Rating of
3/4
Fun and Fan Service
Chris Kavan - wrote on 04/15/26
The sequel to The Super Mario Bros. Movie feels very familiar - and that's both a good and bad thing. Much like the first film, this one is packed full of adventure, fun and a whole lot of nods to nostalgia but what it still lacks is that wow factor. It feels too slick, too corporate, too Nintendo - not enough depth to truly make it stand out as one of the best feats of animation. Yet despite that, I still am glad I watched this in theaters as it still packs a vibrant punch.
Picking up where the first film left off, brothers Mario (Chris Pratt) and Luigi (Charlie Day) have become fixtures in the Mushroom Kingdom ruled over by Princess Peach (Anya Taylor-Joy) - helping out and even finding a wayward Yoshi (Donald Glover) along the way. Bowser (Jack Black), still in a his shrunken state, is doing his best to turn over a new leaf but is still having a few anger issues. Meanwhile, far across the galaxy Bowser, Jr. (Benny Safdie), looking to save his pops, has managed to get his hands on a different princess, Rosalina (Brie Larson), whose particular power looks to help him turn his nefarious dreams into reality.
After one of Rosalina's Lumas manages to make it to the Mushroom Kingdom, Peach, along with her most trusted Toad (Keegan-Michael Key) makes for the Gateway Galaxy where they hope to find a pilot to take them to Bowser, Jr's dangerous territory and luck out when, after meeting some new "friends" they run into a true Star Fox... Mcloud (Glen Powell). Mario and Luigi have some adventures of their own after being left in charge of the Mushroom Kingdom after Peach's exit and it doesn't take long for them find themselves hot on the trail - leading to a spectacular showdown that will decide the fate of the entire galaxy.
There is a lot going on - even if the film never gets too deep. There are plenty of Easter Eggs that abound - music themes, characters from just about every Mario game - and plenty from outside of the franchise as well - and even just plain Nintendo stuff. My favorite is probably the R.O.B. assistant in the Gateway Galaxy, which is just hilarious to watch. There is even a nod to The Land Before Time in there. All told, catching all these sly and not-so-sly references is a good time and may be pointing to a Smash Bros. reunion in the future. Even the end credits are great - presented as a puppet show and essentially showing us all the highlights of the film in that format. And the mid and end credits stings are even good. For the most part, the new additions are good, though I can't help but feel Glover has taken on a Groot-like role in that he mainly just says his name and occasionally growls or something. Larson, a verified nerd, is perfect as Rosalina, though I wish she was given more to do. Cameos from Issa Rae and Luiz Gusman are also appreciated.
But all the feel good fun and references can't hide the fact that the film is all over the place. Things bounce around so much it can't find a good footing and you are left with a lot of eye candy but little substance to go along with it. There are no shortage of animated films that make you feel something - but these two Mario films are like cotton candy - they'll give you a sugar rush but is so fleeting, the lasting impact is negligible.
I have no doubt we'll be getting a third entry - though I'm not sure what direction it will take - and that is will most likely make a boatload of money as well. I'll be along for another ride, even if it's another short trip with little direction.
