WAHOO!! Park your kart and call your friends to see the Family Movie Event this Easter! The Super Mario Bros. Movie is a nostalgic love letter to the game & Nintendo as it transports fans to the Mushroom Kingdom with colourful visuals, gorgeous animation & Easter eggs galore! For the first time, iconic global entertainment brands Illumination and Nintendo join forces to create “The Super Mario Bros. Movie”, a new, big-screen adventure starring pop culture’s most prominent plumber of the past four decades. Based on the world of Nintendo’s SuperMario games, the film invites audiences into a vibrant, thrilling new universe unlike any created before in an action-packed cinematic comedy event.
Synopsis
While working underground to fix a water main, Brooklyn plumbers Mario (CHRIS PRATT, Jurassic World and The LEGO Movie franchises) and brother Luigi (CHARLIE DAY, It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia, Horrible Bosses) are transported down a mysterious pipe and wander into a magical new world. But when the brothers are separated, Mario embarks on an epic quest to find Luigi. With the assistance of a Mushroom Kingdom resident Toad (KEEGAN-MICHAEL KEY, Key & Peele, The Lion King) and some training from the strong-willed ruler of the Mushroom Kingdom Princess Peach (ANYA TAYLOR-JOY, The Queen’s Gambit, The Menu), Mario taps into his own power.
(from left) Mario (Chris Pratt) and Luigi (Charlie Day) in Nintendo and IlluminationÕs The Super Mario Bros. Movie, directed by Aaron Horvath and Michael Jelenic.
The Rainbow Road to Illumination’s “The Super Mario Bros. Movie
Nintendo’s iconic Super Mario Bros. characters have been captivating gamers and fans for decades, so it seems fitting that if anyone can make a successful family film out of Mario, it’s most definitely Illumination Entertainment, the animation studio that’s responsible for creating some of the most beloved animated films of the past decade, including the Sing and The Secret Life of Pets films and the Despicable Me and Minions franchise, the most successful animated franchise in history. Illumination’s iconic, beloved franchises are infused with memorable and distinct characters, global appeal and cultural relevance, making the studio the perfect home for The Super Mario Bros. Movie.
The Super Mario Bros. Movie is the first time that Nintendo and Illumination have collaborated, bringing together their creative worlds of gaming and animation. The core elements in Nintendo’s game franchises lend themselves to becoming distinctive, imaginative and fun for audiences of all ages and some unfamiliar with the games. the two creative forces formed a thoughtful, fleshed-out story, which would go on to become The Super Mario Bros. Movie, penned by screenwriter Matthew Fogel.
An origin story in the simplest way possible, the film paints the Mario brothers as two struggling yet plucky plumbers in New York City we learn that Mario and Luigi are two outer-borough guys who come from an Italian family. The film brings the importance of brotherhood and shows Mario who’s a little insecure and just really wants to prove to himself that he’s capable. In trying to solve a citywide plumbing issue, Mario and Luigi come across an underground area. When Luigi disappears, Mario goes to see what has happened and gets sucked into the warp zone. Mario lands in the Mushroom Kingdom, but Luigi gets thrown into the dark lands, which is ruled by Bowser. Mario has one objective: to find his brother.”
(from left) Mario (Chris Pratt) and Luigi (Charlie Day) in Nintendo and Illumination’s The Super Mario Bros. Movie, directed by Aaron Horvath and Michael Jelenic.
The road to Illumination’s “The Super Mario Bros. Movie” has been a long, colourful, and winding one. The film was originally announced in 2018 before the reveal of the much-discussed voice cast back in 2021, however, “The Super Mario Bros. Movie” is a delightfully fun-filled animated adventure flick that will certainly earn the love and respect of Mario fanatics, video game enthusiasts, cinephiles, and families. Even better, it’s truly everything I wanted from a Mario film which is a bright, inventive, funny, richly detailed, feel-good, and incredibly entertaining movie that perfectly captures the spirit of Nintendo’s iconic gaming mascot and franchise.
Welcome To The Mushroom Kingdom
The film is ultimately a dream for anyone who has ever wanted to see the world of Mario brought to life in high quality. Directors Aaron Horvath and Michael Jelenic Who also wrote and produced Teen Titans GO! To the Movies has ensured that the Mushroom Kingdom is absolutely jam-packed and full of references to just about every Mario/Nintendo game available. Nintendo fans should keep an eye out for references to Jumpman, the original moniker for the character, as well as more overt references to the Donkey Kong games and a tease of adventures even further afield with a nod to Super Mario Galaxy. The directors took a lot of inspiration from the original Super Mario Bros. games and also Super Mario 3D world creating something that is really authentic and ultimately a beautiful representation of the characters and the worlds they inhabit. The film has those iconic elements that the games are known for and the studios truly have pushed the level of detail making them look believable and immersive, especially in 3D.
Mario (voiced by Chris Pratt) in The Super Mario Bros. Movie, from Nintendo and Illumination.
The hero’s journey takes us through various forms of action platformer and battle scenes, with side-scrolling 2D angles between scenes adding a Nintendo Switch feel, It’s truly an authentic extension of a Mario game. The most important theme of the movie is perseverance,” Horvath says. “It’s about never giving up. The only way to lose at a Super Mario Bros. game is to give up, and if you just keep playing, you will get better and eventually defeat Bowser. So that became the theme of the movie.
One of the biggest joys of the film for Mario fans will be the vast array of recognisable NPCs, fan-favourite characters and adorable inhabitants who bring life to the lands. When you leave the cinema, you’ll be itching to dive into a game, which is exactly what I did.
The stunning animation style made famous by Illumination is utilised in a colourful and pleasing way throughout “The Super Mario Bros. Movie” and the world-building is absolutely phenomenal as Mario and Princess Peach traverse through wild jungles of the Kong Kingdom, the fiery rock of Bowser’s floating castle, and the frigid Ice Kingdom. The rich worlds are populated by a myriad of Power Blocks and obstacles of Mario iconography. The script by Fogle takes Mario and his newfound friends from the Mushroom Kingdom on an unbelievably entertaining tour through these worlds and characters capturing the momentum of the Nintendo games in such sequences as Mario and Peach training on a makeshift course, a show-stopping smackdown with Donkey Kong, and an exhilarating thrilling Kart Race on the Rainbow Road.
(from left) Donkey Kong (Seth Rogen), Mario (Chris Pratt), Princess Peach (Anya Taylor-Joy) and Cranky Kong (Fred Armisen) in Nintendo and Illumination’s The Super Mario Bros. Movie, directed by Aaron Horvath and Michael Jelenic.
Plumbin’ Ain’t Easy
By far the biggest eyebrow-raiser when the ball got rolling on “The Super Mario Bros. Movie”was the casting of Chris Pratt as Mario. On paper, his casting and the prioritisation of celebrity voice actors over veteran voice talent didn’t really bode well with many Mario fans. However, I’m here to say that Chris Pratt steps into the role with his recognizable charm, his affable, though clumsy, Brooklyn plumber is about as good an adaptation of the character as you can hope for.
Mario is a guy from Brooklyn with big dreams. He’s the classic ‘big brother’ brimming with charm and confidence. We catch up with Mario right as his newly launched plumbing business has gone off the rails. Just when things couldn’t get worse, he is unwillingly transported to the Mushroom Kingdom and separated from Luigi. Here, and with the help of Princess Peach, it’s up to Mario to save his brother and discover his courage, resolve and perseverance. The film fleshes out the character beyond what we see in the games which ultimately creates a compelling and relatable narrative.
Luigi, voiced by Charlie Day, is Mario’s devoted (and anxious!) little brother and business partner. Where Mario is calm and confident, Luigi is…not. After the brothers fall into the Warp Zone, Luigi is captured by Bowser. When the world is in danger, Luigi must face his fears head-on and find the courage to finally step out of his older brother’s shadow. After emerging from Mario’s shadow in recent years, though was a little disappointing to see him become sidelined with limited screen time. However, the overall development he receives, plus his eventual importance to the plot is the reason why this film is called “The Super Mario Bros. Movie“. I especially loved the spooky “Luigi’s Mansion“-influenced sequences, which see Luigi chased by a group of whimsically menacing Dry Bones in a haunting atmosphere. Hopefully teasing us for a “Luigi’s Mansion” movie.
Luigi (Charlie Day) in Nintendo and Illumination’s The Super Mario Bros. Movie, directed by Aaron Horvath and Michael Jelenic.
Peaches
Princess Peach, voiced by Anya Taylor-Joy, is the capable leader of the Mushroom Kingdom, sworn protector of the Toads and a master of the magical Power-Ups. Together, Peach and Mario embark on an adventure to stop Bowser and rescue Luigi. When Bowser threatens her kingdom, Peach will stop at nothing to defend it and its citizens. Princess Peach redefines what it means to be a princess because she’s the master of her own fate. She’s not weak or helpless, and she’s not a damsel in distress. She’s not looking for anyone to save her. She’s an incredibly driven leader, she’s fearless, determined, capable and has so much heart. She’s very concerned about the welfare of the Mushroom Kingdom—she wants everyone to be taken care of and to live peacefully. Taylor-Joy imbues Peach with quiet confidence, bravery, and badassery. She’s a tough character with her own agency, and being the guide to the hero’s journey, she serves the story in a really crucial way.
Toad is an adorable and cheerful citizen of the Mushroom Kingdom who is desperate to go on his first real adventure. Toad is the first character Mario meets in this new world, and Toad immediately offers to help Mario save Luigi from Bowser. Despite his light-hearted demeanour, Toad can also have a biting wit and isn’t afraid to go to battle to defend the people he cares about. Key’s performance-infused humour, heart
(from left) Toad (Keegan-Michael Key) and Princess Peach (Anya Taylor-Joy) in Nintendo and IlluminationÕs The Super Mario Bros. Movie, directed by Aaron Horvath and Michael Jelenic.
King of The Koopas
Bowser is the ultimate, power-hungry villain. A giant, ferocious turtle and King of the Koopas, Bowser rules the Dark Lands. The entire world falls into jeopardy when Bowser steals the powerful Super Star and attempts to seize the Mushroom Kingdom and rule it, once and for all. Bowser is one of the most fun characters in the movie because he has so many layers. When we are first introduced to him, he’s evil personified and he’s a bit scary. And as you get deeper into the film, you discover there’s another side to him. There’s a vulnerable, silly side. The character is voiced by Jack Black, He’s terrifying…powerful…and filled with insecurities…a great character to explore. Despite its title, The Super Mario Bros. Movie doesn’t actually introduce its lead stars in its first act. The film’s opening sequence is devoted to Bowser and his search for the Super Star. The film’s opening lays the foundations for the film’s joke-centric vibe and sells the extraordinary threat that Bowser and his army pose. That menacing tonality is aided by Bowser being voiced by someone as charismatic, and as humorously fiendish, as Black. Bowser also plays an incredible piano ballad featured in the film.
Some of my favourite scenes with Bowser are the hilarious moments between him and his trusty assistant Kamek (voiced by Kevin Michael Richardson). Bowser’s most loyal henchman. A Koopa with supernatural abilities, he acts as a sycophantic adviser and informant to Bowser. Unfortunately, he also deals with the brunt of Bowser’s wrath when things don’t go as planned.
(from left, centered) Bowser (Jack Black) and Kamek (Kevin Michael Richardson) in Nintendo and Illumination’s The Super Mario Bros. Movie, directed by Aaron Horvath and Michael Jelenic.
Courting The Kongs
Donkey Kong is the son and heir of Cranky Kong, the leader of The Jungle Kingdom and Kong Army. Donkey Kong is an extremely powerful warrior—but also a bit of a man-child. He isn’t exactly eager to help when Mario seeks his assistance in protecting the Mushroom Kingdom, the character is voiced by Seth Rogen and he even gets to incorporate the Donkey Kong rap. Cranky Kong, voiced by Fred Armisen, is King of The Jungle Kingdom and father to Donkey Kong. Peach and Mario, seeking Cranky Kong’s help to protect the Mushroom Kingdom, must first prove themselves to Cranky Kong, who is known for his bluntness and his refusal to make alliances.
Donkey Kong (Seth Rogen) in Nintendo and Illumination’s The Super Mario Bros. Movie, directed by Aaron Horvath and Michael Jelenic.
Easter eggs galore and Orchestral Score
“The Super Mario Bros. Movie” is a Rainbow Road joy ride that just asks you to find every Easter egg and secrets to Mario‘s game series, as well as games starring his contemporaries. This is ultimately why the film has such a rewatchability factor as you’ll discover something new during each watch. there are some call backs some more obvious than others – the Rainbow Road, Donkey Kong Rap, Cheep Cheep bridge, plus appearances from King Bob-omb and King Boo, and fire and ice flowers being five such additions, Lumaleee also makes a surprising appearance which is definitely a fan-favourite as he’s unnaturally cheerful . Mario Kart is also brilliantly brought to life complete with gliders and a kart selection scene that will make anyone who has played the games smile.
Lumaleee (Juliet Jelenic) in Nintendo and Illumination’s The Super Mario Bros. Movie, directed by Aaron Horvath and Michael Jelenic.
The easter eggs also continue throughout the film, hidden in Brian Tyler’s awesome score Taking on Koji Kondo’s original and iconic themes. Tyler’s love for Nintendo games truly shows as his score has scale and emotional depth whilst still representing the music of the games since their inception. Tyler manipulates short motifs into the score at any given moment from instantly-recognisable item sounds to snippets of the Luigi’s Mansion theme.
The addition of iconic 80s songs, such as Bonnie Tyler’s Holding Out for a Heroand A-ha’s Take on Me, serve as further nods to the era Mario and his fellow gaming icons were born in.
Also, see if you can pick out which characters Mario’s original voice actor Charles Martinet plays here, too, before the credits roll and make sure to stay till the very end as “The Super Mario Bros. Movie” has 2 end credit sequences.
Final Thoughts
“The Super Mario Bros Movie” was an absolute joy from beginning to end! The story is fun, delightful and compelling with heart, humour, and adventure capturing the essence of Mario with impactful themes of brotherhood & proving yourself! Fun voice-work & nostalgic score from Brian Tyler.
Power Up… “Paw Patrol: The Mighty Movie” is a Super delightful family adventure that is sure to please the young & young at heart! The animation from Mikros Animation is absolutely adorable and the story is impactful, highlighting the importance of even the smallest members of the team can make the biggest difference!
Synopsis
When a magical meteor crash lands in Adventure City, it gives the PAW Patrol pups superpowers, transforming them into The MIGHTY PUPS! For Skye, the smallest member of the team, her new powers are a dream come true. But things take a turn for the worse when the pups’ archrival Humdinger breaks out of jail and teams up with a mad scientist to steal the superpowers for the two villains. With the fate of Adventure City hanging in the balance, the Mighty Pups have to stop the supervillains before it’s too late, and Skye will need to learn that even the smallest pup can make the biggest difference.
Review
The Paw Patrol franchise is now 10 years old which in dog years can be up to 70 years old depending on your dog and with each instalment, children and their parents have been treated to exciting adventures, wholesome characters and cool new merchandise. What began as a preschool TV series back in 2013 created by Keith Chapman finally got the Hollywood silver-screen treatment in 2021 with “PAW Patrol: The Movie” directed by Cal Brunker who returns for this mighty follow-up. The films have broadened their scale and reach alongside their lesson-learning story-driven narrative.
Much like Chase in the first film battling confidence issues against a traumatic situation, here it’s Skye’s spotlight moment. Her merit and worth are assessed when fighting her insecurities as the smallest of the group, the smallest in her litter growing up. A challenge for her resolve, seeking and affirming her niche under these rearranged dynamics. The movie explores her heart-tugging backstory as the unwanted “runt” of her litter, whom Ryder eventually rescues. As the story unfolds, Skye realises that her self-worth isn’t tied to her size but to her inner strength and resilience. Returning writer-director Cal Brunker and co-screenwriter Bob Barlen add different facets to her arc to distinguish it from Chase’s anxiety issues. Her tiny pink bandana acts as a literal and figurative tie to her past. They include a beautifully poignant and emotional tear-jerking ballad called “Learning to Fly” from Christina Aguiler with breathtaking animation.
Courtesy of Paramount
This time, their mission holds greater challenge and peril — raising the bar creatively and delivering a smart sequel that features bolder action, bigger stakes, and deeper resonance for all ages. Like the show on which it’s based, the Mighty Movie focuses on teamwork, courage, believing in yourself, learning from your mistakes, encouraging your friends, and being a community helper. The pups each bring different talents to the crew, and they all work together during every emergency. They all discover they have a purpose, with or without powers.
PAW Patrol to the Rescue
Adventure City is safe and secure on land, at sea and in the air thanks to the elite PAW Patrol and their efforts to quell crime and avert disasters. Team leader Ryder is so confident in their ability to keep the peace that he’s decided to take on three young, clumsy and over-eager trainees: Nano (Alan Kim), Mini (Brice Gonzalez) and Tot (North West). Though the newest member of the pack, headstrong dachshund Liberty (Marsai Martin), Liberty’s character development delves into her apparent lack of a superpower as she’s looking for a purpose, is initially opposed to the idea, she stays behind to train the trio when the others are called out to fight danger. Little do they know a lurking evil is about to upend their lives.
From her lair in an abandoned observatory, scientific mastermind Victoria Vance (Taraji P. Henson) plots to magnetically harness a meteor and mine it for its powers. However, her plan goes awry, putting citizens at risk and the pups in its path. While Vance is sent to jail for her misdeeds — where she connects with the pups’ longtime foe Mayor Humdinger and his Kitten Catastrophe Crew — the patrol learns the massive rock contains special crystals that give them amazing abilities: Starting with teeny pilot Skye, who gains super strength and the ability to fly. The others soon touch their own crystals and find their powers: Rubble turns into a wrecking ball, Zuma controls water, Chase has super speed, Marshall can manipulate fire, and Rocky becomes magnetic. But just as The Mighty Pups are honing their newfound skill sets, a trap is set that threatens their livelihood.
Courtesy of Paramount
Taraji P. Henson is a delight as this film’s villain, Victoria Vance, with a delicious evil laugh. Victoria keeps insisting she is not a mad scientist. And fans of frequent Paw Patrol nemesis, former mayor and cat-lover Humdinger, will be glad to see him turn up as Victoria’s cell-mate, who helps her escape from jail. As I am in the UK our version of “Paw Patrol The Mighty Movie” is dubbed by the original UK voice actors from the show which I believe are Lewis LaHei (Ryder), Matthew Campbell (Chase), Jacob Baker (Marshall), Archie Flint (Rocky), Kit Gibbon (Rubble), Holly Thomas (Skye), Ollie Evans (Zuma), Michael Cross (Mayor Humdinger), and Mayor Goodway (Niki Felstead)
The Mighty Movie also boasts impressive guest stars voicing minor characters, including Kristen Bell, James Marsden, and Kim Kardashian returning as pampered poodle social media star Delores and her children. In the UK Dub Two of Britain’s best-loved celebrities have managed to score themselves cameos in the film. The British radio and television personality Roman Kemp will appear in the film as Tony. Whilst Veteran newscaster and journalist Sir Trevor McDonald will voice the character of Sam Stringer, a news reporter. Roman Kemp will replace Neil Crone as the voice of Tony, Sir Trevor McDonald will replace Lil Rel Howery as Sam Stringer.
Courtesy of Paramount
Action sequences and their aesthetics have evolved. Scenes that show the team functioning as a well-oiled machine are exhilarating, but pull double duty narratively, propelling the characters and their conflicts further. Mikros Animation once again has done a super job in providing the pups animation, especially when they receive their powers. The quality of animation is outstanding as they have improved the quality of animation from the first film by completely reworking their facial system. working very closely with animation and rigging, to produce a more efficient, good-looking and flexible facial expression system. The new costumes of the PAW patrol team are also incredible showing how the whole paw patrol has improved. They are cooler, more complex, but also practical!
Final Thoughts
“Paw Patrol: The Mighty Movie” is a Super delightful family adventure that gives young audience members the fun of a group of characters from which they can choose their favourite, a reminder about confidence and believing in themselves, and a lesson in teamwork. If there are any families looking for a new movie to take their kids to, “PAW Patrol The Mighty Movie” is a great choice. The film is preceded by a short featuring Dora the Explorer about saving the egg of an alebrijes.
Scott Pilgrim | Official Teaser – Anime Coming Nov. 17th [Netflix]
The titular slacker and in a garage band named Sex Bob-omb with his friends. His life is turned upside down when he meets Ramona Flowers, an American girl who is recently single. But before their love can blossom, Pilgrim finds himself challenged by his love’s seven previous relationships, and must defeat them in over-the-top fashion.
Michael Cera, Chris Evans, Brandon Routh, Brie Larson, Aubry Plaza, Mary Elizabeth Winstead
Plot Summary:
The titular slacker and in a garage band named Sex Bob-omb with his friends. His life is turned upside down when he meets Ramona Flowers, an American girl who is recently single. But before their love can blossom, Pilgrim finds himself challenged by his love’s seven previous relationships, and must defeat them in over-the-top fashion.