Cinemas call police as disruptive behavior erupts during Minecraft movie screenings

In the United Kingdom, cinemas are facing significant disruptions during screenings of the animated film based on the popular video game, Minecraft. This situation has arisen due to a viral trend on social media platform TikTok. Young audiences have been reported to engage in rowdy behavior, which includes throwing food, chanting, and causing chaos during screenings. The reaction to specific lines and characters from the film has contributed to this uproar, drawing attention and concern from cinema staff and management. Cinemas such as REEL in Fareham and Cineworld in Glasgow have responded by issuing warnings. These notices indicate that such disruptive behavior will not be tolerated, and individuals responsible for it risk being ejected or reported to law enforcement. Employees in various cinemas have taken proactive steps, utilizing TikTok to appeal to viewers to maintain order and civility during the film. The disturbances have not only affected the viewing experience for guests but have also increased the workload and stress for cinema employees. The film, despite receiving mixed reviews from critics, has achieved considerable box office success, earning an estimated $300 million worldwide on its opening weekend. Its popularity has surged online, fueled by viral videos showcasing the reactions of young viewers to certain characters and lines, notably one character named Chicken Jockey and a line from Jack Black, who voices a prominent character in the film. The situation has drawn parallels to previous viral trends, such as the #gentleminions phenomenon that occurred during the showing of Minions: The Rise of Gru, where large groups of attendees dressed in suits created disturbances prompting similar backlash from cinema operators. The escalating situation has raised critical discussions around audience behavior in cinemas. As cinemas continue to grapple with maintaining a respectful atmosphere for all moviegoers, the trend presents a broader question concerning the influence of social media on public behavior. As reported incidents increase, proper measures will likely be enforced to prevent further disruptions, maintaining a standard for the cinematic experience that considers both enjoyment and order.