The excitement surrounding the highly anticipated Minecraft movie has quickly turned into chaos, as cinemas across the UK grapple with unruly audience behavior.
What was supposed to be a blockbuster adaptation of the popular video game has turned into an interactive cinema experience that many cinema-goers are finding less than enjoyable.
The Viral Trend Disrupts Movie Screenings
The film, which stars Jason Momoa and Jack Black, has become the center of a viral TikTok trend that has led to some unexpected consequences.
Fans, particularly younger viewers, are showing up at screenings and engaging in disruptive behaviors such as screaming, cheering, and clapping during key moments of the film.
In extreme cases, the excitement has escalated to fights, and in the US, the police have even had to intervene.
This behavior, which initially began as a viral sensation on TikTok, has quickly made its way to cinema screens, creating significant disruption during screenings.
Cinemas have responded by issuing stern warnings, introducing behavior guidelines, and in some cases, banning certain groups from attending late screenings.
Cinemas Crack Down on Disruptive Behavior
To address the chaos, cinemas in the UK have put measures in place to manage the situation.
Cineworld in Witney, Oxfordshire, has implemented a strict policy against any disruptive behavior, with clear consequences: anyone found disturbing other viewers will be removed without a refund.
Additionally, some cinemas, such as The Electric Palace Picture House in Staffordshire, have placed restrictions on minors attending late screenings without an accompanying adult to curb the disruptions.
Other venues, like A Reel cinema in Hampshire, have warned that the police may be called if the behavior continues, and that fans who partake in the TikTok trends could face removal from the cinema.
Despite these crackdowns, there are still dedicated “chicken jockey” screenings where fans can express their excitement in a less controlled environment.
The “Chicken Jockey” Scene Sparks Chaos
The root cause of the disruption is a specific scene in the Minecraft movie featuring Jason Momoa’s character, Garret “The Garbage Man” Garrison, facing off against a baby zombie riding a chicken.
The moment, which features Jack Black’s character yelling “Chicken jockey!” has triggered wild reactions from fans, turning the film’s screenings into chaotic events.
The scene has become a viral moment, with people recreating the chaos online and fueling the disruptive behavior in cinemas.
Mixed Reactions from Audiences and Cinemas
While some fans thoroughly enjoy the excitement and participation, others are less thrilled by the unruly behavior.
One mother, reflecting on her experience in southwest London, criticized the behavior of teenagers in the cinema, expressing her frustration at the lack of consideration for others.
Meanwhile, Roger Clark, an Irish-American actor, compared the chaotic screenings to The Rocky Horror Picture Show, though with the added element of modern-day teenagers and social media.
Despite the pandemonium, the film has been a financial success, raking in $301 million globally, with a record-breaking $157 million in the US.
However, the success has come with its fair share of headaches for cinema staff, who have had to clean up after the chaotic screenings and deal with aggressive behavior from some attendees.
The Mixed Blessing of a Big Hit
While the Minecraft movie has certainly made waves at the box office, it has also introduced a new form of interactive cinema, one that many may not have expected.
As cinemas continue to deal with the fallout from the disruptive behavior, the question remains: will the trend of interactive movie screenings continue, or will audiences find a more respectful way to engage with the next big release?
Though not everyone appreciates the new trend, the Minecraft movie’s unexpected success at the box office suggests that it may have sparked the beginning of a new era in cinema viewing—one that blends social media trends with the big screen.
Whether or not it’s a welcome change remains to be seen.