Cover Steve’s Lava Chicken stand in the Overworld of ‘A Minecraft Movie’ (Photo: IMDB)
Steve’s Lava Chicken stand in the Overworld of ‘A Minecraft Movie’ (Photo: IMDB)
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‘A Minecraft Movie’ is definitely worth watching if you’re a fan of the game
In 2011, Mojang Studios introduced the world to Minecraft, an open-world sandbox game where players can build anything from modest houses to towering skyscrapers and grand monuments. Over the years, the game’s popularity skyrocketed as people would make YouTube videos ranging from let’s plays and unique stories. Today, fans are thrilled to finally see a professional full-length film hit the cinemas. Here’s what we at Tatler thought of A Minecraft Movie.
Fair warning: spoilers ahead.
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Above The cast of ‘A Minecraft Movie’ in the Overworld (Photo: Courtesy of Warner Bros Pictures)
The cast of ‘A Minecraft Movie’ in the Overworld (Photo: Courtesy of Warner Bros Pictures)
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The film follows four mismatched people from reality who wander into the Overworld—Minecraft’s main dimension. It keeps to the typical formula of finding a way back home, but does so in a way that it doesn’t feel saturated. We’ve seen it with the likes of Toy Story (1995) and Spider-Man: Into the Spider-verse (2018), and it certainly isn’t an original plot, however, it’s okay because the film understands that its appeal isn’t the story—it’s the beautiful source material that fans love.
Above An iron sword on a crafting table (Photo: Courtesy of Warner Bros Pictures)
An iron sword on a crafting table (Photo: Courtesy of Warner Bros Pictures)
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Everything about the Overworld is done to a T. Those who know little to nothing about Minecraft can easily understand that it’s a movie about unleashing your imagination and creativity, while those who have played the game can point out its faithfulness. With over 204 million monthly players, A Minecraft Movie recognises its audience and keeps them in mind for the tone of the whole film. From the design of the blocks and crafting principles to the terrifying atmosphere of nightfall in-game and the aggression of the monsters, it was a fitting homage to a beloved game with an extremely loyal community.
Above Jack Black and Jason Momoa star in ‘A Minecraft Movie’ (Photo: Courtesy of Warner Bros Pictures)
Jack Black and Jason Momoa star in ‘A Minecraft Movie’ (Photo: Courtesy of Warner Bros Pictures)
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However, I had hoped for the film to focus more on the Overworld. While it’s unavoidable to have scenes in the real world, I entered the cinema wanting Minecraft. It’s the same principle as watching movies such as Pacific Rim and Godzilla for the epic monster fight scenes. Audiences don’t really care for humans talking—they want action. The times when we are in the Overworld, though, are exciting as we see countless references. Director Jared Hess hit the mark with his recognition of an admired figure within the community, showing a pig wearing a jewel-studded crown, as Black calls it a legend. This is none other than Technoblade, a famous Minecraft YouTuber who passed in 2022 due to sarcoma.
See also: From controller to screen: 5 TV shows adapted from video games to watch
Above The chicken jockey in ‘A Minecraft Movie’ (Photo: IMDB)
The chicken jockey in ‘A Minecraft Movie’ (Photo: IMDB)
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One thing that many online have poked fun at is Jack Black’s portrayal of Steve, the sole protagonist of Minecraft. His diction of 90 per cent of his dialogue sounds like he’s announcing things for no reason. For instance, his ‘chicken jockey’ line has been made fun of so much that viewers know it’s coming—making Black’s screentime funnier and much more appreciable.
Above Jack Black singing the ‘Lava Chicken’ song in ‘A Minecraft Movie’
A Minecraft Movie also has a few sequences where Black sings. The ‘Lava Chicken’ scene has made its way into meme culture and is quoted time and time again for its hilarity, but it doesn’t feel out of place for the film’s tone. It’s also a fun little way to allow Black to release his own creativity, being a musician himself in Tenacious D—a comedy rock duo consisting of himself and Kyle Gass.
At first glance, the film looks like a kids’ movie, but I believe it straddles the line between being for children and for the community, evidenced by its PG-13 rating—being family-friendly enough for anyone to watch while not being too coddled that it alienates its mid-teen to adult audience who grew up with the game. It’s enjoyable if you’re watching it as a fan and not expecting a gripping story.
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About
Gabriel found his passion for writing through poetry in high school. He sharpened his skills at Ateneo de Manila University and hopes to write a play worthy of Broadway one day. A self-proclaimed geek, he loves to spend his free time playing video games and board games. When he's not clicking heads on Valorant or roleplaying as a barbarian in Dungeons and Dragons, you can find him exploring art galleries or watching stage plays.
Work
A creative writer who writes about anything and everything, Gabriel loves to dive deep into the arts and culture scene—as well as going on long road trips for travel pieces.
You can reach him on Instagram at @gbohol for any leads, casual conversations or game invites.
