Rediscovering the Cinema Experience
When was the last time you ventured to the cinema solo? Not for a date night or as a reprieve from the chaos of family life, but simply for your own enjoyment? For many parents, especially those with children under 12, the answer may stretch back over a decade. The last solitary cinematic experience for me was watching There Will Be Blood, a time when I reveled in the cultural richness of the film. Little did I know that soon I would be navigating the world of animated films and their catchy soundtracks.
In today’s Ireland, family trips to the cinema often stem from necessity rather than a quest for cinematic magic. Rainy days and fully booked indoor trampoline parks drive us to seek refuge in darkened theaters. The preparation resembles that of a well-planned hike: wipes, coins, spare clothes, and an assortment of snacks fill our bags, ensuring we’re ready for any eventuality. The foyer transforms into a battleground of sugary negotiations, with each child vying for their preferred treat. It’s not uncommon to find yourself spending €57 before even settling into your seat.
Once inside, the ritual begins. The familiar chants of “When does it start?” and the parade of “I need a wee” echo through the aisles, each child taking their turn in this bladder-based relay. Disagreements over seating arrangements and regrets about oversized drinks add to the cacophony. The film itself often feels as loud as a jet engine, designed to captivate the youngest audiences. Yet, amidst the chaos, there are moments that elevate the experience beyond mere survival.
For me, that moment arrived during A Minecraft Movie. It wasn’t the plot or the graphics that struck a chord, but rather the palpable energy in the room. A group of boys, aged around 12 to 14, erupted into applause, cheers, and spontaneous quotes, not out of a desire for attention, but from a genuine love for what they were witnessing. Their enthusiasm was infectious, and I found myself nearly moved to tears.
Minecraft, a cultural phenomenon that often leaves adults feeling out of touch, serves as a second home for many children. Its blocky landscapes and whimsical characters create a realm where they can explore without adult constraints. In that cinema, the boys clapping along were not merely indulging in nostalgia; they were reconnecting with a world where creativity reigns supreme, a stark contrast to the structured expectations of school and daily life.
The cinema was equally filled with girls, equally engaged, sharing laughter over subtle references and nudging each other during inside jokes. The atmosphere was one of shared joy, a rarity in public spaces, especially among children. While I may not grasp the intricacies of crafting a diamond pickaxe or fending off a Creeper, I recognize that the film and its universe impart valuable lessons about collaboration, creativity, and kindness.
Here are five insights gleaned from the Minecraft Movie experience:
- Children don’t need coaxing — they need a code. They were dressed, fed, and ready to go before I even had my socks on. Mention Minecraft, and they spring into action, like sleeper agents activated.
- Minecraft is their mythology. It holds significant meaning for them.
- What I witnessed was genuine, shared joy. Children reveling in something together, free from self-consciousness, a rarity for boys who are often discouraged from openly expressing happiness in public.
- The film wasn’t made for me — and that’s perfectly fine. I didn’t grasp every detail, but this allowed me to enjoy their enjoyment. Much like a designated driver at a wedding, my pleasure came from watching the joy unfold.
- It’s not merely screen time — it’s shared time. While we often fret about screen usage, this was not mindless scrolling. Minecraft serves as a doorway into their world, and sometimes, you must step through it alongside them.
While I still may not fully understand the nuances of Minecraft or the significance of a Wither, I do know this: sitting beside my children as they cheered for a pixelated hero brought their world to life in a meaningful way. And perhaps, if fortune smiles upon you, one of them will lean over midway through the film and whisper, “Dad… this bit’s good.” In that moment, you’ll feel like the coolest person in the cinema, even if you find popcorn remnants in your shoe.
