The worldwide video game hit, “Minecraft” has dominated the game industry for over a decade with its unlimited possibilities. Building amazing structures, creating complicated contraptions or even just trying to survive a night surrounded by fantastical monsters is what one can expect in the beloved 3D world. On April 4, 2025, the human world was brought into the blocky world with a stellar film adaptation.
The modern “people-get-stuck-in-a-video-game” trope builds the premise of the film. Steve (Jack Black) is an expert of the Overworld, a dimension where anything one can imagine can be created. However, dark forces in the opposite dimension, the Nether, develop an evil scheme to take over the Overworld. Four misfits, Garrett “The Garbageman” Garrison, Henry, Natalie and Dawn, stumble across the Overworld and must work together to stop the destruction of the world.
Under the direction and creativity of Jared Hess (“Napoleon Dynamite” and “Nacho Libre”), the world’s magnificence is brought to the screen with colorful sets, costumes and CGI. A unique atmosphere was developed through some quirky camera shots and the fun setting.
Jack Black and Jason Momoa delivered sincere, hilarious performances. Most of the buildup for the movie consisted of promotions including Black announcing the titles of various items in the game, such as a “flint and steel” or “ender pearl”, and these moments were conveyed flawlessly. Black took the character of Steve to heart and brought him to life with his own silly mannerisms and body language. Additionally, various cameos (you’ll have to find out who) were a nice surprise.
Jack Black broke out into several musical numbers that were both catchy and entertaining. This isn’t anything that wasn’t expected however, because Black is known for his quirky original songs, such as those in the 2003 film “School of Rock.” Other than Black’s lyrical contributions, the film incorporated a variety of tunes from the video game with unique additions and layers, building a greater “Minecraft” feel.
The theater experience in and of itself was phenomenal. Dozens of people (mostly teenagers dressed in formal attire or “Minecraft” clothing) cheering, screaming, and shouting “CHICKEN JOCKEY” when Jack Black said the line, enhanced the event in a unique way. It was more than just watching the film, but rather being immersed in the film, which was definitely my favorite part. While there wasn’t much popcorn thrown on the opening night as the new trend is displaying worldwide, it was still just crazy enough to have innocent fun. It’s not every day a film has such a massive impact on its audience that causes them to be as excited as audiences were for “A Minecraft Movie.”
The film was made for kids and families of course, but it was also intended for the generation that grew up with “Minecraft.” There’s really not much to complain about in the film. I was pleased throughout the entire runtime, and it’s safe to say my fellow theatergoers were too. If you’re looking for a rush of nostalgia that invites you back into the magical blocky world, experience “A Minecraft Movie” in theaters.
