A Minecraft Movie (PG) |Close-Up Film Review

Despite Minecraft’s global cultural footprint, I’d never actually played the game before walking into The Minecraft Movie.

I was aware of its reputation as a sandbox powerhouse—a pixelated world where players build, explore, and survive—but that was the extent of my knowledge. Surprisingly, that lack of familiarity ended up being a blessing. Entering the film with no expectations allowed me to embrace the chaos with fresh eyes, and truthfully, it made the experience far more enjoyable.

One thing I did expect, though, was the sheer, unfiltered energy of Jack Black. If you’ve seen him in School of Rock, Kung Fu Panda, or, frankly, anything he’s ever done, you’ll know subtlety isn’t part of his vocabulary—and that’s not a bad thing. Cast here as Steve, a master crafter and oddball guide, Black brings his usual high-octane flair to the role. His performance is delightfully over-the-top, and whether you find it exhausting or exhilarating, he gives it his all in every scene.

The story follows four outsiders: Garrett “The Garbage Man” Garrison (Jason Momoa), Henry (Sebastian Eugene Hansen), Natalie (Emma Myers), and Dawn (Danielle Brooks). Their humdrum lives are upended when they’re transported through a portal into the vibrant and volatile world of Minecraft. It’s a cube-shaped dreamscape filled with bizarre creatures, blocky environments, and constant danger—from hostile Piglins to lumbering Zombies.

In this unpredictable land, the group encounters Steve, who reluctantly helps them navigate the world’s mechanics—crafting tools, building shelters, and defending themselves. What begins as a survival challenge quickly escalates into a high-stakes mission to save the Overworld itself. Failure means more than just being stuck; it could lead to its total destruction.

Given that Minecraft the game has no fixed storyline, the film deserves credit for shaping a coherent, family-friendly adventure that respects its source material while charting new territory. It’s brisk, colourful, and tonally light, with a self-awareness that works in its favour.

The first half is especially strong. There’s a great fish-out-of-water rhythm to the comedy, with the characters’ confusion echoing what non-gamers might experience. The film cleverly integrates game mechanics into both its humour and action set pieces, making it accessible while still celebrating the original material. Jack Black’s Steve is a standout throughout—part guru, part wild card—and he keeps the energy high, even when the script falters.

Unfortunately, the middle act sags. The pacing stumbles, and some of the gags start to repeat themselves. It’s like watching a kid hyped up on sugar: fun and frantic at first, but eventually running out of steam. Thankfully, the final act redeems itself, reigniting the film’s energy with inventive action and satisfying payoffs for both characters and fans.

As someone completely unfamiliar with the game, I found parts of The Minecraft Movie surprisingly fun. And for the devoted fanbase, there are countless Easter eggs, references, and mechanics built in to delight longtime players. It’s not aiming to be groundbreaking cinema—but as far as game-to-film adaptations go, it’s a solid crowd-pleaser.  Not perfect, but charming enough that I left the cinema with a grin—and a newfound appreciation for all things blocky.