Review of TAYO SA WAKAS: Darker Depths for DonBelle

 May 25, 2026

Francisco "Cisco" Serrano (Donny Pangilinan) was the eldest but illegitimate son of his rich father Francisco "Kiko" Jacinto (Matthew Mendoza). He worked for the Guinto group of companies, and  was responsible for developing the production house arm dubbed as "G-Spot" for its CEO Mr. G (Epy Quizon). He was involved in creating concepts for their advertising clients, pitching the ad proposal to them, and directing their video shoots. 

Francisca "Cheska" Alegre (Belle Mariano) with her parents (Yayo Aguila and Alan Paule) in a low-income community, where their neighbors could hear their frequent marital quarrels. She was just the newest recruit in G-Spot, under the mentorship of Cisco. The two called each other "Tuks," short for "tukayo," a term used to indicate the similarity of their names. Soon, their close professional relationship soon blossomed into romance. 

"Tayo sa Wakas" is the third feature film of the Donny Pangilinan and Belle Mariano (or "DonBelle") love team after "Love is Color Blind" (John Leo Garcia, 2021) and "An Inconvenient Love" (Petersen Vargas, 2022), both big commercial hits. Like the second film, this new film was once again used the rich boy-poor girl romance-comedy trope, so the formula felt familiar right from the awkward meet-cute at the office pantry. 

The screenplay by Vanessa R. Valdez tackled darker themes than expected here about professional jealousy and toxicity. It was clear from the get-go that their sailing was not going to be smooth, so there was no real suspense in the flashbacks. Aside from DonBelle, the supporting actors were mainly stock BFF tropes. Epy Quizon does well as the compassionate boss. Jaime Fabregas had a strong impact as Don Frank, Cisco's imperious grandfather.   

The chemistry between Pangilinan and Mariano is very strong, which is why we felt bad as Cisco and Cheska drifted apart. Things were going so badly between them, we wanted to see a brave, realistic resolution of their problem. Unfortunately for us, Valdez and director Cathy Garcia-Sampana opted for an annoying cop-out of a climax -- a sudden 11th hour twist that rendered everything after it unnecessarily melodramatic and ultimately unsatisfying. 6/10 

Netflix: Review of REMARKABLY BRILLIANT CREATURES: Omniscient Octopus

May 25, 202

Tova (Sally Field) was an elderly woman who lived in Sowell Bay in Washington state. Ever since her son Erik and her husband passed away, she preferred to live and work alone. She worked as a night-shift janitor at the town aquarium. While working, she shared her thoughts to Marcellus (voice by Alfred Molina), an old octopus who kept trying to escape his tank and go back to the sea. One day, Tova had a fall and sprained her ankle. 

Cameron (Lewis Pullman) was a young man whose mother just passed away. Using the old van she bequeathed to him, Cameron drove to Sowell Bay to look for the unknown father he never met. Because he needed cash, he was recommended to take over Tova's work while she recovered from her injury. Tova noted that Cameron was not conscientious about his work, so she took it upon herself to teach him the right way to do things.

Ever since I have seen Sally Field play mothers in films like "Steel Magnolias" (1989) and "Forrest Gump" (1994), I have admired the sincerity she projected in her portrayal of her roles, and the effortlessness by which she was able to make us shed tears. As she portrayed another mother in this one, she again delivered her lines in that unique voice and speaking style of hers that inspires trust, connects emotionally and elevates the whole film. 

Lewis Pullman is the son of veteran actor Bill Pullman, so he has to work harder to prove that he was not a mere nepo baby. While the resemblance is there, Lewis has a grittier, sterner countenance than the clean-cut all-American look his father built his career on. As Cameron had been an abandoned child and no clear direction in life, Pullman imbued him with plenty of internal angst that translated to rough language and careless actions. 

Director Olivia Newman co-wrote this screenplay with John Whittington, adapting the 2022 novel by Shelby Van Pelt. Having a wise octopus as narrator called to mind the 2020 Oscar-winning Netflix documentary "My Octopus Teacher," as Marcellus helped resolve a mystery that repaired the two damaged lead characters. The twist may feel a bit contrived, but Newman's homey direction and Field's moving portrayal overcame all that. 7/10

Review of STAR WARS: THE MANDALORIAN AND GROGU: Bringing Bounty and Baby

May 19, 2026

"The Mandalorian" was the first live-action television series of the Star Wars franchise streamed on Disney+, with Jon Favreau as showrunner. it has run from 2019 to 2023, for three seasons so far. What was supposed to have been the fourth season of the series was instead turned by Lucasfilm into this film, under Favreau's direction. This is the first Star Wars franchise film in seven years after "Star Wars: Episode IX - The Rise of Skywalker" (2019). 

Set five years after the rebels defeated the Galactic Empire in "The Return of the Jedi," the series followed the adventures of a bounty hunter named Din Djarin (Pablo Pascal), a.k.a. Mando. In one of his missions, he was supposed to turn over a Child of a mysterious species with an innate connection to the Force. Out of compassion, Mando decided to rescue him instead, and treated him as his son. His real name Grogu was revealed in S2E5.

For this film, Mando and Grogu was sent on missions to capture the remaining Imperial Remnants by the Adelphi Rangers of the New Republic led by Col. Ward (Sigourney Weaver). To locate the target, Mondo needed the help of notorious crime lords, the Hutt twins. In exchange for their intel, they wanted Mando to first retrieve their nephew Rotta, son of their late cousin Jabba the Hutt, who had been kidnapped. 

As it had been on the TV series, Mando was always seen wearing his helmet in accordance to the way of the Mand'alor which did not allow him to show his face to others. The only time we saw Pedro Pascal's face was when Mando was shamed by bounty hunter Embo (Dave Filoni) by unmasking him. So, we are not really sure who we are seeing in those intense action and fight scenes, Pascal or his stunt doubles, Brendan Wayne and Lateef Crowder.  

Grogu was a delightful creation of animatronics, puppetry and visual effects. Still considered a child at 50 years old, Grogu was of the same species as jedi master Yoda, who died at the ripe old age of 900 in "Return of the Jedi." Grogu's very cute "baby Yoda" look made him the "E.T." for this generation.  Grogu would have the screen on his own when Mando was out of commission for a while, and he was truly adorable, especially that meditating scene. 

First seen as a baby in "Star Wars: The Clone Wars" (2008), Rotta the Hutt was warm and sympathetic, as voiced by Jeremy Allen White, unlike his slimy elders. Fans cheered when Lasat rebel soldier Zeb Orrelios (Steve Blum) came out to pilot Mando's new Razor Crest craft. Martin Scorsese voiced an Ardennian sandwich storekeeper whom Mando bribed for info. Sigourney Weaver graced yet another sci-fi franchise, after "Alien" and "Avatar."

As a film, this one can stand on its own, even for those who have not seen the series. The story was not that hard to follow, with relentless action and plenty of alien creatures -- the fun (Minions-like Anzellan droidsmiths), the scary (giant albino Dragonsnake) and the thrilling (the Mantellian savrip and other gladiator arena warriors).  However, serious Star Wars fanboys who can spot obscure deep-cuts and callbacks will likely enjoy it a lot more. 8/10

Review of MIDNIGHT GIRLS: Empathy with Entertainers

May 14, 2026

When 20 year-old Wanna (Loisa Andalio) arrived in Nagoya, Japan, she was welcomed by her mother's friend Vicky (Jodi Sta. Maria) who had already been working there for several years. Vicky brought Wanna to a nightclub run by fellow Filipina Mama Charry (Carmi Martin), where she worked as one of the girls who entertained male customers while they drink after work. Vicky introduced the newcomer to her two other friends Paris (Sanya Lopez) and Saki (Jane Oineza), who also advised Wanna about the new job she was about to embark on.

Despite their frequent Facetimes, Vicky had problems with her son Patrick (Zaijian Jaranilla), who was only three when he was left to the care of his grandmother (Shamaine Buencamino). Paris was rekindling her romance with her former boyfriend Genji (Genki Ito) who made a surprise return. Saki was facing issues about her own self-identity, even if she looked cool and confident on the outside. Wanna was adjusting very well to her very new world, until she gets an unexpected visit from her boyfriend back home Danny (Miggy Jimenez).

There is no argument that Jody Sta. Maria is an excellent actress, and she extends her streak of award-worthy portrayals here. Being the eldest sister of their group, Sta. Maria's Vicky projects maturity and responsibility. Her scenes with her regular customers Akio (Kouji Sueyoshi) and Hideo (Masakatsu Sumioku) revealed her caring nature which made them feel prioritized. Her best scenes were those with Zaijian Jaranilla giving an exceptionally moving performance even if he was only seen on the screen of a mobile phone.

Sanya Lopez was effortlessly beautiful with her winning smile and personality. Her best scene was that one when Paris finally realized where her affair with Genji was going. As the turmoil of Saki's conflict is internal, Jane Oineza gave a very nuanced and restrained portrayal. Her best scene was actually that transformative reveal at the park picnic towards the end. Loisa Andalio was good as Wanna, but her coming of age as a GRO was not given enough focus. Also, her tendency to deliver her lines too loud could have been reined in. 

"Midnight Girls" is further proof of Irene Emma Villamor's talent as a storyteller, a reputation which she had steadily built with film she both wrote and directed. Despite the fact that there had been plenty of films about Filipinos working abroad, Villamor was able to tell these intertwined stories of four female GROs working in Nagoya in a manner that still felt fresh, vibrant and engaging. Villamor's decision to include interviews of real women who did the same work in Japan made us realize the authenticity of the stories we had witnessed. 8/10

Review of THE PUNISHER: ONE LAST KILL: Virulent Violence

May 13, 2026

The Punisher was a character who first appeared in a Marvel comic book in 1974, in "The Amazing Spider-Man" #129. Frank Castle was an ex-Marine who became a vigilante after his wife and two children were killed by Mafia gangsters. Using his skills in hand-to-hand combat and marksmanship, Castle went on to fight against the bad guys. However, unlike the typical superhero, the Punisher was merciless, and did not hesitate to kill. 

Since then, this anti-hero character, along with that distinctive skull design that he wore, had already made his transition to films. Dolph Lundgren first played Castle in "The Punisher" (Mark Goldblatt, 1989). Thomas Jane had another go at the character in another film entitled "The Punisher" (Jonathan Hensleigh, 2004).  Ray Stevenson played him in a reboot film, "Punisher: War Zone" (Lexi Alexander, 2008). Critics panned all three of these films.

After this, The Punisher franchise was rebooted in the Marvel Cinematic Universe. Jon Bernthal introduced the character in the second season of Netflix series "Daredevil" (2016), as the ideological counterpoint to title character who was also a vigilante but did not kill his targets. "Punisher" had a spin-off series of his own also on Netflix from 2017–2019. He was brought back in the first season of "Daredevil: Born Again" (2025), streaming on Disney+. 

This year, "The Punisher" is back as the featured character in the third Marvel's Special Presentation, after "Werewolf by Night" (2022) and "The Guardians of the Galaxy Holiday. Special" (2022). Jon Bernthal co-wrote and starred in this 45-minute film about the continuing internal torture Frank Castle had been experiencing since his family was killed by the gangsters of the Gnucci family, even after he had already exacted his revenge.

The grieving matriarch Ma Gnucci (Judith Light in an unexpected role) wanted to exact her own revenge for the death of her husband and sons at Castle's hands. On the anniversary of the death of her beloved youngest son, she sent out a city-wide contract for the death of Castle, which sent criminals of all kinds rushing over to Castle's apartment building to try to kill him. The ensuing mayhem was relentless and soon spilled out into the streets outside.

Even if you did not know anything about "The Punisher" as a character, you can still appreciate this film. There would be haunting flashbacks to encapsulize the past trauma in Frank's life that drove him to do what he does. The main highlight was certainly the seamlessly-edited series of brutally violent action sequences as Frank fought his way out of the endless horde after him, killing of all of them in the process -- not for the faint of heart!

One main aim for this special presentation was to reintroduce Frank Castle, his Punisher persona and his current psychological state to a wider audience. This is in time for his coming appearance on the big screen in "Spider-Man: Brand New Day" this July. How meaningful that The Punisher made his character debut in a Spider-Man comic book in 1974, and now, 52 years later, he is making his MCU feature film debut in a Spider-Man film. 8/10

Review of THE SHEEP DETECTIVES: Offbeat Ovine Observers

May 10, 2026

Shepherd George Hardy (Hugh Jackman) owned a meadow outside the town of Denbrook, on which his flock of sheep were put out to pasture. Beyond feeding them, George also spent time reading detective crime mystery novels to his sheep. Among his favorites among his flock were the aloof loner Sebastian (Bryan Cranston), wise Merino sheep Mopple (Chris O'Dowd), the stately Sir Richfield (Patrick Stewart) and the smartest one of the group, Lily (Julia Louis-Dreyfus). The sheep would then discuss these cases when George went to bed. 

One night, a murder disturbed the peace in Hardy's farm, the first such case that the town's only policeman Tim Derry (Nicholas Braun) had ever handled. A visiting journalist Ellliot Matthews (Nicholas Galitzine) volunteered to help him. When Atty. Harbottle (Emma Thompson) arrived, the suspects were revealed -- the neighbor Caleb (Tosin Cole), the butcher Ham (Conleth Hill), the innkeeper Beth (Hong Chau), the priest Rev. Hillcoate (Kobna Holdbrook-Smith), and George's estranged daughter Rebecca (Molly Gordon). 

The screenplay of "The Sheep Detectives" was written by Craig Mazin, creator of HBO series "Chernobyl" (2019) and "The Last of Us" (2023), adapted from the 2005 German novel "Three Bags Full" by Leonie Swann. The film is the first live-action film (mixed with digital animation) directed by Kyle Balda, who is best known for animated films like "The Lorax" (2012) and "Minions" (2015), all for Illumination Studios. The big name actors (Jackman, Thompson) and voices (Louis-Dreyfus, Cranston) add prestige to this project.  

Watching the titular sheep detectives in action immediately called to mind the delightful 1995 movie "Babe," about a pig who wanted to be a sheepdog. That film was a commercial and critical success, even earning itself seven Oscar nominations, including Best Picture and Director for Chris Noonan. Its Oscar-winning visual effects team employed a mix of live animals (48 piglets had to be used to keep the size of Babe uniform), animatronics, and digital mouth manipulation to create the illusion of talking animals. 

The sophisticated visual effects we see in "The Sheep Detectives" shows the progress in this field for the past 30 years, as now all the animals are 100% photo-realistic computer-generated imagery. The photorealistic animals in "The Sheep Detectives" are more fully-realized, capable of expressively conveying human-like emotions. This is a positive progression from the grim, expressionless hyper-realistic CGI animals in "The Lion King" (2019) that garnered that older film a lot of negative criticism. 

Meanwhile, the film's detective story called to mind the Agatha Christie murder mysteries and the "Knives Out" films with the multiple suspects and wry humor. However, the big charming difference is that the human detective Tim Derry was so absurdly clueless, so the sheep needed to actively intervene in the investigation in the cutest, yet ingenious ways. Certain sheep beliefs, like ostracizing winter lambs, forgetting about bad things, and turning into clouds instead of dying, provided room for rich emotional tear-jerking moments. 9/10

Review of ALMOST US: Hoping Hurts

May 9, 2026

Janine (Fyang Smith) and RR (JM Ibarra) have been best friends since their childhood. They had special nicknames for each other -- Janine called RR "Pip," while RR called Janine "Bulots." Janine followed her mother's footsteps to take up Law. Atty. Melissa Mesina (Che Ramos) entrusted her to the care of RR, who was free to spend nights in her condo.  Meanwhile, RR applied to do volunteer work via an NGO called Guardians of Humanity.

RR had long been in love with Janine. However, she was head-over-heels obsessed about her music idol Kenzo (Dustin Yu), whom she even made into a superhero in her online fanfic entitled "My Undercover Love." Unknown to her, RR even helped to make her fanfic viral so that it would get Kenzo's attention, which it did. Janine was thrilled no end when Kenzo asked to treat her out to dinner, but RR tagged along as her unwilling chaperone. 

I have already seen JM Ibarra act before, in his official big screen debuting in the lead role of Cinemalaya film "Child No. 82 (Anak ni Boy Kana)."  Again, he proves his charisma and charm with the ladies, as well as his dramatic chops here, as he did before. As RR, Ibarra plays the more sympathetic character, the one more people can identify with. RR is the partner who had loved more than he was loved back, but who later learns to speak up for himself.

Fyang Smith was the grand winner of PBB Gen 11 in 2024. For her film debut as a lead, it was very brave for her to accept this role of Janine, a flawed character whose selfishness caused her to chase fantasies instead of seeing the love right beside her. She was given a number of awkward actions or corny lines, particularly those directed to Sue (Yuki Takahashi), whom she saw as a threat to her happiness, but Smith's winsome delivery saves the day. 

Dustin Yu makes a very good impression as an action star Kenzo in his fight scenes in the opening sequence, but unfortunately his fantasy character did not go much further afterwards.  Former indie child actor JM Salvado played RR's loud English-challenged friend Otep. Sam Samarita played Janine's pretentious Taglish-challenged pre-law classmate. Veteran indie actress Che Ramos made the most of Atty. Mesina's single scene together with Janine.

There was nothing really new about the plot, save for its zany Gen Z features, clearly not for my generation. Whether you find her cute or annoying, Fyang Smith's Janine provided that extra unique memorable quality to this very familiar story. This character's polarizing over-the-top personality, on top of the much-hyped anticipation for this Gen Z love-team's first film together,  distinguishes "Almost Us" from more generic rom-coms of its kind. 5/10

Review of THE DEVIL WEARS PRADA 2: Advanced Adaptation

 April 29, 2026

High-profile editor-in-chief of Runway fashion magazine Miranda Priestly (Meryl Streep) had been involved in a heated controversy. In an effort to stem the negative online reactions and beef up credibility, Runway chairman Irv Ravitz (Tibor Feldman) called up Andrea "Andy" Sachs (Anne Hathaway), a multi-awarded journalist who used to be Miranda's former second assistant 20 years ago, and hired her as Runway's new Features Editor. 

Nigel Kipling (Stanley Tucci) was still working in Runway as Miranda's trusted right hand man, and still very helpful to Andy with regards to her fashion choices, as he did before. Miranda's former first assistant Emily Charlton (Emily Blunt) was now out of Runway, working in Dior in a high executive capacity. Photographer Lily (Tracie Thoms), who was still Andy's supportive (and designer bag-loving) BFF whom she can turn to for advice.

Miranda already has a new husband, musician Stuart (Kenneth Branagh). Emily's new boyfriend is tech tycoon Benji Barnes (Justin Theroux), ex-husband of philanthropist Sasha Barnes (Lucy Liu).  Andy now has a resourceful, but dowdy assistant of her own, Jin Chao (Helen J. Shen) -- like how Andy was before, but Asian. Andy meets an architect of a luxury apartment named Peter (Peter Brammall), with whom she develops a romance.

Miranda here was still as arch and imperious as ever, and Meryl Streep played her with utmost glee. However, unlike the first film where Miranda was Runway's only big boss, there was now a company chairman Irv and his son Jay (BJ Novak) who were making decisions above Miranda.  Now only available in digital format, Runway was also not the mighty fashion bible it was before. There were now more scenes of her being more vulnerable this time around. 

As seen in the awards ceremony at the start of this sequel, Anne Hathaway's Andy was very confident and self-assured when she during her work as a serious journalist at her old paper, the Vanguard. However, once she was back in the service of Miranda, she seemed to have just reverted to her former self --  insecure, approval-seeking, still with that the same eagerness to please despite how impossible Miranda's order was. 

Stanley Tucci reminds us why his character Nigel remains to be the fan favorite in this sequel, as much as he was in the first film. His final revelation to Andy made Nigel positively more beloved than ever. Similarly, Emily Blunt's portrayal of Emily still carried with it some subtle bitchiness about her like it did in the first film. As this new Emily had more power and position, and Blunt pulled that precarious balance of being Andy's frenemy very well. 

While it was great to see the original cast ("the core four") together again, this sequel was more about journalism and fashion adapting to technology in the present time, tackling intricate business maneuverings, from mergers to takeovers in both these industries. While the first film brought us into Fashion Week in Paris, this sequel brings us to Milan to pay tribute to Italian haute couture.

Overall, director David Frankel's first movie was more entertaining, with light comedy and romance, 8/10. But as the characters have matured two decades, his sequel, while still fun (with a lot more cameos from fashion personalities plus Lady Gaga), had a more serious tone and thoughtful mood, 7/10.

Review of 3 WORDS: Value Vandalized by Vulgarity

April 23, 2026

In three days, a gigantic asteroid, called the 69 Titelya Impactor, was projected to land right in the middle of Quezon City. This is predicted to cause an apocalyptic extinction of everything alive in the immediate vicinity of the site of impact. There was widespread panic in the streets, with people getting ready to evacuate to a reinforced underground bunker. Meanwhile the trajectory of the asteroid was being monitored by the ASA Command Center. 

The Mother Holy Divine School along Kamuning was the predicted Ground Zero. A group of students were discussing what would be their last three words before the world ended. Beauty (Loisa Andalio) was smart and friendly, despite her wild hair, harsh unibrow, braces and huge pimple on her right cheek. Her friends were Sophia (Queenay Mercado), Lester (Kych Minemoto), Clementon (Renzie Aguilar) and Rosa (Angel Raymundo).         

Given the seriousness of the topic, director Fifth Solomon decided to use black comedy to tell his story. However, he also injected much vulgarity throughout the film, it was cringy, not funny. The ongoing joke was the obvious phallic reference in the name and appearance of the asteroid, and the graffiti on the walls about it. Similarly embarrassing was the naughty wish in Rosa's final three words, as well as the lascivious behavior of the ASA Chief (Leo Bruno).

Beauty's planned final three words was to say "I Love You" to Kyle (Ronnie Alonte), her crush since Grade 7. The terrible way Beauty had been treated here was a dismal insult to Loisa Andalio as an actress. The exaggerated nature of Beauty's facial features was very demeaning -- so backward, so misogynistic. What happened to Beauty on the final night and the day after was so badly written. Andalio should've fought for her character's dignity.  

The conflicts between Lester and girlfriend Irene (Kate Alejandrino), and between Clementon and his parents were too simplistically resolved. If there was a saving grace for this film, it was that final scene of Beauty with her parents -- Nanay Rubi (Angie Castrence) and Tatay Danilo (Dante Agdon), which I felt was the best scene of the whole film. Danilo's last line may have been so simple, but the way it was delivered had much emotional connection for me. 2/10      

Review of MICHAEL (2026): Rousing Reincarnation

April 21, 2026

Joseph Jackson (Colman Domingo) lived with his wife Katherine (Nia Long) and kids in Gary, Indiana, where he worked in a steel mill. On the side, he was focused in training his sons to perform together as a singing group and marketing them for gigs. He was hardest on 10-year old Michael (Juliano Krue Valdi) who was the cute and charismatic lead singer, and his obsession often led to corporal punishment when he felt he was being disrespected. 

One day, Michael's performance caught the attention of Motown talent agent Suzanne de Passe (Laura Harrier). She lost no time to introduce them to her boss Berry Gordy (Larenz Tate) who immediately cut "I Want You Back" that became a big #1 hit. In 1971, they moved to their own home in Encino, California, where adult Michael (Jaafar Jackson) planned on going solo while raising his exotic pets -- python, llama, giraffe and of course, Bubbles. 

This film basically told us what we already knew about Michael Jackson's rise to fame via his unique voice and singing abilities.  The main focus of the story was on Joseph Jackson's iron hand in handling Michael's career, and how Michael struggled to break free from his father's abusive stranglehold. On the personal side, it showed us Michael's obsession with Peter Pan and classic films, his attachment to his menagerie, his compassion for sick children. 

We meet important people in Michael's career -- like his producer Quincy Jones (Kendrick Sampson), his bodyguard Bill Bray (KeiLyn Durrel Jones), his lawyer John Branca (Miles Teller), CBS mogul Walter Yetnikoff (Mike Myers under all that make-up) who got Michael's videos on MTV, even boxing promoter Don King (Deon Cole) who produced the Jacksons' 1984 Victory Tour. It was strange how all the Jackson brothers were there (not sure about Randy?), but among the sisters, only LaToya was featured, no Rebbie nor Janet at all.  

The parts of the film that drew the most audience reaction were the recreations of various music videos and concert performances of Michael throughout the years. As already seen in the trailers, Jaafar Jackson (Jermaine's son) trained hard to literally follow his uncle's iconic dancesteps and pretty much nailed them. The highlights are the behind-the-scenes of the "Beat It" and "Thriller" videos, "Billie Jean" at Motown 25 1983, and "Bad" at Wembley Arena 1988. 

It touched on his first plastic surgery for his nose, the existence of his vitiligo even prior to "Thriller," and the beginnings of his dependence on pain meds following the fiery Pepsi accident. However, for a biopic that stars Michael's nephew and produced by his siblings, you really cannot expect that they were going to tackle the more unsavory parts of his life. This was clearly for fans only, not viewers who wished to know Michael on a deeper level than the star we all knew. None of his controversial 1990s issues here yet, but it did feel like it was setting up for a Part 2. 6/10

Review of THE SUPER MARIO GALAXY MOVIE: Siblings in Sync

 April 20, 2026

Bowser Jr. is on a mission to rescue his father Bowser, who had been captured by twin plumbers Mario and Luigi in Brooklyn in the first film, then shrunk into a non-threatening size by Princess Peach. To complete his nefarious plan, Junior attacked the Comet Observatory,  kidnapped Princess Rosalina to steal her cosmic powers to fuel his Boomsday Machine,  a castle-like tank with a cannon that shot yellow energy balls that can destroy the universe. 

Princess Rosalina was a powerful protector of the cosmos, as well as the adoptive mother of the cute star beings called the Lumas. However, in a departure from her character in the game, this Rosalina was revealed to be the long-estranged elder sister of Princess Peach. Also introduced this new adventure was a new friend who was first seen hatching from his egg at the end of the first film-- a cute green baby dinosaur named Yoshi. 

Bowser Jr. was a formidable nemesis here as he was driven by his passion to avenge his father as well as to prove his worthiness as the heir to Bowser's throne. He even constructed an entire new Planet Bowser to be his headquarters, topped by his Boomsday Machine. He also invented his powerful creature-generating Magic Paintbrush, as well as the Super Scope which he used to transform the twins into babies. 

The voice cast is again star-studded. From the first film, there were Chris Pratt and Charlie Day played Mario and Luigi, Anya Taylor-Joy as Princess Peach, Keegan-Michael Key as Toad and Jack Black as Bowser. New members of the cast include: Benny Safdie as Bowser Jr., Brie Larsen as Princess Rosalina, Donald Glover as Yoshi, and Glen Powell as Fox McCloud, a cool mercenary space pilot in the vein of Han Solo.

This was again another cute, colorful adventure romp not only in the Mushroom Kingdom, but also in the Comet Observatory, the Gateway Galaxy, and the Space Junk Galaxy. Like before, fans of the game will enjoy seeing action scenes transform into game play mode. Most of the time it was laughs and fun, but there can be scary moments for younger viewers, like that scene of Bowser and the moat of lava. Overall, not as good as the first movie for me. 6/10