I watched The Super Mario Bros. Movie and I liked it. 3.5/5
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If you were looking for a film that played it safe and adhered closely to its source material, “The Super Mario Bros. Movie” certainly fits that bill. It’s a cinematic journey that, in many ways, is akin to indulging in a scoop of vanilla ice cream. Now, don’t get me wrong, there’s a certain comfort in the familiar, but it doesn’t always leave you feeling that you’ve had a truly special experience.
One of the film’s standout aspects is the quality of its animations. The world of the Mushroom Kingdom springs to life with vibrant and colorful visuals that are a treat for the eyes. The attention to detail in recreating the iconic characters and settings from the beloved video game series is commendable. Mario, Luigi, Bowser, and the rest of the gang are beautifully rendered in this animated world. The animations are fluid, and the action sequences, though perhaps not groundbreaking, capture the essence of the video game’s platforming and battles.
Performance-wise, there were certainly concerns prior to the film’s release, especially regarding Chris Pratt taking on the role of Mario. Surprisingly, Pratt’s voice acting was not nearly as offensive as some may have feared. He manages to capture Mario’s distinctive charm and enthusiasm, making the character feel familiar and true to his video game counterpart.
However, the true star on the voice acting front is Jack Black. His portrayal of Bowser is nothing short of awesome. Black’s charisma shines through, and he infuses Bowser with a delightful blend of humor and menace. It’s a performance that elevates the character beyond expectations and adds a layer of complexity to the story.
Yet, for all its technical and performance achievements, “The Super Mario Bros. Movie” does suffer in the narrative department. The story, while serviceable, lacks the kind of imaginative spark that one might expect from a world as rich and fantastical as the Mushroom Kingdom. Instead of subverting expectations or taking creative risks, the film chooses to play it safe, adhering closely to the traditional hero-rescues-princess formula. This adherence to conventionality can make the plot feel somewhat predictable and, dare I say it, a tad dull.
The film’s plotline is linear and straightforward, lacking the depth and complexity that modern animated films often strive for. While it certainly delivers on family-friendly entertainment, it may leave some viewers longing for a more engaging narrative that matches the visual and vocal brilliance on display.
In conclusion, “The Super Mario Bros. Movie” is a visually captivating and well-acted animated adventure that successfully brings the iconic video game characters to the big screen. The quality of animations and voice performances, particularly Jack Black’s portrayal of Bowser, are highlights that make the film enjoyable. However, the film’s adherence to a safe and somewhat predictable storyline prevents it from reaching the heights of creativity and excitement that its source material is known for. It’s an animated family movie that’s perfectly fine, but it falls just short of achieving the level of magic that could have truly made it special.