Mario Mario (no typo, that is in fact his full name) launches his 2nd debut on the big screen and this time it’s in full blown animation, not live action, we are a long way away from 1993 where Bowser had a S curl KMT. This movie is for KIDS! Now lets dive in…
We follow the story of 2 brothers who decide to quit their jobs and start their own plumbing business which isn’t going well so they try to think of new ideas to gain business. They still live in their parents house and the family (it was cute to see the Mario family tree) are not very encouraging so they are quite demotivated. Yes I’m still talking about the Mario movie and I know as you’re reading this, just like me, none of that part of the movie mattered to you. We didn’t want a Mario movie to resonate on its adult themes. Mixing real world with game world, MEH! I can confirm my kids were tuned out around those parts. That’s probably the only hinderance of the film, don’t think it was needed. They are then sucked into this magical world with power ups and all. The brothers get separated and Luigi is captured by Bowser, in which Mario now has to team up with the Lara Croft + Princess Elsa + Black Widow infused Princess Peach. I personally like my Princess Peach as a damsel in distress… feminists, you can come and fight me when you are ready LOOL.
So let’s talk Chris being Mario. For large parts I was very lost. Is he Italian, is he not? He spoke normal most of the time and then at random intervals will insert some Italian dialogue. Not the best creative decision. Overall was still a good performance. Charlie Day was excellent. Fully captured our lovable, shivering and freaked out green plumber. Jack Black can do no wrong and was the perfect Bowser. The decision to make him heavy metal influenced was a direct hit and just screamed School of Rock. Keegan-Michael as Toad, although minimal screen time was still my favourite character in this film just as the games. Standout performance has to be Seth Rogen as Donkey Kong. He captured the over confident, cocky, senseless brute brilliantly.
The movie is littered with throwbacks and easter eggs. It’s nostalgia city! With references to the original DK game with the rolling barrels, a whole Mario Kart segment, Smash Bros battle scenes, Super Mario 3Ds cat suit and many more.
I’m even sure there’s a princess to princess shout out to Disney’s Frozen Elsa. There’s the coolest Mario death reel that just tickled us 80s babies. Memories on memories. The main plot here is Bowser wants to marry the princess because he has a crush and to do that he imposes terror on all the worlds with the magical star that grants unlimited power. We get to the see a villainous dragon who also has an emotional side. So much so that he’s actually likeable and you just want to see him happy. We get to see Mario and team travel around multiple worlds meeting all types of characters. It gives the whole premise a kind of filling presence. Like it’s not just a hollow world with just these characters only. You get the feeling this can be so easily expanded. With awesome action scenes with power ups coupled with some excellent team up scenes, it’s a brilliant display.
The production is smooth overall. The animation is rich, bright and colourful. Just the way you expect it to be giving the history of Mario worlds. It was captured very well. Main characters embrace the big screen well and the translation from game to big screen is seamless. The decision to keep it all animation even though these are characters in the real world was the best decision. Yes sonic was successful but he’s a talking hedgehog hence it worked well to go fantasy in live action. Someone decided lets really dig into the nostalgia by using classic 80s tunes for the soundtrack and it workeeeeeed toooo well!!!! From ‘Take on me’ to ‘I need a hero’ I was grinning ear to ear.
Overall Mario smashed it on the big screen (smash bros pun intended)! We could do with less of the adult themes i.e. we are starting a business etc and jus get to the adventures. It’s an elegant production and we can’t wait to see more.
Who was your favourite character? Are you Team Action Princess or Team Damsel Princess? Do you want to see this world expanded on? NCU perhaps? Nintendo Cinematic Universe 🙂
This was generally a fun movie to watch. My son really enjoyed every moment of it. I recommend taking your kids to see this as its a good family movie to watch. Loved the animations and adventure in the movie.
I enjoyed this movie more than my kids ????????
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