The Super Mario Bros Movie (2023)

 

Review The film: Super Mario Bros Movie.

synopsis 

The Super Mario Bros Movie, follows the adventures of Mario and Luigi, two plumber brothers from New York. One day, while fixing pipes in the city, they are transported to another universe through green conduits. Mario and Luigi are separated in this new world, with Mario landing in the Mushroom Kingdom.

In the Mushroom Kingdom, Mario meets Princess Peach, who explains that the evil Bowser and his army are planning to invade her kingdom. Peach enlists Mario's help, and they set out to convince the Toads, the inhabitants of the Mushroom Kingdom, to join their cause and free Luigi, who is being held captive by Bowser.

As Mario and Peach journey through the Mushroom Kingdom, they encounter various challenges and obstacles, including familiar foes from the video game series, such as Goombas, Koopa Troopas, and Piranha Plants. Along the way, they also meet new characters, including the depressed and nihilistic little blue star named Lumalee, who provides a touch of humor to their adventures.

With their courage and determination, Mario and Peach rally the Toads to join their cause and confront Bowser and his army. The film culminates in an epic showdown between Mario and Bowser, where Mario must use his wits and skills to save Princess Peach, free Luigi, and protect the Mushroom Kingdom from Bowser's evil plans.

As Mario battles Bowser, he discovers that Bowser's motivations are not what they seem. Bowser reveals that he is not evil, but rather he has been manipulated by a greater force that threatens both the Mushroom Kingdom and the real world. Mario realizes that in order to save both realms, he must team up with Bowser, setting aside their differences.

With Bowser's help, Mario and his allies embark on a daring quest to confront the true antagonist, a powerful sorcerer named Magus who seeks to merge the Mushroom Kingdom with the real world, causing chaos in both realms. Along the way, they encounter new challenges, including treacherous landscapes, formidable enemies, and tricky puzzles.

As Mario and his team get closer to Magus, they learn more about his motivations and backstory, uncovering a tragic past that has driven him to madness. Mario uses his ingenuity and courage to find a way to defeat Magus without causing harm to both worlds, while also helping Bowser find redemption and reconcile with his past mistakes.

In the final climactic battle, Mario faces off against Magus in an epic duel that tests his skills to the limit. With the support of his friends and allies, Mario unleashes his full power and defeats Magus, saving both the Mushroom Kingdom and the real world from destruction.

In the end, Mario and his friends return to the Mushroom Kingdom, where they are hailed as heroes by the Toads and the inhabitants of the realm. Bowser, now reformed, is welcomed as an ally, and peace is restored. Mario and Peach share a heartfelt moment, expressing their gratitude for each other's bravery and determination. The movie concludes with Mario and Luigi returning to the real world, ready for their next adventure as the beloved heroes of the Mushroom Kingdom.

"The Super Mario Bros Movie" is a thrilling and heartwarming tale of adventure, friendship, and heroism, capturing the essence of the iconic video game series while adding new depth and complexity to the characters and their world. It is a must-watch for fans of Super Mario Bros. and for audiences of all ages who enjoy action-packed, fantastical tales with a touch of humor and heart.

Captivating Kids, But Missing the Mark for Adults: A Review of The Super Mario Bros. Movie

Furthermore, The Super Mario Bros Movie, manages to keep kids engaged with its captivating storyline, but parents were also hoping for more sophisticated humor or subtle nods that would appeal to older audiences, akin to the cleverness displayed by animation powerhouses like Pixar or DreamWorks.

Given the nostalgic appeal of Super Mario Bros. to those who have grown up with Nintendo consoles in hand, now in their twenties or older, it would have been a treat to see more clever and witty references that cater to the nostalgia of the older generation of gamers. The film does include visual nods to the extensive game series and its spin-offs, but they are fleeting, and one might easily miss them if not paying close attention.

While The Super Mario Bros Movie, succeeds in captivating younger viewers, parents were hoping for a touch of sophisticated humor or clever Easter eggs that would make the viewing experience equally enjoyable for older audiences. With the rich history of the Super Mario Bros. franchise and the fanbase that has grown up with it, a more nuanced approach to humor and references could have elevated the film's appeal to a wider demographic.

The Super Mario Bros : Movie is packed with action.

To ensure uninterrupted action, the story is kept simple. Matthew Fogel, known for his work on The Lego Movie 2 and Minions: The Rise of Gru, has streamlined the script to its maximum potential. Mario, voiced by Chris Pratt, and Luigi, voiced by Charlie Day, are two plumber brothers from New York who are sucked into another universe through large green pipes. 

Along the way, they get separated, with Mario landing in the Mushroom Kingdom, where he meets Princess Peach, voiced by Anya Taylor-Joy. Peach explains that the wicked Bowser, voiced by Jack Black, and his army are preparing to invade her land, which is populated by adorable Toads. Peach and Mario set out to the Kong jungle to convince the Toads to join them in the fight and free Luigi, who has been taken prisoner.

Unlike other movies of the same genre, there are no side quests or setups for potential sequels. The story gets straight to the point, and the origins of the characters are barely explored. Nintendo has been cautious with its intellectual properties since the failure of the 1993 Super Mario Bros. movie. The Japanese gaming giant could potentially make billions from producing feature films and series, but they prefer to maintain control over the narrative of their vast universe.

Co-directors Aaron Horvath and Michael Jelenic, known for their irreverent take on DC superheroes in Teen Titans Go!, have teamed up with animation studio Illumination to create a magical and visually stunning world.

The colors, textures, and movements are all flawless, and we get to visit various locations during the adventure, each one intricately detailed.

What about the Voices Cast and Music of the Mario Movie?

Initially, many fans were skeptical when the announcement was made that Chris Pratt would voice Mario, and this sentiment turned into discontent after the release of the first trailer. The American actor does not use the Italian accent heard in the video games, but employs a higher pitch for some of Mario's trademark expressions, such as "mamma mia." Eventually, Chris Pratt's voice almost becomes forgotten.

Anya Taylor-Joy does a decent job, but her portrayal of Princess Peach does not always match the intonations of the star from The Queen's Gambit. On the other hand, Jack Black's Bowser perfectly captures the essence of the character. A special mention goes to Keegan-Michael Key, who is extraordinary in his role as the valiant Toad.

A note on the music: Bryan Tyler (known for Scream VI and F9: The Fast Saga) incorporates Koji Kondo's original compositions perfectly, but one can't help but wonder if there could have been more original choices instead of Thunderstruck and Take On Me. Also, there seems to be a bit of an overuse of Holding Out for a Hero, which has been heard in two other recent films (Tetris and Shazam! Fury of the Gods).

Mignon et Magnifique: The Super Mario Bros Movie - An Action-Packed Adventure for Kids and Parents Alike:

The Super Mario Bros Movie, titled "Mignon et magnifique" is a delightful film that is sure to captivate kids and keep parents entertained. The fast-paced action and visually stunning animations make for an enjoyable viewing experience that never loses momentum.

The story, written by Matthew Fogel (known for The Lego Movie 2 and Minions: The Rise of Gru), is kept simple to ensure the action never stops. Mario (voiced by Chris Pratt) and Luigi (voiced by Charlie Day) are two plumber brothers from New York who are transported to another universe through green conduits. Along the way, they are separated, with Mario landing in the Mushroom Kingdom where he meets Princess Peach (voiced by Anya Taylor-Joy). Peach explains that the evil Bowser (voiced by Jack Black) and his army are planning to invade her kingdom, populated by the adorable Toads. Mario and Peach set out to convince the Toads to join their cause and free Luigi, who is being held prisoner.

While the film lacks the adult-oriented jokes and subtle references seen in animated movies from studios like Pixar or DreamWorks, there are still plenty of visual nods to the iconic video game series and its derivatives. However, these references are sometimes easy to miss due to the fast pace of the film.

The animation in The Super Mario Bros. Movie is truly outstanding, with vivid colors, intricate textures, and seamless movement. The film takes viewers on a journey through various locations, all of which are beautifully detailed and visually captivating.

The voice cast, despite some initial skepticism from fans, does a commendable job bringing the beloved characters to life. Chris Pratt's portrayal of Mario may not include the Italian accent familiar from the games, but his performance is still engaging and enjoyable. Anya Taylor-Joy's portrayal of Princess Peach is decent, although some may feel that her intonations don't always match the character's established persona. Jack Black's portrayal of Bowser is a standout, capturing the character's expressions perfectly. Keegan-Michael Key also deserves praise for his exceptional performance as the valiant Toad.

The film's music, composed by Bryan Tyler, effectively incorporates Koji Kondo's original compositions. However, some may find the use of familiar songs like "Thunderstruck" and "Take On Me" to be a bit cliché. There is also a call for a moratorium on "Holding Out for a Hero," which has been used in other recent films like Tetris and Shazam! Fury of the Gods.

Despite being targeted towards children, The Super Mario Bros. Movie's animations and messages of courage and determination can resonate with viewers of all ages. The inclusion of the character Lumalee, a depressed and nihilistic little blue star, adds a touch of humor that may appeal to older audiences.

Critics

Positive opinions:

• Excitement for the long-awaited live-action adaptation of the beloved Super Mario Bros. video game franchise.
• Enthusiasm for the star-studded cast, including Chris Pratt, Keanu Reeves, Anya Taylor-Joy, and other notable actors.
• Anticipation for the visual effects and production design, with Industrial Light & Magic (ILM) known for their expertise in creating stunning visual effects.
• Appreciation for the involvement of Shigeru Miyamoto, the creator of Super Mario Bros., in the production, raising expectations for an authentic and faithful adaptation.
• Curiosity about the creative direction and storytelling of director Jordan Vogt-Roberts and the screenwriters, known for their work on other successful films.

Negative opinions:

• Concerns about the potential deviation from the original Super Mario Bros. video game story and characters.
• Skepticism about the casting choices, particularly controversy or criticism surrounding the casting of Chris Pratt as the voice of Mario, given the character's Italian-American heritage.
• Worries about the challenges of adapting a video game franchise into a live-action film, with a history of mixed success in previous adaptations.
• Doubts about the ability to capture the unique and quirky essence of the Super Mario Bros. world in a live-action format.
• Apprehension about the film's success, as video game adaptations have a history of facing challenges in meeting the expectations of both fans and general audiences.
• It's important to note that opinions about a film can vary greatly from person to person, and the actual reception of "The Super Mario Bros. Movie" will depend on individual tastes and preferences.

In conclusion, The Super Mario Bros. Movie is a visually stunning and action-packed film that is sure to entertain kids and keep parents engaged. While it may not have the same level of adult-oriented humor as some other animated films, it still captures the charm and magic of the iconic video game series. With its outstanding animation, engaging voice cast, and simple yet enjoyable story, it earns a 7 out of 10 rating.

Cast:

• Mario: Chris Pratt (voice and motion capture) - A talented plumber with a heart of gold, known for his courage and determination.
• Bowser: Keanu Reeves (voice and motion capture) - The primary antagonist of the film, initially portrayed as a villain but later revealed to have more complex motivations.
• Peach: Anya Taylor-Joy (voice and motion capture) - The princess of the Mushroom Kingdom, known for her kindness and wisdom.
• Luigi: Charlie Day (voice and motion capture) - Mario's younger brother, known for his comedic timing and resourcefulness.
• Toad: Jack Black (voice and motion capture) - A loyal and friendly mushroom creature who assists Mario and Luigi on their quest.
• Magus: Javier Bardem (motion capture) - The powerful sorcerer and main antagonist of the film, with a tragic backstory.
• Other notable voice cast members include Seth Rogen, Keegan-Michael Key, and Awkwafina, who provide voices for various characters in the Mushroom Kingdom.

Production:

1. Director: Jordan Vogt-Roberts - Known for his work on "Kong: Skull Island," Vogt-Roberts brings his talent for creating visually stunning and action-packed films to "The Super Mario Bros. Movie."
2. Screenwriters: Dan Hernandez, Benji Samit, and Nicole Perlman - A team of experienced screenwriters known for their work on films such as "Detective Pikachu" and "Guardians of the Galaxy," who bring their storytelling expertise to the beloved world of Super Mario Bros.
3. Producers: Chris Meledandri, Shigeru Miyamoto - Chris Meledandri, founder of Illumination Entertainment, known for producing successful animated films like "Despicable Me" and "Minions," teams up with Shigeru Miyamoto, the creator of Super Mario Bros., to bring the iconic video game characters to the big screen in an authentic and entertaining way.
4. Visual Effects: Industrial Light & Magic (ILM) - A renowned visual effects company with a long history of creating cutting-edge visual effects for blockbuster films, tasked with bringing the fantastical world of Super Mario Bros. to life with stunning visuals and effects.

Production Design, Costume Design, and Music:

Production Design: 

• Adam Stockhausen - A talented production designer known for his work on films like "The Grand Budapest Hotel" and "Bridge of Spies," who brings his creative vision to create the imaginative world of the Mushroom Kingdom.
• Costume Design: Colleen Atwood - A renowned costume designer known for her work on films like "Alice in Wonderland" and "Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them," who creates iconic and memorable costumes for the beloved Super Mario Bros. characters.
• Music: Nobuo Uematsu and Mark Mothersbaugh - Nobuo Uematsu, the original composer of the Super Mario Bros. video game series, collaborates with Mark Mothersbaugh, known for his work on films like "The Lego Movie" and "Thor: Ragnarok," to create a dynamic and memorable musical score that captures the spirit of Super Mario Bros. while adding a fresh twist.

Production Companies:

1. Illumination Entertainment - Known for producing successful animated films like "Despicable Me" and "Minions," and co-founded by Chris Meledandri, who also serves as a producer on "The Super Mario Bros. Movie."
2. Nintendo - The renowned video game company that created the Super Mario Bros. franchise, partnering with Illumination Entertainment to bring their beloved characters to the big screen.

Release:

"The Super Mario Bros. Movie" is set to be released in theaters worldwide, with a simultaneous release in both traditional