Thursday, 31 August 2023

VOD: The Super Mario Bros. Movie (dirs: Aaron Horvath, Michael Jelenic and Pierre Leduc, 2023)

"You can't be scared ALL the time!"
"You'd be surprised!"

Proving the power of the Mario franchise, this unexpectedly runaway hit CG-animation from Illumination quickly dispels memories of the infamous live action film by hitting the ground running with its irreverent silliness and energy that is spot on for its very young target audience, if somewhat trying for older viewers.  Smart games references are utilised well as the brothers get transported from the real world to other dimensions, which enables this film to expand upon different gaming scenarios, characters and mise-en-scene appropriately in vividly-coloured and detailed animation that handles movement extremely well.  Chris Pratt reprises his Lego Movie persona to reasonably entertaining effect and is key to driving the surprisingly packed narrative.  If you are under six years old this film will delight, but to older viewers the film will fly by in a candy-coloured nonsensical blur.  There is even an unnecessary mid-credits scene plus a post-credits sequel set-up, with the follow-up movie surely secured.
 

No comments: