The Super Mario Bros movie
The Super Mario Bros movie is a cult classic that was released in 1993. It is based on the iconic video game franchise that was developed by Nintendo in 1985. The film was directed by Rocky Morton and Annabel Jankel and starred Bob Hoskins, John Leguizamo, and Dennis Hopper. Despite its poor critical reception upon release, the film has gained a dedicated fanbase over the years. In this article, we will take a look at the history of the Super Mario Bros movie, its reception, and its impact on pop culture.
The Super Mario Bros movie
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History of the Super Mario Bros Movie
The idea for a Super Mario Bros movie was first conceived in the late 1980s when the video game franchise was at the height of its popularity. However, it wasn't until 1991 that the project was officially announced. The film was produced by Hollywood Pictures and released by Buena Vista Pictures. The screenplay was written by Parker Bennett, Terry Runté, and Ed Solomon.
The production of the Super Mario Bros movie was plagued with problems from the beginning. The filmmakers struggled to come up with a script that would satisfy both the producers and the video game fans. The script underwent several rewrites, and many elements of the video game were either changed or omitted altogether.
The casting of the film was also a challenge. The role of Mario was initially offered to Danny DeVito, but he turned it down. The role eventually went to Bob Hoskins, who had previously starred in films such as Who Framed Roger Rabbit and Hook. John Leguizamo was cast as Luigi, and Dennis Hopper played the villainous King Koopa.
The Super Mario Bros movie was filmed in North Carolina and was one of the most expensive films ever made at the time. The budget ballooned from $42 million to $48 million, and the film suffered from numerous production setbacks. Despite these challenges, the film was completed and released in May 1993.
Reception of the Super Mario Bros Movie
The Super Mario Bros movie was met with poor critical reception upon its release. Critics panned the film for its convoluted plot, strange interpretations of the video game characters, and lack of humor. The film currently holds a 15% approval rating on Rotten Tomatoes.
The poor reception of the film led to it being a box office bomb. The film only grossed $20.9 million domestically and $38.9 million worldwide, making it a commercial failure.
Impact of the Super Mario Bros Movie on Pop Culture
Despite its poor reception, the Super Mario Bros movie has had a lasting impact on pop culture. The film's unique interpretation of the Mario universe has inspired countless parodies and memes. The film's portrayal of the Mario characters as gritty, urban warriors has become a source of amusement and nostalgia for fans of the video game franchise.
The Super Mario Bros movie has also had a lasting impact on the careers of its cast and crew. Bob Hoskins, who played Mario, once referred to the film as the worst thing he ever did. John Leguizamo, who played Luigi, has since embraced the film's cult status and has even written a memoir about his experiences on the set.
The film's poor reception and commercial failure have also had an impact on the video game industry. The failure of the Super Mario Bros movie served as a cautionary tale for other video game adaptations. Studios became more hesitant to invest in video game adaptations, and those that did were more careful to remain faithful to the source material.
Conclusion
The Super Mario Bros movie may not have been a critical or commercial success, but it has had a lasting impact on pop culture. The film's unique interpretation of the Mario universe has become a source of amusement and nostalgia for fans of the video game franchise.
