Twinkle-toed Michael Jackson fans are turning screenings of the singer's new biopic into impromptu dance parties, sparking a fierce debate over cinema etiquette. While some viewers are thrilled by the electric atmosphere, others are urging the dancers to 'beat it' and stop ruining the filmgoing experience.
Box Office Success Amidst Controversy
Despite a mauling from critics, Michael has proven to be a box office hit, setting a new record for music biopics in its opening weekend. Many screenings have transformed into dance parties, with fans performing Jackson's iconic routines alongside lead star Jaafar Jackson, the singer's nephew, who appears on screen. This phenomenon has ignited widespread discussion on social media, with the majority of viewers accusing the moonwalking individuals of having 'main character syndrome' and disrupting the film.
Viewers Voice Frustration
One viewer wrote on social media: 'There's a difference between enjoying the moment and disrupting everyone else's experience. Not everyone paid to watch a live performance.' Another advised fans to 'save the moonwalk for outside,' linking the trend to a broader rise in poor theatre etiquette, including phone use and loud talking. Many have said they would demand refunds if they encountered such behaviour. 'It's part of the reason I'm avoiding screenings right now,' one person stated on X/Twitter.
Praise for the Electric Atmosphere
However, not everyone is dismayed. Some cinemagoers have praised the convivial atmosphere, comparing it to repertory screenings of The Rocky Horror Picture Show. 'People were dancing at the front of the screen like it was a live concert. This wasn't a movie… this was a full-blown MJ revival,' one viewer said. Another called it 'one of the best moviegoing experiences I've had in my life,' adding that 'the audience was fully locked in from start to finish (dancing/fully enjoying themselves). It was magical.'
Parallels to The Minecraft Movie
A similar debate erupted last year following the release of The Minecraft Movie. In one scene, characters played by Jack Black and Jason Momoa face a cuboid chicken ridden by another character. When Black's character exclaims 'Chicken jockey!', audiences reportedly threw food and popcorn, shouted, and jumped from their seats. The chaos became a popular TikTok trend, prompting special screenings to encourage the raucous behaviour and lure disruptive fans away from regular showings.
As the debate continues, cinemas may need to consider designated screenings for those who want to dance and those who prefer to watch in peace.
