Super Mario Shoots for the Stars and divides critics and fans in his new movie!
Mario Heads to the Stars, But Do the Critics See Gold?
The wait is finally over. After years of speculation and a marketing campaign that felt like it spanned the entire Mushroom Kingdom, The Super Mario Galaxy Movie has finally warped into theaters. As the direct sequel to the 2023 smash hit, expectations were sky-high—literally.
But as the dust (or Star Bits) settles on its opening weekend, a familiar story is emerging: a massive rift between the critics who watch movies for a living and the fans who live for the games.
The Numbers: A Tale of Two Scores
The divide is staggering. On Rotten Tomatoes, the film debuted to a chilly 46% from critics, while Metacritic tells a similar story with a Metascore of 37, indicating "generally unfavorable" reviews.
However, looking at the audience side of the pipe, the sentiment is inverted. Metacritic’s user score is currently sitting at a healthy 7.7/10, and the film has already shattered box office records, pulling in a massive $34 million on its opening day—surpassing the first film’s debut.
What the Critics Are Saying: "A Candy-Coated Commercial"
The critical consensus has been, in a word, brutal. Many outlets have accused Illumination and Nintendo of doubling down on the "checklist" style of filmmaking.
The Independent gave the film a scathing review, calling it a "joke-free sequel" that "doubles down on its own blandness." They argued that the film prioritizes TikTok-friendly "aura farming" over actual character development.
Mashable was equally sharp, labeling the movie a "tedious commercial for all things Nintendo" and criticizing the "ocular violence" of its hyper-saturated color palette.
Eurogamer noted that while the animation is pristine, the movie lacks stakes, stating that "everything is a moment," which leads to an "elevated kind of boredom" because nothing has room to breathe.
The common thread? Critics feel the movie is too fast, too shallow, and too focused on selling toys and Nintendo Switch Online subscriptions rather than telling a coherent story.
What the Fans Are Saying: "The Ultimate Love Letter"
If you head over to Reddit or social media, the vibe is entirely different. For the "Nintendo Faithful," The Super Mario Galaxy Movie is being hailed as the ultimate celebration of the franchise.
Rosalina & Bowser Jr.: Fans have been vocal in their praise for the new additions. Brie Larson’s portrayal of Rosalina has been called "ethereal and charming," while Benny Safdie is being hailed as the MVP for his "unrecognizable" and hilarious performance as Bowser Jr.
The Star Fox Cameo: Perhaps the biggest talking point is the appearance of Fox McCloud (voiced by Glen Powell). While critics called it "distracting," fans have lost their minds over the implications of a broader "Nintendo Cinematic Universe."
The Score: Unlike the first film, which relied heavily on 80s pop hits, this sequel lets composer Brian Tyler shine. His orchestral arrangements of the iconic Super Mario Galaxy soundtrack have been cited as the film's emotional backbone.
The Plot: A Galactic Rescue
For those who haven't seen it yet, the film follows a split narrative: Princess Peach (Anya Taylor-Joy) and Toad (Keegan-Michael Key) head into deep space to help a Luma rescue Princess Rosalina, who has been kidnapped by Bowser Jr. to power his "Boomsday Machine."
Meanwhile, back on the ground, Mario (Chris Pratt) and Luigi (Charlie Day) are stuck babysitting a newly hatched Yoshi (Donald Glover) until they are inevitably pulled into the cosmic conflict.
The Out of Sync Gaming Take
If you loved the first movie for its references, vibrant energy, and "blink-and-you-miss-it" Easter eggs, you’re likely going to have a blast with The Super Mario Galaxy Movie. It’s a film made by fans, for fans, and it doesn’t apologize for its breakneck pace.
However, if you were hoping for a Pixar-level narrative or a deeper exploration of Rosalina’s tragic backstory, you might find yourself siding with the critics. It’s a "vibe" movie—a 90-minute firework show that looks incredible but doesn’t leave much behind once the lights come up.
Have you seen the movie? Did you love it? Did you hate it? Is it the death of cinema? Or the birth of the Nintendo Cinematic Universe? Let us know in the comments below.