Expectations leading up to the release of A Minecraft Movie were dismal, but now that it has been finally released, fans are making the most out of what they were given. The movie follows the most generic, cliche plot that lacks any type of imagination. The animation of the villagers is somewhat terrifying, and there are some side plots and characters that do not contribute to the main plot whatsoever. It is completely unserious, making it more of just entertainment rather than an actually good quality movie. And this unseriousness is not necessarily a bad thing; the movie was tailored towards younger kids, so naturally, the movie would be more fun. However, some fans in the older range of Gen Z, who played Minecraft when it first came out and had grown up together with the game, were disappointed with certain aspects about how the movie was executed. The game is so extremely versatile and sentimental, but this movie was the opposite. There was an opportunity to create an illustrative, tranquil, and original movie, following the essence of the game itself: a solitary, meditative place where the character must build themselves from the ground up. Instead, A Minecraft Movie was catered to a younger audience, which was evident, leaving some of the older Minecraft players disappointed in the potential of what this movie could’ve been.
On the brighter side, Jack Black, who plays Steve, really shows his humorous personality within his acting. With his many iconic one liners, Black contributed, whether intentionally or not, to the many beloved memes that evolved from this movie. Additionally, the movie’s side plot with Jennifer Coolidge helped contribute to its already unserious nature. The depiction of the Overworld was stunning, and the fighting and flying scenes were somewhat bearable. A tribute to Technoblade, a Minecraft youtuber who recently passed away from cancer, as well as the casting of other Minecraft youtubers in background roles added another layer of recognition and fun. From a quote from Jack Sigmond (‘26), “Seeing that movie with Arthur Paul Hoffman changed my life.” The purpose of A Minecraft Movie was seemingly just for amusement, which it certainly has fulfilled. It found great commercial success, as it just passed the $300 million mark in North America within the 14 days since its release, making it on track to become a billion-dollar movie. Though there was potential in creating a more original and nostalgic movie, the entertaining way was simply the way its producers went. A Minecraft Movie wasn’t supposed to be a perfectly crafted, intricate movie that encompasses every Minecraft player’s views; it was tailored toward younger kids, and it surely was a hit for many around the world.
