Super Mario Galaxy Movie stumbles with critics despite dazzling visuals
The Super Mario Galaxy Movie has arrived in cinemas, bringing a flood of colourful characters and chaotic action. Despite its dazzling visuals, critics have labelled it one of the worst animated films in recent years. The story follows Mario and Luigi as they team up with an unlikely ally—Bowser—to stop his rebellious son and rescue Princess Rosalina. The film opens with Princess Rosalina, voiced by Brie Larson, being kidnapped by a towering shape-shifting droid. She is whisked away to outer space, leaving her adoptive children—the glowing, star-like Lumas—in danger. Rosalina, revealed as Princess Peach's sister, becomes the focus of a rescue mission led by Mario (Chris Pratt) and Luigi (Charlie Day).
This time, Bowser (Jack Black) is no longer the main villain. After being shrunk and imprisoned by the brothers in the previous film, he emerges as a reluctant partner. His son, Bowser Jr. (Benny Safdie), now controls the droid and harbours deep resentment toward his father. The plot never clarifies why Bowser was miniaturised, only that it happened off-screen in the last movie. The cast of characters expands with familiar faces from the *Super Mario* universe. Toad, the Honey Queen, Wart, and even a T. rex make appearances. Yoshi, the green dinosaur in pink boots, also joins the adventure. Yet the film struggles to hold a coherent narrative, instead jumping between rapid-fire references and video-game Easter eggs. The Lumas, a swarm of iridescent star creatures, add to the visual spectacle but do little to anchor the plot. By the end, Bowser reconciles with his son, and the two agree to rule the universe together. The rescue mission concludes, but the film leaves many questions unanswered.
The Super Mario Galaxy Movie packs in a vast array of characters and vibrant set pieces. However, its lack of a clear storyline and over-reliance on fan service have drawn criticism. The unusual alliance between Mario and Bowser marks a shift for the franchise, though the film offers little explanation for its key developments.
