The Super Mario Galaxy Movie

There is something almost poetic about the way *The Super Mario Galaxy Movie* expands its horizons as a franchise that, after finally proving itself on the big screen in 2023, suddenly decides that the only logical next step is to leave gravity completely behind. Directed once again by Aaron Horvath and Michael Jelenic, from a screenplay by Matthew Fogel, this sequel doesn’t just aim higher: it explodes outward, embracing a galactic scale that is both exhilarating and slightly overwhelming. Sitting in the theater, I couldn’t help but think back to those first moments when I discovered Super Mario Galaxy on the Wii, to that childlike sense of wonder as the planets spun beneath my feet. The film captures that feeling exactly… but also inherits the same risk: when anything becomes possible, what truly matters can sometimes get lost in the void.

From the very first act, the film cleverly addresses one of the most frustrating aspects of its predecessor by keeping Mario and Luigi together. Chris Pratt and Charlie Day can finally interact with each other in a coherent way, and their chemistry becomes one of the film’s most reliable anchors. It’s a real pleasure to watch them work as a duo, whether navigating through chaotic platforming sequences or simply exchanging banter that feels closer to the spirit of the games. And yet, paradoxically, even as their relationship improves, their narrative importance seems diluted, as if the film itself is more interested in showcasing its expanding universe than in centering its heroes. It’s the strange trade-off of the escalating blockbuster: more of everything… except focus.

Around them, the cast expands aggressively, sometimes to the film’s benefit, often to its detriment. Anya Taylor-Joy continues to portray Princess Peach as a proactive and competent leader, but her narrative arc feels frustratingly underdeveloped, like a subplot with real emotional potential that never quite finds the time to blossom. Rosalina herself is one of the film’s most intriguing additions, bringing a cosmic gravity that contrasts beautifully with the surrounding chaos, but she is ultimately reduced to a narrative catalyst rather than a fully explored character. On a lighter note, Donald Glover’s Yoshi is undeniably a crowd favorite, instantly charming and fitting effortlessly into the group dynamic, even if his role sometimes feels more obligatory than essential. You can almost hear the collective reaction of the audience the moment he appears—and to the film’s credit, it leans into that joy without hesitation.

It is, however, through its visual ambition that *The Super Mario Galaxy Movie* truly stands out. It is, without exaggeration, one of the most visually accomplished animated films Illumination has ever produced. Every frame is bursting with color, texture, and creativity, from gravity-defying landscapes to surreal planetary ecosystems that seem straight out of the most imaginative corners of Nintendo’s history. Certain sequences feel like a love letter not only to Mario, but to the very language of video games. At one point, a chaotic obstacle course unfolds like a playable level, and for a brief moment, the film achieves something rare: it doesn’t just reference games, it understands them.

This immersion is further enhanced by Brian Tyler’s score, which wisely abandons the distracting pop culture shortcuts of the first film in favor of a more cohesive orchestral approach, rooted in Nintendo’s musical DNA. The result is a score that is both nostalgic and cinematic, highlighting the action without overwhelming it. There’s a special thrill in hearing familiar motifs reinterpreted on such a grand scale, particularly during the film’s most ambitious sequences. It’s the kind of detail that might go unnoticed by casual viewers, but which deeply resonates with anyone who grew up with these melodies etched into their memory.

Unfortunately, the film’s greatest strength is also its greatest weakness. The narrative rarely pauses long enough to establish the stakes, develop relationships, or let emotional moments resonate. The introduction of Benny Safdie’s Bowser Jr. holds the promise of a compelling father-son dynamic alongside Jack Black’s Bowser, whose performance remains as committed and entertaining as ever. We catch a glimpse of something truly interesting here, but these moments are quickly swept aside in favor of the next action sequence. Bowser himself oscillates between ally and antagonist without any real narrative justification, a symptom of a screenplay that prioritizes pace over coherence.

This pacing issue becomes increasingly noticeable as the film progresses. The scenes blend into a continuous stream of action, references, and visual spectacle, creating an undeniably captivating but sometimes exhausting experience. It’s the cinematic equivalent of a sugar rush: exhilarating in the moment, but leaving you feeling a bit empty once it’s over. At times, it feels less like a story unfolding and more like a series of increasingly elaborate levels to navigate, each designed to impress but rarely to create a connection.

And yet it’s impossible to ignore the film’s effectiveness with its target audience. The theater we were in reacted exactly as expected, with laughter at the right moments. That undeniable thrill of recognition every time a familiar element appeared on screen. When Fox McCloud, played by Glen Powell, makes his appearance, it’s not just a cameo: it’s a statement of intent, a clear signal that Nintendo is building something much bigger. You can feel the machinery of a future cinematic universe quietly assembling in the background, for better or for worse.

The Super Mario Galaxy Movie is a film that fully embraces its identity as entertainment focused above all on spectacle. It doesn’t pretend to be a story with multiple layers of meaning, and in many ways, it doesn’t need to be. What it offers instead is a vibrant, dynamic, and often breathtaking journey through one of the most iconic universes in video game history, brought to life with undeniable skill and affection. But despite all its technical brilliance and nostalgic power, it never quite reaches the emotional or narrative heights it occasionally hints at, leaving the impression of a film that could have been something truly special… if it had dared to slow down the pace.

The Super Mario Galaxy Movie
Directed by Aaron Horvath, Michael Jelenic
Written by Matthew Fogel
Based on Mario by Nintendo
Produced by Chris Meledandri, Shigeru Miyamoto
Starring Chris Pratt, Anya Taylor-Joy, Charlie Day, Jack Black, Keegan-Michael Key, Benny Safdie, Donald Glover, Brie Larson
Music by Brian Tyler
Production companies: Illumination, Nintendo
Distributed by Universal Pictures
Release dates: March 28, 2026 (Minami-za, Kyoto, Japan), April 1, 2026 (United States, France)
Running time: 98 minutes

Viewed on April 1, 2026 at Gaumont Disney Village, IMAX Theater, Seat E19

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