The Jack Black We Know And Love ("A Minecraft Movie" Review)

 Having youngsters in my life, I was well aware of Minecraft. But it wasn't a property that I was very familiar with. I'm a few generations removed...I grew up with Star Wars, Masters Of The Universe, Transformers, G.I. Joe...you know the deal. I wasn't even that familiar with the Dragonball and Pokemon era, but I had tried to grasped the storylines and characters. Sometimes to the point of feeling like a boomer (we Gen Xers are ultimately going to take that title)!

So when I saw the trailer for "A Minecraft Movie" last year, I was on the fence. It was definitely for Minecraft kids. And I may have been a bit too old for that IP. Even Minecraft fans didn't know how to take the trailer, as it wasn't an overwhelming great trailer like other big tent properties. 

It wasn't until my nephew raved over the film and recommended that I go see it that I finally relented. I am, after all, a fan of unique and fantastical worlds...whether it's the Magical Land of Oz, the Dark Universe of movie monsters, or a galaxy far, far, away. I'm always open to experiencing strange, new worlds.

As I left the theater, I was stunned by how much I LOVED this movie. And not just because of this creative world and characters, but that my beloved Jack Black...the Jack Black that sang about ridiculous tales of fantasy as Tenacious D and who rocked with silly abandon in 2003's "School Of Rock"...THAT Jack Black...made his appearance. And seemingly turned the outrageous energy TO 11! I've enjoyed his appearances in the Jumanji films and other properties, but I haven't seen THIS Jack Black in a long time. And right from the start of him breaking the ankles of an elderly miner, I was uncontrollably laughing. His wide eyed exaggeration of all epic places and things was so entertaining that my demeanor leaving the theater was immediately joyful. Not a lot of films make me leave with a skip in my step. It was instant joy. 

This cast was strong overall and this world that I wasn't very familiar with felt like a fresh new adventure. And the film in general stresses the importance of imagination and creative building. And for the many young kids in the audience, that is an encouraging message for them to receive. 

I'm still a bit in shock at how good this film made me feel. And I'm very glad that it was a big hit at the theaters. The movie theaters certainly needed a boost considering the very soft start of 2025. Plus, the franchise is selling toys at McDonald's, which is a throwback to the days when I used to enjoy blockbuster films and toy tie-ins. Even with new adventures, some things never change. If there's even a small flicker of that childhood flame burning in your heart, go see this and enjoy yourself.

And Long Live Jack Black!