Top 5 Best And Worst Things About A Minecraft Movie

Longtime “Minecraft” players will surely appreciate seeing nitwits, creepers, zombies, and other figures on the big screen. However, almost all of these characters are mute or don’t speak English, instead focusing on the live-action humans. The only animated characters who are given much development are the piglins. Rachel House turns in a funny voiceover performance as the evil Malgosha, although the film could’ve used additional characters like her. Granted, “Minecraft” isn’t exactly a character-driven game, but movies can dig deeper. The film gave Jack Black’s Steve a more defined personality. The filmmakers could’ve done the same for this world’s other inhabitants - kind of like what Telltale Games did in “Minecraft: Story Mode.” Here, though, the blocky residents are primarily blank slates and glorified extras.

“Minecraft” provides the blocks for users to build anything. This carries over to the movie, encouraging young viewers to follow their passions and let their imaginations run wild. While the film is essentially a “Minecraft” commercial, it doesn’t condone spending all your time in front of a computer screen. Although that fantasy world is fun in doses, you should take the creativity you channel into “Minecraft” and apply it to real life. At times, this moral gets overshadowed by the film’s constant action, effects, and slapstick. It isn’t “The Lego Movie,” which got this message across in a more impactful way. Still, if kids walk away from this film wanting to make stuff - be it games, movies, or a potato launcher - we’re all for it.

Despite stemming from a game lacking a set narrative, “A Minecraft Movie” has numerous subplots that ultimately fall by the wayside. The film opens with siblings Natalie and Henry moving to a new town following the death of their mother. It seems like this is going to be the film’s emotional core, but the mother is barely mentioned going forward. Likewise, the film sets up an arc for Natalie, who’s balancing being Henry’s big sister and new parental figure. Yet, that doesn’t have much of a payoff either. There are so many MacGuffins and side quests that by the time we get to the big action climax, we struggle to remember what these characters are fighting for and why we should be invested.

While Jared Hess might be an acquired taste, he’s a solid choice to direct “A Minecraft Movie.” His debut was “Napoleon Dynamite,” which prioritized quirky scenarios and surreal humor over telling a three-act story. Something similar can be said about the “Minecraft” game, which can be as random as whatever pops into the player’s head. “A Minecraft Movie” is at its best when it’s a Jared Hess movie. In the spirit of “Napoleon Dynamite,” the real world here is mundane… but offbeat. It’s a world where real estate agents drive around with llamas in their backseat, tater tots are pizza toppings, and a kid builds an (almost) functional jetpack on a dare. Ironically, the “real world” is arguably stranger (and funnier) than the “Minecraft” world.

At one point, Emma Myers’ Natalie and Danielle Brooks’ Dawn are separated from Steve, Garrett, and Henry. While the three male characters embark on another quest, Natalie and Dawn get lost in the shuffle for much of the picture. Brooks is fresh off an Oscar nomination while Myers recently had a career breakthrough as Enid on “Wednesday.” We wish the film gave these actresses more to do, but “A Minecraft Movie” seems more interested in Jack Black and Jason Momoa. The film could’ve used more of Jennifer Coolidge as Henry’s Vice Principal who falls in love with a nitwit. That subplot is also introduced and forgotten about until the end credits. Even so, whenever Coolidge is on screen, she’s naturally a laugh riot.

When we heard they were making “A Minecraft Movie,” we assumed it would be entirely filmed in front of a green screen. While the film is wall-to-wall with CGI, we’re genuinely impressed that the filmmakers went to the trouble of crafting sets and props. Fitting, seeing how “Minecraft” is about construction. Watching behind-the-scenes footage, we were surprised to learn just how many elements were practical. Whether a scene utilizes practical effects, CGI, or both, the film captures the simple yet inventive look of the game. Admittedly, some of the CG characters can appear a little outlandish in this more quote-unquote “realistic” take on “Minecraft.” Overall, though, the visuals find a solid balance between naturalism and the abstract aesthetic that distinguishes this franchise.

As mentioned before, the film doesn’t always know what to do with Natalie and especially Dawn. Although we’re always glad to see Danielle Brooks, you probably could’ve cut Dawn out of the story without missing much. Jack Black and Jason Momoa are funny here, but they’re both basically playing immature men-children trying to escape reality. Just as their characters are constantly bickering over who the team leader should be, Black and Momoa seem to be in contention over who the film’s comedic relief is. Since they pretty much go through the same arc, it might’ve made more sense to combine these two characters into one. This would’ve allowed more time to flesh out Natalie and Henry, whose sibling bond should’ve been the film’s emotional anchor.

Even if “A Minecraft Movie” has more characters than it knows what to do with, we can’t deny that every cast member is giving it their all. Jack Black might not be the first actor who comes to mind when we think of Steve. Then again, the same can be said about Jim Carrey as Dr. Robotnik, which worked out better than the trailers suggested. If you’re a Jack Black fan, he’s good for a few laughs here. Momoa also demonstrates his comedic chops as a washed-up - yet well-built - gamer still stuck in 1989. While Myers, Brooks, and Sebastian Hansen at times get the short end of the stick, they all deliver committed performances, making us believe the CG characters they’re interacting with are real.

Although “Minecraft” doesn’t really have a story, this allows the filmmakers plenty of room to explore and add unique twists to the established lore. Just as players can build whatever they want, “A Minecraft Movie” could take its narrative in any number of directions. For a property that champions thinking outside the box, though, the story here feels boxed in. Once our characters enter the “Minecraft” world, the film essentially becomes a series of fetch quests before culminating in a big battle. Where the game it’s based on is so innovative and experimental, the movie plays it safe with a plot we’ve seen countless times before. We’d excuse the formulaic plot if the comedy consistently landed, but the jokes can be hit and miss.

Your enjoyment of “A Minecraft Movie” will likely depend on how well-versed you are in the franchise. For diehard fans young and old, there are more than a few in-jokes that’ll put a smile on your face. Some references are obvious while others are deep cuts. We won’t go into heavy spoilers, but there’s a nice nod to a certain YouTuber who tragically passed away. This Easter egg takes the crown. It’s also worth staying until after the credits for one last reference hinting at a potential sequel. If we do get “Another Minecraft Movie,” there are definitely elements that can be improved upon, but the aspects that do work leave us cautiously optimistic for whatever this team builds in the future.

What did you think of “A Minecraft Movie?” Did you think it was better than the trailer? Let us know in the comments.