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The Super Mario Bros. Movie                    review by Bobby Blakey

In 1983 the famed video game icon Mario jumped from the a random character in Donkey Kong named Jumpman into his own game alongside his brother Luigi with Mario Bros. Since its debut it has spawned numerous game variations, merchandise, TV shows and a live action feature film. Now the property is getting a new animated feature with The Super Mario Bros. Could this film capture enough coins to make it worth your while or will it fall down into the sewer?

 

The Super Mario Bros. Movie follows a plumber named Mario who travels through an underground labyrinth with his brother, Luigi, trying to save a captured princess. The film stars Chris Pratt as Mario, Anya Taylor-Joy as Princess Peach, Charlie Day as Luigi, Jack Black as Bowser, Keegan-Michael Key as Toad, Seth Rogen as Donkey Kong, Fred Armisen as Cranky Kong, Kevin Michael Richardson as Kamek and Sebastian Maniscalco as Spike.

 

Like most I was a fan of the original Super Mario Bros, but kind of got out of the gaming long before Mario Kart and the other versions of the game. Despite that I thought the film looked to be a good time and was ready to see how they made this work and I had a great time. I know there is a concern with some of the voice cast, but I thought they worked fine. They even worked in the more stereotypical Italian Mario voice alongside a more Brooklyn version. Is it perfect? No, but didn’t take me out of it working for the characters.

 

There is a lot going on here that to my surprise delivers plenty of moments that pay homage to different versions of the games as well as just tons of 

 fun. The visuals are bright, colorful and vibrant offering up a feast for the senses that keeps on delivering from beginning to end. They do a great job of mixing it up with the majority of the film being colorful and fun, but also taking us into the dark depths that brings a fun horror like element that fans should enjoy.

 

I was hoping for some classic Mario running and smashing stuff and I was not disappointed. They do some clever visual set ups that are right out of the game play, but keep it feeling fresh and new for the film. Not sure how close to any of the actual game stuff is infused here since I haven’t focused on it in so long, but the fun of it all just works and opens the door for so many opportunities in the future should the film do well.

 

Stick through the credits for two sequences, mid-credit and end credit that are both fun and hopes of the future. After destroying the box office the film is now on digital platforms, 4K, Blu-ray and DVD. In addition to the film this release offers up bonus content including featurettes, music video and so much more. Jump into the game and grab your copy of The Super Mario Bros Movie available now from Universal Home Entertainment.

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