Wizard-8 Normally I don't bother with kid-oriented movies such as this, but I decided to watch this one because it was directed (and co-written) by William Sachs, whose previous movies have been mainly R-rated exploitation fare for adults. This sudden change in pace for Sachs may explain some of the problems in the finished product. The movie is somewhat too goofy for the most part, enough that even kids may be annoyed by the movie's low mentality. The story is pretty slow and stretched out (there are far too many plot threads), though oddly there are some moments here and there where footage seems to be missing. Also, the relatively low budget may explain why the movie often looks and feels like a television effort made for a network like Nickelodeon. On the other hand, the end product does have some strengths. Ben Kingsley, as expected, gives a professional performance. He helps to make his character a multi-dimensional person and not a stereotype. And the scenes where he is paired up with child actor Matt Weinberg (who plays the orphan boy Max) generate some great chemistry. In fact, this part of the movie - the relationship between these two people - is without doubt the strongest part of the movie. I think the movie would have been a lot better had it instead focused on that aforementioned part of the movie instead of adding all that padding and juvenile nonsense. As it is, the movie is best suited for young kids only. Their parents, on the other hand, should have some reading material on hand.

Woodyanders Mysterious reclusive magician the Great Zamboni (an excellent performance by Ben Kingsley) and his pet jaguar Shadow reside by themselves in the Spooky House, an old mansion that's rigged with magic tricks and hidden chambers. Young orphan Max (an appealing portrayal by Max Weinberg) attempts to befriend the gruff and unsociable Zamboni. When a trio of bullies who work for eccentric local crime queen Boss (robustly essayed with lip-smacking hammy relish by Mercedes Ruehl) chase Max and his friends into the Spooky House on Halloween, a night of hilarious magic and amazing illusions ensues. Director William Sachs, who also co-wrote the pleasant script with his wife Margaret, relates the entertaining at a brisk pace, maintains a winning good-natured tone throughout, offers plenty of amusingly goofy and inoffensive humor, and neatly evokes a playful ooga-booga Halloween atmosphere. However, it's the relationship that develops between Max and Zamboni that gives this film a tremendous amount of heart and warmth, thereby making it quite special and moving (the upbeat ending in particular is simply lovely). Jason Fuchs, Ronald Joshua Scott, Simon Baker, and Chaz Monet do solid and engaging work as Max's loyal friends. A pre-"Ginger Snaps" Katharine Isabelle has a ball as mean head bully Mona. The groovy soundtrack, Thomas Burstyn's sharp cinematography, and Gary Schyman's lively score are all up to par. A nice little movie.

ronaldklein1 I saw this movie as a member of the Adult Jury of the festival that awarded it the Best of the Festival prize. I was surprised that it won an award because it was not very clever, and had nothing of interest in the story. It is a film for children aged 3-5, it has colorful costumes and an animal. as i watched it i felt that it was condescending towards its audience. I thought of it as a box of candy on screen, nothing to interest or even challenge the minds of the kids who would be watching it, just something sweet to keep them happy for an hour or so. Considering the quality of the other feature films shown in the festival I was at a loss to understand how it came to win. And what motivated Ben Kinglsey to star in it.

suecooper69 A cracking film for all ages, but in particular for the youngsters, I think they'll love it. Lots of terrific magic tricks, a little bit of (mild) horror and a great Spooky House setting too. Ben Kingsley is excellent playing the part of the Great Zamboni, as is little Matt Weinberg as orphan Max. It's not just illusions and hocus pocus horror though, there's a nice heart warming story along with it. Definitely worth a look.