If you think the stock market is wild, wait until you hear about the uproar during screenings of A Minecraft Movie. Some theaters are experiencing sheer chaos, with fans throwing snacks and causing a mess. One video even shows someone getting kicked out for bringing in a live chicken!
To combat the situation, theaters are now putting out warnings. Cinema United, a global trade group for exhibitors, has shared guidelines suggesting pre-show announcements and involving local authorities if things get out of hand. Theater employees have expressed their frustration online, noting that cleaning up after these showings is becoming a headache.
One cinema chain, Cineworld in the UK, posted on Instagram encouraging fans to cheer and celebrate during the movie but reminded them to keep the chaos under control. They wrote, “Don’t go full Creeper!” referring to the in-game creatures. Another theater in New Jersey now requires minors to be with an adult after reported incidents during screenings.
For those unfamiliar, A Minecraft Movie features a group of misfits sucked into a world made of blocks. They must find their way back home with the help of a character named Steve, voiced by Jack Black. The film has become a cultural sensation, especially a scene involving a “chicken jockey,” which thrilled audiences reminiscent of movie moments that spark joy.
The film opened with impressive numbers, raking in over $185 million in the U.S. and $380 million globally within just six days. This figure surpasses even the popular The Super Mario Bros. Movie, making it a surprise hit for the year. However, it remains unclear whether the rowdy behavior is widespread. Most major theater chains reported that the bulk of their showings went smoothly. The unexpected popularity meant some theaters were unprepared for the influx of excited fans.
Interestingly, this frenzy can be seen as a reaction to a prolonged slump in the box office due to the pandemic. As moviegoers returned, the excitement sometimes veered into disorder. Staff from various theaters took to platforms like Reddit to share their experiences, highlighting the escalating challenges they face with unruly audiences post-pandemic. For example, one employee stated they had to kick out a group of thirty teens.
The tension between maintaining an enjoyable experience for fans and ensuring safety for staff is palpable. Past experiences have taught cinema operators that issuing warnings can sometimes backfire. Previously, they faced issues with fans throwing bananas during screenings of Minions: The Rise of Gru or singing during Wicked, making it tough to balance excitement and order.
Cinema United advised theaters to implement voluntary measures including clear guidelines for behavior during screenings of A Minecraft Movie. These could help maintain a fun atmosphere while ensuring everyone’s safety. Even so, some smaller theaters have enjoyed the movie’s success without notable incidents. The varying experiences could show different audience dynamics across the country.
As this trend continues, it’s fascinating to see how social media shapes the dialogue around movie experiences. Enthusiastic reactions from teens, like those on TikTok, can drive excitement—sometimes right into chaos. This phenomenon highlights a broader cultural trend where fandom can ignite immense passion, but it also raises questions about how venues will handle future screenings of popular films.
For more details, Cinema United’s guidelines can be found in their official memo [here](https://www.cinematoday.com). The evolving situation with A Minecraft Movie is a case study in the new landscape of cinema, where high energy and order management must go hand in hand.