When The Super Mario Movie hit theaters in 2023, it took the world by storm, smashing box office expectations and finishing as one of the year’s biggest hits. With over $1.3 billion worldwide, a sequel wasn’t a question of if, but when. It was inevitable.
While The Super Mario Movie sits at 59% on Rotten Tomatoes, I found the animation stunning, with a story that embraces the simplicity of the original game. Let’s be honest, it was always a point-A-to-point-B adventure where Mario rescues a princess. For what it sets out to do, I had a great time and never expected it to reinvent the wheel.
With The Super Mario Galaxy Movie, Illumination ups the ante with bigger action set pieces and even more dazzling animation. It may feel like more of the same to some, but anything that takes me back to a CRT TV and SNES is a feeling I’ll take 100 out of 100 times.
The Super Mario Galaxy Movie sees Mario and Luigi joining forces with Yoshi, Princess Peach, and Toad for a galaxy-spanning adventure that pushes them far beyond the Mushroom Kingdom. Along the way, they cross paths with Rosalina as they gear up for a showdown with Bowser and Bowser Jr.
Matthew Fogel’s screenplay leans into nostalgia, understanding the franchise’s deep-rooted connection with its audience while welcoming a new generation of fans. It isn’t aiming to be a grand, life-affirming story, but pure escapism. That approach doesn’t always land, but when it does, it delivers a charming, whimsical ride.
What works best is the film’s expansion of the galaxy and its vibrant, eye-popping animation. This may be one of the studio’s best-looking efforts yet, with The Super Mario Galaxy Movie feeling even more visually alive than its already stunning predecessor. Pulling back on the over abundant use of needle drops in favor of Brian Tyler’s more traditional score is also a major win. Where the first film occasionally felt tonally off, this approach adds a level of cohesion that truly elevates the experience.
As expected, the voice cast delivers across the board. Chris Pratt is still a solid Mario, but Charlie Day and Anya Taylor-Joy really shine here. Donald Glover taps into a Groot-like tone for Yoshi, and it works surprisingly well. The real standout, though, is Jack Black and Bennie Safdie as Bowser and Bowser Jr., whose dynamic brings a fun and surprisingly effective emotional layer. Brie Larson’s Rosalina is good, but frustratingly underused, making her one of the film’s biggest missed opportunities.
At the end of the day, The Super Mario Galaxy Movie doesn’t necessarily fix the frustrations that held the first film back. The story still leans thin, certain characters feel underutilized, and those looking for something deeper won’t suddenly find it here. But what it does do is double down on what already worked: dazzling animation, nostalgic charm, and a sense of pure, uncomplicated fun. This isn’t a film that’s going to win over its skeptics, but for those already on board, especially longtime gamers, this is a ride that only gets bigger, brighter, and more confident. If the first film got you on the train, just know this sequel isn’t losing any passengers anytime soon, it’s simply picking up speed.
