Minecraft Movie: Do you like audience participation or prefer the cinema to be quiet?

Have you been to see the new Minecraft film? What was it like in the cinema you visited?

The film simply called A Minecraft Movie, has big stars like Jason Momoa and Jack Black.

It tells the story of four characters pulled through a mysterious portal into the Overworld, from the best-selling video game.

The UK Cinema Association said there has been an "exceptional" crowd response, with many young fans shouting out, throwing popcorn, and cheering when certain characters appear on screen.

Some cinema-goers have loved seeing their fellow audience members getting involved.

Liverpool comedian Sam Avery even told the BBC that seeing the film with his 10-year-old sons was "honestly the most joyous cinemagoing experience I've ever had".

But others feel that all the noise can be disruptive.

Some cinemas have warned that "loud screaming, clapping and shouting will not be tolerated", and that people could be asked to leave if necessary.

Why is there so much audience reaction to A Minecraft Movie?

This isn't the first time something like this has happened.

Back in 2022 when Minions: The Rise of Gru was released there was a trend for young people wearing suits, making noise and throwing things during the film.

At that time social media was said to be the source, and it seems this is also likely to be the case for A Minecraft Movie.

After people have seen others behave in a similar way on TikTok and other social media platforms, it can be understandable that they'd want to have the same experience.

There have also been lots of memes shared featuring certain lines and scenes from the film, which have helped build up the hype for people before they have even seen the film for themselves.

What is chicken jockey and why has it created so much hype?

Chicken jockey is a baby zombie riding a chicken!

One of the reasons it's getting fans so excited is because it's rarely seen in the game. Most people only have around a 0.25% chance of seeing it.

The chicken jockey moment was also teased in trailers so for those who have been waiting for the film to come out for a long time, the anticipation has been building.

It's not just chicken jockey that's been getting a reaction in cinemas.

There has also been lots clapping and cheering when fans have spotted something in the film that they recognised from the game, or when a new character appeared on screen.

This has been particularly the case for the first appearance of Jack Black, as the delivery of some of his lines has become iconic, with people enjoying mimicking him.

Is there a way to keep all cinema-goers happy?

Dad Sam Avery, said there were "bound to be people" annoyed by the noise, but that he and his family were going to go and see it again and would "be disappointed if it's not the same atmosphere again".

UK Cinema Association chief executive Phil Clapp has also said he was happy to see people so excited to be at the cinema, and has asked people to "please enjoy themselves".

He told the BBC: "At a time when some claim that young people are now foregoing the cinema experience, it's clearly great to see such a high level of engagement."

But he has also asked "those taking part to be mindful of the enjoyment of other cinema-goers".

Some cinemas have also been trying to find a way to look after those who like a quiet cinema experience and those who want more of an atmosphere.

One example is Cineworld who have arranged special "Chicken Jockey Screenings" on 13 April, where fans are encouraged to "dress up, whoop, yelp and clap their way through this block-busting adventure".

What would you prefer? A quiet cinema or one where you can get involved?