A Movie Date With My Favorite Person
A week ago, my daughter came to me and asked if I wanted to see the new Minecraft movie with her. The answer was, of course, an immediate yes. It really didn’t matter what the movie was—we love our movie nights, and I’ll never pass up a chance to spend time with my girl. She’s played Minecraft off and on for years, so when she saw this was coming to theaters, she was excited. And honestly? I’m so glad we went.
We saw it in 3-D, which was the perfect choice for a movie like this. Minecraft is all about that blocky, immersive, 3D world, and this film nailed the feel of it. The visuals made it feel like we were right there, inside the Overworld, dodging skeletons and creepers ourselves.
Jack Black Is Steve, and It’s Perfect
If you’re a fan of Jack Black’s signature style—loud, wild, over-the-top, hilarious—you’re going to love this movie. I’m a big Jack Black fan, and have been for a long time. School of Rock is still my favorite of his, but he shines here, too. He brings so much joy and energy to the screen that you can’t help but smile every time he’s on. He plays Steve, a man who dreams of digging and building and ends up living that dream in Minecraft’s Overworld. Jack Black was born to play this role.
The Plot: Adventure, Heart, and Pixelated Peril
Steve isn’t alone in this world for long. After finding a mysterious portal and starting his life as a master crafter, he’s joined by four strangers who also get sucked into the game:
- Jason Momoa as Garret Garrison, a former video game champion turned struggling game store owner.
- Emma Myers as Natalie, a young woman forced into adulthood after her mother’s passing, now raising her younger brother.
- Sebastian Eugene Hansen as Henry, Natalie’s younger brother, who’s incredibly smart but doesn’t feel like he fits in anywhere.
- Danielle Brooks as Dawn, a hustling real estate agent with a heart of gold who helps Natalie when Henry goes missing.
There’s also a fun cameo from Jennifer Coolidge as Vice Principal Marlene—a recently divorced woman who just wants to be loved. She doesn’t get a ton of screen time, but as always, she steals every moment she’s in.
The story follows these unlikely companions as they try to survive the dangers of the Overworld and figure out how to get home. Along the way, we meet all the familiar creatures from the game—zombies, skeletons, creepers, pigs (some of them evil!), and the ever-adorable villagers.
What Worked in Minecraft
✔️ The comedy. This movie is funny. Like, laugh-out-loud, belly-laugh, “I-can’t-breathe” funny. In addition, Jason Momoa really let loose and showed off his comedic side—and wow, is he hilarious.
✔️ The visuals. Between the effects, the blocky designs, and the 3-D, it really felt like we were inside the game. Moreover, the creative attention to detail made every scene visually engaging.
✔️ The performances. Every cast member gave it their all, and the chemistry between characters made it work. As a result, their dynamic felt genuine.
✔️ The heart. It’s not just silly fun. There’s real emotion here, and the characters connect in a way that feels genuine. Furthermore, those emotional beats make the humor hit even harder.
What Fell Short in Minecraft
❌ The writing could’ve used a little more polish in some scenes. Although the story worked overall, a few jokes didn’t quite land, and there were moments where the dialogue could’ve been tighter.
Final Thoughts (And a Heads-Up)
I genuinely had a great time watching this. It was funny, sweet, full of action, and visually creative. And yes—there’s a post-credits scene, so stay until the very end. If you know anything about Minecraft lore or characters, that final scene will definitely mean something.
Would I watch it again? Absolutely. And fingers crossed they make a sequel.
Rating: 8.5/10 – A surprisingly heartfelt, laugh-filled adventure that both kids and adults can enjoy.
🧱 Looking for more reviews like this one? Head back to the Home Page to see what else I’ve been watching!