Alright, crafters, gather ’round! The moment you’ve all been mining for is here – “A Minecraft Movie” has officially spawned on the big screen. But does it build something epic or crumble like gravel?
Directed by “Nacho Libre’s” Jared Hess, this fantasy action comedy runs 101 minutes and stars Jack Black, Jason Momoa, Emma Myers, Sebastian Hansen, and Danielle Brooks.
The story follows four misfits – Garrett (Momoa), Henry (Hansen), Natalie (Myers), and Dawn (Brooks) – who are yanked into the Overworld through a mysterious portal.
Suddenly, they’re in a world where dirt blocks float, pigs are cube-shaped, and the moon cycles way too fast.
To get home, they must learn to craft, fight off mobs, and, with the help of legendary builder Steve (Black), take on an ancient evil before it’s game over.
Hess clearly knows his way around survival mode. The Overworld pops to life with a vibrant, blocky aesthetic that feels instantly familiar yet visually stunning.
From towering forests to sprawling plains, it’s a nostalgic treat. The attention to detail is commendable – familiar zombies lurk in the shadows, and classic sound effects will send shivers down any veteran player’s spine. This isn’t a low-resolution texture pack; they’ve gone all out.
The action is where the film truly shines. Battles against zombies, skeletons, and piglins are thrilling, using the environment and crafting mechanics in clever ways. There’s a real sense of danger and urgency, and the final showdown attempts to deliver the kind of epic spectacle fantasy films are known for.
While the portal-hopping premise has potential, the narrative feels a little… pre-built.
The adventure sometimes plays out like a checklist of Minecraft biomes rather than forging a compelling journey. There are plenty of charming and funny moments, but the plot can feel predictable.
And in an industry where live-action adaptations of, well, anything seems aplenty, it’s crucial for filmmakers to forge their own path while retaining the magic of the original source material.
When it comes to characters, the cast does a solid job bringing them to life.
Black shines as Steve, the veteran crafter, balancing gruff wisdom with his signature comedic flair – this is Black at his best, delivering laughs when they’re needed most.
Meanwhile, Momoa ditches his usual tough-guy roles, swapping Aquaman’s stoicism for high-pitched screams and jump-scares as a surprisingly skittish adventurer.
Myers and Brooks add charm and humour, though their characters could have used a few more buffs to truly stand out.
And perhaps it’s time for Jennifer Coolidge, as wickedly funny as she is in an understated way, to retire from two-dimensional comedic filler roles. She plays a vice principal in this film, and honestly, removing her entirely would not have changed a thing. Coolidge deserves better!
Ultimately, “A Minecraft Movie” is a fun, blocky romp that captures the game’s spirit but doesn’t quite hit legendary status. It’s not a diamond-tier build, but it’s certainly more than just a dirt hut. Worth a watch – just don’t forget your torches!
As of press time, ‘A Minecraft Movie’ is screening in cinemas nationwide.