Here we go!
Super Mario Bros. has been leveling up for 37 years since its debut in 1985. The infamous video game franchise gained recognition for its innovative gameplay introducing the scrolling screen that allowed players to control Mario’s movement from left to right, not to mention its addictive soundtrack that remains a cultural classic, instantly recognizable and deeply ingrained in popular culture today.
The success of Super Mario Bros. has led Nintendo to become the industry leader it is today, with an ardent fanbase that spans generations. Adapting the game to the big screen was no easy feat. Still, screenwriter Matthew Fogel and directors Aaron Horvath and Michael Jelenic crafted a story that appeals to old and new players while finding a way to invigorate the film with the same fun and heart that’s felt when playing the actual game. The Super Mario Bros. Movie is a lighthearted adventure, welling with vibrancy, amusement, nostalgia, and Lumalee — a treat that the whole family can enjoy.
Mario (Chris Pratt; Guardians of the Galaxy franchise) and Luigi (Charlie Day; It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia) have started their own business and are determined to be the best plumbers Brooklyn has ever had. Their family doesn’t believe in their dream, but Mario believes that anything is possible with his brother by his side. After shooting their first commercial, in which they return to their Italian roots —accent and all, they finally get their first plumbing job.
The job doesn’t quite go as planned, which leaves Mario feeling a bit discouraged until the city’s water main breaks, and he ropes Luigi in to help him fix it. They’ll become Brooklyn’s heroes if they can fix the city’s water main. While working underground, they encounter a mysterious pipe that transports them into a magical world. Mario lands in the Mushroom Kingdom, while Luigi lands in the Dark Lands. Mario links up with Toad (Keegan-Michael Key; Schmigadoon), Princess Peach (Anya Taylor-Joy; The Menu), and Donkey Kong (Seth Rogen; The Fabelmans) to embark on a journey to rescue Luigi and liberate the kingdom from the rule of Bowser (Jack Black; Jumanji).
In the video game, Mario is always dropped into a world where there’s a situation going on that he has to help fix. That’s why I found the simplicity of this story so refreshing. It didn’t need to be complicated. We didn’t need a Mario backstory; we needed to jump right into the action, which is what happens. Here, once again, Mario is dropped into a battle and helps Princess Peach liberate the Mushroom Kingdom from Bowser’s rule. Taylor-Joy is a wonderful Princess Peach. And unlike in the game, this princess can definitely take care of herself. She’s a brave defender worthy of her crown.
Mario and Luigi have iconic voices in the video game, but they weren’t missed here. Somehow, the creators found a way to invigorate the film with so much life that those small details didn’t affect the overall experience. There were so many nods to various Nintendo games that the bare-bones script was hardly noticed. This film is definitely for kids. The pacing is quick, which is great for keeping tiny watchers invested for the entire movie, which is a succinct 92 minutes.
The standout performance really goes to Jack Black. Another unsung hero of Hollywood, Black’s exuberance and zest is felt through his vocal performance as Bowser. He fully embodied an evil tyrant with a spikey exterior who wielded power to hide his insecure interior that longed to be loved and writes romantic songs on his piano in his spare time. Yes — we get a Jack Black song, too.
Audiences will find themselves fueled with the same adrenaline they feel while playing the games. There are twists and turns that make it completely impossible to guess where the story will go next. Easter eggs abound! We glimpse Luigi’s Mansion, GameCube nods, Super Mario 64, and so much more.
The Super Mario Bros. Movie is a love letter to all who love the game. It fuses the love of the game with the characters we’ve fought and rescued throughout the years. You can close your eyes, listen to the soundtrack, and be right back in the living room, blowing air in your game cartridge to get it to work. The film’s veins run with the essence of the ’80s featuring hits like Beastie Boys’ “No Sleep Til Brooklyn” or Bonnie Tyler’s “Holding Out for a Hero.”
This movie is for the fans. If you’re not familiar with Mario, you may not appreciate the effort put into the film to honor its legacy. But if you’ve ever played any of the Super Mario games, you’re in for a treat. Wahoo!
The Super Mario Bros. Movie is now playing in theaters.
Rating: 4 out of 5 stars
Other Articles
[…] For example, there is ambiguity in the relationship between Furiosa (now played by Anya Taylor-Joy; The Super Mario Bros. Movie) and Praetorian Jack, (Tom Burke; The Lazarus Project), commander of the Citadel’s war rig […]