BY AMBER HARGADON AND HAYLEE WINEBERNER
The Minecraft Movie, released in theaters April 4, was heavily anticipated by fans around the world of all ages. The nostalgic movie created insane reactions across many theaters and other entertainment establishments, spiking controversy among fans.
The movie is directed by Jared Hess, who also directed classic films such as “Napoleon Dynamite” and “Nacho Libre.” Hess’s directing style shows in each of his movies, especially the “Minecraft Movie.” Hess is known for these absurd and hilarious stories.
The movie featured many well-known actors, including Jason Momoa, who played Garrett “The Garbage Man”, Sebastian Hanson, who played Henry, and Emma Myers, who played Henry’s older sister, Natalie. Many fans’ favorite celebrity was Jack Black, who played Steve, an iconic character from the Minecraft video game.
There were also a few YouTube stars who made an appearance in the movie: DanTDM (Daniel Robert Middleton), Aphmau (Jessica Bravura), Mumbo Jumbo (Oli Brotherhood) and LDShadowLady (Elizabeth “Lizzie”).
Many fans were ecstatic to hear that these famous YouTubers made a cameo, especially due to their impact on Minecraft’s early years, along with them being a large part of their childhood.
Fans that have imagined a Minecraft movie in their early adolescence mostly expected an animated film, so fans expressed disappointment when it didn’t live up to their expectations. On social media, it was compared to the famous film “Jumanji”, but a more child-friendly version.
However, as more trailers were released, fans became more excited. Memes were also created on social media that stemmed off quotes that Jack Black would state as his character, such as naming items and things significant to the video game.
When the movie was released in theaters, social media algorithms filled people’s “for you” page’s with people filming their experience watching the movie. It quickly became a trend for people to loudly quote lines that were stated in some of the teaser trailers, some of the most famous quotes being “I am Steve” and “Chicken jockey.”
At first, this was a harmless joke but eventually escalated as days went on. Fans began to throw food in the air, creating a mess in theaters that led theater staff to have to take action. Before showings, they would have to announce to watchers that throwing food is strictly prohibited while still encouraging fans to enjoy themselves.
These reactions were compared to many other movies of the past, for example, the “Minions” Movie. Fans of this movie would buy out theaters and wear fancy suits. Many younger kids and parents found the teenagers disturbing. However, nothing compares to the disparity of the reactions of “The Minecraft Movie.”
Overall, despite “The Minecraft Movie” bringing people together with nostalgia and a share of liking the same video game, it’s still important to be mindful of the people and also in the theatre.
