Product: Super Mario Bros. [VHS] (1993)
Rating: 4.0
A Creative Twist
I've seen and read a lot of reviews about this movie, but I guess you could say that I had to see for myself before I could agree or disagree with any of them.Many, many people criticize and ridicule this film for its inaccuracy in regards to the actual video games. I've grown up watching my younger cousin play the games--I personally have practically no interest in playing unless its a group free-for-all--and although I can't call myself an expert in Mario, I can say that it is a true point.Super Mario Bros. is /not/ like the game. But from even a few minutes of watching, its clear to see that they weren't trying to make it like the game. On the contrary, the writers and directors of this film created something very different--and yet similar--to the game it was based on. But that doesn't make the movie bad!Personally, I adore this movie. The effects--although not up to par with this day and age--aren't really that bad, especially if you're paying more attention to the acting and the plot than the effects going on around it. Sure, the goombas don't look like they're very real and Yoshi doesn't look like a living breathing animal, but that doesn't change that Mario and Luigi are a blast to watch, that the sets are entertaining, and that Princess Daisy--in a stroke of rarity--isn't an annoying heroine.Honestly, this movie doesn't deserve all the crap its getting. Its a fun film that's entertaining to watch, and is an especially great movie for a rainy day or a group gathering of friends where you just want something fun to watch. Sure, it isn't accurate and its an older movie. Sure, the ending seems rushed and it was set up for a sequel that never comes. Sure, you never actually find out a lot of things that--at least to me--can be infuriating. But it is a brilliant idea from the writers and I will definitely be buying this movie and watching it on at least an annual basis. Hope this has been a help to those who aren't quite sure whether to watch, or not to watch. Watch it once and give it a try! You might surprise yourself.