by Thomas Biamonte

What did you do over Spring Break? Tan? Go out with friends? Well, I spent my spring break in a much more exciting way – I watched six films in theaters. Now you may think rotting away in an air conditioned box for two hours  would be a waste of one’s time, but it was worth it because I saw many memorable films like the one I am covering now, The Super Mario Bros Movie.

I went into this film expecting little to nothing in terms of quality. After all, once Chris Pratt was cast in the title role as Mario, many people online started to clown the film, the actor, and the studio involved. I went begrudgingly to my seat expecting a low effort and low budget film. I am surprised to say that I was wrong. The film was actually entertaining even for an “almost grownup” seventeen year old like me.

First off, Chris Pratt actually did very well and although he did not do the classic “Mario accent” his acting still managed to strike the same childlike cord in the audience. Charlie Day was also great and funny as Luigi with tons of chemistry with his castmates. Anna Taylor Joy was decent in the role of Princess Peach. There was truly nothing special about her character or her acting which is very unusual for her as an actor. Normally, she draws me in way more. Donkey Kong played by Seth Rogan was also truly nothing special either. Jack Black absolutely nails the role of Bowser and the irony of his character’s goals are accentuated by how in tune Jack Black is with his over the top character arc. Now, lastly, my favorite character was Toad played by Keegan-Michael Key! Wow, what a great actor! His performance is so goofy and charming! I love most things I have seen Keegan-Michael Key in, so I can’t wait to see more from him in the future. The animation was definitely a highlight of the film – with clear and careful detail being put into every frame. 

I want to take a moment to discuss the humor of the film. Overall, I perceived it as hit or miss. It is a kids film after all. I was not expecting a Monty Python masterclass in masterpieces. Still, several jokes were received well by many of the older people in the audience including myself. There was a Toad who was reaching out to save his apples from an incoming explosion and his friend screams to him as if he were acting in Saving Private Ryan “Just Leave it there’s no time!” When I tell you that joke had me and my friend Chris roaring with laughter in our seats that is no exaggeration. There was also this nihilistic blue star that constantly wished death upon itself saying “The only escape from life is the sweet relief of death.” Wait, this is a kids movie right? To make this weird writing choice even more fun they made this joyful nihilistic blue star voiced by what sounds to be a six year old child.

So, what will The Super Mario Bros Movie’s legacy be? Well, I don’t know. I imagine that it won’t be a classic remembered by all who grew up in this time. I think it will be remembered as a semi-decent, funny film that served its purpose to entertain kids from all over the world. It also served its purpose to make Illumination Studios a whole lot of cash.