Movie Night Magic with Super Mario Bros: Snacks, Activities, and More!
I love movies, and I especially love movies that are best enjoyed with the people you love. If you haven’t read a Movie Night Magic post on our blog before, you’re in for a treat. I’ve got everything you need to make movie nights amazing for you and your family. Here you’ll find a parent’s guide to the film, ideas for making the viewing experience more fun, and ideas for post-viewing conversations. This week, I’m going to be offering lots of suggestions for how to make a great movie night for your family with the recent family blockbuster The Super Mario Bros. Movie! This movie is great even for those who aren’t fans of the popular video game character, but if you are a fan, it’s a must-see!
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Viewing Guide
Run Time: 92 minutes
Rating: PG
Recommended Age: Common Sense Media’s review says 7+, but we watched this with my sons (who are eight and five) and my daughter (who is four) and they all loved it.
Premise: The movie is based on the popular classic Nintendo video game franchise. Mario and Luigi are super close brothers from Brooklyn who have just started their own plumbing business. Not everyone in the family is supportive, and everything doesn’t start out as well as they hoped. Mario convinces Luigi to try their hand at a massive water leak problem in the New York sewer, and they get sucked into an infamous pipe that brings them to different parts of the Mario Game Universe. Mario lands in the Mushroom Kingdom among the adorable toads and thier smart and determined princess, Peach. while Luigi is captured and brought before the meanest, toughest, and most hopelessly romantic Koopa in the universe, Bowzer. Bowzer has a plan to marry Princess Peach, but it involves him stealing a star and potentially taking over the world and all that. So, Mario, Peach, Luigi, Toad, and all their allies go on a quest to stop Bowzer.
Big Ideas in the Film: Believing in Yourself, Perseverance, Problem Solving, Sibling Relationships
Where to Watch: Prime Video, On DVD and Blu-Ray (find it here on Amazon)
Why Watch: If you are even a passing fan of the Mario games, this movie will give you all kinds of nostalgia. The creators of the film did a great job of crafting a story that feels familiar and keeping the character authentic to the source material. But you’ll also find that there are some surprises too. Peach and Toad in particular have received some updates that make them much more interesting and relatable. And honestly, the scene of Bowzer playing the piano and crooning out his love for Peach is one of my favorite scenes from any movie. But the real heart of the story and the selling point for me is the message shared through the bond between Mario and Luigi. The way they support each other and accept each other and celebrate each other is exactly the kind of bond I hope to foster between my children.
Make Your Movie Night Special
If you want to make an event out of your movie night with The Super Mario Bros. Movie, here are some fun ways to extend the fun!
Get Some Fun Movie Snacks
There are lots of great options for snacks that are perfect for a viewing of the The Mario Bros. Movie. When I planned a movie night with my kids, I went with popcorn and candy. We went to the store and I let each child pick a small candy. I added a small bowl of popcorn for each and a juice box and they were so excited. And if you want to really kick it up a notch, check out these fun Mario popcorn buckets and these cute Mario fruit snacks.
Make a Great Italian Meal Together
In the movie, Mario’s family sits down to a meal of some kind of creamy Italian pasta with mushrooms. Really, you could choose any Italian dish to make together. Check out this blog post from KidsActivities.com for five easy recipes you can make with kids. It includes some for entrees, appetizers, and even a dessert.
Opportunities for Important Conversations
This movie is great for starting conversations with kids about a variety of important topics. I’ve outlined a couple below that I’ve discussed with my own children. For each, I have some questions you can ask to get the conversation going.
Perseverance
- Mario isn’t able to complete the obstacle course Peach sets up for him, but she lets him go on the journey with her anyway. Why do you think she does this? What has she learned about Mario?
- In what ways do Mario and Luigi both have to persevere to overcome obstacles and help save the day? What do they learn about themselves?
- Luigi finds himself feeling scared a lot of the time, while Mario feels underestimated. What is something you’d like to overcome or something you’d like to practice and get better at?
Family Support
- How does it make Mario and Luigi feel that some people in their family don’t think their plumbing business will be successful? Why is is so important that we support each other in our dreams?
- How do Mario and Luigi handle people who criticize them differently? What do you think is the best way to handle it when people underestimate us?
- How do Mario and Luigi support each other? Can you think of anything you could do to support your siblings, friends, or other family members in something that is important to them?
Enjoy your Movie Night!
I hope this helps make your next movie night special and brings about fun family time, extended learning, and important conversations with your kids.
I’d also love to hear from you! What movie should I do next? I’m open to older films or new releases! What’s your favorite to watch with your kids? Drop me a comment and I’ll pick one for next time!
Have a Good Day!
And for more great posts to help you create special family movie night memories, check these out!
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