If in Doubt, Minecraft it Out

The A Minecraft movie appears to have been rather divisive, especially if you’re an adult. It would seem you either leave the cinema having laughed many, many times over and unquestionably loving it, or you leave as bewildered as one of Steve’s chickens about to meet with its lava destiny.

Personally, I whole heartedly fall into the former camp, and here’s why; Firstly, I was brought up on the surreal humour of Monty Python, Airplane!, and Anchorman. For me this film completely ticked my boxes for a good comedy. That being said, I also find Christmas cracker jokes hilarious so I understand that my humour taste is questionable! Then there’s the songs. Tenacious D may have appeared on my playlists in my mildly misspent youth, so it is little wonder that I enjoyed these immensely too!

Why I’m disappointed in the A Minecraft Movie

If you’ve read my blog posts before, then you will know I don’t often write reviews, and I certainly have never written one about a movie. And that still stands because this isn’t a review. Sort of. As I mentioned at the beginning, the film has been divisive, and although I loved it (and will be buying it when it comes out) there was something I didn’t like about it.

It’s not the lack of a quality plot of that’s got me irked, nor is it the lack of decent character arcs. It isn’t the lack of a singular story line, and of course it isn’t the script writing because (as I have mentioned) I found it all hilarious.

The biggest thing that disappointed me about the A Minecraft Movie was its puddle deep attempt at exploring how creativity is so often stifled in us thanks to society. For someone who talks about the importance of creativity in our lives, I was really looking forward to watching this film for this promised message. I wanted to be all “Hey, watch this clip because it will make you realise how we should embrace our creativity and not let others make us feel like it’s not important.’ But I could not without needing to develop it more.

Creativity as the main Minecraft character

I am not saying these things didn’t happen, it’s more that they could have made creativity a main character. For example, no one is mocking Henry for being creative, nor is anyone really telling him to stop. He’s not spent years hiding away his gift, nor had any one repeatedly telling him he’s rubbish. He is not living in a world where people can’t chase their dreams either. In fact they’re simply at a strange fork in the road of life.

It is Natalie, Henry’s sister who gives us the closest to someone who doesn’t take creativity seriously, however she’s going through trauma. In fact, both Henry and Natalie are in survival mode, and when you’re in that mode you either shut creativity out or let it in. 

There are  ‘bullies’ at school, but I wouldn’t say they’re mocking Henry for being creative. To me if felt more like they were hazing him as the new kid. As an outsider Henry is naturally different to them and that causes kids to react.

I think it’s because of the chaos of the film, and multiple story plots, that there wasn’t as much time to give to creativity within A Minecraft Movie, as I believe there should have been. It was a great and valid point, truly linked to the heart of what the game of Minecraft is all about, missed.

Are you a Natalie or a Henry?

They are gentle, and they’re easy to miss, however there are character arcs within the film connected to the well meaning theme of creativity.

Natalie’s Creative Arc

Natalie’s creative arc shows her learning how to let creativity in and how it can be helpful when in survival mode. In deep mourning for her mother, Natalie has found herself as the head of the family. Needing to get a secure job that can provide for her and Henry, it isn’t her dream, but that doesn’t matter. Henry’s passion for inventions threatens the security she’s trying to build, and creates a world that’s more dangerous than she would like. After so much loss, is it little wonder that she wishes to protect Henry?

When you’ve just got to make it from one day to another, creativity doesn’t feel like a rescue, it’s more like an extra chore. As the film continues, Natalie begins to realise how creativity is her brother’s superpower. Yes, it can occasionally put him in harms way, however his unique way of viewing the world creates helpful inventions. By the end of the film we see that she embraces who Henry is, and welcomes creativity into their lives.

Henry’s Creative Arc

Henry’s creative arc is different. He turns to creativity to help him through his survival mode, it’s how he needs to thrive. After one single mistake with an invention he begins to question his very creative existence, and for 10 brief (if that) whole seconds, he wants to shun all the creativity he has within him. His forcible thrust into the Minecraft world makes him instantly forget all of that and continues the rest of the film developing and nurturing his skills. You can see why I feel the creative topic is only puddle deep within the movie!

So…are you a Natalie or a Henry? I know I have often pendulummed between the two. The Natalie in me was there at the beginning of this year, but it was the inner Henry who rescued me. You can read all about it here actually.

My Creative Lessons from A Minecraft Movie

Remember, this is ultimately a great movie, so I thought I’d grab hold of the small creative lessons we can learn from the A Minecraft Movie.

Lesson One – First We Mine, Then We Craft

Whether it’s bedrock or felt tips, gather your supplies. If you love organising then get your label maker out, if you love cooking then discover new recipes to try. It’s very simple, but you cannot craft without your supplies. It’s simple, but then so is this movie. We move on…

Lesson Two – In The Overworld, Anything You Can Dream About, You Can Create

Arnold Schwarzenegger, the former body builder and actor has a famous quote not too dissimilar to this; “If you can picture it, you can achieve it.” It is a form of manifestation, but one that requires you to be like Henry, and follow your vision without letting any perceived constraints of the world stop you. The wonderful thing about creativity is that it knows no bounds. If you want to play a particular tune, or have a tidy shed, then dream about it, visualise it and then create it. It’s simple, but then so is this movie! 

Lesson Three – You Ever Wonder What Happens When You Mix Hot Lava And Chicken?

Curiosity didn’t kill the cat, it actually thrived and discovered it was the flipping king of the urban jungle. The lack of curiosity is often what kills creativity. When we stop using phrases such as ‘I wonder…’ we stop nurturing a special side of our brains. So let’s get exploring, questioning and experimenting. It’s simple, but then…well you get the idea by now.

Lesson Four – Fear Is Just Weakness — Hijacking Your Body’s Cockpit

For our fourth and final lesson we tackle those things that stop us from thriving. Fear, imposter syndrome, past negative comments from others, what ever hijacks your cockpit it’s time to claim it back in the name of creativity. Steve craved the mines when he was young, what did you crave? Can you bring that childish sense of joy and desire take control instead? It’s simple…yes?

Final Thoughts on A Minecraft Movie

If you’ve made it to the bottom of this blog post, well done! As a reward you get to read my final thoughts on the movie. Yes, I wish they would have gone deeper with the creative theme, however I found the movie very funny, and appreciated the nods to those who have helped the Minecraft game grow over the years, such as the brief appearance of YouTuber DanTDM and reference to Technoblade. One of the things I really loved was the way it merged real life props and costumes with CGI to create a visually stunning world. This isn’t a review, but I would give it an 8 out of 10, would watch again.

Now, what are you waiting for? Go on a creative journey and think of me…Dennis!