Review: WA-HOO! ‘The Super Mario Bros. Movie’ is a Blast

This is no doubt *the* family movie of the year.

I’m not gonna lie when I say I was counting down the days to see The Super Mario Bros. Movie. I’m a huge gamer, and Nintendo has always been a big part of my life growing up.

As a self-confessed nerd, I’m excited to say that the movie is an absolute delight.

From its incredibly vibrant animation that captures the look of the games, to its incredible score and musical motifs that fans of every age will recognise, it’s definitely going to be the strongest contender for family movie of the year.

Mario and Luigi’s adventure begins in Brooklyn at the start of their plumbing career as ‘The Super Mario Bros’. When Luigi is accidentally whisked through a mysterious green pipe, Mario goes to rescue him as they’re both transported into a new world.

The story itself is light-hearted and unapologetically self-aware in both its subtle and obvious nods to the Mario franchise. Some people might think the entire film as it’s a reference-fest, but I was geeking out over everything.

From the moment Mario arrives in the Mushroom Kingdom, my brain was catching every little detail I recognised from the games – from various creatures and items lurking in the background, to musical themes I haven’t heard in years throwing me back to being a kid again.

While I was initially a little unsure when some of the casting was revealed, I was really impressed with all the voices.

So yes, while Mario and Luigi don’t sound exactly like their video-game counterparts, there was a little explanation for it, and it honestly didn’t take long to get used to it.

I honestly forgot that Jack Black was playing Bowser most of the time. His performance compared to everyone else’s sounded the most different to his normal voice… until Bowser had a few ‘Jack Black’ moments which I admit I loved (you’ll see what I mean).

But can we all acknowledge how celebrities are now cosplaying on red carpets!! Jack Black as Bowser and Anya Taylor-Joy as Princess Peach!! pic.twitter.com/ZUPjm6RGzQ

— GeekStrong 👉🏼 Star Wars Celebration (@GeekStrongTV) April 2, 2023

Probably one of my only gripes with the film is the soundtrack – I love a bit of Bonnie Tyler and A-ha as much as the next person, but it did come off a little corny some times as if to appease the parents and grandparents bringing in their little ones for the movie.

The score itself was already so strong, so I feel like having hits like those took away from that Nintendo magic.

With a runtime of around 90 minutes, it’s a fun adventure that shows off some of the most iconic characters in the franchise, and sets up the fantastical worlds within the Mario universe that will leave you wanting more.

I feel like no movie nowadays is complete without some kind of post-credits scene, and there definitely is one you should stay back for that alludes to the potential of a sequel.

BRB, I’ll be picking up Mario 3D All Stars again and planning my trip to Super Nintendo World until the next movie.

★★★★☆

Looking forward to seeing the film? Let’s a-go, and score your $12.50 tix Hoyts from us!

Header Image: Universal Pictures & Nintendo.