In most cases, “chicken jockey” seems like a random pair of words, but it's pretty much poetic about how they sound together. However, the phrase creates an absolute pandemonium in the “Minecraft Movie” exhibition, turning the film into a viral phenomenon, in addition to box-office smashes.
Essentially, films based on popular video games quickly became similar to the new generation of Rocky Horror Picture Show. In a video posted to social media, the mayhem begins when one star, Jack Black, enthusiastically declares, “Chicken Jockey!” Announces the appearance of the creature from a video game. The young audience gets engrossed, jumps up and down, screams, and in some cases throws popcorn on the screen.
Warner Bros. considers the response “a testament to the game's loyal fan base,” as it was made in a statement by Dananus Baum, executive vice president of marketing. Film director Jared Hess approves this trend.
“That's too funny,” he said in a phone interview. “It was a complete explosion. I just laugh at my brain every time someone sends me a new video.”
But why is this happening exactly? Pack as much as possible.
What is a chicken jockey?
The baby zombies ride the chicken. (Don't worry, there's nothing logical about this. Just go together.) It's very rare to encounter a chicken jockey while playing the game, but Hess was meant to fill the film with his huge Minecraft universe's favorite characters.
“It's not something you see all the time, but I think it's adorable, ridiculous and can kill you, and that's what makes it special,” Hess said.
In the film, Jason Momoa's Garrett Garrison has to fight a chicken jockey on the way to find an orb that can bring him back into the real world. He is accompanied by Steve (Black), a man who lives in the game. Garrett first scoffs when his sparring partner, the innocent chicken, enters the wrestling ring. However, the wooden frame then descends from the ceiling and drops the zombies onto the chicken's back. Zombies will smile cutely before they become malicious. Cublack's full cry declares, “Chicken Jockey!”
Hess and Black thought it was funny if Steve announces everything that will happen to him and says what is obvious with extreme strength. Hess claimed that Black's execution was one reason for “Chicken Jockey!” The meme has taken off.
“Jack says that with that passion,” he said. “Everything that comes out of his mouth in the film is spoken with such authority and seriousness. This is the most important thing that everyone has heard in their life. I think people love that insanity.”
Will it become a “Chicken Jockey!” meme?
According to the website, the stalemate began prior to the film's April 4 release. As soon as the first clip debuted in the trailer in February, social media users jumped up and separated and remixed the black audio. The catchphrase before the film hit theatres was prepared to turn online memes into direct ones. (As for the video, it seems like he's not really worried about pulling out his phone during a movie lately.)
It's also not the only moment that has provided a clue for viewers to participate. Others include when Black says “Flint and Steel” and “I'm Steve.” (Steve is the default skin that Minecraft game players can use.) The enthusiasm for these utterances appears to be partly due to the fact that it is a clear reference to Minecraft games and is partly mentioned from its commitment to Bit to some. At the same time, perhaps rethinking it is not the “chicken jockey!” It sounds very interesting.
How does the theatre respond to wild crowds?
Some cinemas warn customers to behave. A theater in New Jersey said it would not allow unaccompanied minors to attend PG (rated PG (suggested by parent guidance). In response to an emailed question, Township Theatre in Washington Township, New Jersey said that minors can “come in with parents or responsible adults sitting in the theatre.” According to the BBC, the UK's Cine World Chain front post posted signs that “any form of anti-social behaviour” such as crying is not acceptable, adding that “anyone found to behave this way has not received a refund.” And in at least one instance, police were called to American theatres.
But there is also money to be made in the midst of madness. Cineworld announced that it has created a 'special chicken jockey 4DX screening' at Cineworld Cinemas nationwide.
What do movie fans say?
Ollie Jenks, 22, who posted a video of the raucous show in Idaho Falls, Idaho, said Minecraft's status as a generational touchstone contributed to the theatre vibe she'd seen. She said some teenagers were the loudest in the house.
“I'm sure there was probably a lot of excitement about the fact that it's so popular and so close to them, something important is expressed in the media,” she said. “But I think our generation and younger generations just have the talent to pick up the most niches and turn them into memes.” (See, for example, the gentleman trends that emerged when film fans of Minions: The Rise of Gru were wearing suits in theaters in 2022.)
22-year-old Matthew Witzke watched a “Minecraft Film” at AMC outside Nashville and recorded his responses in theaters. He said he really didn't understand the enthusiasm of “Chicken Jockey!” But the experience was worth it. “I'm glad I felt a part of something,” he said.
Some movie fans said, 19-year-old Andy Carrera of Sacramento, and “I don't think it's okay.” But he added, “The idea that kids and people are socializing and having that theatrical experience — I think that's something we haven't seen recently.”
In the end, where is the director standing?
Hess put his heart into the reaction and called it a “true party” and said, “It's just the fact that people make memories in movies. That's what it's all about. That's why.
What about popcorn throws? He doesn't care. “No one is going to get hurt from popcorn,” he said. “When you watch and go to the movies with the kids, it's like a popcorn slaughter that happens, they're not throwing anything, but it ends up on the ground regardless.”
