‘The Super Mario Bros. Movie’ Review

Nintendo has left their 1993 live-action movie adaptation of the Super Mario Bros. franchise behind them due to the film being a critical and commercial failure. The failure of the movie made Nintendo swear off the major motion picture business for the foreseeable future. However, after some time has passed, Nintendo is ready to dip their toes back into adapting their properties for non-interactive media, starting once again with their biggest IP.

Collaborating with Illumination's Chris Meledandri and series creator Shigeru Miyamoto, the hype for the new Super Mario Bros. movie is considerable, with the release set for 2023. The team behind the movie has done an excellent job with the new movie adaptation, and it is sure to win over fans of the game series.

The casting of Chris Pratt as Mario raised eyebrows, and many people were concerned about the prioritization of celebrity voice actors over veteran voice talent. However, Pratt steps into the role with his recognizable charm, and his affable Brooklyn plumber is about as good an adaptation of the character as you can hope for. Charlie Day as Luigi is even better, and the pair is lovingly translated into another medium.

Mario and Luigi get sucked into a portal via a mysterious pipe and are separated. Mario is spit out in the Mushroom Kingdom, a gorgeous world populated by Mushroom-like Humanoids known as Toads ruled over by the benevolent Princess Peach. Anya Taylor-Joy plays Princess Peach, injecting Peach's requisite grace with a bit of spunk. The Mushroom Kingdom is a lush world, bathed in near-photorealistic lighting that stupendously highlights the lively character designs.

The rich worlds are populated by a myriad of wacky creatures. Jack Black is pitch-perfect as the big bad villain Bowser, who holds Luigi captive and sets his sights on the Mushroom Kingdom to ask for Peach's hand in marriage. Keegan Michael-Key is also perfect as firecracker sidekick Toad, and it's a real treat to hear Seth Rogen and Fred Armisen steal a variety of scenes as Donkey and Cranky Kong, respectively.

The script from Matthew Fogle takes Mario on an unbelievably entertaining tour through these worlds and characters at a breakneck pace. Running at 93 minutes, the pace can often feel constraining, allowing less time for moments to breathe with characters who are well-developed enough to deserve those moments. Action is prioritized, which isn't necessarily a bad thing whenever the action sequences land this well.

Some of the most exhilarating action set pieces this side of The Adventures of Tintin and Puss in Boots: The Last Wish, The Super Mario Bros. Movie captures the momentum and the moment-to-moment obstacle avoidance of the Nintendo games in such sequences as Mario and Peach training on a makeshift course, a show-stopping smackdown with Donkey Kong, and a climactic Kart Race that plays with gravity in clever ways.

Although The Super Mario Bros. Movie mostly trusts in the story it's telling, it can't help but slip in some of the most grating hallmarks of the House of Minions. There are a couple of moments where those phenomenal action sequences are interrupted for cheap slapstick, or rude humor creeps its way in. The worst offenders by far are some head-scratching needle drops of popular music. This is especially off-putting when the score for the film by Brian Tyler already beautifully weaves in the original game themes by Koji Kondo. It takes one out of the world of the movie and bows to the worst trends of family-oriented animation.

Nevertheless, that's more of a misstep than a game over. The Super Mario Bros. Movie is clearly made by legacy of the games and the characters that have become cultural touchstones, but it’s also a genuinely enjoyable movie in its own right. The script takes risks, adds depth to familiar characters, and delivers a satisfying conclusion that stays true to the spirit of the franchise. It’s clear that everyone involved in the project wanted to make something special, something that could stand on its own while also honoring its source material. And they’ve succeeded.

It’s worth noting that, like the games themselves, The Super Mario Bros. Movie is a family-friendly affair. It’s appropriate for kids and adults alike, and it’s the kind of movie that will leave a smile on your face long after the credits have rolled. In fact, it’s hard not to get caught up in the sheer joy of it all. From the beautifully realized worlds to the lovable characters to the thrilling action, this is a movie that’s as fun to watch as it is impressive in its execution.

All in all, The Super Mario Bros. Movie is a triumph. It’s a testament to the enduring appeal of the Mario franchise, and it’s a showcase for what can be achieved when talented filmmakers are given the freedom to create something truly special. Fans of the games will find plenty to love here, but even those who have never picked up a controller will be charmed by the wit, heart, and excitement of this delightful movie. For Nintendo, it’s a welcome return to the world of non-interactive media, and for audiences, it’s a delightful trip through one of gaming’s most beloved universes.

Nonetheless, it's not a game over, but rather a misstep. The creators of The Super Mario Bros. Movie are clearly passionate and knowledgeable about the long-lasting popularity of the video games, and they have added numerous subtle Easter eggs that could be viewed as standalone short films. However, the film is more than just a nostalgic trip down memory lane. The beloved character's big-screen comeback is a proud tribute to his allure. With breathtaking visuals, an engaging voice cast, and a spirit of adventure, The Super Mario Bros. Movie takes the video game adaptation to new heights that were only dreamed of by young gamers who played the original game in the 1980s. Nintendo, you have outdone yourself.

The Super Mario Bros. Movie hits theaters April 5!