What Are Critics Saying About The Minecraft Movie?

Nivedita Dubey
April 3, 2025

Summary:

Critics praise The Minecraft Movie for its hilarious and offbeat tone, likening it to Napoleon Dynamite and Nacho Libre.
Performances by Jack Black and Jason Momoa stand out, with Black’s comedy and Momoa’s role as a washed-up gamer receiving particular acclaim.
Criticisms focus on the plot, calling it generic and rushed, though the visual adaptation of Minecraft is widely appreciated.

Is The Minecraft Movie a Surprise Hit?

The Minecraft Movie, directed by Jared Hess and starring Jack Black and Jason Momoa, has arrived with a mix of skepticism and intrigue. Given Hess’s background with offbeat comedies like Napoleon Dynamite and Nacho Libre, many wondered whether the film could do justice to the massively popular video game. Now that the first wave of reviews is in, audiences may be surprised by what critics have to say.

How Have Critics Reacted to The Minecraft Movie?

Initial reviews indicate that The Minecraft Movie is a bizarre, laugh-out-loud comedy that refuses to take itself seriously. Many critics highlight how Hess has infused his signature awkward humor into the film, making it an unexpected delight for fans of his previous work.

Jordan Maison from Cinelinx noted that the film was “some of the hardest I’ve laughed in a theater in a while”, emphasizing its unpredictable fun. Screen Rant’s Ash Crossan shared her surprise, saying she assumed she was “outside the target demo”, but the film turned out to be “sharp, offbeat, and genuinely fun.”

Critic Zach Pope even compared it to Hess’s earlier cult hits, calling it “destined to be a cult classic just as Napoleon Dynamite and Nacho Libre have become.” Similarly, Comicbook.com’s Chris Killian described it as “a weird, quirky, what-the-hell fever dream” that caters to both Minecraft fans and lovers of Hess’s unique style.

What Are the Movie’s Biggest Strengths?

One of the standout aspects of The Minecraft Movie is the chemistry between Jack Black and Jason Momoa. Critics agree that their performances elevate the film’s comedic energy, with Black delivering his trademark unhinged humor and Momoa shining as a washed-up gamer who takes himself too seriously.

Additionally, the visual adaptation of the Minecraft world has been well received. The blocky, colorful aesthetics are faithfully translated onto the big screen, with critics calling the CGI “insanely good” and “perfectly mirroring the game.” Fans of the game will also appreciate hidden Easter eggs and cameos that add to the film’s charm.

Where Does The Minecraft Movie Fall Short?

Despite its comedic strengths, many critics argue that the film’s biggest weakness lies in its storytelling. Some reviews describe the plot as “generic,” “rushed,” and “painfully standard”, comparing it unfavorably to adventure films like Jumanji and The Wizard of Oz without adding much originality.

The humor, while a hit for some, has also divided opinions. While Hess’s style is appreciated by fans of Napoleon Dynamite, others find it “uninspired” or overly reliant on slapstick and video game references. Some critics have gone further, labeling the movie “a clunky mess”, though they acknowledge that younger audiences may still enjoy it.

One highlight even among mixed reviews is Jennifer Coolidge’s brief role, with critics calling her “the saving grace” and “the only reason to laugh out loud” in some moments.

Will The Minecraft Movie Become a Cult Classic?

A Minecraft Movie – Warner Bros. Pictures

Overall, The Minecraft Movie has received a mixed but largely positive reception, with many critics predicting it could become a cult classic thanks to its weird and offbeat humor. While its Rotten Tomatoes score sits at 53% as of early April 2025, the film’s lighthearted and goofy tone ensures that it will find an audience, particularly among younger viewers and fans of Hess’s previous work.

The Minecraft Movie hits theaters on April 4, 2025.

Source: The Direct