Let’s-a-go!
The Super Mario Bros. Movie captures the essence of video games on the big screen! Nintendo has partnered with Universal Pictures and Illumination to create the most successful video game adaptation to date. The film is a tasteful fan service with a plethora of Easter eggs from throughout the Mario franchise, while still simple enough for viewers who’ve never played the games to understand. The Super Mario Bros. Movie is the beginning of something super for Nintendo.
The Bros.
Mario & Luigi are voiced by Chris Pratt and Charlie Day, both of who brings a fresh yet nostalgic take to the characters. Mario is the older protective brother with a lot to prove while Luigi is younger & timid following his older siblings’ path. Luigi plays more of the supporting role from a player-two perspective while Mario has most of the character development. Towards the end of the film, both characters truly become ‘The Super Mario Bros’.
Princess Peach & Toad
Princess Peach is voiced by Anya Taylor-Joy who takes on a different role with the character than what most people expected. When Mario arrives in the Mushroom Kingdom he meets Toad voiced by Keegan-Michael Key who is more confident than his video game counterpart. Toad takes Mario to meet the princess and she teaches Mario all about her world. Thanks to her tests, Mario learns how to move, the different power-ups, and how to use them. Unlike most Mario games, Peach is a powerful princess of her kingdom rather than a damsel in distress.
The Mushroom Kingdom
The Mushroom Kingdom is as magical as ever and is where most of the film takes place. Mario and Luigi’s world is based in Brooklyn, New York so these new worlds are a mystery to the brothers. Mario learns all about the other worlds while in the Mushroom Kingdom. Viewers get to see iconic locations from the Nintendo franchise throughout the film, the most notable being Jungle Kingdom.
DK – Donkey Kong
Donkey Kong is voiced by Seth Rogen who gives DK his own voice! Son of Cranky Kong, voiced by Fred Armisen, he is also the Prince of the Jungle Kingdom. Donkey Kong is arrogant however he is one of the fan-favorite characters in the movie. The DK Rap also makes for a great introduction song. The transition from the Jungle Kingdom to another one of Mario’s most successful video game franchises ‘Mario Kart’ was a treat to all Mario fans.
So long-a Bowser!
Jack Black voices Bowser and breathes new fire into the character! His hit single “Peaches” has become an internet sensation. The King of the Koopas sings this song with the intent of marrying Princess Peach after he steals a Star from the Penguin Kingdom. Bowser is the main antagonist of the movie just like in most Mario video games, but a few other ‘kings’ quietly made appearances as well.
Although the critics reviewed this movie as poor, fans would argue it is one of the best video game adaptions ever. The voices bring their characters to our ears. The animation is majestic & spot-on. The lore is built based on the franchise. The score is a classic video game with a big-screen sound. The Super Mario Bros. Movie is a video game in a movie theater!
Sequel? (Spoilers Ahead)
The movie ends with an Easter, well, Yoshi egg. After the credits there is an end credit scene that can be interpreted in different ways. Since it’s a Yoshi egg and viewers already saw Yoshi in passing earlier in the movie, this could be a nice tease as an “Easter Egg” and just that. However, this could also mean the sequel to The Super Mario Bros. Movie could include Yoshi lore, perhaps Yoshi’s Island?
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