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Plot Summary

Discover the intricate plot of The Super Mario Bros. Movie (2023). From unexpected twists to emotional highs and lows, this detailed summary breaks down every moment to give you a deeper understanding of the film’s story.


The story begins in an icy realm inhabited by blue penguins, where a formidable ship belonging to the Koopas descends from the skies. Upon landing, the Koopa army emerges to confront the defenseless penguins. Suddenly, Kamek (Kevin Michael Richardson) steps forward to introduce their malevolent king, Bowser (Jack Black). As the penguins make a feeble attempt to defend themselves, Kamek uses his sorcery to cast them aside effortlessly, just before Bowser unleashes his fiery breath to obliterate the penguins’ icy home. The villainous Bowser then approaches a question mark box, smashing it open to reveal the coveted Super Star. He arrogantly declares that no one can stand in his way.

Meanwhile, in Brooklyn, two brothers, Mario (Chris Pratt) and Luigi (Charlie Day), are watching a commercial for their fledgling plumbing business. They are belittled by their former boss, Foreman Spike (Sebastian Maniscalco), but Mario stands up for his timid brother, who often feels overwhelmed. Shortly after, they receive a call for their inaugural job. Unfortunately, their van breaks down, forcing them to dash through a construction site to reach their destination.

Upon arriving at the upscale home of a well-to-do couple, Luigi already stumbles by stepping on their dog Francis’ toy. Mario quickly addresses their leaky faucet, but chaos ensues as Francis chases after them, leading to a series of comedic mishaps in the bathroom that culminates with Mario and Luigi rescuing the dog from nearly falling out of a window.

Back at home, the brothers share dinner with their family, enjoying pasta with mushrooms (despite Mario’s distaste for mushrooms). Their parents express skepticism about their plumbing ambitions and dismiss it as a fanciful dream, which leaves Mario feeling heartbroken. Luigi comforts him, and Mario voices his desire to stop feeling so insignificant. They soon catch wind of a massive pipe burst in downtown Brooklyn, prompting Mario to believe that only they can resolve the situation.

Diving underground as the streets flood, the brothers trace the source of the problem, but they ultimately fall deeper into the sewers, stumbling upon a network of pipes that unexpectedly suck them into different realms.

Luigi finds himself in the sinister Dark Lands, pursued by skeletal creatures known as Dry Bones. Just as he thinks he’s evaded danger by entering a castle, he is captured by little masked minions called Shy Guys.

On the other hand, Mario lands in a vibrant land filled with gigantic mushrooms, where he meets a friendly Toad named Toad (Keegan-Michael Key). Mario explains his predicament, and Toad deduces that Luigi must be in The Dark Lands. Eager to help, Toad guides Mario to the Mushroom Kingdom for assistance.

Upon arrival at the castle of Princess Peach (Anya Taylor-Joy), Peach acknowledges the looming threat of Bowser and is already devising a strategy to face him, particularly after he has taken the penguins captive. Toad helps Mario sneak in to meet Peach, who is thrilled to meet another human. Mario requests her help in locating Luigi, and she agrees, but only if he proves himself worthy.

Peach presents Mario with an obstacle course, easily traversing it herself. She introduces him to power-ups, notably mushrooms, and Mario consumes one that enhances his size and strength. However, he learns that each time he gets hit, he loses that power. After daring hours of dodging perilous traps, he finally impresses Peach, who decides he can help in the fight against Bowser. Leaving the castle with Toad, they embark to the Kong Kingdom, joined by Toad.

Before they set out, Peach demonstrates her unique ability to wield fire using a flower. When Mario inquires about her origins, Peach reveals that she came to the Mushroom Kingdom as a lost child, raised by the Toads before being crowned princess.

Meanwhile, on his ship, Bowser reveals his devious plan to marry Peach and rule alongside her using the Super Star. Later, as Bowser plays a melancholic piano tune, Kamek interrupts with the news of Peach’s sightings with Mario, inciting jealousy. Bowser then captures Luigi and tortures him for information about Mario.

Upon arriving in the Kong Kingdom, Mario seeks the aid of Cranky Kong (Fred Armisen) to recruit his army against Bowser. Cranky dismisses them at first, but when Mario steps up to save Luigi, Cranky agrees—on the condition that Mario defeats his son in the arena.

The arena battle pits Mario against Donkey Kong (Seth Rogen). At first, Mario struggles, but he starts utilizing various power-ups. After a few humorous attempts, including one where he shrinks, he dons a cat suit that grants him agility and reflexes, ultimately outmaneuvering DK and winning Cranky’s favor.

Meanwhile, Luigi faces his own difficulties in captivity, sharing a space with the captured penguins and their king, as well as a quirky and cheerful star named Lumalee.

As Mario, Peach, and Toad gear up for the showdown against Bowser, they must navigate many hazardous encounters across Rainbow Road, evading ambushes from Bowser’s army. During their battle, Peach showcases her bravery by saving Toad from falling off a bridge, while Mario navigates dangerous traps and explosive devices.

Despite their efforts, Mario and Donkey Kong face a tumultuous fall into the ocean, where giant creatures named Maw-Rays threaten their escape. The duo cleverly improvises to escape the creature’s stomach and jet back toward the Mushroom Kingdom.

Back in the kingdom, Peach rallies the Toads for evacuation, but Bowser’s forces catch up with them. Under the threat of Kamek’s torture, Peach reluctantly agrees to marry Bowser. The wedding is interrupted when she unveils her true intentions and transforms using a mystical flower, freezing Bowser in place and igniting a fierce battle.

With Luigi teetering on the brink of doom, help arrives from Donkey Kong, who has been powered-up through camaraderie. Together with Mario, who dons a Tanooki suit to soar through the chaos, they confront Bowser’s tyranny. In an explosive climactic sequence, Mario and Luigi become invincible after touching the Super Star, allowing them to vanquish Bowser and save their friends.

In the aftermath, Mario and Luigi bask in the gratitude of their family, friends, and the citizens of Brooklyn, now heroes for their brave actions.

As they return to their plumbing business, they find themselves happily residing in the Mushroom Kingdom, ready for their next whimsical adventure through a portal pipe.

Mid-Credits Scene: A diminutive Bowser attempts to serenade in his confinement until Toad tells him to be quiet.

Post-Credits Scene: In the depths of Brooklyn’s sewers, a small, speckled egg begins to hatch, and a little voice calls out,…”Yoshi!”

Timeline

Track the key events of The Super Mario Bros. Movie (2023) with a comprehensive timeline. Perfect for understanding the sequence of major plot points, this feature offers clarity on how the story unfolds.


Bowser's Attack

The story begins in an icy realm where blue penguins live peacefully. Their tranquility is shattered when the formidable Koopa army, led by Bowser and Kamek, descends from the skies to attack them.

Icy realm

Bowser's Destruction

As the penguins put up a feeble defense, Kamek uses his magic to swiftly dismiss them. Bowser follows up by unleashing his fiery breath, obliterating the penguins’ icy home and securing the Super Star.

Icy realm

Mario and Luigi's Plumbing Dream

In Brooklyn, brothers Mario and Luigi watch a commercial for their struggling plumbing business. Mario defends his timid brother against their former boss, Foreman Spike, as they receive a call for their first job.

Brooklyn

The Chaotic Plumbing Job

Upon arriving at a wealthy couple's home, things go awry when Luigi accidentally steps on the dog's toy. Mario tries to fix the leaky faucet, but chaos unfolds as the dog chases them, leading to a series of slapstick mishaps.

Upscale home

Family Dinner and Doubts

At home, the brothers share a dinner of pasta while their parents express doubt about their plumbing ambitions. This leaves Mario feeling disheartened, and Luigi comforts him, putting more determination in Mario's heart.

Home

The Pipe Burst Discovery

News of a massive pipe burst in downtown Brooklyn ignites Mario's resolve. He believes they are the only ones who can fix it, prompting them to dive underground in search of the problem.

Downtown Brooklyn

Entry to Different Realms

While exploring the sewers, Mario and Luigi fall deeper into the pipes and are unexpectedly sucked into different realms. Luigi ends up in the Dark Lands, pursued by skeletal creatures known as Dry Bones.

Mario Meets Toad

Mario lands in a vibrant land filled with gigantic mushrooms. He meets Toad, who quickly deduces that Luigi is in danger and offers to guide Mario to the Mushroom Kingdom for help.

Mushroom Kingdom

Mario Trains with Princess Peach

At Princess Peach’s castle, Mario learns about Bowser's threat and seeks help to find Luigi. Peach agrees to assist him only if he can prove his worth, so she presents him with an obstacle course.

Peach's Castle

Allies in the Kong Kingdom

Mario arrives in the Kong Kingdom to seek the army of Cranky Kong against Bowser. After Mario proves himself capable by defeating Donkey Kong in an arena battle, Cranky agrees to join their cause.

Kong Kingdom

Luigi's Captivity

Meanwhile, Luigi finds himself imprisoned alongside the captured penguins and their king. He is tormented by Bowser’s minions while hoping for a rescue.

Bowser's castle

The Battle Across Rainbow Road

As Mario, Peach, and Toad prepare to confront Bowser, they face numerous challenges along Rainbow Road. Peach showcases her bravery by saving Toad, while Mario dodges traps and explosives.

Rainbow Road

The Wedding Trap

Peach is forced to agree to marry Bowser to save her friends, leading to a dramatic wedding scene. However, she reveals her true intentions, using a mystical flower to freeze Bowser and start an epic battle.

Bowser's castle

The Climactic Showdown

With Luigi close to defeat, Mario and Donkey Kong come together to confront Bowser. They become invincible after touching the Super Star and ultimately defeat Bowser, saving their friends and the kingdom.

Mushroom Kingdom

A New Life in the Mushroom Kingdom

As they return to their plumbing business, Mario and Luigi are hailed as heroes. They embrace their new life, ready for more whimsical adventures in the Mushroom Kingdom through a portal pipe.

Mushroom Kingdom

Characters

Meet the characters that bring The Super Mario Bros. Movie (2023) to life. Dive into detailed profiles of the cast and their roles, exploring their motivations, relationships, and arcs within the story.


Mario (Chris Pratt)

Mario is the optimistic, headstrong elder brother who aspires to make a name for himself in the plumbing industry. He often takes the lead, demonstrating a blend of bravery and occasional clumsiness as he navigates challenging situations. His determination drives the plot, and he ultimately rises to the occasion against Bowser.

🛠️ Plumbing 👨‍👦 Brother 🌟 Hero

Luigi (Charlie Day)

Luigi is the more timid and cautious brother, often feeling overshadowed by Mario's confidence. He brings a sense of loyalty and heart to the duo, showcasing his bravery when it matters most. His character growth involves overcoming personal fears, underscoring the importance of supporting one another.

🛠️ Plumbing 👨‍👦 Brother 😓 Timidity

Princess Peach (Anya Taylor-Joy)

Princess Peach is a strong, resourceful leader who is fiercely protective of her kingdom. She showcases bravery and strategic thinking in the face of Bowser's threats. While she aids Mario in his journey, her fierce independence and capability stand out throughout the film.

👑 Royalty ⚔️ Courage 🌼 Kindness

Bowser (Jack Black)

Bowser is the primary antagonist, characterized by his flamboyant personality and overwhelming power. His desire to conquer the Mushroom Kingdom and marry Princess Peach drives much of the conflict. Despite his villainous role, he has moments of humor and charm, contributing to his complex character.

👹 Villain 🎹 Musician 🔥 Fury

Kamek (Kevin Michael Richardson)

Kamek serves as Bowser's loyal assistant and magician. His sorcery facilitates many of Bowser's nefarious plans, and he frequently displays cunning and loyalty to his king. Kamek's presence adds an unpredictable element to the story, enhancing the magical qualities of the narrative.

🧙‍♂️ Sorcerer 👑 Servant ⚡ Magic

Toad (Keegan-Michael Key)

Toad is a friendly and energetic character who assists Mario on his quest. His optimism and quick thinking make him a valuable ally, often providing comic relief amidst the intense situations. Toad's bravery helps guide Mario in navigating the Mushroom Kingdom.

🍄 Friend 😄 Optimism 🏃‍♂️ Helper

Cranky Kong (Fred Armisen)

Cranky Kong is the wise but grumpy leader of the Kong Kingdom. Initially dismissive, he ultimately recognizes Mario's courage. His character adds depth to the Kong Kingdom, blending humor with mentorship as he challenges Mario to prove himself.

🐒 Leader 👴 Wisdom 🥋 Competition

Donkey Kong (Seth Rogen)

Donkey Kong is tough and initially serves as an opponent to Mario, showcasing his strength and pride. Over time, he becomes an ally, illustrating character growth as he learns to support his comrades. His humor and brawn make him an entertaining addition.

🐵 Strength 🤜🤛 Ally 😂 Humor

Lumalee

Lumalee is a cheerful star character who provides comic relief in a dire situation. His lighthearted nature contrasts with the notable peril faced during the captivity, illustrating the theme of hope amidst adversity.

⭐ Cheerful 🤪 Quirky 💫 Hope

Setting

Uncover the settings of The Super Mario Bros. Movie (2023), from iconic locations to the time period that shapes its world. See how these elements add depth and context to the movie’s narrative.


Time period

The movie is contemporary, showcasing the modern-day struggles of two brothers starting a plumbing business while being drawn into a fantastical adventure. The timeline shifts between their mundane life in Brooklyn and their extraordinary journey through magical realms that forces them to grow and confront challenges.

Location

Icy Realm, Brooklyn, Mushroom Kingdom, Dark Lands, Kong Kingdom, Rainbow Road

The **Icy Realm** is a cold, wintry place, known for its blue penguin inhabitants and the attack by Bowser's Koopa army. **Brooklyn** serves as the humble beginnings for Mario and Luigi as they navigate their plumbing business. The **Mushroom Kingdom** is a vibrant realm filled with unique flora and creatures, where Princess Peach rules and trains Mario for the upcoming battles. The **Dark Lands** is a sinister domain ruled by Bowser, characterized by danger and skeletal creatures. The **Kong Kingdom** is where Mario seeks allies against Bowser, featuring its own unique inhabitants. Lastly, **Rainbow Road** is an iconic, perilous route that plays a crucial role in the final confrontations.

🏙️ City ❄️ Icy realm 🌈 Fantasy 🏰 Kingdom

Themes

Explore the core themes of The Super Mario Bros. Movie (2023). From its commentary on social issues to its emotional undertones, delve into the deeper messages woven into the film’s story.


🦸‍♂️

Heroism

The theme of heroism is prevalent as Mario and Luigi transition from ordinary plumbers to brave heroes. They face various adversities, growing more courageous with each challenge. Their journey showcases the importance of valor and teamwork in overcoming evil.

👨‍👦

Brotherhood

Brotherhood is a driving force of the narrative, demonstrated through the relationship between Mario and Luigi. Their bond is tested throughout their adventure, revealing their mutual support and determination as they confront dangers to save each other. It emphasizes that family ties can be a source of strength.

🔮

Adventure

The theme of adventure permeates the film as the brothers embark on a quest filled with fantastical creatures and challenges. Their journey leads them through various magical lands, bringing a sense of excitement and wonder as they discover their true potential.

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