Hard to say why so many hate this movie - charming sweet, funny lines, over-the-top performances, and a vibe that's a cross between Bladerunner and Running Man. That it came out the same year as Jurassic Park (which I hated) is even more perfect. Dennis Hopper is the ultimate reptilian reprobate - no longer confined to sodomizing cupie dolls in a tiny shack by The River's Edge, but as a real live Kooper reliving his Blue Velvet "I'll fuck anything that moves!" rages. And this is bad? Meanwhile, Goombas dance, a sassy black woman hijacks her scene with rocket boots, and Hoskins plays a better plumber than De Niro in Brazil (another seeming sci-fi cousin).
As this article shows, there was a lot of chaos in making the film. No, there was a *huge* amount of making the film. But they made it. And whatever the box office results (which probably reflected reluctant promotion, not just audience taste) - it's a gas.

And no, I never played the video game - but then again, they made this movie as much for the adults, right? Hey-ho, mammals - get in line - the lizzards are back. And no fast moves.

https://www.theguardian.com/games/2018/mar/22/super-mario-bros-movie-kil...