Chicken jockey! A Minecraft Movie is causing chaos in cinemas and debate over audience etiquette
The reception of the Minecraft Movie has been nothing short of polarizing. While official reviews have been lukewarm at best and one-star at worst, the film starring Jack Black and Jason Momoa has managed to shatter box-office records and spark a new trend in interactive theatre experiences.
Despite being labeled as a “bizarre,” “hyperactive hot-pink mess,” and a “blunt object used to beat you into submission” by various headlines, audiences, especially children, have embraced the film with open arms. Social media is flooded with videos of moviegoers clapping, cheering, and shouting out lines during key moments in the movie. The energy in the theatres has been described as reminiscent of the fandom surrounding Star Wars and has even been compared to the audience interactions seen in cult classics like The Room and The Rocky Horror Picture Show.
The viral moments, particularly surrounding Jack Black’s character name-dropping Minecraft items and the infamous “Chicken Jockey” scene, have taken the internet by storm. TikTok videos with millions of views showcase the wild reactions of audiences, with some even comparing the experience to a rock concert rather than a movie screening.
While the enthusiasm of the audience has been celebrated by many, there are also those who find the rowdy behavior disruptive and annoying. Some theatres have had to issue warnings against disruptive behavior, including participating in TikTok trends and throwing popcorn at the screen. Reports of police being called to escort unruly patrons out of theatres have also surfaced, prompting a conversation about cinema etiquette in the age of social media.
As the debate over audience behavior continues, one thing is clear: A Minecraft Movie has ignited a new kind of movie-watching experience that is here to stay. Whether you’re a fan of the film or not, there’s no denying the impact it has had on both the box office and the way we engage with movies in theatres.
