The Scene Drift

​​​There is no denying that The Super Mario Galaxy Movie is a triumph of pure craft. Every frame is a neon soaked love letter to the Nintendo source material, bursting with a level of cosmic detail that makes the first film look like a rough draft. When the action takes flight into the star strewn vistas of the Galaxy, it is easily the most beautiful animation we have seen this year. But beneath the polished surface, there is a nagging sense that the filmmakers were so focused on the scenery that they forgot to build a story worth staying for.

​The biggest issue is how aggressively the film leans into being for kids at the expense of its own potential. We know this is a family movie, but that is no excuse for a script that feels this thin. There were clear paths for a much more compelling narrative that were simply ignored. Imagine if the villainy of Bowser was actually fueled by jealousy as a reaction to the closeness of Mario with Peach. It was right there for the taking, a chance to give the Koopa King a real arc, but instead the film pivots to a redemption subplot that feels unearned and rushed.

​Perhaps the most frustrating element is the sense that the studio is rushing toward a Smash Bros crossover. Why skip the grounded charm of Super Mario World and go straight to Galaxy? It feels as though they are shoving in icons like Fox McCloud, Pikmin, and ROB as empty Easter eggs rather than developing them. None of these characters receive the attention they deserve; they are treated like shiny objects to be spotted in the background rather than parts of a living story. It is a universe being built on cameos instead of character.

​The one major exception is Yoshi. Donald Glover is a total delight, bringing a much needed warmth and a few of the only genuine laughs in the film. Whether he is rescuing the brothers from a Tyrannosaurus or just reacting to the chaos of deep space, Yoshi feels like the only new addition with a pulse. It is a shame the rest of the ensemble is not given the same room to breathe. The decision to reveal Rosalina as the long lost sister of Peach, for instance, feels like a forced bit of lore that the movie does not have time to earn.

Chris Pratt remains serviceable as Mario, but he lacks the exuberant energy fans expect. Without the humor and the big musical swings of the predecessor, the ninety minute runtime starts to feel like a series of levels being checked off a list.

Ultimately, Super Mario Galaxy is a dazzling ride that is over far too quickly. While the cosmic wonder and the charm of Yoshi are enough to keep the kids entertained, those looking for the heart of the first film will walk away feeling like they just missed a secret level.

      Rating: ★★★☆☆