Given the film is about to be released, I think I better lay out my thoughts on what I like about the film before it releases, and thus might be swept by the inevitable comments on the film. Plus, the film releases here two weeks later compared to most of the world, so I won't be able to check it out as soon as many people here could. That means I can't be part of the conversation like most here could.
I need to point out that I initially thought the film would have been standard Mario plot turned into a feature-length film, with the Mario brothers saving the princess from Bowser and only using enemies and characters that we expect from the Super Mario games.
Without further ado, what I liked about the film as more were revealed are:
I do hope that eventually, Wario and Waluigi would show up (either in this film or a future film), but well, I think there's enough to like about the film. Until then, I have to wait far longer than anyone else here and I am sure all the film's secrets will be shared one way or another, so I hope that I am able to ward off any of the film's spoilers until it finally releases here.
Thank you for reading.
I need to point out that I initially thought the film would have been standard Mario plot turned into a feature-length film, with the Mario brothers saving the princess from Bowser and only using enemies and characters that we expect from the Super Mario games.
Without further ado, what I liked about the film as more were revealed are:
- Nintendo and Illumination's collaboration is mutual. Illumination is not a favourite by fans, who may prefer a more reputable studio compared to Illumination, who is now infamous for their Minions. However, from interviews, it's clear that both Meledandri and Miyamoto have a good working relationship and they are very interested in working with one another. Since the relationship is great from the start, the film is already on the track to be much better than Super Mario Bros. (film), which has Bob Hoskins badmouthing this film for example. Plus, Meledandri is invited to be part of Nintendo's Board of Directors, which demonstrates a trust that is not easy for a Japan-centric company like Nintendo. A USGamer article (now offline) also makes a point on how Illumination is the best choice for Nintendo by virtue of both their (more fan-loved) competitors being unrealistic choices, and how Illumination manages budgets well. If Nintendo has faith in Illumination, I can see how this film would turn out great.
- The reveal that Donkey Kong is involved. Seriously, that's the bare minimum for me to be interested in the film, because Mario's typically not touched much about Donkey Kong even though his first game is not a Super Mario game. Not only did they include DK, they also include a swathe of the Kong community (Kong-munity?) that includes Cranky Kong as a notable figure.
- Foreman Spike is somehow involved too. Of all the less-used Mario characters, I don't think any of us expected Spike from Wrecking Crew to be involved. The only thing is that we never seen him until now unless spoilers showed him, but it's nice for obscure folks to be in the limelight. It's in part what makes Odyssey a big event: the grand return of Pauline (Rosalina with a guitar, found in concept art, is a worthwhile sacrifice to make since Pauline returns).
- The communication for voice actors is sensible and justified. I am not particularly fond of voice actors being the lynchpin for a film's first reveal, but they managed to make it feel justified. Firstly, it reveals the characters involved, and that it won't involve the video game's cast. That way, we already know ahead of time that they won't get involved and that shock is gotten over with. The reveal that Charles Martinet will still be involved is also good to know, even though a lot would prefer him to still be Mario (though I understand why he might not be up for it).
- The art style is both unique and true to its roots. The balance is not particularly easy to do since there is a need to make the characters true to their originals, but also be open to a wide range of expressions. Not to mention, the environment is gorgeous! I think Illumination struck a balance here, and it's going to be another Mario design to reference in years to come.
- The story is about Luigi being captured and Mario rescuing him. In terms of how often and how big Luigi has to rescue Mario, he has a bigger round of achievements compared to the times Mario rescue Luigi. Luigi's got the three Luigi's Mansion games, Mario is Missing, the Super Luigi Bros. in NES Remix (also got a remix of Luigi rescuing Mario in DK), and the Mario & Luigi games have entire chapters of Luigi saving Mario. Mario's achievements in rescuing Luigi is inferior by comparison where the best that he's done is the Mario Tennis Aces story mode (the rest like Origami King's running gag or Super Mario Galaxy & 3D Land are not treated as grand rescues). To see Mario doing the brother-rescuing in a grander scale for once is very refreshing in my eyes.
- The film is looking to be the most profitable film based on a video game. If there's one thing I am hoping for the Mario film besides hoping that it's great, it's that it would be the most profitable film based on a video game, not only animation-wise, but beating Warcraft for this title. Animated films typically have a larger hurdle to overcome to beat the live-action counterparts, which might be why a lot of films prefer this approach (including Detective Pikachu and the Sonic films, despite being more suited animation-wise), so I hope that the film being successful means that animated video game films are seen as viable to pursue.
- References strewn from the history of Mario. No doubt, Mario fans love the many references among its 40+ years of history within the movie, and I am no different. Typical moviegoers may not appreciate it the same way, but this at least shows that at least one group of people is catered to. Much better than ending up pleasing no one at all. Having Mario music in higher production values really helps, where it's shaping up to be a better Mario film than the predecessors.
I do hope that eventually, Wario and Waluigi would show up (either in this film or a future film), but well, I think there's enough to like about the film. Until then, I have to wait far longer than anyone else here and I am sure all the film's secrets will be shared one way or another, so I hope that I am able to ward off any of the film's spoilers until it finally releases here.
Thank you for reading.