Mario returns to cinemas with the Super Mario Galaxy movie, receiving a divided critical response between praise for its visual style and criticism of its weaker storytelling compared to the first installment.
The film picks up where the previous one ended, with Mario and Luigi successfully imprisoning Bowser, before his son manages to free him, triggering a chase across space. Along the journey, the duo meet new characters including Yoshi and Rosalina, in an adventure that expands the franchise into a cosmic setting.
Details
Critics’ opinions were sharply divided, with some reviews praising the fast pace and high-quality animation, while others argued the story lacks cohesion and feels less impactful than the original film.
British outlets criticized the film as bland in terms of storytelling, while others saw it as a love letter to Mario fans thanks to its rich visuals and detailed world-building.
Fans of the franchise appeared more receptive, with some content creators noting that the film delivers an enjoyable experience filled with humorous and heartfelt moments, even if it is not a faithful adaptation of the original game.
The film follows the massive success of the first installment, which grossed more than $1.3 billion worldwide, boosting expectations for strong audience turnout despite the critical divide.
More broadly, Nintendo continues expanding beyond gaming, with plans for new films and entertainment projects, as fans await a new 3D Mario game release.
What’s next?
The real test will be at the box office, and whether the film can replicate the first installment’s success despite mixed reviews.
