Cast member Jack Black graced the world premiere of “A Minecraft Movie” in London on March 30, 2025, but the film’s release on April 4 has left many pondering its purpose and audience. The live-action adaptation of the immensely popular game “Minecraft” faced significant skepticism, yet it surprisingly found success at the box office, largely fueled by a viral TikTok trend. Young moviegoers began tossing snacks and cheering for Black’s character, Steve, particularly during his memorable line, “Chicken Jockey!” However, the question remains: does the film deliver a worthwhile experience beyond its meme status?
Black’s casting as Steve was an unconventional choice, one that many anticipated would go to a younger actor. Nevertheless, his comedic timing emerges as a standout feature of the film. Jason Momoa, portraying Garbage Man, a struggling video game store owner, also shines, especially in scenes alongside Black. Their on-screen chemistry elevates the film, particularly during a comedic escape sequence involving a hot air balloon controlled by a ghast, where Black’s frantic improvisation contrasts humorously with Momoa’s deadpan demeanor.
Another highlight unfolds in the video game store, where the duo engages in a humorous debate over an outdated console while fending off an intruder. Black’s frantic button-mashing paired with Momoa’s makeshift defense using a plastic guitar controller transforms a typical action scene into a comedic gem. Yet, not all casting choices resonate as well. The child actors, Emma Myers and Sebastian Eugene Hansen, playing Natalie and Henry, respectively, seem to serve primarily as plot devices rather than fully realized characters. While their presence is essential for the film’s themes of creativity, the reliance on clichéd orphan tropes detracts from the potential for a more original narrative.
The inclusion of Danielle Brooks as the children’s realtor raises eyebrows. Although her physical comedy elicited some laughs, her role feels more like an afterthought. The reliance on her physicality for humor, especially as the only woman of color in the film, is troubling. One particularly questionable scene involves her character crashing into Momoa’s, which feels out of place and reinforces negative stereotypes. In 2025, audiences expect more nuanced portrayals of talented Black women rather than reductive comedic gags.
As for the plot, it struggles to captivate, which is surprising given the limitless storytelling possibilities inherent in the “Minecraft” universe. The film’s central conflict revolves around the piglins, a nether-based mob from the game, who aim to plunge the overworld into eternal night for reasons that remain vague. Viewers are treated to a series of predictable action sequences from the children, leading to a swift resolution that lacks depth.
Despite the standout performances of Black and Momoa, “A Minecraft Movie” ultimately falters as an uninspired, visually unappealing CGI endeavor. The visual effects team’s attempt to bring the cube-based world of Minecraft to life results in a jarring aesthetic that fails to resonate. The costumes appear cheap, and the overall acting does little to compensate for the film’s lackluster story and questionable visuals.
Perhaps the filmmakers would have benefited from embracing the absurdity of the source material rather than adhering to conventional family adventure tropes. Instead, “A Minecraft Movie” joins the ranks of mid-tier video game adaptations, lacking the creativity that could have transformed it into something memorable.
This story was written by Allison Scherquist. She can be reached at [email protected].
