I was excited to see this sequel to 2023 Super Mario Bros. Movie because the first film had been fun and engaging, with tons of references to the original game which I admit to playing as a teenager. After watching The Super Mario Galaxy Movie, I felt like it was a true homage to Nintendo, with even more references to the Super Mario franchise but also to many of the other games within Nintendo. It was super fun and engaging for many of the same reasons as the first film.
The Super Mario Galaxy Movie is an animated adventure comedy film directed by Aaron Horvath and Michael Jelenic and written by Matthew Fogel. The film is based on the 2007 video game Super Mario Galaxy and its 2010 sequel, as well as Nintendo’s broader Mario franchise and is the sequel to The Super Mario Bros. Movie (2023). In the movie, we immediately meet Princess Rosalina (Brie Larson) and the Lumas, stars she raises as her own. She is attacked and taken prisoner by Bowser Jr (Benny Safdie) who wants to use her power to destroy the universe but directs her children to find Princess Peach (Anya Taylor-Joy) to come help her. In the Mushroom Kingdom, Mario (Chris Pratt) and Luigi (Charlie Day) are hailed as heroes for their capture of the miniature Bowser (Jack Black), kept in the castle and go on adventures, which includes befriending Yoshi (Donald Glover). When Peach is asked for help, she and Toad (Keegan-Michael Key) must find the Gateway Galaxy. They leave Mario and Luigi in charge but trouble soon arrives including the enlarged Bowser. Can Mario, Princess Peach and new friends save the day or will Bowser with the aid of Bowser Jr win the day? The film also stars Glen Powell as Fox McCloud, Luis Guzman as Wart and Issa Rae as Honey Queen.
What makes The Super Mario Galaxy Movie so fun is that it doesn’t take itself too seriously but also infuses the story with a lot of messaging about family, friendship and love. Not only do you have the brothers, Mario and Luigi but you also have the relationship between Mario and Peach and while there is no actual resolution to Mario’s feelings for Peach, the friendship between them is warm and caring. Bowser connects with his son but also is changed by friendship with Luigi and finally, Rosalina and Peach are connected as well. The story is not complex but the friendship and caring is well represented. 
The story is fast paced and does not drag. The film immediately pulls you into the narrative where you quickly find out the stakes for the universe if Rosalina’s powers are used for ill. We also quickly find out what Mario and Luigi have been up to since the previous movie. We learn more about Peach’s background and her lack of family. The adventure aspects are fun and engaging with the plot pulling all the various elements together. And best of all, Luigi gets to play a much wider part in this film than the first movie.
The animation is fun and engaging, with multiple references to the 8 bit game as well as some of the other Nintendo games, including Starfox. The designers have given fans bits of animation that match each style of game but are especially good with demonstrating the special effects of Mario Bros and Super Galaxy in how Peach, Mario and Luigi fight Bowser and Bowser Jr. I especially love the big boss fight scene that is straight out of the games.
The voice acting is quality. The emotions each character feels is skillfully performed by the actors. Charlie Day and Jack Black add much of the comedy and humor to the movie but Donald Glover as Yoshi adds in a fun element all his own. Anya Taylor-Joy and Brie Larson are emotional in their performances as the princesses, especially with hidden secrets coming to light about the pair. Chris Pratt is great as Mario, easily tapping into his comedic roots in the role.
Most of my critique is saved for the fact that the plot is not complex and in fact, is less complex than the first movie. While I like the friendship and family aspects, including attempts to redeem Bowser, the story doesn’t try to do too much out of the box. It relies on the animation and fans of the games will thoroughly enjoy that aspect but it does not do much to pull in new fans.
If you are a fan of the original game or you liked the first movie, Super Mario Bros, you will like The Super Mario Galaxy Movie. It is more of the adventure, comedy and fun engaging action from the first movie with tons of references to the game as well as the wider Nintendo world. The actors are skilled in their performances. I had fun and loved the film, right to the very end scenes. It was a great homage to Nintendo.
Rating: 3.5 stars out of 5.
Leave a Reply