The Super Mario Bros. Movie
Cast: Chris Pratt, Anna
Taylor-Joy, Charlie Day, Jack Black, Keegan-Michael Kay, Seth Rogan
Director: Aaron Horvath and
Michael Jelenic
Genre: animation, adventure,
comedy, fantasy
Released: 5th April
2023
Gaming to-screen adaptations is a tricky business to get right. For every pleasing adaptation like Last of Us or Sonic the Hedgehog (2020), there are countless let-downs like Prince of Persia (2010) or Mortal Kombat (2021). The Super Mario Bros film has potential but sadly is let down by several aspects. Oddly enough, Chris Pratt's take on Mario isn't the film's biggest faux pas.
Mario and Luigi stumble upon a magical Sewer pipe that transports them to another universe. Mario, separated from his brother, lands in the Mushroom Kingdom on the verge of attack by Bowser, a monster on a toxic love Mission. Together with its ruler Princess Peach and tag-a-long toad, they seek allies to Save the Mushroom Kingdom and Luigi.
The positives…. Firstly, Princess Peach. I've always found Peach's lack of agency annoying as a fan of the Super Mario games. She is the desirable object of male characters whose main function is to be kidnapped and saved. In the film, whilst still the object of unwanted desire, she is given agency and power. Acting every bit, the ruler of the Kingdom proactively seeking avenues to save her people. Sadly, there are moments when her prowess is forgotten, and she is placed back into a passive role, such as when Peach, Mario and Toad visit the jungle kingdom.
Visually the animation is as good as any video game. The way elements from the games are incorporated in the mushroom kingdom and referenced in the regular world as Mario and Luigi race to a plumbing job is very cleverly done. The Change of perspectives from a customary view from the character's perspective to a far 2D perspective, such as they were in the early games, gives a lovely homage to the gaming franchise's history.
Music is another way the movie pays tribute. The subtle weaving of key soundtracks from the games comes in scenes like Bowser playing the underground theme (from Mario's first Solo game, 1985's Super Mario Bros) during a duet piano scene is a nice touch. Alas, musically, this is also where the film is a major setback. The film has almost 40 years of great gaming soundtracks to pull from and, for the most part, does a good job of utilising it. Yet, the film randomly uses songs like Bonnie Tyler's "Holding Out for a Hero" or Beastie Boys' "Don't sleep til Brooklyn", which is disengaging. All in an effort to place the film in modern times. It is even more irritating than every time someone says Wah hoo…which is one time too many.
Stunning
visuals, great homages and a more feminist Princess Peach, unfortunately, Can't
save the movie from mismatched popular songs and a weak storyline. Mamma Mia,
what a patchy mess.
Two stars