Even though video game adaptations have enjoyed a slight resurgence in recent years in terms of quality, we don't blame you if you are sceptical that A Minecraft Movie could continue that upwards trend.
The first trailer certainly had fans divided too, even if later trailers helped redeem the movie somewhat. It's also tricky to know how an open world game with no story other than what you make could actually translate to a movie – but that never stopped Borderlands (even if it should have).
As it turns out, director Jared Hess – responsible for the likes of Napoleon Dynamite and Nacho Libre, among others – and the five credited writers have found a smart way into the movie.
In the spirit of the game, the movie isn't the definitive Minecraft movie, it's just A Minecraft Movie – one particular story set in this world.
Will it satisfy every fan complaint if it's not their ideal version of Minecraft? Probably not. But Hess and his impressive cast have built an entertaining and often silly family outing that's better than you expected.
This particular story is told by Steve (Jack Black), a name instantly familiar to Minecraft players. Lacking a backstory in the game, he's given one here as a human obsessed with mining since a young age, who ends up discovering the portal to Overworld and deciding to live there.
What to Read Next
When the Orb of Dominance (slightly tweaked from the game) becomes the target of villainous Piglin leader Malgosha (voiced by Rachel House), Steve sends the Orb to Earth with his faithful wolf Dennis to protect Overworld from Malgosha.
There, it remains undiscovered for years until it comes in the possession of Garrett 'The Garbage Man' Garrison (Jason Momoa), a washed-up '80s video game champion. He thinks it could be the key to future wealth, but it only ends up taking him and three other misfits into the Overworld for an epic quest with expert crafter Steve.
If that all sounds like nonsense, then don't worry as Steve gives you a lengthy exposition dump at the start of A Minecraft Movie for any newbie. We say Steve, but really this role is the most Jack Black role that Jack Black has ever played, right down to multiple song performances, which is exactly why it works.
It's a common thread across the cast. There's a clarity of vision and the type of movie they're making, from Jason Momoa goofing it up as the loveable idiot Garrett to Sebastian Hansen's Henry being the hero that every child watching will want to see themselves being as the adults mess things up.
This extends to the supporting cast too, with Jennifer Coolidge being her usual hilarious self as Vice Principal Marlene. Technically, there's no reason for her to be in the movie; her subplot is totally separate and revolves around a dinner date with a Villager she hits in the real world, but you forgive it because she's Jennifer Coolidge.
You're also never in doubt that it's been made with love for the game. A Minecraft Movie is absolutely stacked with references, including a chicken jockey, an extended sequence at a woodland mansion, multiple iron golems and even a heartwarming tribute to late YouTuber Technoblade.
It leads to the movie feeling episodic at times, sequences added in just to throw a few more references into the mix, but it just about works for the tone. Nothing ever outstays its welcome either, with the 100-minute runtime speeding by. (You'll have to stay right to the very end for an added treat if you're dedicated too.)
We're not saying A Minecraft Movie is perfect... far from it. The VFX is a mixed bag through to the overblown finale – with a flying sequence a particular green-screen horror moment – and the same can be said for the jokes, but the gag rate is high so it's not a fatal flaw.
If you wanted to be cynical, there's also the movie's main message about creativity being hard, but worth it in the end. A cute message that fits the Minecraft game or a weird fit for a movie based on a video game which also ends up a bit Jumanji-y? You decide.
And ultimately, this could be applied to your enjoyment of A Minecraft Movie overall. There are nits to be picked and you could have a horrible time with it, or you could just let its silliness wash over you and have a fun time.
Like the game, your experience is ultimately down to you.
A Minecraft Movie is released in cinemas on April 4.
Movies Editor, Digital Spy Ian has more than 10 years of movies journalism experience as a writer and editor. Starting out as an intern at trade bible Screen International, he was promoted to report and analyse UK box-office results, as well as carving his own niche with horror movies, attending genre festivals around the world. After moving to Digital Spy, initially as a TV writer, he was nominated for New Digital Talent of the Year at the PPA Digital Awards. He became Movies Editor in 2019, in which role he has interviewed 100s of stars, including Chris Hemsworth, Florence Pugh, Keanu Reeves, Idris Elba and Olivia Colman, become a human encyclopedia for Marvel and appeared as an expert guest on BBC News and on-stage at MCM Comic-Con. Where he can, he continues to push his horror agenda – whether his editor likes it or not.
