The Wizard

Two years ago, Jimmy's twin sister, Jennifer, tragically drowned in the Green River. This devastating event leads to Jimmy suffering from a serious mental disorder, isolating him from the world around him.

In the aftermath of Jennifer's death, the Woods family is fractured. Jimmy lives with his mother, Christine, and his stepfather, while his brothers Corey and Nick reside with their father Sam.

Due to his ongoing struggles, Jimmy is placed in an institution where his condition is monitored. However, this only further alienates him from his family and his aspirations.

Corey, determined to help his brother, orchestrates a daring breakout from the institution. Together, the pair begins their journey to California, a place Jimmy dreams of going.

Christine and her husband hire Putnam, a shady bounty hunter, to retrieve Jimmy. Putnam's competing interests lead to a chaotic chase as he seeks to capture the boys.

While on the run, Corey and Jimmy meet Haley, a girl traveling to Reno. She learns of Jimmy's incredible video game skills, dubbing him 'the Wizard' and persuading them to enter a tournament for a cash prize.

The trio starts hitchhiking to Los Angeles, hustling people out of money by demonstrating Jimmy’s video game prowess along the way. Their journey becomes a test of their friendship and determination.

Upon arriving in Reno, they meet Lucas Barton, a confident gamer boasting about his Power Glove. Lucas also intends to enter the video game tournament, ramping up the competition.

With help from a truck driver named Spanky, the group utilizes their gambling winnings to train Jimmy at local arcades. They focus on honing his skills on Nintendo PlayChoice-10 machines.

As the tournament draws near, Putnam manages to track down the boys, capturing and releasing Jimmy in a series of frantic encounters. This adds tension to their goal of competing.

At Universal Studios Hollywood, Jimmy competes in the 'Video Armageddon' tournament. He engages in a preliminary round of Ninja Gaiden, securing a spot in the finals.

During the final round of the tournament, Jimmy faces off against Lucas and another finalist in Super Mario Bros. 3, a game yet to be released in the U.S. This moment is a culmination of his journey.

In an exhilarating finish, Jimmy discovers a Warp Whistle that helps him win the tournament moments before time runs out. His victory earns him the $50,000 cash prize, showcasing his talent.

On their way home, the family stops at the Cabazon Dinosaurs. Here, Jimmy leaves a cherished picture of Jennifer in one of the dinosaurs, symbolizing his desire to connect with her memory.

As they prepare to head home, Haley shares a bittersweet farewell with Jimmy, kissing him gently on the cheek. This moment marks the end of their adventures and a budding friendship.