Video game icons Mario (voiced by Chris Pratt) and Luigi (Charlie Day) have started a new plumbing business and find themselves trying to fix a large sewage issue jeopardizing Brooklyn, New York. In their attempt to solve the issue – and make a name for themselves in the process – Mario and Luigi are accidentally transported to the Mushroom Kingdom and the Dark Lands, respectively. Through a series of fortunate occurrences, Mario enlists the help of Princess Peach (Anya Taylor-Joy), Toad (Keegan-Michael Key) and, eventually, Donkey Kong (Seth Rogan) to locate and rescue his brother from Bowser (Jack Black) and his koopa army.
Directors Aaron Horvath and Michael Jelenic (Teen Titans Go!) bring the smiles and Illumination (Minions, The Secret Life of Pets) brings the gorgeous look and feel. The weak link here seems to be writer Matthew Fogel (The Lego Movie 2, Minions: The Rise of Gru). There could’ve been more laughs and it feels stuffed to the brim with easter eggs while also feeling like scenes are stretched out unnecessarily to meet the 92 minute run time. It’s very difficult to experience those senses simultaneously in one film but here we are.
Regardless, The Super Mario Bros. Movie is a lot of fun. If you played the games growing up at all, you’ll smile throughout this film. This is a love letter from Nintendo to its fans and is an hour and a half both adults and children will enjoy.
JKG SCORE: 6.0
Untitled Film Project 