OPINION: ‘Minecraft’ a movie for gamers and non-gamers

When you hear that a Minecraft movie is coming out, it’s easy to be skeptical. How do you turn a game that’s all about building and surviving into a movie with an actual storyline? Somehow, the creators made it work—and honestly, they made it work really well. 

The Minecraft movie takes the world so many of us grew up playing in and turns it into a full-blown adventure. The story follows Sarah (voiced by Danielle Brooks), a young builder who’s thrown into a journey to save her world from falling apart. Along the way, she teams up with a group of funny, smart and brave characters who all bring something different to the table—including a sarcastic warrior, played by Jack Black, and a clever Redstone expert, played by Jason Momoa. While the plot isn’t anything super groundbreaking, it’s solid, easy to follow and packed with enough action and emotion to keep you invested. 

Visually, the film is impressive. The animators stayed true to the blocky style of the game but managed to make the world feel fresh and exciting. From deep caves filled with mobs to bright villages and thick forests, the film looks like something straight out of the game but more alive. The attention to detail is obvious—small things like crafting tables, Redstone mechanics, and even mobs like Creepers and Endermen show up in creative ways that will make any Minecraft player smile. 

One thing that really stood out was how relatable the characters were. Even though they’re literally shaped like blocks, their personalities and struggles felt real. Sarah deals with doubt, pressure and the fear of failing things most of us face at some point, especially during college. Watching her grow into a leader felt genuine, and the team’s dynamic added humor and warmth without being cheesy. 

The voice acting also deserves credit. Brooks brings so much heart and energy to the main character. Black, as always, adds his own unique style of comedy, and Momoa’s cool, grounded tone balances out the cast well. The humor in the movie is clean but not childish, which made it fun to watch even as an adult. There were moments I actually laughed out loud not just from jokes, but from how clever some scenes were. 

What I really liked about the movie was that it didn’t rely too much on the game’s popularity. Yes, it has plenty of nods and references for fans, but the story stands on its own. You don’t have to be a hardcore player to enjoy the movie —it’s more about creativity, teamwork and not giving up, no matter how tough things get. 

While some parts were a little predictable, that didn’t take away from the fun or the positive message. Overall, Minecraft is a surprisingly great film. Whether you’re a gamer or not, it’s worth watching for the laughs, the visuals and the heart behind the story.