Notably, the film has received disappointing reviews from critics, with The Telegraph awarding it two stars and the Guardian giving it a dismal one star, both criticizing its inability to capture the charm of the beloved video game. Nevertheless, families flocked to theaters, with one-quarter of the audience consisting of children under 13. Industry expert Steve Buck remarked on its strong performance, noting it’s the largest domestic opening for Warner Bros since 2023 and exceeded all industry projections.

The enchanting game, with over 300 million copies sold worldwide, sets the stage for the film, which follows four misfit characters as they traverse a mysterious portal into the Overworld. While the history of video game adaptations has been fraught with failures, successful ventures like Sonic and The Super Mario Bros Movie suggest that the genre has room for hits. Jack Black acknowledged the significant expectations tied to the film, emphasizing its importance to dedicated fans. As excitement builds around the movie, viewers seem undeterred by critics, finding joy in the camaraderie offered by haunting nostalgia.