From the moment I first heard of "American Reunion," I patiently waited for the film's opening weekend.
My girlfriend and I arrived at the cinema a little early Friday night, settling into our seats before the 9:20 p.m. screening. The previews readied to begin. The theater began to fill.
Just as my anticipation should've been mounting, I felt nothing but annoyed. Two fellow moviegoers elected to bring their crying baby into the theater.
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Highlights And Happenings With Scott Shelters
Why would someone do such a thing? Are quality babysitters that hard to find?
Making children isn't really my thing, so I guess I wouldn't understand. However, if I did have an infant of my own, I think it would be in a crib instead of at an R-rated film.
Besides the questionable-at-best parenting practices shown by the couple, I wondered how anyone could care so little about those around them. Crying kids pretty much annoy everyone everywhere - at the mall, in the grocery store, wherever else kids get upset.
Most of us just go about our business out in public. We don't really think twice about crying babies. That's just what they do.
At the movie theater, though, we were less than prepared. Something needed to be done.
Thankfully, my girlfriend and I paid thousands of dollars each to get smart in college. We knew "American Reunion" would be screened 20 minutes later across the cinema.
We left the theater with the sad baby and went to see the ticket-ripper guy. He allowed us to switch theaters and told us that adults often bring infants and young children with them to R-rated films.
I guess I don't make it to the movies that often. Maybe the new method of childcare involves bringing the kids everywhere mom and dad go.
When we finally sat down to watch the movie, it was worth the wait. Like its predecessors, "American Reunion" provides laugh after laugh.
I hope the folks who watched the film in the other theater can say the same. Maybe the crying child cheered up after the previews. The kid might've just needed some Jason Biggs and Alyson Hannigan in its life.
Whether you're practicing abstinence or looking to take your children places they probably shouldn't go this weekend, there's plenty going on in the area. Whatever you decide to do, remember what you'd like to be doing nine months from now.
HIGHLIGHTS
JazzFest To Be Held Tuesday: Bruce Johnstone, director of curricular jazz ensembles at SUNY Fredonia, will perform with three of his top student jazz ensembles during JazzFest at Jamestown Community College's Jamestown Campus on Tuesday. Admission to the 7 p.m. performance in Scharmann Theatre is $5 for the general public; $3 for area students and senior citizens; and $2 for JCC Faculty Student Association members. Tickets can be purchased through JCC's box office by calling 338-1187 or at the theater door.
Lucille Ball Comedy Festival Tickets To Go On Sale Tuesday: Tickets for this year's Lucille Ball Comedy Festival, which will be held Aug. 1-5 in Jamestown, will go on sale Tuesday. Visit LucyComedyFest.com to order tickets. Comedian Billy Gardell, star of the TV show "Mike & Molly," will headline this year's festival.
HAPPENINGS
To include an upcoming show or event in this column, call Scott Shelters at 487-1111, ext. 253 or email sshelters@post-journal.com. Submissions for next week's column must be received by Tuesday night.
Tonight
Blue Grass Jam: 7-10, Celoron Legion, 26 Jackson Ave., Celoron. All area bluegrass musicians are welcome to sit in and play.
Friday Night
Bill Ward: 6-9, The Lakeview, 13 Water St., Mayville.
"Puss In Boots": 7, 1891 Fredonia Opera House. The screening of the animated comedy will be free. Free admission tickets will be available at the door on the night of the show. Seating is limited to 400. No food or drink will be allowed in the Opera House. Children must be accompanied by an adult.
"The Iron Lady": 8, Reg Lenna Civic Center. Tickets, which will be sold at the door one hour prior to show time, will be $7 for adults and $4.25 for children under 12 and JCC Faculty Student Association cardholders. The film will begin the spring season of Movies at the Reg.
Steve Johnson, Charity Nuse and Amanda Barton: 9-midnight, Bemus Point Golf Club, 72 Main St., Bemus Point. Admission to the performance will be free.
Face Down In High Water: The Lakeview, 13 Water St., Mayville.
Ken Hardley and the Henways: 10-2, The Bullfrog Hotel, 1414 E. Second St., Jamestown.
Saturday Night
"The Iron Lady": 8, Reg Lenna Civic Center. Tickets, which will be sold at the door one hour prior to show time, will be $7 for adults and $4.25 for children under 12 and JCC Faculty Student Association cardholders. The film will begin the spring season of Movies at the Reg.
The Edsels: 8-11, The White Swan Ballroom, Wrightsville, Pa. The Edsels are known for their 1961 hit "Rama Lama Ding Dong." Doors will open at 7. Tickets are $20. Only 200 will be sold. To place an order, call 814-723-7239. No tickets will be sold at the door.
Touch Of Gold: 8-midnight, Celoron Legion, 26 Jackson Ave., Celoron.
"The Woman In Black": 8, 1891 Fredonia Opera House. The film is a part of the Opera House Cinema Series. Tickets will be available at the door and are $7 for adults; $6.50 for seniors and Opera House members; and $5 for students.
The Unexpected Guests: 9-midnight, Reg Studio Theater, 108 E. Third St., Jamestown. General admission to the improv comedy show will be $5.
Silk: 9-2, The Q, 104 W. Second St., Jamestown. Pre-sale tickets are $12. Tickets at the door will be $15.
Take 2: Ten Point Tavern, 5523 Route 62, Conewango Valley.
Tuesday Night
"The Woman In Black": 7:30, 1891 Fredonia Opera House. The film is a part of the Opera House Cinema Series. Tickets will be available at the door and are $7 for adults; $6.50 for seniors and Opera House members; and $5 for students.