For over 30 years, there has not been a more iconic video game character than Nintendo’s Mario. The diminutive plumber and his brother Luigi have spanned games of all genres, and despite a disastrous 1993 live-action film attempt, have continued to be immensely popular. Here in 2023, the brothers finally get another life on the big screen.
Mario (Chris Pratt), and his brother Luigi (Charlie Day), are whisked out of Brooklyn and land in the Mushroom Kingdom, which is under threat from Bowser (Jack Black). The brothers are separated, and Mario teams up with Princess Peach (Anya Taylor-Joy), and Toad (Keegan-Michael Kay), to find his brother and save the kingdom.
If the plot seems simple and familiar, it is. Directed by Aaron Horvath and Michael Jelenic, THE SUPER MARIO BROS. MOVIE takes inspiration from fantasy-based films such as THE WIZARD OF OZ and TOY STORY: fall into a new world, get what you need, and find a way home. The film is simple and brisk, and has very little patience in getting things moving. The script is tight to a fault with character conflict and complexities kept to a bare minimum. It’s functional, but thin.
But SUPER MARIO BROS. is balanced out by its commitment to being a movie based on one or more video games. This is the Nintendo-verse, and the film is loaded with easter eggs and references to Mario’s past and the Nintendo archival catalog. Nearly every frame has a reference for nerds and non-nerds to recognize and makes for a fun hunt. The items to be found not only serve as eye-candy, but serve purpose in the plot. It’s an easter egg hunt that actually matters.
Mario’s search for his brother coincides with the Princess’ quest to save her kingdom, and this leads to several fun action sequences. A duel between Mario and Donkey Kong is a blast, as is a Kart chase (!). In a fun homage, some scenes are done in a clever and classic side-scrolling shot…once again sticking to its video game roots.
Acting is a blast as the entire cast seems to be having fun behind the scenes. Chris Pratt is perfect as Mario, and Charlie Day equally matched with Luigi. Jack Black is unrecognizable behind Bowser, and Seth Rogen is a delight as Donkey Kong. Anya Taylor-Joy is great as Princess Peach.
With a brisk running time of 90 minutes and its easy-to-digest plot, THE SUPER MARIO BROS. MOVIE does not have the weight of an upper-tier Pixar film and instead aims much lower. But those of us who have smashed controllers for 30 years trying to beat Bowser in a duel or a race will find much to enjoy. The 1993 film may have killed the MARIO franchise at the movies for a time, but now he gets his 1UP.
BOTTOM LINE: See it
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