Minecraft Movie’s Hidden Spielberg Reference: Will Kids Even Notice?

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Despite being primarily geared towards kids, the movie “A Minecraft” subtly pays homage to a Steven Spielberg film from the 1970s, which may have gone unnoticed by me since I’m not its intended viewer. Regardless, I found myself appreciating the various Easter eggs scattered throughout “A Minecraft Movie.” The film is rich with references both to its video game origin and other films, allowing me to find some pleasure in watching it.

Since its premiere, the reception for the “Minecraft” movie has been varied, with our critic Mae Abdulbaki scoring it a 4/10. This and other reviews suggest that the film is primarily aimed at young viewers. However, what’s intriguing is that this movie incorporates a nod to Steven Spielberg’s classic, “Close Encounters of the Third Kind.” Given that many who will watch “A Minecraft Movie” are likely unfamiliar with “Close Encounters,” this reference adds an interesting layer for exploration.

A Minecraft Movie Includes A Subtle Nod To Steven Spielberg’s Close Encounters Of The Third Kind

Mashed Potatoes Are Important In Close Encounters Of The Third Kind

The film titled “Minecraft” opens with young Steve attempting to delve into a mine. However, an old miner denies him entry. Consequently, Steve leads a relatively ordinary life. After decades, while munching on lunch at his monotonous job, he is struck by a sense of dissatisfaction and recalls the forgotten mine. This memory propels him to revisit the mine, where he discovers a portal transporting him to the Overworld. Intriguingly, Steve’s lunch consists of mashed potatoes, echoing a famous scene from “Close Encounters of the Third Kind,” as noted on Reddit.

In Steven Spielberg’s movie Close Encounters of the Third Kind, the protagonist, Roy, experiences a UFO sighting fairly early in the film. Following this event, Roy develops an unquenchable curiosity about the UFO and extraterrestrial life, which consumes him so much that he virtually ignores his family. One evening, during dinner with his loved ones, Roy starts shaping a peculiar mountain out of his mashed potatoes. This action causes concern among his wife and kids, but it triggers in Roy the understanding that he must travel to Wyoming to locate this mountain and communicate with the aliens.

Most Of A Minecraft Movie’s Viewers Will Never Notice This Close Encounters Reference

It’s Hard To Catch All Of A Minecraft Movie’s References

In both “A Minecraft Movie” and “Close Encounters of the Third Kind,” the principal characters gain crucial insights and recall significant places while enjoying mashed potatoes. Consequently, it’s quite evident that “A Minecraft Movie” intentionally pays homage to Spielberg’s classic film by incorporating mashed potatoes in Steve’s meal. This is undoubtedly one of the subtlest yet brilliant references found in “A Minecraft Movie,” though many viewers from its intended demographic might not have picked up on it.

Given that the movie “A Minecraft Movie” is primarily aimed at kids and young adults, it’s likely that many of them are unfamiliar with “Close Encounters of the Third Kind“. Similarly, some parents who accompanied their children to watch “A Minecraft Movie” might not have seen Spielberg’s sci-fi film either. Some of the movie’s connections to the game and other films, like “Napoleon Dynamite“, directed by the same person as “A Minecraft Movie‘s director, may be more apparent. Thus, it’s not surprising that some viewers might have missed the reference to “Close Encounters of the Third Kind“.

A Minecraft Movie Referencing Close Encounters Of The Third Kind Is Still Great

This Will Bring More Awareness To Close Encounters Of The Third Kind

As a movie enthusiast, I was thrilled to spot the hidden nod to “Close Encounters of the Third Kind” in the new release, “A Minecraft Movie.” This subtle reference might have gone unnoticed by some, but for those who catch it, it could spark curiosity about one of Spielberg’s masterpieces. Now that “A Minecraft Movie” is easily accessible on digital platforms, I can only hope that a new generation of viewers will be inspired to explore this classic film. So, when you notice the peculiar arrangement of mashed potatoes in Steve’s lunchbox, remember it’s one of the cleverest Easter eggs hidden in “A Minecraft Movie.

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2025-05-28 15:10