The Super Mario Galaxy Movie
review by Bobby Blakey
In 1983 the famed video game icon Mario jumped from a random character in Donkey Kong named Jumpman into his own game alongside his brother Luigi with Mario Bros. Since its debut it has spawned numerous game variations, merchandise, TV shows and a live action feature film. In 2023 the plumbing brothers jumped onto the big screen in their animated feature The Super Mario Bros Movie to big success. Now they are back for the next chapter The Super Mario Galaxy Movie with Aaron Horvath and Michael Jelenic returning to the directors’ chairs.
The Super Mario Galaxy Movie follows Mario who ventures into space, exploring cosmic worlds and tackling galactic challenges far from the familiar Mushroom Kingdom. The film features the return of the original cast and new additions including Chris Pratt, Anya Taylor-Joy, Charlie Day, Jack Black, Keegan-Michael Key, Donald Glover, Glen Powell, Brie Larson and Benny Safdie.
Like most I was a fan of the original Super Mario Bros, but kind of got out of the gaming long before Mario Kart and the other versions of the game. I had a great time with the first film and was looking forward to seeing how much more fun they could get into this time around as they expand the universe. The trailers let out some of the new cast of popular characters from the game franchise and they are all fun new additions that will no doubt keep the hardcore fans happy.
Much like the first film, the visuals are bright, colorful and vibrant, offering up a feast for the senses that keep on delivering from beginning to end. They do a great job of mixing it up with most of the film being colorful and fun but also taking us into the dark depths that brings a fun horror-like element that fans should enjoy although they are toned down this time around to focus more on the space elements. This takes them to bigger and better action sequences and new worlds that expand the universe as a sequel should.
Once again, it brings in the clever classic Mario and Luigi game homages with them running and smashing stuff and using various power upgrades. They did a good job of evolving them to be more confident and knowledgeable of using all the various powers and weapons to the Mario Bros. fans know and love. The first film kept Mario and Luigi apart for a lot of the film, whereas this time bringing them together more than that was a better choice to see them in action together.
Some might be bummed that they are separated from Princess Peach and others for a lot of the film this time around, but it does a good job balancing everyone to have their own time to shine including the newer additions to the cast. Not sure if there are things that are handled differently from the games so can’t speak of that, but I had a ton of fun. Sure a lot of the film feels like fan service and can feel overly filled with one action piece after another, but it works for me Per usual stick around for a couple of mid and after credit scenes that not only sets up more to world of Mario, but maybe a new film on the horizon for another character.
Decide for yourself and check out The Super Mario Galaxy Movie when it hits theaters on April 1st from Illumination, Nintendo and Universal.
