Reel moms don't mind babies at movie theater
Before the movie started, 9-month-old Camille looked mellow enough, babbling to her mom and exploring the cup holder attached to her mom's seat.
But she didn't sit still for very long -- she got restless less than an hour in to the flick, so mom Amy Lewis ended up following as Camille toddled around the theater.
None of the other patrons minded, because all had babies with them. Every Tuesday, the Loews Waterfront in West Homestead presents movies for parents with small babies in tow.
Loews launched the Reel Moms program in 2003, and it's now offered in more than 30 cities. A mom, dad or caregiver can bring a child younger than 1 for free, sit in the expensive seats, park their stroller and watch a current feature film.
Even though a recent Associated Press poll found most moviegoers would rather stay home with the DVD player, this crowd welcomes the chance just to get out of the house.
"I can't imagine how else we would get to see a movie," said Katherine Lally, of Squirrel Hill. "We don't usually like the huge theaters; we tend to go see art films. But this is such a nice break from the routine."
Quite a few dads mingled among the nearly three dozen parents in attendance. Lally's husband, Sean, a teacher on summer break, came with Katherine and their 3-month old daughter, Astrid.
Several of the moms said they wished The Waterfront theater offered the baby-friendly viewings on Saturdays, too, like other Loews theaters. "That would make it much easier," said Maggie Edmonds, of Carnegie.
She brought 6-month-old Brooklyn for the first time to a recent screening of "Batman Begins" and was glad to be there.
"I haven't seen a movie in over a year," Edmonds admitted. She anticipated Brooklyn would be fine even if the movie got a bit loud. "She has two brothers at home, so she's used to noise."
When the movie started, the lights went down, but it wasn't as dark as usual. The sound, while still fairly loud, was toned down somewhat. But "Batman Begins," with its explosions and loud fight scenes, proved a little overwhelming for some babies present.
As most parents can tell you, when one baby starts crying, it can be contagious for other babies nearby. During a few scenes of dramatic dialogue, when a cry erupted from the middle row, it set off a chain reaction. Following the plot proved a bit of a challenge.
Brenda Grau, of New Kensington, brought 7-month-old Paige and 9-year-old Austin. The mother of five says she wishes she'd been able to take her older children to the movies when they were babies.
"If you take the baby somewhere, especially the movies, and you can't get them to be quiet, you pretty much have to leave," Grau said. "But here, no one minds a little crying or fussing."
Lucy Turner, of Polish Hill, brought 8-month old Anya for their second trip. Her previous visit was uneventful: "Last week, she slept through the whole thing," Turner said. "That might say more about the movie than the baby, actually."
Julie Ann Vega, of Greenfield, didn't get to watch much of the movie; she spent a lot of time carrying 3-month-old Brianna around and shushing her while the baby fussed.
"Well, at least I'm not sitting alone at home," Vega said. "And, the air conditioning is much better here."
Additional Information:
If you go
Reel Moms movies are shown Tuesdays at 11 a.m. at the Loews Waterfront in West Homestead.
Ticket prices are the same as for other matinees $6.25 for adults and $6 for children older than 2 years. Babies are admitted free. Dads and other caregivers are welcome but must be accompanied by a baby.
Doors open early for socializing, and the movie starts about 11. A stroller check area is provided.
For details bout future shows go to the Web site to register for their weekly e-mail list, or call the Loews Waterfront at 412-462-6923.
