In 2023, the beloved Super Mario franchise made its leap to the big screen with The Super Mario Bros. Movie, introducing the iconic pint-sized plumber brothers to a new cinematic landscape. That universe now expands with The Super Mario Galaxy Movie, penned by Matthew Fogel and directed by Aaron Horvath, Michael Jelenic, Pierre Leduc, and Fabien Polack.
This installment introduces Princess Rosalina (Brie Larson), the cosmic guardian of the stars, whose kidnapping at the hands of Bowser Jr. (Benny Safdie) sets the story in motion. Taken to a distant gateway planet, her capture sparks a larger conflict that ultimately circles back to themes of family and reconciliation, particularly between Bowser (Jack Black) and his son. The film leans heavily into ideas of legacy, connection, and growth, even introducing a mythic twist that ties Rosalina and Peach together as long-lost sisters born of stardust.
The galaxy-spanning world-building is vibrant and imaginative, capturing the whimsical spirit of the games with dazzling color and scale. The inclusion of additional Nintendo characters and stylized 2D sequences injects moments of creativity that briefly elevate the experience. However, these elements also highlight the film’s central shortcoming: spectacle consistently outpaces substance.
The narrative itself feels thin, struggling to support the weight of its expansive setting. Multiple storylines fail to cohere, and the voice performances, despite a high-profile cast including Donald Glover and Glen Powell rarely bring added depth to their characters. Instead, many roles register as fleeting cameos rather than meaningful contributions to the story, leaving the ensemble feeling underutilized.
The film leans heavily on nostalgia, echoing the same formula that made its predecessor successful without meaningfully expanding upon it. While that familiarity may resonate with audiences and translate into box office success, it doesn’t necessarily result in a stronger film.
The Super Mario Galaxy Movie has all the ingredients for something greater, yet settles for something far more routine, leaving this cinematic universe feeling visually expansive, but creatively limited
CHRISKRATING★★
