The Super Mario Bros – Movie Review

The Super Mario Bros - Movie Review

Table of Contents

What’s the Story?

Brooklyn plumbers Mario (voiced by Chris Pratt) and his younger brother Luigi (played by Charlie Day) are up separated inside a magical land after falling into a strange vortex in THE SUPER MARIO BROS. MOVIE. Mario arrives at the Mushroom Kingdom, where Princess Peach (Anya Taylor-Joy) is planning how to stop the evil Bowser from capturing her realm. (Jack Black). Mario and Peach join forces to defend his brother and her people after realising that Bowser has probably captured Luigi.

Movie Details

  • In theaters: April 5, 2023
  • CastChris PrattAnya Taylor-JoyCharlie Day
  • DirectorsAaron HorvathMichael Jelenic
  • StudioUniversal Pictures
  • GenreFamily and Kids
  • TopicsPrincesses, Fairies, Mermaids, and MoreBrothers and Sisters
  • Character StrengthsCouragePerseveranceTeamwork
  • Run time: 92 minutes
  • MPAA rating: PG
  • MPAA explanation: action and mild violence
  • Last updated: April 6, 2023

Is It Any Good?

While viewing this vibrantly coloured fantastic adventure, which combines various Mario games into a cohesive plot, Nintendo enthusiasts will feel as though they have snatched up a Super Star. Although it’s cute, seeing The Super Mario Bros. Movie may make viewers who aren’t familiar with the series feel like they might be spending their time doing something else. The Super Mario Bros. Movie doesn’t deviate from the general trend that few movies based on video games that include beloved characters and an established fan following succeed (exceptions include Sonic the Hedgehog and Detective Pikachu).

While it is entertaining to watch the brothers in their “real life” Brooklyn setting, working as plumbers and residing at home with their large Italian family, the movie isn’t amusing or inventive enough to appeal to most teenagers or adults. Additionally, the kid-friendly animation style is a little deceiving since Bowser and his henchmen are more menacing than they need to be thanks to the increased fear factor by filmmakers Aaron Horvath and Michael Jelenic. Although there is a tonne of adrenaline, nonstop action, and vibrant pictures, the project as a whole doesn’t quite up to the occasion.

Talk to Your Kids About …

Families can discuss how The Super Mario Bros. Movie’s cartoon action measures up to other examples you’ve seen. Is the effect of this violence greater or lower than that of live-action movies?

What game-related moments did you recognise? Make up a tale about Mario, Luigi, and Princess Peach if you like the video games.

Discuss the actions Mario and Luigi encounter in Brooklyn. Does Spike abuse them? Does that sound different from what Mario’s family says to the brothers? If there is a distinction between bullying and razzing, what is it? What ought to you do if someone is attempting to diminish you?

How do Mario and Peach show courage, tenacity, and cooperation? Why are these virtues and life skills so crucial? Do you believe playing video games teaches you to persevere? If not, why not?

What Parents Need to Know

The Super Mario Bros. Movie is based on the enormously successful Nintendo video game and entertainment property, which parents should be aware of. Together with Princess Peach (Anya Taylor-Joy), Mario (voiced by Chris Pratt), and other characters from various video games—including Donkey Kong, Mario Kart, Super Mario 3D World, and others—they embark on a mission. When it comes to violence, terror, and bullying in cartoon form, the movie is a little bit more gritty than the games. A well-placed punch, rockets, explosives, and a plan to perform “ritual sacrifices” can all be expected. Even while Mario and Peach are courageous, other characters, such the tyrant Bowser, who burns down castle walls and threatens the lives of all who stand in his path, frequently show signs of terror. A sequence in which Luigi is pursued by a group of hordes of glowing red eyed zombie skeleton turtles before being captured could scare some young children. The Mario Brothers also endure a great deal of abuse from family members and a former boss, who bullies them. (“idiot,” “stupid,” “shut up,” etc.). Naturally, there are also those mystical mushrooms. But eventually, elements of tenacity, bravery, and collaboration are evident.

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