The film, a sequel to "The Super Mario Bros. Movie" (2023), which grossed over 1 billion USD globally, follows plumber brothers Mario and Luigi (voiced by Chris Pratt and Charlie Day) and Princess Peach as they rescue Rosalina from Bowser's son.
The plot mirrors the previous installment's motif, featuring a journey through obstacles, mysterious blocks, and size-altering mushrooms, reminiscent of the game. Despite targeting fans and audiences of all ages, the film failed to generate anticipated appeal.
The film received a 42% "rotten" score on Rotten Tomatoes and a 37% Metascore based on 38 reviews. In his Guardian review, critic Peter Bradshaw rated the film 1 out of 5 stars, describing the project as "as bland as a computer background, even worse than AI".
Bradshaw noted that while the 2D graphics and gameplay mechanics from the previous installment were retained, they were not as effective as in the 2023 film. Humor, a hallmark of the franchise, was largely absent, with few jokes. Instead, the script offered a basic adventure motif. The romantic subplot between Mario and Peach also failed to impress.
According to Variety, the film expanded its setting, introducing numerous characters and creatures from the game, such as Yoshi, the Luma army, Toad, Honey Queen, Wart, and pilot Fox McCloud, taking viewers through various galaxies. However, this overabundance of elements resulted in a muddled story.
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A scene from "The Super Mario Galaxy Movie". *Photo: Universal Pictures* |
The script failed to establish an emotional arc or central theme, merely connecting chase and battle sequences. Despite their constant presence, Mario and Luigi did not maintain leading roles, overshadowed by supporting characters. The film superficially explored relationships, lacking genuine connection. Frequent scene changes, without deep exploration of each space, made the film's world feel disconnected.
Slant Magazine wrote, "The film lacks the weight of its source material and predecessor". The Wrap commented, "The film is so devoid of content and direction that after a while, viewers barely paid attention to the dialogue, only feeling prolonged meaninglessness".
However, The Seattle Times suggested the project features numerous details reminiscent of the video game, transforming the viewing experience into an "easter egg hunt". The publication commented, "The film's greatest appeal lies in how it immerses audiences in the Mario world of the 2000s".
Mario was created by Japanese video game designer Miyamoto Shigeru. The character first appeared in the 1981 arcade game Donkey Kong, initially named "Jumpman", before becoming an icon for Nintendo. Players typically control Mario, running and jumping over obstacles, dodging enemies, collecting coins, and using items like mushrooms to transform into Super Mario.
The character has been adapted for the screen multiple times, including the 1986 anime Super Mario Bros.: The Great Mission to Rescue Princess Peach! and the 1993 live-action film Super Mario Bros. The 2023 CGI animated version, produced by Illumination and Nintendo, centered on brothers Mario and Luigi, who struggled to open their own plumbing company in Brooklyn, USA. While attempting to fix the city's underground sewer system, they were sucked into a mysterious pipe, leading to a magical land.
Cat Tien (according to Variety, Guardian)
