The Super Mario Bros. Movie feels like a video game speedrun.
It’s so fast, it’s only fitting to keep this review just as swift.
From the very beginning, this movie zips from location to location, first in Brooklyn and then in the Mushroom Kingdom as if these are worlds with timed levels to beat. Which sucks because it’s impossible to really take in the best part of the whole movie which is its vibrant animation.
The most notable Super Mario characters are swept up in the speedy quest to defeat Jack Black Bowser and these iconic figures are voiced by a star powered cast, led by Chris Pratt who I think actually does a decent job playing Mario. Just like the world, characters aren’t given time to really come to life either and before you know it, you’ve already finished the movie.
But at the end of the day, Nintendo got what they wanted from Illumination. This movie is a 90 minute animated advertisement for one of its most popular video game franchises disguised as a fool proof success of a kids movie and surprise surprise, it’s also a massive box office hit. Replace those question marks on those blocks with dollar signs because this bad boy is making the big bucks.
Theater chains no doubt love that, Kids unconditionally love the movie and older fans should still be able to enjoy it as well but that’s where you’ll see more of an audience divide.
Theaters and Kids can continue to celebrate because this looks to be only the beginning of a powerhouse franchise of animated movies based on Nintendo IPs.
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