3 Things Parents Should Know before Watching ‘A Minecraft Movie’

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1. It Has Napoleon Dynamite Vibes… and That's No Accident

The humor in Minecraft mirrors that of the 2004 comedy Napoleon Dynamite -- offbeat and wonderfully awkward moments delivered with a deadpan charm. That's partially because the director of that classic movie, Jared Hess, helmed Minecraft.

The struggling business owner, Garrett (Jason Momoa), is an Uncle Rico-type character who hit it big in the late 1980s by becoming the undisputed champion of the video game Hunk City Rampage -- and he hasn't let anyone forget it since. Today, though, he's facing an eviction notice as the owner of a failing video game store -- while on the side offering a mentorship program for those who want to "win at the game of life" (cost: $50 an hour). 

That quirkiness pops up in other scenes. The realtor, Dawn (Danielle Brooks), houses animals on the roof of her car as part of her "mobile zoo" side hustle. The local potato chip factory boasts a giant mascot atop its structure -- Chuggy the Chip -- that topples into the river when a homemade rocket sails askew and hits it. The school's vice principal, Marlene (Jennifer Coolidge), is a divorced woman who falls in love with a Minecraft video game character who accidentally gets into the real world -- despite the fact he's not human and cannot speak. (Her husband, she tells him, "didn't have any personality -- not like you.”)  

Both movies take place in the state of Idaho. 

Photo Credit: ©Warner Brothers

2. It's a Story about Loners Finding Their Place

Underlying the plot's quirky humor is a more serious message about friendship, second chances, and discovering purpose. 

Steve (Jack Black) and Garrett are two misfits with few friends, but they bond over their shared love of all things 80s and their mutual sense of being left behind. (Early in the film, Garrett buys a lot from an abandoned storage unit, convinced he'll strike it rich with a 1978 Atari Cosmos, only to uncover a box without the console inside.)

The schoolboy, Henry (Sebastian Hansen), is a bright, awkward kid who is often bullied for his intelligence. His sister, Natalie (Emma Myers), is a young woman working as the social media manager at the local potato chip factory, but she's still grieving the recent loss of their mom. Heroically, Natalie is raising Henry on her own.

Together, this group of unlikely adventurers must find their way out of the Overworld — a journey that takes them through the ominous Woodland Mansion and pits them against zombies, pig-like creatures, and other hostile mobs.

A Minecraft Movie brings the game to life with crafting tables, enchanted gear, and iconic items such as ender pearls.

Photo Credit: ©Warner Brothers

3. It's Likely the Start of a Franchise

The film's end-credit scene sets up a sequel, a possibility that gained momentum when the film set records on opening weekend. 

A Minecraft Movie keeps things safely in PG-rated territory, although it does push the boundaries for the viewing habits of at least some families. Unlike the aforementioned Napoleon Dynamite, Minecraft contains a disappointing amount of coarse language (details below). Its violence stays mostly within the Looney Tunes style but nevertheless may frighten younger children. (Skeleton-like creatures ride spiders and shoot flaming arrows; hoards of Minecraft zombies chase our heroic gang; the evil Queen Malgosha rules over the dark Nether and kills those who oppose her -- when she pierces them with her sword, they immediately disappear.) Vice Principal Marlene offers the film's most suggestive lines. (She tells Garrett, "You can bag me up and take me to the curb anytime, but you've got to bungee the lid because you got a lot of raccoons in there.”)

The film is childish, charming and hilarious altogether. While packed with nods that will delight longtime players, it is accessible enough to engage audiences unfamiliar with the game.

A Minecraft Movie isn't a perfect children's film, but its combination of quirky humor and solid lessons -- based on a popular video game, nonetheless -- likely will make it a hit for many families.

Rated PG for violence/action, language, suggestive/rude humor and some scary images. Language details: h-ll (2), kicka-- (1), OMG (4). Other language: buttload, buttcrack, suck butt.

Entertainment rating: 3.5 out of 5 stars.
Family-friendly rating: 3.5 out of 5 stars.

Discussion Questions for Families

• How does the church help people who feel like loners find belonging? 
• Do you know loners at your school -- how can you reach out to them? 
• Why is it important to have Christian friends who encourage us and walk with us? 
• Would you describe yourself as a loner -- and how do you think the church community could help you find deeper connection?

Photo Credit: ©Warner Brothers