Movie Review - The Super Mario Bros. Movie

 

Well after so long waiting, Nintendo has finally returned to the big screen. Yes you heard me right, this is not the first time Nintendo have had a film in the cinemas. But we don't talk about that particular film. So this film came about when Mario creator Shigeru Miyamoto expressed interest in doing another Mario film. Something of which came about when Nintendo were working on the Virtual Console line up of games and also during the development of Super Nintendo World at Universal theme parks. Miyamoto met with the head of Illumination Chris Meledandri whose process of making films, was very similar to Miyamoto's process of making video games. Thus, a Mairo film was being worked on and this is the end result. A questionable cast and critics not being sure of what to say about it, has made this film be at odds with fans. But then again, it to me comes across as a film not to be taken seriously and just one to have fun with. So Let's-A'Go:

In a universe unlike our own, king of the Koopas and ruler of the Dark Lands Bowser (voiced by Jack Black), comes into possession of the Super Star upon laying waste to the Ice Kingdom. Hell bent on taking over his universe, his plans for domination become threatened when two plumber brothers from Brooklyn, New York, arrive. One of them being Mario (voiced by Chris Pratt) who is on a quest to save his brother Luigi (voiced by Charlie Day) with the help of a courageous Toad (voiced by Keegan Michael Key) and the ruler of the Mushroom Kingdom Princess Peach (voiced by Anya Taylor-Joy), the latter of whom Bowser wants to marry. The trio set off on a quest to save Luigi and stop Bowser, while making some familiar allies along the way.

The film, overall, may not be perfect. But it is pretty fun. It's full of Easter eggs and references to the franchise, and while it does miss out a few key characters (presumably being saved for potential sequels), the characters it does use, are well voiced even if the development is lacking. It does feature some pop songs that are placed very randomly, and the score has some very familiar themes for fans like myself. Honestly, this is the Mario film I envisioned seeing, and I like how Illumination just did their own thing and not be restricted to what is canon in the franchise. A well-made Nintendo film finally and hopefully not the last one ever. 8/10