Published: April 13, 2023 Author: JasonDarkX2 Category: Reviews
Throwing my 2 coins into the hat on the Super Mario Bros. Movie by Illumination that was released in theatres on April 5, 2023. Much to my initials dismay from the impression I got from the very first trailer of Chris Pratt voicing Mario instead of Charles Martinet way back in 2022. Had me going into the movie, with low expectations. While the movie didn’t disappoint nor excite me. It was certainly a good time.
Without spoiling too much of the movie, if you have watched any of the trailers/preview leading up to the release of the movie you’ve already seen like 28% of the movie. The only major plot elements you’ll be getting by watching the full movie is Bowser actual motives, which in turns out to the main joke of the plot. Followed with the ultimate reason Mario doesn’t sound like an Italian American if you paid attention during the first Act of the movie.
Afterwards, the movie plot abandons fleshing out the Mario Bros. relationship in Brooklyn, when they are separated while on the job. That’s it for the “Bros” portion ends as Luigi largely sits on the sidelines. The plot then turns into an adventure about Mario, Peach, and Toad. It’s evident that there were significant plot changes in production, as how quickly it flows from one situation to another. Honestly an extra 30 minutes would’ve helped it better pace some of the plot elements. But still impressed that manage fill so much in such short time frame of 90 minutes.
But the modest use of licensed music like AC/DC - Thunderstruck makes it known that this is a Super Mario Cinematic Universe (MCU) styled movie and not a representation of the original video game version of Mario's story. Whereas the movie soundtrack was alright, but largely forgettable. Aside from iconic Super Mario music scores were appropriately used throughout the movie.
Story wises the movie intriguingly does a good job of giving a group of characters who rarely spoke in their video game counterpart a plethora of likeable personalities. Most evidently the role switch of Princess Peach damsel in distress to a fearless leader, that manages to work well without step on any boundaries. Which balances itself out when Mario took the initiative midway through the movie and once again saving the day.
Outstanding performance by Jack Black as Bowser, solidified him to voice Bowser from now on, was amused when Bowser sung. Followed by Keegan-Michael Key as Toad, who voice a convincing manly Toad who’s all around your Homie. Whereas Seth Rogan, Donkey Kong was bit rough around the edges. Thankfully, Mario voiced by Chris Pratt was more refined in the final film compared to the initial trailer. In which that one offending line was never present in the movie. By the end of the movie, I was fine with Mario and Luigi voices. Although I still miss that Italian accent Mario Bros.
Overall, the movie was a good experience in my opinions. My biggest main complain would’ve been that it was ended too quickly. Making it felt like a TV sized first episode of something spectacular. Ultimately, I’d recommend skipping the theatres and wait for the digital release to watch it from the comfort of your home. Then playing some Super Mario aftewards.
The Good:
- Cute,colourful, and actually funny,
- Jack Black performance as Bowser.
- Characters have likable personalities.
The Bad:
- Too Short.
- Some elements of plot moved too quickly.
- Seth Rogan DK wasn't up to par.
Tags:
Movie Review,
Nintendo