Let’s go! Wah-ho! We have the next entry to the “Super Mario” Saga and I expect a third entry to come along the way for this property. Did I enjoy it? Yes! Is it better than the first one? I don’t think it captures the strongest attention such as the first entry, but it’s enjoyable. What I really did miss was having the magic of “Peaches” gracing our screens. There wasn’t that hook, but it still manages to charm you.
The voice cast of “The Super Mario Galaxy “movie has become a star studded affair. We have the return of Chris Pratt, Charlie Day, Anya Taylor-Joy, Keegan-Michael Key and Jack Black and they’ve settled into their roles with more familiarity and joy. The newest additions of Benny Safdie and Brie Larson as Bowser Junior and Princess Rosalina respectively. However, Larson is severely undercut in her usage for the film and I hope she’s utilized more strongly in the next entry. Safdie as Bowser Junior delivered some of the most ambitious child-like energy that complimented Jack Black’s Bowser to a tee.
What I really enjoyed for this sequel was the wonderful callback to the game’s animation and seeing a full digitalized Mario on the big screen. You’re mesmerized into the battle royale of the ‘Super Mario’ games and there’s no stopping the brakes. Its on a full throttle with some stunning visuals that will keep your attention to the screen. One scene to keep an eye out which was teased in the trailer is at Princess Peach’s party and look out for fireworks. It’s one of the most beautifully animated scenes in the film.
Another sequence to keep an eye out for is a casino scene. Again it involves Princess Peach and she delivers a strong execution of character strength. However, we have the addition of Glen Powell as Fox McCloud and he is used to a tee in remembrance of his “Top Gun Maverick” persona of Hangman Powell plays well into this charisma persona and enjoyed the callbacks and animation style to Fox McCloud’s backstory as well.
Now there are Easter eggs in this film and I don’t want to spoil all of them, but I will say if you’re a fan of “Super Smash Brothers” then you’re in for a ride. There’s much joy in seeing callback to the animation style of 2-D but then you also get an operating system cameo that is already enough a spoiler if you can read between the lines.
Additionally, as I’ve been eluding there is a focus on Princess Peach in this sequel and she is my favoruite character throughout the years. I like the shift and giving more context to her origin, but I wish there was more for Brie Larson’s Rosalina to do. Larson is an avid gamer and a lover of the “Super Mario” property, but I look at it as potential for another entry. The princess’ story is nicely enveloped, but I felt like we could’ve gone deeper if we wanted to.
I’ll have my full thoughts on the podcast tomorrow for the film, but I hope you’ll tune in! I do think “The Super Mario Galaxy” movie will be making all the money this upcoming holiday weekend, but how high can it go? I’ll have my box office predications up tomorrow, but I’m thinking $300 million worldwide globally due to the five day release/holiday weekday release. Let’s see!
Nicole's Film Perspectives 
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