Mario ventures into space, exploring cosmic worlds and tackling galactic challenges far from the familiar Mushroom Kingdom.
The 2023 “Super Mario Bros. Movie” proved that Mario and company could thrive on the big screen with the right approach. Nintendo and audiences in general were understandably hesitant after the disastrous 1993 live-action adaptation. $1.3 billion dollars in box office later, Super Mario is now a bona fide family-friendly franchise. “The Super Mario Galaxy Movie” feels like the moment the filmmakers have come to understand just how expansive and entertaining this universe can be. The result is a vibrant, imaginative sequel that improves on its predecessor and brings all facets of the Super Mario library to life.
Since the end of the first film, the Mario Bros. have been doing their part as superpowered plumbers while assisting Princess Peach in keeping the Mushroom Kingdom safe. Bowser, still shrunken and imprisoned in a tiny dollhouse-sized castle, tries to change his wicked ways. While the narrative is still just a loosely tied-together sequence of events that just happen, like any other Mario game, it’s not as thinly plotted as its predecessor. But don’t go into this expecting something as deep as “Up” or a “Toy Story” movie.
When Princess Rosalina is kidnapped by Bowser Jr., Peach and Toad launch a rescue mission that takes them on a Luma-guided tour through the Galaxy. Mario and Luigi, joined by their new pal Yoshi (voiced by a very committed Donald Glover), take over protecting the Kingdom themselves in a sequence that brings the familiar World Map screens from the early games to life. This is where Galaxy really shines — in finding new ways to bring iconic sequences from the Super Mario games to life.
The biggest addition to the cast is Fox McCloud (voiced by Glen Powell). Fox is a suave, smooth-talking ace pilot who momentarily butts heads with Mario. Seeing his Arwing zip around the mini-worlds of Super Mario Galaxy will be a treat for all Nintendo fans. We also get a taste of Yoshi’s Island when Bowser Jr. turns Mario and Luigi into infants, leaving Yoshi to protect them.
This installment leans fully into the surreal, gravity-defying playground inspired by Super Mario Galaxy. The dazzling visuals capture the dreamlike physics and kaleidoscopic worlds that made the Galaxy such a hit back in 2007. If the first movie proved that Mario can work as a movie, Galaxy is proof that the spectacular creativity behind Super Mario level design provides endless material for the big screen. This movie is a must-see for parents who grew up with Super Mario games.
In Theaters Wednesday, April 1st
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