Is Hollywood’s latest video game movie a total flop, or is it actually a surprising hit?
Released in theaters on April 4. A Minecraft Movie has been stirring up some conversations. Some predicted it to be horrible or a bust. Some predicted it would be amazing. But does it live up to the hype?
If you have never heard of Minecraft, just ask one of your friends—or any little kid, they’ll definitely fill you in. Minecraft is a wildly popular game where players build with blocks, mine for resources, battle mobs, and survive in a pixelated world that’s as creative as it is chaotic. With the game serving as the foundation of the film, expectations were sky-high… until the trailer dropped and people started to lose faith.
A Minecraft Movie follows a group of real-world characters, including the siblings Henry and Natalie, who are transported into the Overworld—a blocky and creative world inspired by the game. With the help of Steve (played by Jack Black), they must learn to survive, build, and fight off hostile mobs. Their mission is to stop Malgosha, a power-hungry piglin threatening both the Overworld and their home. Along the way, they discover the true meaning of teamwork, creativity, and courage.
So… was it a bust? In my opinion, no. The film was honestly fantastic. It stayed true to its roots, showcasing many of the core game mechanics like crafting, building and battling mobs. For longtime fans, there are some heartfelt moments, especially a touching tribute to the late YouTuber Technoblade, who passed away from cancer in 2022. The movie showed a pig with a crown, and Steve called him a legend—a clear nod to Technoblade’s iconic Minecraft skin. It was a small moment, but one that meant a lot to the community, including me.
The film also includes more iconic YouTubers, including: Dantdm, Aphmau, Mumbo Jumbo, and LDShadowLady. That scene was definitely another heartfelt moment for the fans. While the YouTuber cameos were memorable, my favorite part of the film was Steve’s song about his lava chicken. The song was a perfect blend of humor and randomness that made it truly unforgettable, in a good way.
With charm, creativity, and a clear love for the game, A Minecraft Movie proves it’s far from terrible—it’s a blocky adventure worth watching.