I laughed out loud during “A Minecraft Movie,” and so did the packed audience, who applauded and cheered at the end. Jack Black, Jason Momoa, and Jennifer Coolidge are hilarious together. This review comes from someone without prior knowledge of the 2011 “Minecraft” video game. However, I found it interesting and enlightening to research the source material for this film, especially the unique world where all beings have square heads.
As a former teacher of gifted children aged 9 to 11, I can confidently say that the game “Minecraft” is a standout because it encourages kids to think outside the box (pun intended) and helps them develop their creative thinking skills. Beyond the game, the film adaptation continues this theme of creativity and decision-making. In the Minecraft world, survival depends on inventing and producing new things.
Some characters in the film might be labeled as misfits, like Garrett’s character “The Garbage Man.” Garrison (Jason Momoa), Henry (Sebastian Eugene Hansen), Natalie (Emma Meyers), and Dawn (Danielle Brooks) all face everyday challenges. Suddenly, they are pulled through a random portal into a fantastical cubic world that thrives on imagination. They learn that to return home, they must figure out how to survive in this world and find an expert decision-maker. To master their surroundings, they first embark on a quest to locate an expert crafter named Steve. The world is filled with dangers, including evil Piglins and Zombies.
When we first meet Steve, he is portrayed as a bored, underachieving doorknob salesman. We follow him into a mountainous mine where he discovers the Orb of Dominance, an item with the power to summon ambushes, bosses, and minions, enhance mobs, and unleash purple blasts at heroes. Steve uses a portal to transport himself to the Overworld, an alternate dimension where the terrain consists of easily manipulated cubes. It’s fascinating to watch him create his world.
As a reviewer of films geared toward children, I always keep in mind an appropriate age for kids as typically there are scenes that may be frightening. In “A Minecraft Movie,” there’s a portal to a demonic world called the Nether. Which is a dark place underground where piglins work and live under the rule of Malgosha, a frightening-looking giant hunched piglin with rotting teeth, pointed fingernails, and purple glowing eyes. She’s the queen who captured Steve and his dog Dennis when they entered the Nether, as she hates creativity. She plans to find the Orb of Dominance, steal all the gold in the Overworld, and end all creativity. What’s very disturbing about her is the way she insults the piglins and kills them at a whim’s notice. “A Minecraft Movie” is best for kids 10 and older.
As I mentioned at the beginning, the movie is incredibly entertaining, primarily due to the hilarious banter between Jason Momoa and Jack Black. Their dynamic adds a vibrant energy that keeps the audience engaged and laughing throughout. The chemistry between the two actors is striking, making their comedic exchanges a highlight of the film. While I thoroughly enjoyed their performances, I couldn’t help but think that the film would benefit from having more screen time for Jennifer Coolidge in the sequel. Her unique comedic style and ability to captivate audiences could bring an extra layer of fun to the story. Overall, the combination of these talented actors sets a solid foundation for an exciting sequel, and I look forward to seeing how it unfolds!
“A Minecraft Movie” is playing now in theaters
Director: Jared Hess
Screenplay by Chris Bowman, Hubbel Palmer, Neil Widener, Gavin James, Chris Galletta
Story by: Allison Schroeder, Chris Bowman, Hubbel Palmer
Cinematography: Enrique Chediak
Edited by: James Thomas
Music by: Mark Mothersbaugh
Production Companies: Warner Bros. Pictures, Legendary Pictures, Mojang Studios, Vertigo Entertainment
Sarah Knight Adamson© April 4, 2025
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