Just got out of the Super Mario Galaxy movie, the follow-up to the smash hit Super Mario Bros. Movie from 2023, and honestly — if you liked the first one, you’re going to like this. It’s not perfect, but it’s a fun, colorful, reference-packed ride that knows exactly what it is: a 90-minute sugar high made for fans and kids alike. For what it’s trying to be, this is pretty close to perfect.
This movie fully commits to expanding what I’m calling the Nintendo Cinematic Universe. From the moment Star Fox shows up — voiced perfectly by Glenn Powell — it’s clear Nintendo is thinking big. His presence opens the door to endless possibilities, and judging by the crowd reaction in my theater, people were all-in. If they’re setting up a Star Fox solo movie, it’s going to do huge numbers.
The biggest standout, though, is Yoshi. Voiced by Donald Glover, he’s easily the MVP of the movie. He’s adorable, funny, and instantly becomes best friends with Mario and Luigi in a way that just works. Every scene with him lands, and the movie smartly introduces him early so he’s involved throughout.
Princess Peach also gets a strong showing again, with a more story-driven arc this time. She probably has the most emotional weight in the film, especially with the introduction of Rosalina. That said, Rosalina is unfortunately underused. She plays an important role in the story, but it feels like there should’ve been at least one more meaningful scene between her and Peach near the end to really land that reunion.
The movie leans heavily into what made the first one work: fast-paced action, colorful worlds, and tons of references. People will definitely say it’s overloaded with Easter eggs — but honestly, what else would you expect from a Mario movie? The games themselves are packed with references and light on story. This movie follows that same philosophy. It’s Mario and friends doing Mario things: platforming, power-ups, galaxy hopping, and plenty of slapstick humor.
The platforming sequences are especially fun again, and there are even jokes built around classic side-scrolling gameplay. One standout gag involves Baby Bowser trapping Mario and Peach while it looks like he’s literally playing a retro Mario game — a great moment for longtime fans.
There are also more power-ups this time around, which is always a win. Even Toad gets in on the action, and the fight scenes are bigger and more frequent. The Bowser and Bowser Jr. dynamic is another highlight, adding a surprisingly fun layer to Bowser trying — and failing — to be less evil.
The voice acting across the board is really strong too. Chris Pratt, Charlie Day, Anya Taylor-Joy, Jack Black, Keegan-Michael Key — everyone fully understands the tone these movies are going for. There was a lot of skepticism about some of the casting when the first movie came out, especially Chris Pratt as Mario, but at this point it just works. Every major voice performance fits the characters, and the energy they bring helps keep the movie moving at a fun pace.
Not every character gets equal time. Donkey Kong is barely in the movie, which is disappointing, and the ending feels a bit rushed. The film hits its climax quickly and then wraps up almost immediately. Another 10 minutes to flesh things out — especially Rosalina’s storyline — would’ve helped a lot.
I understand the critiques that this movie is very light on story and sometimes feels like it’s just dangling keys in front of the audience — constant references, flashy visuals, and one frenetic sequence after another. I get why some people were hoping for a more depth-driven sequel with more breathing room for the characters. At the same time, this isn’t trying to be a Pixar-style emotional epic, and comparing it to standout animated films that lean heavily on story just feels a bit unfair. Movies like that are rare, and this franchise clearly has different goals. That said, I do think it’s fair to want a little more structure next time — maybe a slightly longer runtime, a bit more character development, and less of a nonstop sprint from set piece to set piece. The ending does wrap up quickly, and I wouldn’t mind seeing a more story-focused approach in a future installment. But going in, I also didn’t expect some massive, complex narrative, and for what it’s aiming to be, I still think it works — even if the lighter story will absolutely be a sticking point for some viewers.
Still, the animation is absolutely stunning, especially in IMAX. The galaxy settings look incredible, the colors pop, and the classic Mario sound effects and music hit hard with nostalgia. It’s the kind of movie where you just sit back with popcorn, soda, and enjoy the ride while catching all the little references and game sounds.
Is it deep? No.
Is the plot complex? Not really.
Is it fun? Absolutely.
This movie isn’t trying to be a character drama — it’s trying to be a bright, chaotic, Nintendo-filled adventure, and it succeeds. With tons of cameos, hints at future characters, and what feels like a clear setup toward something like a Super Smash Bros.–style crossover, the future of this universe looks huge.
Overall, it’s right in line with the first movie. Not perfect, and it could’ve used a little more breathing room at the end, but it’s funny, visually stunning, packed with action, and full of the kind of fan service that’s just fun to see on the big screen. If you liked the first movie, you’re going to have a great time with this one.
Super Mario Galaxy = 72/100
