For all of the world’s sceptics who wonder why Minecraft has been made into a movie, all you have to do is look at the numbers for your answer.

This procedurally generated, three-dimensional world has become the best-selling video game ever. A big statement that all game developers wish could be said of their game, but with over 300 million copies sold to back up their claim that Minecraft rules the gaming world.

To make a film about this virtual infinite terrain existence makes sense when you look into the numbers. Still, the creative practicalities may prove to be more of a challenge. In the hands of Napoleon Dynamite director, Jared Hess, there may be something worth discovering by fans and those who have never ventured into this cubical realm.

Originally discovered by expert crafter and miner, Steve (Jack Black), this world of building voxels (blocks) becomes a dream world for the man searching for his identity outside the real world. When his dream world comes under threat by Malgosha (Rachel House) and her minions, he sends his trusty wolf, Dennis, off to hide the power that will keep his nemesis from taking over his world. Unwittingly, Steve has put in motion the actions that will bring together Garrett ‘The Garbage Man’ Garrison (Jason Momoa), Henry (Sebastian Hansen), Natalie (Emma Myers) and Dawn (Danielle Brooks), who must help to protect Steve’s world and their own from disaster.

It Helps If You Understand the Game

Three elements of this film become apparent within moments of Jack Black coming on screen that will determine if people will desire to see the unfolding of this story. First, viewers must know the game to engage with what unfolds within this convoluted storyline. As llamas, pigs, sheep, zombies and villagers walk through the fields, only those connected with the gaming platform can appreciate the humour or building blocks of the screenplay. The second prominent aspect that all must be ready to accept is that the Kung Fu Panda actor will take over the next 100 minutes of your life. Granted, Jason Momoa does his best to command the attention of all involved. Still, the reality is that this is Jack Black’s film, and his pint-sized, bearded personality will be the focus of all that is familiar with his talents.

As the building blocks of this review are stacked up, the third piece of this puzzle may not be as apparent. Yet, it is likely the most essential ingredient for audiences to accept and truly embrace this bizarre journey into a square reality beyond their own. This is the Jared Hess factor. For fans of Napoleon Dynamite and Nacho Libre, the quirky and unique comedy styles that include tater tots (potato gems) and a fascination with 80’s fashion will make this palatable. Those souls willing to embrace this cinematic trifecta should ready themselves for a whimsical journey into this fantasy geometric world. Still, suppose any of these components fail to square with your movie-going preferences. In that case, A Minecraft Movie may not be the welcomed entertainment portal you seek to enter. On the other hand, these might be the very building blocks to pleasure you seek, making this Jack Black film your dream movie.

REEL DIALOGUE: Should we build into our dreams?

A Minecraft Movie may have limited appeal to the devoted fans of the game. Yet, this story builds on the idea of how our dreams shape our lives. As audiences see someone overcoming odds, digging into their imaginations, and achieving their dreams, it does have a profound effect on the spirit of individuals. Even though most of us may never have wanted to play Minecraft, this should not dissuade people from pursuing their dreams.

From a Christian position, goals and dreams are not merely for the individual. The actual source for these pursuits finds its roots in God and his purposes for life. In scriptures like Psalm 139, we are fearfully and wonderfully made by God, which moves our lives from ordinary to extraordinary—not because of who we are but because of God, the author and director of our lives.

A question that may arise from this film may be about your dreams and pursuits, but how do we discern their origin? The best place to start building the answer is to ask these questions of God through prayer and engaging with the Bible.

If you would like to discuss topics from this film and the Bible. Reach out to us at Third Space. We would love to chat about this and more.

Article supplied with thanks to City Bible Forum.

All images: Movie publicity

About the author: Russ Matthews is a film critic at City Bible Forum and Reel Dialogue. He has a passion for film and sparking spiritual conversations.

In opening up the discussion on the cultural phenomenon of Dog Man, you should take a step back and familiarise yourself with Captain Underpants.

Children’s comic book author Dav Pilkey has been working on projects over the years that have captured children’s imaginations of multiple generations and impacted parents’ budgets worldwide. Along with many of his other titles, the Captain Underpants series was a huge hit, but the spin-off of Dog Man took Pilkey’s fame to new crime-fighting heights.

Thankfully, I entered the theatre for the screening of Dog Man with my grandson, a resident expert on the subject. As we travelled to the event, George explained all of the nuances of this crime-fighting man with a dog’s head grafted on after a near-death experience when trying to apprehend the villainous orange cat named Petey (Pete Davidson). Yes, it is a bizarre concept, but understand that the comics are written from the perspective of George and Harold, nine-year-old boys who develop this world.

A city where Dog Man (Peter Hastings) fights crime alongside Chief (Lil Rel Howery) and must do all he can to keep Petey and his family from taking over the city with the help of numerous robots and telekinetic Flippy the Fish (Ricky Gervais). In this world, value is placed on tennis balls, ridding the world of squirrels and seeing the potential good in everyone, especially the villain’s clone, Li’l Petey (Lucas Hopkins Calderon).

Get a kid to explain it to you

For all those reading this and find yourself struggling to follow the logic or any of the storylines, the key to enjoying this film and unpacking its appeal is to find a pre-teen boy to go along with you, have him explain every element of the tale and all will be made clear. Dreamworks has tapped into an imaginative reality created by Dav Pilkey and director Peter Hastings that goes beyond comprehension. Yet, they unapologetically acknowledge their audience and give them everything, I mean everything. These young boys want in a crime-fighting hero.

There is no need for reason to apply to this film and timelines don’t need to make sense in this world, which moves along with logic that only makes sense in the minds of those who adore this book series and its unlikely canine protagonist. Like a new roller coaster at the local theme park, if you allow yourself to get on the ride and let it take you where it wants to, this could be a thrilling afternoon of family entertainment.

Despite being confused and wondering what had just happened as the closing credits rolled, I turned to my grandson. He looked at me with an enthusiastic look, shook his head with satisfaction and said, “Now, wasn’t that a good movie, grandpa?” All I could say was, “Yeah, through your eyes, today that was a good movie, George.” Dog Man is one of those films that is comfortable in its own skin and delivers precisely what it is meant to provide. It is a film about dogs, cats, tennis balls, robots, telekinetic fish, and laughs for all the children who have loved these books over the years. This review can be wrapped up in that one-sentence review from my grandson, and all I could do was agree and enjoy the conversation on the train ride home.

What do parents need to know about Dog Man?

The best advice for anyone taking their child to this film is to read one or more of the Dog Man books. Better yet, let your son or grandson read it to you. It will make no sense because the story comes from the nonsensical minds of pre-teenage boys. Still, when you hear their enthusiasm and excitement about the storyline, it is no wonder this film will have so much laughter during your screening. If there are any warnings for children, this isn’t really for little children. From experience, all those under the age of five will struggle to keep up with this film. Otherwise, this is the film for you this season for all those with tweens in the house.

Some conversation suggestions for your own Dog Man fan…

Surprisingly, there are some meaningful and worthwhile discussion points for parents to ask of the kids on the car ride home after the film.

• Why is Lil’ Petey able to be liked by everyone? (Innocent love for others). John 13:34b – Just as I have loved you, you also are to love one another.
• What’s important about family and forgiving one another? (Family members make mistakes, but forgiveness helps to love one another) Ephesians 4:32 – Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ forgave you.

Article supplied with thanks to City Bible Forum.

All images: Movie publicity

About the author: Russ Matthews is a film critic at City Bible Forum and Reel Dialogue. He has a passion for film and sparking spiritual conversations.

Since the release of The Godfather, the Mafia has become a mainstay in Hollywood productions.

Two figures that loomed large in this criminal underworld were Vito Genovese and Frank Costello, who were childhood friends who grew up to be leaders in this worldwide organisation. Their story and eventual personal war became legendary and have interested studios since the 1970s. Yet, not until Goodfellas/Casino screenwriter Nicholas Pileggi and Academy Award-winning director Barry Levinson (Rain Man) were given the project did this compelling story get the green light.

Robert DeNiro (The Irishman, Killers of the Flower Moon) takes on both roles of crime bosses, Vito Genovese and Frank Costello. A twisted tale that begins at the catalyst that led to these long standing friends being on opposite sides of the underworld that spanned decades. When Vito attempts and fails to have Frank assassinated, the wheels are put into motion for the eventual changes needed in leadership. Yet, Levinson has Frank narrate this docudrama that incorporates actual historical footage as it jumps from the past to the events after the unsuccessful hit on his life. The story captures the polarising methods both men incorporated to further their work in all areas of crime.

Pileggi, Levinson and DeNiro are legends and have conquered much within the industry and continue to make waves in their senior years. The monumental task of taking both lead characters was convincing as the award-winning actor took on both roles in convincing form. Though the aging process and make-up work had some challenges keeping up throughout the production, DeNiro sat in both characters effectively. Kathrine Narducci, Michael Rispoli, and Cosmo Jarvis were convincing in their support for the story and complemented the overall production. Yet, the weakest inclusion was Debra Messing, who never felt like she sat comfortably in the mob boss’ wife role. This issue could be attributed to the significant age difference in the actors.

Meticulous Detail in a Non-Linear Narrative

What stands out as a juxtaposition of this storyline falls squarely in the words and direction of Barry Levinson’s direction and Nicholas Pileggi’s screenplay. This pairing makes for a carefully formulated management of the years of friendly animosity between the two crime figures. Meticulous detail is conveyed in narrative form and methodically woven through the years in a non-linear fashion that can lead to confusion or potential lethargy amongst the multiple discourses from both characters. Despite being actual events in the history of the mob, the action comes in small doses as the war of words ensues between these historical figures.

The Alto Knights will appeal to those fascinated with the world of crime throughout American history and Robert DeNiro proves he still has the ability to take on double duty in any production. Yet, this docudrama suffers from a lethargic tone that would have benefited from more action and less talk.

REEL DIALOGUE: Is loyalty a blessing or a curse?

Loyalty is both fascinating and confusing. It is defined as being faithful to something or someone. Vito Genovese and Frank Costello’s friendship spanned the years and proved valuable but eventually became a curse. These two men defined how the mob world could be managed differently and how these paths struggle to complement one another. Their relationship begs the question, why do we choose to be loyal or faithful to anyone? It seems rooted in wanting to place implicit trust in the person we put our faith in and knowing that this loyalty will be reciprocated.

The Bible attaches a deeper meaning to the idea of loyalty. God is the only one entirely faithful. He is faithful even when his followers are faithless. The thing to consider is that loyalty can be fleeting with mankind, but with God, we can find real loyalty and someone true to their word.

‘Peter said to him, “Even if I must die with you, I will not deny you!” And all the disciples said the same.’ Matthew 26:35

For students of the Bible, they will appreciate the irony of using this passage as an example of loyalty. A historical statement in the life of Peter that would show that the only person genuinely loyal in this life is Jesus.

Article supplied with thanks to City Bible Forum.

All images: Movie publicity

About the author: Russ Matthews is a film critic at City Bible Forum and Reel Dialogue. He has a passion for film and sparking spiritual conversations.