For goodness sake. If you thought it was easy getting lives in 1-1, then you need to check out the beginning of 4-1. Now there is a 1-up factory.
Anyway...
BEST: Super Mario 64. Not only is it a great way for the 3-D Mario games to start, but it's also a great way for me to start gaming in general. There's just something magical about that place. For me anyway.
WORST: Super Mario Sunshine. For every single reason that you folks have already said.
Speaking of underground remixes, can I nominate that?