The Super Mario Bros Movie (2023)

 

No one actually expected Nintendo to change their mind in letting one of their IP's be made into a film again. The reason? The pretty divisive and bizarre (yet still fascinating) outing that was the previous time the tried to adapt the Mario Bros into a live action film. That one is a trainwreck, but an entertaining one. But as it flopped - hard - Nintendo no longer wanted anything to do with the wonderful world of cinema.

Until now, that is.

And you know what? This one might play it a little safe and might be a little filled with nostalgiabait/references, but it is a damn good time. Mainly for kids, but adults like yours truly who spent way too many hours playing 'Super Mario Bros 3' will find plenty to enjoy as well. 

The story here actually follows the game rather closely. Mario and Luigi are plumbers from New York who one day get sucked down a strange pipe and end up in another dimension. Luigi in the Dark Lands, Mario in the Mushroom Kingdom. Mario wants to save his brother and seeks out the help of Princess Peach, who has issues of her own. See, the menacingly massive turtle Bowser is annihilating realms and is heading to the Mushroom Kingdom because he wants Peach's hand in marriage.

That sort of explains the fact that she always gets kidnapped by Bowser in the games. Sort of.

To stand a chance against Bowser's might, Peach and Mario first need to enlist the help of the Kong army, which means convincing Donkey Kong to bring the army. They use karts by the way, so here come many winks and nods to 'Mario Kart'. 

Yes, even 'Rainbow Road'. 

So if you want to complain about the plot being threadbare: you would absolutely be correct. There never was much story in the games anyway, so they made the best they could with what was given. It still ends up being a pretty fun ride, though. It's actually quite impressive to see how many references they managed to cram in: there's musical cues and stings, level specific blocks and items, maps... You name it, it's probably in here somewhere. 

The voice acting is fine. I know people made a fuss about Chris Pratt doing Mario, but he's fine. The Internet is often wrong. But the two standouts are Jack Black and Anya-Taylor Joy. They are by far the best thing about this film. Jack Black bring his legendary energy to Bowser, switching between creepily menacing and hilariously funny, whereas miss Joy sounds like she's having a blast from start to finish.

Also cool that they made Peach an absolute badass instead of the constant 'damsel in distress'. Nice touch.

So you get what you expect, but it is a lot more fun than a first glance would give away. More so if you happen to enjoy the games of this franchise. Give it a go. 

Wa-hoo!