A Minecraft Movie offers a myriad of references, especially for avid fans of the gaming franchise. However, as a viewer who isn’t well-versed in Minecraft, I found myself delighting in the nods to popular mid-2000s comedies instead. For those familiar with Minecraft, the film is packed with Easter eggs, showcasing iconic elements like the water bucket and chicken jockey, eliciting cheers from the knowledgeable audience. Yet, for novices like me, these references may seem fleeting and elusive.
Exploring Napoleon Dynamite References in A Minecraft Movie
Jared Hess’s Directorial Roots
Jared Hess, well-known for his cult classic Napoleon Dynamite, made his feature film debut in 2004, and now over two decades later, his influence lingers in A Minecraft Movie. The nostalgic value of Napoleon Dynamite resonates with many, including myself, who cherished it during our formative years. It’s easy to pinpoint the significant allusions to tater tots, a beloved snack of Napoleon that also plays a vital role in the relationship between Henry and Natalie in the Minecraft film.
While the reference to tater tots is the most overt, A Minecraft Movie contains additional callbacks to Hess’s earlier work. For instance, Dawn’s pet llama not only aligns with Minecraft’s world but also nods to Napoleon Dynamite’s own memorable llama, Tina. Moreover, one can’t overlook the dance sequence in Malgosha’s backstory, reminiscent of the infamous school dance from Napoleon Dynamite. The film’s conclusion, featuring Natalie opening a self-defense dojo, further evokes memories of Napoleon’s encounters at Rex Kwon Do.
Nacho Libre References in A Minecraft Movie
Jack Black Revisits Wrestling
In addition to the nods to Napoleon Dynamite, A Minecraft Movie also pays tribute to Jared Hess’s earlier collaboration with Jack Black in Nacho Libre. The memorable chicken jockey scene sees Garrett and Steve entering a wrestling match against a chicken and its zombie companion. Despite Steve being incapacitated for much of the encounter, Jack Black’s character briefly returns to the fray, reviving the wrestling antics from Nacho Libre.
This clever touch allows Jack Black to reconnect with his wrestling origins, even though he’s not masked as Nacho or executing his iconic moves. This choice to place him in a wrestling context clearly serves as a subtle homage to Hess’s breakout films, cleverly blending nostalgia with the film’s adventurous spirit as it journeys into the Overworld.