Idaho Archives

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April 26, 2025

REVIEW: ‘A Minecraft Movie’ calls for a first watch, but not much more

The film "A Minecraft Movie" follows siblings Henry and Natalie as they navigate their mother's loss and relocate to the fictional town of Chuglass, Idaho. They embark on an adventure with Garrett "The Garbage Man" Garrison and realtor Dawn, leading them to the Overworld. The plot is coherent, with whimsical moments, but struggles to incorporate nostalgic elements due to its runtime of one hour and 40 minutes. Creative liberties, such as Henry's "tot launcher," may alienate some fans. The film balances humor and deeper character development, though juvenile humor often overshadows serious themes. Jack Black's performance is noted for its commitment but can be exaggerated. The visual design opts for a realistic style, which contrasts with the game's blocky aesthetic. Overall, the film celebrates creativity and offers an enjoyable experience for both fans and newcomers.

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April 21, 2025

Before Minecraft, Jack Black Starred In Another Movie About A Fantasy Realm

Jared Hess' film "A Minecraft Movie" stars Jack Black as Steve, a middle-aged man from Idaho who enters the "Minecraft" Overworld through a portal. In this world, Steve can manipulate building materials and use magical items while facing challenges from Piglins. Jack Black's performance brings enthusiasm and relatability to the character, making the film accessible to younger audiences. Black has previously portrayed characters in fantastical settings, including Lemuel Gulliver in "Gulliver's Travels" and video game avatars in the "Jumanji" films. He also played a bully named Slip in "The NeverEnding Story III: Escape from Fantasia," which had a modest budget and struggled at the box office but became popular in the straight-to-video market. The film features a notable soundtrack with artists like Aaliyah and Seal. Following this, Black's career progressed with roles in various films, establishing him as a versatile actor in Hollywood.

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April 17, 2025

Review: ‘A Minecraft Movie’ is not just for miners

The film "A Minecraft Movie" features a cast including Jack Black as Steve, Jason Momoa as Garrett, and Jennifer Coolidge as Vice Principal Marlene. The plot follows tween Henry and his sister Natalie as they move to Chuglass, Idaho, where they encounter a realtor named Dawn and discover a magical cube that transports them into the Overworld. The film includes iconic creatures from the game, such as Villagers, Creepers, and Zombies, as they seek to recover a lost Orb. The audience, primarily young adults familiar with the game since its debut in 2011, showed enthusiasm during the screening, particularly enjoying the humor and nostalgic references. The film blends original lore with new narrative elements and appeals to both dedicated fans and newcomers, emphasizing creativity and positive themes.

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April 14, 2025

Theaters Crack Down on Rowdy Behavior at ‘Minecraft’ Screenings

In Hayden, Idaho, the release of the Minecraft movie has led to disruptive behavior in theaters, prompting cinemas to implement new regulations. Hayden Cinema announced that for all Minecraft showings after 8 p.m., unaccompanied minors will not be allowed, and those under 18 must be accompanied by a parent or a friend's parent. This policy aims to improve the theater experience and aligns with similar measures taken by other theaters nationwide. The management is prepared to extend these restrictions if disturbances continue.

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.

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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.

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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.

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April 6, 2025

‘A Minecraft Movie’ Stars and Director Unpack Its Songs and ‘Napoleon Dynamite’ References

The upcoming "A Minecraft Movie" features a connection to Jared Hess' "Napoleon Dynamite," sharing elements of humor and personal experiences from Hess’ Idaho upbringing. The film stars Jason Momoa, Jack Black, and Jennifer Coolidge, with Coolidge portraying a lovesick vice principal. Hess notes that llamas are a humorous aspect in both films, and Jesse Ehrman from Warner Bros Pictures highlights Hess' ability to appeal to both young and adult audiences. Momoa draws inspiration from his childhood, while Black showcases his musical talents with songs like "Steve’s Lava Chicken." Danielle Brooks, although not performing musically in this film, expresses interest in future opportunities for musical collaboration.

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April 5, 2025

‘A Minecraft Movie’ Cast And Character Guide: From Jack Black’s Steve To Jennifer Coolidge’s Marlene

A Minecraft Movie is set to release in 2025, featuring a narrative where a group of heroes, including Steve (voiced by Jack Black), Garrett Garrison (Jason Momoa), Natalie (Emma Myers), Henry (Sebastian Hansen), and Dawn (Danielle Brooks), must save the Overworld from the threat of Piglins from the Nether. The film has a star-studded cast with notable performances from each actor. The opening weekend projection for the film exceeds 0 million in the U.S.

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December 13, 2024

Boise Gets A Minecraft Remodel In New Viral TikTok

Idaho is gaining attention on social media for its unique character and local businesses. A recent viral video showcased the beauty of Wallace, Idaho, while another content creator recreated a strip mall in Boise within the game Minecraft, drawing admiration for its accuracy. Wallace's charm continues to resonate online, highlighting the state's creativity and community spirit.