Minecraft fans have learned to nether say never as the beloved video game takes to the cinemas in a new film adaptation: A Minecraft Movie. Previews of the film had audiences concerned because it was live-action (we know how those usually go), however, Director Jared Hess crafted an enchanting blockbuster, filled with laughs, entertainment and action that had viewers mining for nostalgia.
Following the journey of protagonists Steve (Jack Black), Henry (Sebastian Eugene Hansen), Natalie (Emma Myers), Garett (Jason Momoa) and Dawn (Danielle Brooks), the film intertwines gameplay with reality.
Challenged with overcoming personal issues, each character is introduced to the Minecraft realm, referred to as the “Overworld,” seeking a fresh start. The Overworld is recognizable to audiences as the stereotypical Minecraft world, featuring all the aspects, like Zombies and Creepers, that fans love.
Steve is the first character transported to the Overworld via the Orb of Dominance, followed by Henry and Natalie — siblings struggling with the recent loss of their mother. They are joined by their realtor Dawn and a local video game store operator Garett, whom the siblings meet shortly after moving to the fictional Chuglass township in Idaho.
The group is tasked with protecting the Orb of Dominance from Malgosha (Rachel House), the gold-obsessed nether piglin who is the main antagonist of the film. The five must keep the Orb of Dominance out of her grasp or else she has the power to destroy the Overworld and take it over for herself.
The storyline can sound a bit random, but, in our opinion, that was part of the beauty. Creating a plot from a game where each player has a unique playing experience can be challenging, yet Hess knows his audience and caters to them.
The magic of the film derives from its ability to transport people back to their childhood with corny jokes and references, not from Oscar-worthy plotlines. The movie did not try to be anything different than what it is: a light-hearted (and at times a bit cringey) escape from reality.
The movie utilizes its cast of A-list comedic actors like Black, Momoa and Jennifer Coolidge, providing comedic relief wherever possible. Hess played into Black’s strengths, relying on multiple song breaks, including “Steve’s Lava Chicken” and “I Feel Alive,” to make the audience laugh.
Like the songs in the film, Coolidge’s fun subplot makes up some of the film’s viral moments. Her star power and wit creates a light-hearted, yet romantic, relationship with one of the villagers. After escaping the Overworld, a villager ends up on Earth, only to be struck by a car driven by the town’s mayor, Marlene (Coolidge). Although villagers are nonverbal, it was love at first crash, marking the beginning of the romantic storyline between the two characters.
Despite the film being endearing, the behavior in the movie theaters has been less so. In the game, the rarely seen Chicken Jockey is a Zombie sitting on top of a chicken. Appearing during an action-packed scene in A Minecraft Movie, Steve screams out “Chicken Jockey,” a phrase that has taken the internet by storm. Fueled by the trending TikTok videos, this specific line has caused disruption in movie theaters, with people throwing popcorn, drinks and some even bringing a real chicken into the theater. As a result, movie theaters are monitoring screenings and posting warnings before the movie begins to help reduce the chaos, according to Variety.
Aside from a few Creepers in the audience, the movie exceeded expectations, with more laughs and heart than expected. It might not be winning an Oscar anytime soon, but it’s a much-needed feel-good film that builds up the audience’s spirits.