The newest release in the video game film adaptations craze, “A Minecraft Movie,” is exactly what you would expect: corporate slop that’s fun to watch and will please fans’ nostalgia for the video game. Like many of its predecessors in this genre, from a critical lens, the film has a lot of issues that make it feel like a cash grab rather than a project born from a deep appreciation for the game.
The movie follows two siblings, Natalie (Emma Myers) and Henry (Sebastian Hansen), after their mother passes away. Natalie has become Henry’s legal guardian, and they move to a new town in search of a fresh start. However, after a series of coincidences, Natalie, Henry, washed-up 1980s world champion gamer Garett Garrison (Jason Momoa) and professional side hustler Dawn (Danielle Brooks) all end up in the Minecraft universe. There, they meet the iconic main character of the video game, Steve (Jack Black). Together, they embark on an adventure to save the Minecraft world from an evil witch in the Nether realm, a dimension of dark magic within the game, who seeks to destroy the overworld. Along the way, they discover the true power of friendship, the importance of creativity and how to love themselves.
Starting with the positives, I can’t say I wasn’t entertained throughout the movie. The film has impressive visuals, with interesting fight scenes that creatively incorporate mechanics from the game and a Minecraft world that feels true to the original. The movie is also funny and fully pulls off the childish humor it aims for, as it is a movie directed towards kids. Yes, the movie certainly has its issues (which we’ll discuss shortly), but it is a humorous watch. If you’re a fan of the game and can appreciate slightly immature humor, you’ll likely find some enjoyment.
On the negative side, much of the movie feels extremely basic. The character development is almost nonexistent, the stakes feel incredibly low at times and the plot is riddled with inconsistencies. For example, the film incorporates the gameplay mechanic where characters respawn in their beds if they die. While this is a fun mechanic in a video game, it makes the film’s final battle feel low stakes, as we know our heroes will simply come back to life and try again if they’re defeated.
Possibly the film’s biggest issue is its lack of internal logic. The movie constantly contradicts itself, whether it’s characters acting contrary to their established motivations or introducing and subsequently ignoring a rule of the universe. Characters also act foolishly merely to advance the plot. In the video game, Steve doesn’t have a defined character; he’s more of a self-insert for the player. Consequently, the creative decision was made for Jack Black to essentially play himself in the role of Steve. I have mixed feelings about this choice: On one hand, it works well within the context of a goofy, childish movie, but on the other, it makes a lot of the humor from his character extremely predictable. Simply put, if you’ve seen Jack Black in any other movie, you know exactly what to expect here.
My biggest frustration regarding this film comes from the fact that I feel there is a lack of quality storytelling and filmmaking in many modern movies aimed at children. One of the most common defenses of criticisms surrounding children’s media is that, because the media is intended for a younger audience, there is no need to be harsh on the artistic or entertainment aspects of it. Kids don’t care, after all. However, there are plenty of great movies that are coherent and wonderful works of art, while also being aimed at kids. Films like “Spirited Away,” “The Lion King,” and the “Toy Story” series manage to be both entertaining for a younger audience and exceptional artistic achievements. Children deserve good quality and intelligent entertainment, just as much as any other audience, and “A Minecraft Movie” simply doesn’t achieve that, despite the limitless potential that its source material provides.
While the film lacks functional characters and a cohesive plot, it makes up for it with charm, humor and spectacle. All of this adds up to a subpar, yet entertaining movie. While I don’t think it’s good in any sort of critical sense, I would certainly watch it again for the entertainment value. If you’re looking for something to enjoy with friends, this movie will make you laugh — sometimes at it, sometimes with it. Truly, the best way to watch this film would be to get together with a group of friends, perhaps with a drink in hand, and enjoy the experience together.
Also, the reference to the Minecraft YouTuber Technoblade was a nice touch. Rest in peace, Technoblade.
