Nintendo and Illumination return with The Super Mario Galaxy Movie, a sequel that expands the world of Mario in the most obvious way possible—by taking everything into space. And while this follow-up doesn’t reinvent the formula, it doubles down on what worked the first time: vibrant animation, charming characters, and a tone that perfectly captures the spirit of the games.

Set after the events of the 2023 film, Mario, Luigi, Princess Peach, and Toad embark on a galaxy-spanning journey where they encounter new allies like Yoshi and Princess Rosalina, while once again clashing with Bowser—this time alongside his son, Bowser Jr. The scale is bigger, the visuals are more ambitious, and the world-building expands in ways longtime fans will appreciate.

Visually, this film is stunning. Illumination continues to prove they understand how to translate the colorful, whimsical energy of Mario into a cinematic format. From cosmic landscapes to action-packed sequences, every frame feels polished and full of life. The music also stands out, blending classic Mario themes with a grand, orchestral feel that fits the intergalactic setting.

The humor is another strong point. It’s light, accessible, and sprinkled throughout in a way that keeps the pacing engaging without ever feeling overwhelming. This is clearly a film designed for families, and it succeeds in delivering entertainment that both kids and adults can enjoy.

That said, the story is about as basic as it gets. A princess is kidnapped, and our heroes set off on a journey to save her. It’s predictable, formulaic, and doesn’t take many risks narratively. If you’re looking for a deep or surprising plot, you won’t find it here.

However, one surprising element does stand out—Bowser. The film briefly explores a more layered version of the character, presenting him in a vulnerable, shrunken state where he appears to struggle between changing his ways and falling back into old habits. It’s an interesting direction that adds a bit of intrigue, especially for longtime fans used to seeing Bowser as purely villainous. While the film doesn’t fully commit to this arc, it’s enough to make you wonder what could have been.

The addition of new characters like Yoshi and Rosalina works well, bringing fresh energy and expanding the universe. Meanwhile, Fox McCloud from the Star Fox series makes an appearance as a galactic transport ally. While visually cool, his role feels more like a cameo than a meaningful contribution to the story.

Ultimately, The Super Mario Galaxy Movie delivers exactly what fans would expect. It’s fun, visually impressive, and faithful to the source material, even if it doesn’t push the boundaries of storytelling.

If you enjoyed the first film, this is more of that—just bigger and set among the stars. And if you didn’t, this sequel is unlikely to change your mind.