The recent release of the Minecraft Movie has sparked an unexpected wave of chaos in theaters, leading to police involvement and significant challenges for cinema staff. The film, featuring Jack Black as the character Steve, has ignited a viral trend where audiences erupt in excitement, particularly at the line “Chicken Jockey!” This exuberance has manifested in moviegoers throwing popcorn and drinks into the air, creating a raucous atmosphere that has prompted theaters to take action.
Disruptive Trends and Their Consequences
In response to the disruptive behavior, many theaters have taken to social media to remind patrons that such antics can lead to ejection from the venue, and in some cases, police intervention. The aftermath of these outbursts has left theater employees to contend with the mess, complicating their responsibilities between screenings and detracting from the experience for other viewers.
Videos circulating on social media vividly capture the disorderly scenes unfolding in theaters. One clip shared by The Independent depicts a crowded cinema where audience members are shouting, tossing popcorn, and generally refusing to settle down, ultimately resulting in law enforcement being called to restore order. Theater employees have voiced their frustrations online, with one stating, “By throwing water, popcorn, and all that onto people, y’all are making our jobs harder.” Another echoed this sentiment, urging patrons to refrain from obnoxious behavior, especially during peak viewing times.
The situation escalated dramatically at a theater in Warwick, Rhode Island, where a group of teenage boys engaged in disruptive antics during a screening. When two adults requested that they quiet down, the boys reacted violently, following the adults to their vehicles and stabbing them. Fortunately, the injuries sustained were non-life-threatening, and the assailants have since been apprehended. This alarming incident underscores the potential dangers that can arise from what began as a lighthearted trend.
Theaters have long discouraged disruptive behaviors, such as using mobile phones or talking during films, but the recent viral phenomenon surrounding the Minecraft Movie has intensified these warnings. Since its release two weeks ago, the film has not only entertained audiences but has also inadvertently stirred unrest, prompting theaters to issue formal statements and enforce stricter consequences for those who disrupt the viewing experience.
