It’sa M(ovi)E!

Today I went to go see the Mario movie and the only word I can say is satisfying. 

Despite the criticism of the cast, mainly Chris Pratt and Seth Rogen who play Mario and Donkey Kong, I was excited for the movie’s release for a while. For one, Jack Black is Bowser and that alone will sell me every time, but more importantly Illumination for a while now has been one of my favorite animation studios. 

As I took my seat late enough to skip the trailers but early enough to not miss a scene, every frame was like a nostalgic dream come true. From the soundtrack to the characters to the environment, it all felt so right. I wouldn’t say that the movie doesn’t have its imperfections, but without spoiling the attention to detail is pristine. Every little nod to the Mario and Nintendo lore made my inner child smile. 

The movie eventually reached its conclusion and the lights came on, but I didn’t want to leave. To walk through the rain in a light windbreaker soaked to the point that I can see my hairs through the jacket, expecting and hoping at least a solid seven out of ten, I was left with exceeding results. 

I was so astonished by the movie that I couldn’t wait a couple of years for a sequel, a week to watch it on a streaming site, or a couple days to see it in a larger theater. I needed to see the movie immediately. I played with the thought of not even leaving my seat and just sliding over another five dollars on the counter as I left at the end of the next showing. 

I walked out of the theater making calls and sending texts informing any and every one I could how amazing the movie was. The next moments felt like divine intervention, like everything was set in place before I even decided to go to the first screening. Walking into stadium view I realized the other five dollars that I left in the seat next to me was still there, almost as if it was calling me back to the next show. Who was I to deny a sign from God? While the initial pure reactions weren’t there the second time around, the movie was just as enjoyable. I rarely go back to see a movie a second time even if the cost for a ticket is cheaper than usual, but this was more than worth it.