The opinions and views expressed in this article are those of the author and do not reflect the opinion of Byte or Byte’s editorial board.
After a massive success with the first film, Illumination and Nintendo have come back together to make a second Super Mario film. Getting to see the film in theaters, here is each member of Byte’s review of The Super Mario Galaxy Movie.
Chris Dawson
I think it was a fun watch, and it is definitely a children’s movie. That being said, the movie went absolutely nowhere, and in fact, some characters LOST pre-established development.
Favorite moment: When they were in the jungle with the T-Rex.
Story: 2
Visuals: 9
Performances: 7
Ian Fraser
I felt like it did about as much as the previous Mario movie. No more, no less. There’s the same level of character development—which is to say, not that much—and the pacing was about as rushed as the first one. I don’t think that’s to its detriment, though. I went into it for fun references to the games, not any big plot developments. I think these movies are like fast food. They’re fun while you see them, and then you move on, and I don’t think that’s a bad thing.
Favorite moment: Literally any time they played the ‘Gusty Garden Galaxy’ theme.
Story: 8
Visuals: 10
Performances: 8
Mason Mundy
I can’t believe it got worse on a second viewing. Nothing happened the whole movie. The animation and the score were great, but nothing happened. What I remember happening was either wasted potential or really stupid.
The whole movie can be summed up as: “Y’all got a good story?” “We got references.”
Favorite moment: The needle drop of “Hypnotize” when Yoshi first came on screen
Story: 1
Visuals: 9
Performances: 6
Sam Jasionowski
This film had no solid plot. At all. Throughout the entire film, it feels as though the group is running from something while simultaneously chasing something, yet I had no idea what the conflict was besides finding Rosalina. No rise, fall, or climax felt compelling enough for me to care about the plot; it was just a world tour of references from other games. The only plus about this film is that it made me feel nostalgic enough to dust off my old Mario games and play for a bit.
The humor of the film and the inclusion of Yoshi were its only saving graces. Illuminations as a film studio has mastered the art of making children's movies funny for both the kids and the parents tagging along, so it comes as no shock that the film is generally funny. Yoshi was also a great addition. He has a charm that fits right in with the crew, and I’m glad they spent the time characterizing Yoshi, as other characters didn’t get that luxury this time around.
Favorite moment: anytime Yoshi was on screen
Story: 2
Visuals: 9
Performances: 5
Willow Emig
Despite being a silly movie, the plot was extremely lacking. It really felt like nothing happened the whole movie. The animation style was really good, though, and it was visually interesting. Half the time, the dialogue was somewhat funny, but the other half of the time, the lines were pretty vague and typical. It was an enjoyable watch, but I definitely would not go back to it a second time.
Favorite moment: I loved the lumas, they were so cute and so silly!
Story: 2
Visuals: 7
Performances: 5
Review graphic created by Ian Case with image captured by Sam Jasionowski
