The kids are not alright. A Minecraft Movie smashed expectations at the box office during its opening last weekend, grossing $163 million in its domestic run, earning the title of the highest-opening video game adaptation — and it shows no sign of slowing down anytime soon.
The film, a co-production between Warner Bros and Legendary Entertainment, stars Jack Black, Danielle Brooks, Jason Momoa, and America’s Sweetheart Jennifer Coolidge in a zany adaptation of the popular 2011 video game.
Though it debuted to tepid reviews from critics, fans of the video game have been going absolutely bonkers for the film, turning out in droves for a lively filmgoing experience that, on the one hand, seems to be a healthy boost for the film industry and a big win for getting younger generations interested in the theatergoing experience … on the other hand, some screenings of the film are getting so rowdy that police have even had to escort out attendees.
According to the BBC, an Oxfordshire Cineworld in the U.K. has posted signs that warned guests that “any form of antisocial behavior, especially anything that may disturb other guests such as loud screaming, clapping and shouting will not be tolerated.” The sign also warned that anyone found violating this would be removed from the theater without entitlement to a refund.
Most of these incidents are attributed to one particular moment in the film, in which Black’s character yells “Chicken Jockey!” at the introduction of a rare character in the Minecraft universe. (Don’t ask me to explain why a child zombie riding a chicken is significant, it just is.)
The moment seems to incite teens to film themselves and each other excessively cheering, throwing popcorn and other rowdy behaviors that disrupt the entire theater. Many of these instances have gone viral online, one of which ended in police escorting kids out of the theater.
Another Cineworld theater, according to the Glasgow Times, posted and then removed a statement on social media about the behavior as well: “We’ve been informed of reports of an online trend that includes making excessive noise during ‘A Minecraft Movie.’ We would like to remind everyone to please be respectful to those around them by not making noise nor being on their phones during any movie. Failure to do so may result in ejection from the cinema.”
A fierce debate is now brewing on the subject of how permissible this behavior is. Some are thrilled to see Gen Z become so enthusiastic about a movie in the cinemas, while others are turned off. And who can blame them? Do you want to see very online teens going wild in public, as if they’re watching the movie from their private living rooms? I certainly don’t!
A Minecraft Movie is now in theaters, but you may want to consider waiting for streaming so you don’t get caught up in all the madness.
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