What to watch with your kids: ‘A Minecraft Movie,' ‘Robogobo' and more

Washington Post

04-04-2025

Fun adventure has fights, action and some rude language.
Based on the popular sandbox game, this live-action adventure unfolds in both the real world and the game universe, focusing on four misfits (played by Jason Momoa, Emma Myers, Danielle Brooks and Sebastian Hansen) who learn to work together when they're pulled into a mysterious portal. Jack Black also stars as Steve — a character fans of the game will recognize. Expect action violence (including sword fights, explosions and villain deaths) and physical comedy, as well as some bullying. Language is largely words like 'stupid,' 'idiot,' 'loser,' 'sucks' and 'butt.' There's not much romance beyond one funny subplot. With themes of teamwork, courage, curiosity and perseverance, the movie should appeal to the game's many tween and teen fans. (101 minutes)
Available in theaters.
Streaming
Animated series thrives on empathy and diversity.
Similar to 'Paw Patrol' and 'SuperKitties,' this rescue-team show features a group of animals — a dog, cat, rabbit, turtle and bird — 'powering up' to save the day. The series focuses on themes of teamwork and compassion while emphasizing positive messages and social-emotional learning. The animals face villains from a range of species, including chameleons and hamsters. This sets the scene for dealing with different behaviors and needs, which makes the show unique despite its familiar formula. Our protagonist Dax (voiced by Ja'Siah Young) is a great role model: He's a natural leader who guides the group to work together. The baddies are easy to beat, and while there's some confrontation (like pushing and throwing), no one gets hurt. (18 episodes)
Available on Disney+.
A wild, ultraviolent quartet of 1980s Oakland crime stories.
Set in 1987 Oakland, this anthology dramedy tells four crime stories. The extremely gory violence includes lots of deaths and blood; expect stabbing, slicing, impaling and severing, as well as a body cavity being ripped open, someone exploding into bits and a character being lit on fire. Oral sex is suggested, and the movie includes sexual gestures and sex-related dialogue. Constant profane language includes 'f---,' 'motherf----r,' 's---,' 'a--hole,' 'goddamn,' 'Jesus Christ,' 'b----' and the n-word, plus other slurs. Minor characters smoke something (possibly crack) in a glass pipe, and people are shown snorting cocaine, smoking cigarettes and drinking. Steeped in nostalgia, it's over the top but a lot of fun — especially for viewers who can relate to the time and place. Pedro Pascal headlines the cast. (107 minutes)
Available in theaters.
Streaming
Some violence in engaging detective series.
This crime drama follows a puzzle maker (David Mitchell) who impersonates his missing twin brother to infiltrate the Cambridge, England, police force. This quirky, diversely cast series has mostly positive role models who demonstrate teamwork and perseverance. There is some violence: A character lies dead with blood soaking his shirt and a screw piercing his chest, and another character is shown hanging (with only his shoes visible). A teen boy alludes to bullying when discussing being deliberately pushed over. (Six episodes)
Available on BritBox.
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