Where do I begin? Let’s just say, it’s a good thing Mario and Luigi were expert plumbers because this movie needed some serious fixing.
First of all, let’s talk about the casting. Bob Hoskins as Mario? John Cena as Luigi? I mean, I love those actors, but they were about as far from Italian plumbers as you could get. And don’t even get me started on Danny DeVito as King Koopa. It was like he was playing a villain from a completely different movie.
This time, Mario (played by Bob Hoskins, who somehow manages to make a convincing Italian plumber) and Luigi (portrayed by John Cena, who surprisingly rocks the green overalls) must navigate a new challenge as Bowser (played by Danny DeVito, of all people) has teamed up with a new villain – a sentient mushroom named Fun Guy (voiced by Seth Rogen, because who else?).
The plot is absurd, with a mix of action, adventure, and slapstick humour that keeps you laughing from start to finish. There are power-ups, warp pipes, and plenty of Goombas for the fans, but also enough jokes and gags to keep the non-gamers entertained.
The supporting cast is equally fantastic, with Jack Black stealing scenes as the eccentric Toad and Awkwafina delivering a hilarious performance as the devious Koopa Troopa.
But the real standout is the musical numbers, which range from catchy pop songs to operatic arias, all with a Mario-themed twist. You haven’t lived until you’ve seen Bowser belt out a ballad about his love for Princess Peach (who, by the way, is played by Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson in drag).
Overall, “Super Mario Bros: The Mushroom Kingdom Strikes Back” is a delightfully silly movie that’s perfect for fans of the game and newcomers alike. Just be warned, you may leave the theatre with an insatiable craving for mushrooms.