Skip to main content

Dome Pondering Movie Review: The Super Mario Bros. Movie (2023)


What is it about?

The story of the Super Mario Bros is told, as a plumber from Brooklyn named Mario, and his brother, Luigi, travel through an underground world to save a captured princess. 

Who is in it?

Chris Pratt - Mario

Charlie Day - Luigi

Anya Taylor-Joy - Princess Peach

Jack Black - Bowser 

Favorite Scene: 

[spoiler alert]

A high-speed chase breaks out that mirrors what we've come to love and appreciate in Mario Kart

Favorite Quote: 

"In an insane world, it is the sane who are called crazy." 

Review: 

The Super Mario Bros. Movie was fun. For a nearing-forty millennial like myself who appreciated the nostalgic feel of the songs and the little tidbits from Nintendo's greatest creation, this was a great film to take in with my son. Everyone wins. 

Despite the nostalgia and the personal feel-goodness that it offers, the film really is a great visual. From the story, the effects, and the overall presentation, right down to the basic story of Super Mario Bros, this film was a treat to watch. Again, I cannot state how well the film jumps off of the screen. 

So many great voices narrate our favorite Nintendo characters, which adds to the overall credibility of the film. 

This one is an easy win for anyone who watches. Especially those who have some history with playing video games - now, then, or at some time in life. 

I'm hoping for a second - it's only right. 

Grade: 4/5

Recently Read

Dear Son, Big Fan of the Kid Turning Seven

---7 Years Old --- Dear Son,  It’s been a while since I’ve dropped a few thoughts. Forgive me, I’ve just been watching. Just observing. Taking it all in. Trying to be a good dad. I’m punching the keys today from one of your martial arts practices. It’s your second with “the big kids” and also the second time I’ve found myself watching from the sidelines with anxiety, with pride, and with likely my biggest fandom for you yet in this space. My feelings are much more than you playing baseball or coaching you in basketball. Your disposition is different. Your excellence is different in this space. With martial arts, you stay diligent with the process. Respectful. Working hard. Getting better. In competition with and respecting the older kids you are training with. That’s what I’ve enjoyed. It encapsulates everything you’ve grown into thus far. Still empathetic as ever, but adding an element of self-ambition and drive - something I’ve prided myself on - and to see you mature into this m...

Working in Higher Ed, Lately

"Working in higher education must be interesting these days, huh?" That question was posed to me by several people who recently learned that I worked in higher education. The recent discourse around the industry and field has certainly shifted in narrative and the overall feel within it. I recently wrapped up my fourteenth (!!) academic year. It's remarkable to think that I've been serving students and following a passion for this long. This is especially the case considering the rising turnover, the documented yearly burnout, and the increasing exodus from the field.  And, yup, there is that whole enrollment cliff combined with the politics that are more present than ever on college campuses.  So yeah, higher education is weird right now. Very weird.  Some quick thoughts : IS IT TIME?  Yes, I have thought about leaving the field several times. Especially, over the last few years. COVID didn't really bother me, but it's safe to say that the world of higher edu...

Still...American

O say, can you see? first generation dream-chasing foundation  maybe it wasn’t for me? But still, an opportunity. socio-mobility Hey kid, “Be the best you can be” For you, and a future be  Or two or three Don’t mind the history. It’s broad stripes and bright stars through the perilous fight Within by class, age, political party Or the mere color of skin. Embrace those (societal) ramparts so gallantly streaming over-Patriotic expression,  Ever redeeming I’ll use my boot straps, for sure! “We got money for wars, but can’t feed the poor?!” Keep ya head up… Straps up, too! Yet, still the bombs burst in air where democracy can be unfair Legacy pipelines everywhere School shootings here…and there, No care. Why is this us? just us? ‘Merica!!!  Send up thoughts and a prayer. But don’t tread on me… Whatever, our flag is still there. Praise God! For I still rather be here It’s Dr. King. Freedom to pursue. unappreciated blessings My pledge of allegiance is internally fiery, Tho...