The Super Mario Galaxy Movie (2026 | USA | 98 minutes | Aaron Horvath and Michael Jelenic)
After leaving the theater for the latest Super Mario Brothers movie, I thought, “This movie is cool to look at, the animation is impressive, and the story is thin but harmless, and it’s still a fun time. That’s basically what I said three years ago, the last time a Mario movie hit theaters and I feel the same way with this new movie.
The gang is mostly back together: Mario (voiced by Chris Pratt), Luigi (voiced by Charlie Day), Princess Peach (voiced by Anya Taylor-Joy), Bowser (voiced by Jack Black), and Toad (voiced by Keegan-Michael Key). Missing is Donkey Kong but there are a few additions, like Princess Rosalina (voiced by Brie Larson), Yoshi (voiced by Donald Glover) and Bowser Jr. (voiced by Benny Safdie). There’s a few other surprise characters that I won’t reveal because of the reaction at the preview screening I attended. Plus I’m tired of typing “voiced by.”
This story is about Rosalina being captured by Bowser the Younger and Princess Peach must try to save her. Nintendo canon has no familial relationship between Peach and Rosalina, even though they look pretty close to identical. Rosalina has impressive bangs that cover one eye, like she’s a Green Beret. Anyway, Mario, Luigi and the others involve themselves in the plot to get Rosalina back. Even miniature Bowser is along for some of the ride.
No character is crafted particularly well or has any depth. The only thing we learn about Mario is that he’s comfortably in the friendzone with Princess Peach, which isn’t exactly top secret. But if you show me someone expecting character depth in a Super Mario Brothers movie, I’ll show you a fool.
Still, I found myself having a good time. The action sequences are very cool and there were a few good laughs in there. It’ll probably make a bazillion dollars at the box office and I’m fine with that.
The Super Mario Galaxy Movie opens everywhere on Wednesday, April 1. Literally everywhere. No joke.