The Super Mario Bros. Movie - A Game Changer

[@AzerothLatinoamerica]

Never forget the VFX artist who gave their soul to fix sonic. Bless them

[@Mr_Fancypants]

What's his name without googeling it then?

[@guilhermehank4938]

They may have been the flap of the butterfly to bring forward a new trend. Peak butterfly effect

[@stormcutter59]

I don't care. The fact they were gonna make that old model in the first place was an insult to the series. They should have had the sense beforehand before the fans got upset.

[@randymarsh1729]

was all a clever conspiracy

[@ghidorah15]

@@stormcutter59 They did, but the Paramount executives didn't. Those morons insisted on the bad design only to be proven wrong by the backlash, at which point the actual creatives were able to get to work fixing it. Don't blame the wrong people.

[@shanemaguire55]

I appreciate how they didn't try to explain how everything in the world works or try to make sense of it and instead just rolled with it

[@superglue46]

Totally agree. Sometimes you don't need to explain stuff, and kids especially are more than willing to just roll with odd but fun-looking things.

[@jozemrlz383]

This was my number one complaint at first, than I realized over explaining everything would have been twice as annoying

[@Thechezbailey]

That's the biggest single difference between this movie and the first attempt in the early 90s.

[@TheSchwiz]

I agree. I think this was intentional, as they made call outs to things that should have been explained, but aren’t, like Peach’s origin, floating blocks, and ridiculous layouts of everything.

[@naheemquattlebaum2267]

Exactly! And I love how much the haters complain about that too lol

[@TurtleChad1]

The more the critics hate this movie, the more the fans will love it.

[@nahtesalinas1917]

I loved the movie.

[@George_Fl0yd]

I loved almost everything about it, except for peach

[@quyiter]

Audience rating > Critic rating

[@ploppill34]

yay, more 10 year olds will love it?

[@Stockhandle123]

@@nahtesalinas1917 how old are you? I went and saw this movie with my nephew. He loved it. It was fine. It’s just a kids movie. It offers almost nothing for adults. I was a little bored. It was kind of cute though but I was happy when it was over. My guess is you’re like nine or 10 if you are any older yowza.

[@arcanefeline]

People often forget that a "damsel in distress" is not just a helpless victim, if written skillfully. She represents such virtues as endurance and purity of heart in the face of evil. Such a character can also sacrifice herself to save others (see Princess Bride, for example). Passive virtue is still virtue. We're just used to recognizing only active virtues, auch as courage, strength and competence.

[@becafoin2]

Exactly! That's the reason why Princess Zelda is one of my favorite female characters ever. She's (almost) always a damsel in distress, but she's never useless, on the contrary, she's a super important character. In recent games, her different avatars have become more complex characters, while at the same time staying true to what makes her Princess Zelda.

[@EvilDoresh]

The first Paper Mario game also played a bit with this, giving you control over Peach every now and then to basically playing Metal Gear Solid with the Koopa guards, showing that she does more than just wait around for Mario to show up.

[@ForceMaximus84]

Feminism seems to be the very definition of Impatience.

[@KosteonLink]

​@@EvilDoresh Paper Mario Peach was probably my favorite version of her. She got to be brave and clever and creative without having to be macho or a Kung Fu master

[@hitthurdeaux]

@@KosteonLink Same here. That’s the vibe I got from this movie’s Peach and I loved it, despite going into the movie wincing at the thought of them turning peach into a girlboss

[@acarter4173]

A good friend took her kids to see it. I was struck by what she said: "I love a child's laughter." Kids don't need the stress of complex, divisive social issues, real or manufactured. They need to laugh and enjoy themselves when it's time to escape this world for a couple hours.

[@hithere8753]

Profound. Thank you.

[@dv9239]

But how will the kids learn about black pansexual badass non binary female by birth protagonist?

[@tr1p1ea]

30 kids (including mine) went front of the cinema and started running around playing with each other when the credits started rolling when I watched it. All had fun, never seen anything like it.

[@plustico2846]

That's true but also morals being a part of children's stories have existed since the beginning so even this movie will have morals but like you said complex and divisive social issues aren't for children. Basic morals of selflessness courage and love are all that are needed in kids movies.

[@cyborgchicken3502]

​@@plustico2846 yes all children's stories need morals to teach them how to be good people in the world... But they don't sex education and critical race theory at that age... If you want a child to grow up and not be racist or sexist, put them in a diverse environment, send them to a multi ethnic school, and they will develop an open mind all on their own... You don't need to explain to them their privilege or lack thereof because they're " insert colour" It's like these woketards forget that if someone turns out racist or sexist it's most likely because they learned it at home from their parents, bad parenting is what causes majority of toxic behavior in people.. Not the cartoons, movies or games we consume for entertainment

[@SilverSpireZ]

Gotta admit: it’s nice seeing Drinker being more positive lately. Even with the disastrous state of Hollywood today, it’s good that there’s still some things to be happy about.

[@alesksander]

Just need look outside Hollywood and u can find good stuff. Netflix occasionally hits something, Then Korea, Japan and India deliver really good experiences.

[@Isnogood12]

Drinker isn't a downer. He just calls bullshit out when he sees it. All he wants is the same as the rest of us: To see good movies and be entertained.

[@SilverSpireZ]

@@Isnogood12 Exactly. Given how cynical so many people are online (admittedly with good reason), he’s at least able to give credit where it’s due, and I highly respect that.

[@sirsukoruch2768]

Maybe he's been hanging out with Tatyana more.

[@brettjacobson4600]

​@Isnogood12 I would generally agree with you, I like his stuff and comments, but while watching his and the podcasts review of the Indiana Jones 5 trailer I couldn't help but feel all they were doing was being needlessly nitpicky and negative over the smallest of possible details, just shitting on it for shit's sake. It might very well be a shit movie, but the amount of trash talk they threw at a movie that hasn't been released yet was kind of disappointing.

[@rigatoni_joe5090]

The thing I liked about Peach was that the writers did what Hollywood seemingly couldn't for YEARS by making a female character that was strong and capable yet also kind to the male characters in the story. Rather than run through the typical trope of subtly belittling Mario for being unable to do what she could when he first arrived, Nintendo had Peach accept Mario's inexperience and help him get better.

[@SSingh-nr8qz]

Very true. Peach stood on her own merits and skills rather than take the lazy shortcut of taking a strong male character and leapfrogging their own reputation by belittling that male character. The logic being, "If that man is THAT tough and awesome, and if this female can beat him eaily, therefore this female character is so much better than the make character.".

[@MyShiroyuki]

Peach also has experience fighting and is implied to have fought against Bowser before since she’s the only one in the Mushroom Kingdom who can fight. She also admits to Mario that she had an easier time with the training course, not because she’s that good, but maybe because she’s lived here longer and has more experience. (Edit) So it gives a believable excuse for why Peach is a good fighter and doesn’t belittle Mario because he’s still new at this.

[@eternal_napalm6442]

This wasn't the "Hollywood writers". It is 100% Nintendo. Nintendo had REAL strong and cool girl characters way before third-wave feminism laid seige on our society and our culture. Samus from the Metroid series is another.

[@LocalGooberGoobs]

I was hesitant towards Peach, but you’re right!

[@cannabishornliu6119]

Peach in this movie is a far superior character or "strong, independent woman" than everything Disney put out in the last 5 to 8 years. Her skills: Explained in the movie. Her character: determined, strong-willed and kindhearted.

[@punkshotgun3421]

Shout out to the blue shell turtle that kamikazed himself for the sake of his mission, he may be a bad guy but that scene was a good reminder that no one escapes the almighty blue shell.

[@weazyll]

Aint nothing more terrifying than seeing and hearing that alarm for an incoming blue shell. Dread it, run from it; the blue shell always arrives.

[@Scoteh]

Perhaps even a deeper metaphor for life itself 🤔

[@Lightnatural]

He was a soldier till’ the very end, died with honor.

[@jwroot]

That scene left my jaw dropping.😲

[@sypeartz3469]

That fucking blue shell holy shit

[@nTrylo]

If you watch the interviews with the Japanese creatives, including the original creator of the Mario character (Miyamoto) who came in from Nintendo to direct Peach's role in the plot, THANK GOD those old Japanese dudes put their foot down and knew how to keep it real on this one.

[@fireironthesecond2909]

Japan has never cared about representation in its media. It’s a more conservative culture than the rest of the West so is safe from the grasps of woke

[@kaizokujimbei143]

I've said it before and I will say it again. Japan will never bend the knee to western, Leftist ideology. And I look up to them for that. 日本人にありがたい。

[@leoncoben6983]

@@kaizokujimbei143 Square Enix... Capcom... Sony would say otherwise sadly.

[@kaizokujimbei143]

@@leoncoben6983 Do American corporations represent the majority of American citizens? The question is rhetorical. Of course they do not. Same applies to Japan. Big Tech and the Mass Media want you to believe that they have far more influence and that they represent way more people than they actually do. And as it so happens, Japan is better equipped to reveal this truth to the public because Japan is a traditional and conservative nation. I've said it before and I will say it again. Just try to invade Japan with military force. Japan has a strong military even if they don't brag about it on TV like the Chinese and Koreans do about their own armed forces. Just try to invade Japan. I want to see you utterly fail. And I know you will fail. Because troonie soldiers are weak soldiers. Your ideology will be your undoing. And my popcorn machine is oiled and ready. 🍿🍿🍿🍿

[@psychokinrazalon]

@@leoncoben6983 Those companies feel pressured to pander to western audiences for several decades now. It’s not surprising they’re still taking bad advice.

[@HeisenbergFam]

The fact critics give Mario movie questionable reviews while audience loves it is honestly a reocurring pattern in many cases

[@Kevc00]

Yeah like the Terminal List, got like 30% from critics and like 90% from fans.

[@XParasiteOctoling]

Some criticisms about the movie are valid others aren’t. I’ve seen a critic say that this was illumination’s only bad film 💀

[@Kernwadi]

Be careful so that KZbin won't ban your account, like with the other commentator channels.

[@destroyer4929]

@@XParasiteOctoling that critic's intelligence is absolutely 0 like has that person seen the 2nd and 3rd despicable me movies

[@jansonrawlings8169]

Seriously. Checkout the top RT critic review and how they apparently hate normal family units: “Among the many errors of The Super Mario Bros. Movie, screenwriter Matthew Fogel plops him and his brother Luigi into a milquetoast Brooklyn family that doubts them and disrespects their small-business dreams.”

[@wemdoe]

I’m so glad you reviewed this movie. We took our kids for my 11 year-old daughter’s birthday, and it did not disappoint. We laughed a ton. I agree that a little of the narrative felt unfinished compared to how amazingly they worked in so many fun nuggets from the games. There was an audible gasp in the theater when Mario got the blue mushroom, because people who play the games knew what was about to happen. That was priceless. The sense of shared experience was really cool. The Lego Movie remains my favorite movie made from a game/toy IP. I love how Lord and Miller can both acknowledge and poke fun at our modern sensibilities. But Mario was fun, breezy, and an awesome family flick.

[@scottchaison1001]

Nah, the narrative didn't felt unfinished.

[@firdanharbima6997]

​@@scottchaison1001 yeah more so left us with more questions or doesn't cover everything needed of the mario world

[@traviscunningham7062]

We know how the Mario world works though in the games

[@scottchaison1001]

@@firdanharbima6997 It did cover everything needed, what are you talking about?

[@Armoless]

The plot of Mario might not be deep, but it has more wholesomeness than anything The big Disney has forced down on us from their soap boxes.

[@samppiliina9127]

Yeah, 1.5h advertisement from the 3rd biggest video game company of all time for their games is so wholesome my heart's gonna mealt.

[@Armoless]

Wholesome AF. As Family. Nothing beats brothers looking out for each other, and as Bowser learned. Nothing beats family.

[@LuisSierra42]

@@samppiliina9127 Not only the 3rd biggest video game company of all time but also one of the most evil

[@johnholland9371]

Friendly reminder that nothing is being forced on you. You choose what media you consume. Take some responsibility for your decisions.

[@wolfpack3914]

Yup…it was nice for a change that there was no far-left political agenda crammed down our throats

[@AJ-dt3pz]

What I appreciate about Princess Peach is that she’s supportive and caring to everyone, which makes her likable and rootable.

[@choyMM]

What? A strong, independent female character who respects her male counterparts? Say it isn't so!

[@pankratos5017]

@@nupnorth Why not both?

[@GameExplorer0115]

​@@choyMM I know. I was almost expecting her to he the worst part of the movie. Bam. Nope. Nothing was bad. It was great.

[@jonnyshanon2103]

This is the reason critics hated it.

[@zogbot5103]

@@nupnorth both

[@davidw7531]

Going in with the right expectations was ultimately what let me enjoy this movie. Kid friendly, quick paced, and packed with Easter eggs. The music also really brings the nostalgia.

[@philiplorio9820]

That was my problem. I went in after watching puss in boots. But you shouldn't have to turn your brain off for a movie. It should be good and well written.

[@ZeroSmoke.]

@@philiplorio9820 Puss in Boots 2 definitely is the better film. But I still loved this movie.

[@elementsofphysicalreality]

I liked how they portrayed princess peach. They didn’t overextend. They recognize she’s a good character in games like Smash Bros and Mario Kart. She kicked butt yet the movie was still about Mario.

[@ElBandito]

Peach was kicking ass back in Super Mario 2.

[@TheAlibabatree]

Ehh, I disagree. They definitely portrayed her as “the badass” of the film. She called all of the shots, made all of the plans, and never did anything wrong. Even when she finally succumbed to marrying Bowser, she VERY quickly saved herself and pretty much everyone else. Now, i wouldnt have a problem with any of that, if it wasnt so contradictory to the source material. To flesh out a character is one thing, but to make them the EXACT OPPOSITE is another.

[@gilroyscopa]

I didn't so much have a problem with Peach being really competent in this movie. It's her kingdom after all and she should by all rights know how to navigate it. My problem was one of my own making. By having played them, I simply like her characterization in the Paper Mario RPGs more. She's a diplomat who, while hesitant and sweet, solves her problems through cunning and wits instead of pure brawn and actionhero-ness.

[@TheShinyTresasLW]

​@@TheAlibabatree nah, made sense to me that peach would flesh out a plan since mario knows nothing about this world and she grew up there. Also, her plans actually fail when you think about it and in the very end mario comes to save everyone

[@DangerB0ne]

​@@TheAlibabatree It could be worse. I'm fine with Princess Peach being more of a decisive leader than a MacGuffin to be saved. Her character was more of a mentor than a rote female badass action star. Besides, who else would be a mentor to Mario? Yes Peach ultimately saves herself but it's presented better than most Hollywood drivel. She uses guile and deception to outsmart Bowser instead of relying on bullshit girl power brute force. Compared to trash like Captain Marvel or any of the Disney Star Wars movies it's a breath of fresh air. Sure there's a whiff of dog turd in there but it's fresh air.

[@warrenslattery8915]

If you remember Super Mario bros. 2, Princess peach was a playable character which had different abilities to the others. They showed this in the film when as she dropped, she puffed out her dress and floated down, so that was cool. Fun fact - SMB2 was actually not a Mario game originally, it was a stand alone game with 4 different playable characters, which got changed to Mario characters on the back of the success of SMB and the need to get a sequel out quickly. This is why all the enemies are completely different from all other games.

[@billybobbobson3797]

It wasn't just that. Super mario 2 was deemed way to hard for Americans and that's why we got the goofyness that we have. Smb the lost levels I'd Japan's smb 2

[@liamphibia]

Shigeru Miyamoto actually wanted to make Peach to be strong playable character in her own right.

[@wt7553]

Peach is a female leader of a kingdom. She is literally a “girl boss.”

[@dewolf123]

​@Will Tyson Assuming this is a complaint there were literal queens and princesses who ruled kingdoms in history and in this movie the Toads are the ones who elected her a princess.

[@wt7553]

@@dewolf123 it’s not a complaint. I’m saying any complaints of Peach being a “girl boss” would be ridiculous.

[@NitroModelsAndComics]

I was 17 when the original Donkey Kong came out in 1982. I wrked at my local pizza joint 4 days a week and when the game came in to replace the aging Galaga machine it was a welcome sight. Me and the owners son Nick were quick to get addicted to the game and pretty soon we were very good players. After all these years Mario has a special place for me. This movie was perfect for my old eyes as they surely kept me and the millions of others who have played the numerous titles over the years in the front of their minds. It was fun with more than a little fan service, and judging by the kids all around me it was exciting and hilarious for the entire movie. What more can we expect?

[@ericlaw171]

Took my kids to see this movie and they loved it. It's not a groundbreakingly amazing movie, but its a solidly entertaining movie free of any wokeness. Absolutely loved it.

[@MJRLHobbyStuff]

Not completely free, Peach does say Mario is No Body, and that she was able to get through the obstacles first try after Mario failed a bunch. Just saying

[@DeafEnder]

Peach is literally a Mary sue and Luigi has a grand total of like 5 scenes while Mario is made into a bumbling fool throughout the entire film. This film was FULL of wokeness, it was just done halfway decently.

[@NitroNinja324]

​@@DeafEnderNobody has a problem with badass female characters. It's a bad attitude people hate.

[@ericlaw171]

@@MJRLHobbyStuff thats true, but Peach also needed Mario to rescue her in the end which is heresy in today's culture. If it followed modern movie formulas, Princess Peach would have been a non-binary woman of color who would have to save Mario because he was having a panic attack in a corner somewhere. That one moment of slight wamen-power didn't bother me.

[@dwaynehicks3867]

​@@DeafEnder peach actually explained her training montage. She was training growing up to be prepared to rule. This is not hard

[@warhammer-neophyte]

Thank you for reminding me that Pixar was once the pinnacle of story telling

[@mjl11]

We live in a time where animated movies outshine live action in every single aspect.

[@michaelvandeginste3497]

The film did enough to keep Peach from being a Mary Sue. They made a point to explain that she was able to do the things that Mario could do because she had spent her entire life in that kingdom.

[@thenightwatchman1598]

she literally said in the movie it was her first time doing that obstacle course and still passed it with flying colors, she was a walking deus ex machina. im disturbed you people are so willing to outight lie or omit certain facts about the movie simply because you don't want to line up your views with the critics or how films with mary sue characters being successful throws a wrench into the "go woke, go broke" narrative. honestly, you people are shameless in letting your bias forcing you to take the side of the same merchandize driven corporate trash you claimed to despise when last jedi came out. hypocrites, all of you.

[@rustyshackelford4224]

@thenightwatchman1598 Mind if you explain how she's a walking Deus Ex Machina in the movie please...

[@ZenMonkeyGod]

This film is so amazing, I genuinely will watch it BY MYSELF once in a while, just because it's such a charming nostalgia trip. I love it, the kids love it, my wife loves it, we've all gone twice now. It's single-handedly saving many cinemas that weren't doing well.

[@Dovah21]

Just saw it last night and can honestly vouch that it was awesome, way better than I thought it was going to be too. I'm a gamer in my early 30s, so I'm in between the categories for this movie's audience, but it completely satisfied both sides of that for me. As far as a Super Mario Bros. movie goes, this was as good as it could possibly be and that's a big compliment from me. Edit: I also personally enjoyed the image rehab that Peach has been getting lately. I didn't mind at all that she was obscenely good at platforming because they explained that she grew up in the Mushroom Kingdom, so it stood up to reason that platforming was something she'd be doing on a nearly constant basis.

[@tommoore9184]

I took my teenage daughter (who has always been a true die-hard fan of the whole franchise and all it's characters) to see this and I'll never forget looking over at her during the movie and seeing the look of sheer joy and wonder on her face. As a parent, that's all the reason I need to give it 5 stars!

[@Jitterzz]

I liked the review, but when you got to the part about Up and Toy Story 3, it made me so thankful that they didn’t bother putting anything like that in this movie. I saw those shots and immediately said “boooriiing”. Every movie feels like it needs to add in some artsy section about loss. After awhile, you just want to watch a fun film without any unnecessary downers. That’s what that this film provided on both my viewings, and I’m very happy with it.

[@ratedr7845]

jangle keys in front of you to get the same thing your looking for

[@benm3266]

It was definitely a simple but entertaining movie. Easily 8/10 👍

[@adscomics]

Pretty much my exact thoughts on the movie. Would have like a bit more depth in the narrative and characters, but the references and respect to the source material are really incredible. Absolutely loved this movie.

[@ravenzyblack]

It starts with somebody taking a risk and failing. They are then given an opportunity to redeem themselves and rise to the occasion. Along the way they get beaten down yet carry on Never giving up no matter what the odds. Then at the end they succeed. It is like Rocky in many ways. It is just told in such a way a 5 year old child can relate and understand.

[@osmanyousif7849]

Who knows? Maybe in the sequel, things will improve. This movie felt like it was experimenting with what could work, and I'd say for the most part it did.

[@thegunslinger1363]

I saw it last week. I was pleasantly surprised by it. The intention to detail from the animation is brilliant.

[@AtZ-2424]

My personal favorite detail was the alarm sound that played before the hover system kicked in on Mario's kart. It was very minute, but I really appreciate the fact they put it in there

[@charmandergamer1287]

This is the first movie I’ve watched in cinemas since The Rise Of Skywalker. And I couldn’t be happier! This movie was exactly what I wanted it to be. And not gonna lie, that ending was actually really cool

[@oXRaptorzXo]

Since ROS, wow

[@charmandergamer1287]

@@oXRaptorzXo Well, not only did that movie sour my care for movies in general, we also had the unspecified virus of unknown origin for a while. And honestly i'm not much of a movie guy.

[@oXRaptorzXo]

@@charmandergamer1287 fair

[@roberthipolito1351]

Went and saw with my best friend. As you mentioned, the only thing that kinda disappointed us was the lack of a deeper story, but overall was quite awesome. The thing I liked the most was that Mario's core trait was that he never gives up. It reminded me of my childhood when playing the games and being utterly terrible at platformers, having to try over and over to get through the levels. And even today in the adult life, having to grind every day because nothing comes easy. So regardless of the shallow story, the character arch got me by the end.

[@AlexNichiporchik]

I can see how this movie will become a classic over time since kids will be rewatching it over and over. Right up there next to the latest Puss in Boots.

[@scromly1169]

I loved almost every second of this movie. My cheeks hurt from smiling so much. From my point of view I was like "Yeah, sure, it doesn't quite blow the mind philosophically, but that's not what it should have done." I do concede a bit that maybe they could have added some more depth to the story, like you said, and I'm sure I would've loved it if they did, but without it I think the movie was all that it needed to be. For me it was just incredible to see a faithful adaptation for once, practically to the T. The nuance and creativity of the movie directors shone through here and there with stuff that wasn't directly in the video games, but it was done so well that it enhanced the movie. I think that this movie did a very good job at being what it needed to be - a faithful adaptation with likeable characters that feel like the characters from the games (if you imagined what they'd be like while playing the games) that does not betray the original story line while being an absolute joy to watch and listen to. I say hats off to this film, and I am so glad that it is doing well. Hopefully this smacks the sh*t out of woke media.

[@Goshdarnet]

I got a little annoyed when Peach makes Mario go through the obstacle course over and over again until he's beaten it (like we as kids did when we played the levels over and over again until we beat them). But then when he asks her how long she took to figure it out, OF COURSE, she got it right away without much struggle. **eye roll**

[@williamdancer5649]

the best thing about this movie is that it’s merciful. It’s only 90 minutes so it doesn’t hang on one scene for too long.

[@montogomery478]

Man. This is probably the second animated movie that The Drinker has reviewed it’s pretty cool to see how enjoyable the Mario Movie was for almost everyone!

[@s3studios597]

He also reviewed Castle in the Sky a year or two ago..

[@montogomery478]

@@s3studios597 Wow. I was not expecting that. That is also another good animated movie.

[@torchrandom9059]

I know I’m late to the party, but I think I should contribute my quote for this movie. It’s not a good Mario MOVIE, but it’s an outstanding MARIO Movie. While I’d love more plot and depth to be injected with a Mario story like some of the RPG games do, I gotta say it’s always a pleasure to go back and rewatch this. A good pallet cleanser for after I go on a binge of videos about terrible movies (I frequent Mauler and Drinker videos because they’re funny as hell ngl)

[@skyofglass1243]

Saw this movie yesterday, and it was a just non-stop entertaining fun. Good comedy, great action, awesome references, and the animation was superb. I enjoyed every minute of it and hope more movies can deliver the same amount of entertainment.

[@yatarookayama8329]

4:24 Ah, it looks like it's beginning to rain - Roy Mustang 🌧☔☔ It's hit hard close to home 😥😥😥😥😥😥

[@malikevans634]

Hell, Mario got me and the boys back together, after we were all constantly separated by life and work. For that time, I was so happy to be alive.

[@nathanwithrow35]

This movie made me want to go home and play some super Mario world.

[@NR-rv8rz]

Why is Princess Peach dumpy shaped with mild dwarfism?

[@jarerarebear1765]

Great review Drinker, I'm actually such a fan of Donkey Kong Country that I wrote a movie script adaptation a few years back. This movie felt rushed in some ways, never taking too much time to dwell on character building moments, but it was very effective at what it did. I just hope that the standard for video game adaptations can be raised, stay faithful to the source material, but up the ante on storytelling to compensate for the lack of gameplay.

[@joshuaweston6531]

It was surprisingly good! That they used No Sleep Till Brooklyn...chefs kiss!

[@Sammy-34079]

video game movies sucks Superhero Marvel/Dc book movies better!!!

[@Gunn27]

Movie was good. Think it could have been a lot better. I personally did get annoyed at the Princess. Could have done without her being Galadriel in every scene and replaced the screen time with Luigi. Feel they pinched a lot from Shrek in her scenes.

[@Daniemac]

My only issue is that mario practically nuked brooklyn and was celebrated for saving it

[@rustyshackelford4224]

What's your issue with that?

[@missionery1]

I love your reviews. They are spot on. I check to see your review before I even go see movies half the time. This source is so much more accurate than IMDb or rotten tomatoes haha

[@corylohanlon]

I was nervous the whole time. It really felt like the whole movie was setting up Peach to upstage the title characters. Luigi with the sewer cap made the whole movie for me.

[@Conflict-ff5pi]

Good example of a studio understanding their target audience and hyperfocusing on them and it seems to be paying off. Don't need a deeper plot if your goal is making a fun movie for kids and little else.

[@DeflatingAtheism]

It’s a matter of studios that feel they still need to earn their audience, versus studios that take their audiences for granted.

[@jmiester25]

On top of Peach being likable in this movie, her being capable goes all the way back to the late 80s with Doki Doki Mario 2 errr I mean Mario 2

[@aigeneratedwauigi2696]

I’m a teenager and I seen it today with a few friends. It was very fun

[@editingsecrets]

Did you grow up playing the games or was the scenario new for you?

[@briarblack7437]

It's still mind boggling to me how badly they managed to mess up the assassins creed movie. It's like burnt bacon. Just, dude, how did you mess this up?

[@ftd888]

I haven’t seen the movie, but it looks like they did a good job with Peach’s character. I think flipping the damsel in distress narrative around (in a fun way) was pretty clever and refreshing … although poor Luigi still ends up playing second string to his superior brother. More directly, I think it’s fine that Peach is a badass. She lives in the Mushroom kingdom, so she’s had years to devote to training - whereas Mario is an out of shape plumber who just got teleported down a magical pipe. I’m betting that Voltron did it better, but she sounds similar to Princess Alura in the reboot. A lot of the other reboots (and movies) have soured us with the bait-and-switch. And with treating male characters like garbage. However, Peach is such an iconic character, I think it works … since both characters are treated with respect. My big complaint is that Daisy isn’t in the movie - but there’s always the sequel.

[@SaiIor_Moon]

Yep! And I think Yoshi and Daisy will be in the next movie. And probably Rosalina even.

[@karlm9584]

Luigi needs his vaccuum cleaner and some ghosts

[@GrandDungeonDad]

Yoshi is my boy.

[@TheTexasDice]

The best depiction of Peach is in Paper Mario: The Thousand Year door. In that, she essentially brainwashes all the villains goons after being kidnapped to be on her side.

[@SaiIor_Moon]

@@karlm9584 **Professor E.Gadd intensifies**

[@harryv6752]

Middle aged gamer here. This brought back so many childhood memories of countless days and nights spent in front of the tube with Super Mario Bros. on the NES to subsequent sequels all the way up to Super Mario 64 on the N64 in my early adult years. Loved it.

[@VeganBytes]

Great movie, the 3d was good also, but I've never seen a theatre full of kids so quiet and well-behaved because they were literally glued to the screen at all times. Definitely a solid 8 out of 10 for me.

[@2bitbyte]

Finally someone mentioned that Peach IS sometimes TOO good at everything. I was beginning to wonder if I'd just gone nuts. But yeah, in spite of that, it was a fantastic movie ^^

[@Alex-02]

I disagree, it was explicitly explained in the movie she’s good at stuff because she’s lived in the mushroom kingdom her whole life, in contrast to Mario who only got a short training montage and then he was good to go. I’d argue the opposite, that Mario was too OP, although I don’t think that should’ve changed. If he wasn’t capable it would’ve made the movie worse and it’s pretty easy to accept it since the powerups are quite powerful.

[@Alex-02]

Additionally, Peach has been a playable character throughout the Mario games ever since the 80s. This does not somehow break continuity within the games either.

[@2bitbyte]

​@@Alex-02 The Peach of the games would never bitch-slap Bowser with a kick to the face (except maybe in Smash, which is NOT CANON, the lore states Smash characters are trophies and not the actual characters). It's not in Peach's character to be that intense. No one's saying she's never been playable (no one who knows the games), and I'm not saying she had to be the one in the cage for the whole movie, I'm just saying she doesn't feel quite enough like the Peach I know from the games. Anyway, it's not a huge deal (yet), as long as she doesn't become an insufferable girlboss in the sequels we're good, but it's still a red flag knowing Illumination wanted to do that. They probably will the instant Miyamoto stops holding their hands.

[@Cat-oj5oj]

This is one of the best movies I’ve seen in a long time! It was so funny and referenced the games perfectly. 10/10.

[@Morphling92]

The real ending to Toy Story 3 wasn’t him giving away the toys… it was them all willing to meet the great beyond together as a family. Fight me on this.

[@michaeltunnicliffe4935]

It's an interesting thought that the age of Video Game Movies dominating the box office are upon us, but I can't quite see how that world would look. Because with the Superhero age, I can definitely see how people would flock to cinemas to see Iron Man and then a month later do the same thing for Batman and then a month later, repeat for Hulk. These films are all very similar. Even when separated into DC Vs Marvel, Superman and Dr Strange are characters who I could imagine existing in the same world. But video games are completely different. Whilst a Batman fan could very well be interested in Spiderman, I'm not so sure the same could be said for a Call of Duty fan being shown Super Mario. And I say this from experience. I'm open to watching Super Mario and Sonic. I heard they are good films and I want to see more successful video game movies. But I haven't watched either because I've never played Super Mario or Sonic (at least not any longer than a quick 30mins at a friend's house.) I'm a fan of the Fallout, Battlefield and God of War Franchises. And I'm sure there are people out there who enjoy God of War and Mario, but realistically how many? As a genre, it's not very well connected. Not in the same way Superhero movies are or the age of the westerns were. You certainly couldn't make a cinematic universe out of them (which admittedly would be a good thing if they didn't.) But even without one, I just struggle to see a Halo fan being interested in Little Big Planet or Donkey Kong, just as I can't see a Sonic fan being interested in Killzone or Gears of War. And ultimately I think Hollywood would go for this idea because of how popular gaming is today, but at the same time, how many gamers are proper gamers? I know far too many people who only ever play FIFA and COD. There are huge numbers of so called gamers who would have no interest in any of the games I've already mentioned. Not interested in Halo, God of War, Sonic, Mario, Little Big Planet, Gears of War, Killzone, none of them. So I really cannot see how video game dominance of Hollywood would work. It's an interesting thought, but ultimately I think it's too divided to stand.

[@kevrulz06]

It's kinda crazy to think that after Mortal Kombat (1995), which I still hold to be a good movie (with bad VFX), only because it's basically a remake of Enter the Dragon, that it would take till a few years ago for the video game film genre to really kick off. Kinda funny that it would be Sonic that would make everyone realize that there could be a great video game film with a better sequel. I'm glad for Mario and all its success, because I enjoyed the movie way more than I thought I would. Maybe we should demand more as Little Platoon suggested, but I didn't expect "There Will Be Blood". Like Sonic 1, I see this first Mario film as a sort of proof of concept. Now that the film is out and doing quite well, it's the sequel where we really need to demand more. I'm sure with the success of Mario and Sonic 2 being better than the first, could we see a video game movie arms race? I would really like an epic Zelda film, and an awesome Metroid film. They just have to be done right. And if it took Nintendo stepping in and stopping any Western shenanigans with identity politics or feminism, then let them continue to monitor the productions and we should have at the very least, enjoyable films that make a lot of money, and don't try to preach out of spite, or hate us. Here's hoping for that cool $1B for Mario! First day Blu Ray buy for me!

[@EvilDoresh]

I guess video game movies are expensive to make, especially if you insist on live-action. At least the first Sonic movie was probably largely set in the real world to make things cheaper.

[@kevrulz06]

@@EvilDoresh Probably was cheaper, but I think with or without the Mario film being what it is, the eventual narrative path for Sonic was always going to be using his rings to explore his home world and the universe.

[@AspyreFGC]

Took my family so see this over the weekend. It was really fun for the kids, and adults. Glad it's making a lot of money, and hopefully more studios pay attention to why.

[@FOX11GUY]

Heavy, heavy, really heavy marketing.

[@Predwyn_the_Swole]

Now that I've seen it, I'll echo what you said about Peach - WAAAAY too much Hollywood Girlboss going on in this film so you can imagine my surprise to hear that it would've been even worse had Nintendo not stepped in to tone it down a bit.

[@ClintonKE]

The brothers actually caring for each other, Peach being nice to someone new to her world, and Bowser being respected villain wise are things I liked about this movie. Overall worth my time to see imo.

[@papalaz4444244]

Are you 3yo?

[@tentaforces]

​@@papalaz4444244 No lol. All ages can enjoy this movie, but from your response, it seems you think Mario is for little kids, which is not all true.

[@seabookfarno8656]

**Love how Peach was/is intrigued by Mario's appearance in this movie, like never seen a legit HUMAN BEING before. And yes she is nice! Very respectful towards Mario and stayed by his side thru and thru definitely**

[@insectostrich4407]

@@papalaz4444244 That’s a bit uncalled for don’t you think? Seguro Miyamoto stated that the Mario movie was, “made so fans of all ages can enjoy” so don’t insult us with remarks like that please.

[@admiralprince7925]

@@papalaz4444244 No they probably enjoy life.

[@HeartIIess]

When a movie has a high audience score and a low critic score, you know it's got some potential.

[@JSPena]

Meh, not always.

[@johnsmith651]

Critics just want better entertainment for children. They highly praised Puss in Boots 2

[@discipleofdeath2517]

I just assume it's actually good or entertaining if critic's hate it.

[@Betito1171]

I’ve found to trust the audience less

[@thecheese4255]

WTF is wrong with John Leguizamo?! What a bitter jerk...

[@TravPlay]

"The era of comic book movies has come to an end, and the age of video game movie adaptions is upon us, and I'm more than ready for it." Well said

[@liamphibia]

I couldn't agree more with the Drinker.😎

[@wafflemanofficial3130]

Let's just hope it doesn't devolve into the money hungry mess the MCU became

[@No_step_on_snake]

Let's hope

[@jerichoshepherd2106]

@@wafflemanofficial3130 It will.

[@pablogudec4490]

Let´s see each other in 5 years in this comment to see if that comment actually aged well, I really hope so

[@DaddingAllDay]

I think it was one of the best looking animated movies. There were plenty of shots that just had so much detail.

[@Autobotmatt428]

True the environment artists did a great job

[@andrewgarfield9898]

It was beautiful to look at and pure eye candy

[@Ryclops1057]

It wasn't perfect, but it was super fun. I could sit through it all, having a pleasant experience and I actually laughed. I haven't been able to do that much in the theater in recent years.

[@glacialbae]

Yeah, my wife and I had a great time, and she even wants to go back and see it again. Plus, I don't know why, but the luma freaking got me. I laughed at every scene with him in it.

[@timothyross9237]

ZELDA IS NEXT.

[@anonisnoone6125]

Peach was the only real weird part of the movie for me. She was way too good at doing things. It felt a bit forced.

[@thejagman22]

​@@anonisnoone6125 I mean what was the alternative - vulnerability? Character growth? Naaah, it'll be fine.

[@electricnova2256]

@Puzzle Pottage Watch out there, People may say otherwise about the “turning off your brain” part. Which I can’t say for sure if turning off your brain for this film is good or bad, it’s a pretty fun experience to say the least.

[@KingRavenJ]

Illumination and DreamWorks still seem to understand how to make animated films for kids and their parents while Disney completely lost sight of it.

[@theALTF4]

is so EMBARRASING that, illumination is eating disney's lunch in the box office...and worst of all, they DESERVE IT! mario's movie is just genuinely good, lots of care was took and it just shows! onward, lightyear... strange world... phase 4 marvel. jesus, is just depressing how awful thsoe excuses of cinema were

[@vario6492]

Let's not get too ridiculous about praising Illumination of all things. They may not be pandering like Didney, but the quality of their movies is on average pitifully low. If they can keep up with the Mario movie's quality going forward tho, honestly, I'll feel happy for them

[@durttheelder4035]

@@theALTF4 idk I think the writing story arc for mario was as generic as they come but it did do the references/easter eggs well some of the voices were off to me as well(Kranky Kong) and Jack Black singing is from what I've heard always good (Peaches, +2 Tenacious D songs)

[@jamesbrice3267]

This owes more to Nintendo than Illumination.

[@Tenchi707]

They have taught me how to take care of pussies you know cats

[@bunsenn5064]

It didn’t even have to be an amazing movie, I’m just happy we finally have a decent video game movie adaptation.

[@bcatbb2896]

I wish they had done that with world of Warcraft The cinematic they made for the game is legendary, yet they shat out that garbage ,

[@matteomastrodomenico1231]

This is like the 7th decent videogame adaptation.

[@ihavenoson3384]

Ur mum was decent

[@NathanDavis508]

I think the sonic films were decent adaptations

[@noobmasterruben5167]

I disagree. Mario is still leagues below Detective Pikachu, Silent hill and Sonic 2 in terms of quality or good pacing

[@rabronin]

Just what we needed from a movie: a male protagonist that keeps his balls and fights the good fight, a female mentor who isn't bitchy and insecure in the presence of said male, an overall world that isn't taken too seriously but enough to make you care somewhat and a villain that isn't sympathetic. Hats off to Nintendo for stepping in and giving us a movie we've been craving for like crazy.

[@Lennis01]

It also helps that you can laugh at the villain a bit. Bowser was entertaining every time he appeared on screen.

[@rabronin]

@@Lennis01 Jack Black FTW

[@SeasideDetective2]

Nothing wrong with a sympathetic villain, just as long as he/she doesn't outright become a hero at the end. I was screaming to the heavens after I saw MALEFICENT.

[@JMDarkly1]

A villain who is entertaining/funny but is still a legitimately intimidating threat. God, I miss those.

[@SaiIor_Moon]

It was a fantastic movie, in all aspects. I watched it TWICE already. I can't think if the last time I went to the movies to see something TWICE. It's a huge win in my book! 😄✌

[@Defixio.]

the princess was graceful and encouraging to the heroes. rather than crude, ugly, and trying to humiliate everyone around them. so her being some percentage of girl boss wasn't as offputting as most hollywood outings.

[@ctpp64]

yeah i think her personality made sense. she's a princess and the only royalty, so of course she's competent, but she didn't come across as obnoxious.

[@ZenMonkeyGod]

I mean, they've been going this direction with Peach for a while now. Super Mario 3D World had her as a main character instead of being the one you rescue, and Odyssey made her seem a lot more competent overall. Also SMB2 already made made her playable, and that was on the NES. It's been a long time since she was simply a damsel in distress, so I'm not sure how anyone is even surprised by this

[@TheSuperappelflap]

Mario game didnt need Peach to do anything, but of course when they make a movie it has to have a female main character that is completely unnecessary and doesnt do anything to advance the plot or make the story more interesting.

[@disguiseddv8ant486]

This is not the image that they're showing in these commercials.

[@fartfart-z8x]

@@ZenMonkeyGod uhhh you know from the start is basicly been like that right...? in super mario 2 the 2nd game that ever came out you could play as peach...

[@seabookfarno8656]

**Love how Peach was/is intrigued by Mario's appearance in this movie, like never seen a legit HUMAN BEING before. And yes she is nice! Very respectful towards Mario and stayed by his side thru and thru definitely**

[@Gunn27]

Yes because as every woman knows, the best way to be nice to a small man is to make fun of his height 👍 #genius

[@manplusguitar]

Seeing that clip of Toy Story 3 made me realise just how much classic Pixar spoiled us. Such fantastic movies that everyone could enjoy. Makes me really sad seeing what everything has become :(

[@emoninjasucks]

The cinematic execellence of the trash inciberator sequence has few rivals in animation or even traditional films. It managed to convey terror and existential dread in a way that was gripping and would be understood by children. The deus ex machina that delivered the toy protragonists to safety was a well constructed callback to earlier films. It managed to up the stakes, have the happy ending, and still feel true to the tone of the entire series. Good luck finding that in modern entertainment for modern audiences.

[@ltb1345]

I feel like Pixar should've "ended" around that time.

[@TheAlibabatree]

@@ltb1345 Inside Out was fantastic

[@zenithlevi5549]

I cried a little seeing that scene

[@scottchaison1001]

¿?

[@nalublackwater9729]

I was a kid back in the 90's and I remember very fondly being absolutely hyped each time Disney announced a new movie. Got small kids now in the family and I felt for them because I've never seen them react to movies like we did back in the day. Until this movie came out.... and I must confess, I am too, lol

[@halofreak1990]

What keeps you from showing your kids the classics you grew up with?

[@threearrows2248]

Illumination has been the only dependable studio for kids' films lately. I have 4 kids 8 and under, and the minions/despicable me, secret life of pets, sing movies are some of the only ones my kids watch. We haven't watched a Disney movie since Frozen 2.

[@nalublackwater9729]

@@halofreak1990 not my kids (nephew and niece), and they are so used to the extremely quick paced series of today that things like Cinderella bore them to tears. They love Studio Ghibli's movies, though. Totoro and Ponyo are their favorites.

[@V8ern]

The reason is you have too much to pick and choose from today. Kids can watch their favorite show anytime, anywhere. We coulndt and that made the movies in the 90s seem better.

[@nalublackwater9729]

@@V8ern Also no propaganda

[@ranmckalser9844]

Grace: “so wow!” C.Drinker: “SHUT UP!” 10/10

[@looinrims]

Who?

[@liamphibia]

You tell her, Drinker!😆

[@MrMysterionRises]

As a middle aged gamer who took his kids, this movie is a 10/10!

[@random__joe]

It's amazing how the target consumer (you) loved the film. .. but what about woke critics pushing THE MESSAGE

[@siriactuallysara]

For us that played this game on the Pringle Nintendo when we were 10. Wow this movie was amazingly good 😊

[@rusttoyoung1912]

9/10 for me personally, as drinker said the plot was pretty basic, and Luigi didn't get enough screentime, but I loved all the references and character portrayals, as well as the respect for the lore and the audience - you can really feel the love put into this thing. Definitely would see it again, and would happily say yes to a sequel (to early to say about a franchise - go case by case, so as not to pull a marvel and let unqualified hacks in). Easily an instant classic.

[@alexandersylvain1117]

Same! Well, kinda. My 20yr old took my family. Me and my other kids loved it. Probably going again this weekend!

[@NormanReaddis]

A Nintendo gamer since NES. It's not gonna go a billion, Japan and Korea is not as big as America. If it does, it's literally inflation in mind. Still I'm happy it's kicking Disney's behind. It's not over until the body positivity princess sings.

[@fireworx_925]

this movie is an hour and a half long, but it felt really short because it was actually fun and entertaining

[@mr.doctorcaptain1124]

And because 90 minutes is as short as a film comes

[@_yoshivolts_115]

​@@mr.doctorcaptain1124 why are animated movies always 90 minutes?

[@vashcrimson4395]

all the positive reviews about this woke film make me think chatGTP does all the comments now. this movie spits in mario’s face and everyone is lapping it up.

[@_yoshivolts_115]

@@vashcrimson4395 funny, people are calling this an anti woke film, maybe you just assume everything is woke

[@priestesslucy3299]

@@mr.doctorcaptain1124 I've definitely seen films as low as 75 minutes or so

[@GiuseppeGaetanoSabatelli]

It was quite refreshing to NOT have forced drama. Like a misunderstanding where one brother calls the other useless and he overhears him, and then the split up on bad terms. Imagine how painfully cliche that would be.

[@redsoxu571]

Well said! There is absolutely a time and a place for that sort of conflict, but it's amazing how often movies turn to that incredibly formulaic and forced bit. And it very, VERY rarely is a value added.

[@astoriastestkitchen]

The Lego Movie managed to not feel forced and it also managed to be just a better film, overall, with an interesting story and characterz with character arcs and development. Kids never said it was forced drama or boring. Kids loved it. And so did critics. It's entirely possible to please both groups.

[@ppvc388]

​@@astoriastestkitchen No one cares

[@SPARTON0Weezy]

BRUUUUUHHHH!! That happens SOOOO MUCH!! 🤦‍♂️🤦‍♂️🫠🫠

[@Nikitikitavvi]

Yup pretty much in every move when everyone gets chummy I know the drama is coming. Mario went down a path of not skipping a beat and just being a full on entertainment the entire time

[@GanondorfsWife]

I dragged my parents to go see this, and they really loved it. Especially the Mario Kart scenes since that's the only Mario game they've ever played. Cutest part was a little girl yelling out "Where's Princess Daisy????" Made me regret not wearing my Daisy dress lol I cannot tell you how heartwarming it was to see characters treating eachother with respect and kindness. Nowadays movies are snarky, rude, and disgusting, it was a lovely change.

[@thejaded]

You have an actual Daisy dress? lol

[@jwroot]

While it plays things a little too safe, it works for Mario pretty damn well for the most part.

[@shelbybuttimer1397]

We took our 4 and 6 year old to see it this weekend and we all loved it. So nice to see a family movie together with no messages and no lecturing. Just pure fun.

[@sharonthebarron]

THERE WAS A MESSAGES... RAINBOW ROADS... I SAW IT IN THE TRAILER. WON'T BE GOING

[@Arbteron]

@@sharonthebarron Lmao, Rainbow Road is a staple of the series, first appearing in Super Mario Kart in 1992… I highly doubt it has anything to do with the LGBT community.

[@charmandergamer1287]

@@Arbteron I think they're memeing, or at the very least I hope they're memeing

[@Labyrinth6000]

Yes! FINALLY a movie that isn't preachy or virtue signaling!

[@rubbishopinions6468]

I mean they did swap Luigi and Peaches role because you can't have damsels in distress anymore so the woke is still there in the background but glad you enjoyed.

[@Real28]

Over 130 song references. Countless Easter eggs. For a gamer, this is the movie we've been waiting for. I had the stupidest smile on my face the whole time. Meanwhile my daughter's kept singing Jack Blacks Peach's song.

[@Arcexey]

Real "I know what that is!!!" "Did you know Mario can jump? That's like in the games, Mario can jump! omg!" "It's the song!!!! when he goes down in the pipe, did you know that's the song that happens when he goes into the pipe? I clapped when I saw it! I KNOW WHAT THAT IS!!" "the koopas!! Omg!! those are in the game. I've seen those, they were in the game!!! what a reference!!! I clapped so much when I saw it!!!!"

[@erinrose14]

Literally had chills the whole time! It was so much fun!

[@paulwoodford1984]

the movie was woke AF and boring and mediocre.

[@thediam0nddrag0n78]

Mario did an Ultra-shortcut during the Rainbow Road section

[@superbrainz2357]

​@@thediam0nddrag0n78 He knows the speedrun strats. But even as a true gamer he couldnt avoid the harbringer of death that is the blue shell.

[@Renate.Maria.999]

I went with my girls and it was so amazing. Can't remember last time I laugh so much and on top of that it was such a good hit to my childhood and hobbies. 10/10!!

[@mr.sinjin-smyth]

The best thing about this movie and elevates it... is Chris Pratt understanding and acknowledging passionate fan criticism.

[@coyotefever105]

He did good as Mario I thought

[@JO_studios199]

It reminded me of Henry Cavill a bit. Cause as he said, fans aren't toxic they're passionate.

[@xproflipscarab]

@@coyotefever105 Yeah he definitely did a real good job of bringing Mario's character to a more grounded voice, whoever edited that trailer with the line that makes no appearance in the movie was definitely in a bit of trouble for that one

[@thomasbecker9676]

Which is weird, because he's a devout republican.

[@coolioam8137]

@@thomasbecker9676 Nice job weirdly including politics.

[@robadob55]

the fact that a videogame adaptation based on an absolute acid trip of a premise makes more sense and is more well done than a large chunk of movies is absolutely nuts lol

[@noelburland7169]

Finally we have a film that thumbs its nose at "modern influences" and it gave us a fun ride, with many references and Easter eggs to the popular video games it was based on. About the only problem I had when I went to watch Super Mario Bros at my local cinema was that they stuck the movie trailer for "The Little Mermaid For Modern Audiences" on beforehand lol.

[@Allaiya.]

The movie isn’t even out yet. How can someone judge it before it’s released?

[@noelburland7169]

@@Allaiya. how close in appearance is the new Ariel to the source material (the original animated film)? Once you find the answer to that out, can you understand why people have responded negatively to this new film? If things were the other way around there would be mass outrage in this current climate. How is it ok to swap things around one way but not the other?

[@Allaiya.]

@@noelburland7169 A lot of things change from the original source material. While it may be annoying, it still doesn't mean the film will be bad. I recall a lot of people were upset Daniel Craig was playing James Bond at first bc he was blond. I don't judge things until I see it in person, personally. Then if it sucks I will happily say so - like the Gossip Girl reboot - it was trying so hard & obviously to be for 'modern audiences' as you call it, and it completely missed the mark. But the Last of Us changed a few things with the actors and was still great

[@leelewis445]

​@@Allaiya. Disney is admittedly changing aspects of the movie to fit "modern audiences", despite those changes in direction being entirely unnecessary. The raceswap and Ariel supposedly not "sacrificing everything for a man" are key points of contention and show the people behind this didn't care for what came before them, which was fine and enduring for a reason. I can guarantee the new Little Mermaid demake will be DOA. Disney's track record is speaking for itself on top of what we have heard from cast and crew.

[@noelburland7169]

@@Allaiya. if The Little Mermaid didn't already exist then this upcoming film would not have been facing the same level of criticism it has been. If this new version of Ariel was an original character I wouldn't have had a problem with it and I suspect many others would feel the same way. Disney are just pandering to what they think modern audiences want. By labeling the people who have criticized the upcoming film racists, it shows they are quite a way out of touch with reality and don't want to make films that people want to see.

[@baderaw25]

I mean who knew staying true to the source material as much as possible was a good idea and what fans want…🤯

[@TheGreyCinders]

I appreciate that you covered the fact that luigi didnt get enough screen time(which can hopefully be amended if they decide to make a sequel). Also I think the "peach being too powerful" trope is softened a bit with the explanation that she was raised in that land and understands how everything works to a point where its justified that she knows how to run the course in the beginning and manage herself with bowser

[@benjamingeorge8241]

Yeah, but who raised her to be so competent? The toads? Seems like most military might and prowess and whatnot is in the Kong Kingdom and the Toads are just an adorable harmless civilisation.

[@darkjelly944]

@@benjamingeorge8241 I'd like to think that Mario and Peach just took to parkor as a hobbie in their teenage years. It would be an easy explanation for why they're both so unusually athletic for people with their occupations.

[@charmingpeasant9834]

Doesnt she say that she beat the course on her first go at it? If so that's a bit ridiculous.

[@beo3828]

@@benjamingeorge8241 she has a father you know, he's just never in the picture for some reason. And if he's actually dead in the movie, people can teach themselves everything. Peach is old enough to have a lifetime experience (not sure how old is she tho).

[@gabe9346]

That's the opposite of the damsel in distress theme in the video games though

[@boots3372]

This movie was incredible. I loved it, my wife loved it, my kid loved it. Just a perfect family flick. Massive smiles on our face the entire time.

[@TheMellowMutantShow]

Same

[@novustalks7525]

It's mediocre

[@boots3372]

@@novustalks7525 I'm glad you felt the need to voice that.

[@brandonevans3267]

@@novustalks7525 who asked my guy?

[@yol_n]

carpenter fan! 😍

[@gellister]

This movie is what it needed to be: ENTERTAINING. That's why it is a success. It isn't perfect but it is joyously fun and light.

[@superglue46]

It really was. Like an ice cold lemonade on a hot day. Pleasant, uncomplicated, light, and satisfying. Not every movie has to be the as deep and meaningful as the first 10 min of UP, or the end of Toy Story 3.

[@lowdistortion]

The entire movie peach was building up mario and giving him confidence. Man that's so nice to see these days

[@fullstackweebdev]

Couldn't agree more. I really liked her character!

[@Rusty126]

Good point. Peach saw his potential, and treated him like an equal. So different than the emasculating girl bosses of modern media.

[@19ate4]

Peach is a princess!! Mario is a plumber!! She is the definition of female empowerment!! Taking your position in life and building up everyone around you, so they can be in a position equal or greater than they was in before

[@zuko9085]

Agreed. Crazy how refreshing it is to have a kind female character. She was confident herself, but not cruel.

[@contentment5325]

Man you said it

[@daysofapril2667]

I was relieved with how they handled Peach. Yeah, she was better at the course than Mario but she didn’t rub it in … But most importantly, she was a decisive leader but still relied on the help of others (and they were all males - gasp!). And in my opinion,that’s exactly how modern women should be. We need to be able to fend for ourselves but know when to rely on others when needed, and our male counterparts balance us out. We all make each other better … and that’s how I think the dynamic between Peach and Mario came across. 👸🏼🍄❤️

[@dylanaprice5717]

❤❤❤

[@odoylerules4503]

not every kids movie needs to be laser focused on gender relations

[@hollowshield2315]

Plus it made perfectly sense that she would be better. She’s done it her whole life, Mario just has a bit of experience street running from Brooklyn.

[@Tenshii_Artii]

@@hollowshield2315 I'd like to also weigh in that hopefully, Peach's athletic skills weren't just something pulled out of nowhere. Not only she had been a part of many of the Sport Nintendo games. But in Super Princess Peach, after finding out Mario and Luigi were kidnapped and Bowser tried to cause chaos in her kingdom, she literally got so mad at this. Enough to basically go "Screw it! Bowser is NOT getting away with this. I will go and save my man on my own and get back at Bowser for doing This to my kingdom!"

[@han7oee]

@@odoylerules4503 I agree but its very important now because mass media is constantly shaming and humiliating men in their movies and portray them as weak, a pervert or a fool to uplift the women in movies. It teaches both boys and girls to be respectful and help out one another instead of bringing the other down to lift the other up

[@yootoob7048]

Drinker: "The plot itself isn't exactly complicated and the characters aren't going to inspire five hour video essays about their hidden meaning and motivation." MauLer: "Hold My Pint!"

[@wojak-sensei6424]

Everyone knows Mario is cool as fuck. But who knows what he's thinking? Who knows why he crushes turtles? And why do we think about him as fondly as we think of the mystical (nonexistent?) Dr Pepper? Perchance. I believe it was Kant who said "Experience without theory is blind, but theory without experience is mere intellectual play." Mario exhibits experience by crushing turts all day, but he exhibits theory by stating "Lets-a go!" Keep it up, baby! When Mario leaves his place of safety to stomp a turty, he knows that he may Die. And yet, for a man who can purchase lives with money, a life becomes a mere store of value. A tax that can be paid for, much as a rich man feels any law with a fine is a price. We think of Mario as a hero,but he is simply a one percenter of a more privileged variety. The lifekind. Perchance.

[@middlesiderrider]

​@@wojak-sensei6424 "I like turtles." -Zombie Kid

[@mrkeogh]

Mauler would be more like "Hold my gin & tonic..." 😄

[@karlm9584]

My son had to write a year 8 English paper on "How to train your dragon"....

[@premier1975]

Little Platoon did a very good review of this. His style reminds a lot of Mauler.

[@hcook1023]

I sang the DK rap in the theatre and the kid next to me looked at me like I was a genius, I felt like it to for remembering that song from over 20 years ago. That's the type of nostalgia that sticks with people, something that pulls up a beloved memory buried deep after decades. While I was in the theatre I felt like I was in my childhood home playing the N64 with my big brother or in the back of the car playing my Gameboy Color. I actually felt a little drunk of the nostalgia alone, but damn did it feel good to smile for over an hour

[@kosmosfan01]

I got so hyped when I heard the rap play. I'm over here wondering if it was ever used in anything else outisde of DK64 because it's still catchy as heck.

[@WhisperByte]

Too bad Grant Kirkhope wasn't credited for DK rap.

[@Rediscool9]

@@WhisperByte Hope they fix that when the movie comes to Blu-Ray/streaming services.

[@electricnova2256]

@@WhisperByte The good thing is that people like you are acknowledging it. So it’s nice to see that the original composer not being credited is pointed out by many people because there really isn’t an excuse for him to be uncredited.

[@tripplordofinconvenience9953]

I want to see the look on my face when I heard it in the theater

[@ethanavila3919]

I loved this film to death: The character motivations are literally plucked right out of the games, (Like Bowser wanting to marry Peach for no apparent reason except blind love) The power scaling for each character's abilities (like D.K vs Bowser in a short scuffle) are completely accurate and were definitely reviewed by Nintendo meticulously, Dumb and hilarious moments like Kamek watching the Ice kingdom get burned to the ground with the reflection in the glasses and the satisfied smirk made me cry of laughter, The art style and colors are so vibrant and refreshing to see, the Mario Kart portion of the film with the Kong army is phenomenally fun and FEELS like a Mario Kart video game. The hidden references and SOUND EFFECTS are PERFECT, the soundtrack was made by a live-orchestra and it feels so authentic. All in all, this movie is exactly what I expect out of a Mario film, and it delivered everything I want, fun plot, visually stunning, and hilarious events, 10/10 for me:

[@Arcexey]

Ethan Avila said no one ever.

[@thestain8004]

@@Arcexey says me and the large group of friends I went to see it with actually

[@calobot8343]

@@Arcexey I said it, punk.

[@chrisfabre23]

Bot.

[@Arcexey]

@@thestain8004 "I love the star wars sequels to death!" "Said no one ever." "says me and the large group of friends I went to see it with actually."

[@cds7012]

I was not expecting this movie to get a review by The Drinker, but I am more than happy it did! Pretty damn spot on. I am in the young-adult part of the audience, with Mario as a substantial part of my childhood. Absolutely loved the movie.

[@freethinker1551]

My hubby and I took our child last week. Like Top Gun, I walked out realising I hadn’t thought about anything but the movie. True escapism. Really loved it! 👍🏼

[@mrgodzillaraptors8632]

This film was such a blast. Almost everyone in my theater was clapping at the end.

[@chatteyj]

Thats good, is no one going to mention how good this movie looks? Even drinker did not mention it.

[@nTrylo]

When bowser was defeated at the end some kids in my theater actually cheered. I'm serious.

[@Hawk7886]

"And Then Everyone Clapped" The Movie?

[@ukimenustah26]

clapping 😏

[@fuzzywzhe]

Why do people clap in a theater? Do they think the cast, writers, and director are there? It always seemed so stupid to me.

[@smittysmeee]

The success of Super Mario Bros. might be deeper than you think, at least for some of us. As a child of the 90s, I grew up playing a lot of Nintendo and Super Nintendo with my brothers. I never thought I'd stored up those memories as particularly good memories, they were just mundane and every day. But when I saw the Super Mario Bros. movie with my husband and our 9 year old kiddo, all those happy times came flooding back in the best way. The musical score, the characters' looks and personalities, the story, the Mario Karts, the triumphant star, it all took me back to a time I didn't realize I missed as much as I did in the post covid, riotous, contentious, child abusing, school shooting ridden, debt infused apocalyptic world we live in today. Do you get all that depth from this movie if you didn't spend a happy childhood playing these games? Of course not. But I needed this movie to throw some Hail Mary optimism my way after all the disappointment and bullsh*t of the past few years. And with its "agenda" of family first, selflessness, and genuine teamwork, I was happy to have my kiddo watch it. 10/10 will watch again.

[@dethbefodisco3221]

It's nice to hear an intelligent opinion

[@fridge3489]

I'm sold 😊

[@SirBlackReeds]

I call bull. All the movie's success means is that not only will even more mediocre movies get a pass, but any future adaptations on Nintendo properties will be lazily done, save for the animation.

[@osets2117]

​@@SirBlackReeds I mean yeah if you want to be a cynical A**hole

[@pinkywinky911]

Very nicely put 😁

[@TheUballe]

For parents of young children, it was nice to know that we weren't going to be forced into addressing some kind of social commentary they're not ready for, as well as a hell of an opportunity to see them re-live our childhood memories of Nintendo.

[@DrGeorgePBurdell-USN1701]

Absolutely worth the price of having to go to KZbin and put jack black singing "peaches" on loop, so that the kids can hear it over and over.

[@Geese_boi777]

The thing about these kids movies is that they portray characters that actually want to be heroic good people. They unironically inspire me while most other media just discourages me

[@guyincognito959]

True heroism is inspiring, nothing wrong with that. Heros and (no) capes and all. Bad movies on the other hand are not inspiring and can drag the most noble idea down into the mud and make it look like a pos. Honestly, being good and doing the right thing irl(or even understanding what that mystical thing could be in a given situation) is not at all as easy or rewarding as movies and games usually make it seem.

[@Geese_boi777]

@@guyincognito959 I would love for more mature movies to portray protagonists suffering immensely or even failing as a result of pursuing virtue. That would be a much more poignant way to depict the results of the brutal reality we live in than the hedonistic narcissists that most modern characters are written to be.

[@merrylderrickson3147]

*Matt would later come to realize that discouraging adults and demoralizing children is not a byproduct of wokeness but indeed it's central function*

[@Geese_boi777]

@@merrylderrickson3147 lol

[@banjo9158]

@@guyincognito959 Although a part of me wish Mario appeared with his Cape in the movie, being more than just a commercial gag. maybe on the sequel, who knows.

[@chazzerine7650]

I see Peach less like a strong female character, and more like an experienced mentor. Lore-wise, it makes sense that Peach is better than Mario at most things because that's what happens when you spent your whole life there compared to when you were just thrown in, such as in Mario's case. It makes sense that she'd be the one to train and encourage him, showing him the ropes and believing he can do it because that's what a good mentor does. Also, I respect that Bowser is irredeemably evil and has the goal of gaining power and a bride by any means necessary. Like with Puss and Boots, like with Dungeons and Dragons, the Mario movie is a nice breath of fresh air, seeing a villain who is just as entertaining as they are to root against.

[@therevenger259]

Funny story, I thought that peach would be a mentor character from the trailers so I joked before the movie came out that I predicted that she would die because almost all mentor characters die.

[@gibbsduhem1066]

I thought so too until I realized she literally passed through the challenges on first trial with zero experience, while Mario who initially was shown to be athletic had a couple of fails, thanks to the power of feminism

[@cinemafix6017]

You're just too desensitized to modern females in film. She was trash.

[@rustyshackelford4224]

@gibbsduhem1066 Explain this, please, because nerds keep claiming that the princess' expertise is totally justified because she's been raised in the Kingdom for most of her life...

[@gibbsduhem1066]

@@rustyshackelford4224 she is literally seen in a flashback passing through challenges with ease, and again she literally says I passed on my first trial. She wasn't even old enough to do those stunts. Whatever way you want to look at this the truth remains.