The Super Mario Bros. Movie, which hit theaters on Wednesday, is a visual delight for fans of the iconic Nintendo game. Directors Aaron Horvath and Michael Jelenic, in collaboration with video game designer and Mario creator Shigeru Miyamoto and Illumination founder Chris Meledandri, have created a colorful and imaginative world that perfectly captures the spirit of the game. The movie’s playful use of primary colors and cartoony animation style is sure to appeal to both children and adults alike.
However, while the movie may look like a Mario game come to life, it falls short in terms of substance. The storyline is only a touch above the interstitial bits of plot found between gameplay, and none of the characters are particularly memorable or well-developed. Even Jack Black’s grandly lovesick Bowser fails to add much depth to the usual 2D adventures of the Mario universe. While the movie is enjoyable enough, it leaves one feeling that it would be more fun to play the game than watch the movie.
This is not to say that the Super Mario Bros. Movie is without merit. The movie’s portrayal of Mario and Luigi as struggling plumbers trying to get their business off the ground is endearing, and the underdog quality of Mario as a hero in the making is a refreshing change from the invincible, larger-than-life character often seen in video games. Additionally, the movie’s use of game logic in dictating Mario’s movements and decision-making is a clever nod to the game’s mechanics.
Overall, the Super Mario Bros. Movie is a fun and visually stunning film that will please fans of the game. However, those looking for a more substantive story and well-developed characters may be disappointed. Nevertheless, the movie serves as a reminder of the enduring appeal of the Mario universe and the potential of video game adaptations to capture the imagination of audiences in new and exciting ways.