Note: this review is guaranteed spoiler-free.
Yoshi in trouble?
“Super Mario Galaxy The Movie” does not aim to tell anything profound or even have multiple layers of meaning. Similar to Nintendo, which prioritizes the joy of playing by relegating lore and timelines to the background, the animated film simply seeks to provide us with a good time filled with stunts, gags, and fun. If you expect an adaptation to fill a narrative gap in the video game saga or tell an emotional story like Pixar, you may be disappointed. This explains why some of the film critics have been relatively harsh. “Super Mario Galaxy The Movie” fully embraces its video game DNA and prefers to draw inspiration from the mechanics and unique pace of Nintendo games rather than the usual codes of family cinema. While films based on video game licenses like Sonic work well using classic adventure movie formulas, Nintendo and Illumination’s choice to take a different path shows that success can be achieved differently with an adaptation that is faithful, unique, and surprisingly free from any comparison.
On the intrigue side, the film retains the essence of the saga with a princess to save. However, here, Brooklyn and the Mushroom Kingdom are left behind as the playing field becomes intergalactic in a universe directly inspired by the “Super Mario Galaxy” games. This sets off a relentless race through the stars, almost without pause, to thwart the plans of the new antagonist, Bowser Jr. The film takes advantage of this to expand its range of characters and introduce several iconic figures from the Nintendo universe, with Yoshi and Rosalina taking the spotlight.
While some characters may have limited screen time, which can be frustrating, each manages to leave an impression. The brotherly dynamic between Mario and Luigi still works well, while the father-son relationship between Bowser and Bowser Jr. cleverly oscillates between tenderness and comedy. As for Yoshi, he effortlessly emerges as one of the coolest characters in the film, closely followed by Fox McCloud, with a surprising but effective appearance. It is unfortunate that Nintendo revealed the presence of the Star Fox games hero beforehand, as the surprise would have been greater, but it can be understood as part of the promotional strategy.
A film that does not go beyond its Peach
For players of “Super Mario Galaxy” who were moved by the little story recounting Rosalina’s tale, it may be disappointing that “Super Mario Galaxy The Movie” does not venture into deeper emotional territory like “Super Mario Bros. The Movie”. The optional fable in the game was an attempt to bring emotion and meaning to the character, addressing themes like grief and loneliness. This vision, led by Yoshiaki Koizumi (director of Super Mario Galaxy), contrasts with that of Shigeru Miyamoto, who aims to keep the universe simple to avoid heavy interpretations. This direction served as the main model for the film.
While a more melancholic approach could have been equally interesting, it is the creator of Mario’s vision that prevails. The film maintains a light and consistently fun tone, never taking itself too seriously, except for a revelation that may stir lore fans. The film can be criticized for a somewhat disjointed second half that veers off in various directions. While this energetic mix remains digestible thanks to good action and comedy management, it can still feel chaotic at times. The numerous cameos are enjoyable but sometimes give a sense of overload.
The ending may appear too rushed, with transitions lacking impact. The film could have benefited from more time to let the events of the adventure breathe. The fast-paced rhythm might give the impression of a film tailored for a “TikTok generation” with limited attention spans. However, it may be seen as the studio’s attempt to capture the dynamic essence of Mario games, known for their fast pace.
In contrast, “Super Mario Galaxy The Movie” strengthens its strengths compared to the first film with more inventive action sequences, even sharper humor, and unwavering respect for the Nintendo universe.
Fewer pop songs and more OST
One aspect that nearly everyone agrees on is the quality of animation provided by Illumination. The visual presentation is a true visual extravaganza, supported by an extremely colorful artistic direction and a profusion of galactic environments. This aesthetic richness is accompanied by remarkable attention to detail, demonstrating a fidelity to the Nintendo universe in every frame. A second viewing may be necessary, as even in the most discreet backgrounds, unexpected references could be spotted.
Despite the mentioned visual clutter, there is undeniable technical quality, staging, and creative scenery. The most significant evolution from “Super Mario Bros. The Movie” lies in the musical atmosphere. While the games feature highly acclaimed compositions, the accumulation of pop songs in the first film did not do justice to Mario’s musical legacy. Brian Tyler’s orchestral arrangements, incorporating iconic game themes, blend seamlessly into the big screen format. The musical fan service is perfectly balanced. A few notes are enough to carry us through the intense moments.
Additionally, the French dubbing deserves praise for providing vocal performances that stand up well against American stars.
“Super Mario Galaxy The Movie” is a generous, colorful, and hilariously entertaining spectacle that prioritizes pure entertainment over any real narrative ambition. This choice may not appeal to everyone, but it aligns with the philosophy of Nintendo and the previous film, remaining consistent throughout. Despite a sometimes overly frenetic pace and a rushed conclusion, it compensates with undeniable technical mastery and a spectacular adventure from start to finish. The greatest success of this adaptation is that it manages to appeal to both long-time fans and the general public (slightly less so to demanding cinephiles). A real feat.
