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It's been 30 years in the making, but Illumination Entertainment has finally delivered the definitive big-screen Mario adaptation with their The Super Mario Bros. Movie del año 2023 film.
Director Aaron Horvath clearly understood that respecting the spirit and sensibilities of the beloved games was paramount.
From the vibrant animated setting of the Mushroom Kingdom to the spot-on character designs, the movie feels lifted directly from the console.
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Chris Pratt lends Mario an ideal mix of plumber competence and everyman charm.
Anya Taylor-Joy and Charlie Day steal the show as the sassy but soulful Princess Peach and neurotic Luigi.
Keegan-Michael Key's exuberant Toadsworth provides laugh-out-loud comic relief without veering into irritating territory, while Jack Black devours the role of the melodramatic villain Bowser with scenery-chewing gusto. The voice cast comprises a roll call of perfect fits.
Horvath directs with frenetic zip and whimsy that will have longtime fans beaming from ear to ear.
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References and nods to 30+ years of game lore are scattered throughout for eagle-eyed viewers. Illumination uses the limitless possibilities of animation to bring Mario's acrobatic antics to photo-realistic life.
With heart, humor and a hell of a lot of heart-pumping action, this new Super Mario Bros. movie is not just the best video game adaptation ever - it might be one of the finest animated films of the decade.
Nintendo and Illumination have made lifelong gamers proud at last. It's-a me, smiling from ear to ear.