In a surprising turn of events, a New Jersey movie theater has announced a new policy regarding minors watching the much-anticipated film, A Minecraft Movie. The Township Theater, located in Washington Township, has decided to ban children from attending the film without an adult present. This decision comes after a chaotic incident that unfolded during a screening on Friday night, involving a group of unsupervised boys who engaged in what the theater described as “completely unacceptable behavior, including vandalism.”
The theater reported multiple complaints from concerned moviegoers about the disruptive actions of the young audience members. As a result, the theater issued a stern warning via their official Facebook page: “unaccompanied groups of boys will not be admitted.” They emphasized the importance of maintaining a safe and enjoyable environment for all guests, encouraging parents to have conversations with their children about proper behavior in public spaces. “If your son was at Township Theatre last night, we strongly encourage you to have a conversation with him about his behavior. Thank you for helping us maintain a safe, respectful, and enjoyable environment for all of our guests,” the theater stated.
A Minecraft Movie, which opened in theaters on Friday, has quickly become a cultural phenomenon, drawing large crowds of eager fans. Starring well-known actors Jack Black and Jason Momoa, the film is based on the wildly popular video game that has captured the hearts of millions around the globe. However, the excitement surrounding the film has also led to some unexpected challenges, particularly during key moments in the movie, such as when Black's character mentions the term “chicken jockey.”
The phrase “chicken jockey” refers to a character from the Minecraft universe—a zombie riding a chicken. This particular moment in the film has sparked a frenzy among audiences across the country. Videos circulating on social media show moviegoers leaping from their seats, cheering, and even throwing popcorn in response to the mention of “chicken jockey.” In some instances, young boys have been escorted out of theaters due to their unruly behavior.
The chaos has not been limited to New Jersey. Reports indicate that other theaters, such as Cineworld in Whitney, England, are also taking a stand against disruptive behavior. The theater issued a warning stating that any patrons who disturb the film screening will be removed without a refund. “To make sure everyone has a blast, we ask that all cinemagoers respect cinema etiquette,” the theater advised. For those looking to enjoy the film without restrictions, Cineworld has introduced special Chicken Jockey 4DX screenings at their cinemas across the country.
Despite the disruptions, A Minecraft Movie has proven to be a box office success, recording a staggering $301 million in global openings. The film garnered $144.1 million from international markets alone, according to Deadline. This success highlights the immense popularity of both the Minecraft franchise and the film adaptation, drawing audiences of all ages to theaters worldwide.
