Just came back from seeing the Super Mario Movie. (spoiler free, other than stuff we’ve seen in trailers.)
It’s pretty good. Generally solid plot excluding things that remain unexplained but don’t really need explanation because they’re irrelevant to the plot.
What I liked the most: I loved the characterizations of all the characters, especially what they did with Mario and Luigi. There was a lot going on in the film, and I’m sure they made a ton of compromises, but it was just the right amount without shoving in a ton of fan-pleasing filler. Everything had a reason to happen, it was pretty much the opposite of The Emoji Movie. Chris Pratt actually did a great job as Mario, I’m sorry, but he really did.
What I disliked the most: Cranky Kong’s voice. Never thought I’d be bothered so much by Cranky Kong of all characters, but he didn’t sound old or cranky at all. His voice actor also just all around sucked in this performance, sounded like he came in buzzed and insisted on only doing one take for all his lines. Took me out of the immersion, hated it. I also didn’t like the licensed music. The songs they used fit the scenes really well and all, but I still wish they were original scores instead. It just feels kinda cheap and tacky. Like, you’re not Shrek, stop.
You know, I get that we all hate Illumination for their basic, bland, uninspired movies that appeal to as broad an audience as possible. So, everyone was terrified when Nintendo partnered with them of all studios. But, after seeing the Mario movie, I kinda get it now. Illumination makes emotionally light, simple movies that are very palatable. And, well, that’s kinda what Mario has always been. Light, simple, and fun. I think that Illumination understands that, and their brand fits Mario pretty well. The only studio that I think could have done it better is DreamWorks.
