A Minecraft Movie

Directed by Jared Hess and written by an astounding six writers, this is obviously an adaptation to a video game that is the last game on earth you would think would have a movie adaptation.

This plot is simple. Four individuals get sucked into a portal that takes them to the Overworld, where they have to find a way out. By video game adaptation standards, this is incredibly straightforward and I'm extremely grateful for that. For whatever reason, so many writers try to over complicate plots to adaptations, which sinks so many of them.

I don't want to spoil much but I will say this is not your typically structured film, which seems very much the intention. It's Jack Black and Jason Momoa teaming up, so there was no way this was going to stick to tradition and that's what makes it enjoyable.

It really doesn't try to deflect from the fun at all. There's not a lot of drama here. It sprinkles a little in, but nothing that's going to suck you in. They want the rest to do that.

The world is big and colorful and really fits the game. The effects aren't perfect by any stretch of the imagination but that sort of fits the game as well, which makes it work.

The cast is wonderful. Everyone is just so committed and into it, which is a joy.

So overall, it's fun period. I'm not entirely sure what most were expecting. Were people expecting the Godfather or something? No, it's Minecraft, it's a simple game that's fun. Anyone expecting this movie to be anything else were raising the bar way too high.

By Ian Chandler - April 9, 2025

A Minecraft Movie is an unapologetic cash grab from Warner Brothers that is, somehow, fun. Starring Jack Black as himself under the alias of Steve, the film has enough zaniness to keep children from getting bored and enough charm to keep adults from hating it entirely. Other cast members include Jason Momoa, Danielle Brooks, Emma Myers, and Sebastian Hansen. Most of them are fine, but when compared to Momoa's overly zany performance, the gap in acting quality becomes noticeable. Also, for a film that boasts creativity, there are next to no crumbs of imagination to be found here. So, with uneven acting and lazy writing, the film was destined to be a misfire, right? Well, you may be surprised to hear that my verdict is no. It is ultimately an entertaining blockbuster, thanks in no small part to the film embracing its own silliness.

The first noticeable aspect of the film is its computer-generated world. The CGI team did a great job translating the bizarre, blocky world of Minecraft to the silver screen. The colors pop, and the creatures retain their signature designs-now updated with fluid expressions and impressive texture work. The environments are beautiful and clearly crafted with care. However-and this is one big caveat-the blend of real humans with the Minecraft world creates an unfortunate eyesore. Remember those Spy Kids movies from the early 2000s? Well, this $150 million film features green screen effects that are only slightly better than those. It does the world-building a huge disservice.

The characters are also a mixed bag. Jack Black is always pleasant to see, but he's not a character, he's just Jack Black. Jason Momoa does the heavy lifting as he plays a washed out, egotistical video-game fanatic. Gone are the suave vibes he usually brings. Momoa plays what is potentially his goofiest role yet, and he fully commits to it! The others are not necessarily spectacular, partially due to the lackluster script they've been given. Also, expecting an Oscar worthy performance from the younger actors would be simply unfair. The villain is a cliché, but a good one. She reminds me of an '80s villain: little motivation, diabolical antics, and a commanding voice. Aside from Momoa, she was my favorite character. Even though Jack Black doesn't act at all, what he brings to the table is a lot of contagious fun. He clearly has no boundaries and he seems to be having a blast jumping around a green screen doing... well, whatever it is Jack Black does.

The plot is the most corporate element that is put on the crafting table. It is basically a Goodwill version of Jumanji: Welcome to the Jungle, which also had Jack Black in it. There is nothing interesting that happens, narratively speaking. Every plot point can be seen by the time the logo appears on the screen. I understand that kids need a breezy story in order to not feel overwhelmed; but this is simple to a point where the comedy has to pull the writing's slack. Most fatally, if the jokes do not land for someone, they will find almost nothing worthwhile. Even the Minecraft pigs wouldn't eat slop like this. But, at the very least, the story never was a component in the source material; so, the lack of a refined one is not very offensive, by any means.

Lastly, and this isn't to the credit or fault of the movie, the theatrical experience can wildly vary. Because of internet memes, teenagers are obliged to clap, cheer, and sometimes spill popcorn over Jack Black making Minecraft references. In my experience, there was some cheering and clapping, but it was harmless fun and it ceased by the time the line ended. However, multiple families have issued refunds because many modern high-schoolers don't have manners. Some jump on seats, others stand up and run around and shriek like they are on fire. This does nothing to my overall score, but it is worth mentioning if you consider buying tickets. Disregarding the teenage craze, this film is a fun evening at the theater, especially if you have children eager for it.

Score: 63/100

Summary: A Minecraft Movie has the imagination of a zombie and it chickens out on making an enchanted story, but there is enough energy here to liven up this blocky adventure.

The Minecraft Movie (2025) is actually kinda fun - not perfect, but it's got charm. Jack Black as Steve is hilarious, and the visuals totally nail that classic pixel look from the game, which is cool to see on the big screen.

The story's pretty basic though, like your typical "team of misfits save the world" thing, and sometimes it gets a little too goofy for its own good. I just hoped there was some depth to it.

Still, it's got heart, some solid laughs (shoutout to Jennifer Coolidge's character), and it's clearly made for fans. If you're into Minecraft or just want a light, colorful adventure, it's worth checking out.

I see a lot of people criticizing this movie heavily I don't get why I mean it's a kids movie. It's not supposed to make any sense and honestly, I kinda like the way it is because it's dumb, but it's funny, dumb and enjoyable and plus this movie was special because everybody in the theater while I was watching Clapped every time a famous line for the movie was said and it was so funny when was the last time that a movie made people get together and actually enjoy each scene this movie did. I like that they reference Technoblade too. He would've loved this movie especially the reactions. If I had to read this movie, I would give it a 7 it honestly was enjoyable and people are too quick to criticize it but my point is that it isn't perfect but it's the people you watched with that make it enjoyable.

The film is quirky and somewhat stays true to the game. The cast is unhinged to the point where it works. Sure there are some cliches here with the story and then as well as character flaws but the film paces itself well and delivers a well rounded family film. Jack Black does the absolute best with what he is given as well as Jason does. Both of them lead the project with grace. As for some of the supporting characters, they seem to have a few tropes that were heard of before. I've played Minecraft for 10+ years and this is the best version of film we're going to get at this high of budget. Is the film perfect, no. But it is indeed quite enjoyable.