This ‘80s nostalgia extravaganza has something for everyone, from those who remember playing Nintendo in their childhoods, to a new generation of fans.
The Super Mario Bros. of old were in desperate need of an image revamp – from bad Italian stereotypes to sexist portrayals of princesses in distress. Fortunately, the new vision of the brothers is largely successful in its glow-up, although they could have perhaps done better than a forced marriage storyline. Princess Peach is a kick-ass hero in her own right – while maintaining the right to be completely clad in pastel pink – and the mega baddie Bowser is a pathetic quasi-incel.
The production has attracted some impressive star power, with Chris Pratt voicing Mario, Anya Taylor-Joy behind Princess Peach and Jack Black bringing Bowser to life. The latter works particularly well, as Bowser/Black blasts out 1980s rock ballads that would put Meatloaf to shame. In this way, 'The Super Mario Bros. Movie' seems to take a few liberties from the 'Frozen' franchise, with the second film’s focus on 1980s love ballads, focus on sibling love and a blonde wearing blue freezing things with her hands (it’s in the games, but still).
Wonderfully, Donkey Kong (Seth Rogen) also makes an appearance, a real treat for those brought up on the barrel-jumping games. There are tonnes of nods to game features, including Mario Kart's Rainbow Road, which has the audience particularly excited. The movie really captures the evolutions of the games, adults and kids alike cheering in their seats.
'The Super Mario Bros. Movie' is a really enjoyable popcorn movie suitable for young and old. Make sure you stick around for the final-final credits, to see a nod toward a potential sequel.
