Film & Book Reviews by Ashley S.

April 10, 2023

The Super Mario Bros. Movie (2023) Dir. Aaron Horvath & Michael Jelenic was nostalgic, amazingly animated, and needed for the audience to which it was presented for. The brothers of this story are connected in a way that is so representative of a real sibling relationship. There is an emotional quality that is held for these brothers specifically, as we have played with their characters for decades now. 

Let’s begin by talking about Jack Black’s voice for Bowser. He did such an incredible job at bringing the character to life and making me feel not only like he was the villain but a tiresome, avenging romantic that has wanted Princess Peach for a long time. The song he performed is still stuck in our heads. (Refer to YouTube for a Lyrical Lemonade production). https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aW7bzd8uwyQ 

Princess Peach, played by Anya Taylor-Joy, was  sweet and endearing. The graphics alone could bring any child or adult to heartfelt laughter and reminiscent memories. The story that the writers mentioned about Peaches’ childhood really made the viewer far more connected with her character than you would’ve before you watched this film.  I actually look forward to more about her backstory in a potential sequel. I think her character was very supportive of Mario, aside from her own goals to save her Home. 

Another character to take note of would be Donkey Kong, according to Smash Bros., being another supporting the rest of the protagonists, as he is usually depicted as the antagonist in previous games with Mario. Seth Rogen was incredibly funny in this voiceover, bringing us to loving him even more.   Last but not least, Toad– played by Keegan Michael-Key who is known for many roles, one of my favorites being Friends from College (2017) who solidified his amorous and loyal character throughout the plot, carrying the most he can by being the small guy he is. 

There was immense love for the power ups that were utilized for many scenes, as they were relatively modern from the new Mario games released recently in the last year. I was incredibly happy to cheer on with the little girl in the audience when familiar, new, power ups came on screen. Overall, there may be some unclear attachments to the plot, but understanding that the film was generally created for a younger audience there will be a more critical eye from a more adult viewpoint. There may be a larger craving for a clearer plot, a more direct background on what the real issue may be between Bowser and the other protagonist characters.