Videos of fans going absolutely wild during screenings of A Minecraft Movie have gone viral worldwide this week after its recent release, sparking debates over cinema etiquette.
A Minecraft Movie premiered last Monday in London, U.K., with a storyline based on the 2011 Mojang Studios videogame Minecraft.
The movie stars well-known actors like Jack Black and Jason Momoa and follows four outsiders that are transported into the Minecraft world and go on an adventure to try to rescue that universe with the help of its only human resident Steve.
Trailers and snippets of the movie had been popularized across different social media platforms long before it was released last week.
Some viral moments of the trailer that gained lots of attention online included when Black’s character Steve first introduced himself to the others by saying “I am Steve,” and another scene when he said the phrase “chicken jockey,” while watching Momoa’s character fight with a baby zombie who was riding a chicken.
Moments like those drove millions of online fans to the theatres once the movie came out, leading to a very successful attendance rate and over $150 million in revenue across Canadian and American theatres and leading to discussions online.
One of the most viral videos shared about the movie shows fans shouting out lines, getting up on their seats and even throwing popcorn and drinks in reaction to the “top ten” most expected moments of the movie at an American theatre.
Canadian theatregoers have also shared their experiences watching A Minecraft Movie.
“I went yesterday and it was 3x louder in Alberta,” a TikTok user said.
“Yep, Landmark Ottawa Went crazy🥰,” a different user wrote.
“A LOT worst [in Canada] man people were jumping and going on the scene some got kicked out,” another user added.
@fromtheritztotheryley we are minecraft. @camryn #edmonton #cineplex #minecraft #chickenjockey #minecraftmovie #cineplex #fyp ♬ original sound – ryley
In a statement to Now Toronto, Cineplex’s Vice-President of Communications Michelle Saba said that the cinemas are open to receive Minecraft fans and that any disruptions will be resolved at the moment.
“With major blockbuster releases, at times movie excitement can turn into disruptive behaviour, which our team does their best to resolve in the moment.”
“As always, we want to ensure moviegoing is fun for everyone and ask our guests to abide by our code of conduct which is posted on our website and in our venues,” she added.
Violations of the Cineplex code of conduct include behaving in “unruly, disruptive or harmful” ways, failing to follow staff’s instructions, and recording the screening or audience members without permission.
Social media users have also been sharing clips of movie theatres covered in popcorn after the screening, cinema staff urging people to not behave inappropriately and even the police being called to remove disruptors from the theatres.
While some spectators seem to have fun with the interactive theatre experience, others have also been saying that they didn’t appreciate the screaming or popcorn-throwing.
“SUPER annoying for kids still learning the game and wanting to enjoy the movie,” a user said on TikTok.
“I went and watched yhis yesterday and thats all the movie was, people screaming words he said it just ruined everything,” another user commented.
“Bruh I do not want to watch it in the theater if this is how it’s going to be,” another user added.
“I work at a theater and this happened I am dying please stop coming to see this movie,” a different user chimed in.
