Name: The Super Mario Bros. Movie
Genre: Family, Comedy, Adventure, Fantasy
Released: 2023-04-05T00:00:00+00:00
Cast: Chris Pratt, Anya Taylor-Joy, Charlie Day, Jack Black, Keegan-Michael Key

The opening shot of The Super Mario Bros. Movie is a close-up of Chris Pratt’s Mario eyes widening as he tumbles down a warp pipe, and it’s this moment of pure, unfiltered wonder that sets the tone for the film’s ambitions. Directed by Aaron Horvath and Michael Jelenic, this animated adventure aims to translate Nintendo’s iconic video game franchise into a cinematic experience that balances nostalgia with broad appeal.

The film follows Mario (Pratt) and Luigi (Charlie Day), Italian-American plumbers who get sucked into another world after fixing a water main in Brooklyn. This premise sets up the central conflict: Mario must embark on an epic quest to find his brother while navigating the war between the Mushroom Kingdom and Bowser’s Dark Lands. The story is straightforward, but it’s the execution that matters, and here, The Super Mario Bros. Movie delivers in spades.

What works best about The Super Mario Bros. Movie is its commitment to sheer, unadulterated fun. The film embraces the chaotic energy of the games, particularly in its action sequences. One standout moment is when Mario battles Donkey Kong using the Cat Suit. This set piece blends fluid animation with the playful physics of the source material, creating a visual feast. Mario’s agile movements and Donkey Kong’s brute strength create a dynamic dance of power and strategy. The sequence is a microcosm of the film’s strengths: it’s visually engaging, faithful to the games, and packed with energy.

The voice cast brings these characters to life in unexpected ways. Chris Pratt’s Mario is a perfect blend of heroism and humor, capturing the essence of the character while adding his own spin. Anya Taylor-Joy’s Princess Peach, however, feels underutilized. Despite her leadership role in the Mushroom Kingdom, she often serves as little more than a damsel in distress. Her potential as a strong, independent leader is sidelined, leaving her character arc feeling incomplete.

Charlie Day’s Luigi is a standout performance. He brings a relatable vulnerability to the character, making Luigi’s fear and determination resonate with audiences. His dynamic with Mario feels authentic, grounded in the sibling rivalry and love that defines their relationship. This emotional core elevates the film, giving it depth beyond its surface-level adventure.

Jack Black’s Bowser steals every scene he’s in. His voice work is a perfect blend of menacing and comedic, imbuing the character with a larger-than-life presence. Black makes Bowser both terrifying and hilarious, a villain who commands attention without resorting to one-dimensional evil. His performance is a highlight, bringing depth to what could have been a straightforward antagonist.

The soundtrack plays a crucial role in enhancing the film’s emotional beats and action sequences. Reimagined versions of Koji Kondo’s classic themes add an emotional layer that elevates key moments. The music swells during pivotal scenes, such as Mario’s training montage with Peach, creating a sense of grandeur and importance. The soundtrack is a testament to the film’s attention to detail, blending nostalgia with innovation.

However, the film stumbles when it tries to ground its story in deeper themes. The attempt to explore Mario and Luigi’s relationship with their father feels tacked on, a half-hearted effort to add emotional weight where none is needed. This subplot disrupts the film’s momentum, pulling focus away from the adventure at hand. The film’s pacing also falters in its third act, rushing through Bowser’s defeat and the resolution of the conflict between the Mushroom Kingdom and the Dark Lands. The climax feels rushed, lacking the build-up and tension that would make it truly satisfying. This hurried conclusion undermines the film’s emotional payoff, leaving viewers with a sense of unfinished business.

The film’s visual style is a major strength. The animation is vibrant and detailed, capturing the whimsical world of the Mushroom Kingdom with precision. The use of color is particularly noteworthy, with each kingdom having its own distinct palette that enhances the storytelling. The design of the characters stays faithful to their game counterparts while adding cinematic depth.

The Super Mario Bros. Movie is a film that prioritizes nostalgia over innovation, fun over depth. It’s clear who this film is for: fans of the games, families looking for a lighthearted adventure, and anyone who enjoys vibrant animation and humor. The film’s strengths lie in its visual spectacle and voice performances, particularly Jack Black’s Bowser. However, its weaknesses—rushed pacing, underdeveloped themes, and sidelined characters—prevent it from rising above its source material.

In the end, The Super Mario Bros. Movie is a vibrant, entertaining spectacle but fails to transcend its origins.