'A Minecraft Movie' Review- This One Is For The Kids

Java Edition?

A Minecraft Movie is an adventure flick directed by Jared Hess. It is based on the video game from Mojang Studios.

Steve (Jack Black) is a former doorknob salesman who discovers a mysterious orb that transports him into the Overworld. He is captured by an evil pig sorceress, Malgosha (Rachel House), from the Nether. She wants to use the orb to conquer the Overworld, but Steve sends his trusty wolf to hide it. Video game store owner Garrett "The Garbage Man" Garrison (Jason Mamoa) finds it at an auction. A young boy named Henry (Sebastian Hansen) finds it, and it leads him and Garrett to a portal. His older sister Natalie (Emma Myers) and their landlady Dawn (Danielle Brooks) arrive as well. They get pulled into the Overworld and soon discover Steve, who warns them about the dangers ahead.

Okay, so this movie moves at breakneck speed and has a paper-thin plot. This was no doubt made for Gen Z and Alpha Generation and their obsession with instant gratification. You can tell by how fast the plot moves and how fast subplots are resolved.

Also, all of the secondary characters like Dawn and the Vice Principal Marlene, portrayed by Jennifer Colidge, could have been eliminated, and no one would have noticed.

However, I can see how kids, especially those who have played Minecraft, would have a ton of fun. The movie definitely relied a lot on the video game mechanics and the visuals.

I have to admit, the trailer did not look appealing with the aforementioned visuals. Seeing them in the context of the film actually worked for me. It was about humans who get trapped in a world where physics does not apply. It made sense in that framework.

Also, Mamoa and Black have excellent chemistry. You can tell that the two of them are having a good time in this movie. I think that is part of its appeal; the stars are having a blast. You can tell that they did not phone it in and put on their best, well, for a kids’ film.

Myers and Hansen are also good in the movie, showing the two generations of kids who enjoyed the game. That was not lost on me. That was a nice touch, showing the generations coming together.

One thing that is good about this movie is just how wholesome it is. It has family values, true love, friendship, and courage. You do not have to worry about pandering or politically correct meandering. It is just fun. That was a relief, to be sure.

Bottom line, A Minecraft Movie is a solid kids’ film. The adults may get whiplash from how fast the plot moves, but there is a lot of fun to be found.

PARENTAL CONCERNS: Cartoonish violence, Some crude humor

FAVORITE QUOTE: First we mine, then we craft. LET'S MINECRAFT!

Check out the trailer below:

What do you think? Let me know in the comments below. Tell me if there is a comic book, anime, movie, or novel you would like me to review.