(The following post contains spoilers for the Super Mario Galaxy Movie. You have been warned, so proceed at your own risk.)
After much anticipation, I finally got to see the new Mario movie. Twice. And I must say, I don't see what's everyone's problem with this movie, because I found it just as delightful as the first one. Sure, it may not be a perfect adaptation of the Galaxy games - not that I expected it to be in the first place -, but for what it's worth, I think they did a good job capturing the sense of cosmic wonder that carried those titles.
Now, I've had my own share of grievances over the years regarding the malleability of the Mario canon (such as the Koopalings retcon), so I completely understand why some of the liberties they took could rub some the wrong way. But for the most part, I think they made it work. I mean, people have always been theorizing about a possible connection between Peach and Rosalina, long before we even knew that it was indeed intended for the two of them to be related in the earlier drafts of the first game (to tell you the truth, the first time I saw a picture of Rosalina in a magazine, I thought she was just Peach in a new dress). So really, I'm not surprised they decided to integrate the idea in the movies' continuity. Besides, I love when they explore Rosalina's more vulnerable side. I know people like to perceive her as this immaculate goddess, but as far as I'm concerned, I think they managed to strike a pretty lovely balance. I mean, in the same vein as Sparks of Hope, it's made pretty clear that Junior only managed to best her because he got the chance to exploit her motherly side. And even then, she still played an instrumental role in her own rescue…
But enough about her. There are other aspects I wanted to talk about. First, I'd like to highlight once again what a visual marvel the film is. It's always a delight to see this universe come alive on the big screen, and I love all the funny and clever ways they found to reinterpret the Mario world, like turning the Gateway Galaxy into a bustling spaceport, the underground casino, or Bowser Jr. using Super Mario Maker as a security system. The film is once again a love letter to the franchise, and all those little Easter eggs make for a delicious experience. Also, I really, really liked the accent on arts and crafts in some sequences, such as Bowser's bedtime story and the credits. As the film that introduced Yoshi, it was such a charming nod to Crafted World. Speaking of that bedtime story though, it goes without saying but Bowser and his son really stole the show. Once again, as a Bowser fan, I couldn't be happier. They were so adorably evil together. And the magic brush made for really fun battle choreographies(1). Also, Bowser dual-wielding axes made for a very sexy spectacle…
All in all, I had a pretty great times. Was it perfect ? Not by any means. The pacing, for one, could have used a little polish. Especially since I don't think anybody would have a problem had the movie be ten or twenty minutes longer. But I still think that its positive aspects far outweigh the negative ones : a simple yet heartfelt story, stellar visuals, delightful characters (Yoshi was as adorable as ever, and Luigi getting more screen time was much appreciated), an exquisite score, plenty of action, a lot of amusing moments and cameos (I don't care what the detractors say, Fox' inclusion was one of the most exciting parts of the movie in my eyes)… The only thing I'll never forgive them for is the decision to cut Bowser's new song. Not only because it's a really fun song, but also because it would have been a hilarious tradition to have the Koopa King sing in each movie. But apart from that, all the ingredients for an amazing time were gathered.
Now the question is, what do they have in store for the next installment (because it's pretty obvious that we are getting another movie after this one) ? With Daisy appearing in the post-credits scene, I've seen many people theorize that the next film will involve Tatanga as a new villain and that he'll be recontextualized as the evil force that was after Peach and Rosalina's cosmic power. And honestly, that seems to fit pretty well. If I allowed myself to be a little bolder, I'd add that it would be awesome if he were to show up with an army of Shroobs, but I'd rather temper my expectations. XD Still, here is a half-serious theory if Tatanga is indeed the big bad of the next movie : halfway through the film, he will use his alien technology to make evil clones of the brothers, and that's how we'll get Wario and Waluigi…
(1) Speaking of, here is a little theory I was thinking about. You know how the pigments used for paints can be made from grinded plants ? Well, I was wondering, considering that - in the movie - Junior can use the brush to transform into his Wonder form, what if the paintbrush was powered by Wonder Flowers ? It would certainly explain all its incredible abilities (obviously, the Wonder Flowers weren't a thing back when the magic brush first appeared, but even in the games, so little was established about it that one could easily add a connection)…