In 1981, Nintendo created an arcade game called, “Donkey Kong.” You know the story, A plumber named, Mario overcomes obstacles climbing his way to the top to rescue Princess Peach from the titular gorilla. The game became an instant hit worldwide. Over the years, Mario starred in his own series since 1985. The first game, “Super Mario Bros.” raised the bar in video game history. Story’s simple, Mario fights his way through baddies to rescue Princess Peach from Bowser with help from his brother, Luigi. Eleven Years Later, Nintendo pushed technical boundaries creating the first three-dimensional platformer known as “Super Mario 64” on the Nintendo 64. The game inspired countless companies to create their own three-dimensional game.
- Square Enix – Final Fantasy VII & Kingdom Hearts
- Core Design – Tomb Raider
- Naughty Dog – Crash Bandicoot, Jack and Daxter & Uncharted
- Rare – Goldeneye & Banjo-Kazooie
- Rockstar Games – Grand Theft Auto III
- Insomniac Games – Ratchet and Clank
Over the years, Mario became a global icon in pop culture, a mascot for Nintendo and one the biggest money-making franchises along with Nintendo’s other series “Pokémon.” In 1993, a live-action film based on Super Mario Bros. starring Bob Hoskins & John Leguizamo was critical and commercial failure. I’m gonna come clean, I never played a lot of Mario games. I only played “Mario Kart,” “Super Smash Bros. Brawl,” “Mario Party” series and “Super Mario Galaxy.” I’m more of a PlayStation guy.
Back in October 5, 2022, a teaser trailer for “The Super Mario Bros. Movie.” A CGI reboot produced by Illumination generated controversy of Chris Pratt’s voiceover performance as Mario. He lacked an Italian accent. Afterwards, the movie earned mixed reviews from critics. Regardless of mixed opinions, it became the second highest grossing movie of 2023 earning $1.3 billion at the box office behind “Barbie.”
Recently, the Golden Globes announced The Super Mario Bros. Movie became an eligible nominee for “Best Animated Feature” for the upcoming 81st Golden Globe Awards. Before I plan on watching the aforementioned awards show January 7th, 2023, I wanna share my thoughts on this unexpected box office hit.
This review contains no SPOILERS. I’m giving you fellas a chance to see it.
Victory & Defeat Aspects
Victory: Jack “JB” Black, Anya Taylor-Joy, Keegan-Michael Key, Seth Rogen, Charlie Day & Fred Armisen all did a solid job for their respective voiceover performances.
Fun Fact: JB also provided his voice and likeness for Peter Jackson’s “King Kong” video game. He also voiced Eddie Riggs from “Brutal Legend.” By the way, JB has a YouTube channel where he plays video games. His username’s JablinskiGames.
Animation looks exactly like a remastered version of Super Mario 64.
Aaron Horvath & Michael Jelenic (Teen Titans Go) both did a great job directing. At first, I thought they were gonna ruin a beloved video game icon, but after watching the movie, they put a lot of effort. You can tell they’re passionate gamers. It’s a darn shame the two butchered Teen Titans. Had they adapt a proper adaptation, Aaron & Michael could’ve earned public trust.
Action Sequences belong in any stage with our hero overcoming obstacles.
Brian Tyler (The Expendables 1-3, Far Cry 3, Assassin’s Creed IV: Black Flag) orchestrated the soundtrack.
Humor features elements of slapstick, visual gags and hilarious dialogue.
Mario’s chemistry with Luigi, Peach, Toad & Donkey Kong serves as the main highlight. His interactions with them move the story forward.
If you’re a longtime Mario fan, there’s a ton of Easter Eggs.
Charlies Martinet (OG Mario & Luigi) voices Giuseppe who looks like Mario.
Khary Payton (Victor Stone/Cyborg from Teen Titans) voices the Penguin King.
As you may know, JB sings “Peaches.” The became a phenomenon. JB also performed the song wearing a Bowser costume. I gotta give JB a ton of Bonus Points. He stole the movie.
Beastie Boys’ “No Sleep Til’ Brooklyn” is used in one scene. Coincidentally, the song was also used in “Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3.”
If you’re upset Peach isn’t a captured by Bowser like the games, she’s really a capable fighter. Don’t believe me? She has her own video game called, “Super Princes Peach” on Nintendo DS. This time, Peach has to rescue Mario & Luigi from Bowser. Plus, she’s a fighter in Super Smash Bros.
I’m relieved Peach isn’t depicted as a radical feminist know-it-all who think men are dumb and women are superior. She and Mario are equally capable of protecting themselves. I hate it when movie/TV characters are portraying men acting like buffoons and radical feminists as stereotypes. They’re extremely offensive.
A Mid-Credits Scene is played for laughs.
Stay tuned for a Post-Credits Scene. It sets up a future intstallment.
Defeat: I have nothing against Chris Pratt, but he didn’t speak with an Italian accent. Basically, he’s playing Peter Quill/Star-Lord cosplaying as Mario at the San Diego Comic-Con. I find it outta place he’s also voicing “Garfield” in an animated reboot.
The Final Verdict: A-
At first, I was skeptical that The Super Mario Bros. Movie was gonna suck. Turns out, it was surprisingly good. I’ll tell ya what, we are living in a golden age of movies and TV shows based on video games. We got good ones including “Sonic the Hedgehog” & “Arcane.” Whether you’re a gamer or just a movie goer who wants a good time, the 2023 reboot is a must-see.
Nickthemoviecritic.com 