Super Mario Bros. is a legendary video game franchise that has captured the hearts of gamers across generations. While it has seen many adaptations over the years, one notable failure was the 1993 live-action film version. Starring Bob Hoskins and John Leguizamo as Mario and Luigi, the film was a critical and commercial flop. However, it has gained a cult following over time.
But fear not, because a new animated cinematic collaboration between Nintendo and Illumination, titled “The Super Mario Bros. Movie,” is here to redeem the franchise. This film is a winner for families, perfect for the big screen, and faithful enough to satisfy fans of all ages. The decision to go with animation was a smart move, as it captures the essence of playing the game. The characters are put through familiar and exciting situations that gamers will recognize and appreciate.
In this new adventure, Mario finds himself in the colorful and friendly Mushroom Kingdom, while Luigi is swept into the terrifying Dark Lands. The fearsome giant turtle Bowser, voiced by Jack Black, enlists Luigi’s help in his quest to marry Princess Peach and take over the Mushroom Kingdom. Mario teams up with the cheerful resident Toad, voiced by Keegan-Michael Key, to stop Bowser and rescue Luigi. Along the way, they are joined by Donkey Kong, voiced by Seth Rogen, and his weary father Cranky Kong, voiced by Fred Armisen. It’s a battle to the death, and Mario must prove his worth before they can all team up for the ultimate showdown.
The film is immensely likable, filled with laughs and colorful animation. The voice cast, including Black and Rogen, adds an extra layer of humor to the movie. It’s clear that everyone involved had a great time bringing these beloved characters to life. The CGI animation beautifully contrasts bright colors with the ominous Dark Lands, and the musical score by Brian Tyler adds to the film’s charm.
To show their dedication to the source material, the filmmakers even included Charles Martinet, the original voice of Mario and Luigi in the video games, in a special role. This attention to detail is sure to please longtime fans.
“The Super Mario Bros. Movie” is produced by Illumination’s Chris Meledandri and Mario creator Shigeru Miyamoto. It will be released in theaters on April 5, 2023. So get ready to join Mario and Luigi on their new adventure and experience the magic of the Mushroom Kingdom on the big screen.
