The Super Mario Bros. Movie (2023)
Film details
Family · Comedy · Adventure · Animation · Fantasy · Michael Jelenic · 1h 32min
Synopsis
While working underground to fix a water main, Brooklyn plumbers—and brothers—Mario and Luigi are transported down a mysterious pipe and wander into a magical new world. But when the brothers are separated, Mario embarks on an epic quest to find Luigi.
Verdict
A wholesome family adventure that celebrates sibling loyalty and courage.
In-depth analysis
Illumination Entertainment delivers a colorful and respectful adaptation of the Nintendo universe, built upon a simple yet effective narrative core: the unwavering loyalty between two brothers. The film champions visual adventure without postmodern irony — it trusts that the viewer can enjoy benevolent characters without the need to deconstruct them. Mario is not a cynical antihero; he is an ordinary plumber who discovers reserves of courage when his brother is in danger. Princess Peach appears as a competent leader of the Reino Champiñón, a legitimate narrative device in a fantasy world where mushrooms speak and pipes are magical portals. The script avoids the vulgarity and double entendre humor that contaminates much of contemporary animated cinema. The violence is exclusively cartoonish: jumps, falls, stylized combat without real consequences. For parents, it is a solid choice: it celebrates effort, friendship, and the nurturing of family bonds. A work that invites adventure without compromising innocence.