films Archives

AppWizard

April 14, 2025

“Video games franchises are now ripe for the picking” – why A Minecraft Movie could lead to games taking over Hollywood

A Minecraft Movie was projected to generate between million and million during its opening weekend in the United States but instead earned million and surpassed the 0 million mark globally by its second weekend. The film's success is attributed to its built-in audience, the popularity of Minecraft with over 300 million copies sold, and a star-studded cast including Jack Black and Jason Momoa. It was released in April 2025, strategically timed for spring break with no significant competition. The film's open-ended narrative appealed to both fans and newcomers, despite mixed reviews from critics. The success of video game adaptations, including the Mario movie, indicates a shift in how studios approach this genre, although experts caution that not all adaptations will succeed and emphasize the importance of respecting the source material.

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 12, 2025

The Exhausted Dad: Kid superfan reviews ‘A Minecraft Movie’

The recent release of "A Minecraft Movie" has generated excitement among fans, particularly younger audiences. An 11-year-old fan expressed his positive views on the film's visuals, stating they surpassed initial skepticism. He appreciated that the story was based on the "Minecraft: Legends" game and highlighted the film's humor, noting it engaged both children and parents. He anticipated a post-credits scene, which was included, and recognized various elements from the Minecraft universe, including a tribute to a deceased creator. While he liked the visuals, he criticized the portrayal of Creepers. He speculated on potential sequels and acknowledged the film's commercial success, referring to "A Minecraft Movie" as the most popular video game of all time.

AppWizard

April 12, 2025

‘Minecraft,’ an Auteurist Hit

Ray Mendoza co-wrote and co-directed the film Warfare alongside Alex Garland. The film features intense sound design, including sounds of grenades, IEDs, and overflights, which enhances the viewing experience. There is a discussion about the film's narrative, countering the notion that it serves as pro-war propaganda, and comparing it to other anti-war films like Come and See and Paths of Glory. A Minecraft Movie, directed by Jared Hess, follows a young artist named Henry in the fictional town of Chuglass, Idaho. The film incorporates humor and absurdity, featuring moments like a Minecraft “villager” falling for Jennifer Coolidge and Jason Momoa's character charging a child for mentorship. The film currently holds a 47 percent rating on Rotten Tomatoes. Additionally, there is an upcoming episode of Bulwark Goes to Hollywood featuring a discussion with Alissa Wilkinson about her new book on Joan Didion, titled We Tell Ourselves Stories.

AppWizard

April 12, 2025

‘A Minecraft Movie’ moviegoers post videos trashing theaters. What does ‘Chicken Jockey’ mean?

The phrase "Chicken jockey," from Jack Black's character in "A Minecraft Movie," has created excitement among audiences, particularly during screenings in the U.S. and U.K. This term refers to a rare occurrence in Minecraft where a zombie rides a chicken. The movie opened to 7 million domestically and has become popular among younger audiences. The "chicken jockey" moment occurs during a scene where Black's character rallies the audience, leading to enthusiastic reactions, including cheering and popcorn tossing. Director Jared Hass finds the trend amusing and has noted the joy it brings, despite some chaos. One New Jersey theater has required minors to be accompanied by adults due to complaints about disruptive behavior. Tickets for "A Minecraft Movie" are available, and speculation suggests it could be available for streaming by late May or early June 2025.

AppWizard

April 11, 2025

Malay Mail’s Top 10 Picks: ‘A Minecraft Movie’ tops local box office, ends ‘Ne Zha 2’s’ weeks-long reign

Kuala Lumpur's entertainment industry is seeing an increase in video game adaptations, with the Minecraft Movie recently becoming the ninth-highest-grossing video game adaptation and taking the top spot at the local box office, ending Ne Zha 2's reign. Current top films in local cinemas include A Minecraft Movie, Ne Zha 2, and Pabrik Gula, among others. On streaming platforms, Netflix's top shows include Weak Hero: Class 1 and Karma: Season 1, while Viu features Bidaah and Undercover High School. Spotify's top songs for the week include tracks by JENNIE and Billie Eilish, and the top Malay songs feature Ara Johari and Nadeera. The latest bestsellers in fiction include Lyrics & You by Nuruljannah Usop and A Little Life by Hanya Yanagihara, while non-fiction bestsellers include Atomic Habits by James Clear and Surrounded by Idiots by Thomas Erikson.

AppWizard

April 11, 2025

Suffolk cinemas tackling A Minecraft Movie noise trend

Cinemas are experiencing a phenomenon where audiences celebrate the appearance of the character Chicken Jockey in the newly released A Minecraft Movie, leading to enthusiastic reactions such as shouting and popcorn tossing. Some cinema operators, like Gareth Boggis from Abbeygate Cinema, have noted the excitement and engagement of diverse audiences, while also expressing concerns about potential disruptive behavior. The film has performed well at the box office, grossing approximately £233 million globally during its opening weekend and features stars like Jason Momoa, Jack Black, and Jennifer Coolidge. In response to the trend, Cineworld is hosting a special event encouraging fans to engage with the film, while the Riverside cinema has taken a stricter stance, prohibiting disturbances and filming.

AppWizard

April 10, 2025

As ‘Minecraft’ Eyes Over $65 Million 2nd Weekend, Revenge, War and Jesus Offer Box Office Alternatives

Warner Bros./Legendary’s “A Minecraft Movie” is set to release this weekend, competing against films like Disney/20th Century’s “The Amateur” and Angel Studios’ “The King of Kings.” “Minecraft” has already achieved a domestic opening of 3 million, surpassing “Barbie,” despite a 47% rating on Rotten Tomatoes. Exhibitors expect a second weekend drop of less than 60%, projecting total earnings of at least million, with speculation it could exceed million. “The King of Kings” is projected to earn between and million, having generated around million in presales. Disney/20th Century’s “The Amateur” is expected to open with around million from 3,300 theaters, with a budget of million. A24’s “Warfare” is projected to earn around million from 2,650 theaters, while Universal/Blumhouse’s “Drop” is anticipated to open with -7 million from 3,000 theaters.

AppWizard

April 10, 2025

Review: Riding high on memes: ‘A Minecraft Movie’ brings silly, blocky chaos

The author reflects on their childhood connection to Minecraft and their recent experience watching "A Minecraft Movie." The film features animation that showcases the game's elements, although it has some minor issues. The storyline is somewhat disjointed but introduces characters in a way that mirrors a novice player's experience. Jack Black voices a character, and the film includes humorous moments and nostalgic references, such as iconic music and cameos. The author enjoyed the film despite mixed reviews and regrets not attending the opening night screening.

AppWizard

April 10, 2025

What’s on at Vue Bromley this weekend including ‘A Minecraft Movie’ and more

"A Minecraft Movie" features characters Garrett "The Garbage Man" Garrison, Henry, Natalie, and Dawn, and is scheduled for showings on Friday, April 11, at 1:30 PM, 4:05 PM, and 6:45 PM in Screen 6. The film has a star-studded cast including Jack Black, Jason Momoa, and others. "SIX The Musical Live!" will be shown on the same day at 4:15 PM and 7:00 PM in Screen 5, running for 1 hour and 31 minutes, with strobe effects. "Good Bad Ugly (Tamil)" will screen on Friday at 7:40 PM and 11:10 PM in Screen 8. On Saturday, April 12, "A Minecraft Movie" will have showings at 1:30 PM, 4:05 PM, and 6:45 PM in Screen 6, while "SIX The Musical Live!" will be at 1:00 PM and 3:45 PM in Screen 5. On Sunday, April 13, "A Minecraft Movie" will be available at 1:30 PM, 4:05 PM, and 6:45 PM in Screen 7, and "SIX The Musical Live!" will have a special showing at 2:30 PM in Screen 5. Vue Bromley encourages online ticket purchases for discounted prices.