Review of The Super Mario Bros. Movie

D o you remember playing Super Mario Bros. game on your old Nintendo console? Well, now you can watch your favorite characters in the live-action movie. Released in 1993, the movie follows the adventures of the Mario brothers as they travel through the magical world of Dinohattan to rescue Princess Daisy from the notorious villain, King Koopa. Let's dive deeper into the plot, characters, themes, and technical aspects of this movie.

Plot

The movie starts with a prologue that sets the stage for the story. Millions of years ago, a meteorite impact splits the universe into two dimensions, one inhabited by humans, the other by dinosaurs. The movie then jumps to present-day New York, where we meet the Mario brothers, Mario and Luigi, who are struggling to make ends meet in their plumbing business. In their pursuit of a new customer, they meet a college student named Daisy, who gives them a mysterious rock that she discovered in an excavation site. Moments later, Daisy is kidnapped by two goons, one of them is Iggy, and the other is Spike, hired by the evil King Koopa from Dinohattan.

Mario and Luigi follow Daisy's captors down a mysterious tunnel, which leads them straight to Dinohattan, an alternate dimension ruled by King Koopa and his minions. The Mario brothers soon realize that they must rescue Daisy and bring her back to the real world to prevent King Koopa from merging the two dimensions and taking over Earth. Along the way, they encounter various creatures, including a small dinosaur named Yoshi, and a resistance movement led by a humanoid named Toad. With the help of their new friends, the Mario brothers set off to save the day and restore order to both dimensions.

Characters

• Mario, played by Bob Hoskins
• Luigi, played by John Leguizamo
• Princess Daisy, played by Samantha Mathis
• King Koopa, played by Dennis Hopper
• Toad, played by Mojo Nixon
• Yoshi, played by various puppeteers
• Iggy, played by Fisher Stevens
• Spike, played by Richard Edson

Themes

The movie explores the theme of good vs. evil. The Mario brothers, along with their new friends, stand up against the oppressive rule of King Koopa and his dictatorial regime. They fight for freedom, justice, and the well-being of their fellow dinosaurs. Another theme that the movie touches upon is the importance of cooperation and teamwork. The Mario brothers, despite their occasional bickering, work together to overcome various obstacles and challenges that come their way. Their determination and resilience inspire others to join their cause and fight for a better future.

Cinematography and Special Effects

The movie's production design and visual effects are impressive, considering the limitations of the technology available at the time. The filmmakers created a unique and imaginative world that blends elements of the Super Mario Bros. game with the gritty, urban vibe of New York City. The set pieces, costumes, and makeup are all top-notch, adding to the movie's otherworldly atmosphere. The special effects are a mix of practical and computer-generated techniques, and they hold up surprisingly well, despite the advancements in CGI over the years. One of the highlights of the movie is the portrayal of Yoshi, a lovable creature brought to life by puppetry and animatronics.

Direction and Sound Design

The movie is directed by British filmmaker Annabel Jankel and American filmmaker Rocky Morton. Overall, their work is commendable, given the challenging task of adapting a video game into a movie. They manage to balance the action, comedy, and drama elements of the story, creating a fast-paced yet engaging narrative. The movie's soundtrack, composed by Alan Silvestri, is a perfect fit for the movie's tone and mood. The music blends the electronic and orchestral styles, evoking the game's iconic sound effects and melodies while adding a modern twist.

Nostalgic & Entertaining Movie

The Super Mario Bros. Movie is a nostalgic and entertaining movie that will appeal to fans of the classic game. While it may not be a cinematic masterpiece, it's a fun and enjoyable ride that will make you smile and nod your head in appreciation. The movie's strengths lie in its imaginative world-building, endearing characters, and charming special effects. If you're in the mood for a lighthearted adventure flick, don't hesitate to give this movie a shot. You won't regret it!