A Brief Guide to the Super Mario Galaxy Movie: References.
When I discovered the Lux cinema in Turin, I was amazed by its Art Deco design, and I just had to go inside and explore it.
Ever since I moved to Turin, I’ve been discovering more and more fascinating places that I want to add to my list of potential locations for a photo shoot. The funny thing is that I often stumble upon interesting spots when I get lost, when I decide to take a different route, or when I’m just wandering around.
The Lux cinema, jewel of the Galleria San Federico, immediately struck me with its commanding presence (it’s the focal point that catches the eye of the casual passerby) and its Art Deco design, which drew me in and led me to discover that they were showing Super Mario Galaxy, a film that had recently been released and that I hadn’t seen yet. What better opportunity, then, to explore the cinema’s interior as well?
Super Mario Galaxy is the sequel to Super Mario Bros. (2023), which I saw years ago in Vienna in original language. We’re well aware that Chris Patt has faced some criticism for his voice acting as Mario, which has raised some doubts among fans of the series; but there’s nothing to say against Jack Black’s portrayal of Bowser, who was unforgettable with his song about Princess Peach.
In this new installment of the series (which I watched in Italian this time), however, Bowser gives more screen time to other characters making their debut: first and foremost, Yoshi (voiced by Childish Gambino) and Bowser Jr.
Personally, the movie had me jumping and dancing in my seat with excitement, but it wasn’t until the end of the screening that I realized why: Super Mario Galaxy is an epic that stirs the senses and memories of my inner child as an adult, and it’s thanks to all those moments when I wanted to shout: “BUT THAT [object/music in the movie] IS JUST LIKE [object/music from the video game]!!!” that I really had a blast.
Without these references, my movie-watching experience would likely have been visually satisfying but more confusing, intrigued by the previous chapter but with plenty of doubts about what’s happening. That’s why I decided to write a short guide, intended for those who want to better understand some of the film’s Easter eggs - and perhaps also for those who want to impress others - like The Lord of the Rings fans who are always pointing out the scene where Viggo Mortensen broke his toes.
From video games to the Super Mario Galaxy movie
For those who don’t know (which I think is everyone, except my sister and my mom), my recipe for becoming a fan of the Super Mario series is:
Being 6 years old and getting a Super Nintendo as a gift
Having only one cartridge (yes, back then consoles still used cartridges) - the Super Mario All-Stars cartridge
Growing up and returning to that game between one cycle after another, even as an adult.
Bonus Points: having a sister to share Super Mario memes with or ask, “Do you remember what this music is?”
That’s also why this guide isn’t meant to be perfect: despite some brief experience with later releases, my gaming knowledge of the series includes only: Super Mario Bros., Super Mario Bros. 2, Super Mario Bros. 3, and Super Mario World (basically, all the games on the “All-Stars” cartridge, excluding the infamous “lost levels” that were impossible to beat and weren’t all that great anyway).
Since the game’s music plays a key role right from the start in capturing the attention of our inner child (along with the iconic sound effects of power-ups, blocks, passing through pipes, or Yoshi’s chameleon tongue), let’s talk about that.
I’ll post a series of videos side by side (or one above the other, for those reading on a phone) that I recommend playing from left to right, for a few seconds each. Once you pause one, you can move on to the next video. Now that the short tutorial is over, let’s get started.
Super Mario Galaxy lets us enjoy both the music from the Overworld…
…and those of the Underworld.
Of course, the boss and mini-boss themes couldn’t be left out. We hear them during the introduction (after the prologue) of this movie’s villain: Bowser Jr. A quick aside and a personal gripe: I’ve never understood why Bowser Jr. eventually replaced Bowser’s original seven children, and I know I’m not the only one who’s wondered about this.
In any case, anyone who has played Super Mario Bros. 3 is sure to remember the music that introduces the ships in the levels leading up to the battles, and the film uses that same music as a device to introduce the ships.
The orchestral arrangements are phenomenal; they intertwine and burst with energy to introduce spectacular settings.
Now here’s a little tidbit to share: the final boss in Super Mario Bros. 2 is a frog king (he wears a crown and royal jewels) who attacks with bubbles and can be defeated by throwing vegetables at him (including a turnip). Remembering this detail while watching the movie might bring a smile to your face. By the way, for those who don’t remember, the ending of Super Mario Bros. 2 is the classic ending for all novice Dungeon Masters when they reach the end of the campaign: IT WAS ALL A DREAM!
Super Mario Galaxy doesn't hold back on its comedic subplots, where other superpowers from the series are showcased in rapid succession. Frog suits and the underwater world, mini-maps, Hammer Brothers, flying Goombas, Lakitus dropping bombs from smiling clouds, all thrown together in a hodgepodge that’s actually quite enjoyable and, in fact, breathes life into a movie that would otherwise have been just “the villain kidnaps the princess, the villain gets his punishment.” Here, the most frequently referenced music and characters are those from Super Mario Bros. 3
And the very fact that all these references are contained in just one of the soundtracks gives us an idea of how densely packed they are in this sequence, starting with the battles…
… and moving through the underwater levels.
Like any proper Super Mario story, it wouldn't be complete without a final showdown with Bowser, and once again, the references are plentiful.
Certain scenes seem like a true tribute to the entire series, such as a fight on a suspension bridge that clearly reminds us of the first Super Mario game.
And so we’ve reached the end of the movie and of this post. The lights in the theater come back on, the popcorn is gone, and “please don’t leave any cans or trash behind!”. Credit rolls.
Yet even the credit sequence gives us a little gift: one of the most moving songs from my memories, the one that represents coming home, the end of the game. And I become a child again, humming the song as I always have when it pops into my head at the most random moments. I don’t regret taking this journey.
If you've made it this far and have never played Super Mario, maybe now you know a little more about how to turn your viewing experience from good to fantastic; but if your friends suggest going to see the movie a week early: take my advice, play the series for a bit. You won't regret it! (Except, maybe, Mario Kart. That game is addictive. Stay away from it. Just kidding.)
