"The Super Mario Bros. Movie" premieres in Brooklyn, introducing Mario (Chris Pratt) and his brother Luigi (Charlie Day) as they start their new business. With cleverly placed Nintendo easter eggs, the initial scenes bring a nostalgic smile. The film pays tribute to the earlier games with a well-executed side-scrolling shot, as Mario and Luigi race through the city. Mario's room features a bookshelf nodding to The Odyssey, hinting at the hero's journey and a reference to the incredible Switch game. However, what follows falls short of the inspiring elements that set the stage.
In a strange twist, Mario and Luigi discover a massive chamber of pipes under Brooklyn. They are suddenly transported to the Mushroom Kingdom, facing a dangerous threat. The villainous Bowser, played by talented Jack Black, has obtained the Super Star needed for his assault on Princess Peach, portrayed by the talented Anya Taylor-Joy. Even loyal Toad, played by comedic genius Keegan-Michael Key, is not spared from Bowser's malevolent intentions.
But Bowser's desires go beyond power; he wants to marry the Princess, serenading her with uninspired songs. It's perplexing how a film like this, with musical talent like half of Tenacious D, misses the chance to unleash clever Bowser tunes. This omission is one of many mysteries in this film.
Luigi quickly finds himself in a pipeline, transported to the dark lands and imprisoned by Bowser. This questionable decision sidelines him for an hour. Meanwhile, Mario meets Princess Peach, who introduces him to various power-ups. The question-mark cubes come into play, allowing Mario to grow, shrink, and transform into a raccoon. With the help of Donkey Kong (played by Seth Rogen), they race down Rainbow Road and save the day. Don't worry, no spoilers if you're familiar with typical movie plots.
Enthusiastic fans of this movie argue that "The Super Mario Bros. Movie" script doesn't need to excel. There are commendable aspects in design, like the layout of Donkey Kong Country and the well-directed Rainbow Road sequence from "Super Mario Kart". However, it's puzzling why fans of a beloved franchise settle for the bare minimum in storytelling.
The construction of this film lacks decision-making. It feels like a hasty assembly of visual and character references, creating a 92-minute movie. It's time to take a risk and inject creativity. Anything will do. This got me thinking about exciting spin-offs, like a "Mad Max: Fury Road"-inspired "Mario Kart" sequence bursting with non-stop motion energy. Or a version similar to "The LEGO Movie" that cleverly incorporates its references and world-building, seamlessly involving the player, just like the movie does in the end. I swear, anyone who's played a game like "Odyssey" could conjure up something more inventive. Even ten minutes of that game are more creatively stimulating.
The voice work is lackluster, adding to the disappointment. Chris Pratt's performance sounds rushed and uninspired, lacking the charisma he can bring to the screen. Charlie Day's expressive voice isn't fully utilized, while Seth Rogen's presence is always a delight. I can't help but wish I could say the same.
The nostalgia craze, combined with Nintendo and Illumination's might, sets the stage for "The Super Mario Bros. Movie" to be a success. A sequel is on the horizon, reigniting the "critics vs. fans" debate. As a fan of both sides, I long for filmmakers who value their devoted fan base. This journey isn't over. NES universe films like "Donkey Kong Country" and "The Legend of Zelda" (and even "Kid Icarus") are predicted. But what we truly need are creators who see these games as more than just references, but as fertile ground for groundbreaking ideas. The '80s child who dreamed of Mario deserves nothing less.
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