As the wait is finally over, Jared Hess' "A Minecraft Movie," featuring stars Jason Momoa and Jack Black, hits theaters today, April 3, 2025. The film, based on the iconic video game that has captivated millions since its release in 2011, is generating buzz within the gaming community and beyond.
Early reviews of the film have been decidedly mixed, with critics describing it as "not great, not terrible"—an overall mediocre experience. Currently, the film holds a 53% score on Rotten Tomatoes, based on 51 reviews. Some critics have praised its lightheartedness and humor, while others have criticized it for the very same reasons. The film has also sparked debate over its faithfulness to the original game, with some asserting it captures the spirit of Minecraft, while others argue it insults everything the game stands for.
Warner Bros. and Legendary are banking on strong box office numbers, targeting $70 million to $80 million in its domestic opening weekend. Advanced ticket sales have been promising, leading some analysts to predict a possible $90 million debut. The film is expected to add another $65 million-plus at the international box office, bringing its global total to between $135 million and $150 million at launch. With a production budget of $150 million, the stakes are high for this adaptation.
Jared Hess, known for his work on "Napoleon Dynamite," directs the film, which follows the story of Steve, played by Jack Black, who finds a glowing cube-like orb that opens a portal to the Overworld, a blocky universe filled with adventure. However, Steve's journey takes a dark turn when he accidentally builds a gateway to the Nether, ruled by the evil Piglin Mage Queen Malgosha. The film also features a group of misfits, including Garrett, a washed-up gaming champion portrayed by Momoa, and two siblings, Henry and Natalie, who join forces to save the Overworld.
Critics have noted the film's comedic elements, with Black's performance receiving particular praise. Variety's chief film critic Owen Gleiberman remarked, "no one can ever say that he phones it in," highlighting Black's ability to inject energy and humor into the film. The story, however, has been described as chaotic, with a plot that revolves around a Tesseract-esque MacGuffin serving as a portal between worlds.
Despite the mixed reviews, the film's multigenerational appeal and the nostalgia associated with the Minecraft franchise may help it thrive at the box office. The gaming community, which has long awaited a film adaptation of the highest-selling video game of all time, will be watching closely to see if this cinematic take can successfully capture the essence of what makes Minecraft so beloved.
As the film opens today, audiences are encouraged to experience it for themselves, with the hope that it may resonate more with viewers than with critics. After all, as one critic noted, "A Minecraft Movie" is a breezy, passable adaptation that captures the spirit of what makes the game so addictive. With Jack Black and Jason Momoa leading the cast, there is certainly potential for this film to find its footing in theaters.
In a world where video game adaptations have often struggled to find success, "A Minecraft Movie" stands as a test case for how well beloved gaming franchises can translate to the big screen. Whether it will join the ranks of successful adaptations like "Sonic the Hedgehog" and "The Super Mario Bros. Movie" or fall into the category of failed attempts remains to be seen. For now, audiences are invited to step into the Overworld and join Steve and his friends on their adventure.
