A Minecraft Movie Review – Exactly What You Think It Is, For Better Or Worse

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Ten years back, the notion of a Minecraft movie featuring Jack Black and Jason Momoa might have been seen as a punchline about the quality of video game adaptations. However, by 2025, it’s not just a reality but an astute decision for the franchise’s expansion onto the big screen.

The trailer for the Minecraft Movie gives a clear indication of what to expect – it’s essentially a lively, action-packed film featuring humor, Minecraft elements, and a fantastical Minecraft universe. This includes familiar creatures from the game as well as human characters. While this movie might not align with the expectations of those who have grown up playing Minecraft and are now adults, it offers an entertaining experience for younger viewers just starting their Minecraft adventures.

In a nutshell, the Minecraft film revolves around a straightforward plot. Decades ago, a man named Steve (depicted as Black) stumbled upon the Minecraft universe through a gateway from our world. This was his wish fulfilled since he adored construction, and he decided to make it his new abode. After some years, he found himself captive under Malgosha (portrayed by Rachel House), a sorceress piglin who controls the swarms of gold-obsessed pig creatures. Her ultimate goal is to seize control of the Minecraft Overworld, hoarding all its golden resources. Jumping ahead to the present day, four additional humans find themselves in the Overworld, initiating an adventure aimed at rescuing Steve and saving the pixelated paradise he cherishes.

As a gamer, I can say that this movie leans towards group quest-based adventures, similar to some video games we know. For instance, Dungeons & Dragons: Honor Among Thieves nailed it, while Borderlands fell short. Minecraft finds itself somewhere in between, veering more towards the former. The reason? It gets its audience right – not adult players who’ve spent countless hours perfecting their pixelated domains, but young gamers who are still discovering the ins and outs of Minecraft. If you’re a fan of the humor in Steve Black’s Bowser in Super Mario Bros. or Jim Carrey as Robotnik in the Sonic films, then this movie is tailored just for you!

Essentially, the character Steve from the Minecraft Movie resembles a character portrayed by Jack Black in the early 2000s. Similarly, Eggman from Sonic seems to echo roles that Jim Carrey played in the ’90s. Just as Black’s Steve is a goofy, passionate character who’s deeply immersed in his Minecraft universe, yelling and making his own sound effects, so too does Eggman feel like a role that Carrey might have taken on. Steve takes pride in everything he’s discovered during his time in the Minecraft world, and when new human friends join him in the Overworld, it offers him an opportunity to display all of his learned knowledge.

In a fresh take, we could say: The new characters in this production are quite diverse. On the upside, Jason Momoa’s portrayal of retired video game champion Garrett “The Garbage Man” Garrison is nearly flawless. Visualize the swagger of Momoa’s Aquaman encapsulated in a character who consistently falls short in life, desperately clinging to his past triumphs as an arcade-game champion in a world where arcades are scarce. He brings consistent humor to the role, often serving as the target of jokes due to his struggling life and yearning for recognition. And yes, he dons that fabulous pink fringe jacket throughout most of the film. The Garbage Man is undeniably the best-developed character in the movie.

The remaining characters aren’t fully developed compared to others. Natalie (played by Emma Myers from Wednesday) and Henry (Sebastian Hansen from Just Mercy) are siblings grieving their parents’ death, starting anew in a different city. Natalie takes up a role as a social media lead for a company lacking any online presence, while Henry struggles to fit in at his new school, sharing similarities with Steve, particularly his love for construction. Danielle Brooks from Peacemaker portrays Dawn, the realtor who assisted them in finding their new home. Unfortunately, there’s not much depth given to these characters as they appear quite one-dimensional. The acting is competent but fails to significantly enhance the material.

In the whimsical antics of Steve and The Garbage Man, Henry seems like an additional character. However, he swiftly adapts to the Minecraft universe, mastering the art of crafting items and constructing buildings. Despite their initial appearance, you might assume they’d have a larger part in the storyline. Yet, this movie maintains its fast-paced, humorous tone without them playing a more significant role.

During the movie screening I attended, which was Warner Bros.’ production, I found myself in a theater packed with families. The children seemed to find the movie extremely funny, giggling continuously throughout its duration. It appears that the humor was intentionally designed for them and it was spot on. Furthermore, they were delighted by numerous Minecraft references, characters, and aspects within the film. For adults, there were unexpected appearances and twists that catered more to an older audience rather than young viewers.

In my case, being an adult who might have overindulged in Minecraft gaming, I found myself straddling these two groups of viewers. The thrill came from witnessing a genuine Minecraft world unfold, observing villagers engaging with people, even baby zombies riding chickens causing havoc among the characters. The authentic game sounds, like the creeper’s fuse hissing just before it blew up, added to my excitement. Yet, what I appreciated beyond mere Minecraft references was the extended appearance of Jennifer Coolidge (from White Lotus) as Henry’s vice principal at school, along with a few other unexpected treats that are best left unspoiled.

While many aspects of Minecraft align as planned, there is one significant area where it seems to fall short, and that appears to be an apparent response to the triumph of The Super Mario Bros. Movie. In the film, Black’s Bowser performed the tune “Peaches,” which garnered widespread popularity following its release and even earned nominations for the Golden Globe and Critics Choice Awards.

In the Minecraft film, the musical segments featuring Black don’t quite hit the mark. Unlike the memorable tunes in The Super Mario Bros. Movie that seamlessly blend with the storyline and enhance the overall experience, the songs by Black in this movie feel out of place and unnatural.

In addition to some instances of humor in the movie directed by Jared Hess (known for “Napoleon Dynamite” and “Nacho Libre”), there are moments that seem less connected to Minecraft and more like Hess’s unique, random brand of humor. For example, a joke about Steve carrying cheese in his pocket felt out of place, lacked purpose, and wasn’t developed further. This specific type of cheese doesn’t exist within the context of Minecraft, making it puzzling as to why this joke was included in the film. It didn’t contribute to the story or character development, instead serving more as a diversion for an average joke during a dramatic scene, taking focus away from one of the movie’s most exciting sequences. In essence, at its best, it serves as a distraction rather than enhancing the overall narrative.

Although some viewers might find minor issues, they didn’t spoil my enjoyment of the movie. This vibrant, exciting journey filled with nods to something I adore was a delight to me. This film may not win numerous Oscars, but it promises to keep its target younger audience thoroughly entertained. If you, like me, are an adult who still plays Minecraft and appreciates Jack Black’s quirky humor, get ready for a fun ride. When the first trailer for this movie was released, I had a fair idea of what to anticipate from A Minecraft Movie. And happily, it lived up to my expectations. To top it off, it left me yearning for another escapade in the Overworld with these characters. So as you settle into cinemas this weekend, allow your inner child’s curiosity to guide you for a while. I don’t think you’ll be disappointed.

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2025-04-02 22:39