Based on the reactions I got from the screening I went to, it’s safe to say that “A Minecraft Movie” is going to be very popular with younger audiences.
The promotional push for this movie has been intense. As the first live-action film adaptation of the popular Minecraft video game, we have already seen groups of kids and parents flocking to McDonald’s to get the Minecraft Meal, which includes a toy inspired by the movie. Merchandise was strong, too, with shops making dibs on selling Minecraft shirts, bags, and action figures.
Five minutes into “A Minecraft Movie”, I already knew that this was not the movie for me. I respect the intention of trying to win over its younger crowd, and I just let the atmosphere of roaring children savor throughout the cinema.
It is directed by Jared Hess, whose past works include “Napoleon Dynamite” and “Nacho Libre”, the latter of which also stars Jack Black (he plays Steve in the movie). I’m not particularly sold on his dry humor, but it’s a welcoming presence in “Minecraft”. I figured that to sell the world filled with sheep and pigs in block form, there must be a fantastical, self-referential way to acknowledge.
Minecraft, the video game, isn’t particularly visually enticing so the movie version can only do so much in order to make it cinematic. In my book, I enjoyed the movie best when it spends a while outside the magical world of Overworld, where Black’s Steve is trapped and can build anything out of blocks.
For the adults, there were cheeky “Napoleon Dynamite” callbacks that made me grin, but it is often overshadowed by jokes that are focused on making children happy. Such is the case for the actors. Neither Jack Black nor Jason Momoa’s performances felt like they were phoning it in, and have only surrendered to the wackiness and absurdities of the movie.
I struggled to relate with any of the characters, as I felt alienated by the countless Minecraft references and easter eggs that they put out from time to time. Watching “A Minecraft Movie” felt like watching a fan film made solely for patrons of its source material. I’m pretty sure the producers will make a lot more Minecraft movies soon (apparently, there’s a post-credits scene setting up a sequel that I didn’t catch), so good for you young ones.
“A Minecraft Movie” is now showing in cinemas.
Featured photos from Warner Bros. Pictures.
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