My expectations for “The Super Mario Bros. Movie” were in the basement. I had the sinking suspicion it was another soulless CGI cash-grab film in the same vein as “The Emoji Movie” and “Trolls World Tour,” and that it’s only saving grace would be that they had somehow convinced Jack Black to be in it. However, I was pleasantly surprised.  

While not an artistic masterpiece or an exceptionally well thought out story, the movie was plain and simple fun. With its bright colors, zany world building and upbeat 80s bops, “The Super Mario Bros. Movie” is a ridiculous and absurd delight. 

Jack Black gave a standout voice performance as Bowser, and you could tell he was having a blast playing the character. Wildly entertaining with a pretty great musical number, Bowser is the standout character of the film.  

Lumalee, the adorable and cheerfully nihilistic blue star, was an entertaining surprise. The cheerfully grim little guy hangs in a cage in Bowser’s dungeon and gleefully expounds on the meaninglessness of life. I honestly think he might be my favorite even over Bowser.  

The plot follows Mario and Luigi, two struggling plumbers from Brooklyn as they accidentally find themselves transported to a magical world through a giant sewer pipe. Here Luigi is quickly kidnaped by Bowser’s minions and brought to his stronghold. Meanwhile, Mario, Toad and Princess Peach must embark on a journey to save Luigi and the Mushroom Kingdom. Along the way they befriend Donkey Kong and face obstacles like Rainbow Road.  

In the end, Mario accidentally transports Bowser’s castle to Brooklyn while diverting a bomb from striking the Mushroom Kingdom. Together Mario, Luigi and the rest of the clan defeat Bowser, and Mario and Luigi become heroes to the real world and video-game world alike.  

  Fun, lighthearted and full of easter eggs for fans, “The Super Mario Bros. Movie” is a blast to see in theaters.