Digest

This podcast episode offers a deep dive into the 1993 "Super Mario Bros." film, a movie widely considered a critical and commercial failure. The hosts, joined by guest Jenny Slate, express bewilderment at the film's bizarre opening, its departure from the beloved video game's core elements, and the surprising revelation that star Bob Hoskins was unaware it was based on a game until mid-production. They dissect the unconventional premise involving dinosaurs and parallel dimensions, the confusing portrayal of the Mario Bros. as plumbers with questionable relationships, and the heavy reliance on Italian stereotypes. The discussion touches upon the film's surprisingly adult and dark themes, its strange plot points like the devolution machine and sentient goo, and the peculiar character dynamics. The hosts also critique the exposition-heavy scenes, editing issues, and the ambiguous nature of the evolved dinosaurs. Bob Hoskins's commitment to his role despite his later regret is acknowledged, as is the film's failure to incorporate iconic game mechanics. The episode further explores bizarre scenes like the "Kuba Coins" and Mojo Nixon's transformation, the peculiar weakness of Goombas to dancing, and Dennis Hopper's intense performance. Audience questions about election posters, King Koopa's pizza obsession, and the controversial "9/11" scene are addressed. Ultimately, the film's financial underperformance, the origin of the iconic suits, and the existence of a passionate fanbase are examined. Anecdotes about the director's harsh treatment of extras and personal childhood memories of the film's unsettling imagery are shared. The podcast concludes with a mixed recommendation, suggesting the film is best watched with a sense of humor and an open mind to its unique, "bonkers" nature.

Outlines

00:00:00

Introduction and Initial Impressions of Super Mario Bros.

The podcast begins by questioning the viability of adapting video games into movies, using "Super Mario Bros." as a prime example. The hosts and guest Jenny Slate share their immediate, often bewildered, reactions to the film's bizarre opening and its departure from the game's core elements.

00:02:40

Casting Choices and Unconventional Premises

The discussion delves into surprising casting facts, like Bob Hoskins's unawareness of the film's video game origin until mid-production, and touches upon other actors considered. The film's bizarre opening narration about dinosaurs and a meteorite, setting up a parallel dimension disconnected from the game, is highlighted as a strange premise.

00:07:04

Character Dynamics, Stereotypes, and Adult Themes

The conversation shifts to the portrayal of the Mario Bros. as plumbers with confusing relationships, dissecting odd character dynamics and dialogue. The film's use of Italian stereotypes and casting decisions are examined, alongside surprisingly adult and dark themes, comparing it to "Blade Runner."

00:13:51

Dino Land, Editing Issues, and Evolved Dinosaurs

The hosts describe the setting of "Dino Land," noting musician Mojo Nixon's cameo and transformation. They point out the film's tendency to over-explain plot points and apparent editing problems. A significant portion of the discussion revolves around the film's depiction of evolved dinosaurs, debating their nature and evolutionary logic.

00:19:16

Character Motivations, Performances, and Game Mechanics Contrast

The hosts explore the apparent animosity towards plumbers and speculate on character motivations. Bob Hoskins's commitment to his role despite his career regrets is praised. The discussion contrasts the film's plot with elements from the actual Super Mario Bros. games, noting the absence of key game mechanics.

00:23:34

Bizarre Scenes, Transformations, and Character Arcs

The hosts analyze scenes involving "Kuba coins" and eccentric characters, commenting on casting and visuals. The focus shifts to Mojo Nixon's transformation via the devolution machine and the nature of Goombas. The Goombas' weakness to dancing and the character arcs of Luigi and Mario are discussed.

00:28:34

Performances, Sentient Goo, and Bonkers Revelations

The hosts analyze Mario's dance with Big Bertha, praising Bob Hoskins's performance, and comment on Dennis Hopper's committed portrayal of the villain. The discussion centers on sentient goo, revealed to be the former king, and its connection to mushrooms, culminating in a bizarre reunion with Samantha Mathis's father.

00:34:35

Audience Questions, Financial Performance, and Fanbase

Audience questions about election posters and King Koopa's pizza obsession are addressed. The controversial "9/11" scene is discussed, followed by an examination of the film's financial underperformance and critical reception. The iconic suits' origin and the existence of a passionate, sometimes defensive, fanbase are also explored.

00:42:53

Director's Actions, Personal Memories, and Final Thoughts

A shocking anecdote reveals the director pouring hot coffee on an extra's head, sparking debate about extras' treatment. Hosts share personal memories of the film, recalling childhood fears of its bizarre imagery. The podcast concludes with a recommendation to watch the film in "small doses" due to its unique, "bonkers" nature.

Keywords

Q&A

• Was Bob Hoskins aware that "Super Mario Bros." was based on a video game during filming?

  No, Bob Hoskins was reportedly unaware that the film was based on a video game until he was in the middle of shooting it. His son recognized the title and showed him the game on his Nintendo.

• What was the critical and financial reception of the 1993 "Super Mario Bros." film?

  The film was critically panned and a financial failure, grossing $21 million against a $48 million budget. It is often cited as one of the worst video game adaptations ever made.

• What is the significance of the "election posters" seen in the film?

  The election posters are a detail that highlights King Koopa's rule as a monarchy. When the Mario Bros. win, their first act is to paint over these propaganda signs, signifying a change in power.

• What is the "devolution machine" and how is it used in the movie?

  The devolution machine is a device created by King Koopa that can devolve living beings. It is used to transform characters, including Mojo Nixon, into Goombas, and also to shrink brains and skulls.

• What is the connection between the film's "goo" and the Super Mario Bros. games?

  The sentient goo is revealed to be the former king of the dimension, devolved by King Koopa. It is also connected to the game's mushrooms, as the goo tries to give them to the Mario Bros., and a mushroom eventually helps defeat King Koopa.

• Why are plumbers seemingly hated in the "Super Mario Bros." movie's universe?

  The hosts speculate that plumbers are hated because they are associated with the alternate dimension and may have caused trouble in the past. Another theory suggests it's because they remind the inhabitants of what they lack, like water.

• What was Bob Hoskins's personal opinion of his role in "Super Mario Bros."?

  Bob Hoskins later admitted that he got drunk throughout the filming of "Super Mario Bros." and considered it the worst job he had ever done, a significant disappointment he would edit from his past.

• What is the most controversial scene in the "Super Mario Bros." movie?

  The most controversial scene depicts the destruction of the Twin Towers, which the hosts found disturbing and eerily prescient, leading to dark humor about Osama bin Laden.

Show Notes