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Manila Bulletin devider Lifestyle devider Arts and Culture devider Mamma Mia! 'The Super Mario Bros. Movie' is a near-perfect video game film adaptation

Mamma Mia! 'The Super Mario Bros. Movie' is a near-perfect video game film adaptation

Who says it's impossible to make a great movie based on a video game?

Published Apr 13, 2023 02:24 am
I remember the slow, easy days of my youth—weekends playing outside with my friends and cousins; bonding and cuddling my pet dog (how I miss the little furball); and, of course, playing video games. As a child of the nineties, I was fortunate enough to have played with that now iconic video game console, the Nintendo Family Computer or “Famicom.” Everyone born in the eighties know that console, with its simple blocky design and white and red motif. The controller is simple and intuitive, and many gaming enthusiasts (including myself) agree, the Famicom is the peak of casual gaming consoles. Speaking of the “peak of gaming,” the Super Mario gaming franchise is also considered one of the most iconic games in video game history—and there’s a new movie coming out this April. I know what a lot of moviegoers and video game geeks are thinking. This won’t be a good adaptation. And the Super Mario franchise, indeed, does not have a good record in crossing that horizon to Hollywood-land. Movie enthusiasts will remember the 1993 live-action film starring Bob Hoskins and John Leguizamo. “Super Mario Bros.” was a complete box office flop, and was universally panned by movie critics. However, today, it has a cult following. But I digress, because I’m here to tell you, dear reader, that the new Super Mario movie, coincidentally called “The Super Mario Bros. Movie” is an absolute joy to watch. And will be loved by kids, and kids-at-heart alike.

Mamma Mia!

From the first frame to the last, you actually feel as if you’re inside a Super Mario video game. The aesthetics, the music, and (more importantly)  the tone of the story, are faithful to the source material. I loved the musical callbacks from the original game, fans will immediately now when they hear it. Indeed, I was giddy as a little school kid when I heard the Mushroom Kingdom music, the Underground music, and more at the special preview screening of Warner Bros. Philippines. Gamers will be treated to a ton of Super Mario franchise references, from Mario Kart to the spooky hijinks of Luigi in Luigi’s Mansion. Fans will also delight to know that Chris Pratt (Jurassic World and The LEGO Movie franchises) and Charlie Day (It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia, Horrible Bosses) as Mario and Luigi respectively, are perfect for the roles. Jack Black (Jumanji films) is in his hammy, musical, and garish best as the evil Bowser. I don’t want to spoil the story, but I’m confident to claim that both hardcore Super Mario fans and the uninitiated will love this light, entertaining romp into video game fantasy land. A highly recommended film, to be sure. The Super Mario Bros. movie will open nationwide in cinemas on April 19, 2023. Cinemas are now pre-selling tickets. And so, borrowing from the movie – “Let’s-a go! Check out the trailer below:
The Super Mario Bros. Movie will open nationwide in cinemas on April 19, 2023 *Photos courtesy of Universal Pictures International**

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