REVIEW: “The Super Mario Galaxy Movie” (2026)

(Source: IMDb) 

I wasn’t aware until recently that Super Mario Bros. is celebrating 40 years this year. Growing up, it was the first video game I ever remember, the first that I ever played, and the one that spawned what may be the greatest video game ever made, Mario Kart. Parent company Nintendo partners once again with animation studio Illumination for one of this year’s most anticipated releases in this cinematic universe. 

If 2023’s Super Mario Bros Movie largely echoed the video game phenomenon of the late-20th Century, then this year’s Super Mario Galaxy Movie mirrors the numerous spin-offs that have been produced in the franchise throughout the early-21st Century. This 2026 follow-up takes our iconic cast of characters (and a few new ones) to some new places, presenting more of an episodic ensemble piece. Mario Galaxy alternates between mini-adventures of plumbing duo Mario and Luigi (Chris Pratt and Charlie Day), and Mushroom Kingdom Princess Peach and Toad (Anya Taylor-Joy and Keegan Michael Key), respectively, while introducing dinosaur Yoshi (Donald Glover) and Princess Rosalina (Brie Larson), as well as her community of Luna stars. But it's returning Koopa King Bowser (Jack Black, still hilarious) and his son Bowser Jr. (Benny Safdie) who steal the show. 

As is the case with many Illumination projects, the movie is filled with character-driven narratives and numerous Easter eggs (not just Yoshi’s). The use of iconic sound effects and music cues from the games, once again, are nostalgic bonuses for longtime fans, including yours truly. With that in mind, Mario Galaxy benefits from some very creative, elaborate set pieces (including Rosalina’s kingdom, to flying pirate ships, and the inter-dimensional Gateway Galaxy space port with cameos galore). One such sequence (based on one of the film's posters) recalls Star Wars: The Force Awakens, while another ingenious and hilarious scene involves sock puppets. FUN FACT: one of my favorite Nintendo 64 games as a kid was Starfox. So, it was nice to see homages to that world in this sequel. (Equally clever that the filmmakers got Glen Powell involved, as well as some striking 2D animation.) 

The movie somewhat showcases an interesting mythology of stories about Peach, Mario and Luigi, as characters that are tenacious and fierce in their own ways, and willing to help and do the right thing without hesitation. Stories of good versus evil, with visual metaphors of creation and destruction. There’s genuine substance in Peach’s arc, as she searches for where she comes from (ditto the power/magic she possesses), while Mario clearly has feelings for her. It’s hard to tell if Bowser may really be turning over a new leaf, or just putting everybody else on, considering his already-complicated relationship with his son (again, one of the movie’s standout plotlines). The Koopa King’s arc is further layered by Mario and Luigi’s views on the matter, with Mario apparently seeing right through the big guy, while Luigi chooses to believe in progress and change. 

It's fitting that one character says, “Buckle up, it’s about to get crazy!” Considering Mario Galaxy is a very escapist, cinematic experience, full of eye-popping CGI. In fact, this is one of the very few franchises that benefits greatly in 3-D. Ditto some truly impressive long tracking shots involving big explosions, action and mayhem, from fights to captures, rescue missions, and chases. Not to mention some amazing sights/motifs of shooting stars. Make no mistake, Mario Galaxy is fun and entertaining, with some of my favorite moments paying homage the classic 8-bit animation from the original ’80s games. 

But this sequel lacks the boldness, character development (save for, maybe, the Bowser duo and Peach), and investment of its predecessor, which I honesty like more. The movie feels like it rushes at times, resembling dozens of video game levels and places clicked together. Then again (much like Sonic the Hedgehog and Minecraft), this is a tentpole that’s made specifically for fans and audiences much more than critics. At least it’s exciting (if overwhelming) to see kids and families at the movies in droves. Wha-hoo! 

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