Films for Breakfast

Between A Minecraft Movie flirting with a billion dollars worldwide and Nintendo’s cinematic universe ramping up in full force, it’s almost surprising it took Hollywood this long to realize just how viable video game adaptations can be – when they’re done right. And that caveat is everything. Hopefully, we’ve left behind the era of Paul W.S. Anderson’s Mortal Kombat or 1993’s live-action Super Mario Bros. – films that, in hindsight, carry a certain chaotic charm, but nonetheless sidelined the genre for years. Now, studios are aiming squarely at the fans, prioritizing tonal, character, and lore accuracy; for better or worse.

The Super Mario Bros. Movie in 2023 was a genuine surprise for me. It never quite rose above being a love letter to the games, but honestly, that felt like the best-case scenario for a modern Mario adaptation. It had heart, sharp humor, gorgeous animation, and a surprisingly committed voice cast. With over $1.3 billion at the global box office, a follow-up was inevitable – and now The Super Mario Galaxy Movie is poised to make an even more unfathomable haul.

This time, Mario (Chris Pratt), Luigi (Charlie Day), Princess Peach (Anya Taylor-Joy), Toad (Keegan-Michael Key), and newcomer Yoshi (Donald Glover) reunite after defeating Bowser (Jack Black). But peace is short-lived, as Bowser Jr. (Benny Safdie) sets out to free his father from captivity and restore their family legacy. The result is a galaxy-spanning adventure that sends the crew hurtling through new worlds, meeting fresh allies along the way.

Unsurprisingly, your mileage will depend on how much you already love this universe – and how willing you are to forgive the shortcomings that come with it. Like its predecessor, Galaxy is unapologetically made for fans, with little interest in converting newcomers. If anything, it doubles down on that approach. The film launches at full speed and rarely slows, but in doing so, it sacrifices a stronger narrative hook or emotional throughline. It’s less a story and more a high-energy tour through the Mario cosmos.

There are two sides to that coin. The Mario fan in me had a good time. The animation is frequently stunning, with inventive visualizations of game mechanics that translate beautifully to the screen. Without spoiling anything, the film even experiments with a mix of animation styles, which adds a surprising layer of charm. The action sequences (building on the Mario Kart and obstacle-course highlights from the first film) are consistently creative and exciting, and thankfully, there’s no shortage of them.

But the other side of me found this to be a step down. It’s by no means bad, I enjoyed it, but it lacks some of the heart and humor that made the original click. The film gestures toward emotional depth through Bowser and Bowser Jr.’s relationship, as well as Peach’s backstory, but neither thread lands with the same clarity or impact as Mario’s simple, effective arc in the first film. Character moments feel rushed, and the comedy doesn’t hit as often, largely because the film rarely gives its scenes room to breathe.

In the end, this is closer to what I expected from the first movie before being pleasantly surprised; an average animated film elevated by the strength of its world and characters. As a Mario fan, I had a blast. But I do wish it had anchored its spectacle in a more focused character journey. Amid all the vibrant world-building and relentless action, the heart feels a bit lost this time around. Still, if you’re looking to spend another 90 minutes in the world of Mario, and beyond, it’s an easy, enjoyable ride.