Based on the beloved video game franchise of the same name, the 2023 animated extravaganza The Super Mario Bros. Movie touts a star-studded cast of some of Hollywood’s most sensational performers including Chris Pratt, Jack Black, Anya Taylor-Joy, and Charlie Day, and brings the iconic mustached character to the big screen. After the disastrous critical and commercial performance of the 1993 live-action film Super Mario Bros., both devoted fans and Nintendo were finally given a worthy adaptation of the enduring video game.
Though it ultimately garnered a mixed response from critics, moviegoers were thoroughly impressed by the big screen spectacle and awarded the animated flick an A CinemaScore, and The Super Mario Bros. Movie went on to gross over $1.3 billion worldwide.
It is the first film based on a video game to surpass a billion at the box office and was the second highest-grossing release of the year, even earning a Golden Globe nomination for Best Animated Feature. Let’s take a look back at the fun and nostalgic adaptation and check out the 12 most quotable lines from the movie.
12 “You just got Luigi’d!” – Luigi
Luigi’s loyalty and love for his big brother Mario was palpable for audiences and the timid-yet-kind character was dealt a pretty lousy hand in the flick, unluckily being transported into the Dark Lands after being sucked into a Warp Pipe. After being imprisoned by Bowse, Luigi (Charlie Day) is stuck in a cage over boiling lava and forced to wait for help to come. The only companion Luigi has to speak to is the extremely depressing and nihilistic Lumalee, which isn’t saying much.
Luigi Gets His Own Zippy Expression
Luigi ultimately does find his confidence in the movie and discovers his inner hero, helping his big brother save the day and protect his beloved city of Brooklyn and its residents from Bowser. When he first arrives in the Dark Lands, Luigi is terrified by the ominous and spooky atmosphere, and stumbles upon some dangerous minions at a graveyard full of skeletons. After he seemingly disarms the creatures, Luigi triumphantly declares, “You just got Luig’d!“, though the victory is short-lived.
11 “Love really makes a guy come out of his shell.” – Bowser
The character of Bowser was given quite the makeover in The Super Mario Bros. Movie, as the villain shed his former dark and spiteful attitude and instead was given a more amusing (albeit still diabolical) persona. The fact that Jack Black voiced Bowser in the adaptation only added to his overall entertainment factor, and his overwhelming level of delusion and massive ego made him that much more memorable, especially while he was shamelessly pursuing Peach.
Bowser’s Painfully Embarrassing Pun
Hoping to win over his potential lady love even though he’s rotten to his core, Bowser tries to woo Peach after the two finally meet in person when he arrives in the Mushroom Kingdom on his flying castle.
When Bowser confronts Peach and the terrified citizens of the kingdom, he tells the spunky princess that he brought her the Super Star as a gift of affection and makes the goofy pun, “Love really makes a guy come out of his shell.” Naturally, Peach isn’t thrilled by his declaration of love and Bowser ends up snapping at his sidekick Kamek over the embarrassing pick-up line.
10 “Not bad, Mustache.” – Princess Peach
Princess Peach is one character in the adaptation that was given a much-needed makeover, as she went from being just a cliche damsel-in-distress to a fierce and capable warrior.
The Super Mario Bros. Movie reversed the roles of Peach and Luigi, opting to have Mario’s younger brother be kidnapped by Bowser and in need of saving while Peach became the fearless leader of the Mushroom Kingdom. When audiences are first introduced to Peach, she is a highly skilled fighter and ready to face Bowser for the sake of her cherished land.
A Fun & Flirty Exchange
When Mario is transported to the Mushroom Kingdom, he is immediately smitten by Peach and goes on a daring mission to train and prepare to take on Bowser in order to rescue Luigi. Along the way, sparks fly between the famous characters and moviegoers watch as they begin to fall in love with one another, with the two sharing a flirty exchange after Peach shrinks Bowser and imprisons him.
9 “Sit, jam with me.” – Bowser
It would be a downright sin if Jack Black hadn’t been able to showcase his musical talents in the entertaining adaptation, and the Hollywood funnyman was given the chance to let loose and belt out a tune when he performed “Peaches.” When his minion Kamek comes to tell Bowser that Peach has been training Mario and is likely up to something, the frustrated villain invites his advisor to sit and play some music with him, turning to his love of singing as a way to manage his rage.
Bowser Breaks Out Into Song
Bowser sang his heart out and embraced his inner rock star during his performance of the catchy tune, and Kamek even donned a blonde wig and pink dress to impersonate the princess. But before he ultimately broke out in song, Bowser cheekily played a little rendition of the Underground theme song and even smashed the cover of the piano onto Kamek’s hands, painfully crushing them.
The exchange showed just how unhinged and angry Bowser was over the arrival of Mario, as well as his unreciprocated romantic feelings for Peach.
8 “It is on…like Donkey Kong!” – Donkey Kong
Seth Rogen brought his lovable attitude and trademark humor to the film when he portrayed the anthropomorphic gorilla Donkey Kong, who wants nothing more than to impress his cantankerous father Cranky Kong (Fred Armisen) and showcase his immense strength.
In desperate need of help taking down Bowser and stopping his master plan, Peach, Mario, and Toad head to the Jungle Kingdom to seek assistance, with Cranky Kong declaring he will join the fight only if Mario can defeat Donkey Kong.
An Animated Reimagining of David vs. Goliath
Despite the massive gorilla being much stronger and far more intimidating than Mario, the tenacious hero agrees to face him in an epic showdown, with D.K. boldly yelling, “It is on…like Donkey Kong!” before charging at Mario with all his might. The fan-favorite character ultimately comes out triumphant against D.K. after a grueling face-off where he is left battered and bruised, using a Cat Suit to outsmart and outmaneuver the gorilla and therefore securing their help against Bowser.
7 “Mama Mia!” – Mario
Another iconic catchphrase that Mario brought from the video games to the big screen was his legendary “Mama Mia!” expression, which fans of the beloved game know is said anytime the hero achieves a goal or impressive feat. The quote pays tribute to the legacy of the game and the saying is hilariously sprinkled throughout the flick at various important moments, ranging from silly to serious.
Mario Loves His Signature Saying
After Mario and Luigi take on a plumbing job at a luxurious apartment building for a wealthy woman and her dog, Mario cries out the catchphrase after the pesky pooch causes pipes to burst resulting in major damage.
He also says the expression while navigating nasty sewers, gazing in awe at the Mushroom Kingdom, and battling it out against the mighty Donkey Kong (among a few others). The animated film didn’t overdo it with the quote and any time it was incorporated, fans couldn’t help but grin in delight.
6 “The only hope is the sweet relief of death.” – Lumalee
One of the blockbuster hit’s most hilarious and delightfully strange characters is without a doubt the nihilistic Luma known as Lumalee (Juliet Jelenic), a blue star who is kept prisoner by Bowser and possesses an innocent, childlike voice that is mismatched from the dark and gloomy things he says.
Lumalee’s morbid musings kept not only his fellow prisoners on their toes but also moviegoers, who couldn’t help but laugh over the profound words he spoke which directly contrasted with his bright and whimsical demeanor.
Lumalee’s Dreary Musings
Lumalee makes the most of his time on the screen by being downright depressing, providing a sense of dread amongst the other captured characters, and he hits the other prisoners with this macabre statement, delivering it with an unnerving giggle and grin. The moment led to an audible groan from the confined and terrified others, making the quote all the more profound and entertaining. Despite not being a main character in the film, Lumalee still managed to amusingly steal every scene he was in.
5 “That is but a taste of our fury.” – King Penguin
The small-yet-mighty King Penguin (Khary Payton) was one of the first courageous characters willing to lead his army into battle against Bowser and his powerful army.
The fierce blue leader and his adorable warriors aggressively pelted their enemies with snowballs in a side-splittingly anti-climatic moment, after which King Penguin nobly stepped forward and asked Bower, “That is but a taste of our fury. Do you yield?”. It showcased how defiant and fearless the King was even though he was woefully outnumbered.
King Penguin Doesn’t Lose His Cool
King Penguin exudes a cool and calm demeanor and never doubts the strength of his devoted army, who are willing to face unfathomable terror on their quest to defend their beloved kingdom.
The scene was very funny because of how serious the character was in the delivery of the line, as Bowser looked on in amusement because he knew just how easily King Penguin’s kingdom was going to fall. The character had admirable tenacity and a can-do attitude that was equally inspiring and entertaining.
4 “That is how you princess!” – Toad
In The Super Mario Bros. Movie, the lovable, adventure-seeking sidekick Toad (Keegan-Michael Key) is deeply loyal to Princess Peach and Mario and is willing to do anything he can to help take down Bowser and protect the Mushroom Kingdom. The plucky and earnest character is Peach’s biggest cheerleader and is always encouraging and motivating his friends on their journey, remaining by their side even when staring down Bowser and his frightening minions.
Peach Dazzles on Rainbow Road
After Mario comes out triumphant in a battle against Donkey Kong, Peach, Mario, and Toad are accompanied by the Kongs and head to confront Bowser, doing so by taking Rainbow Road.
When they are attacked by his army and Koopa General, Peach shows off her impressive driving skills as she masterfully evades Bowser’s forces, much to the delight and wonder of her passenger Toad. He commends Peach on her excellent combat skills and admirable courage, happily exclaiming, “That is how you princess!“.
3 “Peaches, Peaches, Peaches, Peaches, Peaches!” – Bowser
Hell hath no fury like a Bowser scorned, and the legendary villain’s intense obsession with Princess Peach in The Super Mario Bros. Movie quickly goes from flattering to cringe-worthy in zero seconds flat. Jack Black delivered a phenomenal performance as the head-over-heels antagonist, who professes his unwavering love and devotion to the kind-hearted princess in the smash hit song “Peaches.”
Despite threatening to destroy Peach’s beloved Mushroom Kingdom if she turns down his marriage proposal, Bowser still thought he had a shot with the heroine.
Bowser Steals the Show With Love Ballad
Black was actually the one who came up with the idea to have Bowser perform a love ballad about Peach, and the celebrated actor also co-wrote the toe-tapping tune. Bowser passionately croons, “Peaches, Peaches, Peaches, Peaches, Peaches” in the unforgettable song and promised he would love her until the very end, with many critics deeming the musical number the highlight of the animated blockbuster.
Fans couldn’t get “Peaches” out of their head after the credits rolled, and the ballad even went on to garner a Golden Globe nomination for Best Original Song.
2 “Let’s-a Go!” – Mario
Being that The Super Mario Bros. Movie was based on the trailblazing video game franchise, moviegoers were anticipating the iconic brothers delivering their signature catchphrases in the big screen adaptation. Despite garnering some initial pushback from fans, Chris Pratt did a commendable job voicing the mustached-hero Mario and he set out to pay homage to the character’s original portrayer Charles Martinet, giving the overall-sporting protagonist a New York accent.
Mario Fiercely Delivers His Iconic Catchphrase
Mario utters his endlessly quotable line “Let’s a go!” towards the climax of the film, as he prepares to take on the nefarious Bowser in one final, epic battle. He uses the expression as a way to pump himself up and tap into the courage he desperately needs to defeat the diabolical villain after Bowser follows him to Brooklyn.
After taking quite the beating, Mario gets motivated to push on after seeing his commercial with Luigi play on TV, prompting the courageous hero to once again face the tortoise-like terror.
1 “Time, like hope, is an illusion.” – Lumalee
Once again, Lumalee both terrified and amused audiences with his profound thoughts and observations, causing the already frightened Luigi even more anxiety after he is kidnapped and imprisoned by Bowser. After being confined to his own cage, Luigi asks the other prisoners how long they will be stuck and held captive, to which Lumalee provides a dark and hopeless philosophical response: “Time, like hope, is an illusion.”
Lumalee Continues to Inspire Dread
Obviously, Lumalee’s dejected and somber answer to Luigi’s question didn’t go over well with the anxious character, as he began to understand just how perilous of a situation he was truly in.
Lumalee’s thought-provoking observations and overwhelming sense of hopelessness were definitely strange to see appear in a children’s movie, yet the older audience members were left impressed by the character’s foresight. It will be interesting to discover more about Lumalee’s backstory in any future sequels, and what caused his nihilistic nature.
