After a $313.2 million global opening, “A Minecraft Movie” has set a precedent for future video game film adaptations to come. “A Minecraft Movie” brings a creative and energetic story to the screen in a noble attempt to capture the essence of one of the most influential video games of all time.
The cinematic rendition of the classic childhood game follows a group of misfits as they are transported through a mystical portal from their normal lives to the ‘Overworld,’ the fantastical cubic world where the game is set. Once here, the eclectic group must master the terrain and their creativity in order to help save the world and its inhabitants from the greed of the evildoers who want to exploit it.
The story is primarily driven by the fantastically ridiculous dynamics between the five eccentric personalities brought to the big screen. Jack Black plays the main character of the game, Steve, with a chaotic and unserious nature as he fights to keep the Overworld safe. Black’s engaging performance is partnered with Jason Momoa’s zest. Momoa matches Black’s hilarity in his role as Garrett, a professional video game player who peaked in the 1980’s.
While the humorous acting is the key part of the name the movie makes for itself, the technical aspects are a defining feature as well. In bringing the game to life, director Jared Hess mixed both practical and digital effects in order to create the colorful Overworld. It’s this magical atmosphere and Black’s playful character that help bring the film’s creativity to life. This is a large component of the message of the movie, and, really, the game that so many people enjoy.
However, it wasn’t just the story that brought people to the theatres. Much of this movie’s success can be attributed to Black’s performance as Steve and delivery of lines that, when released, became internet sensations. It was this meme-worthy and sound-bite-creating approach–in addition to the inclusion of many easter eggs that were added for those who have played Minecraft for years–that shifted the target audience from primarily children to teens and young adults.
In attracting older audiences, Hess’s team changed the environment of the theatres and what the shared experience was for viewing the movie. In excitement for the memes within the movie, many viewers began cheering and throwing popcorn whenever a popular moment happened. While this was upsetting to some when it became over the top, this community excitement actually made for a more enjoyable viewing experience than anticipated. This emphasis on experience rather than the actual movie is what ultimately attributed to the movie’s success.
Chock full of quirky characters, vibrant visuals, and references to both the titular game and pop culture, “A Minecraft Movie” offers an easy-going and fun watch for all ages. For the most enjoyable viewing experience, be sure to watch this film with a friend-possibly one who is eager to return to their creations in the Overworld.
