Critics Pan Minecraft Film
The adventure comedy "Minecraft: The Movie," starring Jack Black and Jason Momoa, is set to hit theaters worldwide on Friday, April 4th. However, early reviews from critics paint a grim picture. It seems the first cinematic adaptation of the 2011 video game "Minecraft" has fallen flat. Reviews label it as a "stupid" and "senseless" film, likely to appeal only to young fans of the game.
As of this writing, "Minecraft" holds a 52% rating on Rotten Tomatoes, based on 52 reviews. MovieWeb suggests the film's appeal is limited to children and hardcore "Minecraft" enthusiasts:
"‘Minecraft’ is exceedingly silly. With its juvenile humor, it will cater only to young children and hardcore gamers. The dumb characters, nonsensical narrative, and dull musical numbers will bore most adults."
The Globe and Mail argues that the film lacks creative ideas, suggesting viewers would be better off playing the game:
"If Minecraft is a game where kids develop their creativity by building new digital worlds full of tunnels and fortresses, then the ‘Minecraft’ movie is where creativity goes to die."
"It's an incredibly stupid movie, aimed at children or hardcore gamers. The characters are idiotic, the narrative is pointless, and the musical numbers are also wildly boring," wrote MovieWeb.
"An absolutely formulaic story, created only to promote the brand," states a New York Post reviewer.
Screen Rant found the film lacking in emotional depth:
"Some of the best video game movies have adventure, soul, humor, and good characters. I wish I could say that ‘Minecraft’ has anything more than just adventure."
AV Club expresses disappointment that director Jared Hess delivered a formulaic adventure blockbuster, given the rich world of "Minecraft":
"The creators of ‘Minecraft’ had endless possibilities but chose a path we've seen a thousand times."
However, there are some positive notes. Beyond the Trailer praised the film as a highly entertaining spectacle:
"Jack Black and Jason Momoa are the perfect pairing we didn't know we needed! A surprisingly fun and positive film with plenty of Easter eggs for ‘Minecraft’ fans, but also accessible to those unfamiliar with the game. There are some great messages for all ages."
The film "Minecraft" follows Steve (Jack Black), a working-class man, former gamer Garrett (Jason Momoa), Dawn (Danielle Brooks), and teenagers Natalie (Emma Myers) and Henry (Sebastian Eugene Hansen) as they are transported into the blocky world of "Minecraft." They discover that this mysterious dimension is in grave danger. Together, the adventurers must use their creativity to prevent a potential catastrophe. The cast also includes Jennifer Coolidge from "The White Lotus" (2021-present).
