(L to R) Yoshi (Donald Glover), Mario (Chris Pratt) and Luigi (Charlie Day) in Nintendo and Illumination’s ‘The Super Mario Galaxy Movie’, directed by Aaron Horvath and Michael Jelenic.
Coming to theaters on April 1, ‘The Super Mario Galaxy Movie‘ is a follow-up to the box office hit, ‘The Super Mario Bros. Movie‘, and is based on the 2007 video game Super Mario Galaxy and its 2010 sequel. The film features the returning voices of Chris Pratt as Mario, Charlie Day as Luigi, Jack Black as Bowser, and Anya Taylor-Joy as Peach.
Release Date: Apr 1, 2026
Run Time: 1 hr 38 min
Budget: $100,000,000
Related Article: ‘The Super Mario Bros. Movie’ Sequel is ‘The Super Mario Galaxy Movie’
Initial Thoughts
(L to R) Luigi (Charlie Day) and Mario (Chris Pratt) in Nintendo and Illumination’s ‘The Super Mario Galaxy Movie’, directed by Aaron Horvath and Michael Jelenic.
Mario and Luigi are back with a few new friends in ‘The Super Mario Galaxy Movie’. It doesn’t take long to realize that this sequel is even better than the first movie, which felt like more of a set-up than anything else. There are infinite worlds and characters to explore now, and with the addition of fan favorites Rosalina, Yoshi, and Bowser Jr., things have been leveled up.
The Lumas in Nintendo and Illumination’s ‘The Super Mario Galaxy Movie’, directed by Aaron Horvath and Michael Jelenic.
Everything seems better this time around, which isn’t to say ‘The Super Mario Bros. Movie’ wasn’t good, because it was, but this time Illumination knows what they are doing and they lean into it. Now that viewers know these characters, they can deliver more action, funnier jokes, and a lot of Easter Eggs that fans will love to point out.
Story and Direction
Rosalina in Nintendo and Illumination’s ‘The Super Mario Galaxy Movie’, directed by Aaron Horvath and Michael Jelenic.
When it comes to the story, admittedly, there is not much of one. It is a fairly simple premise, much like the video games. A princess is kidnapped. Chaos ensues. Said princess is rescued. Illumination knows how to keep viewers entertained throughout the film, however, thanks to gorgeous animation, Nintendo Easter Egg cameos and references, and a whole lot of action.
(L to R) Bowser Junior and Bowser in Nintendo and Illumination’s ‘The Super Mario Galaxy Movie’, directed by Aaron Horvath and Michael Jelenic.
Thanks to those action sequences, the movie moves very quickly. It never takes a breather or slows down, which makes it the perfect film to take kids to. It is funny and sharp witted, as nearly every joke lands. The story itself is geared towards a younger audience, but gamer parents will be thrilled with all of the references that are packed into it.
Cast and Performances
(Center) Toad (Keegan-Michael Key) and Princess Peach (Anya Taylor-Joy) in Nintendo and Illumination’s ‘The Super Mario Galaxy Movie’, directed by Aaron Horvath and Michael Jelenic.
Just as with the first film, the cast never feels as if they are doing impressions of the video game characters. They make them their own, which is what helps this movie to work as well as it does. If that was not the case, the voices would get old very quickly, and it would distract from the story and action.
(L to R) Yoshi (Donald Glover) and the Tostarenan in Nintendo and Illumination’s ‘The Super Mario Galaxy Movie’, directed by Aaron Horvath and Michael Jelenic.
The new cast members stick to this as well. Honestly, because of all the action and chaos happening, there is not a whole lot of dialogue, and when there is, it is pretty basic. Still, the cast all does a great job making these characters lovable and entertaining for kids and adults alike.
Final Thoughts
(L to R) Toad (Keegan-Michael Key), Yoshi (Donald Glover) and Luigi (Charlie Day) in Nintendo and Illumination’s ‘The Super Mario Galaxy Movie’, directed by Aaron Horvath and Michael Jelenic.
There was never a question as to whether or not ‘The Super Mario Bros. Movie’ would end up getting a sequel, and the same is true about a third movie in the trilogy. Considering ‘The Super Mario Galaxy Movie’ not only sets up for more surprises in the end-credit scenes, but is also more entertaining than its predecessor, we shouldn’t have long to wait for the next movie to be announced.
‘The Super Mario Galaxy Movie’ recieves a score of 78 out of 100.
(L to R) Luigi (Charlie Day), Mario (Chris Pratt), Yoshi (Donald Glover) and Princess Peach (Anya Taylor-Joy) in Nintendo and Illumination’s ‘The Super Mario Galaxy Movie’, directed by Aaron Horvath and Michael Jelenic.
What’s the plot of ‘The Super Mario Galaxy Movie’?
Mario ventures into space, exploring cosmic worlds and tackling galactic challenges far from the familiar Mushroom Kingdom.
Who is in the cast of ‘The Super Mario Galaxy Movie’?
L to R: Yoshi, Baby Luigi, Toad and Baby Mario in Nintendo and Illumination’s THE SUPER MARIO GALAXY MOVIE, directed by Aaron Horvath and Michael Jelenic.
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