Steve Schardein

Why is it that this film is widely derided by critics but absolutely adored by nearly all actual humans who've gone to see it? Go in expecting a deep, thought-provoking, moving experience, and you'll leave with the sterile demeanor of the myriad professional critics who have panned the film for failing to fit their template -- and the accompanying disappointment. But go in as a Nintendo fan (and, better yet, one with kids), and what you'll find is precisely the same sort of joyful concoction that comprises the best of the Mario videogames. The secret? It's not about the character development or the plot... as those merely serve as a vehicle (a gentle adhesive, if you will) for the primary ingredient: FUN, at any cost. And it's there that this movie succeeds in spades. The packed theater during our showing (attended by myself, my wife, and three kids) was having a blast. The visuals are stunning and colorful, the voice acting surprisingly on point, the humor and references/callbacks fast and furious, and the music... absolutely delightful. This is the most fun we've had at a movie theater in many years, and we might even pay to see it a second time. That's nuts! Go see it!