A Minecraft Movie – A BLOCK-Buster Film that Misses Its Creative Potential
Genre: Adventure, Family, Comedy
Directed by: Jared Hess
Starring: Jack Black, Jason Momoa, Danielle Brooks
Release Date: April 4, 2025
Platform: Theatrical
Rating: 2/5
By Crystal Justine
“The real problem lies in the cash-grab script that undermines any potential the film had.”
A MINECRAFT MOVIE recently exploded onto the big screen, dominating the box office with an impressive $301 million global opening weekend. That success marks the biggest domestic opening for a video game adaptation. But does this movie live up to the hype? Whether it’s worth your time and money ultimately depends on what you’re expecting and who is in the theater with you.
At the helm is Jared Hess, the director behind comedy classics like Napoleon Dynamite and Nacho Libre. The film stars Jack Black, Jason Momoa and Oscar-nominated Danielle Brooks, a combination that sounds like a recipe for either success or a mess. While the movie has certainly made waves financially, it doesn’t quite capture the silver screen magic we might expect from such a star-studded team.
Based on the beloved video game Minecraft, a world where creativity and imagination take center stage in a cube-shaped universe, the movie fails to capture the essence of what makes the game so special. Rather than diving into the endless possibilities of open-ended creativity, the film bogs itself down in absurd amounts of exposition, cringe humor, and forgettable characters. The vast potential of Minecraft‘s world offers the perfect backdrop for a heartfelt, inspiring story, yet the movie opts for meme-like one-liners over genuine emotional depth. While films like The Lego Movie manage to balance humor with meaningful narratives and characters we care about, this adaptation feels more like a rushed first draft that misses the mark on what made its source material truly captivating by both children and adults alike.
The performances are solid, but the real problem lies in the cash-grab script that undermines the film’s potential. Jack Black delivers exactly what you’d expect with his trademark over-the-top antics, random singing, and energy that can still make you laugh even with the weak material he was given. Meanwhile, Jason Momoa takes on a role that’s a stark departure from what fans are accustomed to. Famous for his tough, muscular characters in Aquaman and Game of Thrones, here he plays a washed-up gamer in desperate need of cash and a makeover. It’s a surprising and somewhat humorous shift for Momoa, but unfortunately, his performance can’t rescue the film from its other glaring flaws.
As for the humor, it’s hit-or-miss at best. Expect a lot of cringe-worthy moments, with a few jokes landing successfully. The CGI quality is inconsistent, with some scenes featuring decent visuals, only to be followed by less impressive ones. You’d think bringing a blocky world to life would be straightforward, but the attempt to transform the 2D universe into 3D feels either rushed, difficult, or perhaps both.
The movie’s entertainment value really hinges on the audience you’re with. If you’re watching with young children who are laughing and enjoying the ride, their infectious energy can turn this film from something mediocre to something mildly fun. On the other hand, if you’re surrounded by rowdy teens who are disrupting the experience—yelling, throwing popcorn, and making a scene—the enjoyment factor plummets. In extreme cases, some theaters have even had to call in police to handle disruptive crowds. No one wants to deal with soda being thrown in their face during a kids’ movie.
Thankfully, A MINECRAFT MOVIE does manage to end on a high note (literally) with a fun and nostalgic musical number from Jack Black. Channeling his School of Rock and Tenacious D days, his performance is a rare bright spot in an otherwise lackluster film. The rock-infused music and playful energy in this scene gives you a taste of the fun that could’ve been present throughout the whole movie.
In the end, if you’re a fan of the Minecraft game or you have kids excited to see the movie, it may be worth checking out for a light, afternoon matinee. But for cinephiles searching for depth, character development, or emotional resonance, this film will fall very flat. If you do decide to head to the theater, remember to follow proper movie theater etiquette. If other audience members are misbehaving, don’t hesitate to report it to the staff. After all, the movie theater experience is meant to be a shared moment of enjoyment, and everyone deserves a chance to immerse themselves in the magic of cinema.
