Review: The Super Mario Bros. Movie (2023)
Directors: Aaron Horvath, Michael Jelenic
Genre: Animated Adventure / Comedy
Release Date: April 5, 2023
Rating: PG
Runtime: 92 minutes
Synopsis
The Super Mario Bros. Movie brings Nintendo’s beloved video game franchise to life in a vibrant, action-packed animated adventure. The film follows Mario (voiced by Chris Pratt), a determined but inexperienced plumber from Brooklyn, who, along with his brother Luigi (Charlie Day), finds himself transported to the magical Mushroom Kingdom.
Separated from Luigi, Mario teams up with Princess Peach (Anya Taylor-Joy) and Toad (Keegan-Michael Key) to stop the tyrannical Bowser (Jack Black), who seeks to conquer the kingdom and force Peach into marriage. With the help of the Kong army, led by Donkey Kong (Seth Rogen), Mario embarks on an epic quest to rescue Luigi and defeat Bowser, embracing his destiny as the hero of the Mushroom Kingdom.
Animation and Visuals
One of the film’s standout elements is its stunning animation, courtesy of Illumination Entertainment (Despicable Me, Sing). The world of the Mushroom Kingdom is bursting with color, detail, and energy, faithfully bringing to life iconic locations such as Peach’s Castle, Rainbow Road, and Bowser’s Lava Fortress.
The animation team has successfully recreated the whimsical and surreal aesthetic of the Mario games while adding cinematic flair. Character designs are meticulously crafted, balancing the classic look of the video game characters with expressive, dynamic animations that enhance their personalities. The action sequences—especially the Mario Kart-inspired chase on Rainbow Road—are breathtaking, blending nostalgia with high-octane excitement.
Voice Acting and Characters
The film’s voice cast sparked early controversy, particularly regarding Chris Pratt as Mario. However, in the final product, his performance is serviceable, if not particularly memorable. While he lacks the signature exaggerated accent, he delivers a charming and enthusiastic take on the character.
Jack Black’s Bowser steals the show, delivering a perfect blend of menace and humor. His performance is elevated by musical moments, particularly the now-famous "Peaches" ballad, which became a viral sensation. Anya Taylor-Joy’s Princess Peach is depicted as a strong, capable leader, deviating from her traditional "damsel in distress" role. Charlie Day’s Luigi, while endearing, unfortunately gets sidelined for a large portion of the film, limiting his impact.
Seth Rogen’s Donkey Kong provides comic relief, though his signature laugh is divisive among fans. Keegan-Michael Key’s Toad is energetic and entertaining, adding to the film’s humor. The cast, while not perfect, delivers performances that align well with the film’s fun and adventurous tone.
Story and Pacing
The film’s plot is simple yet effective, structured like a classic hero’s journey. Mario, an underdog trying to prove himself, gradually earns his place as a hero. While the narrative doesn’t break new ground, it stays true to the spirit of the Mario games—lighthearted, fast-paced, and full of action.
One of the film’s weaknesses is its rushed pacing. At just 92 minutes, some story beats feel underdeveloped. Luigi’s time in Bowser’s prison could have been expanded to strengthen his arc, and some character relationships—particularly between Mario and Donkey Kong—could have benefited from more depth. However, the film prioritizes fun over complexity, delivering a steady stream of action, humor, and nostalgic references.
Humor and Easter Eggs
The film is packed with humor, visual gags, and Easter eggs that will delight longtime Mario fans. References to classic games like "Super Mario Bros.," "Mario Kart," "Luigi’s Mansion," and "Donkey Kong" are seamlessly woven into the narrative. The film also includes a clever nod to the original 1980s Mario rap, a fun treat for old-school fans.
The humor is mostly effective, though some jokes cater more to younger audiences. Jack Black’s Bowser provides some of the best comedic moments, and the playful rivalry between Mario and Donkey Kong adds to the film’s charm.
Music and Soundtrack
The musical score by Brian Tyler blends orchestral compositions with classic Mario themes, creating a soundtrack that feels nostalgic yet cinematic. Iconic melodies from Koji Kondo’s original Mario game scores are seamlessly incorporated, heightening the excitement and emotional beats.
However, the use of licensed pop songs (such as "Take On Me" and "Thunderstruck") feels somewhat out of place, detracting from the immersive world of the Mushroom Kingdom. While Illumination is known for inserting pop hits into its films, this approach clashes with the otherwise timeless feel of The Super Mario Bros. Movie.
Critical Reception and Final Thoughts
The Super Mario Bros. Movie received mixed to positive reviews from critics but was widely embraced by fans. While some critics pointed out its thin storytelling and rushed pacing, many praised its stunning animation, fun action sequences, and faithful adaptation of the Mario universe.
For longtime Mario fans, the film is a joyful celebration of the franchise, packed with references, humor, and thrilling set pieces. While it may not offer the depth of animated classics like Pixar’s Toy Story or Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse, it succeeds in delivering a fun, family-friendly adventure that stays true to its video game roots.
Rating: ★★★★☆ (4/5)
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