A Minecraft Movie: It means something to many

By Julia Kelm

A Minecraft Movie (2025) came to theaters on April 4 and is likely the biggest blockbuster and most anticipated film this spring.

The plot of this movie follows four misfit characters, each struggling with their own personal problems, until they are suddenly transported into the world of Minecraft. In order for this band of misfits to get back home, they embark on a quest alongside the iconic Steve — the characterless protagonist of the original game, played by Jack Black.

You’ve probably heard the chatter about the theater experience — the crowd clapping, cheering and quoting those brain-rotted trailer lines like “chicken jockey,” “flint and steel,” or “I am Steve.” I can confirm, at least from my own experience, that it’s all true. For that reason alone, I’d recommend catching A Minecraft Movie in theaters while you still can.

Now, when it comes to critical analysis on whether this film is good or not, I’ll put it plainly. It’s terrible, ugly, corporate money-hungry and a disgrace to what I consider artistic film. However, I think critical analysis is unwarranted when discussing what makes A Minecraft Movie such an important part of our current social culture.

You see, a movie about Minecraft — a video game that has no story — was never going to be a theatrical masterpiece. However, I can recognize how important this movie is to so many people.

The memes are one thing — they’re a part of Gen Z’s culture, something that unifies us as we laugh together at the utter stupidity of it all. Then, there’s the topic of Minecraft itself; I didn’t realize how nostalgic I was for Minecraft until I was sitting in that theater watching the film. 

I gasped when I recognized two Youtubers — DanTDM and LDShadowLady — who I hadn’t thought about in years, pop up on the screen. I used to watch their videos practically everyday in my tweens, so seeing them make a cameo in a blockbuster like this just warmed my heart.

Another note I wanted to mention is that, although I have some nostalgia for Minecraft, I am by no means the intended audience — A Minecraft Movie is for Minecraft fans.

Kevin Lobello was a 9-year-old kid, a third grade student at the Academy for Classical Education in Georgia, was diagnosed with terminal brain cancer. Lobello was a huge fan of Minecraft, and his last wish was to see A Minecraft Movie before he passed away. He was able to accomplish his wish in early March before the movie officially hit theaters. Lobello passed away on March 12 of this year. 

So ,who am I to say A Minecraft Movie sucks, when there are people out there like Lobello, who this movie means the world to?

What makes being alive so special is getting to enjoy the things you love. Life’s too short to deprive yourself of the things that make you happy — something that has always been a part of Minecraft’s message. 

“Twenty years from now, you will be more disappointed by the things that you didn’t do than by the ones you did do. So, throw off the bowlines, sail away from the safe harbor, catch the trade winds in your sails. Explore. Dream. Discover,” as referenced in the End Poem that appears in the ending credits of the Minecraft game.

So, if you’re thinking about going to see A Minecraft Movie, but your so-called friends are shaming you for entertaining the idea, forget them and just fucking go!

I hope you’re feeling inspired reading this! Drop this paper, and march to one of Arcata’s theaters, buy yourself a ticket — and maybe a beer, if you’re legal — and watch A Minecraft Movie.

Julia is a journalism major at Cal Poly Humboldt. She loves film and is a regular on Letterboxd. To quote Robin Williams in her all-time favorite movie, Dead Poets Society, “The powerful play goes on and you may contribute a verse. What will your verse be?”