Super Mario Bros.

Starring: Bob Hoskins, John Leguizamo, Dennis Hopper, Samantha Mathis, Fisher Stevens, Lance Henriksen (cameo)
Directed by: Annabel Jankel, Rocky Morton
Rating: PG
Genre: Fantasy, Action
1993

Times Seen:
Tim: 3

Summary: Two Brooklyn plumber brothers, Mario (Bob Hoskins) and Luigi (John Leguizamo) embark on a whirlwind adventure in a parallel dimension ruled by the evil King Koopa (Dennis Hopper) when they follow a mysterious woman named Daisy (Samantha Mathis) through a portal.

Review:

Tim: I'm probably one of the few people that really likes this movie. The general consensus is that this movie is terrible. I understand why many people hate this movie- it takes some pretty big liberties with the Mario Brothers story. However, I can forgive that. I wish the big screen version of the popular video game was a little more true to form, but this is still an interesting take on the Mushroom Kingdom. That is pretty much how I can enjoy this movie- by understanding this is just one interpretation, one variation on the classic heroes. It might not be a good variation, but an interesting one regardless.

The best part of the movie are the little references to the games. Close viewers will pick up Yoshi, Ba-bombs, Toad, and many more little references.

Bob Hoskins makes a good Mario. I know many people despise him, but who would be better in the role? I can think of no one. Leguizamo is somewhat unexpected as Luigi, but makes a good counterpart to Hoskins. The two have good chemistry together. Samantha Mathis is excellent as Princess Daisy. She is amazing and I wish she was in more movies. Dennis Hopper is a terrific choice for Koopa. His hair and his attitude reflect the cartoon Bowser so familiar to Mario fans.

The weakest part of the film is the story- alternate universes, devolution guns, etc. It is all pretty absurd.

I wish this movie was better received by audiences, because I'd love to see a sequel. Sadly, even in the sequel-obsessed Hollywood that currently exists, it'll never happen.

Rating 1-10
Tim's Rating: 7.5



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