The Super Mario Bros. Movie Review – Is It Safe for Kids?

The Super Mario Bros. Movie has finally made its way to the big screen, much to the excitement of both lifelong fans of the iconic video game series and families looking for a fun, animated movie to enjoy together. Released in 2023, this film brings to life the colorful world of Mario, Luigi, Princess Peach, and all of their Mushroom Kingdom friends in a full-length animated feature by Illumination Studios. But for parents considering whether it’s safe for their kids, one important question looms: Is The Super Mario Bros. Movie really family-friendly?

In this comprehensive guide, we’ll break down the movie’s content, visuals, themes, and age-appropriate ratings, providing everything parents need to know before taking their little ones to see it. We’ll also dive into who will love this movie, what parents should be aware of, and how it compares to other animated films.

The Super Mario Bros. Movie Overview

Before diving into the details, let’s get a brief overview of The Super Mario Bros. Movie. Directed by Aaron Horvath and Michael Jelenic, both known for their work with Teen Titans Go! and other animated projects, this movie is a collaboration between Nintendo and Illumination. The film features an all-star voice cast, with Chris Pratt voicing Mario, Anya Taylor-Joy as Princess Peach, Jack Black as Bowser, and Keegan-Michael Key lending his voice to Toad.

The movie follows Mario and his brother Luigi as they are transported to the Mushroom Kingdom, where they team up with Princess Peach and Donkey Kong to save their world from the villainous Bowser. Packed with vibrant visuals, action, humor, and nostalgic Easter eggs for fans of the games, the film blends adventure and comedy in a way that appeals to both children and adults.

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Plot Summary

The plot centers around Mario and Luigi, two Italian-American plumbers from Brooklyn, who are unexpectedly sucked into a pipe and transported to the Mushroom Kingdom. There, they encounter Princess Peach, who enlists their help to stop Bowser, a fiery tyrant bent on conquering the kingdom. Mario, Peach, and the lovable Toad must unite with Donkey Kong and other familiar characters to stop Bowser and save their world from destruction.

Is The Super Mario Bros. Movie Safe for Kids?

Themes of the Movie

At its core, The Super Mario Bros. Movie is a lighthearted adventure filled with themes that will resonate with both kids and their parents. The primary themes include:

• Teamwork: The movie emphasizes the importance of working together to overcome obstacles. Mario and Luigi, along with Princess Peach and their other allies, must combine their strengths and talents to save the Mushroom Kingdom.
• Family and Friendship: The sibling bond between Mario and Luigi is central to the plot, showcasing the love and loyalty that family brings. Their relationship is full of humor, but also heartfelt moments that emphasize the value of support and togetherness.
• Courage and Bravery: Despite not being superhuman, Mario and his friends face daunting challenges and summon the courage to fight back against Bowser. This theme of bravery, even in the face of fear, is an uplifting message for kids.
• Good vs. Evil: The classic theme of good versus evil plays out through Mario’s fight against Bowser. While the stakes are high, the film’s cartoonish nature softens the tension and ensures it remains family-friendly.

Tone and Content: What to Expect for Kids

The Super Mario Bros. Movie has a playful, animated tone that keeps the story light and engaging. Here’s what parents should expect:

• Humor: The film is packed with slapstick comedy and visual gags that will keep younger kids entertained. There are also some clever references to the Super Mario video games. That may go over younger kids’ heads. But will be appreciated by parents familiar with the franchise.
• Mild Peril and Action: There are several action sequences throughout the film, including chases, battles, and daring escapes. While these moments are exciting, they are presented in a way that is never too intense for younger viewers. Bowser’s presence adds a bit of menace, but the film avoids any truly frightening or dark moments.
• Character Development: The characters are well-developed, with Mario portrayed as the underdog hero. Who rises to the challenge, and Peach depicted as a capable and independent leader. These positive portrayals make the film both entertaining and empowering for kids.
• Some Scary Moments: While the movie is generally lighthearted. Bowser’s larger-than-life character can be a bit intimidating for very young viewers. His fiery temper and villainous plans could be a little too much for children sensitive to antagonistic characters.

The Visuals and Animation of The Super Mario Bros. Movie

Art Style and CGI Animation

One of the standout features of The Super Mario Bros. Movie is its stunning animation. Illumination, the studio behind Despicable Me and Minions, has created a visually captivating world that brings the Mushroom Kingdom and its characters to life in full CGI glory. From the iconic green pipes to the brightly colored landscapes and the chaotic energy of the action scenes, the animation is visually stimulating and perfect for kids.

The film’s art style stays true to the Super Mario games, utilizing vibrant colors and exaggerated character designs to make everything feel fun and playful. There are numerous references to the games that will excite fans, including levels from the original games, the use of power-ups, and even familiar sound effects.

Action Sequences and Excitement

While the film is kid-friendly, there are plenty of thrilling action sequences that will keep children engaged. The Mario Kart scene, in particular, is a highlight, showcasing the fast-paced, competitive energy that fans of the video games will recognize.

The Super Mario Bros. Movie PG Rating Explained

Here’s a breakdown of why the movie received this rating:

• Mild Action: As mentioned earlier, the film features plenty of action sequences with a bit of mild peril. While these are not overly violent, they do involve some fights and confrontations between the heroes and Bowser’s army.
• No Profanity: The language used throughout the movie is family-friendly. There are no curse words or inappropriate language, making it suitable for younger audiences.
• Thematic Elements: The themes of bravery, good versus evil, and family are explored in a fun, accessible way. There are moments of tension, but nothing too heavy or frightening for children.

How Does It Compare to Other PG Movies?

The Super Mario Bros. Movie falls squarely in line with other PG-rated animated movies like The Incredibles or Minions in terms of its content. While the action scenes are a bit more intense than those in some other children’s films, they are never too graphic or scary, which makes it appropriate for a wide age range.

What Age Is The Super Mario Bros. Movie Suitable For?

Ideal Age Range

The film is likely to appeal most to kids aged 6-12. Though younger children may also enjoy it. Especially with parental guidance. The animation, humor, and action will engage kids in this age range. While older audiences (including parents) will appreciate the nostalgia, clever humor, and fast-paced adventure.

What Parents Should Know

• Mild Peril: There are some moments of danger and tense situations, but the film avoids anything too intense or violent.
• Funny but Simple Dialogue: The dialogue is straightforward and easy for younger children to follow. There are a few jokes that will fly over kids’ heads, but they’re not offensive or inappropriate.
• Positive Messages: The movie focuses on positive themes of teamwork, bravery, and family. Making it a good choice for parents looking for an uplifting family film.

Final Thoughts: Should You Watch The Super Mario Bros. Movie with Your Kids?

The Super Mario Bros. Movie is a delightful, family-friendly animated adventure that offers something for everyone—action for the kids, nostalgia for the adults, and humor for all. With vibrant animation, well-developed characters, and a solid mix of excitement and heart, this movie is a great pick for a family movie night.

If you’re concerned about whether it’s too intense for your kids, rest assured that the action is mild, the language is clean, and the themes are positive. However, it’s best suited for children aged 6 and up due to some perilous moments and the character of Bowser, who may be a bit intimidating for younger viewers.

Watch the Trailer

Want to see more? Check out the official trailer for The Super Mario Bros. Movie to get a sneak peek of the fun, action-packed adventure ahead.

Watch the official trailer here

In conclusion, The Super Mario Bros. Movie is an excellent family movie that blends nostalgia, action, and humor. in a way that appeals to kids and parents alike. Whether you’re a Mario fan or simply looking for an entertaining movie to enjoy with the whole family, this animated film from Nintendo and Illumination is sure to bring a smile to your face.