A Minecraft Movie (2025) Review: Jack Black Builds a Hilarious, Blocky, Surprisingly Heartfelt Adventure

REVIEW

A Minecraft Movie – NERDNCO REVIEW

8 out of 10

Block by Block: A Shockingly Good Adaptation

Let’s be honest: when the trailers dropped, we didn’t expect much. Like most video game adaptations, A Minecraft Movie looked like it might be another slapstick-filled cash grab. But then we saw the cast. Then the memes. Then the chaos. And finally, the film itself. And to our surprise? We walked out impressed. More than that—we had fun.

Directed by Jared Hess (Napoleon Dynamite, Nacho Libre), the film manages to tap into the goofy charm and chaotic energy of Minecraft while telling a surprisingly warm and weirdly emotional story. Anchored by an utterly unhinged, delightful performance from Jack Black and a surprising comedic bromance with Jason Momoa, A Minecraft Movie mines comedy gold from the sandbox game we thought could never translate to film.

Elevator Pitch for Newcomers

Four misfits from the real world (including a washed-up gaming champ and a jetpack-loving teen) get pulled into Minecraft’s Overworld and must join forces with a blocky hero named Steve to stop a gold-obsessed Piglin Queen from taking over both dimensions. Cue blocky chaos, heartfelt friendships, a dog named Dennis, and more creeper explosions than you can shake a pixelated sword at.

STORY & STRUCTURE

Embracing Absurdity with Unexpected Heart

The story is, admittedly, bananas. But that’s part of the charm. From doorknob salesmen and Nether wars to jetpack hijinks and Ender Pearl stunts, A Minecraft Movie leans into its ridiculousness—and it works. It doesn't try to make Minecraft into something it's not. Instead, it builds a goofy adventure around the creative chaos that defines the game.

While some critics have bemoaned the "conventional plot," we think the structure is just the right amount of familiar, giving younger audiences an easy entry point while leaving enough weirdness for seasoned fans to smile at. The film's real strength lies not in its narrative complexity but in its tonal balance: heartfelt without being corny, chaotic without losing the thread.

CHARACTERS & PERFORMANCES

Jack Black as Steve: The Pixelated MVP

Jack Black doesn’t just play Steve—he is Steve. Equal parts clueless, courageous, and completely unhinged, Black brings every ounce of his vocal range, facial elasticity, and comic timing to this performance. Whether belting out original songs, crafting enchanted tools, or simply yelling "CHICKEN JOCKEY!" with Shakespearean intensity, he steals every single scene. This isn’t just fan service—it’s character reinvention.

Jason Momoa Surprises

We expected Jason Momoa to feel like a weird casting choice, but we were wrong. His portrayal of Garrett, the fallen arcade champ turned reluctant hero, gives the film its emotional core. His comedic chemistry with Black is unexpectedly strong, and their friendship arc—which begins with distrust and ends with bro hugs—is one of the film’s most rewarding dynamics.

Supporting Cast: Hit and Miss

Sebastian Hansen’s Henry is a solid entry into the classic "kid discovers purpose" canon, while Dennis the dog honestly deserves his own spinoff. But Danielle Brooks and Emma Myers feel a little underutilized. Their performances are fine, but lack the same sparkle and nuance seen in the leads.

CINEMATOGRAPHY & VISUALS

Mixed Blocks, Mixed Results

Visually, the movie nails its ambition—most of the time. The cubic world is stunning in parts, especially the creative fight sequences and block-building moments. There are genuine visual payoffs, including a minecart chase sequence that will have even casual fans grinning.

But then there are the other moments. Scenes where green screen usage becomes glaringly obvious, breaking immersion. These inconsistencies keep the film from reaching the visual heights of something like The Lego Movie or The Super Mario Bros. Movie, but it still lands more hits than misses.

THEMES & TONE

Creativity, Friendship, and the Power of Play

Underneath the jokes and boss battles, the movie carries a gentle message about creativity and connection. Whether it's Henry learning to build with blocks or Garrett learning to care again, the theme of rediscovery and rebuilding is strong throughout. It also celebrates the weird joy of fandom, tossing in references, in-jokes, and Easter eggs that longtime Minecraft fans will adore.

One standout moment is the emotional tribute to Technoblade—a pig in a crown that drew audible reactions in our theater. It’s a moment of sincerity that reminds you this film was crafted by people who genuinely get the community.

SOUND DESIGN & SCORE

From C418 to Black's Ballads

Mark Mothersbaugh’s score is a bouncy blend of digital ambiance and orchestral whimsy, with some lovely nods to the original Minecraft music. But the soundtrack’s true highlight is Jack Black’s musical moments—specifically the original song "I Feel Alive," a ridiculous, anthemic rock ballad that’s destined for meme immortality.

And yes, the inclusion of Lena Raine’s "Pigstep" and C418’s iconic themes had us feeling all the nostalgia. Also? Steve's Lava Chicken Song is still stuck in our head in the best way.

DIRECTION & STYLE

Jared Hess Brings His Signature Weird

Hess was the perfect director for this project. His quirky, low-fi comedic sensibility feels tailor-made for Minecraft’s sandbox aesthetic. He directs with a wink and a grin, giving room for improvisation while keeping the film cohesive. At its best, the film feels like a weird Saturday morning cartoon mixed with an expensive fan film—and we mean that in the best way possible.

COMPARISON & LEGACY

Better Than It Has Any Right to Be

Is this the greatest video game adaptation ever made? Maybe not. But it's a far cry from the low points of the genre. Compared to previous Minecraft-themed media, it feels like the first to successfully walk the tightrope between authenticity and cinematic storytelling. If Sonic was a win for Gen Z and Mario was for all ages, Minecraft feels like it was made by the fans, for the fans.

And let’s not ignore the cultural impact. From the "chicken jockey" TikTok trend to kids chanting "I am Steve" in theaters, this movie is making a moment. It’s joyful chaos with pixelated heart.

STRENGTHS & WEAKNESSES

Major Strengths

Jack Black as Steve: A career-defining, laugh-out-loud, meme-generating performance.
Strong Minecraft Fan Service: From piglins to potion crafting to the tribute to Technoblade.
Dynamic Direction: Hess' comedic pacing and visual flair give the film a distinct tone.
Unexpected Heart: The relationship between Garrett and Steve is genuinely affecting.

Minor Weaknesses

Uneven Visual Quality: Some VFX scenes look stunning; others feel unfinished.
Underused Side Characters: Some performances don’t quite match the energy of the leads.
Plot Pacing: The story has minor bumps that could have used a bit more polish.

FINAL VERDICT – 8/10

A Minecraft Movie is weird, warm, and way better than it had any right to be. While not every block lands perfectly, its humor, charm, and reverence for the game make it a joyful ride through a pixelated world.

NERDNCO says: don't listen to the critics, listen to the nerds.

Recommended For

Minecraft Fans: Packed with Easter eggs, lore nods, and sandbox-style adventure.
Jack Black Stans: This is a Black-led buffet of charisma and chaos.
Families & Kids: It's funny, action-packed, and full of slapstick fun.

Who Might Want to Skip

Cinematic Purists: This is not a prestige film; it’s a blocky, bonkers joyride.
Green Screen Haters: Some scenes do look janky, depending on your tolerance.

OUR REVIEW

Score: 8/10

A Minecraft Movie crafts a pixel-perfect tribute to its blocky origins while delivering something fun, fresh, and unexpectedly emotional. We went in skeptical and came out enchanted. Jack Black shines, the humor hits, and the love for the source material is real. It’s chaotic, hilarious, heartfelt—and one of the most entertaining video game films yet.