In the new Apple TV+ show The Studio, the executives are spending time trying to figure out how to monetize the big Kool-Aid movie. It’s basically a farce about any kind of recognizable piece of intellectual property being able to make big money at the theater. People enjoy what’s familiar to them.

I couldn’t help but think about that arc while watching A Minecraft Movie, which is based on the popular game. I was in a packed theater, and when I went back later in the day to see something else, the theater was still packed. The brand brought the people out. The film will doubtless be a financial success. But is it any good?

While that might seem beside the point to some, it’s worth considering, especially given that this film will likely make money and earn a sequel.

In this new movie, we’re introduced to Steve (Jack Black), who as a boy wanted to be a miner but wasn’t allowed. As an adult, he returned to mining, finding an orb that unlocked the door to a secret world. There, he could build anything he wanted. So, he found a home. But, soon enough, he found another doorway to some place darker. It led him to send his faithful wolf, Denis, to hide the orb on Earth to keep his new home safe.

Flash forward to the small town in Idaho that was once Steve’s home. His stuff is packed in a storage, sold to Garrett (Jason Momoa). Garrett is down-on-his-luck, having once been a video game champion in the late 1980s. Now he’s a struggling business owner who is coasting on the glory of his former fame.

Garrett connects with a teen, Henry (Sebastian Hansen), who is a new resident and a bit of a loner. But he’s wildly creative. Together, Henry and Garrett activate the Orb and follow it to the doorway. They’re joined by Henry’s sister, Natalie (Emma Myers) and her real estate agent Dawn (Danielle Brooks). All four are transported to another world, where they join Steve in a fight to save its existence and get back home safely.

The plot here doesn’t totally matter. It’s an animated world that is meant to bring the audience into the world of the game and its quirks and inside references. I’m loosely familiar with Minecraft, but I’ve never played. Doubtless many of the references and jokes went over-my-head, and I’m sure that will be the case with a lot of adults and parents that get dragged along to a showing.

This is a decent enough cast, with Black and Momoa trying to provide some energy. I’d hoped for a Jumanji-like experience, but this isn’t as clever or as fun as that. In fact, as a film it’s fairly ridiculous. The look doesn’t work and much of the humor—such as it is—falls quite flat.

That last part is something of a shame. The film comes from Jared Hess, who’s given us Napoleon Dynamite and Nacho Libre, among others. He’s clearly trying to add some of that same quirk to this world, but it doesn’t land despite a decent cast that includes cameos like Jermaine Clement as well.

Overall, this is a brightly colored dud that will likely appeal to its target audience of game players and kids. In terms of being a compelling, original film, it’s a complete misfire and one of the worst of the year so far.

A Minecraft Movie is now playing nationwide.

Matthew Fox is a graduate of the Radio, Television and Film program at Biola University, and a giant nerd. He spends his free time watching movies, TV, and obsessing about football. He is a member of the FSWA. You can find him @knighthawk7734 on Twitter and as co-host of the Fantasy Football Roundtable Podcast.