Listen to this pitch: a modern film about Mario and his quest to save the princess, with a dirty feel and inspired by films such as “The Bourne Ultimatum” and “Saving Private Ryan“. I know, you’re laughing, right? Not that it isn’t a noble aim, but how do you make the adventures of a guy wearing a racoon suit that allows him to fly into a gritty, serious drama?

University of Georgia Telecommunications students Zack Goulet, Rachel Kohl, Ashley Kruythoff and others in an Advanced Production class were assigned to make a brief action film and have chosen to retell Mario’s story, which wil be called “Level 84”. Goulet, who is directing, says they are trying to avoid the cheesy factor, although “every action film has some cheese at the heart of it”.

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Well, I’d like to see that. I can only imagine the results as hilarious, although I have a feeling that’s not what Goulet is going for.

[ViaRed and Black, Mario art byAndy Frederick— Thanks, Adam]

Superman, Elio, and Glordon all looking up

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A Minecraft Movie cast standing together in Minecraft

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The Fantastic Four and Thunderbolts teams from Marvel