2023's ‘The Super Mario Bros. Movie’, the sequel starts with the introduction of Rosalina (Brie Larson), the sky-blue princess who first appeared in the 2007 Wii game from which the movie gains its title. Surrounded by her adoptive children , the star-shaped, baby-voiced pudges called Luma, Rosalina is kidnapped by a mighty spaceship from her home by Bowser Jr. (Benny Safdie) and then begins a chase to get her back.

Leaving her pudges back, her magical powers is one of the reason Bowsesr Jr is interested in getting to her, besides of course, his father is in custody in miniature size in punishment for his villainous behaviour and living in a doll house in Princess Peach's (Anya Taylor-Joy) Mushroom Kingdom.

Rosalina's sister Princess Peach (Anya Taylor-Joy) and Toad (Keegan-Michael Key), along with Mario (Chris Pratt) and Luigi (Charlie Day), travel across the galaxy to stop Bowser Jr. from using Rosalina's power to free his father and conquer the universe. As the rescue for Rosalina begins, it send all our animated friends on a journey through various Mario game levels to save the princess and bring her back to her castle.

The fun continues with new characters like the monosyllabic dinosaur Yoshi (Donald Glover), and Toad.

At the INOX 3D special screening, kids in the audience screamed and cheered every time Mario hit out at the bad guys.

There’s great animation, style, color, music, visuals and sound effects. The plot is very basic, but still a great treat for the entire family this summer holidays.

Starring: Chris Pratt, Charlie Day, Donald Glover, Benny Safdie, Anya Taylor-Joy, Brie Larson, Jack Black.

Directed by: Aaron Horvath and Michael Jelenic.

Run time: 1. 38 minutes

Rating: ***

Reviewed by Verus Ferreira