[Rhod the Red]

I like the portrayal of Gandalf as the 'subtle' kind of wizard.

So the most magic he can do is 'Word of Command' to hold
fast doors, a light from his staff in night time and sometimes
produce fire (but requires wood, logically).

The hint of something powerful but hesitant and encouraging
YOU to do your bit, that's the most interesting kind of wizard.

There's only like one or two other versions of wizards/sorcerers
in fantasy and it gets overused that they lose their 'aura' as it
were. Once read a snappy response post in a You Tube clip on the matter,
like that 'Gandalf was a kick *** wizard and he didn't need regular
special effects to win the day'.

Revealing the back story, etc, I think helps in that way. Because
the non-reader watching the PJ films do ask, like on the internet,
or complain 'he doesn't do much!' Nor does it make much sense that
a 'wizard' with an array of magical powers swoops in and zaps the story
to a quick end. Like the Sonic Screwdriver in Doctor Who, combat
magic is like a 'Get Out of Jail Free card'. Lol! You can't have it much
otherwise the story moves too fast and the character has it too easy.