Hi. It’s me, Alco. I like drawing, cheering people up, and Donkey Kong games. Here, I review the Super Mario Bros. Movie.
Okay, so I was looking forward to this film since the cast announcement. Jack Black as Bowser got my approval immediately, and I liked finding out that Donkey Kong would have a starring role. I am a fan of Black’s performances, such as the eccentric substitute teacher Dewey or the devoted wrestler Ignacio, and expected nothing short of excellence for the Koopa King’s acting.
Lo and behold, I was right to have faith. From the start, Bowser impressed me, taking up huge chunks of the screen and contorting his face in ways I did not think possible. All of it matching Black’s dialogue and energy with utmost perfection. It was amazing, and so well worth watching in theaters. He was a terrifying brute, but had a sensitive side that left me giggling and wanting to cheer him up, rooting for his twisted vision board of “The Happy Ending”. He was like Shrek if the ogre wanted to make his frustrations with life everybody’s else’s problem.
As for the titular Mario Bros. they were actually quite lovely together. Chris Pratt and Charlie Day brought forth a tenderness and affection to Mario and Luigi respectively, traits that are quite consistent from their game depictions, now expanded upon for the film.
However, the brothers are soon separated, with Luigi accidentally launching himself into the Dark
Lands, and Mario into the Mushroom Kingdom. It was quite the shift from the beautifully detailed streets of Brooklyn, with iconic fantastical imagery now guiding the brothers, as well as myself. Gorgeous sequences of Mario and Luigi exploring the realms had me riveted, eyes taking joy in seeing such lively performances as the meticulously scattered Dry Bones critters, giving chase to Luigi in a rather intense sequence.
Overall, I very much adored the main hero’s go-getter attitude, attempting to overcome his doubts as a self-made entrepreneur with the help of a timid yet sweet and supportive younger brother in Luigi. Their dynamic seemed so honorable of the source material, both always looking out for the other no matter the stakes. It’s just sort of a downer that the movie rushes through locations to get a good visual montage going rather than pause to let audiences absorb the emotional drama of the film. One of my favorite scenes is when Luigi brings pasta to his brother, sad and feeling himself a failure. No matter what, Luigi still believed in him <3 More of that, please!
A comparison I made to Mario and Luigi's relationships is that of Woody and Buzz from Toy Story. Near the end of the film, Buzz realizes he is a mere toy - far from the glory of space ranger in Buzz's mind. He accepts it and gives up on carrying forward with life. In an effort to heal Buzz, Woody then confesses his insecurities as a replaced toy since Buzz's arrival, lamenting that he is not enough to impress their owner Andy any longer. Buzz takes one look at the name 'Andy' etched under his boot and has a realization: being a toy loved by a child is indeed as cool, if not cooler, than saving an entire galaxy. A refreshing outlook that encourages heroism anyways <3 As one of my favorite movies, Toy Story came to mind because I wanted to find out why I did not feel as strong a connection with the Super Mario Bros. Movie.
I ultimately determined that while faithful to the source material in design and characterization, the movie did not elaborate much on how each character grew because of the other. Scenes like Luigi's flashback could have perhaps motivated the younger brother to persuade the captured Luma in using their hidden magical powers to escape. Luma could have confessed that they are depressed and pessimistic because their family passed away and became galaxies, leaving the blue luma as the sole survivor. Luigi could have acted as an older brother for Luma, assuring them of being a family anew and leading the penguins to safety.
While I have yet to talk about the Kongs themselves - Scenes like Donkey Kong and Mario's trip into the eel's stomach after a failed rescue could have begun with rage at unfulfilled expectations, with Donkey Kong opening up about how he is desperate for his father’s approval, due to constant failure. Mario could have then lowered his defenses and confessed that he feels the same, how his main interest wasn’t to take away glory from DK, but more so his brother, explained how Luigi looks up to him and is terrified of letting down the one person who ever believed in him. Donkey Kong could have then sympathized more with Mario, figuring out that the safety of his kingdom was more of a reason to be a hero than the mere admiration of them - a clear contrast to Bowser’s goals in life. Both of them could have reconciled emotionally, rather than quickly and coincidentally finding a rocket barrel to escape and teaming up anyways. That sequence was admittedly cool to see - memories of passing Donkey Kong Country Returns with every K-O-N-G letter and puzzle piece retrieved.
Little imagined scenarios as above are what I felt the movie lacked. The film seemed committed to blending together the Mario and Donkey Kong worlds as best it could into a short amount of time. I think that while it was a feast for the eyes, especially with the Jungle Kingdom, I wanted to know more about the characters and how they grew as individuals. As I do everyday, it’s amazing to relish the impact one could have on another person, and I just wanted to see more of those moments here.
Okay - I would love to talk about Peach and Toad. The princess seemed perfect with her royal duties, and I was not sure of vulnerabilities. She was fascinated by Mario for being another human like her, but she handled most of the conflicts quite well on her own. No emotional hang ups or insecurities it seemed. Thinking back, it appears that Peach was moreso a guide for Mario through the strange worlds. A way to rescue his brother. For that, I suppose she was effective. It would have been interesting to know more of her loneliness, and whether she felt a weight in managing an entire kingdom. The potential for exploring her character was there, but the finale outcome was a sweet performance nonetheless from Anya Taylor-Joy as a protector of the Toads and friend of Mario.
Toad, played by Keegan Michael-Key, showed constant bravery and excitement for adventure. I loved his enthusiasm. Toad seemed to help Mario out of the mere kindness of his heart. I am used to movies showing a more personal desire for characters. Imagined scenarios came to mind - such as Toad wanting to be a guard at the palace and trying to prove his capability as a tough fighter. Perhaps feeling out of place in the Mushroom Kingdom and finding more joy as an explorer of other worlds. It is at the front gates of the Kongs’ domain where Toad could have helped persuade Cranky Kong with his expansive knowledge of fruits, such as those found on Yoshi’s island and those only available in the Mushroom Kingdom. Would have made the loss of such kingdoms to Bowser more of an eye opener for the Kongs, that the beauty of such resources would fall in the destructive path of Bowser. Perhaps this could have been a potent message about environmental conservation that the Donkey Kong series strongly encourages throughout the series. How none expected Toad to have alleviated tensions between kingdoms. How you never know what you are capable of until you try. At least, it could have been a peaceful alternative to fighting that Mario and Donkey Kong were soon relegated towards. Something for Toad to show that his passions can inspire greatness in others. I am just imagining what potential the movie may have had should it have been a tad bit longer in attention to each character. As is, Toad just seemed to be a cute presence that was along for the ride, because he’s a funny little guy. Not that I really minded xD
Now - My background in video games. I love platformers focused around animals and nature, and none come even close to the enjoyment I receive out of the Donkey Kong franchise. A series that has constantly exceeded my expectations since the initial arcade game in 1981 by Creative Director Shigeru Miyamoto. The series focuses on the kind hearted and energetic Kong Family, poised above the jungles of DK Island, living life to the fullest with acrobatics against any who dare disturb the peace, such as my favorite krew of any video game: The Kremlings led by the mighty King Krusha K(eith) Rool. (To Gregg Mayles, I sincerely hope your creation gets a starring role in a future film)
Wherever I go, my mind and heart carry forth the hums and beats of composers David Wise, Eveline Fischer & Grant Kirkhope, all while traversing through my harsh, berating negative self-talks with an always victorious and powerful optimism, matching that of Donkey Kong himself.
So here we are, my favorite part of the film - The Kongs! What did I think? They were adorable, but ever so brief. The focus of the Kongs was moreso their abilities as kart creators and racers rather than their individual personalities. This is where the movie’s flaws and strengths are truly front and center. A lot of love to the iconic visuals of the games, but cramming lots into one film that sheds spotlights away from the characters’ personal journeys. I really wish to have felt more joy in seeing Donkey Kong and Mario bond as friends, Cranky overjoyed with his son’s heroic feats, Diddy Kong carving his own path as a leader… wait, that’s probably for a future movie <3 As is, these moments were seconds in length, merely sweet and quickly leading into the next, elaborate action scene. Kudos to the impressive finale.
Of course, I must admit the fact that Pop songs were prevalent throughout the movie. None were quite bothersome, but the song chosen “Take on Me” during the introduction of the Kongs’ jungle kingdom actually replaced a unique score by the wonderful Brian Tyler, one that paid homage to the scores of David Wise. I was disappointed to have listened to the track prior to the film, overcome with joy, only to find out it was cut from the final film. Why?! And Grant Kirkhope, George Andreas and Chris Sutherland were left uncredited for the DK Rap. Hollywood, please be more courteous to creators.
I received a plethora of Kongs, their world honorable to that of Rareware and Retro Studios’ takes on DK’s home island. However, it seemed to fight for attention away from Mario and his own adventure to save his brother. Was a treat to see DK and Mario fight, showing how DK, played by the rowdy Seth Rogen, wished to impress his crowd with dancing and later with actual heroic feats. Was a treat to see him be the one to save the caged prisoners using his Kong strength.
The rainbow road sequence that followed was gorgeous, an exhilarating spectacle that also showed how Cranky underestimated Bowser's cunning and makes his own mistakes as leader, taking more sympathy for his son DK and everyone under peril of a tyrant. All of these foundations for character growth were nice, but again rushed over with amazing battle sequences that physically conquered the Koopa threat, but not so much explored the emotional reasons behind such amazing feats. Props to the sequence where Mario is nearly defeated, encouraged to fight again after he sees his corny plumber commercial play on a broken television screen. How the love for his brother is what gives him true strength that no powerup could ever match with. Thus, again, I do wish to have seen more of the two bring out the best in each other for audiences to remember for generations to come.
And - if any of you were curious - YES, I absolutely loved that Chunky Kong was in this film - Oh my gosh, did anyone else see his twinkling eyes? Oh wow! They were so cute, his tender, butterfly loving attitude is intact baby! He’s back! That’s what’s up! Whoooo! I’ma get stronger like Chunky to be the best at hugs. Lanky Kong, you’re next! HERE WE COME! ◕˽ ◕
Ahem, ahem…
In conclusion, I very much did enjoy the film, lament its race towards the finish line but also look forward now even more to the Donkey Kong movie, for it seems that DK will actually have the advantage of focusing solely on the Kong family rather than also juggling the Mario family feud with the King of the Koopas as this movie attempted. As a self-claimed Kong connoisseur, I very much had fun exploring the jungle kingdom and getting a taste of our Kong heroes' personalities. But impressive physical feats are not as banana slammin' fascinating as the emotions hidden beneath.
Have a Kong-tastic Day! <3 *laughs in Seth Rogen
