The Super Mario Bros. Movie Parents Guide + Review

The Super Mario Bros. Movie is one big dose of nostalgia for older generations, and a fun, vibrant ride for those younger. Wondering if the new Mario movie levels up to its high expectations? I’m breaking down all of the thematic elements, including its PG rating, in my The Super Mario Bros. Movie Parents Guide and Movie Review. Here’s what parents need to know to help YOU decide if it’s appropriate for kids. As always, no spoilers!

The Super Mario Bros. Movie Parents Guide + Review

The Super Mario Bros. franchise is huge, and it’s certainly long overdue for an animated film. I remember the first time I was introduced to the OG Nintendo video game. My mind was blown. Never had I played something SO FUN! I practically begged my parents and pleaded my case as to why our family needed a Nintendo. It was $100, and that was A LOT of money back in the 80’s! Eventually, my parents caved, and my brother and I were beyond thrilled.

The thing about Mario is, they have ALWAYS been there since that very first game. The franchise continuously grows and adds more storylines, video games, and characters. It’s truly its own universe!

Creating an animated Mario movie was a no brainer. It’s just crazy that it hasn’t been done already!

The Story

The Super Mario Bros. Movie has a very simple storyline, which is not all a bad thing! It’s truly a kids movie, which I strongly feel is something we need more of. With that being said, that’s not to say it won’t appeal to older generations, because it certainly will. The Super Mario Bros. Movie was made for true Mario fans.

The Animation

Hats off to the Illumination and Universal Pictures team for creating an absolutely stunning visual world. The Super Mario Bros. Movie looks like you stepped right into a video game, and even at times playing along. The attention to detail utilized is truly incredible. From Brooklyn, to Mushroom Kingdom, to Kong Island, Gorilla Falls, Koopa Kingdom, and Rainbow Road, the vibrant colors and crisp imagery will fully immerse you into their worlds.

The Cast

Each member of the cast brings something to the table, and yes, even Chris Pratt as Mario. I promise you, he was a great choice and delivers perfectly. Anya Taylor-Joy is a huge standout as Princess Peach. I love how they modernized her character. Peach is a force to be reckoned with! Charlie Day (Luigi), Keegan-Michael Key (Toad), and Seth Rogen (Donkey Kong) bring the laughs, but its Jack Black’s Bowser that wins most memorable performance. This is Bowser like you’ve never seen him before!

We also need to give a major shoutout to Juliet Jelenic, who voices the dark and twisted, yet hilariously comical, Lumalee. She was my youngest son’s favorite character.

Is The Super Mario Bros. Movie Kid Friendly? Here’s Your Parents Guide:

Mario and Luigi and very well-known characters, making this movie appeal to a multitude of ages. The Super Mario Bros. Movie has an MPA rating of PG for action and mild violence. It has a runtime of 92 minutes. Here’s what parents need to know before seeing the new Mario movie with your family.

Violence

Expect to see video game type violence. Fire, lava, explosions, destruction…basically things you’d see when playing a Mario video game.

Language

There is no profanity in The Super Mario Bros. Movie, however, you will hear words like: stupid, dumb, idiot, and shut-up.

Mature Content

Bowser is dead set on marrying Peach, which is sort of awkward. He basically gives her an ultimatum, marry him or he will destroy Mushroom Kingdom. There is also bulling in The Super Mario Bros. Movie.

Age Recommendation

I would recommend The Super Mario Bros. Movie for all ages. I really think this film could have been rated G, however, I understand with the video game violence rating it PG was probably a safer choice. Again, the Mario movie is for the fans, young and young at heart. You will have a blast pointing out all of the different Easter eggs, so make sure you keep your eyes peeled!

Overall Thoughts

The Super Mario Bros. Movie transports you right into a video game creating an immersive and engaging experience. The film is loaded with fan service and nostalgia from start to finish. Although the story is simple, it really doesn’t need to be complex. It’s a great film made for the whole family to enjoy together — which is something we need more of. The Super Mario Bros. Movie is tons of fun, filled with laughs, and will leave you wanting to go home to play Mario Kart. Let’s-a Go! The Super Mario Bros. Movie is now playing in theaters!

Is there an end credit scene in The Super Mario Bros. Movie?

There is one mid-credit scene and one post credit scene in The Super Mario Bros. Movie and you won’t want to miss either! I foresee more Mario movies in the future.

The Super Mario Bros. Movie Synopsis

A Brooklyn plumber named Mario travels through the Mushroom Kingdom with a princess named Peach and an anthropomorphic mushroom named Toad to find Mario’s brother, Luigi, and to save the world from a ruthless fire-breathing Koopa named Bowser.

I HOPE YOU FOUND THE SUPER MARIO BROS. MOVIE PARENTS GUIDE AND REVIEW HELPFUL FOR YOUR FAMILY. WILL YOU BE SEEING IT IN THEATERS?!

Looking for more parent guides and movie reviews? Don’t miss these posts HERE!