As silly as it may seem, A Minecraft Movie should reach its target audience of 9 to 14 year olds with a bang. The film is considered a raucous comedy due to the fast moving dialogue and sight gags, but for the youngsters it goes well with other films and TV programs they watch that are getting lax about language and rude humor. The two main characters are helmed by Jason Momoa and Jack Black who are icons in show business, and more so Black for his off the wall comedy. The two pear off with Momoa taking the staid comedy role similar to The Rock performances and Black makes a very good goof ball who is the basis for the plot. For mature boys give dad the opportunity for some guy time as the chaperone for this one. He’ll probably laugh as much his kids because there’s a lot of hidden adult type laughs.
As a young lad Steve (Jack Black) always wanted to work in a mine, but was directed in life to get an education and work like the average Joe. Finding out he was just not cut out of his day job, he goes back to his roots to face off against a nasty minor. In the process he finds a magic block that leads him into The Overworld where he finds he can make it on his own with cubic houses and all kinds of necessities. When he finds a mysterious a key to the Nether world led by the Piglin Master Malgosha, all the fun breaks loose. With Garrett (Jason Momoa), Henry (Sebastian Hansen), Dawn (Daniel Brooks) and Natalie (Emma Myers), Steve fights for his life through some of the silliest battles on film.
Director does a good job with the script by Allison Schroeder, Chris Bowman and Hubble Palmer that gets to be a challenge for any film helmsman. With the aid of some excellent CGI he brings cubes to life in many things and characters that are amazing at times. But it’s his ability to figure out the incredible maze of that Steve and his followers have to traverse is what makes this outing the real deal.
The film has been rated PG for violence/action, language, suggestive/rude humor and some scary images, so be aware when choosing to have immature children watch the film. The film is a bit long missing the 90 minute max for children, but if you sit with them to see it on a Streaming platform, they will probably not realize the it’s over that limit. For kids maybe 3 out of 5 stars, adults who love Black and Momoa a solid 3 as well.
Additional Film Information:
Cast: Jason Momoa, Jack Black, Sebastian Hansen, Danielle Books, Emma Myers
Directed and written by: Jared Hess
Genre: Action, Adventure, Fantasy
MPAA Rating: PG for violence/action, language, suggestive/rude humor and some scary images.
Running Time: 1 hr. 41 min.
Opening Date: May 13, 2025
Released in: Prime Video and other platforms
Writer, critic, film editor John Delia, Sr. has been on all sides of the movie business from publications to film making. He has worked as a film critic with ACED Magazine for more than 20 years and other publications for a total of 40 years. He earned a Bachelor’s degree in communications from the University of Florida. John is a member of the Southeastern Film Critics Association and Critics Association of Central Florida Send John a message at jdelia@acedmagazine.com
