Cinema is defined by Martin Scorsese as “an art form that brings you the unexpected.” There are many examples of this: “Citizen Kane,” “Titanic,” and “The Godfather.” One of those films is not “A Minecraft Movie.”

Now do not get me wrong, I loved this movie. My experience with the film makes it so incredibly hard to act like it is an awful movie. From laughing at Jack Black hamming it up as Steve to watching Jennifer Coolidge falling in love with a Villager, it is an out-of-body experience based on campiness. 

But that experience was built on me not taking it seriously. The moment I turn on the critical side of my brain, this film is a disaster. 

The main problem with “A Minecraft Movie” is that it feels underdeveloped. If you take a look at the screenwriters, it makes sense. Four screenwriters compiled the film when usually a film has only one or two. It also went through three directors before landing on Jared Hess of “Napoleon Dynamite.”

Jason Mamoa’s character has the motivation of trying to stay afloat financially and there is a moment where he finds diamonds and he is demanding that he is given access to them. In another draft, this might have led to a moment where he has to choose between the diamonds and saving his friends but in the final version, nothing similar to that happens. The kid character, played by Sebastian Hansen, is just slightly disappointed in him for ignoring his worries.  

Underdevelopment is also something that can be said for the characters themselves. Only two of them get any development or even an “arc” of some kind: Jason Mamoa’s Garrett and Jack Black’s Steve. These two get the most screen time and grow as people.

The same cannot be said for the three other leads. Starting with Hansen’s character Henry who is the supposed main character, he is the one who teleports everyone to the Minecraft world and is the first to thrive in the world. But that is where he starts and ends. He does not grow emotionally or anything. The most that can be said about him is that he has a sympathetic backstory with his mother being dead but ultimately he is a nothing character.

His sister, on the other hand, is a fully fledged character but she has the burden of being the only serious character throughout. The plot halts so she can vent her struggles with acting like a mother figure for Henry, but she is the only one doing these emotional scenes.

That is better standing than Danielle Brooks’ character, who has the funniest set-up as a character. She is a real estate agent who wants to open a zoo. The humor of that is lost when she is relegated to “erm, he’s right behind me, isn’t he?” jokes which, after 16 years of the MCU, is already overdone.

Steve and Garrett are the strongest characters in the film but that is all the film has going for it. It is shallow when it comes to characterization and the plot, and the jokes land flat. I enjoyed my experience with the film, but as a form of cinema, it is truly weak.

The Minecraft movie was a phenomenal and nostalgic experience for all. From bringing back old memories to captivating new ones, “A Minecraft Movie” allowed people to tap into younger selves.

With the addition of the Minecraft loading screen, old music, and animation, deja vu was radiating throughout the theater.

Being a big Minecraft fan myself, the movie gave me a sentimental feel. I saw it with my brother, who I used to play game with religiously. Seeing the film was a great way for us to reconnect, bond, and remember a big portion of our childhood.

When I was in the theater, I saw a variety of people there, but it was mainly families and friends hanging out and enjoying their time.

The movie made for great cinema, especially with the healthy mix of both appropriate and inappropriate jokes. It was hilarious and enjoyable for everyone, regardless of age or humor.

Actors Jack Black and Jason Mamoa added in their own quirks to make the film even more humorous. There even was a cameo by Jennifer Coolidge that made an amusing extra plotline.

Director Jared Hess has directed other hysterical movies like “Napoleon Dynamite.” Although his movies could be considered as an acquired taste, it does not deny the fact of its comedic scenes.

To add to the experience, Minecraft also collaborated with McDonald’s, and made the experience even more outstanding. This added another layer to seeing the Minecraft movie, and made it a whole-day adventure.

The movie has been a big hit on all social media platforms. The trending scenes have brought people together with standing applauds and popcorn throwing. Others have been recorded screaming “Chicken Jockey” and “Flint and Steel” to join in on the fun and make movie watching more interactive.

The unexpected fame on this movie ended up making this movie the second highest grossing movie, generating over $281 million domestically and over $550 million internationally. 

With both the movie and McDonald’s meal that came out, the actual game has seen much more action. Over 30% more people have started playing since the release.

“A Minecraft Movie” was released to theaters on April 4.