The Super Mario Galaxy Movie really doubles down on what fans of both the video games and the first movie really liked. It has a colorful, frenetic goofiness from start to finish, complete with endless fan service and Easter eggs. That should be more than sufficient for its target audience, but for me, it left me feeling largely indifferent.
For my money, it never quite comes together. Instead, it feels like a scattered mix of ideas, pushed forward with a sugar-high frenzy that ultimately becomes tiring.
Chris Pratt and Charlie Day return as Mario and Luigi, the brothers who are once again in action. This time, they’re being called on to rescue Princess Peach’s (Ana Taylor-Joy) sister, Princess Rosalina (Brie Larson), from the clutches of Bowser Jr. (Benny Safdie). He wants to drain Rosalina’s power in order to create a cannon that will honor his father.
Speaking of Bowser (Jack Black), he was shrunken at the end of the first movie and now resides in a cage thanks to Mario and Luigi, but due to some plot contrivances, they all inevitably interconnect, especially when Princess Peach embarks on the mission to rescue her sister with not only Mario and Luigi but also Toad (Keegan-Michael Key).
Donald Glover provides the voice of Yoshi, Â a green dinosaur that aids Mario, Luigi, and the other characters on their quest. Fans of the games will no doubt be ecstatic as this is one of the franchise’s most popular characters, and Glover is decent with the voicework.
The film shifts its focus from storytelling to action, introducing new characters mainly to serve fan service and evoke nostalgia.
I didn’t think the first movie was great, but it was satisfactory enough to mildly recommend. I wish I could say that about this one. There’s nothing inherently wrong with the movie except for its hyperkinetic action.
This film prioritizes style over substance. The filmmakers likely understood that viewers wouldn’t watch it for the story, and if the audience enjoys the Easter eggs, they probably feel their goal has been achieved.
I understand going into a Super Mario movie is a no-brainer. It’s nothing deep or profound; it’s merely entertaining for people who are die-hard fans, and it’ll be entertaining enough for 98 minutes.
As for me, this sequel is more like a video game character that gets killed off but gets another life. Maybe Super Mario 3 will be better.
Grade: B-
(Rated PG for action, mild violence, and rude humor.)
Reviewer’s Note: I saw this movie at the Historic Strand in Jesup.Â
