The release of The Super Mario Bros. Movie 2 has been met with excitement, curiosity, and a lot of anticipation from fans of the beloved Nintendo franchise and moviegoers alike. Following the success of the first Super Mario Bros. Movie—an animated adventure that introduced Mario, Luigi, Princess Peach, and Bowser to a new generation of fans in 2023—the sequel builds on that momentum, promising a bigger, bolder, and more adventurous journey into the Mushroom Kingdom. In this article, we’ll explore the reviews and critical reception of The Super Mario Bros. Movie 2, discussing the film’s animation, storytelling, character development, and its impact on both long-time fans and newcomers.
A Visual Spectacle: The Animation
One of the standout features of The Super Mario Bros. Movie 2 is its dazzling animation, a hallmark of the Illumination Entertainment studio, known for its work on films like Despicable Me and The Secret Life of Pets. The visual aesthetic of the film is nothing short of breathtaking, with vibrant colors, detailed environments, and smooth character animations that make every scene feel alive and engaging. From the lush greenery of the Mushroom Kingdom to the fiery depths of Bowser’s lair, each world is meticulously crafted, bringing the iconic settings of the Mario games to life with stunning clarity.
Critics have universally praised the film’s visual design, noting that it strikes a perfect balance between staying faithful to the pixelated look of the original video games and adding a cinematic polish that elevates the characters and environments. The use of color, in particular, has been highlighted as one of the film’s greatest strengths, with bright, bold hues creating a sense of wonder and excitement throughout the adventure. Whether it’s Mario speeding through rainbow-colored racing tracks or Bowser’s lava-filled castle looming ominously in the background, the visual elements of the movie are consistently impressive.
The film also introduces several new locations not seen in the previous installment, each with its own distinct design and atmosphere. Critics have noted that this world-building helps expand the scope of the Mario universe, making the sequel feel grander and more expansive than the first film. Fans of the video games will appreciate the attention to detail, as many of these locations are inspired by levels from various Super Mario games, including Super Mario Galaxy, Super Mario Odyssey, and Mario Kart.
Storytelling and Plot Development
While the first Super Mario Bros. Movie focused heavily on introducing the characters and setting up the world, The Super Mario Bros. Movie 2 takes the opportunity to dive deeper into storytelling, offering a more layered and complex narrative. The sequel picks up shortly after the events of the first film, with Mario and Luigi settling into their roles as the protectors of the Mushroom Kingdom. However, peace is short-lived as a new threat emerges, forcing the brothers to embark on an epic journey across multiple worlds to save the kingdom once again.
One of the most praised aspects of the film is its improved storytelling. Critics have lauded the screenplay for being more engaging and emotionally resonant compared to its predecessor. While the first film was primarily an action-packed adventure with a straightforward plot, the sequel adds more depth to the characters, particularly Mario and Luigi. Their brotherly bond is explored in greater detail, with moments of humor, conflict, and heartfelt emotion that make their relationship feel more grounded and relatable.
Princess Peach, who played a significant role in the first film, also gets more development in the sequel. No longer just a damsel in distress, Peach is portrayed as a strong, capable leader who is instrumental in helping Mario and Luigi throughout their journey. Her character arc is praised for showcasing her intelligence and bravery, making her a more well-rounded and dynamic figure in the story. Fans of the character have expressed satisfaction with how she’s portrayed, as she steps into a more central role without losing the charm and grace that makes her a beloved part of the Mario universe.
The film also introduces new characters, including some fan-favorites from the games like Yoshi, Toadette, and Rosalina from Super Mario Galaxy. These additions help expand the narrative and give the film more variety in terms of interactions and character dynamics. Critics have noted that these new characters are well-integrated into the story, with each one adding something unique to the film without feeling like they were shoehorned in for fan service.
However, not all reviews have been entirely positive regarding the plot. Some critics have pointed out that, while the narrative is more developed, it still falls into familiar territory with predictable story beats and a relatively simple resolution. The film’s primary villain, once again Bowser, is undeniably entertaining (thanks in large part to a stellar voice performance), but some reviewers felt that his motivations were somewhat one-dimensional, which could have been explored in more depth. Despite this, most agree that the movie delivers a fun and engaging story that serves its purpose well for an animated family film.
Humor and Voice Acting
A key element of The Super Mario Bros. Movie 2 is its humor, which has been another area of positive reception. Much like the first film, the sequel is filled with lighthearted comedy, slapstick humor, and witty dialogue that appeals to both children and adults. The comedic timing of the characters, especially Luigi’s anxious and bumbling personality, provides much of the film’s charm.
Mario and Luigi’s interactions are a significant source of the film’s humor, with Luigi often getting into comedic situations due to his nervous nature, while Mario remains the more confident, albeit slightly exasperated, brother. Critics have praised the chemistry between the two leads, with many calling their banter and sibling dynamic one of the film’s highlights.
The voice acting has also been a focal point of discussion. Chris Pratt returns as Mario, and his performance in the sequel has been generally better received compared to the first movie, where his casting initially sparked controversy among fans. In The Super Mario Bros. Movie 2, Pratt’s voice work is more confident and fitting for the character, helping Mario come across as both heroic and humorous.
Other voice actors, including Charlie Day as Luigi and Anya Taylor-Joy as Princess Peach, continue to impress, with both delivering strong performances that bring their characters to life. Jack Black’s return as Bowser has been particularly celebrated, with his over-the-top villainous energy and comedic delivery making him one of the most enjoyable parts of the movie. His performance adds layers to Bowser, making him both menacing and hilariously entertaining.
Fan Reception and Cultural Impact
Fans of the Super Mario franchise have largely embraced The Super Mario Bros. Movie 2, praising its faithfulness to the source material and its ability to capture the spirit of the games. The inclusion of familiar elements like power-ups, Mario Kart races, and iconic musical cues from the games has delighted fans, who appreciate the filmmakers’ attention to detail and respect for the original franchise.
The movie’s success at the box office has also been a talking point, with the sequel performing exceptionally well in its opening weekend, much like its predecessor. Analysts have pointed to the wide appeal of the Mario brand, noting that it transcends generations, making the film a hit among both longtime gamers and younger audiences discovering the characters for the first time.
In conclusion, The Super Mario Bros. Movie 2 delivers on the promise of a bigger and better sequel, offering stunning animation, engaging characters, and a fun, if somewhat predictable, story. While the film may not break new ground in terms of narrative complexity, it succeeds as a vibrant, action-packed adventure that honors the legacy of the Mario franchise. Fans of the games, in particular, will find much to love in this colorful and energetic follow-up, and it’s likely that The Super Mario Bros. Movie 2 will continue to be a favorite among families and gamers alike.
