Common Sense Media Review
By Tara McNamara
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Peril, some scares in peachy video game sequel.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 7+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Watch
Videos and Photos
The Super Mario Galaxy Movie
Parent and Kid Reviews
Based on 21 parent reviews
Parents say the movie is an exciting and visually stunning experience that resonates well with young audiences and family values, featuring numerous references to the Mario franchise and character appearances that delight both longtime fans and newcomers. However, mixed reactions surface regarding perceived violent elements, character development, and some controversial themes, which lead to concerns about its appropriateness for younger viewers.
- family-friendly fun
- exciting visuals
- mixed reactions
- characters and themes
- some violence
Summarized with AI
Summarized with AI
Based on 26 kid reviews
Kids say the movie is visually stunning with exciting animations and nostalgic references that delight fans, but many find the plot confusing and underdeveloped, often lacking depth in character arcs. While some enjoyed the humor and adventure elements, others criticized the overwhelming number of references and an unclear storyline that detracted from the overall enjoyment.
- visual appeal
- confusing plot
- shallow characters
- mixed enjoyment
- nostalgia overload
Summarized with AI
What's the Story?
In THE SUPER MARIO GALAXY MOVIE, all is well in Mushroom Kingdom now that Bowser (voiced by Jack Black) has been shrunk to pocket size and is imprisoned inside Mushroom Castle. But then Princess Peach (Anya Taylor-Joy) learns that Princess Rosalina (Brie Larson) has been kidnapped, and she rushes to help, leaving the kingdom vulnerable to attack from the magically powered Bowser Jr. (Benny Safdie), who will stop at nothing to free his dad. Realizing that the entire universe is in jeopardy, plumber brothers Mario (Chris Pratt) and Luigi (Charlie Day) set out to join forces with Peach to save Rosalina and all that's good in the universe. Along the way, they cross paths with many other characters from the Super Mario/Nintendo games, including fan favorite Yoshi (Donald Glover).
Is It Any Good?
This hectic sibling sequel offers family fun and fan service. But there's nothing particularly memorable about The Super Mario Galaxy Movie—except that, like a power-up block, it sets up the next level in the film franchise it's still building. The film opens delightfully, introducing viewers to Princess Rosalina's mama energy as she raises her Luma star babies and catching viewers up on life in the Mushroom Kingdom—including the presence of a hilarious, teensy Bowser, who has taken up painting and is working on controlling his rage. But then this galaxy quest quickly levels up into chaos. Characters come at us from all directions (Star Fox! Ukiki! Tostarenans!), we launch into space at warp speed, and, with some sort of intergalactic magic accessible to select characters, it's nearly impossible to feel tethered to any rules of how the Bowser family coup can be defeated.
Inspired by some of Nintendo's most kid-friendly video games and with decades of fandom in play (multiple generations have now grown up dodging mallets and grabbing stars), there's a multigenerational joy to the Super Mario films. But The Super Mario Galaxy Movie also seems to expect viewers to have a pretty deep familiarity with the Mario and Nintendo Universe. Perhaps that's the unique cinematic opportunity here: Kids can lean over to explain to their parents what's going on, rather than vice versa. But for casual fans, this may be the film's toughest level: An hour after the credits roll, try making sense of it.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about how The Super Mario Galaxy Movie makes it clear that Princess Peach and Princess Rosalina are powerful. What happens when they join forces? Entertainment often shows brothers and sisters annoying each other—what does this movie show about when siblings work (and play!) together?
Which moments and characters did you recognize from Mario or other Nintendo games? Does it make a movie more fun when you see a character you recognize but didn't know was going to be in it? If you're a fan of the games, create your own story about Mario, Luigi, Princess Peach, and Yoshi.
How does this movie's cartoon action compare to the video games and other animated movies you've seen? Does this kind of violence have more or less impact than what's in live-action movies? What techniques did the filmmakers use to make situations and creatures alarming but not too scary (or did you think it was too scary?)?
Which characters act with courage, integrity, and compassion? How do they use teamwork to succeed? Why are these important life skills and character strengths?
Why do you think Bowser changed his villainous ways? Why did he return to them? What can we learn from this?
Movie Details
- In theaters : April 1, 2026
- Cast : Chris Pratt , Anya Taylor-Joy , Charlie Day , Jack Black
- Directors : Aaron Horvath , Michael Jelenic
- Inclusion Information : Female Movie Actor(s) , Latino Movie Actor(s)
- Studio : Universal Pictures
- Genre : Family and Kids
- Topics : Adventures , Family Stories ( Dads , Siblings ) , Fantasy ( Magic ) , Royalty ( Princesses ) , Space
- Character Strengths : Perseverance , Teamwork
- Run time : 98 minutes
- MPAA rating :
- MPAA explanation : action, mild violence and rude humor
- Last updated : April 27, 2026
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