In the depths of the Oakland Center, the Posties brainstormed topics for this week’s arts section. Only one drew substantial interest and controversy: “A Minecraft Movie.”
“I thought it sucked ass,” graphic designer Ava Guest said.
Personally, I’d say it was a little better than that, but hey, to each their own. It’s certainly not an Oscar winner, but it kept my attention through the entire runtime.
“A Minecraft Movie” has drawn significant crowds so far, with the largest domestic opening weekend of 2025. It’s nearly impossible to escape the phenomenon.
The basis for the film was Mojang Studios’ sandbox video game “Minecraft,” which is one of the highest selling video games of all time. With infinite world generation and online multiplayer, it allows players to build custom structures and engage in combat.
The film itself, while based on the game, does not follow the exact mechanics. For example, one of the central protagonists, Henry, is able to craft a tater tot launcher — something impossible in the original game.
I can appreciate an innovative take on a classic, but as a lore purist, this was quite upsetting. I did not mind the live action aspect of the film, but I simultaneously yearned for a feature length version of the animation seen in nostalgic YouTube classics such as “Villager News” and “Don’t Mine at Night.”
A highlight of the theater experience for this film is the audience participation. I do not condone the smuggling of a live chicken, or the throwing of popcorn, but I could appreciate the variety of “Steve” cosplays I saw at Great Lakes Crossing AMC on opening night.
Cheering and yelling along with the most iconic quotes was inevitable, whether it was “chicken jockey,” “flint and steel” or “I am Steve.”
Even Posties who hadn’t seen the movie knew the quotes.
“I haven’t seen it yet, but chicken jockey,” graphic designer August Wicker said.
“Chicken jockey,” Managing Editor Megan Judy echoed. “I haven’t seen it either.”
Personally, I was so drawn to the chicken jockey that I selected a chicken jockey cup topper for my collectible “A Minecraft Movie” cup. Even more bizarre, this topper landed me a semi-viral TikTok video.
I’m not sure if the other Posties picked up merchandise at their showings, but opinions on the film were certainly mixed.
“I think the Minecraft movie was one of the best movies I’ve ever seen in my entire life,” graphic designer Zach Oberdier said.
This was quickly met with a lot of laughter and disagreement.
Defending his position, Oberdier said: “It was like a prolonged Instagram reel.”
“That sounds like a nightmare,” Guest countered.
Solidifying his stance on the matter, Oberdier said that he enjoyed the way the actors— and the audience— did not take themselves too seriously.
To elaborate on Guest’s stance, the film came across as overwhelmingly corny and contained poorly written dialogue. Several jokes landed as bizarre or confusing.
“There were just weird moments and strange jokes that I was just like ‘What’s happening?’” Guest said.
Despite the criticism, the communal aspect of the movie stood out as a highlight.
“I loved the audience,” Guest said. “The best part about it was the community experience.”
Whether considered a masterpiece or a mess, “A Minecraft Movie” has undoubtedly made room for itself in the cultural dialogue.
