The Super Mario Galaxy Movie is here, and it’s a world of difference from the first film. Where the first film served to introduce audiences to the Super Mario Bros. in case you had been hiding under a rock for the last 40 years, this film serves to honor fans of the first film and Nintendo enthusiasts alike.

Story and Characters

The film begins with the introduction of Rosalina (Brie Larson) into the Super Mario film universe, or galaxy rather, and her family of Luma stars. They are completely adorable and each carries a childlike sense of wonder. As she reads them a bedtime story about “the plumbers,” they are interrupted by a mechanical giant operated by Bowser Jr. (Benny Safdie), Bowser’s offspring who is set on retribution for his father’s capture after the events of the first film. Having come of age, he is here to kidnap his first princess, and Rosalina is his target.

Now with a kidnapped princess at hand, you know the Super Mario Bros. cannot be too far behind. Mario and Luigi (Chris Pratt and Charlie Day reprising their roles) are dirtbiking through the desert on their way to clear a blocked pipe at a pyramid. When they arrive, they discover the pipe is blocked by none other than a green, dino-like creature who introduces himself as Yoshi (Donald Glover in a very Vin Diesel-as-Groot type role). Why is Yoshi in a pipe? He provides a quick backstory that the brothers do not understand because Yoshi can only say his name in different inflections. It serves as one of the first real laughs of the film, which to this point has been slow moving.

Things pick up a bit as we return to the Mushroom Kingdom with Princess Peach (Anya Taylor-Joy) and Toad (Keegan-Michael Key), but slow down again as we get Mario’s awkward interactions that hint he is in love with Peach. Bowser (Jack Black) is still here and still completely infatuated with Peach as well, only now he is pint-sized after being shrunk by a blue mushroom and imprisoned in a mini Bowser castle.

Nintendo References and Fan Service For Mario & More

With the plot now underway, the film seems more interested in game nods and references than actual plot and exposition, and that may be by design. The Mario property is hot, and this film will make a mint regardless. Parents, who may be just as familiar with the source material as their kids, might find themselves fidgeting and wanting something more substantial.

For a movie called “Galaxy,” it spends a surprising amount of time referencing Super Mario Odyssey instead of the Galaxy games. There are also references to other Nintendo franchises throughout, including an exciting cameo by R.O.B., the Robotic Operating Buddy.

The film really picks up once we are introduced to Fox McCloud (Glenn Powell) from the Star Fox franchise. His backstory is told in a style that mirrors the Super Nintendo era, and it is a standout moment. Fox leads the group on a high-speed space chase to save Rosalina, building toward what feels like an epic payoff. Instead, he is largely left behind once they reach their destination. Powell brings a level of charisma that stands out compared to the rest of the cast at this point, which makes his limited screen time all the more noticeable. It certainly feels like a Star Fox spin-off could be on the table. The orchestral version of the Star Fox music woven into these scenes is also a great touch for longtime fans.

There are other Nintendo references throughout, including a somewhat unexpected appearance by the Super Nintendo Super Scope accessory, which seems to have powers far beyond anything seen in the original games. That is one you will have to experience for yourself.

Visuals and Music

Visually, the film is stunning. It explodes with color on the big screen and feels full of life and movement. It genuinely captures what playing these games felt like, almost like stepping into those childhood memories. The music is also a major highlight. Brian Tyler keeps the energy alive throughout, even during the slower moments, and the score plays a big role in keeping the film engaging.

Final Thoughts on The Super Mario Galaxy Movie

Overall, the film is fun and punchy, especially once it moves past the first act. It is also the kind of movie that benefits from a second viewing simply because there is so much happening visually that you are bound to miss things the first time. The story could be tighter, and there could be more laugh out loud moments, but the ones that land do work. At times, it feels like the film shifts direction midway through without fully smoothing out the earlier pacing.

There is a heavy amount of fan service in this installment, and very little time is spent on backstory. That helps the film move quickly into the main action, but if you are not familiar with Nintendo’s broader catalog, you may find yourself wondering why certain moments matter. That is a fair reaction.

I would still recommend seeing the movie if you enjoyed the first one. It builds on the Mario lore and changes it in some significant ways compared to the long established canon of the games and even official Nintendo interpretations. That may not work for every fan, but it mostly works in the context of the film.

Go see The Super Mario Galaxy Movie for yourself and enjoy a bit of escapism into your formative years. It brings Mario and the gang back together for another fun, colorful, and not overly deep adventure.

Oh, and stay through the credits. There are *two* extra scenes. One mid-credits and one post-credits. Both are stellar!