History YMMV / TheSuperMarioBrosMovie

* HePannedItNowHeSucks: Critics gave the movie mixed reviews for its plot being too simple and the reliance on fanservice, but it nonetheless wasn't too bad, as the critical Rotten Tomatoes score sits at 59%, which is only one point away from being fresh, and a 46% score on Metacritic, which indicates Mixed or average reviews. Despite this, fans act like the critics hated the movie and lambasted them for expecting too much out of a ''Super Mario Bros.'' movie, their lack of understanding of the source material and the movie and some declarations made by them that irritated the fans of both the series and the movie, and made memes mocking them for it. Some reviews are more controversial than others.

* FanartAtFirstSight:
** Fanart of the film's versions of the characters, particularly the penguins, was quick to follow the WebVideo/NintendoDirect that had the reveal trailer in it.
** Despite being a pre-existing outfit she's worn in the ''VideoGame/MarioKart'' games, Peach's biker outfit saw a resurgence in fanart after the second trailer, often with the addition of the halberd she is seen picking up.
** The woman seen in the Super Mario Bros. Plumbing commercial spawned a sizable amount of fanart. It helps that many were amazed by how she looks in line with the ''Mario'' series' designs, which is far different from how random humans look in previous Illumination movies.
** Fire Donkey Kong from the final trailer took off in the fanart community since it's the first time we've ever seen DK use powerups.

** Donkey Kong. Some fans are disappointed about how his character became more of an overconfident and cocky frat bro stereotype and dislike his initial rude treatment of Mario, while the others find his AwesomeEgo habits entertaining and gives the movie a more lighthearted feel.
* BrokenBase: The casting of Creator/ChrisPratt as Mario has been divisive from the moment it was revealed. Detractors saw it a StuntCasting that was disrespectful to Creator/CharlesMartinet, who voiced the character for so long since then and was relegated to minor roles in the movies, but also completely unneeded since Mario as a character is already iconic and way more popular than any Hollywood actor at the time. On the other hand, supporters argue that Martinet's voice for the character wouldn't have been fitting for a dialogue-heavy movie[[note]]Martinet himself had stated prior to the movie's announcement that it was getting more difficult for him to maintain his Mario voice for long periods of time, and he would announce his retirement from providing Mario's voice later the same year as the movie's release[[/note]] and Pratt had proven himself capable of voice acting with ''WesternAnimation/TheLegoMovie''. Some also TakeAThirdOption and say that a completely different actor should've been chosen.

** Princess Peach. While her not being a DamselInDistress like usual has been near-unanimously praised for its inherent merits, the execution of it has been very contentious to say the least. In contrast to the games, which have gradually made her more of a proactive ActionGirl and has given her more personal agency while still [[SilkHidingSteel maintaining the same very feminine, elegant, soft-spoken and somewhat ditzy personality]], the film version of Peach is a [[AdaptationalSeriousness much more serious, no-nonsense and goal-oriented ruler,]] with her softer and more "girly" side being far more understated and [[BetterWithNonHumanCompany socially awkward]]. This fairly significant AdaptationPersonalityChange drew a lot of criticism from fans, arguing that {{Xenafication}} doesn't come nested with those traits and that she's a less distinct and interesting character because of it and that removing her quirky and feminine traits devolves her into a generic and boring "girlboss" / "modern Franchise/DisneyPrincess" character. On the other hand, some fans defended the change or welcomed it, seeing it as a fresh take that compliments the original, arguing that the personality change was necessary for the more dialogue-heavy medium, or even seeing it as an improvement, as her game counterpart is still a somewhat controversial character in her own right. Aside from her personality, the most commonly cited point against Peach's film version is that they just make Luigi a DistressedDude instead of her, meaning [[SpotlightStealingSquad she has more focus than Luigi overall]] despite the brothers' chemistry being considered the film's strongest asset. There's also a small amount of division over how her romantic relationship with Mario was handled in the film, with those who don't like it arguing that it being so lightly alluded to makes the story weaker or a case of TheyWastedAPerfectlyGoodPlot[[note]]The wedding plot in ''VideoGame/SuperMarioOdyssey'', in comparison, was a very important moment in the relationship of their game counterparts, even if they didn't go through with it in end, as Mario's main motivation was to rescue Peach from being stolen away from him; meanwhile, in the film, he's an UnknownRival to Bowser and doesn't even find out about the wedding until it's already been stopped[[/note]], and those who do arguing that it makes more sense given that movie is about them meeting for the first time, preferring that their relationship go for the somewhat more realistic "slow burn romance" route.
** Donkey Kong. Some fans dislike how his character became more of an overconfident and cocky frat bro stereotype and dislike his initial rude treatment of Mario, while the others find his AwesomeEgo habits entertaining and gives the movie a more lighthearted feel.

* AmericansHateTingle: Unlike in most of the world, where people found Lumalee to be one of the funniest characters in the movie due to his BlackComedy, it seems that Japanese audiences were less fond of the character, to the point where some wondered why he was even in the movie or what the point of his character was. The most likely reason for this is his lines being [[LostInTranslation translated unusually literally]] in a movie otherwise localized well, combined with ValuesDissonance regarding cultural views on death.

** A highly common complaint that the movie receives, aside from the [[ItsShortSoItSucks runtime]], is the plot point of Mario and Luigi getting separated. Their brotherly relationship and chemistry, through Chris Pratt and Charlie Day, has been unanimously praised by all parties. In fact, some have said that the best parts of the story are before they go to the Mushroom Kingdom and the climax. After that, more time is dedicated to showing the world, and the deeper aspects of Luigi and Mario's relationship get downplayed as a result until the very end. It got to the point where, when a follow-up was announced, fans were saying that it would be a SurprisinglyImprovedSequel because Mario and Luigi are spending more time together.

** [[spoiler:When the Banzai Bill explodes in the warp pipe, the resulting explosion not only pulls Bowser's Castle into Brooklyn, which results in Bowser causing mass damage with his minions and fire breath, but the residue of the explosion ended up crossing over into Brooklyn, causing property damage en masse and likely causing a lot of deaths due to there being no time to prepare for it.]]

** A highly common complaint that the movie receives, aside from the [[ItsShortSoItSucks runtime]], is the plot point of Mario and Luigi getting separated. Their brotherly relationship and chemistry, through Chris Pratt and Charlie Day, has been unanimously praised by all parties. In fact, some have said that the best parts of the story are before they go to the Mushroom Kingdom and the climax. After that, more time is dedicated to showing the world, and the deeper aspects of Luigi and Mario's relationship get downplayed as a result until the very end.

** Princess Peach. While her not being a DamselInDistress like usual has been near-unanimously praised for its inherent merits, the execution of it has been very contentious to say the least. In contrast to the games, which have gradually made her more of a proactive ActionGirl and has given her more personal agency while still [[SilkHidingSteel maintaining the same very feminine, elegant, soft-spoken and somewhat ditzy personality]], the film version of Peach is a [[AdaptationalSeriousness much more serious, no-nonsense and goal-oriented ruler,]] with her softer and more "girly" side being far more understated and [[BetterWithNonHumanCompany socially awkward]]. This fairly significant AdaptationPersonalityChange drew a lot of criticism from fans, arguing that {{Xenafication}} doesn't come nested with those traits and that she's a less distinct and interesting character because of it and that removing her quirky and feminine traits devolves her into a generic and boring "girlboss" / "modern Franchise/DisneyPrincess" character. On the other hand, some fans defended the change or welcomed it, seeing it as a fresh take that compliments the original, arguing that the personality change was necessary for the more dialogue-heavy medium, or even seeing it as an improvement, as her game counterpart is still a somewhat controversial character in her own right. Aside from her personality, the most commonly cited point against Peach's film version is that they just make Luigi a DistressedDude instead of her, meaning [[SpotlightStealingSquad she has more focus than Luigi overall]] despite the brothers' chemistry being considered the film's strongest asset. There's also a small amount of division over how her romantic relationship with Mario was handled in the film, with those who don't like it arguing that it being so lightly alluded to makes the story weaker or a case of TheyWastedAPerfectlyGoodPlot[[note]]The wedding plot in ''VideoGame/SuperMarioOdyssey'', in comparison, was a very important moment in the relationship of their game counterparts, even if they didn't go through with it in end, as Mario's main motivation was to rescue Peach from being stolen away from him; meanwhile, in the film he's an UnknownRival to Bowser and doesn't even find out about the wedding until it's already been stopped[[/note]], and those who do arguing that it makes more sense given that movie is about them meeting for the first time, preferring that their relationship go for the somewhat more realistic "slow burn romance" route.

** Princess Peach. While her not being a DamselInDistress like usual has been near-unanimously praised for its inherent merits, the execution of it has been very contentious to say the least. In contrast to the games, which have gradually made her more of a proactive ActionGirl and has given her more personal agency while still [[SilkHidingSteel maintaining the same very feminine, elegant, soft-spoken and somewhat ditzy personality]], the film version of Peach is a [[AdaptationalSeriousness much more serious, no-nonsense and goal-oriented ruler,]] with her softer and more "girly" side being far more understated and [[BetterWithNonHumanCompany socially awkward]]. This fairly significant AdaptationPersonalityChange drew a lot of criticism from fans, arguing that {{Xenafication}} doesn't come nested with those traits and that she's a less distinct and interesting character because of it and that removing her quirky and feminine traits devolves her into a generic and boring "girlboss" / "modern Franchise/DisneyPrincess" character. On the other hand, some fans defended the change or welcomed it, either seeing it as a fresh take that compliments the original, arguing that the personality change was necessary for the more dialogue-heavy medium, or even seeing it as an improvement, as her game counterpart is still a somewhat controversial character in her own right. Aside from her personality, the most commonly cited point against Peach's film version is that they just make Luigi a DistressedDude instead of her, meaning [[SpotlightStealingSquad she has more focus than Luigi overall]] despite the brothers' chemistry being considered the film's strongest asset. There's also a small amount of division over how her romantic relationship with Mario was handled in the film, with those who don't like it arguing that it being so lightly alluded to makes the story weaker or a case of TheyWastedAPerfectlyGoodPlot[[note]]The wedding plot in ''VideoGame/SuperMarioOdyssey'', in comparison, was a very important moment in the relationship of their game counterparts, even if they didn't go through with it in end, as Mario's main motivation was to rescue Peach from being stolen away from him; meanwhile, in the film he's an UnknownRival to Bowser and doesn't even find out about the wedding until it's already been stopped[[/note]], and those who do arguing that it makes more sense given that movie is about them meeting for the first time, preferring that their relationship go for the somewhat more realistic "slow burn romance" route.

** Princess Peach. While her not being a DamselInDistress like usual has been near-unanimously praised for its inherent merits, the execution of it has been very contentious to say the least. In contrast to the games, which have gradually made her more of a proactive ActionGirl and has given her more personal agency while still [[SilkHidingSteel maintaining the same very feminine, elegant, soft-spoken and somewhat ditzy personality]], the film version of Peach is a [[AdaptationalSeriousness much more serious, no-nonsense and goal-oriented ruler,]] with her softer and more "girly" side being far more understated and [[BetterWithNonHumanCompany socially awkward]]. This fairly significant AdaptationPersonalityChange drew a lot of criticism from fans, arguing that {{Xenafication}} doesn't come nested with those traits and that she's a less distinct and interesting character because of it and that removing her quirky and feminine traits devolves her into a generic and boring "girlboss" / "modern Franchise/DisneyPrincess" character. On the other hand, some fans defended the change or even actively welcomed it, either seeing it as a fresh take that compliments the original, arguing that the personality change was necessary for the more dialogue-heavy medium, or even seeing it as an improvement, as her game counterpart is still a somewhat controversial character in her own right. Aside from her personality, the most commonly cited point against Peach's film version is that they just make Luigi a DistressedDude instead of her, meaning [[SpotlightStealingSquad she has more focus than Luigi overall]] despite the brothers' chemistry being considered the film's strongest asset. There's also a small amount of division over how her romantic relationship with Mario was handled in the film, with those who don't like it arguing that it being so lightly alluded to makes the story weaker or a case of TheyWastedAPerfectlyGoodPlot[[note]]The wedding plot in ''VideoGame/SuperMarioOdyssey'', in comparison, was a very important moment in the relationship of their game counterparts, even if they didn't go through with it in end, as Mario's main motivation was to rescue Peach from being stolen away from him; meanwhile, in the film he's an UnknownRival to Bowser and doesn't even find out about the wedding until it's already been stopped[[/note]], and those who do arguing that it makes more sense given that movie is about them meeting for the first time, preferring that their relationship go for the somewhat more realistic "slow burn romance" route.

** Princess Peach. While her not being a DamselInDistress like usual has been near-unanimously praised for its inherent merits, the execution of it has been very contentious to say the least. In contrast to the games, which have gradually made her more of a proactive ActionGirl and has given her more personal agency while still [[SilkHidingSteel maintaining the same very feminine, elegant, soft-spoken and somewhat ditzy personality]], the film version of Peach is a [[AdaptationalSeriousness much more serious, no-nonsense and goal-oriented ruler,]] with her softer and more "girly" side being far more understated and [[BetterWithNonHumanCompany socially awkward]]. This fairly significant AdaptationPersonalityChange drew a lot of criticism from fans, arguing that {{Xenafication}} doesn't come nested with those traits and that she's a less distinct and interesting character because of it and that removing her quirky and feminine traits devolves her into a generic and boring "girlboss" / "modern Franchise/DisneyPrincess" character. On the other hand, some fans defended the change or even actively welcomed it, either seeing it as a fresh take that compliments the original, arguing that the personality change was necessary for the more dialogue-heavy medium, or even seeing it as an improvement, as her game counterpart is still a somewhat controversial character in her own right. Aside from her personality, the most commonly cited point against Peach's film version is that they just make Luigi a DistressedDude instead of her, meaning [[SpotlightStealingSquad she has more focus than Luigi overall]] despite the brothers' chemistry being considered the film's strongest. There's also a small amount of division over how her romantic relationship with Mario was handled in the film, with those who don't like it arguing that it being so lightly alluded to makes the story weaker or a case of TheyWastedAPerfectlyGoodPlot[[note]]The wedding plot in ''VideoGame/SuperMarioOdyssey'', in comparison, was a very important moment in the relationship of their game counterparts, even if they didn't go through with it in end, as Mario's main motivation was to rescue Peach from being stolen away from him; meanwhile, in the film he's an UnknownRival to Bowser and doesn't even find out about the wedding until it's already been stopped[[/note]], and those who do arguing that it makes more sense given that movie is about them meeting for the first time, preferring that their relationship go for the somewhat more realistic "slow burn romance" route.

** Princess Peach. While her not being a DamselInDistress in and of itself has been near-unanimously praised, the execution of this change has been very contentious to say the least. In contrast to the games, which have gradually made her more of a proactive ActionGirl and has given her more personal agency while still [[SilkHidingSteel maintaining the same very feminine, elegant, soft-spoken and somewhat ditzy personality]], the film version of Peach is a [[AdaptationalSeriousness much more serious, no-nonsense and goal-oriented ruler,]] with her softer and more "girly" side being far more understated and [[BetterWithNonHumanCompany socially awkward.]] This fairly significant AdaptationPersonalityChange drew a lot of criticism from fans, arguing that {{Xenafication}} doesn't come nested with those traits and that she's a less distinct and interesting character because of it and that removing her quirky and feminine traits devolves her into a generic and boring "girl-boss" character. On the other hand, some fans defended the change or even actively welcomed it, either seeing it as a fresh take that compliments the original, arguing that the personality change was necessary for the more dialogue-heavy medium, or even seeing it as an improvement, as her game counterpart is still a somewhat controversial character in her own right. Then there are fans who hate it for other reasons, with [[SpotlightStealingSquad her having more focus than Luigi]] being the most commonly cited one. Finally, there's also a small amount of division over how her romantic relationship with Mario was handled in the film, with those who don't like it arguing that it being so lightly alluded to makes the story weaker or a case of TheyWastedAPerfectlyGoodPlot[[note]]The wedding plot in ''VideoGame/SuperMarioOdyssey'', in comparison, was a very important moment in the relationship of their game counterparts, even if they didn't go through with it in end, as Mario's main motivation was to rescue Peach from being stolen away from him; meanwhile, in the film he's an UnknownRival to Bowser and doesn't even find out about the wedding until it's already been stopped[[/note]], and those who do arguing that it makes more sense given that movie is about them meeting for the first time, preferring that their relationship go for the somewhat more realistic "slow burn romance" route.

** While Princess Peach is ''the'' DamselInDistress of video games, her taking a more proactive role is not remotely unique to this movie; her various kidnappings that make up the standard ExcusePlot for the core ''Mario'' platformers (and some of the [=RPGs=]) are vastly outnumbered by her near-perfect record of being playable and on par with everyone else in the ''Mario'' spin-offs. Heck, even a bunch platformers and [=RPGs=] have her playable[[note]]''VideoGame/SuperMarioBros2'', ''VideoGame/SuperMarioRPG'', ''VideoGame/SuperPaperMario'', ''VideoGame/SuperMario3DWorld'' (which was directly cited as an inspiration by Aaron Horvath and Michael Jelenic), ''VideoGame/SuperMarioRun'', ''VideoGame/MarioPlusRabbidsKingdomBattle'', and ''VideoGame/MarioPlusRabbidsSparksOfHope''[[/note]], not to mention ''VideoGame/SuperPrincessPeach'' where [[SwappedRoles she rescues the Mario Bros. from Bowser]]. Previous non-gaming adaptations ''ComicBook/SuperMarioAdventures'' and ''WesternAnimation/TheSuperMarioBrosSuperShow'' also put her in an active role.

** After release, the only actor whose performance was less well-received was Creator/FredArmisen as Cranky Kong. Many felt he didn't sound, well, cranky enough like the late Creator/AronTager did for [[WesternAnimation/DonkeyKongCountry past cartoon series]] and didn't lean into the old geezer energy the character is beloved for in the ''VideoGame/DonkeyKongCountry'' games.

** Donkey Kong. Some fans dislike how his character became more of an overconfident and cocky frat bro stereotype, while the others find his AwesomeEgo habits entertaining and gives the movie a more lighthearted feel.

** The fact Peach got a more active role in this movie, compared to her video game counterpart besides certain exceptions where [[OlderThanTheyThink she's a capable participant/heroine]], has caused controversy: ironically, she'll be playable in ''VideoGame/SuperMarioBrosWonder'', the 2023 remake of ''VideoGame/SuperMarioRPG'' and in her own game alike (18 years after her last solo adventure in ''VideoGame/SuperPrincessPeach''). Bonus points, her character poster had the line "She can do anything!". Her newest game, ''VideoGame/PrincessPeachShowtime'', allows her to gain transformations for different roles like Swordmaster, Detective, Baker, and Martial Artist. So yes, Peach ''can'' do anything!

* CriticProof: Mixed reviews (59% on Rotten Tomatoes, which is just 1% below the threshold where a film is considered "Fresh"; and 46% on Metacritic indicating Mixed or average reviews) couldn't stop ''The Super Mario Bros. Movie'' from scoring the biggest opening weekend for an animated movie ever, as well as the biggest opening five days of ''any'' film at over $204 million. Its success continued with a massive second-weekend performance, shattering the second-weekend record for an animated movie (which was last set by mega-hit ''WesternAnimation/FrozenII''), indicating that the record-breaking opening wasn't just a flash in a pan. By the end of its theatrical run, the film made well over a billion dollars, taking a close second behind ''{{Film/Barbie}}'' for 2023 as a whole.

** Princess Peach. While her not being a DamselInDistress in and of itself has been near-unanimously praised, the execution of this change has been contentious. In contrast to the games, which have gradually given her more personal agency while still [[SilkHidingSteel maintaining the same feminine, soft-spoken and somewhat ditzy personality]], the film version of Peach is a [[AdaptationalSeriousness much more serious and goal-oriented ruler,]] with her softer moments being more understated and [[BetterWithNonHumanCompany socially awkward.]] This fairly significant AdaptationPersonalityChange drew a lot of criticism from fans, arguing that {{Xenafication}} doesn't come nested with those traits and that she's a less distinct and interesting character because of it. On the other hand, some fans defended the change or even actively welcomed it, either seeing it as a fresh take that compliments the original, arguing that the personality change was necessary for the more dialogue-heavy medium, or even seeing it as an improvement, as her game counterpart is still a somewhat controversial character in her own right. Then there are fans who hate it for other reasons, with [[SpotlightStealingSquad her having more focus than Luigi]] being the most commonly cited one. Finally, there's also a small amount of division over how her romantic relationship with Mario was handled in the film, with those who don't like it arguing that it being so lightly alluded to makes the story weaker or a case of TheyWastedAPerfectlyGoodPlot[[note]]The wedding plot in ''VideoGame/SuperMarioOdyssey'', in comparison, was a very important moment in the relationship of their game counterparts, even if they didn't go through with it in end, as Mario's main motivation was to rescue Peach from being stolen away from him; meanwhile, in the film he's an UnknownRival to Bowser and doesn't even find out about the wedding until it's already been stopped[[/note]], and those who do arguing that it makes more sense given that movie is about them meeting for the first time, preferring that their relationship go for the somewhat more realistic "slow burn romance" route.

** [[spoiler:Who wasn't satisfied when Spike was attacked by Bowser's goons during the climax in Brooklyn?]]

** What is Princess Peach’s true origin? What world is she from?

** Bowser going beyond standard level of villainy by [[spoiler:attempting to nuke the Mushroom Kingdom]] has shocked many, but it's not much different from what happens in ''VideoGame/MarioAndLuigiPaperJam'', where he and his paper counterpart [[spoiler:attempted to destroy the Paper Mario Universe by burning the book]].

** [[spoiler:When the Banzai Bill explodes in the warp pipe, the resulting explosion not only pulls Bowser's Castle into Brooklyn, which results in not only Bowser causing mass damage with his minions and fire breath, but the residue of the explosion ended up crossing over into Brooklyn, causing property damage en masse and likely causing a lot of deaths due to there being no time to prepare for it.]]

* SoOkayItsAverage: This sums up the reception from critics. It's considered to be a fun and wonderfully animated movie that perfectly captures the spirit of the games and is backed by enjoyable vocal performances from the cast (with Creator/JackBlack as Bowser being a particular stand out). However, it is held back by underdeveloped characters, pacing issues, a short running time, and a perceived [[PanderingToTheBase overindulgence in fan service and references to the games]]. Tellingly, the Tomatometer on Rotten Tomatoes is roughly around the middle (59%), reflecting this. That said, [[CriticalDissonance fans and general audiences have been more positive about it]] and have accused critics [[ItsNotSupposedToWinOscars of being too harsh on the film]], with some arguing this is to the film's [[Administrivia/TropesAreTools benefit]], as it doesn't try to strive to be anything more than a serviceable, but fun kids' movie that is faithful to the ''Mario'' games, which many appreciate, especially after [[Film/SuperMarioBros1993 how poorly the previous attempt at adapting Mario went.]]

* SoOkayItsAverage: This sums up the reception from critics. It's considered to be a fun and wonderfully animated movie that perfectly captures the spirit of the games and is backed by enjoyable vocal performances from the cast (with Creator/JackBlack as Bowser being a particular stand out). However, it is held back by underdeveloped characters, pacing issues, a short running time, and a perceived [[PanderingToTheBase overindulgence in fan service and references to the games]]. Tellingly, the Tomatometer on Rotten Tomatoes is roughly around the middle (59%), reflecting this. That said, [[CriticalDissonance fans and general audiences have been more positive about it]] and have accused critics [[ItsNotSupposedToWinOscars of being too harsh on the film]].

* CantUnHearIt: Creator/JackBlack as Bowser has been the most universally beloved casting in the movie by far. Plenty of fans have reported that, after seeing the movie and going back to the [=RPGs=] or one of the other games where he has text dialogue, beginning to hear Jack Black's voice in their heads.