Watch Kids' Reviews of
SUPER MARIO GALAXY MOVIE, THE

Welcome back to the Mushroom Kingdom! The Super Mario Galaxy Movie is one of the few cases where I feel the sequel stacks up to the original. The animation is better than ever, using saturated, vibrant colors to bring gaming vibes to the big screen in a way that makes it fun for all ages.

The Super Mario Galaxy Movie continues the stories of Mario (Chris Pratt) and Luigi (Charlie Day), two brothers who now, after the events of the first movie, live in the Mushroom Kingdom. They are traveling across the world to help people with warp pipe issues and, along the way, they meet a cute new travel companion, Yoshi (Donald Glover). They soon return to the Mushroom Kingdom and find a Luma, a star, that tells them that Princess Rosalina (Brie Larson) is in danger. Going to save the princess, Mario, Luigi, Peach (Anya Taylor-Joy), Toad (Keegan-Michael Key), and Yoshi, set off to explore the galaxy.

The Super Mario Galaxy Movie has some of the funniest references in the saga. In the Gateway Galaxy, for example, in the opening scene, you see basically every side character in Mario history, the Piantas from the Super Mario Sunshine game, and so many more. Then, when they get to the space port, Nintendo does the unthinkable: they include characters from their other games. Overall, as someone who played a lot of the old games, every little detail is really fun to see incorporated into the movie. Another funny Easter egg is towards the end of the film - Mario uses the Red Star, which gives him the ability to fly around, this is a particularly good detail because this was a special power-up in both Mario Galaxy games and is a great nod for fans. Each galaxy is beautifully designed by Illumination, the studio behind both Despicable Me and The Secret Life of Pets. The movie includes tons of nods to the games, like the Honeyhive Galaxy, featured in the original Mario Galaxy game, where they meet the Queen Bee (Issa Rae) and Bowser (Jack Black) makes the ultimate sacrifice.

The film's main message is that with friends you can do anything. It includes themes of teamwork, play fighting, and family bonds. While the movie is suited for children, parents should be aware that the film includes some violence, like when Bowser falls into the lava, but the film makes it fun and suitable for everyone.

I give The Super Mario Galaxy Movie 5 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 8 to 12, plus adults. It releases in theatres on April 1, 2026.

By Jackson N. KIDS FIRST! Film Critic, age 13

I love The Super Mario Galaxy Movie. The film's writing, animation and comedy is really out of this world! (Pun intended.)

The Super Mario Galaxy Movie follows the brothers Mario (Chris Pratt) and Luigi (Charlie Day), as well as Princess Peach (Anya Taylor-Joy). Two incidents occur in the Mushroom Kingdom: Rosalina's (Brie Larson) star child asks Princess Peach to help save her from an unknown danger, and Bowser Junior (Benny Safdie) takes Princess Peach's castle trying to free his father Bowser (Jack Black). These events take the characters into space, searching for Rosalina and trying to save her from whatever danger she may be in.

The Super Mario Galaxy Movie is made for kids, but it is also entertaining for adults. I love the story the most. Its fast-paced, engaging plot twists kept me wondering what could possibly happen next. While trying to save Rosalina, Peach keeps wondering where she came from. Along the way, we get clues and hints about her origins. It's like a scavenger hunt inside a movie. If you want to find out more, you'll just have to watch the film! The film also uses the many possibilities of being in space to its advantage by taking the brothers and princess on side missions that make the story more chaotic, thrilling and, don't forget, fun. A good story is nice, but creativity in animation is what makes a good film even greater, and The Super Mario Galaxy Movie does not disappoint! For the most part, the animation style doesn't change from its clean 3D look. What catches my eye is that there are times where we go into whole other mediums: puppet shows, storybooks that look like something you could find in an actual library, comic books, and even a callback to the original pixelated Super Mario games! All this mixing and matching really gives the film a special charm of playing a game for the first time. The jokes don't always land and the film's pacing doesn't leave enough time for the characters to really interact with the worlds, but those things didn't ruin the film for me. It's a great watch!

The film's message is that kindness in helping other people will always prevail over the power of destroying them. Be aware that there are mentions of murder, destruction and gambling.

I give The Super Mario Galaxy Movie 5 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 5 to 12. It releases in theaters on April 1, 2026.

By Valerie M., KIDS FIRST! Film Critic, Age 12

There's nothing quite like the Super Mario Galaxy Movie. From wildly popular video game characters making surprise appearances to clever throwbacks interspersed, this film delivers on all its promises, and still left me wanting more.

In this sequel to The Super Mario Bros. Movie, our heroes Mario (Chris Pratt) and Luigi (Charlie Day) are joined by Princess Peach (Anya Taylor-Joy) and Toad (Keagan-Michel Key) enjoying and settling into their life in the Mushroom Kingdom. Sadly, their good times don't last. The appearance of Bowser Jr. (Benny Safdie) who's intent on reclaiming his father Bowser (Jack Black) and ruling the universe with him side by side, throws the galaxy into chaos. They plan to achieve this evil feat by capturing Rosalina (Brie Larson), the protector of the cosmos herself. Now, the brothers are thrust into the action, this time with a brand-new friend Yoshi (Donald Glover) tagging along for the adventure. As any Nintendo fan knows, the Super Mario franchise is chock-full of characters that seem larger than life. In this film, a large number of stars show up! Yoshi is my absolute favorite character, and Donald Glover excels in bringing Yoshi's emotions and dialogue to the fore. Wart (Luis Guzmán), from the Super Mario Bros. 2 video game, makes an appearance, along with Fox McCloud (Glen Powell), from the Star Fox saga. Besides these, there are plenty of past video game references, hidden Easter eggs, and more which any long-time Nintendo fan will appreciate. The detail put into the film's animation is extremely high which allows for deeper connection with the film, without being distracted by subpar graphics. The Super Mario Galaxy Movie differs from its predecessor in how the directors expanded on the world they first created. In the first film, The Super Mario Bros Movie, the plot focuses on the journey that first brought Mario and Luigi to the Mushroom Kingdom. Now that the brothers have gotten to know their new home, the stage is set for a huge expansion. With new faces and new places, plus a numerous score of new Power-Ups, this spectacular adventure is one that truly honors and celebrates the expansive, vast universe of Super Mario.

This film's message is to not give up, no matter how daunting the situation might be. These Brooklyn born plumbers had their hands full when battling Bowser the first time, so a second bout, this time with Bowser's own son by his side, seems impossible to prevail against. Yet, through every foe they encounter, every planet they land on, and every rescue they make, this team finds a way to beat the odds and save the galaxy.

I give The Super Mario Galaxy Movie 5 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 8 to 18, plus adults. This film launches in theaters on April 1, 2026, so go take a look!

By Braedyn M., KIDS FIRST! Film Critic, age 17

The Super Mario Bros are back again - and now, in space! Although I enjoyed the previous film, Super Mario Bros., a bit more, The Super Mario Galaxy Movie brings even more laughs, references and appearances from beloved characters than the first movie.

With Bowser (Jack Black) now being contained and shrunken comes a new threat: Bowser Jr. (Benny Safdie), who is determined to liberate his father and restore their dominance. When they learn that Princess Rosalina (Brie Larson) has been captured in order to power Bowser Jr.'s plans, Mario (Chris Pratt), Luigi (Charlie Day), Toad (Keegan-Michael Key), Princess Peach (Anya Taylor-Joy) and their new friend Yoshi (Donald Glover) travel to space to save the universe.

As with the first Super Mario Bros. movie, fans of the franchise and Nintendo in general will enjoy the iconic songs, lovable characters and niche set details. Having played Super Mario Galaxy, the game this movie is based on, I loved seeing the different planets the Super Mario crew travels to, as well as the creative liberties this movie takes with their destinations. One drawback for using the idea of planet-hopping as the plot is that the story feels somewhat rushed. The crew never stays in one place too long and because of this, the audience misses out on the potential for some deeper bonding moments. However, the action-packed fight scenes, iconic Easter Eggs, comedic sequences and beautiful animation make up for this. As expected, Bowser, played by Jack Black, is as funny as ever. Some of my favorite scenes of this movie are his interactions with his son as they make up for lost time. The performances from the rest of the original cast are strong, but I especially like the newer characters. Glen Powell, as Fox McCloud, the aviator fox from an alternate universe, is sure to be a new fan favorite, thanks to his loyalty and courageousness. Donald Glover, although he doesn't have many lines as Yoshi, has such an endearing personality. Something that really stood out to me is the animation because, although the style seems simple and cartoonish, this movie is visually stunning. Not only are the scenes of the galaxy and different planets beautiful, but the animators pay attention to all of the little details - the freckles on Mario's face, the grooves of cardboard, the pills on worn out fabric - and watching this movie on the big screen amplified this.

The Super Mario Galaxy Movie highlights the importance and power of family, friendship and working together. Messages about selflessness, growth, and acceptance are also present.

I give The Super Mario Bros. Movie 3.5 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 8 to 18, plus adults. Players of any Mario games will particularly enjoy this. It comes out in theaters on April 1, 2026.

By Katherine S., KIDS FIRST! Film Critic, age 18

Mario ventures into space, exploring cosmic worlds and tackling galactic challenges far from the familiar Mushroom Kingdom.