The “Super Mario Bros. Galaxy Movie” hit viewers with nostalgic references, magical animation and an action-packed storyline that brought viewers along the iconic group’s adventure.
Illumination and Nintendo came together with a $110 million budget to create the “Super Mario Bros. Galaxy Movie,” which was released in theaters on April 1, 2026. The film follows Mario (Chris Pratt) and Luigi (Charlie Day), Princess Peach (Anya Taylor Joy), Yoshi (Donald Glover), Toad (Keegan-Michael Key) and the reformed Bowser (Jack Black) as they travel across the galaxy to save Princess Rosalina (Brie Larson) from Bowser Jr’s (Benny Safdie) grasp.
This movie was filled to the brim with references to the Super Mario game franchise, expanding the franchise’s universe by dropping the group headfirst into the vast galaxy, while granting more agency to female characters like Princess Peach and Rosalina, breaking from the “damsel in distress” trope that can suffocate character development.
To expand the world of Super Mario, the gang explores in-game locations like Tostarena Town and the prehistoric lands of “Super Mario Odyssey.”
Moreover, Nintendo paid homage to its other games, introducing Fox McCloud (Glen Powell) from the 1993 adventure game “Star Fox” as the rogue space explorer who takes the Super Mario gang across the galaxy.
This is not only an easter egg meant for older audience members to enjoy, but it expands upon the Nintendo multiverse that opens the door for the ultimate character crossover in a potential “Super Smash Bros.” film.
The fun part about the “Super Mario Bros. Galaxy Movie” is that it caters to a multigenerational audience. Its storyline is fun, eventful and straightforward, which is entertaining and understandable for Gen Alpha, but the Gen Z and up crowd get to slip into the nostalgia-fest while they dissociate into Super Mario land for an hour and a half. In addition to the world-building, the cinematography was reminiscent of how it feels to play the game. With references to the “Super Mario Galaxy” shake controls and bouncing off star-shaped launch pads, the experience was immersive into the mechanics of the Super Mario universe.
Moreover, Peach and Rosalina are the epitome of strength in this movie, wielding a lacy pink parasol and a magic wand, respectively. Rosalina and Princess Peach are two strong female leads whose brains and brawn are essential to the efficiency of the team. This representation is important for young girls; having strong female characters breaks free from the stereotypical weakness that is portrayed in women in film, especially princesses.
However, some may argue that Rosalina’s powers were underutilized, and the fact that she was kidnapped for the majority of the film plays into the “damsel-in-distress” trope. Yet, Rosalina displays an unassuming strength, and she prioritizes the safety of her star children, remaining calm and collected while risking her safety for them. Rosalina displays the unshakable bravery, strength and situational awareness of a mother, providing another angle of female strength for the diverse audience.
Moreover, strong female representation also undermines how society tends to align strength with masculinity. Peach and Rosalina are strong, smart and capable while also being “girly,” seeking to establish a similar confidence among young girls in today’s world.
The film works through the rocky father-son relationship between Bowser and Bowser Jr. While the development of their conflicts and bond was explored gently, it works to lend a supportive hand to children or adults who relate to interfamilial conflict. As Bowser and Bowser Jr. reconnect and resolve their conflict, it possibly provides a beacon of hope for those in similar situations in the audience.
This movie was a sense of escapism geared towards a diverse audience, spanning across age groups. For the older generation in the crowd, there were references from throughout the game franchise and other Nintendo games. The film also provided something fun, colorful and action-packed for the kids. Considering this is a film intended for a young audience, the film was not an earth-shattering exploration into the game’s lore.
This movie was fun, flashy and nostalgic, with positive messaging for the young audience, with themes of mending the rocky familial dynamics and spotlighting strong female representation through Peach and Rosalina. With this in mind, this movie is for everyone.
4/5
