Zero Score Makes This Mario Movie a Masterpiece? Showtime Cinemas Nationwide Draw Crowds – Taichung Locals Flock Here This Weekend!

A crazy trend has hit the movie scene: one critic gave a film "a flat zero", yet cinemas across Taiwan are seeing massive queues, especially at Showtime Cinemas where weekend sessions are nearly sold out. You heard that right – it's the long-awaited Super Mario Galaxy movie that Nintendo fans have been dying for. Funny enough, the zero wasn't because it's bad, but because "the Easter eggs were so ridiculously packed" that the critic forgot to actually submit their score (laughs). This hilarious "zero-score masterpiece" buzz has sparked a must-see pilgrimage. Half my mates are asking: which Showtime has the best screens? Which location still has good seats? Let me, a seasoned local, break it all down for you.

From Taichung Station Front to Taitung: Which Showtime Cinema Is Worth the Trip?

The visual spectacle of Super Mario Galaxy is practically made for the big screen. If you're a detail freak like me – wanting to catch every hidden block Mario jumps on or Luigi sneaking mushrooms in the background – picking the right cinema is mission number one. I've pretty much run the circuit of all the major Showtime locations across Taiwan. Here's your cheat sheet:

• Showtime Cinemas Taichung Station Front: Folks in central Taiwan, don't hesitate. The Laser IMAX screen here is practically tailor-made for Super Mario Galaxy. The brightness and contrast when that Super Star soars through space is just pure joy. Plus, it's super convenient to get to, and you can hang out at Showtime Life mall afterwards. I went last Saturday and even the early evening weekday sessions were 80% full – book online ahead.
• Southeast Asia Showtime Cinemas: Old-school Taipei locals know this one – the iconic spot in Gongguan. After its renovation, the vibe is much classier. No giant screen, but the atmosphere is chill, perfect for hipster Mario fans who want to avoid the crowds. Best part: heaps of great food nearby. Grab a chicken leg roll after the movie – perfect.
• Xinxin Showtime Cinemas: A hidden gem on Linsen North Road. Many cinema connoisseurs (and I mean film buffs) rank its seats among the most comfortable in Taiwan. Super Mario Galaxy runs over two hours, so a good seat really matters. Plus, Xinxin's popcorn is the most addictive I've ever had – that sweet-salty mix, you just can't stop.
• Keelung Showtime Cinemas: The backyard cinema for Keelung locals. After the renovation, the sound system got a massive upgrade. The bass thud when Mario stomps on a Koopa shell, and Bowser Jr.'s mechanical sound effects – they have real depth here. Afterwards, head to Miaokou Night Market for a second round. Basically the standard Keelung night out.
• Taitung Showtime Cinemas: The only major chain cinema in eastern Taiwan. Even Taitung sessions are reportedly sold out on weekends. Honestly, Taitung folks getting to experience Nintendo's cosmic romance on the big screen? Thank Showtime. And right next to Tiehua Village, you can catch some Indigenous live music after the movie – great vibes.

Why Super Mario Galaxy Deserves a Second or Third Viewing: The Easter Eggs Are the Real Deal

The reason so many game media outlets gave this movie a "symbolic zero" actually comes from an internet meme: one critic got so excited after watching that they just scribbled Easter egg locations in their notebook and forgot to fill in the score sheet, so the system auto-awarded a zero. Later they joked, "Too many game Easter eggs – they ruined my ability to focus on scoring." That became the best promo ever.

Honestly, I counted at least 30 tributes myself: from the classic Mushroom Kingdom map layout, Yoshi hiding in the background eating fruit, to the hidden Rosalina dialogue in the post-credits scene. Every detail calls out to hardcore gamers. And the story isn't just a simple Bowser beat-'em-up – it truly brings the gravity mechanics and planet-hopping of the Galaxy series to life in stunning 3D animation. There's a scene where Mario runs around a ring-shaped planet – I was in the Laser IMAX hall at Taichung Station Front and nearly stood up to run alongside him.

Your Showtime Cinemas Super Mario Galaxy Viewing Guide

Since there are so many Easter eggs you'll want a notebook, here are a few tips to make your Showtime trip worth every dollar:

• Timing: Try to avoid the "super peak" hours from Friday night through Sunday evening, especially at Showtime Cinemas Taichung Station Front and Xinxin Showtime Cinemas – these two are packed with young crowds. Sunday sessions after 9pm are the most comfortable – fewer people, quieter.
• Seat recommendations: If you're going to Keelung Showtime Cinemas or Taitung Showtime Cinemas, rows G or H, slightly behind centre, give the best balance. At Southeast Asia Showtime Cinemas, the halls are smaller, so sit at least third from the back to avoid a sore neck.
• Must-bring items: A pack of tissues (not for tears – for laughing so hard you cry) and a small notebook. Trust me, you'll want to jot down Easter egg locations immediately and then jump online to discuss them with fellow fans.

In short: Super Mario Galaxy is hands-down the most underrated "zero-score masterpiece" of the year. And across Taiwan, from north to south, every Showtime location – Xinxin, Southeast Asia, Keelung, Taichung Station Front to Taitung – has its own unique cinema experience. This weekend, grab your mates or bring the kids, pick the Showtime nearest you, and jump into Mario's galactic adventure. And remember: don't scream too loud when you spot an Easter egg.