The long-awaited return of Mario to the big screen has finally arrived in “The Super Mario Bros. Movie.” After the infamous flop of the live-action version in 1993, Nintendo has taken a safer route with an animated adaptation, aiming to stay true to the beloved video game franchise. Directed by Illumination, the studio behind the successful Minions and Sing franchises, this latest installment brings together an all-star voice cast, including Chris Pratt as Mario, Jack Black as Bowser, Charlie Day as Luigi, and Anya Taylor-Joy as Princess Peach. While the film pays homage to the classic Mario games and delights in nostalgic references, it fails to capture the magic of the actual gaming experience.
Faithful to the Franchise, But Lacking in Originality
“The Super Mario Bros. Movie” is undoubtedly a nostalgia-fueled trip for Nintendo fans. The film is chock-full of iconic locations, power-ups, and familiar soundtracks from the games, effectively tugging at the heartstrings of longtime players. From the colorful rainbow road of Mario Kart to the eerie atmosphere of Luigi’s Mansion, it’s a parade of greatest hits that will please die-hard enthusiasts.
However, this adherence to the source material comes at a cost. While the movie captures the essence of the games, it ends up feeling like a lengthy video game cutscene rather than a cinematic adventure. The magic of playing Mario lies in its gorgeously designed and addictive gameplay, which is sadly absent from the film. The lack of engaging gameplay leaves the characters and story as the main focal points, and unfortunately, they fall short of expectations.
Thin Characterization and Misfit Casting
Despite assembling a talented voice cast, the characters in “The Super Mario Bros. Movie” remain shallow and underdeveloped. Chris Pratt’s portrayal of Mario, in particular, disappoints fans who grew up with the iconic voice of Charles Martinet. The miscasting becomes evident as Pratt’s voice fails to capture the beloved Italian plumber’s charm and charisma.
While Jack Black brings a Tenacious D energy to his role as Bowser, the characterizations of the Mario family lean heavily on Italian stereotypes, which may raise some eyebrows in a more culturally sensitive age. The attempts to explain this away fall flat, leaving audiences wishing for more authentic and nuanced portrayals.
Illumination’s Signature Style
As expected from Illumination, the animation in the film is top-notch, with crisp and richly art-directed visuals. The studio’s experience in family-friendly productions shines through in the bright colors, endless peril, and heartwarming sentiments scattered throughout the movie. These elements are likely to strike a chord with younger audiences and contribute to the film’s box-office success.
Final Verdict: Beautiful Animation, But Missing the Gameplay Thrills
“The Super Mario Bros. Movie” serves as a nostalgia trip for longtime Mario fans, delivering a parade of iconic game references and familiar characters. However, the film lacks the gameplay thrills that made the video games so beloved in the first place. While the animation is undeniably beautiful and the film stays true to the franchise, it falls short in character depth and casting choices. Devoted Nintendo enthusiasts may find moments of joy, but for a truly immersive Mario experience, it’s best to stick to the games.
In the end, “The Super Mario Bros. Movie” is an entertaining but ultimately forgettable adventure that leaves audiences yearning for the interactive magic of the classic video games.
