Jim Chandler
Imagine the most boring person you know. But they’re a decent dancer. That’s The Super Mario Galaxy Movie. While it’s dancing, it’s entertaining enough. The moment it stops, welcome to Dullsville.
In the latest film adaptation of the generation-spanning Mario franchise, our hero ventures far beyond the Mushroom Kingdom on a mission to save the princess that takes him to the outer reaches of space. The star-studded cast, led by Chris Pratt, Anya Taylor-Joy, and Charlie Day, admirably delivers Saturday-morning-cartoon-level comedic quips. Bowser greets his son with: “Wow, you really grew up while I wasn’t paying attention.”
Is there a plot? It’s so superfluous it sometimes feels like it’s getting in the way of the fan service. Galaxy relies on the dopamine hit that comes when a beloved character enters the story. When that wears off, slapstick fills the gap. Story not moving? Turn everyone into babies. Things slowing down? Throw in a Star Wars nod. You get the idea.
The film knows exactly what it is and largely leans into it without apology. If you just want to spend time with the characters who kept you company when you were younger, this reunion will do the job. Stay for the mid-credit scene and the post-credits clip previewing what’s ahead for the franchise.
Super Mario Galaxy gets a 5 out of 10. Impressive CGI eye candy, hollow at the center.
Jim Chandler is a morning radio host on Nashville’s Totally Hits 93.3 and a member of the Music City Film Critics Association.
Untitled Film Project 