The Reel Schmooze on 'Wizards': Does animated 1977 art film belong in the canon, or in the geniza?

The Reel Schmooze on 'Wizards': Does animated 1977 art film belong in the canon, or in the geniza?

Author: The Times of Israel August 15, 2026 Duration: 38:30

Welcome to The Reel Schmooze with ToI film reviewer Jordan Hoffman and host Amanda Borschel-Dan, where we bring you all the entertainment news and film reviews a Jew can use.

This week, we spend the entire episode on Haifa-born iconic animator Ralph Bakshi's 1977 sci-fi adventure, "Wizards."

Distributed by 20th Century-Fox, the loose premise sets the film about 5,000 years in the future, following a World War III that left Earth so full of radiation to split humanity into fairy-type creatures and mutants.

The majority of the raunchy ride builds up to a battle between twin brothers -- two wizards who represent magic or technology.

Definitely not a kids' flick, the animation is violent and emphasizes several female fairies' -- ahem -- assets.

Hoffman delves deeply into why this is a foundational film and explains the ongoing resonance of Bakshi's work. Borschel-Dan is much less impressed.

Let’s hear who gave this film an “oy,” “meh” or the prized “not bad” this week on The Reel Schmooze.

The Reel Schmooze is produced by Ari Schlacht and can be found wherever you get your podcasts.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.


Each morning, The Times of Israel Daily Briefing cuts through the noise to deliver essential context on the stories shaping Israel and the wider region. Produced by the seasoned journalists of The Times of Israel, this podcast provides more than just headlines; it offers grounded analysis and on-the-ground perspective that listeners won't find in a standard news bulletin. You'll hear directly from reporters and editors who live the story, discussing the political, security, and social developments that matter most. The conversation naturally extends to the broader Middle East and issues affecting Jewish communities worldwide, making sense of complex events with clarity and depth. Tune in for a concise, authoritative briefing that respects your time and intelligence, turning the day's most pressing news into understandable narrative. This is where informed listening begins, a trusted audio resource for anyone seeking a reliable, nuanced understanding of a dynamic and often misunderstood part of the world.
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