The Super Mario Galaxy Movie review: Easter eggs over plot
Considering The Super Mario Bros. Movie was a major box office hit back in 2023, it was no surprise that Illumination animation studio ordered a sequel, this time inspired by the Nintendo video game of the same name.
The film picks up where its predecessor left off, with shrunken-down villain Bowser (Jack Black) imprisoned in Princess Peach’s (Anya Taylor-Joy) castle in Mushroom Kingdom. So his son, Bowser Jr. (Benny Safdie), takes over his evil plans and kidnaps Princess Rosalina (Brie Larson) in order to execute his vision and impress his father. Peach, Mario (Chris Pratt), Luigi (Charlie Day), Toad (Keegan-Micheal Key) and their new pal Yoshi (Donald Glover) embark on a quest to save Rosalina.
Much like the original film, The Super Mario Galaxy Movie has colourful, vibrant visuals and is chock-full of Easter eggs to both the Galaxy game and the wider Mario franchise (as well as other Nintendo games!). It’s impressive how it manages to incorporate so many characters – both playable and non-playable – as well as elements from the games, like power-up boxes and sound effects. Fans of the games will get a hit of nostalgia seeing these brought to life on-screen; these moments really take you back and make you feel like a big kid.
However, it feels like the filmmakers were more concerned with fitting in all the references that they forgot about the story as a whole. The overall plot is incredibly weak and unfocused, with side quests and diversions aplenty. But for some, there will be enough individual moments to enjoy that they might forgive the overarching story. Standout sequences include Princess Peach’s epic fight sequence in a casino, and an 8-bit platform game sequence starring Peach and Mario. The way it flips between 3D and 8-bit is brilliant.
The voice cast is insanely star-studded, but the standouts are actually the newcomers. Glover does a fantastic job as the adorable Yoshi (although he doesn’t have much to say), Safdie is a delight as the mini-villain with daddy issues, Glen Powell is the perfect choice for the cocky Fox McCloud and Rosalina’s star children, Lumas, are adorable and hilarious. And of course, Black is still great fun as Bowser, who has a surprising trajectory.
The Super Mario Galaxy Movie may not be perfect, but it is a thoroughly entertaining film with dazzling visuals and a wonderful sense of humour.
In cinemas from Wednesday 1st April