Super Mario Bros Movie Review: You know those moments in life when you see something that makes you feel like a kid again? That’s how I felt watching the Super Mario Bros movie. As a lifelong fan of the Mario games, I was skeptical about this movie, but I must admit it exceeded my expectations.
Directed by the talented duo behind Teen Titans Go, the movie follows Mario as he ventures to the Mushroom Kingdom to save his brother Luigi from the clutches of the evil Bowser. Now, I know what you’re thinking – this is just another shameless cash grab by Hollywood. And, well, you’re not wrong. But it’s also an entertaining movie that captures the spirit of the games in a way that’s sure to delight fans of all ages.
Let’s start with the good stuff. The voice cast is excellent, with Charlie Day as Luigi and Jack Black as Bowser stealing the show. Anya Taylor Joy is also fantastic as Peach, and Chris Pratt as Mario, while controversial, does a solid job of bringing the beloved character to life. It’s no easy feat to take a character who only says a little in the games and turn him into a believable movie protagonist, but Pratt manages to make it work.
The movie is also chock-full of references and Easter eggs for fans of the games. From power-ups like the Fire Flower and the Super Leaf to locations like Yoshi’s Island and Isle Delfino, there’s plenty here to make any Mario fan grin from ear to ear. And while the story isn’t groundbreaking, it’s a serviceable plot that serves as a vehicle for the characters and the action.
Let’s address the elephant in the room – is this a great film? No, it’s not. It won’t win any Oscars or change the face of cinema as we know it. But that’s not the point. The point is to have fun; this movie delivers on that front. It’s a breezy, entertaining romp through the Mushroom Kingdom that’s sure to leave a smile on your face.
As someone who grew up playing the Mario games, I appreciated the attention to detail that went into the movie. From the way Mario jumps to the sound effects of the coins, everything felt faithful to the source material. And while there are some creative liberties taken with the story and characters, it all feels like it’s in service of creating a fun, engaging movie.
In conclusion, if you’re a fan of the Mario games, you’ll enjoy this movie. It’s not a masterpiece but a fun way to spend an afternoon, making you feel like a kid again. And hey, if this movie does well, we’ll finally get that Metroid or Zelda movie we’ve all been dreaming of. A guy can dream, can’t he?
