The Music Of The Mario Movie

 Ever had a movie's score moved you to tears? It could be combined with an emotional or powerful moment, or even an inspirational one. A movie's score can help the movie stand out, make good scenes great, and stick in your mind. The music of a movie can stand alongside the set, the costumes, and the characters to make moments into memories that we cherish. Making a scene something we watch repeatedly, or sometimes when listened to, you can close your eyes and picture the moments that happened. There is no score in a movie this year that has stuck with me more than that of The Super Mario Brothers Movie. So today I am not talking about plot, or visuals, I am breaking it down to just the music. 

This score was MADE for Mario fans, but you probably already knew that. This score is universally praised, often being said by many as the best part of the movie. Even those who did not see the film know the music was done perfectly and is still being talked about. Talked about to such an extent that people are now wanting to hold other movies based on video games in that regard, and to follow in its footsteps. 

Brian Tyler knocked this score out of the park in so many ways. I still enjoy listening to a couple songs from the movie soundtrack on occasion, and why is that. On top of sounding grand and whimsical, this score is packed to the brim with music references to the games. Not just one or two songs, but multiple instances throughout the entire film with pieces of game music spanning old and new. From Super Mario Brothers all the way to even using music from Bowser's Fury. But it doesn't feel forced, it feels like a natural extension of the movie itself.

Each song reference combined with the non-game-sounding score, weaves together so well that it stands out. The music takes pieces and uses different instrumentation. to invoke so many different emotions. Peach's castle theme from Super Mario 64 invokes a grand and whimsical feeling in such a way that makes you feel like a little kid again. One of my favorite examples is later in the movie where the Super Mario Brothers 3 athletic theme is being played on a piano but still capturing the energy of the song, then shifting to adding more instruments to invoke a sweep of triumph, to shifting to another song reference, all in the matter of seconds, making a lasting impact.

There was a song written by Jack Black that will be discussed at a later date that also rocked, but for now, just sticking to the instrumental music, this score is superb. The music swells or uses a piece to fit the mood perfectly to the point where it fits, not standing out or distracting but rather making the scene that much more memorable. The Mario movie SHOULD have Mario music from the games, it just makes sense and when put into action, works so well. The fact that the music is made from the ground up and remixed breathes so much air into the familiar tunes we know in the best way possible. 

And it is not even just the music. The sound design from effects, to small music cues, to even easter egg jingles all stand out in the best way possible. There are plenty of cool visual easter eggs in this movie as well, tying the music in with that makes this a movie that almost becomes a game in and of itself. Guessing the references as you go and looking for ones you missed, but in such a fun environment. 

This score is wonderful, and I hope Brain Tyler is brought back for the sequel, the way he infuses the music we all know from the games in new ways into this world is nothing short of incredible. The music elevates the moods they are trying to elevate while still giving a gift to long-time fans. This is sound design and music that has given an extra life to familiar favorites, and powered up a film in so many ways big and small.