Good decent effort and this is a 10 on effort
I can see that you've really tried hard with this. I can understand what you mean by a SMBZ rip-off as I agree that its stupid that people compare all sprite movies to Alvins as people have there own styles.
I also think it was original in the idea that Knuckles should face Mario as with spriting you should think of original fight scenes for characters.
But however, some of the guys do have a point as it does need to be improved like everything else any animator does. I know you hate some of the comments people lefted but I'd like to help and give you some advice:
Listen to critisums and see how you can improve on it, even though you think it does not make sense like the guy talked about the V-cam and 3d effects and stuff. Even though you may not think its right, you'll find that others think opposite and your audience matters.
You don't have to take my advice and I mean no offence, but I am trying to help you! Good luck in the future my friend.