Jared Hess, known for his quirky indie hits, takes the helm of the much-anticipated "A Minecraft Movie," gracing cinemas on Friday, May 30th, 2025. This Warner Bros. Pictures release attempts to translate the boundless creativity of the best-selling video game into a cohesive cinematic experience. The film boasts a notable cast, with Jack Black lending his signature comedic flair as Steve, the initial inhabitant of the Overworld, and Jason Momoa as Garrett "The Garbage Man" Garrison, a down-on-his-luck former video game champion. Emma Myers and Sebastian Hansen star as siblings Natalie and Henry, who find themselves pulled into this blocky universe alongside realtor Dawn, played by Danielle Brooks. Penned by a team of screenwriters including Chris Bowman, Hubbel Palmer, Neil Widener, Gavin James, and Chris Galletta, the movie endeavors to strike a balance between fan service and broad appeal.
Genre:Action, Adventure, Comedy
The plot, while aiming to provide a narrative for a game celebrated for its open-ended nature, begins with doorknob salesman Steve discovering the Orb of Dominance and the Earth Crystal in a mine, which together create a portal to the cubist Overworld. After building his own paradise, Steve stumbles upon a portal to the hellish Nether, ruled by the creativity-hating piglin, Malgosha. When imprisoned, Steve cleverly has his dog Dennis escape with the Orb and Crystal, hiding them in the real world. Years later, the Orb and Crystal are discovered by Garrett Garrison, who unwittingly activates them with teenager Henry, pulling Henry, Garrett, Henry's sister Natalie, and their real estate agent Dawn into the Overworld. Malgosha, voiced by Rachel House, learns of the Orb's return and releases Steve to reclaim it, holding Dennis hostage. The group embarks on a quest to find a replacement Earth Crystal from the Woodland Mansion after the original is destroyed, leading to encounters with piglins and the massive Great Hog. Ultimately, the team crafts an arsenal and an army to fight Malgosha and her zombified forces, restoring the Overworld before returning to Chuglass.
"A Minecraft Movie" steps into a cinematic landscape increasingly populated by video game adaptations. Like "The Super Mario Bros. Movie" and "Jumanji," it plunges its characters into a fantastical, game-inspired world. The film attempts to walk a fine line, aiming to both entertain pre-teen gamers and keep their parents engaged. It’s an often-bizarre adaptation, peppered with oddities like tater tot pizzas and turquoise blouses. For those unfamiliar with the game's lore and creatures like Creepers and Piglins, the movie might initially feel nonsensical. However, the film is largely faithful to the game's visual aesthetic, with well-rendered effects bringing cubic sheep and warrior pigs to life.
One of the film's strongest assets is its cast. While Jack Black's performance as Steve can sometimes be a bit over-the-top, his exuberant personality suits the film's dynamic. However, it’s Jason Momoa as Garrett "The Garbage Man" Garrison who truly shines, delivering a surprisingly strong comedic performance that marks a significant "coming of age" for his comedic chops. His "tough guy who is actually a big lunkhead" routine, reminiscent of Dave Bautista or Dwayne Johnson, is a consistent source of humor. When Momoa isn't on screen, the movie can sometimes feel slack, despite Black's full-force efforts. Sebastian Hansen as Henry captures a "hip to be square" vibe, and Danielle Brooks as Dawn brings a fountain of sass. Jennifer Coolidge also provides reliable laughs in a subplot that, while not essential, culminates in a hilarious voice cameo. The ensemble, despite the argument that five main characters might be one or two too many, creates a unique "found family" dynamic that feels refreshing in kid-targeted fare.
Director Jared Hess brings his signature offbeat style to the film, lending a fresh perspective that prevents it from becoming just another soulless IP adaptation. His "cockeyed look at things" – a blend of deadpan delivery, garish colors, and exaggerated interactions – is unexpectedly perfect for a Minecraft movie. The "anything goes" and "open sandbox" attitude reflects the game's freeform nature, a welcome change from lore-heavy family films. The film's central theme of celebrating creativity is its best aspect. Henry, who struggles to fit in due to his inventive mind, thrives in the Overworld, adapting to its strange nature and delighting in discoveries. This nicely mirrors the game's core spirit, which encourages players to define their own experience, whether through combat or building.
However, "A Minecraft Movie" isn't without its flaws. The initial exposition dump can feel like a sequel you've missed, and the plotting in the latter half becomes muddled, reflecting its multiple screenwriters. The movie struggles to fully utilize the game's core mechanic of easy construction, missing opportunities for truly creative fight sequences or problem-solving that could have been showcased. While it encourages creation, the film itself isn't particularly creative in its execution, often feeling formulaic and driven by market forces rather than genuine artistic impulse. The emotional depth, particularly regarding the relationships between the characters, feels underdeveloped, making the bonds feel somewhat forced. Even an action sequence, such as the minecart escape, pales in comparison to classics like "Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom," feeling more like a mere reference than a compelling tribute.
Ultimately, "A Minecraft Movie" functions as an entertaining, albeit flawed, adventure primarily aimed at children and fans of the game. It delivers on enough of what its audience expects, from familiar characters to recognizable in-jokes, evident by the enthusiastic applause it received on opening day. While it may not be a cinematic masterpiece or leave an unforgettable mark on your heart, it's a decent effort that manages to capture some of the game's spirit of creation, largely thanks to its charismatic cast and Hess's distinct directorial vision. It's a "B" grade movie, and for those who enjoy the trailer, the full film will likely deliver more of the same. Come for the Piglins, stay for Momoa.