Ask Onix
Mario returns to cinemas with space-themed sequel
The latest installment in Nintendo's animated franchise, Super Mario Galaxy, hits theaters this week, shifting the action from the Mushroom Kingdom to outer space. The film follows the 2023 blockbuster that grossed over $1.3 billion globally.
Plot and new characters
The sequel picks up after the first movie, with Bowser-voiced by Jack Black-shrunk and imprisoned by Mario and Luigi. When his son, Bowser Jr. (Benny Safdie), engineers a jailbreak, an intergalactic chase ensues. New allies join the brothers, including Yoshi (Donald Glover) and Princess Rosalina (Brie Larson), while Anya Taylor-Joy reprises her role as Princess Peach.
Lumas, the glowing star-shaped creatures from the original video game, also appear in promotional material.
Critics divided over execution
Early reviews are split. Some praise the film's creativity and pacing, while others argue it lacks the cohesion of its predecessor. The Guardian awarded it one star, calling it a "bland screensaver of a movie," while The Independent gave it two stars but criticized its "blandness."
Gaming content creator Sophie Keen, known as Cadaea, told BBC Newsbeat the sequel offers "funny and wholesome moments" but cautioned fans not to expect a direct adaptation of the game. "Take it as a nice addition to Mario lore," she said.
Soundtrack and fan reactions
One of the biggest complaints about the first film was its use of pop and rock songs, which many fans felt clashed with the Mario universe. This time, composer Brian Tyler's original score takes center stage, earning praise from entertainment reporter Jonathan Sim as a "gorgeously animated love letter to Mario fans."
Despite the mixed critical reception, some fans, like Keen, prefer Galaxy to the original, citing its humor and charm.
Nintendo's expanding entertainment empire
The company is branching beyond video games, with a Legend of Zelda film slated for 2027 and plans for a Donkey Kong animated series. It has also launched Mario-themed attractions at Universal Studios and retail stores in Japan and the U.S.
Sam Woods, senior reporter at The Gamer, noted Nintendo's shift toward collaboration: "They've opened up a little. They realize what they have and are willing to try different things, which is exciting for fans."
However, some fans are disappointed by the lack of a new 3D Mario game this year, viewing Galaxy as a stopgap to keep audiences engaged.
