The Super Mario Bros Movie [2023]

August 28, 2024

The only reason why I’m writing about this movie is because I want to convince those who thought it was going to be a cheap cash grab to still check it out. The Super Mario Bros Movie is a well-crafted, genuinely funny, and intelligent video game adaptation. Considering just how basic the original story is I found it immensely surprising that they were able to create this whole new world out of it. It’s vibrant, colorful, and just so damn fun. And if you played the video games, you’ll like it even more. Like all modern animated movies, The Super Mario Bros Movie is not just a movie for kids but also for adults. I’m fucking forty years old and I freaking loved it.

Although you might argue that I’m the perfect viewer as I’ve been with this franchise since I was a kid. And yes, in case you’re wondering, I did play the original video game when it came out. I spent countless hours playing it since I basically had no other games at that time. When I bought my first computer, I forgot all about Mario. Plus, I was already a bit old for it. Until I started smoking weed and playing Mario Kart until my eyes hurt. Now that’s evolution. After this joyful stroll down memory lane, it’s time to get back to the movie. I won’t bother you too much with it because you already know how it looks and feels.

I mean, did you know that the budget for this movie was a whopping $100 million? I’m guessing most of that money went toward the cast but don’t think for a second that the quality of the animation suffered because of that. Not only do all the characters look awesome but the world also feels vibrant and fully fleshed out. Of course, the cast led by Chris Pratt, Jack Black, and Anya Taylor-Joy did a terrific job. Since we have Jack Black, they will be a couple of songs but I can assure you that The Super Mario Bros Movie is not a musical. I shouldn’t also forget about Charlie Day’s (It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia) hilarious performance as Luigi.

Brothers Mario and Luigi just started their plumbing business in modern-day New York City. However, after they try to fix a big leak underground, things get out of hand. Both of them end up in this strange tube that transports them to a magical kingdom. Not the same kingdom, as Mario ends up in Mushroom Kingdom while Luigi ends up in Dark Lands. It’s now up to Mario to save him and the Mushroom Kingdom from the evil Bowser.

Apart from Mario, we will also get the opportunity to see none other than Donkey Kong. And you can bet your sweet ass there will be some Mario Kart-inspired racing. The entire structure of the movie is a bit reminiscent of the 2012 masterpiece Wreck-It Ralph. So, if you’re looking for a movie to watch after this one, I highly recommend it. Or you could go old-school and check out the live-action adaptation from 1993, Super Mario Bros. Considering how good was Sonic the Hedgehog a couple of years ago, it would appear that the video game adaptations curse has been finally broken.