Another Pass at The Super Mario Bros Movie

Matt aka Stormageddon emerges from a pipe to surprise Case and Sam with the power up of a movie, The Super Mario Bros. Movie! Can they make it through with only three continues?

 

Music by Vin Macri and Matt Brogan

Podcast Edited by Sophia Ricciardi

 

Overview

 

In the podcast recording discussion titled "Another Pass at The Super Mario Bros Movie," hosts Case Aiken and Sam Alicea, joined by guest Matt (Stormageddon), delve into their cinematic experiences of the 2023 film, praising its 92-minute runtime and appeal to both children and nostalgic adult fans. They highlight standout performances, notably Jack Black as Bowser and Anya Taylor-Joy as a proactive Princess Peach, while critiquing Chris Pratt's portrayal of Mario as merely average. The hosts discuss the film’s visual splendor and numerous Easter eggs, though they express disappointment over its reliance on pop music rather than classic Mario compositions. Despite some criticisms of the plot's formulaic nature and suggestions for improvement, the overall consensus is positive, deeming the film entertaining while respecting the franchise's legacy; potential sequels and upcoming projects are also touched upon as they conclude the episode.

 

Notes

Introduction to The Super Mario Bros Movie Discussion (00:02 - 08:33)

• Matt (Stormageddon) returns as a guest to discuss The Super Mario Bros Movie (2023)
• Case Aiken introduces podcast with co-host Sam Alicea
• The hosts discuss their viewing experiences of the film
• The 92-minute runtime is highlighted as a positive factor that keeps the movie from overstaying its welcome
• Initial thoughts: The film works well for both children and nostalgic adult Nintendo fans

Cast Performance and Character Representation (08:33 - 18:50)

• Jack Black as Bowser receives unanimous praise as a standout performance
• Anya Taylor-Joy as Princess Peach also praised for making the character active rather than a damsel
• Charlie Day as Luigi received positive reviews
• Chris Pratt as Mario described as 'just fine' - not as bad as internet feared but not exceptional
• The group appreciates Charles Martinet's cameo as Mario's father and Giuseppe
• The opening commercial sequence featuring the 'Super Mario Super Show' song noted as a clever homage
• Keegan-Michael Key's performance as Toad highlighted as charming
• The film successfully modernizes Princess Peach as a proactive character rather than a damsel in distress

Music, Visuals and Fan Service (18:50 - 30:01)

• Major criticism: The film relies too heavily on pop music needle drops instead of using iconic Mario game music
• Case and Matt express disappointment that classic Koji Kondo compositions weren't featured more prominently
• The DK rap inclusion was appreciated, though Grant Kirkhope wasn't properly credited initially
• The visual design receives high praise, described as 'one of the most gorgeous animated films' they've seen
• The group appreciates the many Easter eggs and references to various Mario games
• Notable references: Mario Kart customization, power-ups, Rainbow Road, and Luigi's Mansion sequence
• Film balances content for children with nostalgic references for adult fans of the games

️ Plot Structure and Pacing (30:01 - 40:01)

• The basic plot follows Mario Brothers from Brooklyn to the Mushroom Kingdom
• Main criticism: The plot feels 'paint by numbers' and moves from set piece to set piece for fan service
• The hosts appreciate the quick pace preventing the film from becoming boring
• Donkey Kong's substantial role questioned as potentially excessive for this film
• The 'plumbing scene' at the beginning described as feeling too 'illumination-style' and skippable
• The Mario Kart sequence, while visually impressive, doesn't serve the plot significantly
• The movie makes excellent use of character power-ups during action sequences
• Luma (star creature) from Mario Galaxy highlighted as a standout supporting character

Suggested Improvements (40:01 - 50:06)

• Matt suggests removing or reducing the Kong Kingdom sequence to streamline the story
• The hosts discuss using more game music instead of pop songs for needle drops
• Fred Armisen's casting as Cranky Kong questioned; suggestions of other older actors who might have been better
• The group agrees the final act works well in terms of hero's journey storytelling
• Suggestions that Donkey Kong could have been integrated differently - as a mid-boss or obstacle rather than major character
• Discussion of how the film could have better incorporated game mechanics into the storytelling
• The movie's brief runtime (92 minutes) praised as preventing it from overstaying its welcome

Final Thoughts and Future Discussion (50:07 - 01:00:38)

• Overall positive consensus: While not groundbreaking, the film is entertaining and respects the source material
• The film succeeds as a fun, colorful movie for kids while providing nostalgic entertainment for adults
• Comparison to other video game adaptations like Detective Pikachu and Sonic
• Discussion of potential sequels and the upcoming Donkey Kong movie
• The hosts appreciate the film's visual quality while acknowledging its formulaic approach to storytelling
• Matt mentions returning for future episodes to discuss the Venom movies
• Discussion wraps with information about where to find the hosts and their other podcasts