The Super Mario Bros. movie brings the classic video game to life with nostalgia, humor, and visually stunning action sequences. While the film may play it safe with a basic storyline and familiar characters, it delivers on entertainment value for both die-hard Nintendo fans and newcomers alike.
Nostalgia Overload
The film opens with a barrage of references to the Mario universe, from the Punch-Out! characters on the wall to the adorably fatalistic Lumalee from Mario Galaxy. While some may find the constant nods to the source material overwhelming, for the most part, the nostalgia is deployed with skill and charm. The adoration for the franchise is apparent throughout the film, and it’s easy to see that the filmmakers are fans of the original material.
Basic Storyline, but Well-Executed
The plot is straightforward: Mario and Luigi, two Brooklyn plumbers, find themselves transported to the Mushroom Kingdom, where they must rescue Luigi from Bowser’s clutches and save the kingdom from the villain’s nefarious plans. While there are no major creative risks taken, the script is filled with enough humor and references to keep the audience entertained. The film doesn’t try to be anything deeper than a fun adventure flick, and it succeeds in that regard.
Memorable Action Sequences
Where the Super Mario Bros. movie truly shines is in its action sequences. The filmmakers show off plenty of visual flair, such as an early scene in Brooklyn that rotates into a 2D chase sequence. But the standout moment is undoubtedly the Mario Kart Rainbow Road sequence, which is both thrilling and visually stunning. The action is well-choreographed, and the special effects are impressive.
A Talented Voice Cast
While there were some initial concerns about Chris Pratt voicing Mario, his performance is fine, and he delivers the likable everyman quality that the character requires. The rest of the voice cast is equally solid, with Seth Rogen playing Donkey Kong as a typical Seth Rogen character, and Jack Black bringing his signature energy to the role of Bowser. Anya Taylor-Joy is a standout as Princess Peach, bringing a charming effervescence to the role.
Verdict
Overall, the Super Mario Bros. movie is a fun, nostalgia-filled adventure flick that should appeal to both fans of the video game franchise and newcomers alike. While the film may not take any major creative risks, it delivers on entertainment value, with humor, action, and stunning visuals. The nostalgia may be overwhelming for some, but it’s clear that the filmmakers had a genuine love for the source material. In short, the Super Mario Bros. movie is “fine,” but in this case, “fine” is more than enough.
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