The Super Mario Bros. Movie is a 1993 film adaptation of the popular video game series of the same name. While the film was not a critical or commercial success, it has since become a cult classic, and fans have come to appreciate its many Easter eggs and references to the games.
Here are 10 of the best Easter eggs in The Super Mario Bros. Movie:
- Jumpman and Charles Martinet
In the opening scene of the film, Mario and Luigi are shown playing an arcade game called Jumpman. This is a reference to the original Donkey Kong game, in which Mario made his first appearance. The game is also voiced by Charles Martinet, who has since become the official voice of Mario in all of his appearances.
- Luigi’s Ringtone
When Luigi gets a phone call from Princess Daisy, his ringtone is the music from the Super Mario Bros. theme song. This is a nice touch that helps to establish the film’s connection to the games.
- Punch-Out Pizzeria and Foreman Spike
When Mario and Luigi first arrive in Brooklyn, they stop at a pizza parlor called Punch-Out Pizzeria. This is a reference to the popular NES game Punch-Out!!, in which Mario faces off against the champion boxer, Mike Tyson. The pizzeria is also decorated with posters of Foreman Spike, one of Tyson’s opponents.
- Brooklyn Platforming
The opening scene of the film features a lengthy sequence of Mario and Luigi platforming through the sewers of Brooklyn. This sequence is a direct homage to the many platforming levels in the Super Mario Bros. games.
- Pauline
Pauline is a character from the original Donkey Kong game who made a brief appearance in the film. She is the damsel in distress that Mario must rescue from Donkey Kong. While her role in the film was small, her appearance was a welcome treat for fans of the games.
- Tostarena and Wild Yoshies
In the film, Mario and Luigi travel to the Mushroom Kingdom, which is a world inhabited by talking mushrooms, turtles, and other creatures. One of the most notable creatures in the Mushroom Kingdom is the Yoshi, a dinosaur-like creature that can eat enemies and lay eggs. Wild Yoshies can be seen in the background of several scenes in the film, including the scene where Mario and Luigi race against Bowser’s Koopalings on Rainbow Road.
- Mario Kart Customization
In one scene, Mario and Luigi are shown customizing their karts for a race against Bowser’s Koopalings. This is a reference to the popular Mario Kart racing game series, in which players can customize their karts with different tires, engines, and other parts.
- Rainbow Road Shortcut
In the final race against Bowser’s Koopalings, Mario and Luigi take a shortcut through Rainbow Road. This is a reference to the iconic Rainbow Road course from the Mario Kart games. The shortcut is a long, winding track that leads to the finish line.
- King Bob-Omb
King Bob-Omb is a recurring villain in the Mario games. He is a large, spherical creature with a fuse on his head. In the film, King Bob-Omb is one of Bowser’s henchmen. He is responsible for blowing up the Brooklyn Bridge.
- Bowser’s Wedding
The film ends with Bowser’s wedding to Princess Daisy. This is a reference to the ending of the Super Mario Bros. video game, in which Bowser kidnaps Princess Peach and forces her to marry him.
These are just a few of the many Easter eggs and references to the games in The Super Mario Bros. Movie. While the film may not have been a critical or commercial success, it has since become a cult classic, and fans have come to appreciate its many nods to the source material.