A viral TikTok trend called #GentleMinions, where teenagers watch Minions: The Rise of Gru in suits and record it for social media has been causing issues for parents and Lancashire cinemas.
Swarms of teenagers have turning up to screenings in the UK, USA and Europe, of the latest film in the Despicable Me/Minions franchise while dressed in suits.
The groups applaud and cheer at points during the screening
The trend consists of mainly boys in groups loudly clapping at key points of the film, and has been causing havoc in cinemas all in the name of TikTok.
Their actions have been infuriating parents who have brought their excited children along to watch the latest Minions movie, and has also prompted some movie theatres to ban people in 'formalwear' from viewing the film.
Following one cinema in Worcester having to issue £1,300 worth of refunds in a single day due to complaints during the screening of the film, Vue Cinemas has had to take drastic measures and ban anyone who’s had a complaint raised about them.
Vue Cinemas, which has cinemas in Accrington, Blackburn, Lancaster and Preston, has been impacted by #GentleMinions in Lancashire.
A customer service agent for the chain shared that Lancashire branches have had similar issues handling complaints.
They said: “It’s been happening in a lot of our cinemas across Lancashire where people have paid for tickets to enjoy a film and are having it ruined.”
A spokesperson for Vue Cinemas also issued a further statement. They said: “Minions: The Rise of Gru has been incredibly popular over opening weekend.
"We look forward to continuing to welcome Minion fans in Lancashire in Vue.”
Odeon, which has cinemas in Preston and Blackpool, said that "due to a small number of incidents in our cinemas over the weekend we have had to restrict access in some circumstances", but did not go into any further detail as to what these circumstances are.
Reel Cinemas, which has sites in Blackburn, Burnley, Chorley and Morecambe, did not respond when contacted.
One father took his two children to watch the film at the Vue branch in Preston last Friday, where he saw a few teenagers in suits, but doesn’t think the viral trend is as bad as it's been made out to be.
Mike said: “To be honest, they were well behaved and only clapped at the end.
"My two kids loved seeing it as it was a bit different from the usual cinema experience.”
One cinema in Lancashire that has managed to avoid a hoard of #GentleMinions is the Flower Bowl Entertainment Centre in Preston.
A worker there said: “We haven’t had any of that trend here, but I think that’s because anyone under 18 has to be accompanied by an adult to watch a film.”
I love being gen z. We have so much power😭💀💀🤌🏼 #tiktok #MinionsTheRiseOfGru #Minions #gentleminions pic.twitter.com/2OUarPhubj
— Mr. Worldwide (@FairiesUnite) July 2, 2022
The social media trend has gained a lot of attention online with the hashtag #Gentleminions showing more than five million views on TikTok.
It seems to be dividing opinons across the country, however, Universal Pictures showed their support for the movement: "To everyone showing up to 'Minions' in suits: we see you and we love you."
What are your thoughts on the trend? Do you think 'gentleminions' should be banned or is it just a bit of fun?
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