The first Mario movie didn’t get much love from critics, with a score of just 59%, based on 288 reviews, on film and TV review website Rotten Tomatoes.
But audiences loved it, helping to make it the second-biggest film of 2023, just behind the Barbie movie.
This time, the critical reaction has been around the plot and how it struggles to stay connected throughout the film.
The Guardian called the film a “bland screensaver of a movie”, external and gave it a one star rating, while The Independent gave it a slightly higher two stars but also lamented its “blandness”, external.
One of the biggest complaints about the original movie from fans was the inclusion of various pop and rock songs on the game’s soundtrack.
Many felt hits from the likes of Beastie Boys, AC/DC and Bonnie Tyler didn’t fit well with the Mario Universe.
However, entertainment reporter Jonathan Sim, external says Galaxy pulls things back, which allows composer Brian Tyler’s “excellent musical score” to take centre stage.
Sim adds that the cosmic film is a “gorgeously animated love letter to Mario fans”.
Gaming content creator Sophie Keen, known online as Cadaea, told BBC Newsbeat that she feels The Super Mario Galaxy Movie is a good additional storyline for fans to enjoy.
“I see it as a nice extra”, says Keen.
Keen says she actually preferred Galaxy to the first film as it has “loads of funny moments” alongside “cute, wholesome moments”.
“If you like the first film, you probably will like the second,” she explains.
“The only thing I really want people to know is that it’s not a perfect 100% adaptation of the game.
“Don’t expect the exact same plot to come out, just take it as a nice addition to Mario lore.”