Jared Hess infuses his trademark quirky appeal into A Minecraft Movie

Alfred Hitchcock had his blondes and MacGuffins. Spike Lee is known for dolly shots and direct-to-camera monologues. Jared Hess? He’s all about tater tots, llamas, and a love for the term “friggin’.” While Hess might not occupy the same lofty cinematic status as those legendary directors, his distinctive voice is clear — and remarkably, it shines through in A Minecraft Movie, even with the film’s foundation resting on one of the most beloved video games ever.

Even with its vast intellectual property roots, A Minecraft Movie retains the essence of a Jared Hess creation. From its eccentric humor to its Idaho backdrop (when not exploring the pixelated realm of Minecraft), the film embodies Hess’s unique flair — an impressive achievement in a time when many adaptations opt for safety.

A Minecraft Movie could have easily relied on fan service, stuffing in nods and Easter eggs for passionate players. However, Warner Bros. and Mojang allowed Hess to add his own twist to the blocky universe. And perhaps that’s appropriate. After all, Minecraft is a game centered around creativity and imagination — qualities that Hess delivers in abundance.

A plot that’s chaotic — and somewhat beside the point

Attempting to summarize the storyline of A Minecraft Movie resembles the challenge of explaining Minecraft’s rules to someone unfamiliar: intricate and a bit baffling. Whether this stems from the five credited screenwriters (Chris Bowman, Hubbel Palmer, Neil Widener, Gavin James, and Chris Galletta) or the naturally expansive essence of the game is a matter for discussion.

The narrative begins with Steve (Jack Black), a mining enthusiast who discovers a portal to Overworld — the animated, blocky dimension of Minecraft. He quickly adapts to the world’s rules, erecting structures and forming a bond with a cube-shaped dog dubbed Dennis. Soon, others get drawn into Overworld as well: Garrett “Garbage Man” Garrison (Jason Momoa), a past-his-prime video game champion; Dawn (Danielle Brooks), a realtor who also runs a mobile zoo; and siblings Henry (Sebastian Hansen) and Natalie (Emma Myers).

Together, they traverse the game-like dynamics of Overworld — crafting by day and fending off zombie hordes by night — while embarking on a quest for the Orb of Dominance, a cube-shaped MacGuffin. Their journey pits them against blocky creatures and the sinister sorceress Malgosha (voiced by Rachel House), who reigns over a nightmarish underworld filled with pig-like beings.

There’s a subplot involving an Overworld citizen who finds themselves in the real world and encounters Henry’s quirky vice principal (Jennifer Coolidge). It’s mostly unnecessary, but Coolidge’s presence — coupled with her comedic chemistry with Hess — makes it tough to critique.

Momoa and Black embrace the absurdity

Jason Momoa and Jack Black are clearly reveling in their roles, and their performances align seamlessly with Hess’s quirky sensibilities. Momoa portrays Garrett with a blend of faded swagger and deadpan humor, donning fringed jackets and a magnificent curly mane. It’s the funniest he’s ever been, exuding the same kind of absurd seriousness that made Napoleon Dynamite a classic.

Black, on the other hand, delivers his typical over-the-top charisma, which complements the film’s tone perfectly. As Steve, he’s loud, vibrant, and utterly unrestrained — precisely what this type of movie demands. While his style may not resonate with every adult, children will adore him, and that’s largely the aim.

Danielle Brooks may not have as much screen time, but her grounded performance offers a refreshing balance to the chaos. Hansen and Myers shine as the sibling pair, although they sometimes get eclipsed by the film’s larger personalities and the visually dynamic world surrounding them.

Blocky visuals, but not lacking in quality

The animation approach closely aligns with Minecraft’s lo-fi style — featuring blocky creatures, square trees, and pixelated textures. However, that doesn’t imply it appears cheap. Warner Bros. evidently dedicated resources to ensuring the visuals are striking, resulting in a film that feels authentic to the game while still maintaining cinematic charm.

The stylized animation also benefits the film. Given that Overworld is intended to seem artificial, the audience isn’t required to suspend disbelief as they would with more realistic CGI. It’s a clever decision that keeps the film visually harmonious and entertaining to view.

Jared Hess’s quirky, wondrous touch is evident throughout

Despite being a high-budget adaptation of a universally loved game, A Minecraft Movie feels as though it was crafted by a genuine person — and a delightfully peculiar one at that. Hess’s influence permeates the film, from the eccentric humor to the heartfelt celebration of imagination and creativity.

The film doesn’t engage in excessive dialogue.