Minecraft has been a part of millions of children’s lives since 2009, when the game was released to the public for the first time. Exploring the endless possibilities of a sandbox, it has evolved from just a game to a playground of imagination for millions of players worldwide. The game is known for encompassing a vast player base, with users indulging in building, survival, player-versus-player combat, and so much more.

This childhood staple returned in another form this April when A Minecraft Movie was released after being in the works for several years. Rather than an in-game movie adaptation, Warner Bros turned it into a live-action version instead. Bringing to life our imaginations as children, this movie consists of many aspects seen in the game.

The story goes like this: Four misfits get a little too curious on a regular day and come across a portal to a new dimension— the Overworld. Without thinking about the consequences, these four people enter the portal to a new cubic world without any limits. There is just one problem. There are countless conflicts in this new blocky world, and their only chance of leaving is to complete an otherworldly quest with the help of a new player named Steve. With Steve’s experience and the misfits’ curiosity, the group of five traverses through this mystical world, facing conflicts and hoping to go back to their normal lives.

Though A Minecraft Movie was a hit for the younger audience it was marketed towards, many older players felt that the movie was too childish for their liking. This led to many internet jokes and memes, usually revolving around references that the character “Steve” makes to the game’s attributes. One such meme was the “Chicken Jockey Meme,” in which many creators on the internet aimed to poke fun at Steve’s mentioning of the chicken jockey mob during a tense movie scene. This meme grew so popular that many theaters worldwide have experienced accounts of massive craze when said scene was playing.

Despite having a completely new story arc, the film still weaves in references to the classic Minecraft mechanics— from crafting tables and redstone traps to the mobs such as Creepers and Endermen. Players who have been enjoying the game since its first release appreciate the subtle nods, while newcomers are introduced to the chaos of Minecraft’s Overworld. The live-action movie also keeps the game’s signature aesthetic through the rendered blocky terrain.

The movie’s connection to the game isn’t just visual. The themes of teamwork, creativity, and discovery are also portrayed in the movie, much like the game itself. Each character brings a unique skill to the table and works together to return home.

In the end, A Minecraft Movie offers a humorous adventure that revives the sense of adventure that first drew players into the blocky world.