‘A Minecraft Movie’ Stars and Director Unpack Its Songs and ‘Napoleon Dynamite’ References
variety.comKatcy Stephan “A Minecraft Movie” and “Napoleon Dynamite” don’t sound too similar on paper. After all, what could a blockbuster video game adaptation starring Jason Momoa have in common with a 2004 indie comedy?
As it turns out, quite a bit. With llamas, tater tots, and Idaho setting and a washed-up high school legend at its heart, “A Minecraft Movie” draws on much of director Jared Hess’ humor from his feature debut two decades ago.
Hess says the callbacks to the cult classic weren’t necessarily intentional – it’s just who he is, inspired by his own upbringing in Idaho. “It’s all very personal,” he tells Variety. “It was kind of a convergence of so many things.
Llamas are such funny, weird, characters in the game. My mom’s llama was in ‘Napoleon Dynamite!’” Jesse Ehrman, president of Warner Bros Pictures, told Variety last month that Hess’ unique point of view was what finally got the long-gestating film into theaters. “Think about somebody who can be funny for young people, but also sophisticated enough for an adult audience.
Read more on variety.com