As a Minecraft adaptation wreaks havoc across box offices around the world, shattering all expectations at over $400 million in ticket sales. The movie features Jack Black as Steve, the original main character from the hit video game. Audiences are talking with excitement the likes of which we’ve never seen! Black’s line, “Chicken jockey!” has grown into an iconic, standout moment. Similar since 2015, the film has ignited joy, turning ordinary movie screenings into raucous dance parties.
The line “Chicken jockey!” was born on set early on in filming as a functional in–camera title card known as “absolute cinema.” At first, that was purely a humorous call-out. Today, it’s one of the most dramatic turning points in the whole movie. Audiences have started to break out in applause at this point, creating an unforeseen feedback loop of excitement.
The moment that Black first says the line right before introduction into an epic fight scene, audiences go nuts. The clapping soon breaks out into a riotous pandemonium! In exuberance, people hurl popcorn, drink cups, candy bars, drinks and whatever else they can find into the air. The mood becomes positively electric as screams and shouts of jubilation rip through these theaters.
Eyewitness accounts from the early screenings paint a picture of pandemonium and laughter. We’ve watched as viewers have climbed up onto friends’ shoulders and cheered at the top of their lungs. This overwhelming response has even caused the authorities to stand up and take notice.
“It’s weird when you’re having too much fun and the cops get called. It’s funny because I think it’s just literally cheering and throwing popcorn, which is so funny to me that cops are getting called for popcorn.”
Black teases out depth and charisma from Steve. Jason Momoa’s Garrett Garrison is an engaging, charismatic creation, a past-his-prime teen-age videogame champ who is hellbent on winning back his lost title. Garrett runs a failing retro video game store. This backdrop underscores his struggles for the rest of the film’s story.
The magic of “Chicken jockey!” It’s a remarkable thing when a single, unexpected moment can become the talk around the world and delight millions. The joyous chaos in theaters has become a hallmark of the film’s screenings, with patrons sharing videos and experiences on social media.
“I’ve seen so many funny videos. It’s great, especially when people are climbing on their friends’ shoulders and standing up and cheering for those moments… I’m just glad people are making memories with their friends and families.”
People continue going out to see the film in droves. Nostalgia for the Minecraft property and the Minecraft fan base’s energetic response feed each other to create a winning/playful formula. It is a legendary moment that fans of all ages have come together to celebrate. For many it isn’t a movie experience, it’s a cultural experience.
The celebration surrounding A Minecraft Movie serves as a reminder of the unique power of cinema to bring people together. From joy to heartbreak, either by eliciting laughter or capturing the shared excitement for their upcoming return, audiences have discovered connection inside the walls of their local theaters.