The Super Mario Bros.

The Super Mario Bros. Movie (2023), produced by Illumination and Nintendo, was a long-awaited adaptation of the iconic video game franchise. Fans of Mario, Luigi, Princess Peach, and the rest of the Mushroom Kingdom were excited to see their favorite characters finally brought to life on the big screen in a fully animated feature. The movie had a lot of weight on its shoulders, considering the legacy of the Super Mario series and the mixed reception of the 1993 live-action Super Mario Bros. film. Let’s dive into the movie’s key points! Animation and Visuals The animation style in The Super Mario Bros. Movie is bright, colorful, and feels very much like an extension of the video games. The world of the Mushroom Kingdom, the various pipes, power-ups, and other classic Mario elements, all look vibrant and faithful to the games. There are also tons of nods to specific levels and locations from the franchise’s history, from the rainbow roads of  Mario Kart to the platforming elements from Super Mario World. The movie feels like you're stepping inside the games, with clever use of perspective and action sequences that mirror Mario's signature moves (like stomping on Goombas and jumping on blocks to get coins). There’s a ton of fan service, but it’s presented in a way that feels fun and respectful, not just for the die-hard gamers but for anyone familiar with Mario through pop culture. Voice Cast and Performances The casting of The Super Mario Bros. Movie was initially controversial, especially with Chris Pratt voicing Mario. While some fans were skeptical about Pratt’s take on the iconic character, his portrayal is ultimately more in line with a traditional animated voice performance rather than trying to replicate the famous Italian accent of Mario’s original voice actor, Charles Martinet. Chris Pratt as Mario: While Pratt's voice doesn’t feature the thick Italian accent, he brings an earnest, everyman charm to the role that feels fitting for the character. It’s a subtle performance that avoids overshadowing the fun of the character with too much exaggerated quirkiness. Anya Taylor-Joy as Princess Peach: She brings a strong, confident energy to the role of Peach, a character who is more than just a damsel in distress in this version. She’s shown as brave, intelligent, and capable — more involved in the action than we usually see in the games. Jack Black as Bowser: This is probably the standout performance of the film. Jack Black's voicework adds a hilarious and charismatic dimension to Bowser. His take is both menacing and unexpectedly funny, particularly in the way he expresses his love for Princess Peach. Black's singing in the film (especially the "Peaches" song) is a memorable highlight. Charlie Day as Luigi: Day’s voice is a perfect fit for Luigi, capturing his nervous but loyal personality. Luigi gets his own subplot, which adds a nice balance to the story. Story and Plot The plot is simple and easy to follow, focusing on Mario and Luigi as they try to save the Mushroom Kingdom from Bowser, who has plans to take over and marry Princess Peach. It doesn’t break new ground in terms of storytelling, but that’s not necessarily a bad thing for a movie like this. It’s a fun, family-friendly adventure with plenty of action, humor, and heart. The movie doesn’t try to get too bogged down in complex plots or deep character arcs. Instead, it focuses on the core relationships between the characters — Mario’s determination to prove himself, Luigi’s brotherly loyalty, and Peach’s leadership. The simplicity of the story works well, especially for younger audiences, while still providing enough nostalgic references to keep long-time fans entertained. Nostalgia and Fan Service One of the biggest draws of the movie is its appeal to fans of the games. It’s filled with Easter eggs and references to Super Mario history: Power-ups like the Super Mushroom, Fire Flower, and Star are prominently featured. Familiar locations like Bowser’s Castle and the iconic Green Pipes. Mario Kart sequences that play out like a racing game, with the characters driving go-karts through various tracks and obstacles. These nods aren’t just there for the sake of it — they’re incorporated into the plot in clever ways, making the world feel like a living, interactive Mario game. Humor and Tone The humor in The Super Mario Bros. Movie is light-hearted, fast-paced, and family-friendly. It’s packed with visual gags, slapstick comedy, and quirky character moments that will make both kids and adults laugh. There’s a perfect blend of action and humor, with Mario and his friends constantly finding themselves in ridiculous, high-energy situations. The jokes also reference Mario’s video game origins, such as the characters’ inability to understand or explain how the physics of the Mushroom Kingdom work (like jumping onto ledges or avoiding traps), which is fun for gamers familiar with the logic of the Mario games. Reception The movie was met with generally positive reviews, with many praising the animation, the voice performances (especially Jack Black’s Bowser), and the fan service. However, some critics pointed out that the plot could feel a bit predictable and that certain elements might be more enjoyable for people already familiar with the Mario games. While it might not be a cinematic masterpiece, it delivers on its promise to be an entertaining, visually stunning, and nostalgic ride for Super Mario fans of all ages. It's a fun, joyful experience with heartwarming messages about teamwork, brotherhood, and believing in yourself. The Future of the Franchise Given the success of The Super Mario Bros. Movie at the box office and with audiences, it seems likely that this is just the beginning of a new wave of Mario-related films. There’s already talk of sequels, potential spin-offs, and expanded universes, with characters like Donkey Kong, Yoshi, and even Wario and Waluigi possibly making appearances down the line. The potential for a Mario cinematic universe is huge, especially given the wide range of characters and worlds the franchise has introduced over the years. Final Thoughts The Super Mario Bros. Movie is a delightful celebration of the beloved video game franchise, offering fans a visually stunning and nostalgic adventure that captures the fun and charm of Mario, Luigi, and their world. While the story doesn’t break new ground, the animation, humor, and voice cast performances more than make up for it. Whether you’re a lifelong Mario fan or a newcomer to the franchise, there’s something for everyone in this colorful, family-friendly animated film.