The Super Mario Galaxy Movie just soared into theaters. The sequel, based on the critically-acclaimed 2007 Wii masterpiece of the same name, has been highly-anticipated for many reasons. This includes the big screen debut of Rosalina and recognizable locations like The Space Junk Galaxy and The Honey Hive Galaxy. However, the Super Mario Galaxy games were arguably best known for their cinematic atmosphere. More specifically, the beautiful orchestral score that effortlessly sucked you up into this iconic franchise’s unique version of space.
Returning composer for the Galaxy Movie, Brian Tyler, more than understood the lofty weight and responsibility of that undertaking. Especially considering he had experience composing video games like Assassin’s Creed IV: Black Flag (2013) and Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 3 (2011) before taking on the Super Mario universe. The score is a breathtaking combination of musical Easter Eggs and original pieces that fit perfectly with Galaxy’s interstellar vibes.
“The Flight Deck”
“The Flight Deck” is the ultimate Nintendo crossover. In the film, Peach and the Mario Brothers need a pilot to get to Rosalina in The Space Junk Galaxy. That pilot is none other than Fox McCloud from Star Fox. This gave Tyler the perfect opportunity to blend his original score with the sounds of Super Mario Galaxy and the thrilling Star Fox theme. Especially when Fox is telling his backstory on how he got sucked into Super Mario’s world, the Star Fox theme kicks into maximum overdrive.
Besides the Galaxy and Star Fox themes mixing like a well-oiled machine, there’s one other part of the wider Nintendo universe in this scene that’s music makes a fun little cameo. The Pikmin from their self-titled puzzle action-adventure franchise are seen twice for a few seconds on the flight deck. This includes the first time we see a bunch of these adorable creatures exiting their tiny spaceship. They’re appropriately accompanied by Pikmin’s “end of day” jingle.
“Rebuilding the Castle”
“Rebuilding the Castle” is the swan song that ends The Super Mario Galaxy Movie on a literal high note. It perfectly encapsulates Tyler’s great sense of epic and emotional atmosphere. Super Mario’s romanticism and fiery fighting spirit are on full display here with Mario and Bowser’s themes coming head-to-head.
Then we get to the title of the track that sees Mario and the Mushroom Kingdom rebuilding Peach’s Castle. A celebratory march that includes the iconic Galaxy and Rosalina’s Comet Observatory themes lovingly combined with Tyler’s remix of the classic Super Mario Bros. theme. It’s a sweet threat that has Nintendo fans leaving the theater with a massive sugar rush.
“1up”
Similarly to “Rebuilding the Castle”, “1up” is a blissful end-credits title sequence that celebrates and compiles all The Super Mario Galaxy Movie’s major musical beats. All the themes, including Bowser’s Castle, Bowser’s Airship, Gusty Garden Galaxy, Comet Observatory and Galaxy’s main track are all there to thank the fans. End Credits have become a way to show off a composer’s best ideas. Work that the plot of the film or action on screen could easily distract from. Especially after this fast-paced sequel where there’s not much time to breathe, this ballad is the perfect way to release the Galaxy Movie’s thrills. That is before the post-credits scenes start that enjoyable chaotic cycle again.
“Taking Care of the Kingdom Isn’t Easy”
This nostalgic montage taking place in the middle of the film sees Mario and Luigi try to stand in for Peach as she goes off to find Rosalina. The brothers learn the hard way that being the princess’ replacement isn’t easy…just like the title of this track. The adventure’s music is perfect for a sequence full of franchise Easter eggs like the frog suit from Super Mario Bros. 3 (1989)and the world map from Super Mario World (1991).
This is Tyler at his most campy and whimsical as he mixes familiar Mushroom Kingdom sounds with a grand atmospheric scope. Like the overall sequel itself, “Taking Care of the Kingdom Isn’t Easy” blends humor, heart and fluffy joy before it ends on a slightly sinister note when Bowser Jr. attempts to abduct the castle.
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This article originally appeared on GameRant and is republished here with permission.
