What began in 1981 with Donkey Kong and has continued with its success over the years through 2020 the long time video game is now a motion picture. True Mario Brothers Gamers will appreciate the references to the many different Games they played throughout the years, such as, Donkey Kong, Mario Brothers, Super Mario Brothers, and Mario Kart to name a few.
In the world of the Mushroom Kingdom, word is out that Bowser (Jack Black), King of the turtle-like Koopa race, and Kamek (Kevin Michael Richardson), the wizard, want to expand his land and have captured the one and only Super Star. This Super Star makes the user who ingests it to become invincible against all types of attacks. With this special ability Bowser can take control of all the world and rule all its inhabitants. Princess Peach Toadstool (Ana Taylor-Joy), the leader of the mushroom people who reside in the Mushroom Kingdom, is searching for an army to help defend her followers.
Taking a chance on the plumbing business, Italian-American brothers Mario (Chris Pratt), and Luigi (Charlie Day) begin to take Brooklyn by storm. Though their confidence is up things are starting off real slow, which concerns their family. Mom (Jessica DiCicco) is supportive but their father (Charles Martinet) and uncles Tony (Rino Romano) and Arthur (John DiMaggio) are not. When a strange event occurs and sends the two brothers to this adventurous world, splitting them both up on their own. Somehow they need to make allegiance with the Princess and find some allies to help in her defense. Possible candidates are Donkey Kong (Seth Rogen) the champion of the Jungle Kingdom, and Toad (Keegan-Michael Key) a fearless mushroom.
Directors Aaron Horvath and Michael Jelenic did an excellent job recreating the Mario Brothers World. Referencing the many different creatures, special ability tools, and the Karts brought back memories of the many hours most of us played trying to conquer these lands. The 3-D animation brought these characters to life and developed a fantastic storyline that built a great back story to this original adventure. Along with a little humor this tale developed these new found heroes into a possible dynasty for years to come.
This entertaining animated film brings the heart of video games to life. Donkey Kong and Mario Brothers were one of the first gaming systems to take the world by storm and help the many different companies become so popular. Now as a 3-D animated motion picture we can feel like we are in these wonderful realms of exploration.
Final Comment: I based my grade on the exceptional 3-D animation, and marvelous storyline.
Stars 3.5 out of 5
Additional Film Information
Cast: Chris Pratt, Anya Taylor-Joy, Charlie Day
Directed by: Aaron Horvath and Michael Jelenic
Genre: Animation, Adventure, Comedy, Family, Fantasy, Romance, and Sci-Fi
MPAA Rating: Rated PG for action and mild violence.
Running Time: 1 hour and 32 minutes
Release Date: April 5, 2023
Distributed By: Universal Pictures and Peacock
Release In: Standard, Dolby Digital, Digital 3-D, and IMAX.