Review ‘The Super Mario Galaxy Movie’: a nostalgic blast for Nintendo fans

Our two favorite mustachioed plumbers are back – for an adventure that is out of this world.

The events of “The Super Mario Galaxy Movie” take place after its 2023 predecessor. Mario and Luigi (Chris Pratt and Charlie Day) continue to provide security and leadership services in the Mushroom Kingdom, Princess Peach (Anya Taylor-Joy) continues to wear her crown, and Bowser (Jack Black), still pocket-sized after being given a mini mushroom at the end of the previous film, is held captive in what may amount to a Bowser-style dollhouse in the Peach Castle.

In a galaxy far, far away, Bowser’s son Bowser Jr. plots. (Benny Safdie), however, has his own plan that involves kidnapping Princess Rosalina (Brie Larson), the powerful guardian of the cosmos, first introduced in the 2007 video game “Super Mario Galaxy,” and using her powers to fuel his superweapon that will destroy the entire galaxy, as well as freeing his father from Peach’s castle.

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Fan favorites join Mario and Luigi on their journey as old friends like Toad (Keegan Michael-Key) return while they meet new ones like the adorably mischievous Yoshi (Donald Glover).

Anyone under 50 probably has some connection to Nintendo and Mario Bros., which have brought joy to hundreds of millions of video game players around the world during their 40-year existence. Co-directors Aaron Horvath and Michael Jelenic and screenwriter Matthew Fogel, all returning from the first film, are clearly fans of the source material. The genuine affection they must have for all the Mario games really shines through on screen, based on how they can take in so much in 100 minutes.

And what’s amazing is that between all the characters and games, there is still so much untapped material that can be integrated later. Universal and Illumination, if handled right, could be on the cusp of a Nintendo cinematic universe.

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Rosalina (Brie Larson) in Nintendo and Illumination’s “The Super Mario Galaxy Movie,” directed by Aaron Horvath and Michael Jelenic. (© Nintendo and Universal Studios. All rights reserved.)

Like the video games themselves, “The Super Mario Galaxy Movie” is incredibly fun. Jack Black gets some of the funniest material as Bowser, who tries to convince Mario that he’s turned a corner and should be released for “great behavior.” And Donald Glover’s Yoshi is simply infectious.

Viewers will feel truly immersed in the Mario universe with the dazzling, vibrant animation. And composer Brian Tyler masterfully incorporates iconic music from various games into his robust score.

And a disclaimer for the superfans: there are two post-credit scenes to watch – one of which is a hilarious callback, while the other teases an inevitable third part.

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From left to right: Bowser Junior (Benny Safdie) and Bowser (Jack Black) in Nintendo and Illumination’s “The Super Mario Galaxy Movie,” directed by Aaron Horvath and Michael Jelenic. (© Nintendo and Universal Studios. All rights reserved.)

The verdict

Maybe I’m biased, but as a lifelong Super Mario fan, I couldn’t stop smiling. While it doesn’t reinvent the wheel, “The Super Mario Galaxy Movie” is a delight for both kids and their nostalgic parents. Not only does it surpass its predecessor, it lays the foundation for much more fun to come – and we’ll be waiting eagerly.

★★★ ½ — WATCH IT NOW

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