Much like Jack Black’s principal character, Steve, as a child, I too yearned for the mines.
For myself and many others of today’s college generation, Minecraft was more than just a game — it was a cultural phenomenon. At first, I was wary of watching “A Minecraft Movie” in theaters, due to the trend of teenagers throwing their drinks and snacks during the “chicken jockey” scene, as well as the potential disappointment resulting from a butchered representation of one of my favorite childhood pastimes.
Thankfully, regardless of the entire theater erupting into “chicken jockey” when it appeared on screen, I was surprised to enjoy “A Minecraft Movie” and genuinely laughed at many moments throughout the film.
Fans of director Jared Hess’ previous works, “Napoleon Dynamite” and “Nacho Libre,” will immediately recognize his comedic fingerprints all over “A Minecraft Movie.” Much like the campy charm of “Napoleon Dynamite” or the absurd physical comedy of “Nacho Libre,” this film thrives on its offbeat humor and awkward characters.
At its core, “A Minecraft Movie” is carried by its two leads: Jack Black and Jason Momoa. Black delivers a quintessential Jack Black performance as Steve, blending goofy charm with moments of heartfelt sincerity, as he guides Momoa and the supporting cast through the Overworld. His musical numbers, though random, are delightfully silly, recalling his performances in “School of Rock” or his viral “Peaches” song from “The Super Mario Bros. Movie.”
Momoa surprises with his portrayal of Garrett “The Garbage Man” Garrison, bringing unexpected depth to a character who could have easily been one-dimensional. He perfectly embodies the deadbeat, has-been characters from Hess’ previous works, such as Rex and Uncle Rico from “Napoleon Dynamite.” His chemistry with Black is undeniable, creating a bromance that feels both hilarious and oddly tender. Their interactions showcase healthy male affection in a way that feels genuine, even if some moments lean into borderline homoerotic territory for comedic effect.
At first glance, “A Minecraft Movie” appears to be a film entirely tailored for younger audiences, but it surprisingly packs a punch with its abundance of adult humor. One of the most memorable moments involves Black and Momoa awkwardly forming a “full man sandwich” to squeeze through a narrow gap, and every moment featuring Jennifer Coolidge was absolute gold; providing insights into a high school principal’s recent divorce and her romance with a Minecraft villager.
While Black and Momoa shine, other aspects of the film struggle to keep up. The supporting cast feels underwhelming and overly formulaic. Their arcs lack originality and overall direction, making them forgettable amidst the movie’s zaniness.
Characters like Henry and Natalie, the orphaned siblings, are introduced with promising setups — Henry as a misunderstood creative and Natalie as his protective yet conflicted sister — but their arcs lack depth and resolution. These characters are reduced to tropes rather than fully realized individuals, diminishing their emotional impact. Meanwhile, Dawn, portrayed as an animal enthusiast, is given so little to do that her presence feels almost incidental. The film’s failure to flesh out these supporting roles leaves them ultimately feeling like placeholders in a story that stronger ensemble contributions could have enriched.
Additionally, while the Overworld is visually appealing, it doesn’t fully capture the vastness of complexity that makes Minecraft so captivating. Out of the 64 biomes in the game, only three were explored in the film.
That being said, the film successfully taps into the nostalgia of Minecraft’s early days, evoking the universal experiences that resonate with all players. From the humble beginnings of building your first dirt house to the heart-pounding fear of surviving your first night and even the morally questionable creation of a ruthless chicken cooker, “A Minecraft Movie” captures the essence of what made the game a cultural phenomenon.
Despite the criticisms, It’s hard to take the film too seriously when it features a giant Piglin brute named General Chungus, whose high-pitched voice delivers lines about his self-improvement journey, or Momoa frequently butchering Spanish with incorrect words and phrases.
Ultimately, “A Minecraft Movie” isn’t trying to be an Oscar-worthy masterpiece — it’s here to have fun, and it succeeds in doing just that. Hess blends nostalgia with his trademark humor to create an experience that feels both familiar and fresh.
While it may not be perfect, its charm lies in its imperfections — the random songs, ridiculous interactions between characters and Black’s recitation of in-game items as one-liners all contribute to its unapologetically silly mood. For anyone who spent their childhood mining diamonds or has enjoyed Hess’ signature brand of humor in the past, this film is worth a watch.
Rating: 7/10
