A Minecraft Movie (2025) – Blockbuster Brilliance, Chicken Chaos

Rating: ★★★★½ (4.5/5 Stars)

Released 04-04-2025

Watched 04-05-2025

Reviewed 04-09-2025

Watched in the theater using Cinemark Movie Club

"I... am Steve."

With an enormous built-in fanbase, A Minecraft Movie arrived with sky-high expectations. Thankfully, this pixel-perfect adventure mostly delivers. The biggest theatrical release of 2025 so far, the movie brings together a surprisingly great cast, dazzling visuals, and plenty of laughs to win over both Minecraft veterans and newcomers alike. Our family made it a point to see the film on opening weekend. My 17-year-old, who grew up playing the game, was grinning from start to finish. Surprisingly, my wife and I also had a great time, despite never once playing a second of the game. This is a movie clearly made for a specific audience, but even if you don’t catch every reference, there’s still plenty to enjoy.

The film introduces us to Steve (played by Jack Black), a former doorknob salesman who stumbles across a mysterious mine and uncovers two powerful artifacts: the Orb of Dominance and the Earth Crystal. Together, they open a portal to the Overworld, a vibrant land made of cubes where Steve builds a new life. However, his peaceful days end when he’s captured by Malgosha (voiced by Rachel House), the greedy piglin ruler of the Nether who despises creativity.

Years later, Garrett “The Garbage Man” Garrison (Jason Momoa), a former video game champion who now runs a failing game store in Chuglass, Idaho, purchases the contents of Steve’s old house at a storage auction. While hoping to find something valuable, he instead discovers the Orb and Crystal. Meanwhile, siblings Henry (Sebastian Hansen) and Natalie (Emma Myers) are adjusting to life in Chuglass after the loss of their mother. After a mishap at school involving a malfunctioning jetpack, Henry crosses paths with Garrett. One thing leads to another, and before long, Henry, Natalie, Garrett, and real estate agent Dawn (Danielle Brooks) are pulled into the Overworld.

There, they battle monsters, build fortresses, and reunite with Steve. The group sets off on a quest to prevent Malgosha from taking control of both worlds. Along the way, they meet a number of colorful characters, including Jemaine Clement as both an auctioneer and Malgosha’s father, and Matt Berry as the hilariously useless Nitwit. It’s a classic quest filled with high-stakes crafting, teamwork, and plenty of pixelated peril.

The film’s production design deserves a standing ovation. Visually, it nails the spirit of Minecraft, from the blocky terrain and biomes to the crafting tables and mobs. Every landscape, from snow-capped mountains to the eerie glow of the Nether, feels alive and lovingly rendered. Longtime fans will be delighted by the many Easter eggs (watch for the Herobrine cameo), while newcomers won’t feel lost in the lore. Composer Ludwig Göransson’s score elevates the emotional beats with epic flair while keeping the whimsical energy of the game intact.

The performances are another highlight. Jack Black leads the cast with his signature blend of heart and hilarity, making Steve a surprisingly endearing and memorable hero. He brings physical comedy, emotional depth, and perfect timing to every scene. Emma Myers continues her breakout momentum as Natalie, delivering charm and snark in equal measure, while Jason Momoa brings unexpected warmth and great comedic energy to Garrett “The Garbage Man” Garrison. Jennifer Coolidge is also a standout as Vice Principal Marlene, adding her trademark quirky flair to the role and earning some of the film’s biggest laughs.

Yet, while the film is a pixel-perfect success in many ways, it’s not without flaws. The plot, while serviceable, lacks the narrative strength that would elevate it to true classic status. The emotional core is there, but sometimes buried under a pile of gags and action sequences. Still, these story shortcomings are easy to forgive when the rest of the experience is so joyfully chaotic. If a sequel is already being planned (and given the box office numbers, it should be), it would be wise to give the script a touch more depth.

One of the biggest surprises and challenges of the opening weekend wasn’t on screen but in the audience. The culture around A Minecraft Movie has turned theatrical showings into events more akin to rock concerts than quiet cinema trips. At many showings, teens were screaming lines from the game, throwing snacks, and yes, someone actually brought a live chicken to a theater. When the Chicken Jockey shows up on screen, the crowds erupt into a frenzy that leaves parents bewildered and theater staff scrambling.

While the movie itself is well worth the price of admission, the current theater-going experience might not be ideal for everyone. Families with younger children or those preferring a quieter viewing might want to wait for the digital release unless, of course, you enjoy your Minecraft with a side of chaos. The audience reactions exaggerated as they are speak to just how deeply this world resonates with Gen Z and Gen Alpha fans.

In the end, A Minecraft Movie does exactly what it sets out to do: entertain, dazzle, and celebrate the blocky universe that has defined a generation. It’s not a flawless film, but it doesn’t need to be. With great performances, stunning visuals, and a world brimming with joy, this movie cements itself as a must-see for fans and families alike.

Just maybe skip the theater if you’re not ready to dodge popcorn… or poultry.