‘A Minecraft Movie’ Stars and Director Unpack Its Songs and ‘Napoleon Dynamite’ References

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At first glance, ‘A Minecraft Movie’ and ‘Napoleon Dynamite’ might not seem to share many similarities. One is a blockbuster film based on a popular video game, while the other is a 2004 indie comedy. However, upon closer inspection, they may have more in common than you might think.

Indeed, it’s safe to say that “A Minecraft Movie” is brimming with a fair amount of content. With llamas, tater tots, and the backdrop of Idaho, this film boasts a unique blend of characters, including a once-prominent high school figure. The humor in this production seems to be heavily influenced by director Jared Hess’ style, as seen in his early cinematic work two decades ago.

Hess himself admits that the callbacks to the cult classic weren’t necessarily planned; it’s just a reflection of his personality, shaped by his upbringing in Idaho. As he puts it, “It’s all very personal.” He explains that it was more like a collision of various factors. Llamas, with their quirky and peculiar nature in the game, reminded him of his mother’s llama that appeared in ‘Napoleon Dynamite’.

Hess acknowledges that the callbacks to the cult classic weren’t deliberate; they are more a reflection of who he is, influenced by his upbringing in Idaho. He describes it as a mix of different elements coming together. The peculiar and comical nature of llamas in the game made him think of his mother’s llama from ‘Napoleon Dynamite’.

Jesse Ehrman, head of Warner Bros Pictures, recently shared with EbMaster that it was Hess’ distinctive perspective which ultimately brought the long-delayed film to cinemas. “Imagine someone who can make young viewers laugh, yet also entertain adults – Jared is one of a few names on such a list,” said Ehrman. “When you recall ‘Napoleon Dynamite’, it was both trendy and rebellious, yet still suitable for all ages.

Despite Hess’s suggestion that Jennifer Coolidge’s comedic portrayal of a lovestruck vice principal could have steered the film towards a more explicit direction, he instead opted for a PG rating. He jokingly comments that they could have made an entirely different R-rated movie from her and the villager’s date outtakes. Coolidge, he says, is nothing short of a comedy deity, and her presence on screen always leaves audiences in stitches.

She’s surrounded by some entertaining companions – Momoa and Jack Black – each adding a distinct dash of unconventional humor to the movie.

Drawing inspiration from the individuals who left an indelible impression on me during my childhood, I modeled my character Garrett “The Garbage Man” Garrison after them. One of the first individuals who introduced me to Metallica was a charismatic older brother of a friend. Walking into his room, you’d find him with all the latest Nintendos and cool gadgets – things my mother wouldn’t allow me to have! She made me climb trees and play in the street instead. I longed for those experiences that seemed so appealing to me.

Many different people from my life played a role in shaping this character, as I took elements from each of them and combined them together to create Garrett Garrison.

In the movie, although there’s a Metallica vibe, it’s actually Jack Black who does most of the singing. This ranges from the catchy “Steve’s Lava Chicken” jingle to the emotional “Ode to Dennis.” The songs are intended to appease fans of his actual comedy rock band, Tenacious D, which he mentioned will regroup – but not just yet. As he put it, “There won’t be a Tenacious D wine until it’s the right time. You can’t hurry something like that. It needs to grow naturally, and right now, it’s just not the right moment.

Danielle Brooks, who stars alongside Black and is an acclaimed Tony-nominated performer, wasn’t given a chance to display her musical abilities in the movie – a decision she humorously admits she’s still pondering over. “I’m trying to figure it out too, sweetie! Perhaps in ‘A Minecraft Movie 2.’ Maybe there could be some duets we can do then,” she jokes, hinting at sarcasm as she continues, “I believe they knew when they had a Grammy winner on set, I might have overshadowed the show. So instead, they allowed Jack Black to take center stage and boost his confidence.”

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2025-04-05 19:46