Jared Hess, director of cult classics like “Napoleon Dynamite” and “Gentlemen Broncos,” has attempted to bring the popular video game franchise Minecraft to life on the big screen. Unfortunately, his latest endeavor, “A Minecraft Movie,” fails to capture the essence of its source material or live up to his own standards.
Hess’s film follows Jack Black as Steve, a bored doorknob salesman who discovers himself in the world of Minecraft after leaving his job. The movie is filled with references and Easter eggs for Minecraft fans, but these nods feel like a desperate attempt to cater to enthusiasts rather than creating an engaging narrative.
The character of Garrett, played by a quirky and charismatic actor, shows promise as a wild card, but their story is overshadowed by the rushed pacing and lack of aestheticism that pervades the film. Hess’s signature comic timing and winks to his fans are noticeably absent, leaving “A Minecraft Movie” feeling like a shallow exercise.
Despite its intriguing character details and nods to Hess’s previous work, such as the Idaho setting and references to other films, the movie ultimately feels like a coded letter to his artistic well-being. With apologies to any earnest fans of Hess’s work, “A Minecraft Movie” is a misfire that fails to deliver a satisfying viewing experience.
Hess’s attempt to bring Minecraft to life on screen feels like a high-budget hostage video, where the only message being conveyed is one of self-preservation rather than artistic expression. Unfortunately, this film falls flat, and even die-hard fans of Hess’s work may find themselves checking their watches.
Source: https://www.newyorker.com/culture/the-front-row/a-minecraft-movie-is-a-tale-of-two-cinematic-universes