Jared Hess’ much-anticipated film, “A Minecraft Movie,” features Jack Black in the role of Steve, the iconic character familiar to fans of the immensely popular “Minecraft” video game. In this cinematic adaptation, Steve is reimagined as a middle-aged man from a quaint Idaho town who unexpectedly finds himself traversing a portal into the fantastical realm known as the “Minecraft” Overworld. This dimension, characterized by its cube-like structures, operates under its own unique set of video game physics, allowing Steve to conjure building materials from thin air and wield magical items such as Elytra wings and Ender Pearls. However, his adventure is not without challenges, as he must confront an army of magical pig-like creatures known as Piglins.
Few actors possess the charisma to bring a project like “A Minecraft Movie” to life quite like Jack Black. His approach to the whimsical material is infused with genuine enthusiasm, treating every fantastical element with the seriousness it deserves. In this role, Black serves as a relatable guide for younger audiences, effectively explaining the intricacies of “Minecraft” to those unfamiliar with the game.
This is not the first time Black has portrayed an Earthbound character who interacts with a fantastical universe. His filmography includes notable roles where he has navigated similar realms. For instance, in the 2010 adaptation of “Gulliver’s Travels,” he embodied Lemuel Gulliver, who ventures into the enchanting land of Lilliput. Additionally, Black has appeared as a video game avatar in the “Jumanji” films, “Welcome to the Jungle” and “The Next Level.” His foray into the fantastical also extends to “Tenacious D in the Pick of Destiny,” where he faced off against the forces of Hell—albeit in a musical showdown.
Jack Black played a bully in The NeverEnding Story III: Escape from Fantasia
Interestingly, Black’s connection to fantasy realms dates back to 1994, when he co-starred in “The NeverEnding Story III: Escape from Fantasia.” In this sequel, he played Slip, a bully leading a gang known as the Nasties. While the film may not be widely remembered, it certainly showcased Black’s early foray into the genre.
In “The NeverEnding Story III,” the character Sebastian, portrayed by Jason James Richter, grapples with the challenges of adolescence, including a new stepfamily and the trials of high school. When confronted by the Nasties, Sebastian seeks refuge in his school’s library, where he discovers a copy of “The NeverEnding Story.” This leads him back into the enchanting world of Fantasia, where the Nasties, including Black’s Slip, attempt to manipulate the narrative to torment him. A memorable scene features Slip gleefully conjuring chaos within Fantasia, setting the stage for Sebastian’s quest to reclaim control over the story.
The NeverEnding Story III is cheap, but it has a good soundtrack
Despite its modest million production budget, “The NeverEnding Story III” struggled at the box office, earning only million in the U.S. and finding limited success in Germany. However, it became a staple of the straight-to-video market in the 1990s, often advertised to young audiences. Although it did not achieve commercial success, the film holds a place in Black’s early career, marking only his fourth credited feature film after smaller roles in titles like “Bob Roberts” and “Demolition Man.”
Interestingly, while Black’s musical talents had yet to be fully realized at the time, the soundtrack for “The NeverEnding Story III” features a collection of notable tracks from artists such as Aaliyah, Yello, Seal, and Roxette. This era highlighted a unique trend where films could falter at the box office yet thrive through soundtrack sales.
Following the release of “The NeverEnding Story III,” Black’s career trajectory continued to rise. He appeared in various films, including the romantic comedy “Bye Bye, Love” and the infamous sci-fi adventure “Waterworld.” His collaboration with director Tim Robbins led to further opportunities, including roles in “Dead Man Walking” and “Cradle Will Rock.” As his career evolved, Black established himself as a versatile actor, seamlessly transitioning between genres and solidifying his place in Hollywood.
