A Cosmic Adventure That’s Fun, Familiar, but Just a Step Behind
After catching an advanced preview of The Super Mario Galaxy Movie, I walked out feeling pretty much how I expected to; entertained, impressed in moments, but not quite as wowed as I was with the original film.
Let’s get this out of the way first: if you’re a fan of the Super Mario franchise, there is absolutely a lot here to enjoy. Much like its predecessor, this sequel leans heavily into the world-building and charm that has made Mario such an iconic character for decades. And in this case, that world expands in a big way quite literally taking the adventure into the cosmos with the introduction of the Galaxy setting.
Visually, the film is vibrant and creative, with a colorful, imaginative take on outer space that feels ripped right out of the games. There’s a sense of scale here that works really well, especially in how it captures that whimsical, gravity-defying feel that fans of Super Mario Galaxy will immediately recognize. It’s fun, it’s energetic, and it absolutely looks the part.
And once again, the movie is packed with references and Easter eggs. Whether it’s subtle nods to specific levels, musical cues, or deeper cuts from Mario lore, there’s a lot here for longtime fans to latch onto. It almost feels like a game in itself spotting as many references as you can on a first watch, with plenty more to catch on a second.
The voice cast continues to be a major strength. Chris Pratt returns as Mario, and while his casting was initially a talking point back in the first film, he’s fully settled into the role here. Anya Taylor-Joy once again brings a confident and capable energy to Peach, while Charlie Day remains a standout as Luigi, delivering some of the film’s more heartfelt moments.
Jack Black as Bowser continues to be an absolute scene-stealer. His performance is just as committed and over-the-top as before, and you can tell he’s having a blast with the character.
As for the newcomers, the film introduces a few fresh voices that add new energy to the mix. Most notably, Rosalina makes her long-awaited appearance, bringing a more mysterious and ethereal presence to the story that helps differentiate this entry from the first. Her inclusion adds a slightly more emotional layer to the narrative, even if the film doesn’t fully explore it as deeply as it could have.
That brings me to where the film doesn’t quite hit the same highs as its predecessor; the humor and overall impact.
While there are definitely moments that land, I didn’t find myself laughing out loud nearly as often as I did during the first movie. The comedy is still there, but it feels a bit more subdued this time around. It’s not a dealbreaker by any means, but it does make the film feel like it’s missing a bit of that extra spark that made the original such a standout.
The story itself also feels a bit more straightforward and less memorable. It does what it needs to do, but it doesn’t quite elevate the material in the same way. There are moments where it feels like it’s playing things a little safe, especially considering how imaginative the Galaxy setting can be.
That said, this is still a fun ride from start to finish.
The Super Mario Galaxy Movie may not reach the same heights as the first film, but it’s still an enjoyable, visually engaging adventure that fans of the franchise will appreciate, especially those who love diving into the details and spotting every hidden reference along the way.
Rating 6.5/10
