Movie Breakdown: The Super Mario Bros. Movie
Pre-Screening Stance:
I’ve yet to be swayed to the side of excitement for The Super Mario Bros. Movie. I think the trailers have been fine and – like most people – I have a fondness for the games, but my expectations for it have remained in check.
Post-Screening Ramble:
The good news is that The Super Mario Bros. Movie is a super lean effort that your kids are going to love. The less than good (but not necessarily bad) news is that outside of a litany of references to the games, there isn’t much to be had for anyone older than the age of 10. The story goes like this – Mario (Chris Pratt) and Luigi (Charlie Day) stumble upon a warp pipe in Brooklyn and then get transported to the Mushroom Kingdom. Along the way they get separated, and once Mario discovers that Luigi has landed somewhere dangerous, he sets out to save him. This leads him to Toad (Keegan-Michael Key), who introduces him to Princess Peach (Anya Taylor-Joy), who then agrees to help him find his brother if he helps her get what she needs to fight Bowser (Jack Black). I realize this sounds like a lot, but this setup happens very quickly and easily, and the road to the finale is just as swift and breezy. Don’t expect any real conflict to be had, nor a sense of danger or urgency. Even when characters get into a bit of a jam, they’re out of it before you can even start to wonder how they might escape. Again, this is very much a movie for kids, and the plot (along with the basic humor and uninspired needle drops) reflects this. On the side of things where age doesn’t matter, the movie does have some pretty, vivid visuals, especially the 2D platforming moments that happen in 3D spaces. Also, kudos to Jack Black and Charlie Day for some inspired vocal work.
I don’t know if The Super Mario Bros. Movie will soar for you (an adult, I assume), but I think you’ll still find it generally entertaining as long as you head into it knowing that it’s one for the kiddos.
One Last Thought:
Chris Pratt as Mario was indeed a mistake.
