With the Spring 2025 arguably being an opportune time to escape the real world briefly to enjoy another, watching A Minecraft Movie was never in question. This decision has since become one of the best I have since made on account of the powerful production, chic cinema and palpable feeling of exuberance I felt upon leaving — something I hope all interested viewers can experience themselves.
A Minecraft Movie: A Cubic Creation for Everyone
Based on developer Mojang Studio’s eponymous 2011 hit video game, A Minecraft Movie is a mix of action, adventure, comedy and fantasy which portrays the story of four individuals from Chuglass, Idaho, Garrett “The Garbage Man” Garrison (Jason Momoa), siblings Henry (Sebastian Eugene Hansen) and Natalie (Emma) and Dawn (Danielle Brooks), who are thrust into the Overworld, a cubic land replete with imagination. Each character’s background intertwines with the plot in unique ways: Garrett’s former fame as a 1980s video game champion has left him disillusioned since he feels his adult life, especially his failing video game store, pales in comparison to his past and sees him seeking money to save his livelihood; Henry’s knack for invention and innovation leaves him wanting at school and feeling like an outcast; Natalie’s concern for her brother emphasises her inclination for support and defence; and Dawn’s love of animals and desire to open a petting zoo when she can end her real estate career demonstrates her care and affection. They all contribute in special ways to the story, and their personalities help progress this production perfectly.
After meeting Steve (Jack Black), a human crafter who has spent much of his adult life living in the Overworld, due largely to his distaste for his perceived humdrum life on Earth as a failing doorknob salesman, the protagonists learn they must survive the perils of the Piglins, an army of, yes, pigs. The Piglins are ruled by gold-obsessed ruler and fellow pig Malgosha, who despises creativity and leads from the Nether, an underworld of evil creatures devoid of creative spirit, in hope of stealing the Orb of Dominance and Earth Crystal, which create a portal to the Overworld when combined. Then there are the hostile mobs, or additional threats which emerge after dark, including skeletons, zombies and the infamous, explode-upon-impact creepers. Whilst the Overworld can be a sanctuary of the mind, it can also be the realm of nightmares, as the remainder of the film illustrates vividly.
A Minecraft Movie shines. Aside from sourcing its material from the titular video game (albeit with some deviations), the best-selling video game in history, its premise of anyone being able to build, quite literally, their desired lives through imagination and creativity is universal. Additionally, the Overworld is a gorgeous gateway to fun brimming with life in minute, combined cubic-3D detail. Even the Nether and nasty creatures which attempt to thwart the heroes are designed so stunningly viewers can be mesmerised by their beauty (Chicken Jockey, anyone?). The actors only enhance this experience by excelling in their roles, although one gripe could be that Steve and Garett’s dialogue (mostly arguments, really) can appear to take precedence over the other protagonists, but careful character development throughout this production improves their relationship. The ebullient Minecraft Easter eggs, or references to the title game, as well as nods to certain other films on which director Jared Hess (Napoleon Dynamite, Nacho Libre) has worked are particularly pleasing to those who catch them. I will mention none of them for fear of spoilers, but I urge anyone even considering viewing this film to take the joyful journey through the mind it provides.
Final Verdict: A Terrific Tale for All
Overall, A Minecraft Movie is a marvellous masterpiece because. Its many accolades — which continue to accumulate — underscore its place as a cultural touchstone of video game film adaptations. That it has the honour, as of this writing, of holding such records as being the highest opening video game movie of all time, fourth highest-grossing film of 2025 and 10th highest-grossing video film of all time, is a testament to its reach. Truly, its universal appeal of the importance of imagination to everyone makes it production to prioritise. Aside from the two minor quibbles of Steve and Garrett’s occasionally extensive and vociferous dialogue and certain creative distance from the source game — neither of which are grievous — this film is pure magic. Anyone and everyone who has ever contemplated creativity in any way will enjoy watching this title, which stands within the ranks of a particular pair of plumber brothers and a brilliant blue hedgehog and company who have reminded the world of video games and films individually as well as together.
Score: 8/10
To learn more about A Minecraft Movie, please visit the official website. You can also find out more about Minecraft in general at minecraft.net.
Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed in this review as well as throughout this blog belong solely to Lord Trichechus Rosmarus of Premier Polygon Productions. Consequently, they represent the perspectives only of these entities and in no way aim to disparage the artists’ works cited.