Cubes, Creativity and Coolness: Watching A Minecraft Movie at the ODEON Limerick
With the Spring 2025 semester nearing the Easter break, and the point between the end of lectures and beginning of exams, I decided to treat myself to my first film at an Irish cinema. Specifically, I chose to watch A Minecraft Movie at the ODEON Limerick to escape our world briefly to enjoy another. This decision has since become one of the best I have made during my time in Ireland on account of the powerful production, chic cinema and palpable feeling of exuberance I felt upon leaving — and something I hope all interested UL students 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.
ODEON Review
Watching A Minecraft Movie at the ODEON was equally memorable. As part of the Castletroy Shopping Centre, the ODEON is located in its own building a short distance from the main shops. In addition to its eight screens containing more than 1,500 seats and concession stand, this cinema features a COSTA Coffee, Ben & Jerry’s and three ATMs for deliciousness and convenience. Adding to this list of incentives, discounts are available regularly on the official website for those wishing to avail of them. As a bonus, given this ODEON location is one of several throughout Ireland, viewers can also find fantastic films during their travels outside Limerick.
ODEON details aside, my time there was extraordinary. Upon entering, an amicable employee greeted me with a warm smile. I bought my ticket without hassle, and the same individual directed me to the appropriate screen. Inside the room, I was welcomed by a sea of relaxing red seats rising opposite the screen which completed the walls. The projector started precisely on time and showed theatrical trailers bookended by a magician host who told the audience when the main feature was about to begin. The lights then dimmed completely (after having dimmed slightly during the previews), and the viewing was underway. Watching this production as it played on the screen was exceptional because the picture quality was crisp and the audio clear. By the time the credits rolled, I was grateful to have lived this memorable moment.
After seeing A Minecraft Movie, I visited the concession stand to purchase a souvenir to mark this tremendous occasion. Considering I had just watched a film full of verdant nature and particular green mobs, as well as the fact I had done so in Ireland, no less, I chose a creeper bag clip to mark this momentous occasion. Just as with buying the ticket, this process was simple, quick and pleasant, and I left the ODEON that afternoon feeling euphoric. I will always cherish this cinematic experience of seeing this magnificent movie at this outstanding ODEON I have had as an international UL student in Ireland.
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. Watching this film at the open, hospitable ODEON Limerick only accentuates this notion.
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. For information regarding ODEON and showtimes in Limerick and beyond, please check here.
Author’s note: The views, recommendations and ideas expressed in this blog post are entirely my own. As such, they reflect neither the opinions of UL Global nor any other Global Ambassador, but rather my own personal perspectives. Moreover, I was in no way compensated for my review of A Minecraft Movie or ODEON Limerick. Rather, this piece serves to underscore for UL students what I consider the excellence of this viewing experience.