Complex and thought provoking storytelling has been the main goal in the current film industry as the state of it begins to evolve, with new exciting releases on the brink of this year. Although that type of practice is something to look forward to for artists, it is important to enjoy the little things and see a film that delves deep into giving the audience a fun and purely entertaining time. “A Minecraft Movie” is directed by Jared Ness, who is known for cult classic films such as “Napoleon Dynamite” and “Nacho Libre.” It follows four misfits who are mysteriously pulled into the Overworld, an outlandish cubic dimension built on the foundations of imagination and embark on an magical adventure to return home, with the assistance of an extravagant miner named Steve, portrayed by Jack Black.
The build up to this film’s release has certainly been an interesting one. Since the booming success with iconic moments such as Black stating “Flint and Steel” and the infamous “Chicken Jockey” line that has now become a famous meme, theaters throughout the nation have encountered numerous hecklers who have disrupted the film’s screening. From throwing popcorn buckets at the screen to even bringing legitimate live chickens to showings, it has resulted in establishments having to either stop the screening midway through and call the police or set up specific screenings meant for individuals who just want to scream “Chicken Jockey” at the screen. Despite how uncourteous it may be in the environment, it goes without saying that film, as a craft, has the power to influence society.
Aside from the mania that this infamous line has sparked, many who went in to see this film were understandably not expecting it to be in the levels of a best picture winner for the Academy Awards nor for it to revolutionize the future ahead of cinema. Nevertheless, for it to be as comical and amazing as it turned out to be, was a huge shock amongst most moviegoers. Is it a perfect film? No. Is it an extremely flawed film? Yes. Will it have you giggling in delight and provide you a fun experience? Absolutely! Today could feel scary with how the world is unfolding and to have this type of escapism is needed and a secret blessing to have.
Jason Mamoa and Jack Black’s performance is without a doubt, the most over the top they have ever been in their acting careers. Mamoa’s goofy machoness combined with Black’s comical wit unfolds their rivalry-type bromance in some of the most hilarious bits of dialogue and sequences put to screen recently. Though a large majority of the film is heavily CGI due to the original game being predominantly pixelated and block-centered with its graphics, it manages to look extremely well done with its visuals and is really exciting with the action while staying in touch with its roots. Being a veteran of the game is not required aside from base knowledge, but still incorporates elements that the “Minecraft” community will come to appreciate, with an example being an endearing tribute to the late youtuber, TechnoBlade.
There is a plot that’s depicted with two siblings starting anew in a small town with Emma Myers and Sebastian Eugene Hansen as well Danielle Brooks, but it’s apparent that the first 20 minutes serve as exposition and set up for the rest of the film ahead. This film isn’t the kind of film you deeply deconstruct but rather a film that embraces its absurdity and allows you to shut your brain off from anything physically possible thanks to its silly nature. Once that is accepted, you’re guaranteed to have a blast with this extravaganza and quite adventurous once you buy into the premise.
The duration is perfect for what it is. Director Jared Ness recognizes what kind of film he made, and if you are familiar with the films he’s made in the past, you’ll know what to expect overall. A sequel is inevitable considering how much success it made at the box office and how much praise fans have given this film. It is by no means in vain of being “so-bad-it’s-good”, rather turned out to be a flabbergasting surprise in its final product that will have many rewatching multiple times and even have most consider to be a comfort film. Over the top with its performances, wildy absurd with its action and visuals, and overall, stupidly funny jokes that will have all ages laughing, “A Minecraft Movie” is not the ideal video game-to-movie adaptation that many were expecting, but one that fans received and moviegoers will find a unexpected allure in.
