Super Mario Bros – Le Film : l'univers Mario au cinéma

The Super Mario Bros. Movie: The Mario Universe on the Big Screen

1002 mots | Temps de lecture : 5 minute(s)

The Super Mario Bros. Movie, released in April 2023, marks a historic turning point for Nintendo. The result of a collaboration between Illumination Entertainment (the creators of Despicable Me) and Nintendo themselves, this animated adaptation brings Mario's iconic universe back to the big screen. With stunning animation, an exemplary respect for the license, and a top-tier voice cast, the film stands out as a model of successful video game adaptation.

Summary

Technical Sheet

  • Original Title: The Super Mario Bros. Movie
  • Release Date: April 5, 2023 (France, USA…)
  • Duration: 1 h 32
  • Studios: Illumination / Nintendo
  • Directors: Aaron Horvath & Michael Jelenic
  • Screenplay: Matthew Fogel
  • Music: Brian Tyler — arrangements inspired by Koji Kondo
  • Original Voices: Chris Pratt (Mario), Charlie Day (Luigi), Anya Taylor-Joy (Peach), Jack Black (Bowser), Keegan-Michael Key (Toad), Seth Rogen (Donkey Kong)

Synopsis

In Brooklyn, brothers Mario and Luigi work as plumbers until one day they are sucked into a dimensional pipe. Separated upon arrival, Luigi is captured by Bowser, while Mario discovers the Mushroom Kingdom. Aided by Peach, Toad, and Donkey Kong, Mario must save his brother and prevent Bowser from conquering the kingdoms... and forcibly marrying Peach.

A Faithful Adaptation of the Mario Universe

  • Iconic settings: green pipes, castles, lava worlds, rainforests…
  • Cult objects: red mushrooms, fire flowers, Super Star, cat suit…
  • Music: remixed classic themes + epic new tracks by Brian Tyler
  • Nod to: Donkey Kong, Mario Kart, Smash Bros., Luigi’s Mansion, 1985 title screen…

The film speaks to long-time fans without losing the younger audience: both a gateway and a nostalgic gift.

A Top-Tier Voice Cast

  • Chris Pratt: clumsy but determined Mario
  • Charlie Day: anxious and endearing Luigi
  • Anya Taylor-Joy: strong and inspiring leader Peach
  • Jack Black as Bowser — the film's surprise with the hit "Peaches"
  • Seth Rogen: arrogant and hilarious Donkey Kong

The French dubbing, handled by professionals, perfectly retains the spirit of the original version.

A Fast-Paced, Colorful, and Universal Film

Visually generous, fast-paced, and clear, the film blends humor and action seamlessly. The Mario Kart sequence on the Rainbow Road remains one of the highlights, combining fan service and adrenaline.

Critical Success and Box Office Triumph

  • Worldwide box office: over $1.36 billion
  • Most lucrative video game adaptation in history
  • Audience captivated: high ratings on IMDb, Rotten Tomatoes (audience score)
  • More nuanced reviews: praise fidelity, point to a simple plot

Why Such Enthusiasm?

  • Absolute respect for the Mario license
  • Fluid, colorful, expressive animation
  • A work for all audiences that never infantilizes
  • Masterful blend of humor, action, and emotion
  • Nintendo's involved production, concerned about its image

Towards a Nintendo Cinematic Universe?

A sequel confirmed for 2026, an official live-action Zelda film: everything indicates that a Nintendo cinematic universe is underway. Rumors already mention Donkey Kong, Luigi, and even Kirby.

Recap Sheet

Original Title The Super Mario Bros. Movie
Release (France) April 5, 2023
Duration 1 h 32
Studios Illumination / Nintendo
Directors Aaron Horvath & Michael Jelenic
Worldwide Box Office Over 1.36 billion dollars
Main VO Voices Chris Pratt (Mario), Jack Black (Bowser)

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FAQ

  • When was The Super Mario Bros. Movie released?
    The film was released on April 5, 2023, in France and the United States.
  • Who produced The Super Mario Bros. Movie?
    It was born from a collaboration between Illumination Entertainment (creators of Despicable Me) and Nintendo.
  • Who voices the characters in the original version?
    Chris Pratt voices Mario, Charlie Day Luigi, Anya Taylor-Joy Peach, Jack Black Bowser, Keegan-Michael Key Toad, and Seth Rogen Donkey Kong.
  • Was the film successful?
    Yes, with over 1.36 billion dollars at the worldwide box office, making it the most lucrative video game adaptation in history.
  • Is a sequel planned?
    Yes, a sequel titled The Super Mario Galaxy Movie is planned for April 2026, and a live-action Legend of Zelda film has been officially announced (scheduled for release in 2027).

Conclusion

The Super Mario Bros. Movie is a brilliant, faithful, and exciting adaptation that successfully translates the playful universe into a cinematic work for the general public without betraying its essence. It celebrates everything that makes up the magic of Mario and paves the way for a promising future for Nintendo in cinema.

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