What You Need to Know About A Minecraft Movie Before It Hits Theaters
The latest video game to make the leap from pixels to the big screen is A Minecraft Movie, directed by Jared Hess. Following in the footsteps of adaptations like The Super Mario Bros. Movie and Jumanji, this film centers on a group of misfits who find themselves sucked into a strange world — this time, a blocky, cube-shaped universe that’s like Minecraft come to life. It’s an experience that’s sure to delight gamers, but it has enough quirks to keep the whole family entertained, even if you’ve never played the game. (ALSO READ: Minecraft’s Vibrant Visuals Upgrade: What It Is, How It Changes the Game, and Everything You Need to Know)
The Characters and Plots of “A Minecraft Movie”
The story of “A Minecraft Movie” follows four unlikely travelers: a brother and sister (Emma Myers and Sebastian Eugene Hansen), their zany real estate agent (Danielle Brooks), and a washed-up video game pro (Jason Momoa). After stumbling into a mysterious portal, they’re transported to the world of Minecraft, where everything is, well, made of blocks. They’re guided by Steve (Jack Black), a crafty and quirky expert stuck in the Minecraft universe. Their goal? Get back home, but not before they face some wild adventures and bizarre creatures, from Creepers to Endermen.
The movie does a decent job of introducing the world, even if some parts may feel a little confusing at first. For gamers, the world will be instantly recognizable, with familiar elements like punching blocks, mining for resources, and building strange, creative structures. But for those who aren’t well-versed in Minecraft lingo, expect a few moments where you’ll feel like you’re playing catch-up — especially when pandas and other bizarre critters start showing up. One of the human characters even comments, “This place makes no sense,” which is probably a feeling many newcomers will share.
“A Minecraft Movie” has a goofy energy that’s reminiscent of Jumanji or The Lego Movie — mixing lighthearted fun with a sense of chaotic adventure. The humor is offbeat and random, with some oddball moments like characters obsessing over turquoise blouses or even a pizza made of tater tots. Jack Black, as always, is a force to be reckoned with, bringing his signature wacky charm to Steve. And let’s be honest, his over-the-top antics are a lot of the movie’s fun — from a ridiculous musical number about “Steve’s Lava Chicken” to the ridiculousness of it all.
But the real surprise here is Jason Momoa, who’s known for his action-hero roles but really shows off some comedic chops in A Minecraft Movie. He character portray Garrett “The Garbage Man” Garrison, a character who’s equal parts goofy and egotistical. His performance is full of one-liners.
“There’s no ‘i’ in ‘team,’ but there are two ‘i’s in ‘winning,’” he quips at one point, showing that he can handle comedy just as well as his superhero roles. His Barbie-pink leather jacket with fringe adds a bit of extra flair to the character.
The screenplay, written by Chris Bowman, Hubbel Palmer, Neil Widener, Gavin James, and Chris Galletta, is as chaotic and unpredictable as the world of Minecraft itself. The plot follows the typical “quest to get home” setup, complete with a journey through dangerous lands filled with zombies, skeletons, and fire-tipped arrows. But it’s the random and often absurd humor that sets the tone, with characters making jokes about “America’s Got Talent” or, oddly enough, focusing a bit too much on Momoa’s backside. While the latter is fun, it does sometimes feel like the movie is more focused on the silly antics than the creative potential that Minecraft originally possesses.
While the second half of the movie shifts into a more typical action-adventure vibe with a big showdown and dramatic “Let’s do this!” moments, the first half is a delightful romp through this strange, blocky world. The filmmakers keep things entertaining, with a dance party to wrap up the adventure in true Minecraft fashion. There are definitely deeper themes about friendship, creativity, and even financial failure, but they get a little lost in the madness of it all.
“A Minecraft Movie” – Coming Soon to Theaters!
The movie will hit theaters on April 5, 2025. It has a PG rating for violence, action, mild language, humor, and some scary moments. The runtime of “A Minecraft Movie” will be 101 minutes, offering a fast-paced, entertaining adventure that blends action and humor for viewers of all ages.