Written by: Mikayla Coleman
Content warning: this article contains spoilers for “The Super Mario Bros. Movie”
Despite having a rating of only 57% on Rotten Tomatoes, “The Super Mario Bros. Movie” has taken audiences by storm.
The movie debuted in theaters on Apr. 5, starring many notable actors such as Anya Taylor-Joy as Princess Peach, Seth Rogan as Donkey Kong, Chris Pratt as Mario — and the true star of the show — Jack Black as Bowser.
One of the most admirable things about “The Super Mario Bros. Movie” is that it transcends generations. No matter how one has been exposed to the world of Super Mario Bros., via old-school arcade games, Nintendo Gamecube or a console as new as the Nintendo Switch, there are many references scattered throughout the film to keep one entertained.
The movie begins in the tangible world of Brooklyn, New York as brothers Mario and Luigi attempt to make a living by working as a plumbing duo. After having a less-than-stellar first customer experience, the brothers set out to prove themselves by saving Brooklyn from a city-wide plumbing disaster. In the process, Mario and Luigi are transported into different worlds through a big green pipe where they are separated from one another. Luigi ends up in the Dark Lands which are under the control of Bowser. Mario ends up in Mushroom Kingdom where he joins forces with Toad and Princess Peach to find his lost brother. Many critics feel that the plot was thin or lack-luster, but with its target audience being young children and those who were fans of the games as kids, I feel that a simplistic and easy-to-follow story line was warranted.
If one is attending the movie to experience the nostalgia of the early 2000’s Super Mario franchise in all of its glory, and is also of the legal drinking age, it is my opinion that this movie is best experienced slightly inebriated.
The film is filled with intricate imagery inspired by the games, paired with an amazingly immersive soundtrack. Overall, I think the movie was far better than expected and I had a blast seeing it in theaters, even as a 21-year-old.
9/10.
Contact the author at howleditor@wou.edu
