A group of rowdy teenagers was thrown out of a cinema in Kent during a screening of A Minecraft Movie, sparking concerns about the impact of social media trends on cinema experiences.
The film, starring Jason Momoa and Jack Black, was marred by disruptions caused by a popular TikTok trend. Viewers were throwing popcorn, food, and drinks, as well as shouting at certain moments in the film. This behavior is not only disruptive but also ruins the experience for other viewers.
According to Tony McEwen, deputy chief executive of the Stag Theatre, the cinema has seen several incidents since the opening weekend, with groups of young boys aged between 11 and 14 being particularly problematic. The theatre had to ask a group of seven teenagers to leave after they became too rowdy.
Sam, a viewer who attended the same film screening, described it as his “worst cinema experience.” He reported that teenage boys in the audience were talking through the entire film, shouting at specific moments, and throwing food when Jack Black’s character quoted memes. The boys also ridiculed female characters, leaving Sam feeling uncomfortable.
Mcewen noted that there is a fine line between enthusiastic viewers who fully immerse themselves in the cinema experience and those who disrupt it for others. He highlighted a similar incident with Minions: The Rise of Gru in 2022, where young people dressed up as “Gentle Minions” and were rowdy during the film due to a social media trend.
As cinemas continue to face disruptions caused by social media trends, McEwen emphasized the importance of finding a balance between enthusiastic viewers and those who disrupt the experience for others.
Source: https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cx27q4pn7d9o