A Review

So I saw "Mario," and for the most part, it's actually pretty good. Like, it isn't anywhere as layered as other animated movies like "Wreck-It Ralph," "Spiderverse," and especially "The LEGO Movie," and the plot is very convenient I would say like a lot of kids movies. I think it's because they fear that something too complicated will confuse or bore the youngins, but it's miles above something like "the Emoji Movie" or anything "Smurfs" or "Alvin and the Chipmunks" related that we've seen.

It has lots of heart for sure, and it's great looking too. I loved all the animation and action sequences which are all filled with lush visuals and colors. Voice cast is fine but not anything spectacular. It's a major studio production so I get they feel they have to get A-listers for all the main characters, but they could have honestly just gotten anybody to voice anyone.

It's consistently entertaining and forward-moving, and filled with (probably it's strongest asset) tons of Mario lore and references from the Nintendo library. I'm not a big fan of movies using cameos and references in place of jokes and substance (looking at you, "House Party" remake 2023), but most if not all of them add something to the world-building and story with others harmlessly thrown into the background.

It's a perfectly fine bit of bubblegum entertainment that I just found delightful. I'll go ahead and call it probably the best video game movie ever, although that's not a high bar. A vivacious, eager-to-please and refreshingly brief (right at 90 mins I think) time for lovers of Mario and animation alike.