Chaos broke out in a Welsh cinema during a screening of the highly anticipated “A Minecraft Movie” when three teenagers disrupted the movie experience by unleashing chaos inspired by a viral internet trend. The incident occurred at Vue Cwmbran, where the teenagers, aged between 13 and 14, set off a confetti cannon, leading to their immediate expulsion from the cinema. Reports suggest that the teenagers have been banned from all Vue cinemas nationwide for the next 12 months.
The disruptive behaviour of the teenagers was reportedly fuelled by a social media trend originating in the United States, where individuals yell “Chicken jockey!” in theatres before causing mayhem. This trend typically involves throwing popcorn, drinks, and other items, as well as releasing confetti cannons, prompting the movie to pause until order is restored. The actions of these teenagers not only disrupted the movie screening but also led to their swift removal from the cinema premises.
Vue Cwmbran is not the only cinema that has fallen victim to such disruptive incidents. The Regent Cinema in Newtown also faced a similar disruption during its showing of “A Minecraft Movie” on April 6. The cinema management responded by issuing a statement declaring a “zero tolerance policy” towards such behaviour and warning of police involvement if the disruption persisted. The cinema emphasized the importance of maintaining a respectful environment for all moviegoers.
Following the incident, the Regent Cinema took proactive measures to prevent future disruptions. The cinema introduced “family-friendly” showings of the Minecraft movie to cater to audiences who seek an uninterrupted viewing experience. Additionally, stricter rules were put in place, such as immediate removal from the cinema without a refund for those engaging in disruptive behaviour. The cinema also stressed the illegality of recording or taking pictures of the screen, with severe penalties for offenders.
In light of these disruptive incidents, cinemas are adopting stringent measures to ensure a safe and enjoyable movie-watching experience for all patrons. Vue Cwmbran and The Regent Cinema’s responses reflect a commitment to upholding order and respect within their premises. By taking a zero-tolerance stance towards disruptive behaviour, cinemas aim to create a welcoming environment for movie enthusiasts of all ages.
WalesOnline has reached out to Vue for further insights or comments on the incident. As cinemas continue to grapple with challenges posed by disruptive trends and behaviours, the enforcement of strict policies and swift action against offenders are crucial in maintaining a harmonious movie-watching experience for all. Stay tuned for updates on this developing story.