The Super Mario Bros. Movie (2023) Review

 

When I first heard they were doing this film I honestly had no clue as to how it would turn out. And even though I really didn’t have any expectations for the film I must admit that I was still surprised. What they did was take a beloved character out of an iconic video game series and turn it into something greater than its former self. They did an amazing job of humanizing them. They were greater than their former selves. They had substance and character. Bowser in particular was more human than beast. He was guided by more than an innate urge to control the world. He was in love with Princess Peach and was willing to do anything to get her. The Toads, too, were not just frightened husks. Some of them had courage and strength. And they showed how by sticking together with friends and family you can conquer all.

This was a Super Mario Bros Movie so don’t go into this expecting an Oscar for best writing and directing but what it lacked in those departments it gained in others. The world and environments were bright and colorful. You could almost feel the wind on your skin and how it blew through your hair. You picked up on the scent of the woods and felt the peace they had. In short, this was less than a film for your eyes but was more for your soul.

The acting, too, was phenomenal. Jack Black did an outstanding job as Bowser, really turning him into someone almost relatable. Their voices fit their figures perfect ably and I can’t imagine anyone else playing them.

This was one of those films that you can watch over and over again. One of those great films that the whole family will enjoy. I have very little to say with its faults as finding them was actually hard to do. Overall I would highly recommend this film. It breaks the habit of really bad movies based on video games and comes out as truly magical.

9.5 Out of 10