Sam and Jo booked a babysitter and asked their friend to recommend a film.
He offered a comedy, a thriller and a romance. They asked how long each one lasted.
When he mentioned a film with a wonderful ending, they leaned forward.
What do you want to know about the ending? he asked….
Sam and Jo had not been to the cinema together since their youngest was born.
They remembered popcorn. They remembered sitting in chairs without anyone climbing over them. Neither could remember the last film.
Jo booked a babysitter for Saturday evening.
The sitter said she could handle dinner, baths and bedtime.
Sam asked whether that offer was legally binding.
On Friday, they asked their friend Ben what they should see. He went to the cinema every week and had strong views about films he had not even seen yet.
There’s a very good comedy, he said.
How long? Jo asked.
Ninety minutes.
Sam looked at her. She shook her head.
Too short, he said.
Ben said that was an unusual complaint about a comedy.
He suggested a thriller. It had a clever plot, excellent acting and a chase through a railway station.
How long is the chase? Sam asked.
Ben said about six minutes.
And everything around it?
The whole film was just under two hours.
Jo took out her phone and counted on her fingers.
Ben suggested a romance instead. The reviews said it would make them cry.
We’ve had a difficult week, Jo said. We’d rather sit quietly.
Then Ben remembered a long historical drama. It ran for nearly three hours.
Sam put down his drink.
That sounds promising.
Ben was delighted. Most of his friends stopped listening when he mentioned historical dramas.
He described the scenery. He described the costumes. He started to explain who was related to the king.
Jo asked whether the advertised running time included the credits.
Ben said they could stay for those too.
Wonderful, Sam said.
And the ending, Ben added, is one of the best I’ve seen.
Jo leaned forward.
I’ve only got one question about the ending.
Ben smiled. At last, they wanted to talk about the film.
Go on.
Does it finish after bedtime?
If you enjoyed this joke, share it on Facebook and Pinterest!