A Minecraft movie started its life with a mix of hype and concern ever since the first trailer dropped. Jared Hess’s adaptation of one of the most iconic video games of all time was always bound to create a buzz, regardless of the final product. Mixing live action with CGI animation to capture the vibrant and blocky aesthetic of Minecraft was always going to be a risky move, but how does the film fare?
The story follows a mismatched group of humans who find themselves transported and trapped in the Overworld. Their quest is to retrieve an Earth Crystal to return home, but to do so, they must venture to the Woodland Mansion. The film attempts to explore as much of the Minecraft world as possible; however, it often feels unfaithful to the source material. Rather than telling a cohesive story, the plot feels like an afterthought, taking a backseat to silly comedy moments and one-liner quips.
Suffering from poor pacing and an overall neglect of its own narrative, the film leaves much to be desired. Fans of the game may find themselves frustrated by massive inconsistencies and flawed logic within the world they love, while new viewers will struggle to understand what’s going on, as the film does little to explain the universe it’s set in. The Nether, one of Minecraft’s most diverse and expansive dimensions, is reduced to little more than a base of operations for the film’s villain, Malgosha (voiced by Rachel House). This decision seems strange, as it limits the film’s ability to use nostalgia to create a more immersive experience.
The film boasts an impressive lineup of talent, with Jack Black portraying the iconic Steve. At times, he brings his signature charm and humor, but it’s often overdone to the point of irritation. Jason Momoa plays the erratic Garett Garrison, a character audiences will likely either love or absolutely despise. Unfortunately, the film lacks any truly standout performances, with the cast feeling lifeless and difficult to connect with.
If the film has one saving grace, it’s the Overworld’s design. The world is beautifully crafted, bringing the game to life in high definition while staying true to its signature blocky charm. Longtime fans will appreciate the attention to detail in the environments, and some character models are well-designed, remaining faithful to the source material while refined enough to fit the cinematic setting.
In all honesty, the film is a letdown. It lacks any real care for what made Minecraft the biggest game of all time, instead feeling like a parody of itself. Perhaps with more time and input from passionate fans, it could have been something special. Unfortunately, this movie feels like finding Lapis Lazuli when you were searching for diamonds!
