Wizard Mode is a documentary film that follows the life of Robert Gagno, a young man with autism who is a world-renowned pinball player. The movie is directed by Nathan Drillot and Jeff Petry, and it was released in 2016. The story of Wizard Mode revolves around Robert's life and his ion for pinball. Robert has been playing pinball since he was a child and has become one of the best players in the world. The film takes the audience on a journey through Robert's struggles with autism and his rise to pinball stardom.
Throughout the movie, we get to see Robert's family and friends, who have been his system throughout his life. His mother Kathy Gagno is a remarkable woman who has played a significant role in Robert's life. She has always encouraged him to follow his ion, and her unwavering is evident in every part of the movie.
The documentary also focuses on the competitive side of pinball and the community that has formed around it. We get to see Robert compete in various tournaments across North America and witness his stunning victories. The film does an excellent job of capturing the atmosphere of these events and the camaraderie among players.
One of the most remarkable things about Wizard Mode is how it portrays Robert's autism. The film does not shy away from showing the challenges that Robert faces every day because of his condition. At times, the audience gets a glimpse of the struggles that Robert has with expressing himself and socializing with others. However, the film also shows how his ion for pinball has helped him find a way to connect with the world around him.
The movie's title comes from a feature of some pinball machines where players can enter a special mode that can give them a tremendous advantage in the game. Robert has an incredible ability to enter this mode almost at will during a game, and this is what makes him such an exceptional player.
Wizard Mode is a heartwarming and inspiring film that will leave you rooting for Robert and his family. The movie's pacing is excellent, and the editing is masterful. The documentary features interviews with Robert's family and friends, as well as other pinball players, which provides a broad perspective on his life.
Overall, Wizard Mode is an excellent documentary that captures the essence of Robert's journey with autism and his love of pinball. It is a must-watch for anyone who loves documentaries or has an interest in autism, pinball, or both. The movie's message is clear: we should all follow our ions, no matter what challenges we face in life.
Wizard Mode is a 2016 documentary with a runtime of 1 hour and 37 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 6.9.