Wondering if The Super Mario Bros. Movie is ok for kids? Perhaps it won’t capture the nostalgia for all adults, but for families and kids, it’s a safe choice for Nintendo and Super Mario Bros fans. Here’s what parents need to know in this Super Marios Bros Movie Parents Guide.
Super Mario Bros. Movie (2023) Parents Guide: Is it Kid Friendly?
Our favorite characters from the popular video game, Super Mario Bros., from Nintendo are now on the big screen. While working underground to fix a water main, Brooklyn plumbers Mario (Chris Pratt) and brother Luigi (Charlie Day) are transported down a mysterious pipe and wander into a magical new world.
However, the brothers get separated and Mario embarks on an epic quest to find Luigi in the Dark Lands. With the assistance of a Mushroom Kingdom resident Toad (Keegan-Michael Key) and some training from the strong-willed ruler of the Mushroom Kingdom, Princess Peach (Anya Taylor-Joy), Mario taps into his own power. Mario must also stop Bowser (Jack Black) from taking over the world.
Parents need to know that the Super Mario Bros. Movie is kid friendly for kids ages 6 and up.
Age Rating: Why is The Super Mario Bros. Movie Rated PG?
The Super Mario Bros. Movie is rated PG by the MPAA for mild violence and action which means some content may not be suitable for all kids.
Language in The Super Mario Bros Movie
There is no profanity, but you can expect to hear PG-rated words like dumb, stupid, idiot and shut up which young kids may repeat. Language is pretty mild in The Super Mario Bros. Movie.
Violence: Is The Super Mario Bros Movie Too Scary for Kids?
While there is some mild violence and action, there is nothing too scary for younger kids in The Super Mario Bros. Movie. Be aware that there are a couple jump scares.
Animated violence includes use of weapons, fighting, punching, slapping, explosions, scary creatures like skeleton zombies, and characters in danger. Characters fall from high places. One character threatens to kill others.
Some menacing music can be scary.
Mature Content: Is The Super Mario Bros Movie OK for Kids?
There are themes of love and marriage in the film, but no sexual content. Characters are romantically interested in Princess Peach.
Characters are bullied.
There are references to ritual sacrifices and some potty humor.
There is no alcohol use or drug use, unless you call magic mushrooms drugs.
Is The Super Mario Bros Movie Appropriate for Kids Under 8?
You can expect to hear some mild insults and see some scary creatures, action sequences, characters in peril, and cartoon violence. To sum it up, The Super Mario Bros. Movie is kid friendly for kids ages 6 and older. Younger kids could also watch if they are familiar with the characters and are fans of the video game.
At a little over 90 minutes, the length of the movie works for younger kids, too. This is a film the whole family can enjoy together in the theaters. Just be mindful of some of the action for kids sensitive to violence.
The storyline is simple, but nothing too exciting. It may not be enough to entertain the adults in the room, but the visuals are bright and the animation is crisp. You are transported into the video game with the worlds we’ve grown to love. It’s a sugar rush for kids (and even some adults).
Jack Black is fantastic as Bowser. Why is it the villains always steal the show? Also, more Luigi, please. Chris Pratt as Mario was fine. Yes, I get it. The accent, or lack thereof, took a little getting used to, but it’s fine.
At the heart of it, The Super Mario Bros. Movie is a movie for the fans. It’s childhood and generational memories. Without that love and knowledge of Super Mario Bros, is the movie any good? Well, it’s ok. Part of the appeal is recognizing the Easter eggs and fan service, and there’s a lot to be said for nostalgia. But it’s a good enough movie to entertain the masses – adults and kids alike.
I’ll add this to my Saturday morning cartoon playlist, but I won’t be petitioning for a sequel. The Super Mario Bros. Movie is a fun, kid-friendly film for families to watch together. Don’t overthink it, and you’ll have a blast. You’ll even get to hear some famous Mario quotes in the film!
