Running Time: 92 minutes
This feature from Universal Pictures debuts exclusively at theaters on April 5th.
The history of movies based on video games isn’t particularly bright. In fact, over the years there have been more disasters than successes. Yet, due to their permanent popularity, several have appeared in recent years and a few have even been decent. The independent feature Werewolves Within delivered laughs and chills, and the Tetris biopic that premiered on Apple+ last week has been well-received. The Super Mario Bros. Movie is the latest to be transplanted to the big screen and it’s actually a second attempt (there was a 1993 live-action version that was a notorious critical and commercial flop). This new animated edition isn’t a winner either, but it is visually impressive and has a few amusing moments.
Mario (Chris Pratt) and Luigi (Charlie Day) are ex-wrecking crew working starting their own plumbing business in Brooklyn. After an early and ill-fated job goes haywire, the two discover a strange pipe underneath and are transported to a strange new universe. Luigi finds himself lost in a dangerous region, while Mario arrives in the considerably brighter Mushroom Kingdom. The latter befriends the helpful Toad (Keegan-Michael Key) and is advised to ask for help from Princess Peach (Anya Taylor-Joy) in locating his brother. Mario soon learns that the sinister Bowser aka King Koopa (Jack Black) is invading and seizing various kingdoms. With the Mushroom Kingdom being targeted and Luigi lost somewhere in Bowser territory, Mario and his new friends head out to find his sibling and save the universe.
The story itself is very simple and, oddly enough, doesn’t feature a lot of co-lead Luigi. While one might have expected the pair to make the journey together and trade barbs while battling foes, they are separated at the end of the first act and Mario takes center stage. The movie also tries to jam in as many in-jokes as it can. Many scenes are inspired by different Mario Bros. games and there are numerous background characters who will garner a reaction from those familiar with the franchise. The jumping around does add a zippy pace, but at times it feels like a commercial for multiple Nintendo products.
Readers should also be made aware that this film is rated PG and has a few references that seem more adult-oriented than expected. In fact, small children may find some elements jarring. For instance, there is a Kill Bill allusion early on and the bad characters frequently describe wanting to annihilate or end the lives of other characters. It certainly generates a modicum of tension to the proceedings and it is obvious through the challenges that the leads’ lives are at risk, but it is odd to see Bowser and others bluntly state their violent intent and makes one wonder about the target age for the film.
At least adults and children who can get past that bit of strangeness will see some impressive sights. Early on, the Brooklyn neighborhoods early on look quite striking, particularly during a nighttime, neighborhood-wide flood. The Mushroom Kingdom is amusingly rendered (and there is a funny series of gags about Mario hating the fungi/vegetable and continually being surrounded by or having to eat them). Some of the other lands featured, including an arctic tundra during the opening, look dynamic and a vehicle chase set on a series of rainbow tracks is an enjoyable rush to witness.
As for the humor, it’s hit-and-miss. Several gags are obvious and seem aimed at kids specifically, but there are a few amusing adversarial interactions between Mario and large primate Donkey Kong (Seth Rogen), as well as a very funny backstory for Bowser. In between his threats towards others, he privately pines and sings songs about a love interest, which does make for an amusing and surprising contrast to his outward aggression. And while grim, a smiling, brightly-colored prisoner’s musings on mortality earns chuckles.
Making a movie based on a game is difficult and this effort does some things very well. Certain renderings are effective, including the fantastic adventure worlds and the fast-paced excitement of a few epic confrontations. The odd bit of humor works as well. But the movie seems to want to appeal to every demographic, sometimes veering from kid-humor to quips more suited to adult gamers. And as a result, the end product doesn’t feel completely cohesive. For fans, The Super Mario Bros. Movie may be worth a look, but it also isn’t an essential game-to-movie adaptation.