Cinemas have warned audience members they will be ejected if they join in with a TikTok trend encouraging filmgoers to disrupt screenings of the hit Minecraft film.
Footage has emerged on social media of audiences cheering, throwing popcorn and shouting out during the film, particularly during a scene where one of the film’s stars, Jack Black, calls out “Chicken jockey!” at the appearance of a baby zombie riding a chicken.
The “chicken jockey” trend has gone viral on TikTok and has resulted in a number of cinemas across the globe taking measures to deal with disruptive behaviour at showings of the video game adaptation.
A number of cinemas in the UK, including Cineworld in Witney, the Radway in Sidmouth and the Reel in Fareham, have posted notices warning audience members against disrupting screenings, while the Regent Cinema in Newtown, Wales, said it would adopt a “zero-tolerance approach” of stopping screenings if audiences go too far.
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Witney Cineworld said that offenders would be ejected: “Any form of antisocial behaviour, especially anything that may disturb other guests such as loud screaming, clapping and shouting will not be tolerated. Anyone who is found to be acting in this manner will be removed from the screening and not entitled to a refund.” The Radway posted a similar warning on its social media page, saying: “Anyone found taking part in the current social media trend involving A Minecraft Movie will be removed from the cinema. We wish for our customers to enjoy the experience they have paid for.”
In the US, the Township theatre in Washington, New Jersey, has banned unaccompanied minors from attending screenings of the film after what it called an “unfortunate situation” on April 4th. In a social media post it said: “Large groups of unsupervised boys engaged in completely unacceptable behaviour, including vandalism … Moving forward: Any minors wishing to see [A] Minecraft Movie MUST be accompanied by a parent or responsible adult. Unaccompanied groups of boys will not be admitted.”
It added: “If your son was at Township theatre last night, we strongly encourage you to have a conversation with him about his behaviour.”
A Minecraft Movie has proved unexpectedly successful at the box office, scoring the highest ever opening weekend for a video game adaptation in North America, and amassing around $314 million across the world. Despite initial reservations among hard-core Minecraft enthusiasts after a poorly received initial trailer, the film has benefited from huge enthusiasm from younger audiences.
TikTok has been contacted for comment. – Guardian
