Super Mario Bros. – The Movie: The Mario universe comes to life on the big screen

720 mots | Temps de lecture : 3 minute(s)

Super Mario Bros. – The 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 itself, this animated adaptation brings the cult Mario universe back to life on the big screen. With dazzling animation , exemplary respect for the license and a top-notch voice cast , the film stands out as a model of successful video game adaptation .

Technical sheet

• Original title: The Super Mario Bros. movie
• Release date: April 5, 2023 (France, USA, etc.)
• Duration: 1 hour 32 minutes
• 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 they are sucked into a dimensional pipe . Separated upon arrival, Luigi is captured by Bowser , while Mario discovers the Mushroom Kingdom . With the help of Peach , Toad , and Donkey Kong , Mario must save his brother and prevent Bowser from conquering the kingdoms... and marrying Peach by force.

A faithful adaptation of the Mario universe

• Iconic settings: green pipes , castles, lava worlds, tropical forests…
• Cult objects: red mushrooms , fire flowers , Super Star , cat costume...
• Music: Classic themes remixed + epic new tracks by Brian Tyler
• Winks: Donkey Kong , Mario Kart , Smash Bros. , Luigi's Mansion , 1985 title screen…

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

A high-end voice cast

• Chris Pratt : Clumsy but determined Mario
• Charlie Day : Anxious and touching Luigi
• Anya Taylor-Joy : Peach, a strong and inspiring leader
• Jack Black as Bowser — the surprise of the film with the hit "Peaches"
• Seth Rogen : Arrogant and Hilarious Donkey Kong

The French version, provided by professionals, perfectly preserves the spirit of the original version.

A rhythmic, colorful and universal film

Visually generous , fast-paced, and readable, the film combines humor and action. The Mario Kart sequence on the Rainbow Road remains one of the highlights, mixing fan service and adrenaline.

Critical success and box office triumph

• Worldwide box office: over $1.36 billion
• Highest-grossing video game adaptation in history
• Audience won over: high ratings on IMDb, Rotten Tomatoes (viewer score)
• More nuanced criticism: praises the fidelity, points to a simple scenario

Why such enthusiasm?

• Absolute respect for the Mario license
• Fluid, colorful, expressive animation
• A work for all audiences that never infantilizes
• A masterful blend of humor , action and emotion
• Nintendo's production is involved and 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 in the works. Rumors already mention Donkey Kong, Luigi, and even Kirby.

Conclusion

Super Mario Bros. – The Movie is a brilliant , faithful, and exciting adaptation that successfully translates the game's universe into a mainstream cinematic work without betraying its essence. It celebrates everything that makes Mario so magical and paves the way for a promising future for Nintendo in cinema.