A Minecraft Movie – Film Review

Growing up, I absolutely loved playing Minecraft. It’s a game that, still to this day, holds a special place in my heart. I vividly remember playing it with my friends and my brothers, laughing hysterically at all of the shenanigans that we would get up to playing the game late at night. It’s probably the most creative game in the entire world because you can quite literally build anything your heart desires. There’s truly no limits.

So you’d hope that A Minecraft Movie would also be an incredibly creative film and I’m happy to report that it most definitely is, even if the movie is nowhere close to being perfect. This movie is, in all honesty, one of the goofiest and campiest things my eyes have ever seen but that’s kinda part of its charm. I mean, it is a Jared Hess film after all (see Nacho Libre and Napoleon Dynamite). And while I was sitting in the theatre wondering what in the world I was watching, I also have to admit that I was extremely entertained and was smiling throughout the entire thing, flaws and all.

Hess’s direction brings his trademark offbeat sensibility to the proceedings. Instead of aiming for a grand, sweeping epic, the film favors a looser, scrappier vibe: think The Goonies meets The Lego Movie, filtered through a YouTube Let’s Play lens. That spirit of rough-hewn creativity makes it fit surprisingly well with the ethos of Minecraft itself—a game that has always been more about freedom and discovery than rigid storytelling.

This is a classic fantasy quest dressed in pixelated armor. When a group of Earth-based misfits—an eccentric video game store owner, two grieving siblings, and a wannabe petting zoo entrepreneur—are pulled into the Overworld, they must quickly learn the game’s mechanics: build shelters, survive monsters, and harness the power of crafting. They are guided (and occasionally frustrated) by the legendary Steve, voiced with unexpected heart and humor by Jack Black.

The movie balances this game-logic premise with emotional beats: loss, identity, and friendship are gently woven into the chaos, making the stakes feel more personal. However, while the film wisely avoids overwhelming lore dumps, it can sometimes veer too far into the silly, undermining the more resonant character moments.

Jason Momoa, as Garrett “The Garbage Man” Garrison, is a surprisingly effective comedic lead. His character—a washed-up 1980s gaming champion turned pawn shop owner—is equal parts absurd and endearing. Momoa leans into the physical comedy and retro bravado with charisma, even if the character’s arc feels familiar.

Emma Myers and Sebastian Hansen, playing the sibling duo Natalie and Henry, serve as the film’s emotional core. Myers brings grounded sincerity to Natalie, a teen grappling with change, while Hansen’s Henry is a charmingly awkward inventor with big ideas and bigger blunders. Danielle Brooks as Dawn infuses warmth and optimism into the cast, and her chemistry with the group helps keep things afloat when the plot sags.

Jack Black’s Steve is, unsurprisingly, the film’s standout. Playing the iconic avatar of the game, Black embodies Steve with a mix of weary mentorship and zany energy. He makes the exposition fun, and his comedic timing provides some of the movie’s best moments.

A Minecraft Movie manages to walk the fine line between faithful adaptation and cinematic flair. The film fully embraces the blocky, minimalist aesthetic of the game, from the grassy plains to the lava-drenched Nether. The environments, designed with loving attention to detail, are often stunning—especially during nighttime scenes illuminated by torches or the glow of Redstone circuitry.

The action sequences, while a bit hectic at times, are creatively staged. A minecart chase, a ghast battle, and a siege with Iron Golems all showcase the film’s playful embrace of in-game physics. Fans of the game will appreciate the nods to crafting recipes, redstone engineering, and mob behavior—all seamlessly incorporated into the story without feeling forced.

Jokes sometimes undercut tension, and emotional revelations are occasionally lost in the noise of battle scenes or monster chases. The story’s pacing also suffers in the middle act, where the narrative meanders as characters bounce from biome to biome with unclear objectives. The transition between Earth and the Overworld is clever, but the film struggles to keep that initial spark alive through the second half.

Still, despite its flaws, the film’s sincerity shines through. It’s a movie made with clear affection for Minecraft—not just the brand, but the ethos: building something together, embracing oddness, and experimenting without fear of failure.

While clearly aimed at fans of the game, A Minecraft Movie doesn’t require deep knowledge of crafting tables or Ender Pearls to enjoy. It includes plenty of Easter eggs—creepers, villagers, portals, and ghasts all appear—but never leans so heavily on the references that newcomers will feel left out. The story works on a basic level: strangers enter a strange world, face danger, and learn to trust one another.

Younger audiences, especially those already enchanted by the game, will likely love it. For older viewers, there’s enough tongue-in-cheek humor and retro game nostalgia (including references to old consoles and 1980s gaming culture) to keep things interesting.

A Minecraft Movie isn’t anything special, but it doesn’t need to be. It’s an entertaining, family-friendly fantasy that honors its roots and encourages imagination. As it stands, it’s a charming diversion: one that plays like a well-crafted survival map—rough around the edges, but filled with heart.