The Super Mario Bros. Movie, starring Jack Black, has been a topic of discussion since its release in April 2023. Directed by Aaron Horvath, Michael Jelenic, and Pierre Leduc, this adaptation of the iconic Nintendo video game franchise brought Chris Pratt onboard as the voice of the beloved plumber. While the movie received a warm reception from audiences, it faced a more mixed response from critics.
In a recent interview with Total Film, Jack Black shared his thoughts on the negative reviews that The Super Mario Bros. Movie garnered. The actor expressed surprise over the criticisms, recounting his own positive screening experience and believing that the movie would be well-received by all audiences. He stated, 'They screened it for me a month before it hit theaters. I was like, 'We’ve got a hit on our hands.' I’m laughing and smiling the whole way through this movie. And then it came out and it got horrible reviews. I was like, 'What movie did they see?' Luckily, the world didn’t listen to Rotten Tomatoes, and it was one of the biggest hits of all time.'
The Super Mario Bros. franchise is undeniably one of the most recognizable and beloved video game intellectual properties in existence, which inevitably put pressure on Illumination Entertainment to deliver a faithful and engaging adaptation. However, there were doubts surrounding the suitability of the franchise for the big-screen treatment, particularly due to the lackluster reception of the 1993 live-action film. Additionally, there was considerable debate surrounding the casting of Chris Pratt as the voice of Mario leading up to the release of The Super Mario Bros. Movie.
As of now, The Super Mario Bros. Movie holds a Rotten Tomatoes score of 59%, categorizing it as 'Rotten' according to the review aggregator website. While the film received praise for being fun, well-animated, and filled with Easter eggs and references to the games, some critics felt that the story and characters lacked depth. Notably, the audience score stands at a strong 95%, indicating a more positive response from general viewers.
This audience enthusiasm is reflected in the box office performance of The Super Mario Bros. Movie, as it managed to gross over $1.36 billion worldwide during its theatrical run. This remarkable achievement highlights the film's ability to please crowds and entertain audiences with its charm.
Now available for streaming on Netflix, The Super Mario Bros. Movie has gone on to prove its commercial success and win over audiences despite its mixed critical reception. With hopes for a sequel on the horizon, fans are eagerly awaiting the continuation of the beloved characters' adventures while also hoping for a more robust and impactful storyline.
In conclusion, while The Super Mario Bros. Movie faced its fair share of negative reviews from critics, the film managed to capture the hearts of audiences worldwide. With its strong box office performance and overwhelmingly positive audience score on Rotten Tomatoes, it's clear that this adaptation of the beloved video game franchise struck a chord with fans. As we await future installments, the enduring popularity of the Super Mario Bros. continues to shine through, solidifying its place as an iconic part of gaming history.
