GOOFY FUN, BLOCKY MAYHEM,

AND AN UNEVEN ADVENTURE

Everyone was a kid once, and most of us can trace our childhoods through the toys, games, and colorful brands that filled those early years, from toddler favorites to teenage obsessions. These products stick with us, becoming nostalgic touchstones we carry into adulthood. Naturally, Hollywood has tapped into that sentiment over the years, turning beloved toy lines and game platforms into full-blown cinematic experiences. The results? A mixed bag. For every Transformers (2007), The LEGO Movie (2014), or Barbie (2023) that strikes box office gold, there’s a Bratz (2007), Kit Kittredge: An American Girl (2008), or Playmobil: The Movie (2019) that crashes and burns. Now, Warner Bros. Pictures and director Jared Hess takes a swing at adapting one of the biggest digital sandboxes of the modern era with A Minecraft Movie, based on the massively popular 2011 video game. The question is…. does this film build something worth remembering, or is it just another noisy, pixelated byproduct from a niche corner of pop culture?

THE STORY

As a kid, Steve (Jack Black) dreamed of mining for treasure and chasing adventure. Now an uninspired adult, that curiosity still lingers, until it leads him back underground, where he discovers a mysterious glowing orb that opens a portal to the Overworld, a vibrant realm built from imagination and endless blocks. But magic has its dangers. Deep in the fiery Nether, a ruthless warlord named Malgosha (Rachel House) commands an army of Piglins and wants the orb’s power for herself. Before being captured, Steve sends the orb back to the real world, hoping someone will answer the call. That someone turns out to be a mismatched group in small-town Ohio. Natalie (Emma Myers) is a frustrated factory worker. Her younger brother Henry (Sebastian Hansen) is the awkward new kid at school. Joining them are Dawn (Danielle Brooks), a real estate agent stuck in a rut, and Garrett (Jason Momoa), a washed-up former video game champ clinging to the ’80s. When they activate the orb, they’re transported to the Overworld, and run across a very surprised Steve in the process. With Malgosha closing in, the group must figure out how to survive in a world where creativity is the ultimate weapon. To save both realms, they’ll need to learn, build, and believe, in each other, and in themselves.

THE GOOD / THE BAD

Much like films adapted from bestselling novels, movies based on toys and games have carved out a unique little corner of the industry. These projects come armed with familiar brands, nostalgic IPs, and built-in fanbases, ready to be reimagined as cinematic adventures for the big screen. It’s not exactly a fresh idea, if anything, it highlights the growing criticism that Hollywood is running low on originality, choosing to lean heavily on existing properties to keep the box office booming.

When it comes to translating toys and games into feature films, the results can be wildly inconsistent. There have been plenty of misfires that either failed to live up to the hype or completely missed the spirit of the source material, titles like Dungeons & Dragons (2000), Battleship (2012), Max Steel (2016), UglyDolls (2019), and Playmobil: The Movie (2019) come to mind. Yet, when done right, these adaptations can strike box office gold and connect with both longtime fans and general audiences. Success stories like Transformers (2007), The LEGO Movie (2014), Barbie (2023), and The Super Mario Bros. Movie (2023) prove that the potential is definitely there.

Then there are those “middle-ground” entries—films that didn’t quite hit it big but still found cult followings over time, such as Clue (1985), Masters of the Universe (1987), and Mars Attacks! (1996). In the end, calling this particular subgenre niche might be an understatement. Whether they flop or fly, movies based on toys and games continue to be a profitable avenue, even if the overall success rate is all over the map.

This brings me to A Minecraft Movie, the 2025 fantasy-adventure film and the latest entry in Hollywood’s ongoing trend of adapting popular toys and game-based properties. Given how successful other projects have been over the years, it felt like only a matter of time before Minecraft got the big-screen treatment. And honestly, it makes sense. The Minecraft brand has become a powerhouse over the past decade, offering players the freedom to build, explore, and shape entire worlds from their imaginations, while also expanding its lore across various spin-offs and downloadable content. With no signs of slowing down, a feature film was inevitable.

Now, full confession: I haven’t played much Minecraft. I know… gasp! It never fully grabbed me like it has so many others. That said, I do own a copy of Minecraft: Dungeons, which I’ll pick up now and then. So while I’m far from an expert, I’m at least somewhat familiar with the basics, just enough to know what this universe is about, even if I wouldn’t survive long in Survival Mode.

As for when I first heard a Minecraft movie was in the works, I can’t recall the exact moment, but let’s be real, it was bound to happen. I do remember hearing that Jack Black and Jason Momoa had signed on, which definitely caught my attention. Black, especially, seemed like a fun fit after his standout performance as Bowser in The Super Mario Bros. Movie (2023). Then came the marketing campaign, trailers online and in theaters that promised a lighthearted, blocky adventure fit for the whole family. It looked fun, colorful, and chaotic… but something about it also felt a little off. I couldn’t quite put my finger on it.

Still, curiosity got the better of me, and I caught the film on its opening weekend, April 4, 2025. However, due to my schedule (and needing to finish a few other reviews), I held off on writing about it… until now.

So, what did I think? Honestly, it’s kind of a mixed bag. A Minecraft Movie delivers exactly what you’d expect on a visual level, colorful, creative, and blocky in all the right ways. It also embraces a silly, family-friendly sense of humor that can be entertaining at times. But once you dig beneath the surface, there’s not a whole lot holding it together. The story is thin, the characters are forgettable, and it all moves at a pace so breezy, it barely gives anything time to land. It’s not boring, but it lacks substance, nuance, and a firm directorial grip to pull it into something truly memorable.

A Minecraft Movie is directed by Jared Hess, best known for his work on quirky, offbeat comedies like Napoleon Dynamite, Nacho Libre, and Gentlemen Broncos. Given his background, Hess actually feels like a fitting choice to bring the eccentric world of Minecraft to life on the big screen. And to his credit, he absolutely embraces the weirdness of it all, though not without a few noticeable missteps along the way (more on that in a bit).

On the positive side, Hess clearly knows his target audience: the Minecraft fanbase. In many ways, the film plays out like a love letter to those who’ve spent hours building, crafting, and exploring within the game’s blocky universe. He leans into that sandbox spirit with gusto, filling the movie with familiar gameplay elements, visual references, and nods that fans will no doubt appreciate.

Armed with a full digital playground, Hess taps into the franchise’s three core gameplay pillars—architectural building, crafting ingenuity, and survival mechanics—and weaves them into the DNA of the film. From recognizable tools and crafting tables to classic mobs and environment types, the movie is packed with references that help bring the Minecraft world to life. These details may fly under the radar for casual viewers, but for longtime fans, they help ground the film in its source material and deliver that satisfying sense of “they got it right.”

Of course, the movie follows a familiar “strangers in a strange land” narrative, complete with a magical object the heroes must find in order to defeat the villain and make their way back home. It’s a well-worn formula, but one that feels like a throwback to the kind of fantasy-adventure films from the ’80s and ’90s that many of us grew up loving. In that sense, I actually enjoyed the nostalgic vibe of the setup. Could it have been fleshed out more? Absolutely. But for what it is, the framework gets the job done.

On the comedy front, Hess’s background in quirky filmmaking really pays off. A Minecraft Movie keeps the humor flowing from start to finish, and while much of it is aimed at younger viewers, think goofy one-liners, sight gags, and plenty of slapstick. I was surprised by how often I found myself laughing. It’s light, it’s silly, and for the most part, it works. Hess knows how to land a punchline, and his comedic instincts help elevate some of the weaker material.

The film also benefits from a brisk runtime. Clocking in at 101 minutes, A Minecraft Movie moves at a fast clip, with plenty happening in every scene. There’s always something to see, hear, or react to, and the pacing never really drags. Granted, that constant momentum does create a few “surface-level” issues (which I’ll touch on below), but there’s no denying that the film is a high-energy, sugar-rush kind of ride.

All in all, while far from the most polished movie out there, Hess does manage to steer the film into being an entertaining and chaotic romp, one that’s consistently wacky, packed with color, and, most importantly, never boring.

When it comes to presentation, A Minecraft Movie is exactly what you’d expect, bright, colorful, and visually alive within its unique, blocky world. While it may not be the most immersive cinematic universe ever put to screen, it definitely embraces the spirit of its source material. The film leans into the quirky charm of Minecraft’s pixelated landscapes, shaping a playful, joyfully odd world where everything has edges… literally.

It’s all very fun to look at, and the visual direction matches the tone of the games well. There’s a clear effort to keep the movie light, whimsical, and consistent with the style fans have come to love. To that end, the “behind-the-scenes” crew deserves a shoutout. Production designer Grant Major, set decorator Amber Richards, costume designers Lucy McLay and Amanda Neale, and the full art direction team all help bring this colorful world and its eccentric characters to life in a way that’s visually cohesive and engaging.

Cinematographer Enrique Chediak also contributes with some dynamic framing and visual flourishes that add a bit of cinematic flair to the more dramatic or action-heavy moments. And composer Mark Mothersbaugh delivers a solid score throughout, filled with energetic themes and quirky melodies that bolster the movie’s tone nicely. Oh, and I’d be remiss if I didn’t mention the standout musical moment: “Steve’s Lava Chicken.” Performed by Jack Black, the song is short, goofy, and ridiculously catchy. It’s bouncy, playful, and honestly hard not to love, one of the film’s unexpected highlights.

Unfortunately, A Minecraft Movie struggles when it comes to balancing fan service with accessible storytelling, which makes the whole experience feel clunky in some areas and half-baked in others. How so? For starters, the film feels a little too niche for mainstream audiences. Like many adaptations of popular properties, there needs to be a careful balance between catering to longtime fans and welcoming in casual moviegoers. This movie doesn’t quite strike that balance. Sure, the story is easy enough to follow, and most of the action moves along in a fairly straightforward way, but a lot of it feels tailored more for Minecraft diehards than the general public.

That’s especially noticeable in the world-building and the barrage of references and cameos. Many of them aren’t really explained or contextualized, so if you’re not already familiar with the source material, you might find yourself a little lost. Speaking personally, as someone who’s only dabbled in Minecraft, I picked up on a few things here and there. But others? Total head-scratchers. Case in point: the whole “chicken jockey” moment. It clearly meant something to the fans (judging by the reaction in the theater), but it completely went over my head. At the end of the day, the movie leans too hard on its built-in fanbase for support. That might work for some, but it leaves casual viewers feeling left out, and the film weaker because of it.

Building off that idea, another major stumbling block for A Minecraft Movie is the story itself—which feels noticeably light and undercooked in several key areas. As I mentioned earlier, there’s definitely a sense of fun and whimsy here, channeling the familiar “transported to another world” vibe we’ve seen in countless fantasy adventures. And while that setup has potential, the execution leaves a lot to be desired.

To be clear, I wasn’t expecting some deep, layered narrative going into this. After all, the original Minecraft game, and even most of its spin-offs, aren’t exactly known for story depth. They’re more about exploration, creativity, and player-driven experiences. So, in that sense, the film’s simplistic narrative approach does mirror the source material. But even with that in mind, I still found myself hoping for something more substantial, something more inspired than just a familiar, by-the-numbers plot.

Instead, the movie plays it incredibly safe. It follows a predictable, formulaic arc that we’ve seen many times before. While this allows the film to stay light and energetic (without getting bogged down in exposition), it also means the story lacks cohesion and depth. Events unfold in a fast and chaotic fashion, but they often feel disjointed and haphazard, adding to the wacky tone, sure, but ultimately making the narrative feel more like a messy collage than a fully realized journey.

Then there’s the script itself, written by a small army of writers, including Allison Schroeder, Chris Bowman, Hubbel Palmer, Neil Widener, Gavin James, and Chris Galletta. And unfortunately, it has that classic “too many cooks in the kitchen” vibe. You can tell multiple voices and ideas that were stitched together in an attempt to create a unified story, but the end result feels muddled. It borrows liberally from other, better films, glosses over character development, and features dialogue that often feels clunky, unnatural, or just plain dull. There are flashes of creativity, but they’re buried under a script that never quite finds its rhythm.

Director Jared Hess doesn’t fare much better, unfortunately. His work behind the camera on A Minecraft Movie feels a bit out of step, like he’s not entirely sure how to wrangle the chaos into something cohesive. The film moves at a brisk pace, which does make it an easy, breezy watch… but that comes at the expense of just about everything else.

Because of the rushed rhythm, major story beats feel hollow, like filler moments that exist just to push things along. There’s little weight or substance to the narrative, and the characters suffer because of it. Instead of growing or evolving, they end up feeling flat and underused, with personalities that barely stretch beyond their initial introductions. Hess does try to breathe some life into the film now and then, whether through sight gags or a burst of energy in the action sequences, but most of it lands with a thud. The whole thing ends up feeling redundant, lackluster, and unsure of itself, like a movie that knows what it wants to be… but just can’t quite get there.

Lastly, some of the visual effects are… questionable at best. I get it—this kind of movie relies heavily on green screen and digital environments, and that’s to be expected. But there are a handful of scenes where the CG backdrops are glaringly obvious and feel oddly unpolished. Now, if this were a low-budget or under-the-radar release, that might be more forgivable. But for a movie positioned as a major studio-backed blockbuster, those rough visual spots stand out in a bad way. It doesn’t ruin the entire experience, but it does undercut the overall presentation and leaves the film feeling a bit underwhelming in places where it really needed to shine.

The cast of A Minecraft Movie is a bit of a mixed bag, some actors shine in their larger-than-life roles, while others feel either lost in the shuffle or stuck with half-baked material. It all kind of goes hand-in-hand with the film’s uneven script. While there are attempts to flesh out motivations and emotional beats, most of the character work falls flat, leaving the cast to pick up the slack. And unfortunately, not all of them are equipped to carry that weight, which only highlights the film’s weak character development.

Leading the charge, and easily the best thing about the movie, is Jack Black as Steve, a former doorknob salesman who’s been living in the Overworld for years and ends up guiding Garrett, Natalie, Henry, and Dawn through their chaotic journey. Black, known for his roles in School of Rock, Kung Fu Panda, and The Super Mario Bros. Movie, has always had a gift for larger-than-life characters and scene-stealing comedic energy. His presence here is no different.

From the moment he appears on screen, Black brings just the right mix of zany humor, charm, and over-the-top delivery. He’s clearly having fun with the role, and that infectious energy helps elevate every scene he’s in. The character of Steve may not be the most complex—his arc is pretty straightforward and plays things safe, but Black makes him endlessly entertaining to watch. He’s easily the film’s biggest strength, and every time he’s on screen, the movie feels a little more alive.

Right behind Black, the film’s other “big ticket” star is Jason Momoa, who plays Garrett “The Garbage Man” Garrison, a video game store owner and former gaming champion from the 1980s. Known for his work in Game of Thrones, Aquaman, and Fast X, Momoa has carved out a name for himself in the world of blockbuster cinema. So seeing him take on a role in A Minecraft Movie feels like a natural move—and much like Black, he seems to be having a good time with the material.

Garrett is part of the film’s oddball charm, a washed-up gamer who acts like a bit of a man-child and finds himself thrown into a world that’s somehow even more chaotic than his own. It’s a fun setup, and Momoa hams it up just enough to sell the premise. That said, he doesn’t quite hit the comedic highs that Black does. While Momoa clearly knows the kind of movie he’s in and leans into the over-the-top elements when he can, he doesn’t always stick the landing. Maybe it’s a matter of comedic timing or maybe he’s just not as comfortable in this kind of zany space, but there are moments where he feels a bit out of sync with the tone.

Still, his character isn’t a total miss. Garrett has a few amusing and even heartfelt moments sprinkled throughout, and Momoa does manage to bring some charisma to the role. But overall, he seems slightly out of his depth in a movie that’s this cartoonishly unhinged.

Sadly, most of the main human characters come off feeling flat and underdeveloped. This includes Henry, a creative tween who struggles to fit in; Natalie, his protective older sister; and Dawn, a quirky real estate agent who also runs a mobile petting zoo. They’re played by Sebastian Hansen (Just Mercy, Lisey’s Story), Emma Myers (Wednesday, A Good Girl’s Guide to Murder), and Danielle Brooks (Orange is the New Black, Close Enough), a capable cast, but they’re not given much to work with.

Of the group, these three unfortunately fare the worst. Their characters feel incredibly one-dimensional and half-baked. I can see what the script was trying to do, especially with Henry and Natalie—two siblings trying to reconnect while dealing with their own personal struggles. Henry’s imagination is misunderstood, and Natalie is burdened with acting like a stand-in parent. But none of it really lands. Their arcs are so haphazardly written that there’s little emotional payoff, and the characters never feel compelling enough to carry their own weight.

As for Dawn, she’s easily the most unnecessary addition. She drifts through the story without much purpose and contributes very little to the main narrative. Honestly, you could cut her from the movie entirely and nothing would change. Brooks does what she can with the material, but in the end, Dawn just feels like filler, a character added for laughs or flavor, but without any real function in the story.

Speaking of superfluous, one of the most puzzling and unnecessary additions to the film is Vice Principal Marlene, played by Jennifer Coolidge (Legally Blonde and The White Lotus). While Coolidge brings her trademark flair to the role, the character herself feels like a leftover from another movie. Marlene has little, if any, impact on the main plot and ends up being more of a subplot detour than a meaningful presence. Honestly, you could cut her storyline entirely and the movie wouldn’t skip a beat. Coolidge does her usual comedic routine, which might land for some viewers, but here it comes off as tired and oddly placed. Despite her star power, her scenes drag more than they entertain, leaving Marlene’s role, and Coolidge’s performance, as forgettable and strangely out of sync with the rest of the film.

The last major character worth highlighting in A Minecraft Movie is its main antagonist: Malgosha, the sorceress Piglin ruler of the Nether, voiced by Rachel House (Moana, Foundation). Malgosha fits right in with the movie’s chaotic tone, and she actually makes for a pretty entertaining villain. Sure, she’s evil—but there’s a layer of goofy humor woven into her wickedness that keeps things fun rather than frightening. A lot of that charm comes from House’s performance. She nails the role with a voice that’s equal parts menacing and mischievous, delivering her lines with gleeful ease. You can tell she’s having a blast, and it really comes through in the character’s over-the-top personality.

The rest of the voice cast features a few standout names in smaller roles. Matt Berry (The IT Crowd and Toast of London) lends his signature flair to a jobless villager named Nitwit. Director Jared Hess voices General Chungus, a high-ranking Piglin in Malgosha’s army. And Jemaine Clement (Flight of the Conchords and Moana) pops in as Malgosha’s father, Bruce. These characters don’t have a huge impact on the overall story, but their respective actors are each given a moment or two to shine, and they make the most of it.

FINAL THOUGHTS

When four unsuspecting people are whisked away into the colorful chaos of the Overworld, they quickly find themselves dodging danger, facing off against the villainous Malgosha, and teaming up with the legendary Steve to find their way home in A Minecraft Movie. Director Jared Hess brings the wildly popular sandbox game to life with a playful mix of goofy characters, surreal blocky landscapes, and enough visual flair to keep things bouncing along. To its credit, the movie does a solid job capturing the spirit of Minecraft’s world, full of imagination and unpredictability, with a few strong performances leading the charge, especially from Jack Black, who’s clearly having a blast. But despite those strengths, the final product feels more like a jumbled build than a fully polished creation. The story is thin, the pacing uneven, and the direction a bit all over the place. Some characters work, while others feel flat or completely forgettable. It’s loud, quirky, and relentlessly odd, which might be part of the charm for Minecraft fans, but could leave casual viewers scratching their heads. Personally, I thought the film was… okay-ish. I had fun with the silly humor, the gags made me chuckle more than once, and Jack Black is always a riot. But by the time the credits rolled, I felt like it all added up to a big shrug. It’s very clearly made for its target audience, and I think younger viewers and diehard Minecraft fans will eat it up. For everyone else, though, it might feel a little too niche, too noisy, or just too weird to fully enjoy. Again, it definitely caters to its fans, as what usually does with video game film adaptations do. Thus, my recommendation for this movie would a solid “iffy-choice”. That said, judging by its strong box office numbers, a sequel feels all but guaranteed. Hopefully, the next chapter can take this rough first draft and shape it into something more polished, with tighter storytelling and stronger character work. Still, A Minecraft Movie knows its audience. It does delivers a chaotic, often redundant and uneven adventure that embraces its own weirdness, and somehow, that works and yet sometimes it doesn’t.

2.9 Out of 5 (Iffy Choice)

The Official Website for A Minecraft Movie Link: HERE

Released On: April 4th, 2025

Reviewed On: June 2nd, 2025

A Minecraft Movie  is 101 minutes long and is rated PG for violence / action, language, suggestive / rude humor, and some scary images

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