When the first Super Mario Bros movie landed in theaters, I was absolutely blown away. After years of disappointments and ‘meh’ movies, video game fans were finally treated to a movie adaptation worthy of gaming fandom. Somehow, in an instance rarer than finding a baseball size gold nugget, The Super Mario Galaxy movie may surpass its predecessor. The movie not only serves the further the brothers’ adventures, but also to commemorate the franchise’s 40th anniversary. As seen in the trailers, Mario and Luigi are side by side for this film making it feel more like the games that inspired it. Speaking of which, Super Mario Galaxy ups the ante on references to other Mario titles, both blatant and subtle. There are also references to other Nintendo characters, one whose reveal would’ve been better saved for the movie. Even with all the additional characters, the film didn’t feel crowded. If anything, it helped expand the world of Super Mario Bros more than we already know, and key characters were given their moments including familiar baddies besides Bowser and his offspring.
Super Mario Galaxy is visually impressive. All the colors pop off the screen, making you feel like you’re a part of the movie.
The Three Amigos! L to R: Luigi (Charlie Day), Yoshi (Donald Glover), Mario (Chris Pratt), and Toad (Keegan-Michael Kay)
Illumination spared no expense in the details, from how hair moves to how fabric scrunches when it touched or held to how objects react to certain movements. The action sequences were not jarred or blurred despite how many things were happening. You can see everything. Like with previous film, Galaxy is a love letter for fans packed with more hidden gems and nods to the Super Mario franchise. It was such a joy for me to pick out specific scenes and locals from the games. As mentioned before, some of these are right in your face so you can’t miss them while others will be missed if you blink. For example, Wart’s place in the trailer is inspired by the Bonus Game from Super Mario Bros. 2 while Peach fighting with her parasol is taken from her stand-alone title Super Princess Peach. Once again, the orchestra hits hard with symphonic renditions of Mario music from various stages throughout the franchise. It was sheer joy to instantly recognize each tune and be taken aback to the days of playing these games while sitting on the floor picking the marshmallows out of a bowl of Luck Charms. On top of that, there were nods to past Nintendo products as well.
Bowser Jr. (Benny Safdie) poses just as much (if not more) of a threat than his father Bowser.
The casting for this movie is stellar. Chris Pratt seems to be getting in touch with his inner Mario, adding more of the character’s familiar mannerisms made famous by original VA Charles Martinet. It was a pleasure for Charlie Day to have more screen time as Luigi whereas in the previous film the character was largely absent. Once again, Jack Black is ceaselessly entertaining as Bowser. Benny Safdie’s portrayal of Bowser Jr. was enjoyable. I liked how he is just a smaller menacing version of his father Bowser and posed just as much of threat to Mario and Luigi. From star crossing space hero to star crossing space princess, Brie Larson brings Princess Rosalina’s strong will to life, retaining much of the character’s personality. But the biggest surprise is Donald Glover’s handling of Yoshi. His reveal as the voice of everyone’s favorite little green dinosaur was completely shocking, and Luis Guzman as Wart works for some strange reason. It shouldn’t but it does.
From space hero to space, Brie Larson delivers as beautifully powerful Rosalina
Overall, Super Mario Galaxy is a prime example of what a good video game inspired looks like when you get the creator behind the game involved. It is a fun, wild ride that further emphasizes the lore of Super Mario while giving fans the nostalgia fest we are all here for.
