Teen Food Flinging Disrupts Movie Experience
In a curious twist of cinema culture, the recent release of “A Minecraft Movie” has sparked a viral trend among teenagers, particularly boys, who have taken to throwing food during screenings. This phenomenon began innocently enough with popcorn, coinciding with a memorable line delivered by actor Jack Black: “Chicken jockey!” However, as the film gained popularity, so too did the chaos.
Brandt Gully, the owner of The Springs Cinema & Taphouse in Sandy Springs, expressed his dismay at the evolving situation. “It has just evolved into being an absolute mess,” he remarked, noting that the initial popcorn toss has escalated to include Icees, water bottles, and even more hazardous items like glass bottles and salsa. The aftermath has left employees grappling with the cleanup, which Gully insists is far beyond their expected duties.
Ford Kitchin, one of the cinema’s dedicated employees, shared his candid thoughts on the matter. “It’s a bit dreadful, if I’m being honest,” he said, highlighting the challenges posed by the unexpected disruptions. With showings typically scheduled with only a 20- to 30-minute intermission, the cinema has faced delays, issued refunds, and even involved law enforcement to manage the unruly behavior.
“If you’re not a 12, 14-year-old boy, you don’t find throwing food all over each other to be particularly funny,” Gully added, emphasizing the disconnect between the youthful revelry and the expectations of a typical movie-going experience. In response to the escalating antics, the cinema has implemented measures to ensure a quicker response to any disturbances, including having staff members present during screenings of “A Minecraft Movie.”
As Kitchin succinctly put it, “Yeah, we get paid to clean theaters, not clean messes and babysit people while they’re inside watching a movie.” The situation continues to unfold, leaving both employees and patrons navigating the fine line between youthful exuberance and the sanctity of the cinematic experience.
