Super Mario Movie to be Produced by Illumination

Here at The Zombie Chimp we don’t really talk about films but this time let’s make that exception. Our favorite iconic hero has been greenlit to have its first Super Mario movie debut since 1993! A tweet from none other than Nintendo of America states that

“Nintendo and Illumination are partnering on a movie starring Mario, Co-produced by Shigeru Miyamoto and Chris Meledandri!”

Illumination is responsible for bringing the Despicable Me trilogy, Minions, and The Secret Life of Pets. The studios most successful film is Despicable Me, and Nintendo wants in on the movie scene. The news is pretty exciting considering that this is going to be an animated adaption of Super Mario. A live-action adaptation of the series is out there, but both gamers and moviegoers only wish to stop its existence. Personally, I feel a sense of thrill and wonder that this is official, but there are high concerns.

Illumination is taking the helm in the making this but as many could point out the studio makes movies mainly directed to children. Prime examples the studio’s films are Hop and Dr.Suess’ The Lorax. Both of these films are only relatable to children and by no means does that mean that Super Mario is something serious. Disney is an outstanding example of making a great animated film that appeals to both children and an older audience. Dreamworks has also done a great job in the past to appeal to an older audience with the Shrek series.

Now, despite Dreamworks, not a having a decent animated project is a story for another time. I fear that the film will not live to expectations or for that matter even be a good movie. It’s obvious that a movie needs to have the fundamentals for it to appeal. From the looks of Illuminations current films The Secret Life of Pets and Sing many will expect a lack of charm despite its best efforts.

Wholeheartedly, I crave this movie to succeed in the best possible way. Maybe the Super Mario movie won’t attain an academy award or even be acknowledged, but with Shigeru Miyamoto as co-producer, maybe it can start to get rid of the stale videogame-movie curse.