A Minecraft Movie: A Colorful Adventure for Kids, But a Snooze for Adults!

by

A much-anticipated film based on the popular video game Minecraft is set to hit theaters. While this movie has an already enthusiastic audience, it’s unfortunate that its childish humor and simplistic themes may only appeal to young children and diehard fans who are willing to suspend their disbelief. Although there are some amusing moments and the visual effects are well-executed, the film’s goofy characters, nonsensical plot, and subpar musical sequences might make for a dull viewing experience for many adults.

In the movie, titled “Minecraft“, there are no set goals or objectives. Instead, Jack Black, playing the character Steve, describes it as an endless adventure in a world where creativity knows no bounds. The story then shifts to young Steve, growing up in Chuglass, Idaho – the self-proclaimed potato chip capital of the world. Despite his passion for mining, Steve is kept out of the mine by a cranky old man. Fast forward to adulthood, Steve grows tired of selling door knobs on the phone and impulsively ventures into the mine. There, he discovers an object known as the orb (a humorous touch), which activates a portal leading to the Over World.

Cubed Silliness

Steve becomes adept at creating amazing items and forms a friendship with Dennis, an unusual canine companion who shares in Steve’s construction adventures. However, the world they inhabit is not free from peril. Inadvertently, Steve uncovers another entrance leading to the treacherous Nether Realm, where swinish antagonists known as “piglins” are controlled by the wicked Malgosha (Rachel House). Determined to safeguard an orb and prevent the piglins from overpowering their world, Steve vows to keep it hidden.

Simultaneously, in the town of Chuglass, Henry (Sebastian Hansen) along with his elder sister Natalie (Emma Myers), shift into a residence following its enigmatic disappearance of the owner. The uneasy Henry experiences difficulties socializing at school, yet finds an unusual guide of sorts as he peruses a vintage video game shop. Garrett “The Garbage Man” Garrison (Jason Momoa), a man sporting a mullet, driving a Camaro, and listening to heavy metal with no money left, boasts inflated self-importance. He’s eager to sell Henry an unusual glowing orb that happens to be in his ownership by chance.

Familiar Faces in Familiar Roles

In a straightforward manner, the movie based on Minecraft avoids complexity and intellectual nuances, focusing instead on its young audience. The storyline is kept basic, filled with visual jokes, vibrant computer-generated imagery, and the comedic antics of characters Garrett and Steve. This combination propels the plot at a steady pace, much like linking consecutive points in a diagram. Throughout the movie, there are no unexpected events as the cast performs their roles mechanically to thwart Malgosha. Strangely, Natalie and another character, Dawn (Danielle Brooks), disappear for a significant portion of the second act. This inconsistency might seem puzzling, but it is in line with the film’s overall lack of logic if one delves deeper than briefly considering it.

In their latest film together, Momoa and Black continue to employ the same comedic tactics that have become familiar from their previous blockbuster roles. Steve’s performance could easily be transposed from the Jumanji franchise or School of Rock without missing a beat. As for Momoa, although he’s not in his Aquaman suit, his character portrayal bears a striking resemblance to Garrett’s. Both actors are well-known for their distinctive styles of delivery. Director Jared Hess, who gained popularity with Napoleon Dynamite and previously collaborated with Black on Nacho Libre, might have asked the leads to play characters similar to those they’ve portrayed before, aiming for easy laughs in a rather thin script. While it’s acceptable to lean into comedy if it contributes positively and is genuinely amusing, the issue lies here with the humor feeling repetitive and, more often than not, forced.

Jennifer Coolidge to the Rescue

The movie based on Minecraft certainly showcases impressive technical elements, particularly in the way it portrays battles between characters and zombies, which change dramatically as day turns into night. The storyline featuring Henry and Natalie discovering and honing their combat skills against the attacking piglin troops is engaging. Visually, these scenes are well-executed, giving a clear indication of the budget spent on production. However, it would have been even more captivating if the script had been more intricate and less straightforward. Given Hess’s history with unconventional projects, I assume he may not have had much freedom to stray from the original game characters’ designs.

Jennifer Coolidge almost outshines everyone else as Marlene, the recently divorced principal of Henry’s school. Her character arc falters slightly in the closing scenes, but her heartfelt desperation becomes endearing. In the unique world of A Minecraft Movie, Marlene’s loneliness is handled with a touch of sweetness when she receives courtship from a suitor hailing from the Over World. Coolidge delivers even the most absurd lines with conviction. She provides the film with an essential mature influence and is, at least, one character with a hint of complexity.

In my opinion, there was one element in the movie “Minecraft” that really grated on me. I found several songs by Black to be either bland or overly loud. Considering it was co-written by Black and Hess, you’d think they could have come up with something more appealing. Fortunately, Mark Mothersbaugh, known for his work with Devo, provides an energetic 80s soundtrack that helps erase the initial music from your mind. Unfortunately, “Minecraft” could have been much better overall. It’s not terrible, but it doesn’t truly capture the essence of the game. Produced by Legendary Pictures, Mojang Studios, Domain Entertainment, and others, “Minecraft” will hit theaters on April 4th, distributed by Warner Bros.

Read More

2025-04-02 22:02