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Many are the plans in a person’s heart, but it is the LORD’s purpose that prevails.

Psalms 19:21

⚔️ Violence: Intensity: The violence in this film is notably intense. Contrary to the MPAA’s classification of “mild violence,” we beg to differ. Early on, there’s a flashback depicting Luigi’s troubling encounters with his former boss. The scene shows a kid toppling his castle, narrowly missing him (now this could be termed “mild”).

Bowzer, true to his villainous nature, exhibits blatant violence. He forcefully drops a piano on his sidekick, declaring, “Pain is the best teacher.” He then subjects Luigi to a distressing form of torture: methodically pulling out individual hairs from Luigi’s mustache, each tug accompanied by Luigi’s anguished screams.

Adding to this, there are confrontations involving Donkey Kong that are particularly intense. Mario endures a barrage of physical attacks: he’s slammed against metal, his face is repeatedly punched, he gets battered with a barrel, and is then ragdolled left and right by Kong’s powerful grip before being violently thrown to the ground. While confrontations are expected in fight scenes, the sheer ferocity displayed was surprising, especially for what’s labeled a kids’ movie.

On the brighter side of action, the film also showcases delightful sequences of jumping, running, using power-ups, and even a whimsical race on a magical rainbow. Admittedly, that part was quite a spectacle

🔈 Language: Moderate: The film incorporates a mix of lighthearted banter reminiscent of playful jabs siblings might exchange during a harmless tiff. A standout instance involves Mario and Luigi’s former boss flippantly labeling them “idiots.” While it’s all in jest, it’s worth noting for parents aiming to curate their children’s viewing experience.

❤️ Romantic Theme: Mild: The film dabbles in romance, but it remains on the lighter side. While Mario and Princess Peach share moments of longing gazes, it never dives into deeper romantic territories. On a comical note, Bowzer earnestly tries to woo Princess Peach with his uniquely heartfelt (and to us, humorous) serenades and ambitious plans of marriage. That’s as romantic as the storyline gets.

👻 Spooky Elements: Moderate to Intense: From its opening moments, the movie sets a chilling tone. Bowser is introduced atop a floating, lava-engulfed castle, eerily shaped to resemble his own menacing face. The castle’s fiery eyes and the presence of Bowser’s intimidating minions, including the Koopalings, Dry Bones, Koopa Troopa, Shy Guy, and Hammer Bros, heighten the suspense.

As Luigi ventures into the foreboding Dark Lands, he’s met with skeletal trees, their twisted branches lined with sharp thorns. The pervasive darkness forces Luigi to rely on a flashlight, adding to the sense of uncertainty. The eerie rustling noises in the background soon reveal their source: a Dry Bones that not only pursues Luigi but also eerily reassembles after being knocked apart. This terrifying encounter is only the beginning, as a horde of Dry Bones soon emerges to give chase.

🎬 Nostalgic Notes & Parental Insights:

Step into a cinematic time machine with this film, as it takes you on a nostalgic journey, fusing video game aesthetics with iconic 80s tracks like “I Need a Hero” and “Take on Me.” Amidst the chuckles and throwbacks, there’s an undeniable undertone of intense violence. While the narrative centers around heroes prevailing over villains, the degree of violence and action might be overwhelming for the little ones. However, teenagers and pre-teens might find it more to their taste.

In terms of language, it leans towards the mild-to-moderate side. There are a few phrases that we’d advise kids to swap out for gentler alternatives. It’s worth noting that the mixed reviews might stem from contemporary expectations of PG movies: a demand for sharper sarcasm, a certain attitude, and specific behaviors. This film mostly veers away from such trends, embracing a milder tone — something we find commendable. After all, there’s a charm in films that prioritize clean content over unnecessary sass.

🌟 Final Thought: There’s immense value in films that remind us of simpler times, especially for young audiences. Let’s champion and bring back such wholesome movies for our children. Share your thoughts with us and let’s start a movement for cleaner content!