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The Super Mario Bros. Movie is all about fan service
With over 20 games and counting, the Super Mario Bros. franchise offers plenty of iconic imagery for filmmakers to play with. Directors Horvath and Jelenic make sure to include plenty of nods to the games, from familiar characters like Mario and Luigi to action sequences based on gameplay. Composer Brian Tyler even incorporates original Nintendo tunes throughout the movie to add to the nostalgic feel. However, not every detail is given the same attention, leading to some missed opportunities for true gaming-inspired thrills.
The Super Mario Bros. Movie plays it safe with cliches
Unfortunately, the screenplay of The Super Mario Bros. Movie relies heavily on tired cliches borrowed from superhero and fantasy genres. Mario is portrayed as a typical MCU hero, complete with a training montage and superpowers in the form of mushroom power-ups. The storyline also includes a predictable love triangle between Mario, Peach, and Bowser, sticking to the age-old trope of a heroic knight saving a princess from a tyrant. While the movie attempts to give Peach a more empowered role, it ultimately falls short in delivering a truly three-dimensional character.
Comparing The Super Mario Bros. Movie to the 1993 Super Mario Bros.
Undoubtedly, The Super Mario Bros. Movie stays truer to Nintendo’s IP than the 1993 live-action adaptation, which took many liberties with the source material. Despite its flaws, the earlier movie did succeed in capturing the essence of Mario through Bob Hoskins’ performance. In contrast, Chris Pratt’s portrayal of Mario lacks the same authenticity and depth, failing to fully embody the beloved character from the games.
Chris Pratt has shown his talent in animated movies like The Lego Movie and Onward, but in The Super Mario Bros. Movie, his portrayal of Mario lacks the spark that fans were hoping for. The voice he uses for Mario doesn’t quite hit the mark, lacking the specific charm and consistency needed to bring the character to life.
On the other hand, the supporting cast shines brightly. Charlie Day and Keegan-Michael Key bring energy to their roles as Luigi and Toad, while Fred Armisen, Seth Rogen, and Khary Payton deliver memorable performances as well. However, it’s Jack Black as Bowser who steals the show with his charismatic and chaotic presence. His growling performance and powerful singing make Bowser a highlight of the movie.
Jack Black steals the show
While the movie is filled with nods to the game universe and popular songs, it lacks depth and originality. There’s a sense of pandering to nostalgia without offering anything truly engaging. The balance between stupidity and fun that Jack Black brings to his scenes is where the movie truly shines, but the rest feels like a commercial attempt to cash in on a beloved franchise.
The movie falls short
Ultimately, The Super Mario Bros. Movie feels more like a long commercial than a genuine attempt to capture the magic of the games. It may evoke some nostalgia for fans, but it lacks the heart and humor that made the original games so beloved. While it may prompt a desire to revisit old Mario games, it’s unlikely to inspire a desire to watch the movie again.
The Super Mario Bros. Movie hits theaters on April 7.
