The Super Mario Bros Movie (2023)

Brothers in Armchairs

One of video games most iconic characters Mario, went from humble beginnings to a billion dollar franchise. Along the way, Mario and his twin brother Luigi, got the feature film treatment, including an anime version in 1986, which is a cult classic in Japan and a live action version in 1993, which is widely considered a bomb despite at least breaking even at the box office. The 93’ version was so ill received by critics and audiences that even the mention of another live action Mario movie was taboo.
In fact, for the film's 20th anniversary, Bob Hoskins, who played Mario, said it was the worst thing he’d ever done. And Dennis Hopper, who played King Coopa, said that his then 6 year old son asked him why he played that terrible guy King Koopa to which Hopper answered “Well Henry, I did that so you could have shoes”. His son replied, “Dad, I don’t need shoes that badly”.
So why then, 30 years later, did Nintendo, Illumination, and Universal Pictures bankroll another Mario Bros. feature film? Did they waste $100 million bucks on a franchise destined to bomb in the theater? Or do we finally have a feature film worthy of our love for the Mario Brothers?
Hang out with us as we discuss and review the 2023 animated adventure film “The Super Mario Bros. Movie” on The Brothers in Armchairs Podcast.
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Theme song "Loli'ana" was written and performed by award-winning musician Kamuela Kahoano. Listen to more of Kamuela's music on iTunes and https://kamuelamusic.com/. Also, "Loli'ana" performed live at The Ko'olau Banquet Hall can be seen here https://youtu.be/YDJ1NNJgEiA
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