HCA Gradebook: “The Super Mario Bros. Movie”

Movie: The Super Mario Bros. Movie
Plot: ​​From Nintendo and Illumination comes a new animated film based on the world of Super Mario Bros.
Cast: Chris Pratt, Anya Taylor-Joy, Charlie Day, Jack Black, Keegan-Michael Key, Seth Rogen, Fred Armisen, Kevin Michael Richardson, and Sebastian Maniscalco.
Director: Aaron Horvath and Michael Jelenic
Release Date: April 7, 2023
Studio: Universal Pictures
Number of Graders: 53
Overall Grade: B–

Kit Stone says, “The Super Mario Bros. Movie is for the fans. If you’re not familiar with Mario, you may not appreciate the effort put into the film to honor its legacy. But if you’ve ever played any of the Super Mario games, you’re in for a treat. Wahoo!”
Grade: A-

Nate Adams says, “A hyper kinetic, exuberant, and colorful splash of admirable children’s entertainment, the long gestating Nintendo cinematic adaptation The Super Mario Bros. Movie has everything fans, young and old alike, can appreciate. Unlike, say, the much revered 1993 Super Mario Bros. live action adaptation where Bob Hoskins and John Leguizamo gallivanted their way through a cyberpunk rendition of Nintendo’s priceless intellectual property. It would seem the good folks over at Illumination Entertainment (the braintrust behind “Minions,” and The Secret Life of Pets and who are slowly edging out Pixar in terms of cartoon dominance) have learned from past mistakes, carefully curating a breezy family-friendly adventure that’ll make you want to run home and power up the old ‘64 console or GameCube.”
Grade: B+

Nikki Fowler says, “The visuals in The Super Mario Bros. Movie are like pure candy, really mesmerizing and beautiful, but the story, while it got off to a nice start with Mario and Luigi and their brotherly bond, was slow at times. It skews very young. However, the score was great and the abundance of Easter eggs was super nostalgic. Jack Black brought some laughs with Bowser’s treatment of his magical subservient entourage, including Kemek, who was hilarious (Kevin Michael Richardson), and his obsession with the empowering Princess Peach. Bowser had some laugh-out-loud moments for his not being able to read the room. Anya Taylor Joy voiced Princess Peach perfectly. Her training course session with Mario, the rainbow go-cart scenes, and the battle with Donkey Kong were super cool to watch as a fan of the game but as a whole, it needed a bit more to pull it all together. I would definitely watch this again just on how great it looked but it’s definitely one for the kids.”
Grade: B+

Kristen Maldonado says, “The Super Mario Bros. Movie is a nostalgia overload that will have you smiling through the whole film. There are so many Easter eggs and references that even casual fans will pick up on. While the story doesn’t go very deep, I loved the themes of brotherhood and coming into your own. The visuals were whimsical and delightful and the action was well done. While people were skeptical about Chris Pratt voicing Mario, he does a great job in the role. Anya Taylor-Joy brings a badass Princess Peach to life, while Jack Black steals every scene he’s in as Bowser. All in all, it’s a quick and simple, yet feel-good movie, that serves as a love letter to the world of Mario.”
Grade: B+

Wendy Lee Szany says, “The Super Mario Bros. Movie is so much fun. I was grinning ear-to-ear the entire time. They handled the storytelling and the game easter eggs really well, and the music by Brian Tyler is incredible. A must-see in theaters! Great film for all ages.”
Grade: B+

Kit Bowen says, “Look, is this on the same level as the first LEGO movie? No, not really. But we all know who this movie is for, and the kids are going to love it. It’s flashy, full of motion, easy to digest and Nintendo will probably see a rise in sales for the games as many young ones haven’t had a chance to play yet. Super Mario Bros. also has the added benefit of those 20-30 (maybe even 40 & 50)-somethings who grew up playing the games and want/need those nostalgic feels, which they’ll get in spades.”
Grade: B+

Rama Tampubolon says, “The Super Mario Bros. Movie is super duper fun. The story was easy to follow and full of excitement and rich in colors. The way that the filmmakers incorporated the elements from the video game into the storyline was seamless and brilliant. They were all nicely woven into the adventure. You really don’t necessarily have to be a lifelong nintendo gamer to enjoy this movie. Because The Super Mario Bros. Movie is fun for the whole family.”
Grade: B+

Destiny Jackson says, “Mama Mia! The Super Mario Bros. Movie is a wildly fun time. Written by Matthew Fogel of The Lego Movie Part 2 and Minions: Rise of Gru fame, the Mario Bros. film is full of laughs and heart. Though initially worried by the first wave of announcements of voice actor picks, I found my worries were unfounded as soon as the movie started. The stellar cast of characters led by Chris Pratt (Mario), Charlie Day (Luigi), Anya Taylor-Joy (Princess Peach), and Jack Black (Browser) surpassed my expectations of the Japanese-Italian infused story by providing excellent comedic timing and well-stressed vocal delivery of the sadder moments in the film. While most viewers will probably come out noting Jack Black as the powerhouse performance, I would like to personally shout out the adorable and hilariously depressing characterization provided by the young actor Juliet Jelenic. Jelenic plays Lumalee, a blue orb-like creature from Super Mario Galaxy that harbors existential thoughts that make those around it sad, offering adults something to laugh at as the dark humor goes right over younger children’s heads. (Thank you, Fogel!) Voice acting aside, the story itself suffers a bit in its simplicity, meaning that the character development comes quickly and is not entirely earned nor flushed out, but it’s a children’s movie, so you can’t expect something super fulfilling. However, if you want to have a fun time with your family or are a fan of the character and the sprawling Mario game series at large, you should be able to have a blast regardless.”
Grade: B

Zachary Pope says, “The Super Mario Bros. Movie surprised me by being the best illumination film. PHENOMENAL ANIMATION! Short & Simple (too short if I’m honest) Chris Pratt is honestly PERFECT as MARIO (yes I’m as shocked as you) Jack Black might steal the show as BOWSER. But Brian Tyler’s SCORE is so GOOD!

The film truly has to quick of pacing, feeling like it’s only going for the attention span of a child which is good/bad. I just wanted more time with the characters together & more time in each world.”
Grade: B

Nestor Bentancor says, “As a Super Mario and Donkey Kong fan, I was amused by the nostalgic references and the audiovisual energy. It accomplishes the main goal of being light entertainment for the whole family, but kids will probably enjoy it more than adults, due to a conventional and simple narrative. The comedy is hit-and-miss, except for the hilarious bits from the trapped, nihilistic ghost and Bowser (the best character by a mile!). Not ‘super,’ but definetfly ’It’s a go!‘”
Grade: B

Mike Manalo says, “The Super Mario Bros. Movie is a fantastic fireball of family fun that captures the spirit of the Mario legacy. Now granted, could this have been a better movie? Absolutely. Putting it in the hands of Illumination definitely hurt it thanks to a very basic cliched story, and a bit of flat obvious humor. But I couldn’t help myself in just smiling and enjoying the terrific action and the excellent score! All of which just evoked only feelings of positivity and enjoyment. Does that make me an easily amused child? Sure! But that’s what playing Mario has always been about, ever since we were easily amused children!”
Grade: B

Sara Clements says, “It’s just Mario. That’s what you have to think about going into this. Story has always taken a back seat with the games, so having a pretty basic narrative shouldn’t come as a surprise. Sure, film lends the opportunity to expand on lore and character backstory and there are many missed opportunities in that regard here. As a first entry, it does what it needs to do. If a franchise is planned and it doesn’t create a new story that propels its foundations forward then the question of if this really needed to be a movie will be valid. For now, though, I’m happy to bask in its visual splendour and joyous abundance of easter eggs.”
Grade: B

Mara Knopic says, “There are three main types of movies that are marketed (primarily) to kids: a film that addresses an important life topic in a palatable form for children to digest, a film that has bright colors/loud noises and treats children like they are stupid and the films in between that are perfectly serviceable and entertaining. The Super Mario Bros. Movie firmly sits in that middle group, neither conveying a serious topic of discussion for children nor promoting itself as the lowest common denominator of entertainment. The primary disappointment is that the film had the foundation for a dissection of parent-child relationships but is not developed meaningfully. Overall, this is a great movie for kids and adults alike, especially for the dedicated player of Nintendo.”
Grade: B

Nicholas Spake says, “1993’s Super Mario Bros. isn’t the worst video game movie ever made. However, it marked a pivotal moment when critics and audiences alike said, “Maybe video games should just be video games.” Few adaptations proved otherwise until recently. Sonic the Hedgehog has sparked a successful cinematic franchise. On the small screen, Arcane and The Last of Us have reached new frontiers. Now seems as good a time as any for Mario to stage a silver screen comeback. The Super Mario Bros. Movie is a love letter to the fans with enough vibrant visuals and inspired voice work to entertain non-gamers as well. The story may not be on par with the best Mario RPGs, but for a series about an Italian plumber who fights a giant turtle with stars, mushrooms, and Tanooki Suits, it’s amazing that the narrative is coherent.”
Grade: B

John Rocha says, “The Super Mario Bros. Movie is a sweet, funny, action packed and beautifully animated film! I enjoyed the world building, the Mario and Luigi storyline, Peach’s reinvention and Jack Black’s Bowser stole the show! The Mushroom Kingdom training scene, the Kong fight scene, and the Mario Kart Rainbow Road scenes were a blast to experience.

NOW does the story…get a little lost at times? Yes. Did I want more Luigi and Bowser backstory? Yes. BUT the film redeems itself with a fantastic, touching, and satisfying finale that left me smiling and looking forward to a sequel!”
Grade: B

Chris James says, “Cheap nostalgia play doesn’t usually have this level of pep and inventiveness. The Super Mario Bros. Movie sets it’s sights appropriately low, valuing razzle dazzle over character development. Yet, it’s an incredibly entertaining watch that will definitely charm a new audience of kids and provide an enjoyable watch for parents.”
Grade: B

Sean Chandler says, “Your enjoyment of this film depends on how much mileage you get out of the constant Nintendo and Mario references. On a story level, the script is thin and the film rushes through it’s plot points. But for me personally, I had a blast spending 90 minutes Mario in the Mushroom Kingdom. It may not be great cinema, but it is a fun Nintendo experience.”
Grade: B

Rosa Parra says, “The Super Mario Bros. Movie is an entertaining adaptation that stays true to its source material. A dream come true to fans who’ve played the game religiously and a visually stunning animated feature for the kiddos.”
Grade: B

Griffin Schiller says, “Ya know what…The Super Mario Bros. Movie was actually cute & fun. Does a decent job of capturing the spirit of the games & excitement of set pieces. Pretty shallow if not hollow but it’s breezy & inoffensive. Plays like a demo to the world of Mario. Just write an actual script next time…

Oh and who the HELL gave Brian Tyler the right absolutely RIP like that?! The man absolutely blew the roof off the whole thing though with that score. Like DAMN. Biggest MVP!”
Grade: B

Anthony Digioia says, “The Super Mario Movie delivers more than its share of adventure and a double dose of nostalgia. The Easter eggs and in particular the music are the star of the show. The animation is beautifully done as well. The story however is a bit flat and a bulk of the humor is aged down which neglects its older audience. Yet it’s still a super cute movie and Jack Black as Bowser is a delight!”
Grade: B-

Lupe Rodriguez Haas says, “The animated film is cute, but mostly kid fare. Donkey Kong was my jam as a kid but not so much the Super Mario Bros, so I was less invested in this adaptation. Video game fans in the audience seemed to enjoy the nods though.  Jack Black  is the highlight as Bowser.”
Grade: B-

Dan Murrell says, “The Super Mario Bros. Movie is a vibrant, well-designed, and generally entertaining movie that is sure to do what Nintendo and Illumination want: drive kids absolutely crazy for everything Mario. While it lacks much on a story level for adults, it also doesn’t insult their intelligence, or the intelligence of its intended young audience. Chris Pratt headlines a mostly solid voice cast, but the animation is the real star here, bringing decades of Mario adventures to life in some genuinely impressive sequences. While it would’ve been nice to have a smarter Mario movie that appealed more to the original Nintendo audience, many of whom are now in the theater with their kids, it’s far from the worst animated option out there and lays the groundwork for some potentially exciting adventures ahead.”
Grade: B-

Tessa Smith says, “Many Nintendo fans will flip over the Easter eggs and game references. Despite several flaws, it’s still fun. Sure, the plot is basic and formulaic, and Luigi is sidelined, but it’s still a good time. The voice cast does a good job, with Chris Pratt far exceeding expectations as Mario. Jack Black singing as Bowser adds an entertaining element to the film, but it is the dark and twisted Lumalee that completely steals the show.”
Grade: B-

Josie Melendez says, “The Super Mario Bros. Movie has surprisingly become the most divisive film of 2023 (so far). Despite the warranted criticism of its less-than-challenging narrative, it’s an entertaining time! It has beautiful animation with wonderful performances by its voice actors, with clear standouts being Jack Black as Bowser and Anya Taylor-Joy as Peach. The movie has quickly become a notable success because it recognizes Mario for what he is and doesn’t try to turn him or his story into anything it’s not. Perfect for fans of the games as well as viewers of all ages simply looking for a nice escape.”
Grade: B-

Cole Jaeger says, “Like the games, you don’t come for the story, you don’t come for depth, you come for a fun time. The Super Mario Bros. Movie will deliver for the vast majority of audiences. It’s fast-paced, colorful, and the animation is surprisingly gorgeous. Children will be wide-eyed, giggly and attentive, and adults will have enough nostalgia blasted in their faces that they won’t mind it. The voice cast ranges from acceptable (Chris Pratt’s Mario) to wonderful (Jack Black’s Bowser). Sure, many of the endorphins you’ll get from it are easter eggs and “I understood that reference” moments, but that’s to be expected. It may not shoot for the stars (du-du-du-dudu-du-dududu get it) but you’ll feel a genuine love and respect for the games while watching.”
Grade: B-

Zoë Rose Bryant says, “The Super Mario Bros. Movie could’ve used a little more work on the script – and *any* character development – but fans of the staggeringly successful video game franchise still won’t be disappointed in the slightest thanks to a slew of exciting and inventively animated setpieces and nostalgic callbacks galore from every inch of the Mario universe.”
Grade: B-

Cleide Klock says, “The Super Mario Bros. is a very beautiful movie to watch, vibrante colorful animation with amazing music and references from the game. I was expecting more from the plot but the  visuals make up for the weak story.”
Grade: B-

Derek Sante says, “The Super Mario Bros movie is a digital dream for those wanting nostalgia and Easter eggs, but its story is one-dimensional. Put aside the celebrity voices, which did nothing for this film, and just focus on the film. You’ll see a jumbled mix of remembrance with worlds and landmark game history on the tour. Great for kids, but a letdown for adults and fans of illuminations’ usual character development.”
Grade: B-

Scott Menzel says, ” As a child of the 80s, I grew up playing the Super Mario video games and always wanted to see a Mario movie that would do the game justice. Illumination’s The Super Mario Brothers Movie is a step in the right direction because it plays as a greatest hits, not only from the Mario games but also Nintendo products in general. The film is absolutely gorgeous to look at and the soundtrack, which incorporates music from various Mario games and levels is downright genius. While Anya Taylor Joy does a great job voicing Princess Peach, I found the rest of the voice cast distracting. Personally, I loved Jack Black as Bowser but that’s because I love Jack Black and felt he was doing a family-friendly version of Tenacious D. Seth Rogen as Donkey Kong is also very similar to Jack Black. He does what he needs to do and is very fitting as Donkey Kong but you always say to yourself, “Oh hey, that’s Seth Rogen” which is the same way I felt about him in the Fabelmans. He doesn’t disappear into roles which for as much as I’ve grown to admire and respect Seth over the years is problematic as an actor. My biggest complaints however about the voice cast is Chris Pratt and Charlie Day, again, the characters of Mario and Luigi are so well known and their voices are iconic. These two don’t match the voices whatsoever and are very distracting. Lastly, the story is so barebones, that for the adults, once you get past the nostalgia elements, I feel like you might lose interest and get bored about halfway through. Overall, The Super Mario Brothers Movie will work best for hardcore Mario fans and younger audiences. It’s big on energy but light on story. If curious about it, I say see it at a matinee rather than an evening show.”

Grade: B-

Jon Negroni says, “For older fans, the nostalgia overload can be tiresome, if only because most of it is just there to remind you of things that already exist. Original ideas and innovative concepts with the intent to evoke feeling? Not much of that to be found here. The other side of the pipe is just a series of marketing angles and integrated product placement stitched together to resemble a narrative. Like we have to patiently sit through the cut scenes, not appreciate them. Perhaps it is a faithful video game adaptation in that way.”
Grade: C+

Francisco Cangiano says, “A light, fun-filled nostalgia trip, with enough charm and cool animation visuals to carry it across the finish line. That said, it’s also too safe for its own good. Definitely a good pick for the whole family. Bowser rocked!”
Grade: C+

Rachel Wagner says, “The animation is fine but nothing memorable and the story is bland and boring.”
Grade: C+

Clarence Moye says, “Super Mario Bros is a fun enough throwback to my childhood and love for these games. The animation is appropriately vivid and colorful, but the script falls in the laughs department. Kids will have a great time though.”
Grade: C+

Michael Lee says, “The Super Mario Bros. Movie is a movie. Impressive & colorful visuals along with a few cool one-shots, fun easter eggs and Seth Rogen wasn’t enough for me to get over the derivative story and low-hanging fruit jokes. But I can see how fans of the game from any generation will eat this up.”
Grade: C+

Yael Tygiel says, “Instead of listing all the flaws with this movie – I just don’t have all day – here are some highlights from The Super Mario Bros. Movie: Jack Black. Easily the greatest performance in this movie; I’d absolutely watch a Bowser prequel. Also, every game-play-inspired-action sequence was energetic, playful, and exciting to watch. I finally understood why people watch strangers on Twitch. And visually, The Super Mario Bros. Movie is vividly captivating. Could the plot, and dialogue, and nearly all the voices, have used more work? Mama Mia, that’s an understatement.”
Grade: C

Jonathan Fujii says, “You can tell the filmmakers are fans and wanted to show the audience why people love Mario. It’s just a shame they forgot to include a compelling story to go along with that. Beautifully animated while unfortunately being a dull story.”
Grade: C

Brandon Katz says, “Young kids will flip like Mario leaping over a piranha plant for this colorful and acrobatic adaptation of the beloved video game. Unfortunately, parents may not find it nearly as charming despite the trip down nostalgic rainbow road. Cute, but lacking the emotional maturity of the animated genre’s top efforts, The Super Mario Bros. Movie feels like a somewhat hollow victory. Fun and funny enough, but disposable like the quarters we plunged into the character’s arcade games once upon a time.”
Grade: C

Aaron Neuwirth says, “Say what one will about the commercial failure that was the live-action Mario film from 1993, but it at least felt ambitious. Whether or not this animated Mario effort was being carefully controlled by Nintendo or just living up to the low standards I see when it comes to films from Illumination, this is not the super smash success one would hope for.”
Grade: C

James White says, “Despite pulling from the deep bench of Nintendo’s Mario games (and elsewhere), The Super Mario Bros. Movie feels more like the latest kid-friendly factory output to roll off the Illumination conveyer belt. A peppy visual style is undercut by a script and story that fail to offer the same level of entertainment. Chris Pratt’s lead voice is generic and only Jack Black as antagonist Bowser really comes to life. It wants to be The Lego Movie. It’s more Minions Meets Mario.”
Grade: C

Alexander Robinson says, “Twenty years after the disastrous live-action adaptation of the Super Mario Bros., Nintendo allows their beloved video game franchise to be made into a movie. This time it’s from the animation studio behind the Despicable Me films and the result is another safe, harmless, but often average entry in Illumination’s filmography. The animation is pretty and captures the look and feel of the source material. The voice cast is pretty good with Charlie Day as Luigi and Jack Black as Bowser being the major highlights, and it moves at a very quick pace. However, the movie doesn’t have anything that makes it worth watching a second time. It lacks any of the creativity and imagination that made the games feel timeless and for a nearly 40-year-old franchise, that’s disappointing. Younger audiences and fans of the games will find some enjoyment, but long-time fans shouldn’t settle for average.”
Grade: C

Catalina Combs says, “The Super Mario Bros movie was very nostalgic! For that reason I loved it! It’s hard not to get lost in the vibrant world. But, the story falls flat. The best characters overall were Bowser and Princess Peach, but it’s not their movie!”
Grade: C

Jalal Haddad says, “What a time to be alive. Cinema is back baby! While I don’t feel this current iteration of The Super Mario Bros makes a successful argument as to why this film needs to be seen it was thrilling to see it with my young nephew. So in the end, it’s worth it!”

Grade: C

John Nguyen says, “The Super Mario Bros. Movie should be called Easter Eggs the Movie. As a fan I enjoyed all the nods and references. If I wasn’t a fan, I would be bored from the almost non-existent story. Pretty much it goes from one reference to the next. Brian Tyler is having a blast scoring it.”
Grade: C

Scott Mendelson says, “It looks gorgeous and is occasionally rousing, but it’s barely a narrative feature.  Mario, Luigi, the Princess and Toad are *very* blank-slate. I’d speculate Nintendo didn’t want Illumination to make overly specific versions of these marquee characters?”
Grade: C

Jana N Nagase says, ” The Super Mario Bros. Movie is visually stunning, the world building, animation, and references (a lot of the Easter Eggs) are amazing. The video game fans and kids will have a blast, for sure. The plot is simple… basic; no twists to turns. I had a blast listening to Bowser, voiced by Jack Black, signing!”
Grade: C

Zaki Hasan says, “Deploying a roster of deep-cut references from 40 years of accumulated lore to pluck the heart-strings of generations of Mario buffs, The Super Mario Bros. Movie is a blandly efficient piece of brand management. It will likely do the trick for families looking to fill an afternoon, but is less likely to stay with them past that. Occasionally amusing but rarely engaging, it leaves one feeling like they’re standing to the side and watching someone else play a video game.”
Grade: C

Ricky Valero says, “The Super Mario Bros. Movie has some highs with Princess Peach and Bowser who steal the show. However, incredible lows with a lackluster script and unfunny jokes take you completely out of it.”
Grade: C-

Matt Neglia says, “The Super Mario Bros. Movie nails the animation of the various worlds & characters based on the classic Nintendo video game. But the story moves too fast, opting for adequacy instead of anything super. Jack Black’s heavy metal-loving Bowser is the film’s true rockstar. It’s-a fine.”
Grade: C-

Rick Bentley says, “It is obvious that in an effort to appeal to a wide demographic, the movie fails on all counts because of a weak script, an over dependency on elements lifted directly from the video game and several voice casting mistakes. It is game over very quickly with The Super Mario Bros. Movie.”
Grade: C-

Patrick Stoner says, “Stupid is as stupid does. This film is in the long, less than hallowed, tradition of trying to take a simplistic original & failing in making it something more.”
Grade: D+

David Bax says, “Made up mostly of bright, round, zooming shapes, The Super Mario Bros. Movie is, quite fittingly, made for children. They will probably enjoy it. For the rest of us, there’s not much sustenance here and even less comedy.”
Grade: D+

Emmanuel Noisette says, “Enjoyed some fun moments & the cameos. Chuckled a couple of times.  I had a nostalgic-itch this couldn’t fully scratch. Maybe the kid in me had too high expectations. The score didn’t get me going. It’s OK.”
Grade: D

Dana Han-Klein says, “Nostalgia might be the only thing that warps you through this one dimensional adaptation. Hardcore Nintendo fans might be able to power through for the easter eggs, but the lack of story leaves one wanting.”
Grade: F