a touch of retro cool to any room.
• Wizards: The Art of Ralph Bakshi: Explore the artistic vision behind the film with concept art, storyboards, and behind-the-scenes insights, showcasing Bakshi’s unique approach to animation.
• Blackwolf Action Figure: A detailed collectible figure of the villainous Blackwolf, complete with his signature armor and accessories. A great addition to any collection.

🎧 Soundtrack

Wizards features a captivating soundtrack that enhances the movie’s atmosphere and emotional impact. Here are some notable tracks:

• “Only Time Will Tell” – performed by Susan Anton
• “Soundtrack score” – performed by Andrew Belling

You can find the complete soundtrack on Amazon Music and Apple Music.

🤨 FAQ

🔥 Bonus Content

Avatar vs. Black Wolf

Ever wondered about the twist ending of ‘Wizards’? This video breaks down the iconic final battle and offers a fun, ironic take on how it all wraps up. Honestly, it made me see the ending in a whole new light!

Ralph Bakshi’s Wizards – Religion Scene

Check out this scene from ‘Wizards’ where Bakshi tackles religion head-on. It’s a pretty bold move, and this video gives some cool insight into what he might have been trying to say. I never thought about it this way before!

✨ Rate