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If there was ever to be another movie to bring together young audiences and long time fans, there’s no doubt that it would be the latest film from Illumination Studios, The Super Mario Bros Movie. Contrary to the games, however, the film focuses on Mario and Luigi as they enter a realm unlike anything they’ve ever seen before only to be separated. Mario must enlist the help of the Toads and Princess Peach to find his brother and save the Mushroom Kingdom. Naturally, only one villain stands in their way: Bowser.
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We need to first talk about how incredibly bright and vivid the animation is throughout the entirety of this film. Every moment feels as if the games of our childhood were brought to life in full color, as the audience is drawn deep into the world of Mario. Long time and even casual fans will be happy to spot several easter eggs hidden everywhere. Thankfully, none of these fun little surprises take the focus away from the story and characters. You see a reference, you gasp and laugh about it, and you move on and get back to the story.
Speaking of story, it definitely takes a slight turn away from the traditional storyline of a majority of the games. It’s a short and quick-paced film with just a 92 minute runtime, but it works. We get a simple and linear story, a basis of who the characters are, and the resolution is given within a reasonable timeframe instead of being dragged out like a game that has multiple boss fights. Rather than spending excess amounts of time in several locations that are featured in the games, we instead see montages of worlds which we may hope to see in sequel films. The film knows not to linger in one area for too long and gets back on track to finish the journey.
While there has been a lot of debate about the voice acting choices for the film, it can honestly be said that if you can get past some of the voices, it’s rather enjoyable. Jack Black steals the show, of course, as Bowser with his original song, “Peaches” having gone viral. Keegan Michael Key and Charlie Day are a joy to hear as Toad and Luigi, respectively. Meanwhile, Chris Pratt and Anya Taylor Joy give their best as Mario and Peach but fall just a little flat in the energy that we’re used to seeing with both characters.
As always, animation is for children of all ages, whether you’re 2 or 99. Fans of the game will be pleased to see how well-designed The Super Mario Bros Movie is as well as how much the effort has been put into a movie with such iconic and beloved characters. And even for those who aren’t as familiar with the original source material, regardless of age, the film is still a blast and succeeds in reeling in the audience to join in on the fun. If you haven’t seen it yet, you must-a-go check it out! Watch with your kids, your friends, your family, your partner, or by yourself. You won’t regret it!
Samosa Rating:
The Super Mario Bros Movie receives 4 out of 5 Samosas.
The Super Mario Bros Movie is now playing in theaters.
Runtime: 1h 32m
