friendship Archives

AppWizard

May 13, 2025

A MINECRAFT MOVIE Just Hit Another Major Milestone

A MINECRAFT MOVIE has surpassed HARRY POTTER AND THE CHAMBER OF SECRETS at the global box office, earning 6.8 million and claiming the 15th position in Warner Bros' history, while HARRY POTTER AND THE CHAMBER OF SECRETS previously held 6.1 million. The film features Jack Black and Jason Momoa and has a 48% score on Rotten Tomatoes, with an 86% audience approval rating. It is a live-action fantasy adventure inspired by the video game MINECRAFT, following misfits in the Overworld facing destruction. The digital release is set for May 13, and physical copies will be available on June 24. Warner Bros. executives have hinted at plans for a sequel.

AppWizard

May 7, 2025

‘A Minecraft Movie’ Available Digitally May 13, on Disc June 24

The Minecraft Movie is in development, aiming to blend the game's pixelated world with cinematic storytelling. It will explore themes of adventure, friendship, and creativity, featuring familiar elements of crafting and exploration along with original characters. While casting details are not yet available, there is speculation about high-profile talent involved in the project. The production team is considering innovative marketing strategies to engage the Minecraft community, including interactive experiences and collaborations with content creators. The film has the potential to influence future video game adaptations in cinema.

AppWizard

May 6, 2025

Here’s what’s happening in PC games this week

- Drop Duchy: A game merging Tetris mechanics with kingdom management. - Best Served Cold: A murder mystery visual novel set in a speakeasy in an alternate history European city. - Among Us 3D: A game focused on betrayal among friends. - Deck Of Haunts: A deckbuilding game set in a maniacal mansion. - Paradox Interactive is hinting at a new title, codenamed "Project Caesar," possibly a new installment in the Europa Universalis series. - The Midnight Walk: A first-person horror game featuring unsettling doll heads. - Revenge Of The Savage Planet: A sequel to a sci-fi action-adventure game with cooperative gameplay. - Yes, Your Grace 2: Snowfall: A kingdom management game inspired by Slavic folklore. - Sonic Rumble: An entry in the Sonic franchise with mixed reception. - Anoxia Station: A strategy game with a petrochemical horror theme, inspired by Frostpunk.

AppWizard

April 18, 2025

‘A Minecraft Movie’: A ‘bad’ movie that I loved every second of

Many parents accompanying their children to see A Minecraft Movie, directed by Jared Hess, experienced an electric atmosphere in theaters, with enthusiastic teens cheering and clapping. Since its launch in 2011, Minecraft has become the best-selling video game globally, known for its sandbox style that fosters creativity and collaboration. The game holds cherished memories for many teens and young adults, who often revisit it in what is referred to as a “two-week phase.” The excitement for A Minecraft Movie is evident, with teens engaging by reciting lines from trailers and wearing Minecraft gear. The film incorporates themes of friendship, adventure, and creativity, appealing to both longtime players and newcomers.

AppWizard

April 17, 2025

Minecraft movie is uninspiring

The film "A Minecraft Movie," directed by Jared Hess, features Jack Black as Steve, who embarks on a nostalgic journey after discovering a portal to "the overworld." The plot involves an evil sorceress threatening his new paradise, leading Steve to sever ties with his former life. Alongside an eclectic group of characters, including Jason Momoa and Emma Myers, they navigate the challenges of the overworld. Despite receiving a 46% rating on Rotten Tomatoes and a 6/10 on IMDb, the film has become the highest-grossing movie based on a video game within two weekends of its release and is the most profitable movie of the year so far. The film has sparked cultural phenomena with phrases from the game becoming internet memes.

AppWizard

April 12, 2025

‘My recreated Minecraft university is helping autistic students’

De Montfort University (DMU) in Leicester has created a virtual campus in Minecraft to support students with autism, allowing them to socialize and build friendships. Eden Turner, a 23-year-old student, has reconstructed parts of the university, including the library, to create a welcoming environment for autistic students. Clare Squires, DMU's autism officer, emphasized the initiative's role in fostering community and belonging, particularly for new students. The project helps reduce anxiety by familiarizing students with the campus layout and providing a low-pressure space for interaction. Plans are in place for Eden to expand the virtual campus further.

AppWizard

April 8, 2025

Blizzard vet Bill Petras has died

Bill Petras, a long-time staff member at Blizzard Entertainment, has passed away, leaving a significant impact on those who knew him. He worked at Blizzard for nearly two decades and contributed to iconic titles such as StarCraft, World of Warcraft, and Overwatch, where he served as art director. His friendship with fellow veteran Harley D. Huggins II lasted 28 years, marked by deep conversations about various topics including game development and art.

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

March 31, 2025

Jason Momoa, Jack Black reflect on the need of ‘Minecraft’ movie

Actors Jason Momoa and Jack Black are promoting their upcoming film, Minecraft, which will be released in theaters on April 4. Directed by Jared Hess, the film is an adventure comedy inspired by the popular video game. Both actors believe the film conveys a timely message of positivity and creativity amidst negativity in the world. Jack Black emphasized the importance of unity and friendship in the film, stating it contains themes of love and creativity, despite also addressing anger and violence. Momoa expressed the need for audiences to escape into a whimsical adventure filled with laughter. The film aims to inspire community and positivity among viewers.

AppWizard

March 25, 2025

Minecraft’s Jack Black and Jason Momoa Reveal Which Video Games They’ve Played the Most

Jack Black and Jason Momoa discussed their different experiences with video games in an interview. Black shared his immersive experience with Red Dead Redemption Part Two, playing it for 400 hours during the pandemic, while Momoa expressed caution about gaming due to his addictive personality. He reminisced about playing Street Fighter, favoring characters Ryu and Blanka. The development of A Minecraft Movie has been lengthy, initially announced in February 2014, facing production delays and changes in directors. Originally set for a May 2019 release with a budget of 0 million, the film's progress was hindered by the COVID-19 pandemic. Principal photography began in January 2024 in Auckland, New Zealand, after delays from the 2023 SAG-AFTRA strike. The film aims to combine live-action with advanced visual effects to create a realistic representation of Minecraft. Black and Momoa have developed a strong friendship during production, with both actors promoting the film together. A Minecraft Movie is scheduled to be released on April 4, 2025.