I’m going to jump right in and say that The Super Mario Galaxy Movie is a film that lacks in structure and a very thin plot but what makes it even sadder is the fact that this feels like a very intentional decision as the film sets out to deliver the bare minimum already knowing it’ll be a big box office success.
There’s a lot of references going on in this movie and at times there is a chuckle here and there that keeps my brain engaged and feeling like I’m watching a good movie and whilst it’s not terrible the whole film just feels very hollow existing only as fan service and a cash grab.
Bowser’s little side story as he battles between his good side and evil side alongside his son is a nice little side-story but it’s crazy how that story alone has more depth than the rest of the entire movie and even that is surface level at best.
It’s visually stunning with vibrant colours and enough action to keep you interested but it never once felt like it was made with love, only made with money in mind with a quick splash of nostalgia for the older viewers and a few comedic silly moments and pretty colours to keep the kids interested.
After the roaring success of the first film they knew a second instalment would do just as well and they were right as it’s powering through the box office to the tune of $777 million. The budget of the film was $110 million so it’s safe to say a third film is already being lined up after this film is 2026’s highest-grossing film so far.
But when you see the film you almost feel sad that this is what movies have become. No substance and all marketing graphs and sales targets.
Cinema is in such a state at the moment with films released. The majority of what is released nowadays are films you’ll watch once and never again, long gone are the days you’ll see a film in the cinema and then go and see it again because it was that good.
Creativity seems to be dying a painful death being replaced with graphs and box office numbers.
Don’t get me wrong, The Super Mario Galaxy movie is entertaining but ultimately forgettable.
The bar is set pretty darn low and sadly that’s a future of cinema we just now have to get used to.
Our Rating
Summary
Colourful, vibrant and fun but sadly lacking any sort of structure or depth to make you fall in love with it. Whilst the tireless hours of the animation team are always appreciated it’s hard to invest in the hollow script and delivery which ultimately makes the film feel like an easy box-office cash grab
