A MINECRAFT MOVIE is a fun whether or not you can tell the difference between a Creeper and a Villager. That said, the humor is very selective and might not be everyones block of tea. If the words Jack Black, Napoleon Dynamite, or Nacho Libre bring about some internal giggles you might be in good shape. If they elicit eye-rolls instead, it could be a long 90-minutes. Fans of the Minecraft world will surely enjoy every second of this. It is a tween’s Rocky Horror as Chicken Jockey and other phrases are sounded out in gleeful unison. Also, be sure and stay through all the credits.
Synopsis: Four misfits are suddenly pulled through a mysterious portal into a bizarre cubic wonderland that thrives on imagination. To get back home they’ll have to master this world while embarking on a quest with an unexpected expert crafter. | 1hr 43m | Rated PG for violence/action, language, suggestive/rude humor and some scary images.
The character of Steve (Jack Black) is to Minecraft fans what Obi-Wan is to Star Wars. Jack Black is a good choice to take on this role because not every actor would embrace the ludicrous nature with such profound gusto. When the other characters find themselves in the Minecraft world, Steve speaks to them with the same conviction as a theological professor. It is hard not to enter the journey with them.
There is no question that Minecraft players will enjoy it. So. let’s talk about the experience for those who just want a decent comedy. Although you may not totally understand the gaming side, the characters are whacky enough on their own. It says a lot when movies are rated very low by critics and high by audiences. Sometimes you have to grab the zany by the horns, channel your inner twelve year old self, and go with it. Or not. It can not be stressed enough that a Jared Hess directed film is going to hit differently.
The visual effects and Minecraft imagery is fantastic in this one. The filmmakers did their best – and succeeded – in giving audiences a chance to visit each of the different worlds and villages of Minecraft, and all of the tricks and tools are used by the characters. Whether it is a baby zombie riding a bird – CHICKEN JOCKEY! – or an exciting rail ride through a creeper mine; it is all packed in this one.
Steve is the recognizable name to gamers, but the other characters will be new. The story is all about finding your creative side even when the rest of the world is mocking you. The classic Nerds Unite is heard loud and proud in this one. At some point in life we have all felt different or that we don’t fit in. That is the case with Henry (Sebastian Hansen) a young boy who finds himself in this new word with his sister (Emma Myers) and their two new reluctant adventurers Dawn (Danielle Brooks) and Garrett (Jason Momoa). Like Black they all take the role seriously even when it is at its most absurd.
Lots of heart and good natured humor in this one. It is extra special to see a PG rated film hit theaters that is so popular with younger movie goers. Cheers to Hess and team for sticking to the basics and not trying to do too much or adult it up. Clean humor is a lost art these days and most take the easy road of regurgitated innuendoes and a need to feel edgy. Agreed, most adults may find the humor way too campy and sophomoric, but to quote Marty McFly, your kids are gonna love it.
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