The Super Mario Galaxy Movie arrives in theaters this week with a 44% Rotten Tomatoes score, failing to improve on its predecessor's 59% rating despite packing more Nintendo references than ever before.
Universal Pictures' animated sequel introduces Yoshi for the first time in the film series, voiced by Donald Glover, alongside returning stars Chris Pratt as Mario and Anya Taylor-Joy as Princess Peach. Bowser Jr., voiced by Benny Safdie, kidnaps Princess Rosalina (Brie Larson) to win his father's approval, setting up a galaxy-spanning adventure that includes cameos from Fox McCloud of Star Fox fame.
Critics describe the film as "all gas and no brakes" after its opening scene, rushing through spectacular visuals and game references without establishing meaningful stakes or character development.
"a threadbare adventure that's all video-game Easter eggs,"
while
The Guardian dismisses it as "a bland screensaver of a movie."Two post-credits scenes hint at future franchise expansion, featuring Fox McCloud and Toad escaping prison alongside Lumalee tormenting them with ominous dialogue about death. The mid-credits sequence reveals Princess Daisy for the first time in the film series.
Despite critical reservations, Game Informer notes the sequel "carries forward the momentum of the first entry" with relentless energy and creativity aimed squarely at Nintendo fans. The original 2023 film earned $1.3 billion worldwide, setting expectations high for this follow-up.
Reviewers agree adult non-fans will find little beyond star-studded voice casting, while franchise devotees receive exactly what they expect: vivid worlds, memorable characters, and countless references pulled from across Mario's history since his 2007 Galaxy debut.
The Super Mario Galaxy Movie opened in theaters on Wednesday.
