The long-awaited Minecraft movie punches the screen with pixelated charms, familiar landscapes, and just the right amount of creepers to make players groan in remembrance. While a solid plot and character development built momentum, the film has plenty going for it – perhaps especially for younger audiences, and of course, the millions and millions of Minecraft fans.

The Minecraft game, which is the best-selling video game of all time (it has sold over 350 million copies!) was created in 2011 using the Java programming language, and was eventually purchased by Microsoft in 2014 for 2.5 billion dollars.  It creates a visual world where players can build, well, almost anything!  The game’s fans have been patiently waiting over a decade for a film to be made, and it is finally here.

At its core, the movie follows a classic hero’s journey originating from a nostalgic hope of failed dreams to starhood and then a mighty sacrifice – all accompanied by dramatic visuals. However, the relationships and camaraderie, along with the slightly mortifying yet undeniably enjoyable humor truly brought the blocky world to life. From friends to teammates to moments of heartfelt banter, the emotional build up is both charming and easy to follow along with.

That being said, the pacing felt like it was sprinting in creative mode. With few pauses to dig into deeper themes, the movie kept things straightforward – achieving its appeal with a younger audience but maybe leaving older viewers without fulfillment. It trades the opportunity of depth for action and clarity, making the ride as smooth as the escape from the Great Hog.

Visually, though, it’s a diamond find. The movie nails the look with visuals stemming from gameplays, capturing reoccurring moments and fields to create scenery that players can instantly recognize; including small details to bring joy to longtime players.

But one thing we wish the movie could have crafted more boldly? Its female characters. While there are two humorous and relatable girls present, their roles often felt an afterthought and underdeveloped. A bit more spotlight in their storylines to match the boys’ team could have added some balance to the plot.

Viewers have shared similar views about the aging of the movie, stating that “the first time was an experience, the second was torture.” While the lead role, the role of “Steve”, played by comedian Jack Black, was strong, the movie was a bit subpar in other areas and missed a few opportunities to fill in the gaps with other forms of creativity and meaning.

Overall, the Minecraft movie is a fun, fast paced adventure that fans of the game, specifically you get ones, will tremendously enjoy. It may not dig deep, but it’s got heart, humor, and plenty of pixelated fun and familiar tunes.