The Super Mario Bros Movie - Nostalgia Critic

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It scored big at the box office but not particularly with critics. What is it about this film that won over some but not others? Nostalgia Critic takes a look at The Super Mario Bros Movie.
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The Super Mario Bros. Movie is a 2023 American computer-animated adventure comedy film based on Nintendo's Mario video game franchise. Produced by Universal Pictures, Illumination, and Nintendo, and distributed by Universal, it was directed by Aaron Horvath and Michael Jelenic and written by Matthew Fogel. The ensemble voice cast includes Chris Pratt, Anya Taylor-Joy, Charlie Day, Jack Black, Keegan-Michael Key, Seth Rogen, and Fred Armisen. It features an origin story for the brothers Mario and Luigi, Italian-American plumbers who are transported to an alternate world and become entangled in a battle between the Mushroom Kingdom, led by Princess Peach, and the Koopas, led by Bowser.
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[@DESTROYABLE__]

Doug please review the tencious d in the pick of destiny and middle school the worst years of my life

[@sidnew2739]

Here! It was fantastic!

[@danielsantiagourtado3430]

Loved it guys!❤❤❤🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉

[@jerricablackcat4303]

Can you please review The Crow, Crow City of Angles (that poor movie suffered the same fate as Cool World) , Sky High, Edward Scissorhands, Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, the GI Joe movies, Power Rangers 2017, Mortal Kombat 2021, and for Nostalgiaween Thriller and Ghosts (Stephen King worked on it)?

[@Dr.Gold-Dry-Bowser]

I really enjoyed it! I already have it in 4k.

[@koneheadcokehead4981]

Fun Fact: Designs for Mario and Luigi's parents and relatives were based on sketches made by Nintendo that went unused in games.

[@marktapia8327]

That’s actually really cool!

[@jurgen1395]

Why did illumination not credit the creator of the dk rap

[@sboinkthelegday3892]

@@jurgen1395 Because the point of crediting is to provide a chain that tracks to people who worked on THOSE products. Look up credits of the work Grant WORKD ON, the credited DK 64, and you'll find his name. And while doing that please choke on your chocolate milk that was very likely picked by uncredited child labor.

[@heroessquad2019]

​@@jurgen1395 Same for Bowser's Fury

[@mldavid4056]

@@jurgen1395 What does that have to do with Mario’s parents?

[@legodoc1853]

Funny thing about Mario hating mushrooms, that was Shigeru Miyamotos idea. The guy who actually made Mario

[@h-bitgraphics3858]

The irony is insane!

[@logantrimble006]

No doubt inspired by the Popeye movie that starred Robin Williams.

[@JacobGforce]

Movie Sonic: “Bleh! Mushrooms!” Movie Mario: “You’re telling me!” Movie Sonic: “Huh?!”

[@orangeslash1667]

@@logantrimble006 Mario was in fact based on Popeye.

[@logantrimble006]

@@orangeslash1667 and then Robin Williams coincidentally became a nintendo fan. He even named his daughter Zelda.

[@dukenukem42069]

The Lumalee joke about being depressing might seem out of character at first glance but it is actually super fitting when you think about how deep and emotional Mario Galaxy gets with the storytime stuff, Rosalinas speech about the cycle of life and death at the end of the game, and how the Lumas basically die whenever they become a part of the Galaxy

[@jacobwansleeben3364]

Yeah, I think it's meant to be a joke about how the Lumas really like transforming into galaxies, which the movie spins as them thinking death is fun. The Lumas are also a parallel to Rosalina's mother. I might be remembering this wrong, but I think the story of Mario Galaxy also implied that Rosalina's mother died but her last words to her was that she'd "go and live among the stars", which was the whole reason why Rosalina went to search the cosmos for the rest of her life in the first place; to find her mother. Clearly she's matured over the centuries and understands her mother now, she even created a storybook about it.

[@teddybaker4759]

@@jacobwansleeben3364 I'm glad I read this this is wonderful

[@KarateGirl999]

The emotional moments in Galaxy really did make me teary-eyed as a kid.

[@dukenukem42069]

@@KarateGirl999 They make me teary eyed as an adult

[@disneyvillainsfan1666]

Yeah, Lumas are used to dying and reincarnating. Especially in Smash Bros.

[@KTF0]

I loved that they made the Bowser character into an old school cartoon bad guy: goofy, uncomplicated, not too smart (with a wonky plan), but at the same time menacing and threatening enough. Too many times when they redo the villains, they make them super deep, tragic, complicated and misguided.

[@ilovecats3795]

I kind a disagree. He has lares.

[@MegamanXfan21xx]

It's nice to have a villain that's just plain evil again. Sympathetic villains can work, but sometimes we just want a bastard whose downfall we can take pleasure in.

[@awesomeplushproductions]

Yeah bowser is the perfect villain

[@jefferyandbob3137]

its like they lifted him straight from the rpgs

[@cadendicky1855]

I'd still want a somewhat sympathetic Bowser in the sequels, in my opinion it would be great to have him be a villain who slowly turns into an antihero of some sort and makes room for new villains. They just got to do it well.

[@koneheadcokehead4981]

Another Fun Fact: Many of the actors attended the premiere of the film in outfits inspired by their characters. Chris Pratt and Charlie Day wore matching red and green suits, Jack Black wore a suit with Bowser's spikes on the back and flames on the cuffs, and Anya Taylor-Joy wore a recreation of Peach's motorcycle outfit that's seen in the film.

[@xgray2012]

Cool.

[@Thoralmir]

Please tell me Seth Rogan didn't show up wearing just a tie.

[@user-wo7ql7or3g]

​@@Thoralmir😂😂😂 The only funny joke that has come out of Seth Rogan

[@bryanegelhoffsanimationtec257]

​@@Thoralmirunderrated comment.

[@Mattheman09]

Was the in LA?

[@GameKeeper28]

"Take on Me" was originally going to be an original score called "Driving Me Bananas" and it fits the scene perfectly. Changing it to a pop song was probably a last minute decision.

[@Skute]

It’s absolutely the worst thing about the movie. I’m so glad I didn’t hear about it until after the fact.

[@evilds3261]

That's executive meddling for ya. Although, there are worse songs than Take on Me for that scene. Take Me On, at some moments, sounds like DON-KEY KONG

[@white0thunderwhite0thunder71]

Not a good choice...

[@SonicGurl82]

I always love this song, but it makes me question WHY is that song in that scene?

[@kdusel1991]

I thought the pop songs were really unnecessary. And I didn't like seth rogen as dk. He was way too distracting

[@welcometothemetaverse2523]

The brotherly love between Mario and Luigi was one of my favorite parts of this movie. Despite their minimal screen time together, you could tell they had a close bond and really supported each other.

[@rangerfanboy1710]

Especially in the flashback scene where we saw their baby selves

[@welcometothemetaverse2523]

​@@rangerfanboy1710 Shows how Mario always sticks up for Luigi. Also after their family mocks Mario for leaving his job to start a business with Luigi, Luigi is the one who checks up on Mario to see if he's okay and brings Mario his dinner plate that is mushroom-free. Oh, and when the brothers reunite in the climax, how they hold each other and touch foreheads together is so freaking adorable.

[@helperb0t4]

I really thought we were gonna only get Super Mario But then Luigi showed up... GOOSEBUMPS

[@welcometothemetaverse2523]

​@@helperb0t4That was like the climax of Endgame for me. I fanboy SCEAMED at that moment.

[@ma.2089]

They knocked it out of the park with the relationships in this movie. Really loved seeing Mario interact with Peach and Luigi.

[@SicSemperCogitarius]

Here's a fun fact barely anyone knew, the FIRST English voice actor to portray Mario was actually Peter Cullen. Yes, THAT Peter Cullen, aka Optimus Prime gave Mario his first English voice in the 1982 Donkey Kong cartoon.

[@kingagrabowska9366]

They both are red and blue.

[@falkner9072]

There was a Donkey Kong cartoon in 1982?

[@nabulsi05vlogsandstuff10]

Autobots.. Let's a go.

[@josephholt4736]

​@@falkner9072 Yes. It was called "Saturday Supercade" and it featured a couple of arcade game characters (I only remember Mario, Donkey Kong, and Q*Bert being part of it).

[@spencercarroll6363]

Hands down, Jack Black as Bowser was the best voice performance in the entire movie. He stole the show! The movie may have been fine but he was the funniest part of the whole thing and I loved him.

[@alexiaNBC]

Damn right! He even sounded like Bowser's VA from Super Mario Sunshine.

[@chasehedges6775]

💯💯💯

[@sonicsucks20]

Charlie day beats him imo.

[@alexiaNBC]

@@sonicsucks20 I really hope they do a Luigi's Mansion spinoff film with him.

[@Gzilla313]

The problem, as with most of the cast, is that it's Jack Black as Jack Black, not Jack Black as Bowser. Jack Black did a much better job as Po the Panda.

[@koneheadcokehead4981]

A Interesting Fact: During Peach's backstory, she's very briefly seen dressed in an outfit that's actually a Toad's typical ensemble adapted to human proportions.

[@apollolux]

I thought it was supposed to be a tribute to the Doki Doki Panic origins of her first playable appearance in Super Mario Bros 2?

[@xgray2012]

I noticed it.

[@DizzyGamerOfficial]

Fun Fact, JACK BLACK Himself said that "Peaches" was originally gonna be a Tenacious D rock song, but, figured it was gonna be a love song.

[@nahor88]

I like how he didn't even bother trying to change his voice to match the Bowser one, and it's literally just "Jack Black singing".

[@GalvyTheTom]

@@nahor88Y’know, I wouldn’t be surprised if that’s just what Bowser’s singing voice sounds like. Yeah this ferocious gravelly-voiced dragon-turtle has a beautiful singing voice

[@mitrikgaduk347]

@@GalvyTheTom I swear I thought he was Danny Glover as "Krampus" from American Dad, like no joke I watched this completely blind, and as soon as I heard him singing that's what came to mind.

[@terrariaskeletonpre1.0.39]

21:52 i think you missed the point of that scene entirely, they're not bonding over their families, because donkey kong shouts "your dad was right!", it was a fake-out to the cliche emotional scenes you were complaining about, it was a really funny scene in the movie and subverts the "friendship will save us" troupe by them only escaping BECAUSE they were arguing and fighting

[@koneheadcokehead4981]

Another Fun Fact: Shigeru Miyamoto originally wanted Donkey Kong (1981) to be a game based on the Popeye comic strip. After failing to secure the rights, he replaced Popeye, Bluto, and Olive Oyl with Mario, Donkey Kong, and Pauline, respectively. Nintendo eventually did secure the rights, and produced Popeye (1982).

[@joeycoe85]

I was born in ‘82, and I remember seeing a POPEYE arcade cabinet when I was a kid. IIRC, it wasn’t a big success, and I’ve never seen it included in a collection, though that is probably a licensing issue.

[@LegitMan335]

So Mario is based on Popeye

[@ldsviking]

Another fun fact, Popeye will be in the public domain in just a few more years, so anyone will be able to make a game about him if they like.

[@Quincy_Morris]

Now Mario is the more valuable IP. Very inspiring.

[@laterferaligatr2947]

I always knew that

[@TheQuashingoftheTub]

To be fair that kid Luma is actually pretty fitting as their entire existence is meant to eat and eat until they literally commit suicide to make new Galaxies. Clearly, the Yoshi stinger is meant to forshadow MAMA LUIGI 2: ELECTRIC BOOGALOO

[@TeryJones]

I swear It's always the cute and colorful Nintendo games that have the most fucked up shit imaginable.....

[@gameinsane4718]

⁠@@TeryJonesKirby lore reads like a mix of Lovecraft and SCP at times and the whole franchise looks and plays like this G rated cuteness overload nonsense

[@Bill_Oddie_Face_Mask]

Never in my life have I needed something so much without realizing it...

[@TeryJones]

@@gameinsane4718 I know right? And freakin' hell they were being subtle about post apocalyptic earth in Kirby 64 but then along comes Forgotten World that just has it be the setting of the whole game XD

[@gluttonousmaximus9048]

KNACK TWO BAYBEEE wait wrong show.

[@rangerfanboy1710]

9:26 actually in the original comic strip, Popeye did hate spinach and only used it in dire circumstances. When he was transitioned into a cartoon, this was changed to make him more of a good role model to kids so they'd eat their vegetables. The director of the Popeye movie was making a nod to that fact but didn't realize that many fans of the cartoon wouldn't realize that

[@twist58]

He didn’t have to go that hard, but Bowser REALLY went into Tenacious D Mode with that song.

[@PikaLink91]

I get that Bowser is after the princess in the games, but they made him a downright simp in this movie. Every time a goon reported on Mario, Bowser completely disregarded the report itself and went "was she impressed by him?".

[@kdusel1991]

@@PikaLink91 that's how he is in the games. Hell he literally wants to marry peach in mario odyssey! I thought that detail was really funny.

[@PikaLink91]

@@kdusel1991 The problem is he can talk now.

[@rajabuta]

​@@PikaLink91which doesn't really changes his actions 😂

[@PikaLink91]

@@rajabuta I just wanted him to have some dignity 🤷‍♂️

[@Dr.Gold-Dry-Bowser]

Luigi definitely needs a movie. I honestly think Luigi’s Mansion could work.

[@alexiaNBC]

So long as they include a more menacing and sadistic King Boo like in the games. The one in the movie looked too bright and cheerful.

[@Dr.Gold-Dry-Bowser]

Fair point.

[@drdewott9154]

Yeah, honestly, even if not a movie, having something like a 40-45 minute animated Luigis mansion special would just be cool as heck! I mean Charlie Day already seems cool with the idea, and I guess we'll wait and see if Illumination agrees. I mean it seems like they have a lot of Mario fans in their crew, but their whole business model is of course chasing high profits so again, we'll wait and see.

[@Dr.Gold-Dry-Bowser]

@@drdewott9154 True true I can accept that too.

[@TeryJones]

Hells yeah. And y'know what? There's a part of me that would love to see the Shadow Sirens from TTYD show up in it, be a nice little surprise having Vivian team up with Luigi :3

[@Humble540]

Fun fact: Foreman Spike, occasionally referred to simply as Spike, is the foreman of the demolition site where Mario and Luigi work in Wrecking Crew. He continuously tries to hinder the brothers' progress. He is usually depicted as a dark-bearded man who wears sunglasses, although in Wrecking Crew '98, he does not have a beard. Which is why he’s the bully of Mario and Luigi in the movie

[@MrThischarmingman2]

Why the hell was he stopping his employees from doing their jobs?

[@Humble540]

@@MrThischarmingman2 Spike continuously tried to hinder the brothers from doing their job, perhaps to rake in the cash for himself.

[@Xarazel]

@@MrThischarmingman2 because NYC is a bureaucratic nightmare

[@Humble540]

@@Xarazel well that’s one way to put it

[@MrThischarmingman2]

@@Humble540 That doesn't make any sense. If the company doesn't complete the demolition, nobody is going to get paid for the job.

[@Supercatandrewman]

Honestly I think Danny Devito would be much more fitting as Wario (even this movie's cast agrees on that), and I hope they cast him in the sequel!

[@HardcoreGAMER9991]

Gotta get Jim Carrey in there as Waluigi, Danny Devito and Jim Carrey would make a great rival duo!!

[@KB-zq9ny]

LOL! Jim Carrey would steal the show, making Waluigi even MORE epic than his fans already think he is....

[@kdusel1991]

@@HardcoreGAMER9991 Danny Devito would be a great wario!!! I can see Jim Carrey as waluigi but it doesn't really work since apparently he's retired from acting now.

[@TheIrreverentUncleAl]

@@kdusel1991 Well, the silver lining is that the filmmakers suggested that Nick Offerman should play Waluigi.

[@MrThischarmingman2]

I personally think Waluigi should be either Willem Dafoe or Christopher Walken.

[@ChiliBurgerYT]

I can’t be too mad at them not doing a proper Italian accent for Mario, because when you think about it, the Brooklyn accent came first.

[@Krendall2]

Yes and no. The first time Mario spoke in a game was Mario 64, which introduced the exaggerated Italian accent. I, personally, prefer him with a Brooklyn accent myself, though.

[@ZeroDividedByZero]

@@Krendall2 Here comes the obligatory "Uh actually" comment, but apparently "Mario Teaches Typing" was the first time in a game Mario was heard speaking, but he still had the Italian accent there, too, so either way my point doesn't matter lol.

[@mr.monkey354]

nope, still wrong, mario's first voice was in 1982, and then in the super show he spoke with a brooklyn accent, it came first before italian@@ZeroDividedByZero

[@RazzyXM22]

I really liked the DK and Mario dad scene because usually when those moments happen it gets all sappy and suddenly they're buddies but DK doubled down and roasted the crap out of Mario 😂

[@dukenukem42069]

Same, I absolutely love how they grow to become friends but are constantly taking jabs at eachother because they are still rivals like in the games

[@DeRockMedia]

i think its only fitting that DK and Mario take jabs at eachother, theyre like Friend-emies

[@Will_Rules]

​@@DeRockMedianah they got that "you and your older sibling who was old enough to remember your birth" relationship

[@welcometothemetaverse2523]

My dad thinks I'm a joke too. Yeah well... YOUR DAD'S RIGHT!!

[@welcometothemetaverse2523]

I wish the scene went on a little longer though for a little development and would have made their escape more satisfying.

[@jetin335]

Side note: a lot of people find the Yoshi reveal underwhelming since they showed Yoshis earlier in the movie. One thing they keep over looking, there are no Green Yoshis in that Scene.

[@drdewott9154]

Yeah exactly. Like Yoshis are a whole species but the green one is THE Yoshi. THE one that knows and works with Mario.

[@darkdemigod]

@@drdewott9154 that's the one you willfully leap off of to avoid the death pits you mean

[@NCMonefaith]

​@@darkdemigodthat Yoshi dies so many times lol

[@NEVETSGILBERT1233]

Also ben bugging me since i seen the movie why is it underwhelming it not like they had a major part in the actual flim they appear for like 1 god dam second

[@cian.o]

I saw his egg at the wedding.

[@paddythelegend1671]

Most of the pop songs you heard in this movie we're originally gonna be original background tracks for the movie. People think some higher ups in Illumination stepped in and had them replaced with pop songs. The final scene with the power star was going to have Van Halen's Jump instead of the music we got in the final movie. And thank god somebody stepped in to change that

[@rmsgrey]

That (using Jump) seems like something that a simple A/B test screening would have immediately made clear just how dumb a decision it would have been - screen A (with Jump) getting a muted reaction while screen B has that one guy shouting "Yes!!!" and pumping his fist at those first 9 notes.

[@JollyJack1992]

Oh man. That would have sucked.

[@Uhnawnimuss]

It really is a shame that Cranky Kong’s voice actor from the 90’s Donkey Kong Country cartoon passed away. He was excellent in it, and I would have hoped for his voice in this film.

[@justinratcliffe947]

I'm glad you loved that show. It's so unappreciated and underrated

[@marktapia8327]

Fun fact-I saw this at an Alamo Drafthouse and before the movie they showed vintage Nintendo commercials. It was really COOL!!

[@drdewott9154]

DAMN! That sounded neat as heck

[@katielinzie7444]

That’s one of the biggest reasons I love Alamo. Instead of ads, they tailor the pre show to what the main attraction is. Batman Returns had Batman ads from all eras, Planes Trains and Automobiles had John Candy and Steve Martin stand up clips, and all the Christmas parties play Christmas carols and vintage toy commercials.

[@welcometothemetaverse2523]

My sister and I saw this movie at the Alamo which was a big deal for us because Mario was a huge staple of our childhood growing up together. The experience really made us feel like kids again.

[@michaelnelson1127]

Similar for the theater I saw it at. The main commercial I remember is the original Mario Bros one with “MARIO WHERE ARE YOU”, but they also showed the SMB3 portion of The Wizard, Aaron Grooves’ cover of the main theme, and even the first part of the Super Show’s first episode.

[@Nickel_The_Wise]

I still got my green foam wrench they handed out at the door- Richardson?

[@DanGamingFan2846]

As someone who’s played basically every Mario game the amount of references they put in there is insane. And Jack Black absolutely nailed it as Bowser. His song "Peaches" deserves an Oscar nomination, it's so good.

[@watershipup7101]

It's a banger, alright.

[@HandsomeLongshanks]

It's really not. But you're just a man-child trying to relive that childhood lol but that's ok. You're allowed to have shitty opinions

[@JayShootHer]

Peaches, Peaches, Peaches, Peaches, Peaches Peaches, Peaches, Peaches, Peaches, Peaches I love you, oh!🎵

[@animeknight8958]

Never thought he would review this movie this year

[@RamsTheNameCom]

I wasn't sold on the song at first, but as soon as Jack Black said "Peach" for the 5th time. I nearly cried. One of the best written and composed songs of all time.

[@welcometothemetaverse2523]

I really loved what good brothers Mario and Luigi were depicted as in the movie. Despite their minimal screen time together, you can tell they have a close bond and really support one another. Mario as he older brother who wants to protect Luigi. He stands up to Spike for bullying Luigi, despite the fact Spike is bigger than him and in a flashback, we see Mario did the same thing for Luigi when they were children. Luigi, despite being the younger brother who is scared of everything, always has Mario's back. When most of the family mocks Mario for leaving his job to start a business, Luigi is the one who checks up on Mario to see if he's okay and brings Mario his dinner plate that is mushroom free, knowing Mario doesn't like mushrooms. When they end up separated, Mario continues to go to the ends of the Earth to save his brother while Luigi keeps Mario in his thoughts and later ends up saving Mario from Bowser's fire breath in the climax. Also, they're reuniting as they hold each other is so adorable and shows true brotherly love.

[@nateb.9947]

Donkey Kong sighing and then just bursting out "Your dads right!" was the funniest part to me.

[@PikaLink91]

Yeah I hated that too.

[@welcometothemetaverse2523]

@@PikaLink91 Yeah, while I know it subverted a "we're not so different after all" cliche, I wish the scene went on a little longer. After DK snaps at Mario and they argue (which was funny by the way), they blow off some steam, talk a little more and come to an agreement to work together. It would have worked for a better development and would have made their escape from the eel's stomach more satisfying and not so quickly rushed.

[@alanbrad4564]

@@welcometothemetaverse2523Well, seeing how there’s a 99% chance of a sequel incoming, I could see them adding more growth to their relationship progressively.

[@QBG]

Respect for acknowledging Brian Tyler and pointing out his score for Children of Dune, a criminally underrated miniseries with criminally underrated music.

[@kdusel1991]

He did a great job at blending the game music into the score!

[@TanmanC]

As a Mario fan, it still feels SURREAL that we have a really good animated Mario Movie!! It is a dream come true

[@Shaes_Projects]

I know right! It’s just really cool to see the amount of homages packed in here for fans and that rainbow road scene is my favorite. It’s a charming film and I hope Nintendo considers their other games for film! Could you imagine a Metroid or Zelda movie?

[@KTF0]

Yeah, I went to the theaters as a child for the first Mario movie and boy was I disappointed. If you showed me this movie at the same age, I would've exploded.

[@logantrimble006]

And it's so much better than that other movie from 1993.

[@brendantodt5043]

I’ve seen this movie 20+ times and I still can’t believe it actually exists!

[@charliecomer6001]

​@@logantrimble006not really a fair comparison is it?

[@ferminmarkpousada1455]

23:44 I like how everyone is OK with Mario and Luigi living in the Mushroom Kingdom instead of Brooklyn. Like, I'm pretty sure living in a house in the Mushroom Kingdom is cheepier than an apartament in Brooklyn. Plus, they can go to Brookyln anytime they can whether is fixing pipes for their pluming business or visit their family.

[@IosonoOtakuman]

7:54 Martinet also dubbed Mario's father (and "Jump Man") in the italian version of the movie, he actually did a pretty good job there too!

[@323starlight]

What makes this movie fantastic was the fact it captured the spirit of the games. The Mario games were made to be fun, so thats what they did with the movie, they made it a fun time.

[@beautatum6360]

I grew up with the Mario RPGs (games like Paper Mario: The Thousand-Year Door, Mario and Luigi: Superstar Saga, and so on) and those always informed my idea of how the world of Mario should be written and the kind of tone and humor it should have if you're going to add more story and character to it. When you see how Bowser is written in those games it's not very hard to imagine Jack Black's voice coming out of him. Issue is that Mario doesn't talk in those so you'd still have to invent a personality for him. If any elements from those games influence the sequel I'll be at least a little bit happy.

[@DeRockMedia]

Legend of the 7 Stars was my all time favorite Mario game growing up, i miss Mallow and Geno and hope to see them in anything. Ive always wanted a true sequel to that game but unfortunately we never did. Bowser joining Marios Party was a big "wtf" moment to me as a kid lol

[@jerf780]

​@DeRockMedia who knows? If the Super Mario RPG remake does well enough, we might finally get a proper sequel to it.

[@DeRockMedia]

@@jerf780 there's a remake coming out?

[@jsmaster4779]

@@DeRockMediayup! Check out the trailer!

[@rockysandman5489]

@@DeRockMedia The Nintendo Direct that announced some new games and stuff came out like a month ago. Where have YOU been?

[@charliemacsart]

20:13 Fun Fact! Kamek has been stated many times to be Bowser's parental figure, having raised him from a baby, so that context makes this scene all the more horrifying!

[@petermcgill3405]

Sweet home Alabama!

[@neotheyoshare]

Or...think about how a parent and a child does a pretend marriage

[@petermcgill3405]

@@neotheyoshare Except that Bowser's a grown adult, so that context doesn't apply here.

[@neotheyoshare]

@@petermcgill3405 true true

[@Elite_Teach]

@@petermcgill3405I genuinely believe Bowser’s an older teenager

[@wolfpack_104]

The thing about Luma's in Mario Galaxy is that they're destined to transform into stars, planets, galaxies, etc... So hearing one voice the inevitability of their demise is dark but also on point in terms of lore.

[@carlotta4th]

But mostly it's just ripping off the Duplo stars of Lego movie 2.

[@koneheadcokehead4981]

Another Fun Fact: Luigi actually first appeared in the TV ad for the first Mario Bros. (1983) video game in 1983, played by a live actor. It was the first ad to be set entirely within a game world.

[@michaelnelson1127]

I’m pretty sure he covered that one in a recent commercials video; the one where Luigi says “MAAARIO, WHERE AAAAARE YOU?”

[@geardog24]

Luigi had some pretty good character development, even if he was basically the new kidnapped princess for the story.

[@chloenieuwsma4846]

I thought it was believable, Mario gives him advice, he sees him in danger then finds his courage to fight alongside after saving him

[@welcometothemetaverse2523]

Along with making Peach a strong supporting character and giving Mario and Peach time to develop a relationship, Mario and Luigi being separated for some time helped them recognize their individual strengths and made them stronger once they reunited.

[@B-Mag]

I thought it was a good idea for the fish out of water story because Mario would be much more motivated to save the mushroom kingdom if it meant getting his brother back instead of some random princess he doesn’t know

[@astrowolvez]

I just only wish we saw more of him, honestly was expecting him to escape , see around bowsers castle, and then get captured again.

[@white0thunderwhite0thunder71]

Well he needs to put that character growth to work if he wants to impress Daisy.

[@acutelilmint8035]

This animation studio did an amazing job. That’s what’s most shocking about it. It’s so well animated and god damn that water.

[@buttonsfan]

23:59 it's a nice touch that this is seemingly the only Green Yoshi.

[@mariogirl8100]

The *first* Green Yoshi, if you will.

[@shinyninja8107]

When I saw this movie, I had a massive grin on my face pretty much the entire time. All the little references were awesome, the animation was beautiful, and I found myself on the edge of my seat not because of how intense it was, but because of giddy and excited I was while watching. It’s like Sonic the Hedgehog 2; it’s a very solid video game movie that captures the feel that the games do, and while it isn’t flawless I’m able to overlook those flaws in favour of enjoying the ride

[@matthewjones6786]

I'm a diehard Mario fan- Mario Galaxy kickstarted my artistic life path! I loved this movie, and it sounds like the rest of the fanbase is pleased too, which is no easy feat! Having a simple plot doesn't mean it's not crammed with artistic merit and love, which it absolutely is. Movies can just be fun, they don't need to be deep, groundbreaking, or perfect. This sentiment that extends to Ruby Gilman, Elementals, and anything else that at least has some heart behind it!

[@shanewilcoxon1316]

I wholeheartedly agree

[@nickthepick8043]

From one artist to another, it makes me glad that Mario and Mario Galaxy kickstarted your creative life path. Mines was Sonic. Do you publish your stuff anywhere? I'd be mighty keen to check it out.

[@matthewjones6786]

@@nickthepick8043 Very kind of you! I'm not very prolific due to chronic health issues, but I have some stuff public. I tried replying with a link but KZbin said nah, but I found myself by searching "Artstation Matt Jones Knoxville". Has a goofy face icon. Would be interested in seeing yours as well!

[@GaeredLinn]

I extremely loved The Super Mario Bros. Movie, and I can't believe Illumination would make a film based on one of my all-time favorite childhood video game franchises.

[@coolguy5133]

20:03: Chaplin: I'm aroused. Me: No, your Chaplin.

[@Pikmin442]

As someone who grew up with the games, this was very enjoyable. Loved spotting the easter eggs, love the music, and just love the world they made. I honestly hope Nintendo and Illumination teams up again for another movie.

[@little.prince]

Kee and Charlie I think are actually really, REALLY good in the roles. I don’t think you’re giving them enough credit. The range that Kee shows alone and is so well placed.

[@drdewott9154]

Yeah. Both just play a minor role in the story, limiting just how much they can show their range. But both were good, bringing a different spin to their characters that still feels nice and firm fitting!

[@Trainboy452]

Keegan is just born to be a voice actor. The range shows.

[@antoniomerette8393]

18:08 I agree, Cranky Kong’s voice in the Donkey Kong Country cartoon is more fitting. And that cartoon gave DK a higher pitch and raspy voice

[@gianinabadami5341]

I've never heard any of the other voices of Donky Kong or Cranky Kong but I agree. Especially after reminding myself that the role that Fred Amerisan played I have seen was a pastor in Easy A

[@OutOfJustinsHead]

Ironically, my favorite scene is Peach's backstory for the reason why you dislike it. I like that they keep it vague for the sake of keeping the world vast and mysterious. When Mario suggests that she's from his world, because she looks human, and cuts to the night sky, it gave me chills. To me, this scene accomplished what Mario Galaxy did for the games: Giving the audience a peek into how expansive this universe can be.

[@mariogirl8100]

It could also work for expanding it a little more in a sequel or spin-off.

[@koneheadcokehead4981]

Fun Fact: At the beginning of the movie Mario and Luigi had to run to their first job. This is not only a recreation of the classic side-scrolling action from the original 8-bit Super Mario Bros. (1985) NES game, but also at the end Mario jumps to a pole of a restaurant called Castle Burger. The way he slides from it is exactly as he does in the game. Also the shape of the restaurant is the same as the castles at the end of every stage.

[@drdewott9154]

Yeah. Heck someone pointed this out to me, but for a brief moment at the very beginning, some yellow props and other props literally line up to perfectly recreate the beginning of W1-1, the first level of the original Super Mario Bros. THAT is an insane level of detail!

[@apollorock3r244]

I do like how the paint cans at 6:23 even resemble the ? Blocks at the beginning of Lv. 1-1 from the first Mario game. 😊

[@megamarsonic]

My older brother and I (ages 42 and 32, respectively) went to see this in theaters and had a blast watching it. When it first got announced that the movie was coming to Peacock, my brother was the first to tell me so via phone call. We’ll be watching it again when it finally comes to the service (along with my brother’s girlfriend, who hasn’t seen it yet).

[@isaacrogers4174]

14:51 I love how the Fury Bowser theme is playing in the background.

[@KopsiDayzee22]

17:42 "Hey look! Peach is dressed like a princess. Like Sofia the First!" *plays theme song*

[@koneheadcokehead4981]

A Jack Black Fact: The song "Peaches" debuted at #83 on the Billboard Hot 100, giving Jack Black his first solo hit and his first hit overall since Tenacious D's "The Pick of Destiny" peaked at #78 in 2006.

[@white0thunderwhite0thunder71]

And it was barely a minute long...

[@GadgetActingProductions]

17:28 Fun Fact: Brain Tyler did compose a song for this part of the movie, but of course, the higher ups at Illumination added a copyrighted song. The same almost happened in the Superstar segment. It was originally gonna be Van Halen’s Jump, but Tyler fought to add his original piece in the Final Cut

[@kdusel1991]

Good for him! It sucks that his original piece for DK Country was swapped out for a generic pop song. It didn't fit that scene at all

[@Kamina.D.Fierce]

Supposedly the pop songs were originally just there as placeholders but at some point those working on it got to used to then being there. He did indeed have to fight for his songs to be put in properly especially for the star. To me though the biggest flaw in the movie, while related to music is not what was left out or replaced, but WHO... I don't understand why they left Grant Kirkhope out of the credit as the man behind the DK Rap.

[@ymplay6947]

This movie was an example of cinematic brilliance in a subtle way. Its not tryin to be brilliant but the brilliance is definitely there.

[@foxmcleod64]

I've said it numerous times, but this was the film I wanted back in the 90s.

[@kdusel1991]

Ikr!!

[@HeisenbergFam]

Jack Black as Bowser was one of the best choices for Super Mario movie

[@theanimeunderworld8338]

I hope he returns for the Yoshi sequel

[@IamaPERSON]

@@theanimeunderworld8338that’s a bot above you

[@kenrickeason]

When perfect casting is perfect.. Jack Black needs to voice Bowser from here on out..

[@travisdelafuente1150]

This has been the most highly anticipated Nostalgia Critic review so far this year! Good job Doug!

[@supermariof0521]

I kinda wish he revisited the live action film before this film came out.

[@Poever]

I wanted his Flash review before a Mario 2023 review

[@travisdelafuente1150]

@@Poever You're gonna get your wish eventually.

[@travisdelafuente1150]

@@supermariof0521 He sort of did with his Fanscription episode of an idea for a Super Mario sequel to the live-action movie.

[@supermariof0521]

@@travisdelafuente1150 True. I just meant like a traditional Post Season 2 style NC episode revisiting the film.

[@AltairEgo1]

I like how Bowser just goes nuclear at the end. He just rage quits and launches a nuclear warhead at Peach's city because he mad.

[@whatwhat98]

The movie reminds me of the old classic Disney movies. Simple and entertaining. There's no need for complexity. Just simplicity.

[@nahor88]

I felt like they could have kept it simple while still expanding the lore. We should have gotten an origin for the power-ups, like maybe they used to be sentient beings with those powers. NC already said we deserved more back-story for Peach arriving in the Mushroom Kingdom. Maybe we'll get both in the sequel.

[@AnthonyMazzarella]

As someone of Italian descent I really appreciated how much they leaned into his Italian-American identity. And actually felt real. It was impressive. Also when I walk to Center City Philly it feels exactly like playing a level of Mario, there's a reason that George Costanza Frogger seen work so well

[@unseenmarauder]

A Gilbert Gottfried kind of voice would of been perfect for Cranky Kong.

[@Standard_Pangolin]

That seems to be what they were going for, unfortunately they got someone with a deep voice to try it

[@unseenmarauder]

@@Standard_Pangolin IMO Fred Armisen sounded like he was doing a Larry David impression

[@Standard_Pangolin]

@@unseenmarauder Makes sense, yea, would've been better off getting Larry David himself

[@faithful_otaku7339]

I actually liked the scene where Mario and donkey Kong talk about their fathers thinking that their failures. It brought character to characters that I thought had no character in their respective games.

[@apollorock3r244]

23:22 Fun fact: They we’re going to use the song Jump by Van Halen for the scene but Brian Tyler refused to let that happen which as much as I love Jump, I’m very happy that they let Brian Tyler compose some music that sounds like a finale and fitting to the Mario universe. 😊 With him reviewing video game movies, I hope Doug someday reviews the Monster Hunter movie which lots of fans despise for getting so many things wrong with the series. XD

[@cjrebirth]

As a longtime Mario fan, I had a great time seeing this in theaters. And I nearly teared up when they played the Gusty Garden music from Super Mario Galaxy in the credits

[@disneyvillainsfan1666]

I decided to accept This Movie as a modern version of Alice in Wonderland. For what it lacks in story, it makes up for in stellar animation, memorable characters, and overall being a Jolly Fun Time. And you know what, that's exactly what people want from Mario the most: fun.

[@MathieuLeblanc1991]

17:36 The composer did do a medley of the Donkey Kong Country games for this scene but for some reason Nintendo wanted it taken out, it is on the soundtrack of the film

[@yakunohayashi9653]

I wish they make a Mario Galaxy movie. It has so much potential for an stunning visual experience, and of course, more scenes with Lumalee

[@EvieRawlings]

23:51 But I mean. Who wouldn't move to the mushroom kingdom if given the chance?

[@mariogirl8100]

As a kid, I used to imagine myself living in the Mushroom Kingdom, but had trouble picking a definitive version. I used to think of a mixture between Paper Mario on the N64, and Mario & Luigi: Bowser's Inside Story. But now, with this movie, I will say: THIS is the definitive Mushroom Kingdom for me, one that I would be perfectly fine living in.

[@marcoludema8876]

As a soundtrack collector, I love that opening bit about the score. It was one of my favorite things about this movie.

[@TechySpeaking]

17:57 Fred Amisen doing a terrible Larry David impression when they should have just gotten Larry David. EDIT: And three seconds later, Critic thinking the exact same thing...

[@blazedultimate]

Honestly thank you, I never noticed that the piano had “Ludwig von koopa” on it and never would have noticed it without you

[@meatyofficial]

I went and saw this movie with my best friend when it came out, and I had a good time and was glad I bought a ticket. There were kids at the theater with Mario plushes, and even adults wore their Mario shirts. The entire audience there had a good time. I even liked how they named the dog Francis, which is my name. It was almost all I wanted from a Mario movie.

[@Termina2018]

Illuminations best film yet. So much heart and soul put into this production, the hate from other critics was unwarranted.

[@coltafanan]

I think Sing 2 is objectively better but this one is the best one in terms of scale and animation

[@HarvestHollows]

The hate towards these same critics was just as unwarranted. Yeah, they have no idea what they're saying sometimes, but it doesn't give Nintendo fans/stans the right to attack and threaten them. Over what, a childrens movie aimed to sell a product? People need to do better and learn to enjoy things without worrying what others think. It's called being the bigger person and thinking for yourself

[@theplaguegamer6216]

​@@HarvestHollowsthink of it this way. Before this movie that last true Mario thing was Mario: Odyssey, and with such a large gap in Mario people were getting extremely pissed off and of course because of "The Agenda" wasn't the focal point of this movie because of Nintendo's tight reigns the critics tried to destroy it and the fans still full of anger from the gap in true Mario entertainment unleashed that anger on the critics

[@theplaguegamer6216]

For clarification what I mean by "True Mario" is anything with "Super Mario" in the title

[@Termina2018]

@@coltafananAgreed, Sing 2 was a big improvement. Kinda regret not seeing it in theaters now. 😅

[@sweetdreams1028]

This has no doubt been the biggest roller coaster ride leading up to a film I’ve had. Just like most, I went from thinking it was gonna be awful to loving it when it finally came. This movie goes to show that it can just be a fun ride and still be good.

[@omni-galachu9684]

17:12 I used to refer to these events as "Stargasms"

[@Itskaidaorangeguy2017]

☠️☠️

[@gamebrains5384]

Another fun fact the lady in the commercial is actually voiced by the princess Toadstool voice from Mario super show ❤😂

[@SharpEdgeSoda]

I love Peach's relationship with her Toads as it vibes with the commentary Adventure Time made with Princess Bubblegum and the Candy People. The whole dynamic with Princess Bubble Gum, the candy people, and Finn, was all to allude to how in these fantasy adventures, **everyone other than the main characters is hilariously useless and incompetant**. Like Adventure Time has scenes dedicated to looking at the Camera and WINKING to point it out.

[@miraclecomics]

15:04 Bowser wanting to marry Peach answers so many questions

[@sammyt7981]

10:40 that’s what I also thought when they decided to have Luigi be captured instead of peach

[@sammyt7981]

15:30 I knew he would talk about the song

[@klimmr]

21:05 Or, the Disney logo during the Owl House Season 3 renewal. I guess you could call it, "Season 0.3".

[@craig2196]

I'm going to say it. Chris did a great job

[@TheHutchIsOn]

No better than good

[@carloslopezortega3327]

I like 3c films better than nc.

[@jareththegoblinking3191]

20:12 Ok, so before this movie, I legit thought Kamek was a lady and actually shipped them together. But……he’s a dude, I ship men and women together, I ship women and women together, I do NOT ship men and men together

[@RprSonic]

Okay.

[@tiamystic]

Wtf lmaoooo

[@aplsed]

17:20 so who's gonna tell him about the storybook?

[@luigipowdemo6458]

what storybook...? and do I want to know..?

[@jerrerottiers6524]

I liked this movie way more than I expected. And laughed way more than I expected. Just loved all the Nintendo and popculture references.

[@FanSeitz]

18:02 Yeah that's a Razzie nominee right there.

[@techcraft869]

4:50 random fact, this clip of Bob Hoskins’ Mario is actually from a remastered fan version of the movie that was initially on KZbin with added in music and sfx. It was taken down some time ago, but you can hear the subtle SMB1 theme if you listen hard enough.

[@paulgilbert5278]

You know I actually forgot about that

[@techcraft869]

@@paulgilbert5278 right? It was actually a legit good remaster with more references to the games! Too bad it’s lost to time now.

[@femkev.5245]

This is one of the few movies where I actively acknowledged that it had too many problems to name (a lackluster script, random pop songs that don't belong, bizarre writing choices, awkward pacing), but I didn't care because it brought me such unimaginable joy watching it

[@lucasmartinez5703]

And that accurately describes the ratings it got too if you notice.

[@DeRockMedia]

i justhoped it was good enough to get a sequel, id love to see more easter eggs thrown in, get Yoshi as Marios companion to help on another adventure

[@thelukeboi3118]

@@DeRockMediayeah, 1 billion dollars in the box office. I think we’re good!

[@tanandalynch9441]

The only pop song that felt out of place was Take On Me but it was only there because Tyler's original piece was rejected for that sequence.

[@welcometothemetaverse2523]

@@tanandalynch9441 the "driving me bananas track" fits so much better. Tyler had to fight Illumination to use the "Superstar" track for the climax. They would have used "Jump" instead, another song that I like, but I feel would have been way too much.

[@batbugz]

My legit only complaint is they didn't give luigi much to do. I think having luigi closer to bowser and having them bounce off each other would have been more interesting.

[@lukestarkiller441]

I love that this movie isn't trying to be some grand masterpiece or anything with deep meaning or characters. It knows exactly what it is, and gives you exactly what you expect. Nothing more, nothing less. And yeah, that soundtrack is amazing. Brian Tyler did an absolutely fantastic job making those classic themes so grand & epic, yet still immediately recognizable.

[@geardog24]

9:36 Fun Fact: These two guards are voiced by the VAs of Cuphead and Mugman.

[@maritofuentes8937]

cuphead and mugman have VAs?

[@hanakosan4404]

I recognised Cuphead but Mugman? All I heard was Wakko Warner

[@anth636]

@@maritofuentes8937from the Netflix series

[@gregarious1]

Huge Cuphead and Mario fan here, I wanted to believe this “fun fact” but IMDB doesn’t list Tru Valentino (Cuphead) nor Frank Todaro (Mugman) in the official credits. I recommend you provide a reputable source next time you want to share a fun fact.

[@samuelchurch5124]

​@@gregarious1I think he's just mistaken. They're both voiced by Carlos Alazraqui. I think he actually voices all of them except the general who's voiced by Eric Bauza.

[@GWFanSoftcoreBrony]

I was shocked when the full version of the "Peaches" song (yes there is a long version apparently) played on the radio some two weeks after the film came out. I never heard it on the radio beyond that one time, but I was legit amused.

[@camerongordon5914]

I'm calling it right now: This movie is Nintendo's Iron Man, and the successive installments and spinoffs will undoubtedly culminate in the Super Smash Bros. Initiative.

[@CameronMetrejean]

21:53 SERIOUSLY?! I like this movie but I also felt it was a bit rushed at times and this scene was always my prime example of that issue. “Do you want to hear these guys talking about their dads, or-“ YES! I do! I remember thinking we were about to get a nice character moment between Mario and Donkey so they can finally find common ground in themselves and not just a common goal or enemy, then once they find their common ground they find a way to escape. Instead this movie just jumps to the escape and even in the theater I felt like we were missing something. Maybe it’s me but when there’s a chance for crossovers I always love when they can share their stories with each other. I loved that Statue of Liberty scene in No Way Home where they are just sharing past experiences . I know we’re going to get to the action eventually but I like when a movie takes time for those moments.

[@rumbleroller2154]

(18:18) You know what? Looking back at Kranky Kong, I get it. He's suppose to be OLD. They were going for the nasally old man Kong, just way out of his prime, proud, with an overbearing heir to his throne. But in all honestly, I'd rather have had King Kranky voiced by Morgan Freeman..

[@mrcwillis6970]

As a big Mario fan I was super happy with what we got. Bright, colourful, charming worlds and characters. Incredible remix soundtrack of the music we know and listen to. Plenty of cool and hidden references. Fun battles and epic moments. Very happy they used and have things that are actually from the game, and that it was enjoyable for the Mario fans which is obviously the main audience, didn’t need to be anything that grand or heavily written like the Mario games. Idk what else to say, it’s just a fun time. ❤💚💫

[@FanSeitz]

15:09 Hello again Eric Bauza, I mean Marvin The Martian.

[@joshuar.4892]

This movie is honestly pretty good better than the 1993 film