Mini-Review: The Super Mario Bros. Movie

Most movies these days are based on some existing IP (intellectual property). This is done because movie studios rely on a built-in audience to help a movie succeed. Suppose a random person on the street sees a well-known character on a movie poster. In that case, they are likelier to see it than if they don't recognize anyone. The problem is that when a movie banks on its IP, it tends to be a fairly empty movie.

Mario (Chris Pratt) and Luigi (Charlie Day) are plumbers in NYC who get sucked into the Mushroom Kingdom and must help save it from Bowser (Jack Black).

I had fun watching "The Super Mario Brothers Movie," but there is nothing of any substance there. The movie relies on nostalgia and references other things in the Mario universe. There is zero substance to the story, and that is a considerable weakness in a world where Pixar exists. Not all animated movies need to be a masterpiece, but they should have more than just pretty colors.

4/10

Rated PG for action and mild violence.

1hr. 32mins.

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Movie Review: Dungeons & Dragons: Honor Among Thieves