By: Brook Hill
A Minecraft Movie (2025), directed by Jared Hess, is a chaotic adaptation of the beloved video game. With a concept reminiscent of The Sims, this new game has taken over the build and play aspect us older folk are used to. Starring Jack Black as Steve, Jason Momoa as Garrett, and featuring Danielle Brooks, Emma Myers, and Jennifer Coolidge, this new film has garnered both reviews and terrible trash talk.
We follow four misfits—Garrett, Henry, Natalie, and Dawn—who are unexpectedly transported into the Overworld, a blocky realm where creativity is essential for survival. They team up with Steve to defy the villainous Malgosha and her Piglin army. While the idea is basic and geared towards young kids, the execution is a whirlwind of fun, childish humor.
Visually, the film excels at capturing the game’s aesthetic. The overworld’s landscapes are rendered iconic elements like Creepers, and minecarts are seamlessly integrated into the storyline. However, some fans have expressed concerns over the live-action portrayal of certain characters, such as the Villagers, which they found “unsettling.”
The performances are for sure the best part of this movie. The cast is killer. Jack Black brings his signature energy to the role of Steve, delivering a performance that’s both comedic and heartfelt. Jason Momoa surprises audiences with his portrayal of Garrett, a washed-up ’80s video game God. This was a new role for Momoa, and he surprised the masses. The film’s humor is a mix of slapstick and surreal, reminiscent of Hess’s previous works like Napoleon Dynamite. And who doesn’t love that movie?
Commercially, a Minecraft Movie has been a success, grossing over $662 million worldwide. Its opening weekend surpassed that of The Super Mario Bros. Movie, marking it as one of the highest-grossing video game-themed movies. Despite mixed critical reception, the film has resonated with its target audience, particularly fans of the game. A Minecraft Movie is visually stunning and humorously chaotic. Check it out for yourself.
Until next time, friends!