Bland or fan love letter? The Super Mario Galaxy Movie draws mixed reaction

The iconic plumber makes his grand return to theaters this week with a sequel to the blockbuster Super Mario Brothers Movie.

Three years have passed since Nintendo's beloved mascot was last seen alongside his brother Luigi, Princess Peach, and the notorious Bowser, collectively generating over $1.3 billion (approximately £1 billion) at the global box office.

The Super Mario Galaxy movie, inspired by the acclaimed Wii game of the same name, shifts its setting to outer space while introducing favorite characters Yoshi and Rosalina to the narrative.

Responses to the new film have been varied, with some reviewers commending its creativity and pacing, while others contend it lacks the impact of its predecessor.

What is Super Mario Galaxy about?

Super Mario Galaxy continues from where the first film concluded, featuring Bowser (voiced by Jack Black) diminished in size and captured by brothers Mario and Luigi. The plot thickens when his son Bowser Jr., voiced by filmmaker and actor Benny Safdie, orchestrates a daring escape, setting off an intergalactic pursuit.

Throughout their adventure, Mario and Luigi forge friendships with the dinosaur Yoshi, voiced by actor and musician Donald Glover (also known as Childish Gambino), and the princess Rosalina, portrayed by Brie Larson of Captain Marvel fame. Anya Taylor-Joy returns to reprise her role as Princess Peach, and Luis Guzmán from Wednesday takes on the role of Wart, the principal antagonist featured in the 1988 NES game Super Mario Bros 2.

Promotional materials also showcase other characters from Super Mario Galaxy, widely recognized as one of the greatest video games ever, including the charming Lumas—star-shaped beings encountered throughout the game.

What do reviews say?

The initial Mario film did not garner significant acclaim from critics, receiving a score of just 59%, based on 288 reviews, on the film and TV review platform Rotten Tomatoes. However, audience reception was markedly more favorable, propelling it to become the second-highest-grossing film of 2023, just trailing behind the Barbie movie.

For this installment, critics have expressed concerns regarding the plot and its ability to maintain coherence throughout the film. The Guardian described it as a "bland screensaver of a movie," awarding it a one-star rating, while The Independent rated it slightly higher with two stars yet voiced similar concerns about its "blandness."

A key critique from fans regarding the original film was its incorporation of various pop and rock tracks within the game's soundtrack, with many feeling that songs from artists like the Beastie Boys, AC/DC, and Bonnie Tyler clashed with the Mario Universe. In contrast, entertainment journalist Jonathan Sim notes that Galaxy refines this approach, allowing for composer Brian Tyler's "excellent musical score" to shine. Sim further characterizes the film as a "gorgeously animated love letter to Mario fans."

Gaming content creator Sophie Keen, known online as Cadaea, shared with BBC Newsbeat that she views The Super Mario Galaxy Movie as a valuable additional storyline for fans. "I see it as a nice extra," Keen expressed. She indicated a preference for Galaxy over the first film, citing its "abundance of funny moments" alongside "cute, wholesome moments." Keen advises potential viewers, "If you liked the first film, you will likely enjoy the second," but stresses it should not be seen as a flawless adaptation of the game. Instead, she advocates for appreciating it as a delightful addition to the Mario lore.

Nintendo's future

Nintendo stands as arguably the most renowned video game company worldwide, yet it has been expanding into other entertainment realms in recent years. Following the success of both Mario films, a film based on the Legend of Zelda is set to debut next year, accompanied by planned animations featuring Donkey Kong. The company has also introduced Mario-themed attractions at various Universal Studios resorts, alongside establishing a series of Nintendo-branded merchandise stores in Japan and the USA.

While Nintendo primarily generates its revenue from video games, some fans have expressed disappointment over the absence of a new 3D Mario game this year. Keen believes the movie serves as a "nice way to keep the fans happy" during their wait for the next game release.

Additional reporting by Tom Richardson and Peter Gillibrand

Listen to Newsbeat live at 12:45 and 17:45 weekdays - or listen back here.