The Super Mario Galaxy Movie (2026) [Film Review]: Big, Bright, and Surprisingly Thin

The Super Mario Galaxy Movie tries to expand the world of Nintendo’s most famous hero, but the result feels more like a fast-moving showcase than a fully satisfying sequel. Directed by Aaron Horvath, Michael Jelenic, and Pierre Leduc, the film has the glossy look and easy charm that audiences expect from a big animated franchise, yet it also carries the same major weakness as its predecessor: it moves so quickly that very little has time to breathe.

This time, the story sends Mario, Luigi, Princess Peach, and their allies into a cosmic conflict involving Bowser Jr., Rosalina, and a universe-wide threat. On paper, the setup sounds bigger and more imaginative than the first film. In execution, however, the movie often feels like it is sprinting from one reference, one joke, and one action beat to the next without building real tension or emotional payoff.

A Plot That Keeps Skipping the Good Part

The screenplay piles up events, but not enough meaning

Written by Matthew Fogel, the film suffers from a rushed and fragmented structure. Instead of developing its characters or giving key relationships room to grow, it treats each scene like a brief stop on a theme-park ride. Rosalina, voiced by Brie Larson, is introduced with promise, but the movie never fully commits to her importance. She feels more like a major piece of marketing than a fully explored character.

The same problem affects the rest of the ensemble. Mario and Luigi remain easy to watch, but their bond is not pushed into anything fresh. Yoshi’s sudden arrival adds energy, yet the film barely pauses long enough to let the audience connect with him. Even Bowser, voiced by Jack Black, is pulled into a small-scale emotional arc that feels undercooked. There are hints of more interesting ideas, but the script is too busy racing ahead to develop them properly.

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Voice Cast and Character Work Leave Mixed Impressions

Strong names are here, but the performances are often trapped by thin writing

The cast is loaded with talent, including Chris Pratt, Charlie Day, Donald Glover, Keegan-Michael Key, Jack Black, Benny Safdie, Kevin Michael Richardson, Luis Guzmán, and others, but the film does not give most of them enough to do. Pratt’s Mario again feels serviceable rather than memorable, while Day’s Luigi remains one of the more expressive parts of the movie. Black, meanwhile, is fun in small bursts, though the film’s decision to shrink his presence undercuts some of his comic value.

There are moments where the voice cast sparks to life, but they are too often interrupted by another quick gag or another visual detour. Instead of letting character interactions land naturally, the movie keeps cutting away before any emotional rhythm can settle in.

Visual Polish Without Enough Pause

The animation is attractive, but the film rarely slows down enough to admire it

If there is one area where The Super Mario Galaxy Movie consistently succeeds, it is presentation. The animation is colorful, detailed, and lively, with bright cosmic landscapes and playful Nintendo-inspired design work. The film knows how to look expensive and appealing. Yet even here, the biggest strength comes with a limitation: the movie often rushes past its most impressive images before they can truly register.

The soundtrack and sound design do a decent job of keeping the energy high, and longtime fans will likely enjoy the many recognizable nods to Nintendo history. Still, the film leans heavily on recognition as a substitute for creativity. Easter eggs, visual callbacks, and familiar sound cues may generate quick excitement, but they do not replace storytelling.

Final Verdict

A cheerful but overstuffed adventure that plays it safe when it should have aimed higher

The Super Mario Galaxy Movie is entertaining in bursts, but it never fully escapes the problem of feeling overly cautious and too dependent on fan service. It has charm, style, and enough energy to keep younger audiences engaged, yet it lacks the storytelling depth and emotional weight that could have made it truly special. For all its cosmic scale, the movie still feels small where it matters most.

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Rating: 5.5/10

A bright, brisk, and watchable animated sequel that reaches for adventure but lands closer to a glossy, overstuffed diversion.