Video game movies are hit or miss. For every adaptation that captures the magic of the games, there’s a flop that leaves fans scratching their heads. Let’s dive into the highs and lows of video game movies, highlighting the triumphs and calling out the letdowns.
Table of Contents
Flop: Super Mario Bros. (1993)
Summary
The 1993 film Super Mario Bros., directed by Rocky Morton and Annabel Jankel, was the first-ever live-action adaptation of a video game. Loosely based on Nintendo’s beloved Super Mario series, the film follows Brooklyn plumbers Mario and Luigi as they venture into a dystopian parallel universe to rescue Princess Daisy from the sinister President Koopa.
Our Review
Super Mario Bros. is a movie that aimed high but ultimately failed to capture the spirit of its source material. Given free rein by Nintendo, the filmmakers took the familiar, colorful world of Mario and Luigi and reimagined it as a dark, cyberpunk dystopia. The film’s setting, Dinohattan, is a bleak, industrial landscape more reminiscent of Blade Runner than the vibrant Mushroom Kingdom.
Bob Hoskins and John Leguizamo do their best with what they’re given, bringing a certain charm to their roles as the iconic plumbers. However, the story feels overcomplicated and underdeveloped, leaving us feeling confused and disconnected. The movie tries to incorporate elements from the games, such as the Goombas and the concept of De-Evolution, but these references do little to enhance the experience.
Visually, the movie is a mixed bag. Some of the effects and set designs are impressive for the early 90s but clash with the film’s tone, creating an uneven atmosphere. The soundtrack, composed by Alan Silvestri, known for movies like Forrest Gump, Back to the Future, and The Avengers, was okay but lacked the iconic themes that fans of the games would recognize. Ultimately, the film remains a cautionary tale of how not to adapt a beloved video game franchise to the big screen.
Top: The Super Mario Bros. Movie (2023)
Summary
Directed by Aaron Horvath and Michael Jelenic, The Super Mario Bros. Movie (2023) tells the origin story of Mario and Luigi, two Italian-American plumbers who find themselves in a fantastical world. Separated in this strange new place, they must navigate a conflict between the Mushroom Kingdom, ruled by Princess Peach, and the menacing Koopas, led by the villainous Bowser.
Our Review
Thirty years after the disastrous live-action film, The Super Mario Bros. Movie proves that animation is a much better fit for the franchise. The movie is an absolute treat for fans of the Mario franchise and Nintendo. It feels like a love letter to those who grew up with Mario, with plenty of Easter eggs and references that will make longtime players smile. The animation is stunning, perfectly capturing the vibrant and quirky world of the games.
The star-studded voice cast is just one of the movie’s highlights. Jack Black shines as Bowser, delivering a voice performance that is both menacing and hilarious. The movie keeps things simple, which works in its favor. Mario isn’t known for complex narratives, and the film reflects that, opting for a fun, fast-paced adventure that doesn’t take itself too seriously. Our personal highlight was Lumalee, a little blue star who constantly reminds us of the pointlessness of life. We found its one-liners like “There is no escape; the only hope is the sweet relief of death” absolutely hilarious.
However, the movie isn’t flawless. It may feel a bit disjointed or confusing to those unfamiliar with the Mario universe. It doesn’t spend much time explaining the world’s quirks, which may leave casual viewers asking questions like “Why does this work the way it does?” We also wish it was a little longer to flesh out some scenes. But all in all, it’s a fun, fan-service-filled romp, and that’s all we could ask for.
Flop: Uncharted (2022)
Summary
Uncharted (2022) is an action-adventure film directed by Ruben Fleischer based on the popular video game series developed by Naughty Dog. The film centers on Nathan Drake, a young adventurer who is recruited by veteran treasure hunter Victor “Sully” Sullivan. Together, they embark on a globe-trotting adventure in search of the legendary treasure of the Magellan Expedition. Along the way, they must contend with a corrupt billionaire and his ruthless mercenary leader, who is also after the treasure.
Review
As much as we love Tom Holland, Mark Wahlberg, and the Uncharted games, this movie sadly didn’t work for us. Visually, the film tries to deliver the epic set pieces that fans of the games would expect, with some sequences – like the cargo plane scene – standing out. But many of the effects are obviously CGI, which undermines the believability of some already outlandish moments. The treasure hunt also feels formulaic, with solutions to puzzles appearing almost out of nowhere.
The movie’s pacing is relentless, moving from one action sequence to another without allowing much time for character development or plot depth. There are hints of what could have been a compelling story, but Uncharted never quite gets there and doesn’t fully capitalize on the source material’s potential. The humor is light and frequent, though it often feels forced. While some moments land, just as many miss the mark, resulting in awkward pauses rather than genuine laughs.
Ultimately, Uncharted is fun but not the treasure trove fans may have hoped for. It’s an average adventure film that entertains in the moment but doesn’t leave much of a lasting impression. For die-hard fans of the games, it may feel like a watered-down version of a beloved franchise. It’s a decent way for casual viewers to spend a few hours, but it’s far from a must-see.
Top: Pokémon: Detective Pikachu
Summary
Pokémon: Detective Pikachu is a 2019 fantasy film directed by Rob Letterman. It’s the first live-action film set in the Pokémon universe. Loosely based on the 2016 video game of the same name, the film follows the journey of Tim Goodman, a young man searching for his missing father. His investigation leads him to team up with an unexpected ally: a talking Pikachu who claims to be a detective. Together, they uncover a conspiracy that threatens the harmony between humans and Pokémon in Ryme City.
Our Review
Many fans might not consider this a top pick, but we actually enjoyed watching Detective Pikachu. It’s an entertaining dive into the world of Pokémon, bringing the beloved creatures to life with stunning CGI. Ryan Reynolds’ performance as Pikachu is one of the film’s greatest strengths – his humor and charm shine throughout. While the film’s visuals and character designs are fantastic, the movie isn’t without its flaws, and the plot feels underdeveloped.
However, for die-hard Pokémon fans and newcomers alike, the movie offers a fun, family-friendly experience. It doesn’t require extensive knowledge of the Pokémon universe, making it accessible to casual viewers while still delivering the nostalgic charm that longtime fans will appreciate.
However, Detective Pikachu doesn’t leave a lasting impression beyond its humor and impressive visual effects. Once the adventure is over, it’s clear that the movie is more about spectacle than a deeply engaging narrative. Overall, the film succeeds where many video game movies have failed. It’s funny, visually appealing, and entertaining for kids and adults alike.
Flop: Borderlands (2024)
Summary
The Borderlands movie, released in 2024, is a sci-fi action-comedy directed by Eli Roth. It is adapted from the beloved video game series developed by Gearbox Software. The story follows Lilith, an outlaw who teams up with a ragtag group of misfits in search of the missing daughter of the most powerful man in the universe.
Our Review
We were more than excited when we heard that Kevin Hart, Jack Black, Kate Blanchett, AND Jamie Lee Curtis would be starring in this movie. Unfortunately, it didn’t live up to our expectations. Sure, it looks great – high-quality effects, elaborate costumes, and decent action sequences make for a visually appealing experience – but that’s where the praise ends. You’ll be disappointed if you’re hoping for a movie capturing the chaotic, dark humor and outrageous violence the games are known for.
The movie’s biggest flaw is its disconnect from the source material. The world of Pandora is present, but the heart of the Borderlands universe is stripped away. Gone is the M-rated content full of gory action and twisted humor, replaced by a watered-down PG-13 version that relies on cheap jokes and generic action sequences. Though portrayed by a talented cast, the characters feel like hollow shells of their in-game counterparts.
The plot is as predictable as they come, with an uninspired twist. While the film attempts to draw on the game’s lore, it barely scratches the surface, focusing more on shallow action than meaningful character development or a compelling story. Ultimately, the Borderlands movie is a missed opportunity. Fans of the game will feel let down by its lack of authenticity, and those unfamiliar with the franchise will likely walk away confused about what made Borderlands special in the first place.
Be sure to also check out our blogs about games based on movies and TV shows based on games!
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