After years of delay, the much-awaited Super Mario Bros Movie is finally out and the first reviews seem pretty divided, to say the least. While Mario has been a beloved character in the history of video games, Nintendo has not enjoyed much success when it comes to movie adaptations. The live action Mario movie from 1993 is an apt example of how not to adapt a video game for the big screen.
Universal and Illumination’s new animated Super Mario Bros movie just opened in theaters to record-breaking box office reception. However, the movie has left fans and critics confused with their opinions about the film. It’s evident from the fact The Super Mario Bros Movie scored a high 95% with the audience and a low 54% with the critics on Rotten Tomatoes.
‘THE SUPER MARIO BROS. MOVIE’ opens with a 98% at the Audience Score on Rotten Tomatoes 🍅
Read our review: https://t.co/iAS6Di3tD5 pic.twitter.com/hEFKIBST4P
— The Hollywood Handle (@HollywoodHandle) April 5, 2023
The Super Mario Bros Movie gets mixed reactions from critics and audiences
According to BBC’s review, the directors have given up making a cartoon that anyone might enjoy. Instead, they just piled on references for the benefit of the games’ devoted fans.
Reviews claim that the film lacks quality jokes, twists, memorable lines or exhilarating stunts. In fact, some critics believe it has a first-draft laziness that’s rare in big-screen animation.
Illumination and Nintendo have succeeded in delivering a Mario movie that everyone could enjoy, and that anyone with even a passing knowledge of the games could get lost in.
Our review of The Super Mario Bros. Movie: https://t.co/zichdvHK6K pic.twitter.com/KxD1KRsskl
— IGN (@IGN) April 4, 2023
On the contrary, The Verge’s review says The Super Mario Bros Movie is the new gold standard of video game films. According to positive reviews, the film uses every possible opportunity to make the different worlds feel ‘alive’ so that players would want to spend hours exploring.
While the movie may seem like it has gone overboard in terms of its details, it is a sign of how much more immersive and engaging Nintendo plans for its future Mario theme park and games to be.
What is The Super Mario Bros Movie about?
The animated movie weaves together numerous elements from the franchise to create a nostalgic and reflective story. Mario and Luigi are introduced as Brooklynites and small business owners trying to make it in the world.
Unexpectedly, they are sucked into an adventure through a green pipe hidden in New York City’s sewer system. As they embark on their adventure, they come across various fantastical worlds and characters. This includes Bowser, Princess Peach, and Toad.
The film features Chris Pratt, Charlie Day, Anya Taylor-Joy, Jack Black and Keegan Michael-Key as its primary cast. Co-produced by Nintendo, the film is directed by Aaron Horvath and Michael Jelenic.
Social media reviews and reactions to The Super Mario Bros movie
Like in the case of any other movie, word of mouth is the most important factor for success. And this applies to The Super Mario Bros Movie’s reviews as well. Let’s take a look at some reactions from audience members for the movie adaptation of the iconic video game character.
THE SUPER MARIO BROS. MOVIE is a videogame movie that 100% embraces itself as one, and I absolutely loved it.
It's a BIG love letter to the games that brilliantly takes advantage of the lore: Sound effects, action, humor, heart, music, references, characters, and worldbuilding. pic.twitter.com/0VywMWPtZh
— CriticallyThinkOutsideTheCube #ReleaseCoyoteVsACME (@ACriticalHuman) April 5, 2023
I am not reading one review about the Super Mario Bros movie from anyone over the age of 11.
‘The lack of gravitas in the depiction of The Mushroom Kingdom is painfully apparent’ – please go away and watch a Ridley Scott movie.
— .. (@philly_drugs) April 4, 2023
So I just watched the Mario Movie
AND I ABSOLUTELY LOVED IT pic.twitter.com/hGSA4C8z9B
— Luigi’s Sidekick (@LuigiSidekick) April 6, 2023
Saw the Mario movie. Was honestly REALLY REALLY good. Even Chris Pratt did a great job in it. I seriously don't get why Critics were bashing it.
Also this thing is the most evil character in the whole movie lol. pic.twitter.com/pBKjyoV4MG
— 「Daitomodachi」 (@daitomodachi6) April 6, 2023
This useless blonde has been getting saved from castles since 1985 now she’s an independent girl boss.
Even Mario became feminist propaganda 😔 https://t.co/aje4CwJZRM
— SNEAKO (@sneako) April 5, 2023
Just finished up the #SuperMarioBrosMovie ! Words cannot describe how happy it made me! My face hurts from the amount of smiling I did! By no means is it a cinematic masterpiece, but it's an absolute fun time that has everything I could've wanted in a Super Mario Movie! ⭐️ pic.twitter.com/bQYoXMqTwe
— Mayo 💫 (@funnyhoohooman) April 6, 2023
The film is predicted to make a total of $86.2 million in just three days. By the weekend, it is all set to gross $127.5 million at the box office.
You can also share any questions you have about The Super Mario Bros movie first reviews. Until then, stay with us here at Spiel Times for more content.
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