Directors: Aaron Horvath, Michael Jelenic, Pierre Leduc
Writer: Matthew Fogel
Stars: Chris Pratt, Charlie Day, Anya Taylor-Joy
Synopsis: Mario ventures into space, exploring cosmic worlds and tackling galactic challenges far from the familiar Mushroom Kingdom.
I was surprised, like anyone, to enjoy The Super Mario Galaxy Movie, a far superior sequel to The Super Mario Bros. Movie. The sad part is that the less Mario and Luigi, the better, especially the latter. The sequel levels up, featuring some of the most beautiful and dazzling animation you will ever see, it is, at times, truly jaw-dropping.
There is a kinetic energy to Nintendo’s surging film studio, with plenty of intellectual properties in its pocket. However, The Super Mario Galaxy Movie thrives when it focuses on its supporting characters, even if the obvious goal is to launch a wave of IP spinoffs. For example, like Fox McCloud, voiced by Glen Powell (The Running Man), a desperate-for-a-hit legendary pilot from the Star Fox series.
The action is exciting and inventive, and most of the jokes land, ranging from cute to amusing to downright funny. Above all, the dose of nostalgia, paired with clever ways to blend old-school gaming with modern sensibilities, proves to be a genuine delight. While the film leans into “newer” character tendencies to attract younger viewers, it honors the original enough to embrace both the old and the new with enjoyable results.
The story begins with the introduction of a beloved Super Mario Bros. character who rarely gets her due: Rosalina (Brie Larson), a galactic princess and adoptive mother to the Lumas; friendly, mysterious, star-like creatures who bring new meaning to codependency. A beautiful blonde baddie with striking bangs that cover one eye, she cares for her star-children with deep empathy, proving more than capable of handling herself when things turn dangerous.
Cue Bowser Jr. (Are You There God? It’s Me, Margaret’s Benny Safdie), the new leader of the Koopas, a hot-tempered turtle race. Junior is in constant search of his father, Bowser (Jack Black), who is currently under house arrest by Mario (Mercy’s Chris Pratt) and Luigi (Charlie Day, annoying as ever here). This follows Princess Peach (Anya Taylor-Joy) shrinking Bowser to an adorable size, with help from Toad (Keegan-Michael Key) and his allies.
What does Princess Rosalina have to do with Bowser and the future of the Koopa race? That answer lies in a father-and-son story, one Bowser, Sr. once told his son. Either way, when Rosalina is abducted, the Lumas journey to the Mushroom Kingdom, following her instructions to seek out Princess Peach if anything ever happened to her. This sets Peach, Mario, Luigi, Toad, and their new ally, Yoshida (Donald Glover), on a mission to rescue her.
The Super Mario Galaxy Movie, from the creators of Teen Titans Go! To the Movies, Aaron Horvath and Michael Jelenic, who also helmed the original, work from a script by Matthew Fogel (Minions: The Rise of Gru, The Lego Movie 2: The Second Part). The film capitalizes on Yoshi, a lovable dinosaur with a hearty appetite and a tendency to, ugh, “plop” enemies into tiny eggs, serving as a buffer between the Mario brothers, who remain the driest part of the film.
As I said, Charlie Day offers nothing to the Luigi character other than, to put it politely, a distinct voice that brings a beloved character down, which is grating. Chris Pratt, meanwhile, has capitalized on his The Lego Movie fame, cashing paycheck after paycheck with an animated filmography that is quietly on par with his Guardians of the Galaxy and Jurassic World franchises. Unfortunately, the characters are really straight men for a vibrant supporting cast.
Surprisingly, the most heartfelt story comes from Jack Black’s Bowser and his son, featuring a sweet scene that cleverly sets up the exposition for why Rosalina was taken. That thread drives the film more than Mario and Luigi, who, along with Peach, are given a more standard setup. The third act leans into retro charm that any gamer, and their kids, will appreciate. This is pure family fun and memory lane escapism.
The Super Mario Galaxy Movie is not without its flaws, like thin main characters, which is a drawback. However, the sequel’s plot is unusually heartfelt, with the villains being three-dimensional, which is welcome. Even though the Star Fox character is nothing more than a way to introduce a sequel, the other supporting characters and easter eggs throughout are richly rewarding.
The sequel delivers charm, humor, and visual spectacles, making it a definite crowd-pleaser, even though a third would be wise to focus on improving the main character’s story arc for a more well-rounded, soulful conclusion. Until then, The Super Mario Galaxy Movie is a fun placeholder while we wait for Super Mario Bros. film worthy of the titular characters that fans deserve.
You can watch The Super Mario Galaxy Movieexclusively in theaters starting April 3rd!
