The Super Mario Bros. Movie: A Disappointing Sequel?
It’s become almost cliché to say a lackluster film feels AI-generated, but the new Super Mario Bros. Movie takes that feeling to another level. This sequel feels less like a creative endeavor and more like a calculated Easter holiday cash grab. It’s an inert and uninteresting animated follow-up to the 2023 hit, based on the enduring legacy of the Super Mario video game franchise featuring the iconic Italian-Brooklyn plumbers, Mario and Luigi.
Chris Pratt and Charlie Day reprise their roles as Mario and Luigi, respectively. While the characterizations aren’t inherently offensive, the reliance on these well-worn stereotypes feels increasingly dated in modern entertainment. This time, the duo, alongside Princess Peach (voiced by Anya Taylor-Joy), must embark on a new quest: rescuing Rosalina (Brie Larson), the adoptive mother of the Lumas – creatures reminiscent of the Minions. The villain? Bowser Jr. (Benny Safdie), son of the ever-scheming Bowser (Jack Black), who pulled a similar stunt in the previous film.
A Visually Dull Adventure
While ostensibly aimed at young children, the film lacks the vibrancy and imagination one would expect. It’s a visually dull experience, resembling a screensaver more than a cinematic adventure. The aesthetic continues the first film’s tendency towards a cheesy, Euro-inspired look, but without the charm. Perhaps the most puzzling aspect is the scarcity of genuinely funny moments.
The first Super Mario Bros. Movie cleverly spoofed the game’s 2D graphics and side-scrolling gameplay, turning the inherent absurdity into comedic gold. This sequel largely abandons that approach. Instead, we’re presented with an uninspired variation of the original storyline – a generic quest adventure. Even the subplot involving Mario’s supposed affections for Princess Peach fails to generate any meaningful interest.
The AI Comparison
It’s now common to draw comparisons between formulaic productions and AI-generated content. However, this film feels like a step down from that. It’s as if humans, utilizing AI tools, attempted to replicate something that was already artificially created, resulting in a bland, simplistic template designed for global distribution and easy dubbing. The primary goal seems to be maximizing profits during the Easter holiday season.
The Super Mario Galaxy Movie is out on April 5, 2024 in Canada, the UK and US. While fans of the franchise may find some enjoyment, it’s hard to recommend this sequel as a must-see. For a deeper dive into the world of Nintendo and video game adaptations, check out IGN’s review.
