If you’re a Nintendo fan or grew up with the Mario Bros. game library, then I’m sure you’ve been waiting for The Super Mario Galaxy Movie with anticipation. Maybe you’ve been wondering… Will it be as good as the first one? Will I love seeing my go-to Mario Kart character on screen? How will they incorporate more of the Nintendo universe and easter eggs in this sequel? I know I was and well, the answers are yes, yes and in so many ways. So let’s-a-go through it!
This second instalment of The Super Mario Bros. Movie opens with the introduction of Rosalina (Brie Larson) and her Lumas and a girl-boss battle between the Princess and Bowser Jr. (Benny Safdie). While there are many side quests and sub plots, the storyline is simple; Bowser Jr. wants to free the now reformed but maybe not for long, Bowser and needs Rosalina’s power to fulfil his life long dream of Planet Bowser so he can impress his father. To our disappointment, he wins and the captured Rosalina seems lost forever until her escaped Luma finds Princess Peach for help and the fun really begins!
As we move through the worlds, Rosalina and Bowser, Jr. aren’t the only new additions; and while Yoshi and Fox McCloud also feature heavily in the galaxy, the cameos are endless! Monty Mole, Pikman, Princess Daisy, Dry Bones, Wriggler, honestly, just keep your eyes peeled at all times and throughout the credits to see how many you can count!
Speaking of the characters, the cast is once again stacked! Chris Pratt, Charlie Day, Anya Taylor-Joy, Jack Black and Keegan-Michael Key all make a return and Larson and Safdie are joined by Donald Glover as Yoshi (yes, just saying “yoshi”) and Glen Powell as Fox McCloud as the movie’s newcomers.
While there have been some who think the fast pace and lack of plot let’s down this film, I think the movie perfectly serves the fans and really, why not!? The plot doesn’t need to be more than it is, we don’t need more backstory or fleshed out family dynamics. It’s simple, it’s fun and it’s entertaining. If you’re looking for deep, dark and philosophical, I’d say you’re asking a lot of a pair of animated Brooklyn plumbers and what’s the harm of a fun, family friendly, nostalgic holiday film?
If you’re looking for a film that is clever in its rearrangement of already known music and material, further world building of a franchise that you may already know quite well and an injection of nostalgia and familiarity to curb any woes, then this movie is for you! The Super Mario Galaxy Movie is now playing in cinemas across Australia.
