Super Mario Galaxy - Movie Review

I had the most magical, heart-pumping, laugh-out-loud experience on Wednesday, April 1, 2026, when my sister, my nephew, my niece, and I went to see The Super Mario Galaxy Movie in theaters. It was an absolute blast from the very first frame to the final, uplifting credit roll. This film isn't just a sequel to The Super Mario Bros. Movie—it's a full-blown cosmic celebration of everything that makes the Mario universe so special, expanded into breathtaking galactic proportions. We left the theater buzzing with joy, already planning our next viewing.  This review was posted today so as to not take place during Holy Week.  

The day started with pure excitement. My sister and I decided to make it a full family costume event. I dressed as Mario, complete with the red hat, blue overalls, fake mustache (which my nephew kept trying to steal), and bright red shirt. My nephew went as Luigi, rocking the green ensemble with a little toy Poltergust on his back. My niece looked absolutely adorable as Princess Peach, in a beautiful pink gown with the crown and even a parasol she twirled nonstop. My sister pulled off Bowser with surprising flair—green spikes, a shell backpack, and a roaring laugh that had us all giggling. We turned heads everywhere we went. People at the theater snapped photos, kids pointed and cheered, and one employee even gave us free popcorn because our group "embodied the Mario spirit." It felt like we were stepping right into the movie before it even began.

We arrived early for a matinee showing in a packed auditorium filled with families, cosplayers, and lifelong Nintendo fans. The energy was electric. As soon as the lights dimmed and the familiar Nintendo logo appeared with that iconic chime, cheers erupted. Then the movie launched us straight into space, and from that moment on, I was completely hooked.

 A Cosmic Adventure That Feels Epic and Intimate

The Super Mario Galaxy Movie takes the beloved 2007 and 2010 video games and transforms them into a visually stunning, emotionally resonant animated adventure. Directed by Aaron Horvath and Michael Jelenic (who clearly understand the soul of Mario), and written by Matthew Fogel, the film clocks in at a perfect 1 hour and 38 minutes—long enough to feel substantial but tight enough to keep kids (and adults) engaged without a single lull.

The story picks up after the events of the first movie, with the Mushroom Kingdom enjoying a rare moment of peace. But trouble brews when Rosalina (voiced with ethereal grace by Brie Larson) appears with a warning: a mysterious dark force known as the Cosmic Chaos is threatening to unravel the very fabric of the universe. Black holes are swallowing entire galaxies, stars are fading, and the Lumas are in danger. Mario, Luigi, and Peach must team up with Rosalina aboard her majestic Comet Observatory to travel across whimsical, gravity-defying planets to collect Power Stars and restore balance.

What makes this plot so brilliant is how faithfully it captures the spirit of Super Mario Galaxy while expanding it for the big screen. The game’s sense of wonder—those gravity shifts, floating platforms, and bizarre planetary environments—is brought to life in ways that left my jaw on the floor. One early sequence has Mario and Luigi spinning through a honeycomb galaxy where bee enemies buzz around, and the gravity flips upside down mid-jump. My niece squealed with delight, grabbing my arm and whispering, “It’s just like the game, but better!”

The voice cast is phenomenal. Chris Pratt returns as Mario with even more warmth and heroic charm. His delivery of lines like “It’s-a me, but in space!” gets big laughs while feeling genuine. Charlie Day as Luigi steals scenes with his anxious but brave energy—his panic during a zero-gravity chase had the entire theater roaring. Anya Taylor-Joy brings Princess Peach a perfect mix of kindness, courage, and quiet strength; she’s no damsel here but a true partner in the adventure. Jack Black as Bowser is hilariously over-the-top, turning the villain into a sympathetic, music-loving antagonist who belts out a show-stopping villain song that had us all tapping our feet. Keegan-Michael Key as Toad adds hilarious commentary, and new additions like Donald Glover as a smooth-talking cosmic guide and Benny Safdie as a quirky Luma elder round out an all-star ensemble.

 Stunning Animation and Soundtrack

Visually, this movie is a masterpiece. Illumination and Nintendo have outdone themselves. The animation blends the colorful, cartoonish style of the previous film with breathtaking cinematic scope. Planets feel alive— one level is a beach galaxy with crystal-clear oceans that reflect swirling nebulae overhead, another is a clockwork galaxy where gears the size of mountains turn with satisfying mechanical precision. The gravity mechanics are rendered so fluidly that you feel the shifts in your seat. In IMAX or 3D (we saw it in premium format), it’s immersive beyond words. My nephew kept leaning forward during the flight sequences, as if he could reach out and grab a floating star.

The soundtrack is pure magic. Composer Brian Tyler weaves in remixes of the original game’s themes with new orchestral swells that give the film an epic, John Williams-esque feel. The Comet Observatory theme swells during quiet moments of wonder, while battle tracks pulse with energy. There’s even a fun original song performed by Bowser (Jack Black) called “King of the Cosmos” that mixes heavy metal with Mario’s signature upbeat style—it’s already stuck in my head days later. The sound design is impeccable too: every jump, coin collect, and enemy defeat sounds crisp and satisfying, true to the games.

 Heart, Humor, and Family Moments

Beyond the spectacle, what elevates The Super Mario Galaxy Movie is its heart. It’s not just about saving the galaxy—it’s about family, friendship, and believing in yourself even when the universe feels too big. There are tender moments between Mario and Luigi that brought a tear to my eye (yes, even the guy in the Mario costume got misty). Peach’s growth arc, learning to harness her own inner power, is empowering without feeling preachy. Rosalina serves as a wise, almost maternal figure, delivering lines about the interconnectedness of all things that resonated with my sister and me as parents/guardians.

The humor is perfectly balanced for all ages. There are slapstick gags that had my niece and nephew in stitches—like Luigi accidentally launching himself into a black hole and emerging covered in stardust. Adult-oriented jokes (subtle nods to classic Mario lore or pop culture) fly over kids’ heads but land perfectly with older viewers. Bowser’s attempts at “romance” with Peach while secretly helping the heroes provide running comedy gold. One scene where the group has to work together to solve a puzzle on a melting ice planet had the whole family laughing at the chaotic teamwork.

My personal favorite sequence is the mid-film Star Festival on the Comet Observatory. It’s a beautiful, emotional beat where characters reflect on their journeys under a sky filled with shooting stars. The animation here is soft and glowing, the music swells beautifully, and it reminds you why Mario stories have endured for decades—they make you feel hopeful.

 Why This Movie Succeeds as a Family Experience

Taking my family to see this was the best decision. My nephew, who’s a huge Mario fan and has played Super Mario Galaxy on the Wii with me, was pointing out every reference: “That’s the Bee Mushroom! Look, it’s the Gravity Switch!” His excitement was contagious. My niece loved the colorful worlds and the strong female characters—she especially adored Peach’s moments of bravery and kept saying she wants to be just like her. My sister, who isn’t as deep into gaming, was impressed by how accessible and visually gorgeous it was. She said it reminded her of the best Pixar films—fun for kids, meaningful for adults.

The theater atmosphere enhanced everything. Families cheered at familiar power-ups (the Spin Attack looks incredible on screen), gasped at dramatic reveals, and clapped during the triumphant finale. Post-credits, there’s a fun teaser that hints at even bigger adventures ahead, leaving us all eager for more.

Critics might quibble about pacing in a couple of spots or say it leans heavily on nostalgia, but for me and my family, that’s exactly the point. This movie honors the games while creating something fresh and cinematic. It’s a love letter to imagination, exploration, and the joy of playing together. At a time when so many blockbusters feel cynical or overly serious, The Super Mario Galaxy Movie radiates pure, unfiltered delight.

 Final Thoughts and Recommendation

If you have kids, nieces, nephews, or just a love for whimsical adventures, do yourself a favor and see this in theaters—preferably in the biggest screen possible. It’s the kind of movie that creates memories. We walked out holding hands (even Bowser/sister joined in), singing the main theme, and already debating which galaxy was our favorite.

I can’t recommend The Super Mario Galaxy Movie highly enough. It’s funny, thrilling, visually spectacular, and deeply heartfelt. It reminded me why I fell in love with Mario as a kid and why I’m so happy to share it with the next generation. Five stars, ten Power Stars, a whole galaxy full of praise. Go see it. Dress up if you can. Bring the family. Let the stars guide you.

Happy MAR10 Day 2026!

MAR10 Day, celebrated annually on March 10, is a joyful tribute to Nintendo's iconic plumber, Mario, and the sprawling Super Mario franchise. The date cleverly abbreviates to "MAR10," mimicking Mario's name in all caps, making it an irresistible pun that fans latched onto years ago. While the exact origins are murky—likely bubbling up organically in online gaming communities sometime in the late 2000s or early 2010s—Nintendo first acknowledged it publicly in 2015 with tweets to YouTubers like Smosh Games, asking about favorite Mario moments. By 2016, the company fully embraced it, releasing celebratory videos and promotions, turning a fan creation into an official pseudo-holiday complete with sales, events, and announcements.

Fun ways to mark the occasion abound, whether solo or with a crew. Host a Mario Kart tournament on Nintendo Switch, complete with power-up snacks like mushroom-shaped cupcakes, star cookies, or coin-inspired chocolate gold coins. Dive into retro gaming marathons on emulators or original hardware, blasting through levels of Super Mario Bros. or Mario Party. For crafty types, build pixel art from cardboard or LEGO mimicking Mushroom Kingdom scenery, or whip up "fire flower" cocktails (non-alcoholic for kids: spicy orange soda with a cherry "power-up"). Community events pop up too, like arcades offering free plays on Mario cabinets or libraries hosting speedrun contests. Nintendo often chimes in with digital goodies, such as photo filters featuring Mario characters or in-game challenges in titles like Mario Kart 8 Deluxe, where fans collectively rack up laps for rewards.

Costume ideas lean into the franchise's colorful cast for maximum "wa-hoo!" factor. Go classic as Mario: red hat with an "M," blue overalls, white gloves, bushy mustache (fake it with makeup or felt), and red sneakers—add a fake mustache and Italian accent for authenticity. Luigi swaps red for green, perfect for the shy sidekick vibe. Princess Peach rocks a pink gown, crown, and parasol; Toad sports a mushroom hat and vest; or channel Bowser with a spiked shell backpack, green face paint, and claws from foam. Group themes shine: one Mario, one Luigi, a Yoshi in a dino suit, or even villain squad with Wario and Waluigi in purple and yellow. DIY with thrift store finds—overalls from hardware stores, hats from felt—and thrift it up for under $20. Stores like GameStop have run contests where the best-dressed Mario scores freebies like Switch credits.

Gamers celebrate with unbridled nostalgia and competition. Speedrunners tackle any% records on classics like Super Mario Bros., sharing Twitch streams or YouTube highlights. Online communities host 24-hour relays, fan art floods social media (think #MAR10Day cosplay galleries), and Discord servers buzz with custom Mario mods for games like Smash Bros. Nintendo fuels the fire with eShop discounts—titles like Super Mario Odyssey or Mario vs. Donkey Kong drop 50-75%—plus free trials of Switch Online for multiplayer mayhem. Arcades light up with Mario Kart cabinets, families binge-watch the Super Mario Bros. Movie or animated shorts, and global events like Universal's Super Nintendo World host themed meetups. It's a mix of retro reverence and modern multiplayer, uniting generations in pixelated glory.

Super Mario's importance in gaming culture cannot be overstated—he's the blueprint for everything from platformers to mascots. Debuting as "Jumpman" in 1981's Donkey Kong, Mario exploded with 1985's Super Mario Bros. on NES, selling over 40 million copies and rescuing the industry post-1983 crash. His tight controls, vibrant worlds, hidden secrets, and catchy chiptunes defined side-scrolling adventures, influencing Sonic, Crash Bandicoot, and countless indies. Mario pioneered 3D platforming in Sunshine and Galaxy, go-kart racers, party games, and RPGs, spawning over 200 titles and 430 million Super Mario sales alone. Culturally, he's bigger than Mickey Mouse in some polls, starring in films grossing billions, theme parks, Olympics promos, and endless merch. Mario made gaming mainstream, family-friendly, and global, proving simple heroes could conquer worlds.

As for Catholic elements in Mario, they're subtle and mostly inferred from his Italian roots rather than overt. Mario hails from the Mushroom Kingdom but embodies a Brooklyn-Italian plumber stereotype—think pasta-loving, family-oriented everyman from a nation where over 80% are Catholic. His name derives from "Marius," linked to devotion to the Virgin Mary in Italian tradition, and official Nintendo trivia once depicted him reading a Bible-like book in a "What is Christianity?" card. Holiday art shows him celebrating Christmas with Yoshi, and fans speculate prayer-like animations in newer games (e.g., Super Mario Party Jamboree). The 1993 live-action film opens in a Catholic orphanage with nuns and stained-glass biblical scenes. No explicit sacraments or theology appear in core games—Nintendo keeps it secular for broad appeal—but his heritage invites headcanon: as an Italian Catholic archetype, Mario's selfless rescues mirror chivalric saints, fighting evil like a modern St. George. Whether canonically Catholic or not, he resonates with values of courage, loyalty, and joy that align with the faith.

My Review of the Nintendo Switch 2: A Worthwhile Upgrade with a Rocky Start

My Review of the Nintendo Switch 2: A Worthwhile Upgrade with a Rocky Start

As a longtime Nintendo fan, I’ve been eagerly awaiting the release of the Nintendo Switch 2, and I’m thrilled to say I finally received mine! The launch day was electric, with people forming long lines outside stores across the country, including the GameStop in Staten Island, where I picked up my console. The excitement was palpable as gamers waited for hours, some even braving the midnight release to be among the first to own this next-generation device. However, the joy took an unexpected turn for some, including myself, due to an unusual mishap at the Staten Island GameStop. Despite this hiccup, the Switch 2 has proven to be a bigger, faster, and overall impressive evolution of the original Switch, though it retains a familiar feel. Let’s dive into my experience and the key differences that make this console a standout.

The Launch Day Drama: Staten Island GameStop and the Staple Incident

The hype for the Switch 2 was undeniable, with long lines snaking around the Staten Island GameStop as fans clamored to get their hands on the new console. I was among them, thrilled to be part of the midnight release crowd. But when I opened my box at home, I was shocked to find staple holes puncturing the screen—apparently, store workers had stapled receipts directly onto the packaging, damaging the LCD display. This wasn’t an isolated incident; reports from other customers at the same location highlighted a similar issue, with staples piercing the thin cardboard and plastic wrap to mar the screens. It’s hard to believe a retailer would handle a $450 device so carelessly, and it raises questions about training or packaging design oversight. Thankfully, GameStop quickly stepped in, offering replacements sourced from nearby stores, and I was able to exchange mine without too much delay. While the initial disappointment was real, it didn’t dampen my excitement for long—once I had a pristine unit, the fun began.

The establishment narrative might chalk this up to a rare employee error, but it’s worth questioning why Nintendo’s packaging left the screen so vulnerable. With the console positioned face-up under a flimsy layer, it seems like an avoidable design flaw. Still, the swift resolution by GameStop turned a potential disaster into a minor inconvenience, allowing me to focus on the console itself.

First Impressions: Bigger, Faster, and Familiar

From the moment I held the Switch 2, I noticed its increased size—a nearly two-inch larger 7.9-inch 1080p LCD screen compared to the original’s 6.2-inch 720p display. This upgrade makes games look crisper and more immersive, especially in handheld mode, where small details pop like never before. The speed is another leap forward; loading times are noticeably quicker, and the eShop runs with a fluidity that the original Switch could only dream of. Playing titles like Mario Kart World felt like a revelation, with smoother frame rates and enhanced visuals that outshine the older console’s capabilities.

Yet, despite these improvements, the Switch 2 feels remarkably similar to its predecessor. The core design—handheld with detachable Joy-Cons and a dock for TV play—remains intact, preserving the versatility that made the first Switch a hit. The weight is slightly heavier, which adds a premium feel but might take some getting used to for smaller hands. The Joy-Con 2 controllers snap on magnetically, a subtle but satisfying upgrade from the original’s slide mechanism, and the addition of a second USB-C port at the top for charging in tabletop mode is a thoughtful touch. Overall, it’s like a refined version of an old friend—familiar yet fresh.

Key Differences Between the Switch 2 and Original Switch

The differences between the Switch 2 and the original Switch are significant enough to justify the upgrade for dedicated fans, though they’re more evolutionary than revolutionary. Here’s a breakdown based on my hands-on experience:

• Screen and Display: The Switch 2’s 7.9-inch 1080p LCD is a major step up from the original’s 6.2-inch 720p. Colors are more vibrant, and the larger size enhances handheld play, though it lacks the OLED contrast of the Switch OLED model. This trade-off feels minor given the resolution boost.
• Performance and Speed: The Switch 2’s enhanced hardware delivers faster load times and smoother gameplay. Third-party titles like Cyberpunk 2077 run reasonably well, a feat impossible on the original, though some games like Hitman: World of Assassination show mixed results in docked mode. The increased horsepower keeps it competitive with modern consoles.
• Controllers and Ports: The Joy-Con 2s feature a magnetic attachment and improved ergonomics, eliminating the wobble issues of the original. The extra USB-C port at the top is a game-changer for charging flexibility, addressing a long-standing complaint about the original’s single-port design.
• Storage and Accessories: The Switch 2 requires microSD Express cards for expanded storage, a shift from the original’s standard microSD compatibility. This means higher costs (e.g., $72 for 256GB), but it supports faster data transfer—a nod to future-proofing, though options are limited now.
• Features: New additions like GameChat offer integrated voice and screen-sharing, making multiplayer sessions more social. The mouse mode, while niche, works surprisingly well for certain games, adding a unique twist absent in the original.
• Build and Weight: The Switch 2 feels sturdier with a sleeker design, but its added weight (about half a pound more) might not suit everyone. The metal kickstand is a vast improvement, offering better stability for tabletop play.

Gameplay and Long-Term Appeal

After spending hours with the Switch 2, I can confidently say it’s a joy to use. Mario Kart World looks stunning, with sharper tracks and vibrant characters, and the upgraded speakers deliver rich sound even without headphones. The GameChat feature, while not as robust as Discord, is perfect for quick sessions with friends, and the noise-canceling microphone handled background noise impressively. The data transfer process from my old Switch was a bit lengthy, but cloud saves via Nintendo Switch Online made it manageable. For now, the lack of exclusive titles might deter some, but the enhanced library of existing games and upcoming releases like Super Mario Party Jamboree promise a bright future.

Final Thoughts

Despite the rocky start with the Staten Island GameStop staple fiasco, my experience with the Nintendo Switch 2 has been overwhelmingly positive. It’s bigger, faster, and packed with quality-of-life improvements that make it a worthy successor to the original Switch, while retaining the charm that made the first model a household name. The differences—superior screen, enhanced performance, and new features—elevate the experience, though the packaging vulnerability and higher accessory costs are worth noting. For Nintendo fans like me, this is a must-have upgrade, and with GameStop’s quick fix, the launch hiccup didn’t overshadow the console’s potential. While it was bittersweet with memories of me waiting in line in 2017 at ToysRUs at Bayplaza in the Bronx with my dad to purchase the first Nintendo Switch, the experience was worth it now. I’m already looking forward to colored Joy-Cons and more exclusives—here’s to another eight years of Nintendo magic!

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