creative direction Archives

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 6, 2025

A Minecraft Movie Review: An Imaginative Family Fun Adventure

The recently released A Minecraft Movie is directed by Jared Hess and features a whimsical and campy aesthetic. The plot follows a quirky group of characters, including an eccentric video game store owner, two grieving siblings, and an aspiring petting zoo entrepreneur, as they embark on a classic fantasy quest in the Overworld. Jack Black voices the iconic avatar Steve, while Jason Momoa plays Garrett “The Garbage Man” Garrison, a comedic lead. The film effectively translates the game's blocky aesthetic into a vibrant cinematic experience, with detailed environments and action sequences that reference in-game mechanics. However, it faces pacing issues, particularly in the middle act, and sometimes struggles to balance humor with emotional storytelling. The movie appeals primarily to fans of Minecraft but remains accessible to newcomers, incorporating Easter eggs without overwhelming them.

AppWizard

April 3, 2025

EXCLUSIVE: Danielle Brooks shares the secret meaning behind her ‘Minecraft’ costume

Danielle Brooks plays the character Dawn in "A Minecraft Movie," set to be released on April 4. Her costume, designed by Amanda Neale, features a blend of orange and purple, symbolizing significant colors in Brooks' career. Co-star Jason Momoa admired the jumpsuit and requested a similar one for a film premiere, but it did not arrive in time. Brooks expressed excitement for the film and plans to take her 5-year-old daughter, Freeya, to a private screening in Georgia with family and friends. The movie also stars Jack Black, Jennifer Coolidge, and Emma Myers.

AppWizard

March 30, 2025

Blades of Fire just showed off its first five minutes of gameplay, and I think it might be channelling God of War too heavily

MercurySteam announced its new action RPG, Blades of Fire, which is a spiritual successor to Severance: Blade of Darkness. The game features protagonist Aran de Lira, who navigates a woodland landscape and engages in combat with goblin-like creatures and undead foes. The gameplay showcase highlighted similarities to God of War in combat mechanics, aesthetic choices, and environmental design, raising concerns about the game's originality compared to its predecessor. The original Severance was known for its darker tone, while the new footage lacks this ambiance. MercurySteam's creative direction may aim to attract a broader audience familiar with modern titles. Blades of Fire is set to release on May 22.

AppWizard

March 20, 2025

Jack Black Was Originally Going to Play a Talking Pig In The Minecraft Movie

The upcoming adaptation of Minecraft was initially planned to feature Jack Black as a talking pig, but the character was changed to Steve late in development to provide a more recognizable host. Jack Black's portrayal of Steve is described as uniquely his own, emphasizing personal interpretation. Black demonstrated significant enthusiasm for the game, logging 100 hours of gameplay and expressing a desire to include lapis lazuli in the film. The film, directed by Jared Hess, will be released on April 4, 2025, coinciding with Microsoft's 50th anniversary.

AppWizard

March 9, 2025

From Minecraft to Superman and 28 Years Later: 20 movies we can’t wait to see

- Disney's live-action musical fantasy "Snow White," featuring Rachel Zegler and Gal Gadot, is set to release on March 20. - The Latvian animated film "Flow," which won the Oscar for Best Animated Feature, will also be released on March 20. - A CGI-heavy "Minecraft Movie," featuring Jack Black and Jason Momoa, is scheduled for April 3. - "Death of a Unicorn," a black comedy starring Paul Rudd and Jenna Ortega, will be released on April 10. - "The Correspondent," based on the true story of journalist Peter Greste, will premiere on April 17. - Ryan Coogler's horror film "Sinners," set in the 1930s segregated South, will also be released on April 17. - Marvel's "Thunderbolts," the 36th installment in the franchise, is set for May 1. - The musical biopic "Monsieur Aznavour," featuring Tahar Rahim, will be released on May 8. - "Mission Impossible – The Final Reckoning," rumored to be one of the most expensive films ever made, will premiere on May 22. - Wes Anderson's "The Phoenician Scheme," featuring a star-studded cast, is set for June 5. - The live-action adaptation of "How To Train Your Dragon" will be released on June 12. - "28 Years Later," a sequel to "28 Days Later," will premiere on June 19. - Pixar's "Elio," about an 11-year-old boy mistaken for Earth's leader, is set for June 19. - "Jurassic World Rebirth," starring Scarlett Johansson, will be released on July 3. - James Gunn's new Superman film, featuring David Corenswet and Rachel Brosnahan, is set for July 10. - "The Fantastic Four: First Steps," a retro-futuristic origin story, will premiere on July 24. - Paul Thomas Anderson's untitled project, rumored to be based on a Thomas Pynchon novel, is set for August 7. - "The Bride!" directed by Maggie Gyllenhaal, featuring Christian Bale and Jessie Buckley, will be released on September 25. - Edgar Wright's remake of "The Running Man" is scheduled for November 6. - The conclusion of "Wicked," titled "Wicked: For Good," featuring Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande, will premiere on November 20.

AppWizard

March 9, 2025

When is the Minecraft movie coming out? Release date, trailer, cast, and everything you need to know

The film "A Minecraft Movie" is set to be released on April 4, 2025. A teaser was released in early September, followed by the first official trailer on November 19. The cast includes Jason Momoa as Garrett “The Garbage Man” Garrison, Jack Black as Steve, Emma Myers as Natalie, Danielle Brooks as Dawn, and Sebastian Eugene Hansen as Henry. Other cast members include Jennifer Coolidge, Kate McKinnon, Jemaine Clement, and Matt Berry in undisclosed roles. The story follows four misfits who are transported to the Overworld and must navigate challenges to return home, aided by Steve.

AppWizard

March 9, 2025

A Minecraft Movie: Your Quick Guide on Who is Who

A Minecraft Movie is set to be released in cinemas and IMAX on April 3rd. The film features a cast that includes Jack Black as Steve, Jason Momoa as Garrett "The Garbage Man" Garrison, Emma Myers as Natalie, Danielle Brooks as Dawn, and Sebastian Eugene Hansen as Henry. Directed by Jared Hess, the film aims to blend humor and adventure while appealing to both fans and newcomers. It will be released in IMAX, promising a visually stunning experience that brings the game's landscapes and characters to life.

AppWizard

March 3, 2025

Sumo sells Secret Mode to Emona Capital

UK-based gaming company Sumo Group has divested its publishing label, Secret Mode, to Emona Capital, with the leadership team continuing to guide the label's creative direction. The financial details of the transaction are undisclosed, and Secret Mode will remain an independent publisher. Ed Blincoe and James Schall expressed enthusiasm about the partnership and the opportunity to focus on indie game publishing. Emona Capital's managing partner, Dominik Dolenec, noted the potential for supporting Secret Mode's mission in the independent games sector. Secret Mode was founded in 2020 by Sumo Group, which is shifting towards a work-for-hire business model.

AppWizard

February 27, 2025

The Splitgate 2 open alpha is live now and very fun

In a recent preview session for Splitgate 2, hosted by 1047 Games, players experienced the alpha version available from February 27 to March 2, featuring various game modes. One notable mode is Hotzone, where teams capture two designated hills to win, with an increasing respawn time that can be reduced by teammates achieving kills. Another mode, Splitball, allows scoring goals while enabling opponents to reclaim the ball. The alpha introduces changes based on community feedback, including shortened respawn times, extended round durations, and enhanced portal mechanics with additional portal walls and a new Launch Portal feature. The game supports crossplay across PC, PS5, and Xbox, inviting players to reconnect and experience the evolution of Splitgate.