Critics Trashed Mario, But American Families Are Proving Them Wrong

“The Super Mario Galaxy Movie” just pulled in impressive box office numbers despite being trashed by the critics.

The follow up to 2023’s smash hit “Super Mario Bros. Movie” from llumination Studios and Nintendo earned $130.9 million over the weekend and $190.1 million in its first five days, per Associated Press. It’s not surprising, considering that it’s a family-friendly title with massive name recognition being released over a holiday weekend.

It’s worth noting, however, that the sequel was given a 41% critics score on Rotten Tomatoes and a markedly better 89% audience rating.

“We all have a finite amount of time on this Earth, and I cannot think of a single reason why you should spend any of yours on The Super Mario Galaxy Movie,” the critic from Mashable wrote.

Wall Street Journal reviewer Kyle Smith advised that it was “notably weaker” than the first film, which was itself “barely watchable.” The New York Times, meanwhile, lamented the “flat empty nothingness” of the narrative.

The Guardian’s Peter Bradshaw described it as “a bland screensaver of a movie that’s actually worse than AI” in his 1-star review. Kevin Maher from The Times also didn’t mince words, asking if the kids movie marked “the end of cinema.” 

“…the film is torturous to sit through and, for me, provoked periods of actual physical discomfort,” the critic added.

The video game-themed film features the same voice actors behind the original, including Chris Pratt, Jack Black, Anya Taylor-Joy, and Charlie Day. “Mario ventures into space, exploring cosmic worlds and tackling galactic challenges far from the familiar Mushroom Kingdom,” the logline says.

It opened across 4,252 theaters over Easter weekend, including 421 IMAX screens.

“It’s exactly the kind of broad, crowd-pleasing release that brings people into theaters,” AMC Chairman and CEO Adam Aron said in a statement, per AP.

While critics came after it for not having enough depth, other viewers say that’s what made the movie so successful.

“A bright, colorful, and action packed story filled with all the Nintendo characters we know and love. It’s simply a good time at the movies,” one verified Rotten Tomatoes reviewer said.

“If you enjoyed the first you’ll be at home. If you want a Pixar movie with sad bits and life lessons and shoe in adult jokes you ain’t getting it here. It’s a fun ride start to end,” another agreed.

“This is a kids movie. I don’t know what fantastical storytelling these adults need from a child’s video game adaptation but it’s entertaining and light…. Let the kids be kids, these movies don’t have to be masterpieces and they don’t have to pander to childish adults who just refuse [to]  grow up. Mario belongs to children, not to your generation,” echoed a third.