From console to cinema: Review of ‘Super Mario Bros.’

“Super Mario Bros.” is showing in theaters in Augusta. (photo by Brionna Law)

By Brionna Law | Staff writer

Since we were kids, most of us have grown up with the lovable cast of Super Mario characters created by Nintendo.

Personally, I remember the first Mario game I played being the 1985 Super Mario Bros. game for the Nintendo Entertainment System.

Playing that, along with Super Mario 64 for the Nintendo 64 system, with my family and friends created some of the fondest childhood memories I have.

So, when I heard that Illumination Entertainment was partnering with Nintendo to make an animated Mario movie, I was interested to see how it would turn out.

Most video games have not done well when adapted into movies, but after seeing the trailer, I could tell that working with Nintendo, and more importantly, Shigeru Miyamoto, the “father of Mario,” really helped keep the heart and soul of the game alive in the movie.

I went to see the movie, and not many people were at the timeslot I saw it at, which helped me focus on the movie.

After watching it, I would like to discuss the best aspects of the movie. The first thing from the movie I want to praise is the visual aspect. The colors and attention to detail are stunning, going from a busy Brooklyn to the wondrous Mushroom Kingdom, as well as other environments along the journey.

The wide screen in the theater made it seem as though I was right there with the characters in the lands they traversed through, and the movie breathed new life into the well-known levels and environments from the games.

Many references can also be found for those with keen eyes, including some from other classic NES games like Duck Hunt and Ice Climber.

The soundtrack of the movie was excellent, with every piece of music fitting perfectly into place, from the first note to the last. I found myself almost tearing up as the music swelled in certain parts.

And, of course, the music team did amazing with the main villain Bowser’s original love song, “Peaches.” I wasn’t sure how to feel about it at first since I listened to it before I went to see the movie. However, with where it was placed in the movie, it was an instant hit for me, and I think the original song was a great addition to a lineup of well-known Mario tracks.

Speaking of Bowser, I think Jack Black as Bowser was the strongest voice acting performance in the movie. His acting helps the Koopa King go from a terrifying villain to a lovestruck guy seamlessly.

I also thought Chris Pratt did well, despite what some were saying about his casting as the main man himself.

Of course, the movie wasn’t perfect. It felt rushed at some points and some of the lines fell flat for me.

However, I can say that I had a great time watching and would give the Super Mario movie a 7.5/10.

I encourage those who grew up with Mario to give the movie a shot.

Contact Brionna Law at brilaw@augusta.edu.

This story is published in the Monday, April 24, 2023 print edition of The Bell Ringer on page 4.