CGI Archives

AppWizard

June 19, 2025

Warner’s ‘A Minecraft Movie’ Continues Month-Long Reign Atop U.K. Home Entertainment Sales Chart

The Minecraft Movie is set to bring the block-building universe of the game to the silver screen, exploring themes of creativity, adventure, teamwork, exploration, and survival. The film will feature a diverse cast of characters representing different aspects of the game and aims to preserve the game's essence through collaboration with Mojang Studios. Its visual style will reflect the iconic pixelated aesthetic of Minecraft, blending live-action with CGI. Anticipation for the film is high among fans, who are actively discussing potential plotlines and character arcs.

AppWizard

June 12, 2025

‘A Minecraft Movie’ Tops DEG Digital Transactions Chart for Week of June 1

The Minecraft Movie is officially in development, aiming to bring the game's blocky universe to life on screen. The film will focus on themes of creativity, adventure, exploration, and friendship, featuring a diverse cast of characters on unique journeys. Industry insiders suggest collaborations with renowned filmmakers and the use of cutting-edge technology to create visuals that reflect the game's aesthetic. This project marks a significant step in the trend of adapting video games into feature films, potentially leading to more adaptations in the future.

AppWizard

June 5, 2025

The secret stand-out of Sony’s State of Play was the bizarre resurrection of Deus Ex’s PS2 version

Deus Ex, originally released for the PlayStation 2 in 2002, is being re-released for the PlayStation 5 in 2025 through Sony's PS+ service. The updated version features a reimagined orchestral soundtrack, enhanced character models, and transformed cutscenes into full CGI sequences. The protagonist JC Denton has a more human-like neck, and characters can now express emotions like smiling. The revival aims to preserve gaming history and narrative-driven gameplay. There is potential for the Embracer Group to explore its library of intellectual properties, possibly reviving other lesser-known titles for modern platforms.

AppWizard

May 18, 2025

Is ‘A Minecraft Movie’ Streaming on Netflix or Hulu?

A Minecraft Movie grossed nearly a billion since its release in early April and is now available for purchase or rental on platforms like Amazon Prime Video, Apple TV, and Fandango At Home. The film features a blend of live-action and CGI, starring Jason Momoa, Danielle Brooks, Emma Myers, and Jack Black as Steve. It is not currently available on Netflix or Hulu, as it is a Warner Bros. production expected to transition to Max eventually. The movie may start streaming on Max around early July 2025, but this has not been officially confirmed.

AppWizard

April 25, 2025

Despite CGI “A Minecraft Movie” is pretty good

“A Minecraft Movie” is directed by Jared Hess and is a fantasy adventure comedy inspired by the 2011 video game. The plot follows four misfits who are transported to the Overworld, guided by the character Steve, voiced by Jack Black. Key characters include Garret “The Garbage Man” Garrison, played by Jason Momoa, and Henry, portrayed by Sebastian Eugene Hansen, along with Natalie (Emma Myers) and Dawn (Danielle Brooks). The film features comedic chemistry between Black and Momoa, with humor stemming from their dynamic. The CGI production is polished, though some viewers may find the lifelike appearance of monsters unsettling. The movie has inspired memes and quotes among audiences, enhancing the communal viewing experience. It received a rating of 4 out of 5 mustangs.

AppWizard

April 24, 2025

Film Review: A Minecraft Movie

A Minecraft Movie, directed by Jared Hess and produced by Warner Bros., Legendary Pictures, and Vertigo Entertainment, is set to release on April 4, 2025. The film follows siblings Natalie and Henry as they navigate life in Chuglass after losing their parents. They encounter Garrett “The Garbage Man” Garrison, a former video game champion, and inadvertently assemble the Orb of Dominance, leading them to miner Steve's cave entrance to the Overworld. They seek Steve's help to find a replacement Earth Crystal to return to reality while evading the piglin witch Malgosha. The film has five writers but struggles with subpar CGI and humor aimed at adults rather than its younger audience. It faces challenges in capturing the essence of Minecraft and connecting with its target demographic, with missed opportunities for engaging with the game's lore and prominent YouTubers.

AppWizard

April 14, 2025

Is seeing ‘A Minecraft Movie’ worth it?

Jack Black attended the world premiere of "A Minecraft Movie" in London on March 30, 2025, with the film set to release on April 4, 2025. The live-action adaptation faced skepticism but found box office success, partly due to a viral TikTok trend. Black's performance as Steve and Jason Momoa's role as Garbage Man received praise, especially for their comedic chemistry. However, child actors Emma Myers and Sebastian Eugene Hansen were criticized for being underdeveloped characters. Danielle Brooks' role as the children's realtor was seen as an afterthought, with concerns about the portrayal of Black women in comedy. The film's plot centers around piglins attempting to plunge the overworld into eternal night, but it was described as predictable and lacking depth. The visual effects and overall aesthetic were deemed unappealing, and the film was criticized for not fully embracing the creativity of the "Minecraft" universe.

AppWizard

April 12, 2025

Adults review: Jack Black energizes the bizarre ‘Minecraft Movie’

“A Minecraft Movie” features Garrett “The Garbage Man” Garrison, played by Jason Momoa, a washed-up gaming champion in Idaho. The film introduces Henry, a new student portrayed by Sebastian Hansen, who builds a malfunctioning jet pack that destroys a statue. Directed by Jared Hess, the film stars Jack Black as Steve, a mining enthusiast who discovers a portal to the Overworld. In this realm, Steve can reshape landscapes and craft weapons while facing dangers like skeletons and creepers. He tames a wolf named “Dennis” and is later imprisoned in the Nether, prompting Garrison, Henry, and two companions to rescue him. Jennifer Coolidge plays a vice principal with a subplot involving an Overworld villager. The film combines CGI visuals with humor, showcasing dynamic performances that enhance its quirky narrative.

AppWizard

April 9, 2025

A Minecraft Movie Is as Bad as It Is Popular

A Minecraft Movie, based on the best-selling video game, has emerged as a commercial success but has received a mixed reception due to its lack of a compelling narrative and uninspired animation quality. The film has been in development since 2014 and features a cast including Jack Black and Jason Momoa, but it fails to resonate with critics and is seen as a product aimed at entertaining children rather than providing depth. The narrative includes three worlds: the harsh reality, the imaginative Overworld, and the treacherous Nether, but it feels disjointed. Despite a talented cast, the film's overall mediocrity highlights a trend of creative stagnation in Hollywood.

AppWizard

April 5, 2025

‘A Minecraft Movie’ Review: It’s better than you’d think

Jared Hess is directing A Minecraft Movie, which reflects the game's cultural resonance described as "cringe," appealing to both adults and disenchanted teens. Despite competition from Roblox and Fortnite, Minecraft retains its allure through timeless gameplay that encourages exploration and creativity. The film adaptation has received mixed reactions, with concerns about the necessity of such a project and the history of video game adaptations being fraught with uncertainty. Hess's unique style, characterized by absurdity, invites varied responses from fans and cinephiles. Much of the film takes place in the "overworld," utilizing practical effects and real sets instead of CGI, which adds a tactile quality. The film features crisp action sequences and physical comedy, embracing an adolescent spirit rather than a moralistic narrative. Hess prioritizes the imaginative desires of children over adult expectations, maintaining the film's aesthetic integrity amidst studio pressures.