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Jonathan McNeal

Bill Cunningham & Winter in Wartime – This Week at THE NEON!

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Hello Everyone.

Well…none of our films performed wonderfully last weekend (though THE BEAVER did well enough to stick around for a couple screenings a day for one more week).  I AM and POM WONDERFUL PRESENTS: THE GREATEST MOVIE EVER SOLD have left.

Today (6/3), we open two new films – BILL CUNNINGHAM NEW YORK and WINTER IN WARTIME.

If you’re a regular reader of The New York Times, I’m certain you’re already familiar with Bill Cunningham.  If not, I’m certain you’ll still be charmed by the story of this wonderful photographer.  Synopsis for BILL CUNNINGHAM NEW YORK: “‘We all get dressed for Bill,’ says Vogue editrix Anna Wintour. The “Bill” in question is 80+ New York Times photographer Bill Cunningham. For decades, this Schwinn-riding cultural anthropologist has been obsessively and inventively chronicling fashion trends and high society charity soirees for the Times Style section in his columns “On the Street” and “Evening Hours.” Documenting uptown fixtures (Wintour, Tom Wolfe, Brooke Astor, David Rockefeller-who all appear in the film out of their love for Bill), downtown eccentrics and everyone in between, Cunningham’s enormous body of work is more reliable than any catwalk as an expression of time, place and individual flair. In turn, Bill Cunningham New York is a delicate, funny and often poignant portrait of a dedicated artist whose only wealth is his own humanity and unassuming grace.” (taken from Zeitgeist Films) Visit the OFFICIAL SITE.

[yframe url=’http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NYqiLJBXbss’]

If you’ve been to THE NEON in the past few months, I’m certain you’ve seen the trailer for our next new film, the official selection from the Netherlands for this year’s “Best Foreign Film” Oscar.  Synopsis for WINTER IN WARTIME: “Near the end of World War II, 14-year-old Michiel becomes involved with the Resistance after coming to the aid of a wounded British soldier. With the conflict coming to an end, Michiel comes of age and learns of the stark difference between adventure fantasy and the ugly realities of war.” (taken from Sony Pictures Classics)  If you haven’t seen the trailer, be certain to take a look.  I don’t think this synopsis does the film justice.  Visit the OFFICIAL SITE.

[yframe url=’http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YrtnYwQXr6Y’]

A panel is in place for our screening of a powerful and moving documentary called WE WERE HERE.  “WE WERE HERE is the first documentary to take a deep and reflective look back at the arrival and impact of AIDS in San Francisco.  It explores how the City’s inhabitants were affected by, and how they responded to, that calamitous epidemic.  Though a San Francisco-based story, We Were Here extends beyond San Francisco and beyond AIDS itself.  It speaks to our capacity as individuals to rise to the occasion, and to the incredible power of a community coming together with love, compassion, and determination.”  WE WERE HERE will screen on June 16 at 7PM.  Tickets are $8 each and are currently available at THE NEON box office.  This screening is sponsored by The Greater Dayton LGBT Center.  Be sure to take a look at the trailer, and get your tickets early.  After the film, we will have a discussion with representatives from AIDS Resource Center Ohio, Miami Valley Poz 4 Poz, an early HIV/AIDS community educator, and more.  Additionally, we will have the opportunity to see a series of incredible photographs in THE NEON’s lobby.  Here’s the story: Approximately half way through WE WERE HERE, there are several beautiful and chilling photos of a man with AIDS.  These photos were the final project of the late John Davis of Belmont, Ohio.  His sister contacted me a couple weeks ago and offered us the opportunity to display the entire series.  THE NEON will hang all 17 photographs in our lobby before the screening.

[yframe url=’http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oCxqJgpejbs’]

One last reminder regarding our price increase…If you’ve been to THE NEON lately, you’ve more than likely seen our note at the front counter about pricing.  Here’s what it states: “Effective June 3, 2011.  At THE NEON, we strive to have the best films, the best customer service and the best prices.  While we don’t intend on changing these goals, we must unfortunately raise our admission prices.  On June 3, all General Admission, Matinee and Senior Citizen tickets will increase by 50 cents.  Our ticket prices have not increased since August of 2008…and our new ticket prices will still be at least $2 less expensive than all the first-run multiplexes in the region.  Thanks for your understanding.”  We hope this won’t deter you from coming to THE NEON…as we have dozens of great films coming our way in the weeks and months ahead.

Hope to see you soon,

Jonathan

SHOWTIMES for June 3 – June 9:

WINTER IN WARTIME (R) 1 Hr 43 Min

Friday – Thursday:  3:00, 7:15

THE BEAVER (PG-13) 1 Hr 31 Min

Friday, Saturday, Sunday: 1:00, 5:10, 9:30

Monday – Thursday:  5:10, 9:30

BILL CUNNINGHAM NEW YORK (NR) 1 Hr 24 Min

Friday, Saturday, Sunday: 1:10, 3:15, 5:15, 7:30, 9:30

Monday – Thursday: 3:15, 5:15, 7:30, 9:30

COMING SOON:

As always, all dates are tentative.  Some of these dates will change.

In some cases, titles may disappear.

June 10 INCENDIES

June 10  MIDNIGHT IN PARIS

June 17  POTICHE

June 24 TREE OF LIFE

July 1 DOUBLE HOUR

July 8 BUCK

July 15 PAGE ONE

July 15  BEGINNERS

Aug 5   SNOW FLOWER AND THE SECRET FAN

Aug 26 ANOTHER EARTH

2 Hot, New Films Open Friday at THE NEON!

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Hello Everyone,

If you haven’t had a chance to see this year’s Academy Award winning film IN A BETTER WORLD, you only have until Thursday to catch it at THE NEON.  (And you really shouldn’t miss it!)  On Friday, we will open 2 new films – Jodi Foster’s third directorial effort – THE BEAVER and Morgan Spurlock’s latest documentary – POM WONDERFUL PRESENTS: THE GREATEST MOVIE EVER SOLD.

We will also hold I AM for a couple screenings per day for one more week.

Synopsis for THE BEAVER: “Plagued by his own demons, Walter Black was once a successful toy executive and family man who now suffers from depression. No matter what he tries, Walter can’t seem to get himself back on track… until a beaver hand puppet enters his life.”  (Summit Entertainment)

[yframe url=’http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ttv-gvOzaPw’]

Synopsis for POM WONDERFUL PRESENTS: THE GREATEST MOVIE EVER SOLD: “We live in an age where it’s tough even to walk down the street without someone trying to sell you something. It’s at the point where practically the entire American experience is brought to us by some corporation. Utilizing cutting-edge tools of comic exploration and total self-exploitation, Spurlock dissects the world of advertising and marketing by using his personal integrity as currency to sell out to the highest bidder. Scathingly funny, subversive, and deceptively smart, “The Greatest Movie Ever Sold” shines the definitive light on our branded future as acclaimed filmmaker and master provocateur Morgan Spurlock (“Super Size Me”) attempts to create the “Iron Man of documentaries,” the first ever “docbuster”! He may very well have succeeded.”  (Sony Picture Classics)

[yframe url=’http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=T4Ng2P3zxfM’]

Please Take Note – The YMCA has canceled their special screening of THE OTHER SIDE– previously scheduled for May 26.

A panel is in place for our screening of a powerful and moving documentary called WE WERE HERE.  “WE WERE HERE is the first documentary to take a deep and reflective look back at the arrival and impact of AIDS in San Francisco.  It explores how the City’s inhabitants were affected by, and how they responded to, that calamitous epidemic.  Though a San Francisco-based story, We Were Here extends beyond San Francisco and beyond AIDS itself.  It speaks to our capacity as individuals to rise to the occasion, and to the incredible power of a community coming together with love, compassion, and determination.”  WE WERE HERE will screen on June 16 at 7PM.  Tickets are $8 each and are currently available at THE NEON box office.  This screening is sponsored by The Greater Dayton LGBT Center.   Be sure to take a look at the trailer, and get your tickets early.  After the film, we will have a discussion with representatives from AIDS Resource Center Ohio, Miami Valley Poz 4 Poz, an early HIV/AIDS community educator, and more.  Additionally, we will have the opportunity to see a series of incredible photographs in THE NEON’s lobby.  Here’s the story: Approximately half way through WE WERE HERE, there are several beautiful and chilling photos of a man with AIDS.  These photos were the final project of the late John Davis of Belmont, Ohio.  His sister contacted me a couple weeks ago and offered us the opportunity to display the entire series.  THE NEON will hang all 17 photographs in our lobby before the screening.

[yframe url=’http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oCxqJgpejbs’]

If you’ve been to THE NEON lately, you’ve more than likely seen our note at the front counter about pricing.  Here’s what it states: “Effective June 3, 2011.  At THE NEON, we strive to have the best films, the best customer service and the best prices.  While we don’t intend on changing these goals, we must unfortunately raise our admission prices.  On June 3, all General Admission, Matinee and Senior Citizen tickets will increase by 50 cents.  Our ticket prices have not increased since August of 2008…and our new ticket prices will still be at least $2 less expensive than all the first-run multiplexes in the region.  Thanks for your understanding.”  We hope this won’t deter you from coming to THE NEON…as we have dozens of great films coming our way in the weeks and months ahead.

On Monday, May 30, we will open earlier than usual.  Because it’s Memorial Day, we will treat it like a weekend day. Perhaps we’ll see you then.

Take care,

Jonathan

SHOWTIMES for May 27 – June 2:

I AM (NR) 1 Hr 17 Min

Friday, Saturday, Sunday, Monday: 1:00, 5:15

Tuesday – Thursday:  5:15

THE BEAVER (PG-13) 1 Hr 31 Min

Friday, Saturday, Sunday, Monday: 1:10, 3:15, 5:20, 7:30, 9:45

Tuesday – Thursday:  3:15, 5:20, 7:30, 9:45

THE GREATEST MOVIE EVER SOLD (PG-13) 1 Hr 30 Min

Friday – Thursday: 3:10, 7:20, 9:30

COMING SOON:

As always, all dates are tentative.  Some of these dates will change.

In some cases, titles may disappear.

June 3 BILL CUNNINGHAM NEW YORK

June 3   WINTER IN WARTIME

June 10  INCENDIES

June 17  DOUBLE HOUR

June 24   MIDNIGHT IN PARIS

July 1  TREE OF LIFE

July 8  BUCK

July 15   PAGE ONE

July 15   BEGINNERS

TBD POTICHE

Academy Award Winner & FilmDayton Festival!

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Hello Everyone!

This is going to be a fun weekend for film lovers in Dayton.  In addition to a one-week-only engagement of this year’s Academy Award winning film IN A BETTER WORLD, The FilmDayton Festival has something for everyone.  (Incidentally, I saw IN A BETTER WORLD in Toronto last year.  It’s absolutely wonderful…don’t miss it!)  I AM will stick around for another week.

Synopsis for IN A BETTER WORLD: “Anton is a doctor who commutes between his home in an idyllic town in Denmark, and his work at an African refugee camp. In these two very different worlds, he and his family are faced with conflicts that lead them to difficult choices between revenge and forgiveness. Anton and his wife Marianne, who have two young sons, are separated and struggling with the possibility of divorce. Their older, ten-year-old son Elias is being bullied at school, until he is defended by Christian, a new boy who has just moved from London with his father, Claus. Christian’s mother recently lost her battle with cancer, and Christian is greatly troubled by her death. Elias and Christian quickly form a strong bond, but when Christian involves Elias in a dangerous act of revenge with potentially tragic consequences, their friendship is tested and lives are put in danger. Ultimately, it is their parents who are left to help them come to terms with the complexity of human emotions, pain and empathy.”  (Sony Pictures Classics)

[yframe url=’http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MPuqCFOgeFc’]

The FilmDayton Festival is here.  Their website is up and running with details about each film, each party, numerous special events and links for tickets.  Check out the website by clicking the image below.


Here are FilmDayton Festival screenings at THE NEON:

Friday, May 20 at 7:00 & 9:30 – WSU’s BIG LENS Film Festival

Saturday, May 21 at 10:30am – SCREENLESS SCREENING

Saturday, May 21 at 11:50am – FILMICALLY PERFECT

Saturday, May 21 at 1:00 – HOMERUN SHOWDOWN

Saturday, May 21 at 3:15 – BEAUTIFUL NOISE

Saturday, May 21 at 5:30 – INTO ETERNITY

Saturday, May 21 at 7:00 – NEW LEFT MEDIA Shorts

Saturday, May 21 at 8:15 – MARWENCOL

Saturday, May 21 at 10:30 – HUSK

Sunday, May 22 at 12:15 – SUNDOG & FILMDAYTON SHORTS

Sunday, May 22 at 2:40 – BILAL’S STAND

Sunday, May 22 at 4:45 – WHERE SOLDIERS COME FROM

Sunday, May 22 at 7:00 – ROCKIN’ THE WALL

This just in…The YMCA has cancelled the screening of THE OTHER SIDE on May 26.

A panel is in place for our screening of a powerful and moving documentary called WE WERE HERE.  “WE WERE HERE is the first documentary to take a deep and reflective look back at the arrival and impact of AIDS in San Francisco.  It explores how the City’s inhabitants were affected by, and how they responded to, that calamitous epidemic.  Though a San Francisco-based story, We Were Here extends beyond San Francisco and beyond AIDS itself.  It speaks to our capacity as individuals to rise to the occasion, and to the incredible power of a community coming together with love, compassion, and determination.”  WE WERE HERE will screen on June 16 at 7PM.  Tickets are $8 each and are currently available at THE NEON box office.  This screening is sponsored by The Greater Dayton LGBT Center.  Be sure to take a look at the trailer, and get your tickets early.  After the film, we will have a discussion with representatives from AIDS Resource Center Ohio, Miami Valley Poz 4 Poz, an early HIV/AIDS community educator, and more.  Additionally, we will have the opportunity to see a series of incredible photographs in THE NEON’s lobby.  I’ll give you more details about this special installation next week.

[yframe url=’http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oCxqJgpejbs’]

If you’ve been to THE NEON lately, you’ve more than likely seen our note at the front counter about pricing.  Here’s what it states: “Effective June 3, 2011.  At THE NEON, we strive to have the best films, the best customer service and the best prices.  While we don’t intend on changing these goals, we must unfortunately raise our admission prices.  On June 3, all General Admission, Matinee and Senior Citizen tickets will increase by 50 cents.  Our ticket prices have not increased since August of 2008…and our new ticket prices will still be at least $2 less expensive than all the first-run multiplexes in the region.  Thanks for your understanding.”  We hope this won’t deter you from coming to THE NEON…as we have dozens of great films coming our way in the weeks and months ahead.

Thanks so much for your interest in THE NEON.

Take care,

Jonathan

SHOWTIMES for May 20 – May 26:

IN A BETTER WORLD (PG-13) 2 Hrs

Friday, Saturday, Sunday: 3:00, 7:15

Monday – Thursday: 3:00, 5:30, 8:00

I AM (NR) 1 Hr 17 Min

Friday, Saturday, Sunday: 1:15, 5:30, 9:40

Monday – Wednesday: 3:15, 5:15, 7:45

Thursday: 3:15, 5:15

FILMDAYTON

See Schedule Above

THE OTHER SIDE (NR) 40 Min + Q&A

Thursday: 7:30

COMING SOON:

As always, all dates are tentative.  Some of these dates will change.

In some cases, titles may disappear.

May 27 THE GREATEST MOVIE EVER SOLD

May 27 THE BEAVER

June 3 BILL CUNNINGHAM NEW YORK

June 3   WINTER IN WARTIME

June 10  INCENDIES

June 17  DOUBLE HOUR

June 24   MIDNIGHT IN PARIS

July 1  TREE OF LIFE

July 8  BUCK

July 15   PAGE ONE

TBD   POTICHE

TBD  BEGINNERS

TBD MEEK’S CUTOFF

Tom Shadyac’s I AM Starts Today!

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Hello Everyone.
Opening this week is a film that was quietly released back in February.  No one asked me about it.  Then the press started to hit a few weeks ago – radio shows, afternoon talk shows (including Oprah)…and we started getting numerous calls and e-mails.  Tom Shadyac’s I AM is a documentary that we hope will live up to the requests.
In addition to opening I AM, we will hold onto OF GODS AND MEN and JANE EYRE for one more week.
Synopsis for I AM:  “I AM, a probing exploration of our world, what’s wrong with it, and what we can do to make it better, represents Tom Shadyac’s first foray into non-fiction following a career as one of Hollywood’s leading comedy practitioners, with such successful titles as ACE VENTURA, LIAR LIAR, and BRUCE ALMIGHTY to his credit. I AM recounts what happened to the filmmaker after a cycling accident left him incapacitated, possibly for good. Though he ultimately recovered, he emerged a changed man. Disillusioned with life on the A-list, he sold his house, moved to a mobile home community, and decided to start life anew.”  (Shady Acres Entertainment) Visit the OFFICIAL SITE
[yframe url=’http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PeqB8JwpdE4&playnext=1&list=PL021CA823EA86DB07′]
Tickets are now available on at THE NEON box office for next week’s special screening of VEER.  “Start your Miami Valley Cycling Summit experience a day early with Bike Film Night at THE NEON on Thursday, May 19 at 7:30 – featuring the Dayton premier of VEER.  This critically acclaimed documentary tells the stories of people who have made a difference in the world of cycling, and how cycling has made a real difference in people’s lives.  Join us for this inspiring film and support one of the Miami Valley’s own cycling advocate organizations: Bike Miami Valley.  All proceeds from your $5 admission will benefit this growing cycling non-profit organization.” (taken from press release) Visit the SITE
The FilmDayton Festival is next weekend – May 20-22.  Their website is up and running with details about each film, each party, numerous special events and links for tickets.  Check out the OFFICIAL SITE.
On May 26 at 7:30, the YMCA will hold a special event at THE NEON.  “THE OTHER SIDE, a documentary by Baxter Stapleton, captures the story of two worlds colliding through mentoring.  Two successful business men living in the comfort of suburbia – surrounded with personal possessions and notoriety –  realized they were unfulfilled and wanted a greater purpose.  This desire to make a difference led them to reach out to the other side.  In doing so, they realized that both sides had lessons to teach. The film implores the audience to remember that in giving you receive.” (taken from press notes)   Tickets for this event are $8 and will be available at our box office starting this weekend.
Almost all details are in place for our screening of a powerful and moving documentary called WE WERE HERE.  That said,  new element was introduced to the event yesterday evening – when a local woman called me with a very interesting proposal…I’ll give you the full update next week.  “WE WERE HERE is the first documentary to take a deep and reflective look back at the arrival and impact of AIDS in San Francisco.  It explores how the City’s inhabitants were affected by, and how they responded to, that calamitous epidemic.  Though a San Francisco-based story, We Were Here extends beyond San Francisco and beyond AIDS itself.  It speaks to our capacity as individuals to rise to the occasion, and to the incredible power of a community coming together with love, compassion, and determination.”  WE WERE HERE will screen on June 16 at 7PM.  Tickets are $8 each and are currently available at THE NEON box office.  This screening is sponsored by The Greater Dayton LGBT Center.
Be sure to take a look at the trailer, and get your tickets early.
[yframe url=’http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oCxqJgpejbs’]
If you’ve been to THE NEON lately, you’ve more than likely seen our note at the front counter about pricing.  Here’s what it states: “Effective June 3, 2011.  At THE NEON, we strive to have the best films, the best customer service and the best prices.  While we don’t intend on changing these goals, we must unfortunately raise our admission prices.  On June 3, all General Admission, Matinee and Senior Citizen tickets will increase by 50 cents.  Our ticket prices have not increased since August of 2008…and our new ticket prices will still be at least $2 less expensive than all the first-run multiplexes in the region.  Thanks for your understanding.”  We hope this won’t deter you from coming to THE NEON…as we have dozens of great films coming our way in the weeks and months ahead.
Thanks so much for your interest in THE NEON.
We hope to see you soon!
Take care,
Jonathan
SHOWTIMES for May 13 – May 19:

JANE EYRE (PG-13) 2 Hrs
Friday, Saturday, Sunday:  12:30, 5:15
Monday – Wednesday:  5:15
Thursday:   5:00
I AM (NR) 1 Hr 17 Min
Friday, Saturday, Sunday:  1:00, 3:15, 5:15, 7:30, 9:30
Monday – Thursday:  3:15, 5:15, 7:30
OF GODS AND MEN (R) 2 Hrs 2 Min
Friday, Saturday, Sunday: 2:50, 8:00
Monday – Wednesday: 2:50, 8:00
Thursday:   2:50
VEER (Miami Valley Cycling Summit event)
Thursday: 7:30
COMING SOON:
As always, all dates are tentative.  Some of these dates will change.
In some cases, titles may disappear.
May 20 IN A BETTER WORLD
May 27   THE GREATEST MOVIE EVER SOLD
May 27  THE BEAVER
June 3  BILL CUNNINGHAM NEW YORK
June 3   WINTER IN WARTIME
June 10 INCENDIES
June 17  DOUBLE HOUR
June 24   MIDNIGHT IN PARIS
July 1  TREE OF LIFE
July 8  BUCK
July 15   PAGE ONE
TBD   POTICHE
TBD  BEGINNERS
TBD MEEK’S CUTOFF

Cannes Winner OF GODS AND MEN Now Playing!

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Hello Everyone.

New to THE NEON this weekend is a film that has won awards around the world. It has received a grade of 100% from The New York Times, The Wall Street Journal, The Los Angeles Times and many more. Several of you have been asking about OF GODS AND MEN, and it’s finally coming to town. That said, it might not stick around too long…so please hurry down. In addition to the new film, we will hold JANE EYRE and WIN WIN for one more week.

Synopsis for OF GODS AND MEN: “Eight French Christian monks live in harmony with their Muslim brothers in a monastery perched in the mountains of North Africa in the 1990s. When a crew of foreign workers is massacred by an Islamic fundamentalist group, fear sweeps though the region. The army offers them protection, but the monks refuse. Should they leave? Despite the growing menace in their midst, they slowly realize that they have no choice but to stay… come what may. This film is loosely based on the life of the Cistercian monks of Tibhirine in Algeria, from 1993 until their kidnapping in 1996.” (taken from Sony Classics press notes)   Visit the OFFICIAL SITE.

[yframe url=’http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YWEIxzlKCgA’]

“Start your Miami Valley Cycling Summit experience a day early with Bike Film Night at THE NEON on Thursday, May 19 at 7:30 – featuring the Dayton premier of VEER. This critically acclaimed documentary tells the stories of people who have made a difference in the world of cycling, and how cycling has made a real difference in people’s lives. Join us for this inspiring film and support one of the Miami Valley’s own cycling advocate organizations: Bike Miami Valley. All proceeds from your $5 admission will benefit this growing cycling non-profit organization.” (taken from press release) Tickets are now available on at THE NEON box office.

[yframe url=’http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Jyv0JchtTpQ’]

The FilmDayton Festival is set for May 20-22. Their website is up and running with details about each film, each party, numerous special events and links for tickets. Check it out!

I’m currently working on putting together a panel discussion to follow a screening of a powerful and moving documentary called WE WERE HERE. “WE WERE HERE is the first documentary to take a deep and reflective look back at the arrival and impact of AIDS in San Francisco. It explores how the City’s inhabitants were affected by, and how they responded to, that calamitous epidemic. Though a San Francisco-based story, We Were Here extends beyond San Francisco and beyond AIDS itself. It speaks to our capacity as individuals to rise to the occasion, and to the incredible power of a community coming together with love, compassion, and determination.” WE WERE HERE will screen on June 16 at 7PM. Tickets are $8 each and are currently available at THE NEON box office. This screening is sponsored by The Greater Dayton LGBT Center.
Be sure to take a look at the trailer, and get your tickets early.

[yframe url=’http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oCxqJgpejbs’]

We hope to see you soon!

Take care,
Jonathan

SHOWTIMES for May 6 – May 12:

JANE EYRE (PG-13) 2 Hrs
Friday, Saturday, Sunday: 12:20, 2:45, 7:15
Monday – Wednesday: 2:45, 7:30
Thursday: 2:45

WIN WIN (R) 1 Hr 46 Min
Friday, Saturday, Sunday: 5:10, 9:40
Monday – Thursday: 5:10

OF GODS AND MEN (R) 2 Hrs 2 Min
Friday, Saturday, Sunday: 1:00, 4:30, 7:15, 9:40
Monday – Thursday: 3:00, 5:30, 8:00

COMING SOON:
As always, all dates are tentative. Some of these dates will change.
In some cases, titles may disappear.
May 13 WINTER IN WARTIME
May 13 I AM
May 20 IN A BETTER WORLD
May 27 THE GREATEST MOVIE EVER SOLD
May 27 THE BEAVER
June 3 BILL CUNNINGHAM NEW YORK
June 10 INCENDIES
June 17 MIDNIGHT IN PARIS
July 1 TREE OF LIFE
July 15 PAGE ONE
TBD POTICHE
TBD CERTIFIED COPY
TBD BEGINNERS
TBD MEEK’S CUTOFF

Date Changes/Updates & More at THE NEON

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Hello Everyone.

We’re still going strong with our two exclusive films – WIN WIN and JANE EYRE. The response has been quite positive to both films, and it’s great that 2 such different movies are resonating so much with so many of you. To read a synopsis of each film, please visit our website.

As you already know, all dates on our upcoming calendar are tentative. Sometimes distributors change opening dates based on print availability or a change in release strategy, and sometimes we change dates based on our box office performance. Because our two current films are doing so well, we have to move OF GODS AND MEN back. Right now, it’s scheduled to open May 6….we’ll see if that’s possible next week.
On that same subject, the distributor of THE GREATEST MOVIE EVER SOLD just moved that opening date back two weeks (to May 27)…so our entire upcoming list is going to shift as a result. I’ll keep you posted.
And on yet another similar note, we have just added I AM – a film that many of you have requested – into our schedule…dated (tentatively) for May 13. Please help us spread the word.

“Start your Miami Valley Cycling Summit experience a day early with Bike Film Night
at THE NEON on Thursday, May 19 at 7:30 – featuring the Dayton premier of VEER. This critically acclaimed documentary tells the stories of people who have made a difference in the world of cycling, and how cycling has made a real difference in people’s lives. Join us for this inspiring film and support one of the Miami Valley’s own cycling advocate organizations: Bike Miami Valley. All proceeds from your $5 admission will benefit this growing cycling non-profit organization.” (taken from press release) Click on the link to learn more about the Miami Valley Cycling Summit.

I’m currently working on putting together a panel discussion to follow a screening of a powerful and moving documentary called WE WERE HERE. “WE WERE HERE is the first documentary to take a deep and reflective look back at the arrival and impact of AIDS in San Francisco. It explores how the City’s inhabitants were affected by, and how they responded to, that calamitous epidemic. Though a San Francisco-based story, We Were Here extends beyond San Francisco and beyond AIDS itself. It speaks to our capacity as individuals to rise to the occasion, and to the incredible power of a community coming together with love, compassion, and determination.” WE WERE HERE will screen on June 16 at 7PM. Tickets are $8 each and are currently available at THE NEON box office. This screening is sponsored by The Greater Dayton LGBT Center.
Be sure to take a look at the trailer, and get your tickets early.

[yframe url=’http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oCxqJgpejbs’]

We hope to see you soon!

Take care,
Jonathan

SHOWTIMES for April 29 – May 5:

JANE EYRE (PG-13) 2 Hrs
Friday, Saturday, Sunday: 12:10, 2:30, 4:50, 7:15, 9:40
Monday – Thursday: 2:30, 4:50, 7:15

WIN WIN (R) 1 Hr 46 Min
Friday, Saturday, Sunday: 12:30, 2:50, 5:10, 7:30, 9:40
Monday – Thursday: 2:50, 5:10, 7:30

COMING SOON:
As always, all dates are tentative. Some of these dates will change.
In some cases, titles may disappear.
May 6 OF GODS AND MEN
May 6 WINTER IN WARTIME
May 13 I AM
May 20 IN A BETTER WORLD
May 27 POM WONDERFUL PRESENTS THE GREATEST MOVIE EVER SOLD
May 27 THE BEAVER
June 3 BILL CUNNINGHAM NEW YORK
June 10 INCENDIES
June 17 MIDNIGHT IN PARIS
July 1 TREE OF LIFE
July 15 PAGE ONE
TBD POTICHE
TBD CERTIFIED COPY
TBD THE BEGINNERS
TBD MEEK’S CUTOFF

2 Hits Are Sticking Around + New Event Announcements at THE NEON!

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Hello Everyone.

With our current two exclusive films – WIN WIN and JANE EYRE – we’ve got two hits on our hands. Thanks to all of you who came out and supported these films on opening weekend – we were quite busy. To read a synopsis of each film, please visit our website.

Be sure to sign up for WIN WIN prizes in our lobby.  We’ll have two drawings within the next 10 days for a WIN WIN prize pack.  (The WIN WIN sweatshirts are a hot commodity, and they’re part of the pack.)

[yframe url=’http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=C8J6Cjn06kA’]

[yframe url=’http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nbe33D59euY’]

“Start your Miami Valley Cycling Summit experience a day early with Bike Film Night at THE NEON on Thursday, May 19 at 7:30 – featuring the Dayton premier of VEER. This critically acclaimed documentary tells the stories of people who have made a difference in the world of cycling, and how cycling has made a real difference in people’s lives. Join us for this inspiring film and support one of the Miami Valley’s own cycling advocate organizations: Bike Miami Valley. All proceeds from your $5 admission will benefit this growing cycling non-profit organization.” (taken from press release) Visit the official site to learn more about the Miami Valley Cycling Summit.

I’m currently working on putting together a panel discussion to follow a screening of a powerful and moving documentary called WE WERE HERE. “WE WERE HERE is the first documentary to take a deep and reflective look back at the arrival and impact of AIDS in San Francisco. It explores how the City’s inhabitants were affected by, and how they responded to, that calamitous epidemic. Though a San Francisco-based story, We Were Here extends beyond San Francisco and beyond AIDS itself. It speaks to our capacity as individuals to rise to the occasion, and to the incredible power of a community coming together with love, compassion, and determination.” WE WERE HERE will screen on June 16 at 7PM. Tickets are $8 each and are currently available at THE NEON box office. This screening is sponsored by The Greater Dayton LGBT Center.
Be sure to take a look at the trailer, and get your tickets early.
[yframe url=’http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oCxqJgpejbs’]

We hope to see you soon!

Take care,
Jonathan

SHOWTIMES for April 22 – April 28:

JANE EYRE (PG-13) 2 Hrs
Friday, Saturday, Sunday: 12:10, 2:30, 4:50, 7:15, 9:40
Monday – Thursday: 2:30, 4:50, 7:15, 9:40

WIN WIN (R) 1 Hr 46 Min
Friday, Saturday, Sunday: 12:30, 2:50, 5:10, 7:30, 9:40
Monday – Thursday: 2:50, 5:10, 7:30, 9:40

COMING SOON:
As always, all dates are tentative. Some of these dates will change.
In some cases, titles may disappear.
April 29 OF GODS AND MEN
May 6 WINTER IN WARTIME
May 13 THE GREATEST MOVIE EVER SOLD
May 20 IN A BETTER WORLD
May 27 THE BEAVER
June 3 BILL CUNNINGHAM NEW YORK
June 10 INCENDIES
June 17 MIDNIGHT IN PARIS
July 1 TREE OF LIFE
TBD POTICHE
TBD CERTIFIED COPY
TBD BEGINNERS

The 2 Hottest Indie Films of Spring Open Friday at THE NEON!

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Hello Everyone.

Our two current films have been much loved but sparsely attended. I’ve seen a handful of posts on Facebook urging people to see HEARTBEATS (one friend even went as far as saying it’s “one of the three best films I have ever seen at THE NEON”)…and audiences of THE CONCERT have expressed their affection for the film to all of THE NEON’s staff. That said, Thursday will be the last day to see these films. Hurry down if you still need to see them.

On Friday, we start the two hottest indie films of the season – WIN WIN and JANE EYRE. These films have proven themselves as critical successes, audience favorites and box office champs in numerous markets across the country. I’ve seen both films recently and really liked them both, and I’m certain that Daytonians will like them, too.

Synopsis for WIN WIN: “Disheartened attorney Mike Flaherty, who moonlights as a high school wrestling coach, stumbles across a star athlete through some questionable business dealings while trying to support his family. Just as it looks like he will get a double payday, the boy’s mother shows up fresh from rehab and flat broke, threatening to derail everything.” (Fox Searchlight Pictures) OFFICIAL SITE
We’ll be giving away some fun WIN WIN materials on opening night at 7:30…and we’ll have a drawing for a WIN WIN sweatshirt throughout opening week.

Synopsis for JANE EYRE: “Mia Wasikowska and Michael Fassbender star in the romantic drama based on Charlotte Bronte’s classic novel, from acclaimed director Cary Fukunaga. In the story, Jane Eyre flees Thornfield House, where she works as a governess for wealthy Edward Rochester. As she reflects upon the people and emotions that have defined her, it is clear that the isolated and imposing residence – and Mr. Rochester’s coldness – have sorely tested the young woman’s resilience, forged years earlier when she was orphaned. She must now act decisively to secure her own future and come to terms with the past that haunts her – and the terrible secret that Mr. Rochester is hiding and that she has uncovered.” (Focus Features)  OFFICIAL SITE

[yframe url=’http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nbe33D59euY’]

[yframe url=’http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=C8J6Cjn06kA’]

Gar Drolma Buddhist Center will host an event at THE NEON this Saturday, April 16th. “Imagine if every thought, word, and action was only…FOR THE BENEFIT OF ALL BEINGS – A film by Christina Lundberg, producer of Mystic Tibet, Discovering Buddhism, and On the Road Home. Tickets for the first screening have already sold out…so a 2nd screening has been added for 5:15.
Garchen Rinpoche’s life presents tragic events from the light of transcendent experience. After the Chinese invasion of Tibet, Rinpoche joined the Tibetan resistance fighters and was subsequently imprisoned for more than 20 years, enduring horrifying conditions. He practiced the Buddha’s teachings in secret and emerged a Realized Being; then risked his life to preserve the living tradition of the path to enlightenment… On Saturday, April 16th at 3:00 pm Gar Drolma will host a benefit screening of this magnificent film with Garchen Rinpoche in the audience. Garchen Rinpoche and Christina Lundberg, filmmaker, will speak following the screening of the movie. (Garchen Rinpoche will not attend the 5:15 screening.)
When you purchase your tickets online, you will see price levels of $10, $20, $30, $40, $50 and $108…all seating will be general admission. The tiered prices are offered to you as a convenient way to donate to the making of the film…Any amount above $10 is a tax deductible donation.” (taken from press release)

LUNAFEST: Short Films By, For, and About Women is set for this Sunday, April 17 at 3:00. This will be the 3rd year for LUNAFEST at THE NEON – sponsored by Dayton Women’s Rights Alliance and American Association of University Women – and it’s been quite successful the past two years. In addition to the touring LUNAFEST showcase, this event will feature REFLECTIONS – a short film by Tessa Trozzolillo, a junior at Stivers School for the Arts. In lieu of a set price for tickets, organizers are requesting a minimum donation of $5 or $10 per person (with $3 per student). Money raised will go to benefit The Breast Cancer Fund and Planned Parenthood Southwest Ohio Region.
[yframe url=’http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=41TvvKTCg1Q’]

Lastly, I’d like to thank some of our community partners. Once a week, I make a jaunt to Meadowlark to hang a poster for our upcoming/current attractions. While there, I almost always run into someone who is a NEON regular (if you’ve never eaten at Meadowlark, you should really try it out…I love it). I always hang posters at a couple Boston Stoker locations as well as The Ohio Coffee Company, and when we have a British film, Basically British is always receptive. Special thanks to these businesses for helping us spread the word about what’s happening at THE NEON.

We hope to see you soon!
Jonathan

SHOWTIMES for April 15 – April 21:

JANE EYRE (PG-13) 2 Hrs
Friday: 12:10, 2:30, 4:50, 7:15, 9:40
Saturday: 12:10, 2:30, 7:15, 9:40
Sunday: 12:10, 5:30, 7:40, 9:50
Monday – Thursday: 2:30, 4:50, 7:15, 9:40

WIN WIN (R)  1HR 46Min
Friday: 12:30, 2:50, 5:10, 7:30, 9:40
Saturday: 12:30, 5:10, 7:30, 9:40
Sunday: 12:30, 2:50, 5:10, 7:30, 9:40
Monday – Thursday: 2:50, 5:10, 7:30, 9:40

FOR THE BENEFIT OF ALL BEINGS (NR) 100 Min + Q&A
Saturday: 3:00*, 5:15
(* already sold out)

LUNAFEST (NR)
Sunday: 3:00

COMING SOON:
As always, all dates are tentative. Some of these dates will change.
In some cases, titles may disappear.
April 29 OF GODS AND MEN
May 6 WINTER IN WARTIME
May 13 THE GREATEST MOVIE EVER SOLD
May 20 IN A BETTER WORLD
June 3 BILL CUNNINGHAM NEW YORK
July 1 TREE OF LIFE
TBD POTICHE
TBD CERTIFIED COPY

Everything Must Go + NORTH DIXIE DRIVE News!

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Hello Everyone.

It’s time to move on. Our three current films – CEDAR RAPIDS, I LOVE YOU PHILLIP MORRIS and TINY FURNITURE – will only play through Thursday. Hurry down if you still need to see them (visit our website – www.neonmovies.com – for current showtimes). On Friday, we will open 2 new films – HEARTBEATS and THE CONCERT.

HEARTBEATS was one of my “Top 5” from Toronto…right up there with two films we’ve already shown from my list – THE KING’S SPEECH and RABBIT HOLE. Xavier Dolan, the 22-year old director of the film, has had both of his movies play and win awards at the Cannes Film Festival. He’s an incredible director with a stunning visual style. Don’t miss this incredible film – we’re one of the only cinemas in the midwest to play HEARTBEATS.
Synopsis for HEARTBEATS: “Francis and Marie are close friends. One day, during a lunch, they meet Nicolas, a young man from the country newly arrived in town. As one rendezvous leads troublingly to another – whether real or imagined, the signs are all bad – each of the two friends slides deeper into obsessive fantasies around the same object of desire. And the deeper they slide, the more their once cast-iron friendship begins to crack under the pressure of competing for the new kid on the block. Xavier Dolan’s second film, Heartbeats, is a study of the fall into love. We follow each stage of the typical love story’s progress – it starts with a meeting and ends in tears. The film reveals a fundamentally simple intrigue that careens through a whole gamut of poetic craziness: passions unleashed, expectations, sorrow, humiliation and, finally, loneliness.” (taken from IFC Films)

[yframe url=’http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CQ_eE3kl2AA&playnext=1&list=PL2C4A0DE78FA187CE’]

THE CONCERT is a real crowd-pleaser. About 10 days ago, I received an e-mail from Rochelle Goldstein – one of our regulars at THE NEON. She wrote, “Last evening in DelRay FL, Mike and I saw THE CONCERT, hands-down one of the absolute best! Any chance it’ll come your way soon? If so, we need to see it again, and maybe even yet again!” That’s quite an endorsement, and I think many of you will feel the same way about this film.

Synopsis for THE CONCERT: “Thirty years ago, Andrei Simoniovich Filipov, the renowned conductor of the Bolshoi orchestra, was fired for hiring Jewish musicians. Now a mere cleaning man at the Bolshoi, he learns by accident that the Chatelet Theater in Paris invites the Bolshoi orchestra to play there. He decides to gather together his former musicians and to perform in Paris in the place of the current Bolshoi orchestra. As a solo violin player to accompany his old Jewish or Gypsy musicians he wants Anne-Marie Jacquet, a young virtuoso. If they all overcome the hardships ahead this very special concert will be a triumph.” (taken from metacritic)

[yframe url=’http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tkMdBggI4Ws’]

NORTH DIXIE DRIVE Sold Out on Saturday and Sunday…so we’ve added more screenings. Tickets are now available for April 8, 9, & 10 at 1pm, and they’re just $5. “NORTH DIXIE DRIVE is the portrait of a small community of businesses and people residing in the Northridge section of Dayton, OH. It is the story of big time wrestlers, mechanics, a donut salesmen, an eccentric country singer, barbers, exotic dancers and car repo men. This collection of people, from all walks of life, live and work around a traffic circle situated along highway I-75, and fight to keep their lives and careers afloat in a failing economy. This debut film by Brooklyn, NY filmmaker Eric Mahoney showcases an off beat group of characters in today’s Middle America.” (taken from website)

[yframe url=’http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QoH26ARkeUs’]

PUNCHING THE CLOWN will have one special screening on Wednesday, April 13 at 7:30…and Henry Phillips – the subject of the film – will be in attendance for a Q&A after the screening. “Winner of the Audience Award at the Slamdance Film Festival, this uproarious and smart new comedy tells the story of Henry Phillips, a hapless modern day troubadour who grinds his way through the heartland, living out of his car and singing his twisted satirical songs to anyone who will listen. After a booking mishap involving a Christian fundraiser, he decides he’s hit rock bottom. Seeking to shake things up, he moves to L.A. where his luck changes overnight. Thanks less to his inept manager than to a wild case of mistaken identity, he falls backwards into a string of packed gigs, a record deal and even the promise of love. But he who lives by the whimsy of show business dies by it, and reality hits him like a fist in the face: an innocent miscommunication over a bagel brands him a neo-Nazi in the world of tabloid journalism…Hailed by comedy icon Sarah Silverman as ‘the best movie about comedy I’ve seen so far,’ this hilarious and evocative film is ‘totally primed for a fervent cult following.'” (taken from press notes) General admission will apply, and tickets will be available one week prior to the event.

[yframe url=’http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=08Xwrh-lYpU’]

Gar Drolma Buddhist Center will host an event at THE NEON on Saturday, April 16th. “Imagine if every thought, word, and action was only…FOR THE BENEFIT OF ALL BEINGS – A film by Christina Lundberg, producer of Mystic Tibet, Discovering Buddhism, and On the Road Home. Tickets for the first screening have already sold out…so a 2nd screening has been added for 5:15.
Garchen Rinpoche’s life presents tragic events from the light of transcendent experience. After the Chinese invasion of Tibet, Rinpoche joined the Tibetan resistance fighters and was subsequently imprisoned for more than 20 years, enduring horrifying conditions. He practiced the Buddha’s teachings in secret and emerged a Realized Being; then risked his life to preserve the living tradition of the path to enlightenment… On Saturday, April 16th at 3:00 pm Gar Drolma will host a benefit screening of this magnificent film with Garchen Rinpoche in the audience. Garchen Rinpoche and Christina Lundberg, filmmaker, will speak following the screening of the movie. (Garchen Rinpoche will not attend the 5:15 screening.)
When you purchase your tickets online, you will see price levels of $10, $20, $30, $40, $50 and $108…all seating will be general admission. The tiered prices are offered to you as a convenient way to donate to the making of the film…Any amount above $10 is a tax deductible donation.” (taken from press release) Visit the OFFICIAL SITE.

LUNAFEST: Short Films By, For, and About Women has been set for Sunday, April 17 at 3:00. This will be the 3rd year for LUNAFEST at THE NEON…and it’s been quite successful the past two years. Mark you calendars now, and I’ll provide ticket details in next week’s newsletter.

Folks from Cirque du Soleil are offering NEON subscribers 15% off select tickets to their new show OVO – described as “…a headlong rush into a colorful ecosystem teeming with life, where insects work, eat, crawl, flutter, play, fight and look for love in a non-stop riot of energy…” OVO will take place in Cincinnati under the Big Top at Coney Island. (In the coming days, Cirque will send us some free tickets which I’ll be using as prizes at THE NEON. I’ll keep you posted.)
Discounted tickets are available HERE.
See you soon!

Take care,
Jonathan

SHOWTIMES for April 8 – April 14:

HEARTBEATS (NR) 1 Hr 35 Min
Friday, Saturday, Sunday: 3:00, 5:10, 7:20, 9:30
Monday & Tuesday: 3:00, 5:10, 7:20, 9:30
Wednesday: 3:00, 5:10, 9:45
Thursday: 3:00, 5:10, 7:20, 9:30

THE CONCERT (PG-13) 1 Hr 59 Min
Friday, Saturday, Sunday: 12:15, 2:40, 5:00, 7:30, 9:50
Monday – Thursday: 3:00, 5:30, 8:00

NORTH DIXIE DRIVE (NR) 52 Min
Friday, Saturday, Sunday: 1:00

PUNCHING THE CLOWN (NR) 91 Min + Q&A and Stand-Up Teaser
Wednesday: 7:30

COMING SOON:
As always, all dates are tentative. Some of these dates will change.
In some cases, titles may disappear.
April 15 WIN WIN
April 15 JANE EYRE
April 29 OF GODS AND MEN
May 6 WINTER IN WARTIME
May 13 THE GREATEST MOVIE EVER SOLD
May 20 IN A BETTER WORLD
June 3 BILL CUNNINGHAM NEW YORK
July 1 TREE OF LIFE
TBD POTICHE
TBD CERTIFIED COPY

TINY FURNITURE + 2 New Films Next Week! LIMITED ENGAGEMENTS!!

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Hello Everyone.

In addition to holding onto I LOVE YOU PHILLIP MORRIS and CEDAR RAPIDS, we will open a film festival darling called TINY FURNITURE.  Visit www.neonmovies.com for the current showtimes.

Synopsis for TINY FURNITURE (I love this synopsis): “22-year-old Aura returns home to her artist mother’s TriBeCa loft with the following: a useless film theory degree, 357 hits on her Youtube page, a boyfriend who’s left her to find himself at Burning Man, a dying hamster, and her tail between her legs. Luckily, her trainwreck childhood best friend never left home, the restaurant down the block is hiring, and ill-advised romantic possibilities lurk around every corner. Surrounded on all sides by what she could become, Aura just wants someone to tell her who she is.”   OFFICIAL SITE

[yframe url=’http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PF_jWPJwKIE’]

I’m so excited to announce that we will open 2 new films next week (April 8th)…but they will only play for one week. One is the crowd-pleasing film THE CONCERT (see trailer). The other is another film from my “Top 5” from last year’s Toronto Film Fest – HEARTBEATS – which is the 2nd, full-of-style feature from my newest, favorite director – Xavier Dolan. Mark your calendars. We’re one of only a handful of cinemas in the MidWest play the film!! These films will only play for one week!
HEARTBEATS Trailer!

THE 11th DAYTON JEWISH INTERNATIONAL FILM FESTIVAL is underway. To see a list of titles, screening venues, showtimes and ticket details, visit the official site.
Here are the films that will screen at THE NEON:
Sunday, April 3 at 3:00 – WHERE I STAND: THE HANK GREENSPUN STORY
Sunday, April 3 at 7:10 – NORA’S WILL
Wednesday, April 6 at 7:10 – A MATTER OF SIZE
Thursday, April 7 at 7:10 – JEWS & BASEBALL: AN AMERICAN LOVE STORY

NORTH DIXIE DRIVE tickets are completely SOLD OUT!  I’ll keep you posted if we’re able to add additional screenings.  “NORTH DIXIE DRIVE is the portrait of a small community of businesses and people residing in the Northridge section of Dayton, OH. It is the story of big time wrestlers, mechanics, a donut salesmen, an eccentric country singer, barbers, exotic dancers and car repo men. This collection of people, from all walks of life, live and work around a traffic circle situated along highway I-75, and fight to keep their lives and careers afloat in a failing economy. This debut film by Brooklyn, NY filmmaker Eric Mahoney showcases an off beat group of characters in today’s Middle America.” (taken from website)

On Tuesday, April 5, Andrew – one of our employees – will premiere his latest work. “ONE SUMMER HERE is an independent short film by local filmmakers and Wright State Motion-Pictures alumni Andrew Fiscus (writer, director) and Cole Pisano (director of photography) that will be holding its world premiere screening on Tuesday, April 5th at 9:30PM. It’s a sweltering Ohio summer, and Emma and Dan are growing up. They’re eighteen, hovering somewhere between child and adult. Emma is dreaming of leaving, and Dan is dreaming of her. All the nuance of growing up and the confusion and impetus to be something new, something more than yourself, is explored in the dreamy ONE SUMMER HERE. Admission is free, but donations are encouraged to help offset the high cost of film festival submissions. You can view the trailer for the film by visiting this link . Find out more about the film by joining the facebook fan page.”

PUNCHING THE CLOWN will have one special screening on Wednesday, April 13 at 7:30…and Henry Phillips will be in attendance for a Q&A after the screening. “Winner of the Audience Award at the Slamdance Film Festival, this uproarious and smart new comedy tells the story of Henry Phillips, a hapless modern day troubadour who grinds his way through the heartland, living out of his car and singing his twisted satirical songs to anyone who will listen. After a booking mishap involving a Christian fundraiser, he decides he’s hit rock bottom. Seeking to shake things up, he moves to L.A. where his luck changes overnight. Thanks less to his inept manager than to a wild case of mistaken identity, he falls backwards into a string of packed gigs, a record deal and even the promise of love. But he who lives by the whimsy of show business dies by it, and reality hits him like a fist in the face: an innocent miscommunication over a bagel brands him a neo-Nazi in the world of tabloid journalism…Hailed by comedy icon Sarah Silverman as ‘the best movie about comedy I’ve seen so far,’ this hilarious and evocative film is ‘totally primed for a fervent cult following.'” (taken from press notes) General admission will apply, and tickets will be available one week prior to the event.

Gar Drolma Buddhist Center will host an event at THE NEON on Saturday, April 16th. “Imagine if every thought, word, and action was only…FOR THE BENEFIT OF ALL BEINGS – A film by Christina Lundberg, producer of Mystic Tibet, Discovering Buddhism, and On the Road Home. Tickets for the first screening have already sold out…so a 2nd screening has been added for 5:15.
Garchen Rinpoche’s life presents tragic events from the light of transcendent experience. After the Chinese invasion of Tibet, Rinpoche joined the Tibetan resistance fighters and was subsequently imprisoned for more than 20 years, enduring horrifying conditions. He practiced the Buddha’s teachings in secret and emerged a Realized Being; then risked his life to preserve the living tradition of the path to enlightenment… On Saturday, April 16th at 3:00 pm Gar Drolma will host a benefit screening of this magnificent film with Garchen Rinpoche in the audience. Garchen Rinpoche and Christina Lundberg, filmmaker, will speak following the screening of the movie. (Garchen Rinpoche will not attend the 5:15 screening.)
When you purchase your tickets online, you will see price levels of $10, $20, $30, $40, $50 and $108…all seating will be general admission. The tiered prices are offered to you as a convenient way to donate to the making of the film…Any amount above $10 is a tax deductible donation. ” (taken from press release)

See you soon!

Take care,
Jonathan

SHOWTIMES for April 1 – April 7:

CEDAR RAPIDS (R)
Fri & Sat: 3:00, 7:30
Sun: 5:15 PM
Mon – Thu: 3:00, 7:30

I LOVE YOU PHILLIP MORRIS (R)
Fri & Sat: 5:10, 9:40
Sun: 9:40 PM
Mon – Thu: 5:10, 9:40

TINY FURNITURE (NR)
Fri – Sun: 12:45, 2:50, 5:00, 7:20, 9:30
Mon: 2:50, 5:00, 7:20, 9:30
Tue: 2:50, 5:00, 7:20
Wed & Thu: 2:50, 5:00, 9:40

NORTH DIXIE DRIVE (NR) 52 Min
Friday, Saturday, Sunday: 1:00

ONE SUMMER HERE (NR) 20+ minutes
Tuesday: 9:30

DAYTON JEWISH INTERNATIONAL FILM FESTIVAL
Sunday: 3:00 – WHERE I STAND
Sunday: 7:10 – NORA’S WILL
Wednesday: 7:10 – A MATTER OF SIZE
Thursday: 7:10 – JEWS & BASEBALL

COMING SOON:
As always, all dates are tentative. Some of these dates will change.
In some cases, titles may disappear.
April 8 HEARTBEATS
April 8 THE CONCERT
April 15 WIN WIN
April 15 JANE EYRE
April 29 OF GODS AND MEN
May 6 WINTER IN WARTIME
May 13 THE GREATEST MOVIE EVER SOLD
May 20 IN A BETTER WORLD
June 3 BILL CUNNINGHAM NEW YORK
July 1 TREE OF LIFE
TBD POTICHE
TBD CERTIFIED COPY

Sofia Coppola’s SOMEWHERE + NORTH DIXIE DRIVE!

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Hello Everyone.

I LOVE YOU PHILLIP MORRIS performed better than anticipated last weekend, so we’re going to at least be able to keep it for a handful of screenings for another week. Though CEDAR RAPIDS fell substantially, we’re going to keep it, too. In addition, we’re going to open a new film. Scholars of cinema recognize its influence from Italian masters like Antonioni and Bertolucci, and A.O. Scott of THE NEW YORK TIMES (and several others) gave it a 100% review. Sofia Coppola’s SOMEWHERE, starring Stephen Dorff and Elle Fanning, won the Golden Lion at last year’s Venice Film Festival.

Synopsis for SOMEWHERE: “You have probably seen him in the tabloids; Johnny is living at the legendary Chateau Marmont hotel in Hollywood. He has a Ferrari to drive around in, and a constant stream of girls and pills to stay in with. Comfortably numbed, Johnny drifts along. Then, his 11-year-old daughter Cleo from his failed marriage arrives unexpectedly at the Chateau. Their encounters encourage Johnny to face up to where he is in life and confront the question that we all must: which path in life will you take? ” OFFICIAL SITE

[yframe url=’http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=C9n9hP_LtL8&playnext=1&list=PL845C4146D848875D’]

THE 11th DAYTON JEWISH INTERNATIONAL FILM FESTIVAL had it’s first screening at THE NEON on Thursday evening…and there are many more great screenings. To see a list of titles, screening venues, showtimes and ticket details, visit the official site.
Here are the films that will screen at THE NEON:
Sunday, March 27 at 5:15 – THE YANKLES
Tuesday, March 29 at 9:30am – AHEAD OF TIME
Wednesday, March 30 at 7:10 – IMAGINE THIS
Sunday, April 3 at 3:00 – WHERE I STAND: THE HANK GREENSPUN STORY
Sunday, April 3 at 7:10 – NORA’S WILL
Wednesday, April 6 at 7:10 – A MATTER OF SIZE
Thursday, April 7 at 7:10 – JEWS & BASEBALL: AN AMERICAN LOVE STORY

NORTH DIXIE DRIVE tickets are really starting to move for our additional screenings. Tickets are now available for April 1, 2 & 3 at 1pm, and they’re just $5. “NORTH DIXIE DRIVE is the portrait of a small community of businesses and people residing in the Northridge section of Dayton, OH. It is the story of big time wrestlers, mechanics, a donut salesmen, an eccentric country singer, barbers, exotic dancers and car repo men. This collection of people, from all walks of life, live and work around a traffic circle situated along highway I-75, and fight to keep their lives and careers afloat in a failing economy. This debut film by Brooklyn, NY filmmaker Eric Mahoney showcases an off beat group of characters in today’s Middle America.” (taken from website) You can see a trailer and read more about the film by visiting the official site.

[yframe url=’http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QoH26ARkeUs’]

On Tuesday, April 5, Andrew – one of our employees – will premiere his latest work. “ONE SUMMER HERE is an independent short film by local filmmakers and Wright State Motion-Pictures alumni Andrew Fiscus (writer, director) and Cole Pisano (director of photography) that will be holding its world premiere screening on Tuesday, April 5th at 9:30PM. It’s a sweltering Ohio summer, and Emma and Dan are growing up. They’re eighteen, hovering somewhere between child and adult. Emma is dreaming of leaving, and Dan is dreaming of her. All the nuance of growing up and the confusion and impetus to be something new, something more than yourself, is explored in the dreamy ONE SUMMER HERE. Admission is free, but donations are encouraged to help offset the high cost of film festival submissions. You can view the trailer for the film by visiting this site.

PUNCHING THE CLOWN will have one special screening on Wednesday, April 13 at 7:30…and Henry Phillips will be in attendance for a Q&A after the screening. “Winner of the Audience Award at the Slamdance Film Festival, this uproarious and smart new comedy tells the story of Henry Phillips, a hapless modern day troubadour who grinds his way through the heartland, living out of his car and singing his twisted satirical songs to anyone who will listen. After a booking mishap involving a Christian fundraiser, he decides he’s hit rock bottom. Seeking to shake things up, he moves to L.A. where his luck changes overnight. Thanks less to his inept manager than to a wild case of mistaken identity, he falls backwards into a string of packed gigs, a record deal and even the promise of love. But he who lives by the whimsy of show business dies by it, and reality hits him like a fist in the face: an innocent miscommunication over a bagel brands him a neo-Nazi in the world of tabloid journalism…Hailed by comedy icon Sarah Silverman as ‘the best movie about comedy I’ve seen so far,’ this hilarious and evocative film is ‘totally primed for a fervent cult following.'” (taken from press notes) General admission will apply, and tickets will be available one week prior to the event.

[yframe url=’http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=08Xwrh-lYpU’]

Gar Drolma Buddhist Center will host an event at THE NEON on Saturday, April 16th. “Imagine if every thought, word, and action was only…FOR THE BENEFIT OF ALL BEINGS – A film by Christina Lundberg, producer of Mystic Tibet, Discovering Buddhism, and On the Road Home.
Garchen Rinpoche’s life presents tragic events from the light of transcendent experience. After the Chinese invasion of Tibet, Rinpoche joined the Tibetan resistance fighters and was subsequently imprisoned for more than 20 years, enduring horrifying conditions. He practiced the Buddha’s teachings in secret and emerged a Realized Being; then risked his life to preserve the living tradition of the path to enlightenment… On Saturday, April 16th at 3:00 pm Gar Drolma will host a benefit screening of this magnificent film with Garchen Rinpoche in the audience. Garchen Rinpoche and Christina Lundberg, filmmaker, will speak following the screening of the movie.
When you purchase your tickets online, you will see price levels of $10, $20, $30, $40, $50 and $108…all seating will be general admission. The tiered prices are offered to you as a convenient way to donate to the making of the film…Any amount above $10 is a tax deductible donation.” (taken from press release) Official site.

Hold the date:  LUNAFEST is set for April 17th!  Ticket details and additional information will be available in early April, but I wanted you to know that the date has just been set.

Next week, we’re scheduled to open TINY FURNITURE.  We’ll then open the crowd-pleasing film THE CONCERT.  THE NEON is buzzing, and FilmDayton will soon be unveiling their line-up for May. With so much happening, I’m sure we’ll see you soon.

Take care,
Jonathan

SHOWTIMES for March 25 – March 31:

SOMEWHERE (R) 1 Hr 37 Min
Friday: 12:45, 2:50, 5:00, 7:20, 9:30
Saturday: 12:45, 2:50, 7:20, 9:30
Sunday: 12:45, 2:50, 5:00, 7:20, 9:30
Monday – Thursday: 2:50, 5:00, 7:20, 9:30

CEDAR RAPIDS (R) 1 Hr 27 Min
Friday, Saturday: 3:00, 7:30
Sunday: 3:00, 7:45
Monday, Tuesday: 3:00, 7:30
Wednesday: 3:00
Thursday: 3:00, 7:30

I LOVE YOU PHILLIP MORRIS (R) 1 Hr 38 Min
Friday, Saturday: 12:50, 5:10, 9:40
Sunday: 12:50, 9:45
Monday, Tuesday: 5:10, 9:40
Wednesday: 5:10, 9:50
Thursday: 5:10, 9:40

NORTH DIXIE DRIVE (NR) 52 Min + Q&A
Saturday: 5:00

DAYTON JEWISH INTERNATIONAL FILM FESTIVAL
Sunday: 5:15 – THE YANKLES
Tuesday: 9:30am – AHEAD OF TIME
Wednesday: 7:10 – IMAGINE THIS

COMING SOON:
As always, all dates are tentative. Some of these dates will change.
In some cases, titles may disappear.

April 1 TINY FURNITURE
April 8 THE CONCERT
April 15 WIN WIN
April 15 or 22 JANE EYRE

May 6 WINTER IN WARTIME
May 13 THE GREATEST MOVIE EVER SOLD
May 20 IN A BETTER WORLD
TBD POTICHE, OF GODS AND MEN, BILL CUNNINGHAM NEW YORK

Jim Carrey & Ewan McGregor in I LOVE YOU PHILLIP MORRIS + Lots More!

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Hello Everyone.

I LOVE YOU PHILLIP MORRIS was released in the bigger markets back in early December…so in that regard, we’re a little “late” in bringing it to Dayton. In December, we simply got too busy with big hits – and that’s a good thing! That said, we didn’t want to skip this Sundance darling all together. Starting Friday, you’ll be able to see this film that has seen positive reviews from Entertainment Weekly, Variety, The Chicago-Sun Times and many more. Stephen Holden of The New York Times wrote, “A Jim Carrey movie all the way: a good one, I might add. With his manic glare, ferociously eager smile, hyperkinetic body language and talent for instant self-transformation, Mr. Carrey has rarely been more charismatic on the screen.”

Synopsis: “I LOVE YOU PHILLIP MORRIS is the improbable but true story of a spectacularly charismatic conman’s journey from small-town businessman to flamboyant white-collar criminal, who repeatedly finds himself in trouble with the law and on the lam, brilliantly escaping from the Texas prison system on four separate occasions – all in the name of love.” Starring Jim Carrey & Ewan McGregor. Visit the film’s official website.

[yframe url=’http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XoFANivV44g’]

CEDAR RAPIDS performed quite well over the weekend. It will be sticking around. If you still need to see BIUTIFUL or BARNEY’S VERSION, you only have through Thursday (3/17) to see them at THE NEON. Check www.neonmovies.com for showtimes.

Last year marked the first time that THE FOUND FOOTAGE FESTIVAL made a stop in Dayton. Folks loved the show, and the fellas are on the road again. On Sunday, March 20 at 7:30, THE FOUND FOOTAGE FESTIVAL will return to THE NEON with a new batch of material. Visit the official website to find out more about the show. Advanced tickets ($11 each) are only available on-line by visiting this link.

THE 11th DAYTON JEWISH INTERNATIONAL FILM FESTIVAL is just around the corner. Screenings at THE NEON begin on Thursday, March 24th…but the festival has even more events and screenings around town. To see a list of titles, screening venues, showtimes and ticket details, visit the official site.
Here are the films that will screen at THE NEON:
Thursday, March 24 at 7:10 – AJAMI
Sunday, March 27 at 5:15 – THE YANKLES
Tuesday, March 29 at 9:30am – AHEAD OF TIME
Wednesday, March 30 at 7:10 – IMAGINE THIS
Sunday, April 3 at 3:00 – WHERE I STAND: THE HAND GREENSPUN STORY
Sunday, April 3 at 7:10 – NORA’S WILL
Wednesday, April 6 at 7:10 – A MATTER OF SIZE
Thursday, April 7 at 7:10 – JEWS & BASEBALL: AN AMERICAN LOVE STORY

[yframe url=’http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8y6ExnSrggc’]

THE NEON has booked additional screenings of NORTH DIXIE DRIVE, and tickets are already moving. Tickets are now available for April 1, 2 & 3 at 1pm, and they’re just $5. “NORTH DIXIE DRIVE is the portrait of a small community of businesses and people residing in the Northridge section of Dayton, OH. It is the story of big time wrestlers, mechanics, a donut salesmen, an eccentric country singer, barbers, exotic dancers and car repo men. This collection of people, from all walks of life, live and work around a traffic circle situated along highway I-75, and fight to keep their lives and careers afloat in a failing economy. This debut film by Brooklyn, NY filmmaker Eric Mahoney showcases an off beat group of characters in today’s Middle America.” (taken from website) You can see a trailer and read more about the film by visiting the official site.

On Tuesday, April 5, Andrew – one of our employees – will premiere his latest work. “ONE SUMMER HERE is an independent short film by local filmmakers and Wright State Motion-Pictures alumni Andrew Fiscus (writer, director) and Cole Pisano (director of photography) that will be holding its world premiere screening on Tuesday, April 5th at 9:30PM. It’s a sweltering Ohio summer, and Emma and Dan are growing up. They’re eighteen, hovering somewhere between child and adult. Emma is dreaming of leaving, and Dan is dreaming of her. All the nuance of growing up and the confusion and impetus to be something new, something more than yourself, is explored in the dreamy ONE SUMMER HERE. Admission is free, but donations are encouraged to help offset the high cost of film festival submissions. You can view the trailer for the film by visiting this site.
Find out more about the film by joining the facebook fan page.

[yframe url=’http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QoH26ARkeUs’]

Gar Drolma Buddhist Center will host an event at THE NEON on Saturday, April 16th. “Imagine if every thought, word, and action was only…FOR THE BENEFIT OF ALL BEINGS – A film by Christina Lundberg, producer of Mystic Tibet, Discovering Buddhism, and On the Road Home.
Garchen Rinpoche’s life presents tragic events from the light of transcendent experience. After the Chinese invasion of Tibet, Rinpoche joined the Tibetan resistance fighters and was subsequently imprisoned for more than 20 years, enduring horrifying conditions. He practiced the Buddha’s teachings in secret and emerged a Realized Being; then risked his life to preserve the living tradition of the path to enlightenment… On Saturday, April 16th at 3:00 pm Gar Drolma will host a benefit screening of this magnificent film with Garchen Rinpoche in the audience. Garchen Rinpoche and Christina Lundberg, filmmaker, will speak following the screening of the movie.
When you purchase your tickets online, you will see price levels of $10, $20, $30, $40, $50 and $108…all seating will be general admission. The tiered prices are offered to you as a convenient way to donate to the making of the film…Any amount above $10 is a tax deductible donation.” (taken from press release)

There’s so much happening at THE NEON. We hope to see you often over the coming weeks.

Take care,
Jonathan

SHOWTIMES for March 18 – March 24:

CEDAR RAPIDS (R) 1 Hr 27 Min
Friday, Saturday, Sunday: 1:00, 3:10, 5:20, 7:30, 9:30
Monday – Thursday: 3:10, 5:20, 7:30, 9:30

I LOVE YOU PHILLIP MORRIS (R) 1 Hr 38 Min
Friday, Saturday: 12:50, 3:00, 5:10, 7:20, 9:30
Sunday: 12:50, 3:00, 5:10, 9:45
Monday – Wednesday: 3:00, 5:10, 7:20, 9:30
Thursday: 3:00, 5:00, 9:45

FOUND FOOTAGE FESTIVAL (NR)
Sunday: 7:30

DAYTON JEWISH INTERNATIONAL FILM FESTIVAL
Thursday: 7:10 – AJAMI

COMING SOON:
As always, all dates are tentative.
Due to Oscar Season, we know that many of these dates will change.
In some cases, titles may disappear.
April 8 OF GODS AND MEN
April 15 WIN WIN
April 15 or 22 JANE EYRE
May 6 WINTER IN WARTIME
May 13 THE GREATEST MOVIE EVER SOLD
May 20 IN A BETTER WORLD
TBD POTICHE
TBD – late March/early April? – SOMEWHERE
TBD – late March/early April? – TINY FURNITURE

CEDAR RAPIDS Opens + Much More at THE NEON!

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Hello Everyone.

It’s time for the first of this year’s Sundance hits – Ed Helms in CEDAR RAPIDS. This comedy has received numerous raves, and we think our audience might be in the mood for some lighter fare. Joe Morgenstern of The Wall Street Journal wrote, “The main thing about Cedar Rapids is that it makes you laugh – often and out loud.” The cast is superb – Ed Helms, John C. Reilly, Anne Heche, Isiah Whitlock Jr., and Sigourney Weaver…and we hope you’ll support it.

BARNEY’S VERSION has continued to perform well, and it will stick around. In addition, we will hold BIUTIFUL for one screening a day. That said, both of these films will more than likely only play for one more week – as we plan to open I LOVE YOU PHILLIP MORRIS on March 18. If you still need to see RABBIT HOLE, Thursday (3/10) will be your last chance to see it at THE NEON.

Synopsis for CEDAR RAPIDS: “To call insurance agent Tim Lippe, ‘naive’ is a gross understatement. He’s never left his small hometown. He’s never stayed at a hotel. And he’s never experienced anything like Cedar Rapids, Iowa. Sent to represent his company at the annual insurance convention, Tim is soon distracted by three convention veterans who will show him the ropes and push his boundaries. For a guy who plays everything by the book, this convention will be anything but conventional.” – Fox Searchlight Pictures
OFFICIAL SITE

[yframe url=’http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zJqFUWbITug’]

On Wednesday, March 16 at 7:30pm, Cityfolk’s Culture Builds Community program will present a FREE screening of RIZE – “including a talk session following the film with CBC artists Big Mijo and Hurricane, co-creators of krump dance. David LaChapelle’s spectacular 1995 documentary film captures the emergence of the hip-hop dance style known as krump. In the wake of the 1992 Los Angeles riots, this kinetic, high energy dance emerged as a cathartic release for Tommy “The Clown” Johnson and dozens of his cohorts. As LaChapelle weaves the stories of Johnson and his fellow creators, dancers perform a jaw-dropping array of moves in a delirious mixture of fun, intensity and raw release.” (taken from press notes)

[yframe url=’http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ql-50Mc5bmU&feature=fvst’]

Last year marked the first time that THE FOUND FOOTAGE FESTIVAL made a stop in Dayton. Folks loved the show, the fellas are on the road again. On Sunday, March 20 at 7:30, THE FOUND FOOTAGE FESTIVAL will return to THE NEON with a new batch of material. Visit the official website to find out more about the show . Advanced tickets ($11 each) are only available on-line by visiting this LINK.

THE 11th DAYTON JEWISH INTERNATIONAL FILM FESTIVAL is just around the corner. Screenings at THE NEON begin on Thursday, March 24th…but the festival has even more events and screenings around town. To see a list of titles, screening venues, showtimes and ticket details, visit this link .
Here are the films that will screen at THE NEON:
Thursday, March 24 at 7:10 – AJAMI
Sunday, March 27 at 5:15 – THE YANKLES
Tuesday, March 29 at 9:30am – AHEAD OF TIME
Wednesday, March 30 at 7:10 – IMAGINE THIS
Sunday, April 3 at 3:00 – WHERE I STAND: THE HAND GREENSPUN STORY
Sunday, April 3 at 7:10 – NORA’S WILL
Wednesday, April 6 at 7:10 – A MATTER OF SIZE
Thursday, April 7 at 7:10 – JEWS & BASEBALL: AN AMERICAN LOVE STORY

[yframe url=’http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oWW35v1jCak&playnext=1&list=PLFDD2C175FFE9085E’]

BIG NEWS!!! Tickets for the March 26 screening of the documentary NORTH DIXIE DRIVE have SOLD OUT! That said, THE NEON has booked additional screenings. Advanced tickets are now available for April 1, 2 & 3 at 1pm, and tickets are just $5. “North Dixie Drive is the portrait of a small community of businesses and people residing in the Northridge section of Dayton, OH. It is the story of big time wrestlers, mechanics, a donut salesmen, an eccentric country singer, barbers, exotic dancers and car repo men. This collection of people, from all walks of life, live and work around a traffic circle situated along highway I-75, and fight to keep their lives and careers afloat in a failing economy. This debut film by Brooklyn, NY filmmaker Eric Mahoney showcases an off beat group of characters in today’s Middle America.” (taken from website) You can see a trailer and read more about the film by visiting the official site by clicking this link.

[yframe url=’http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QoH26ARkeUs’]

We just added a bunch of new titles…and they’re exciting! Check out our list below!

We hope to see you soon,
Jonathan

SHOWTIMES for March 11 – March 17:

CEDAR RAPIDS (R) 1 Hr 27 Min
Friday, Saturday, Sunday: 1:00, 3:10, 5:20, 7:30, 9:30
Monday – Thursday: 3:10, 5:20, 7:30, 9:30

BIUTIFUL (R) 2 Hr 28 Min
Friday, Saturday, Sunday: 1:30
Monday – Thursday: 2:00

BARNEY’S VERSION (R) 2 Hr 14 Min
Friday, Saturday, Sunday: 4:30, 7:20, 9:50
Monday & Tuesday: 4:50, 7:40
Wednesday: 4:50
Thursday: 4:50, 7:40

RIZE (PG-13) 1 Hr 26 Min + Discussion
Wednesday: 7:30

COMING SOON:
As always, all dates are tentative.
Many of these dates will change.  In some cases, titles may disappear.
March 18 I LOVE YOU PHILLIP MORRIS
April 8 OF GODS AND MEN
April 15 WIN WIN
April 15 or 22 JANE EYRE
May 6 WINTER IN WARTIME
May 13 THE GREATEST MOVIE EVER SOLD
May 20 IN A BETTER WORLD (**Winner of “Best Foreign Film”**)
TBD POTICHE (One of my “Top 5” from Toronto)
TBD – late March/early April? – SOMEWHERE
TBD – late March/early April? – TINY FURNITURE

Javier Bardem in BIUTIFUL Opens + Our Oscar Success!

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Hello Everyone.

Wow! What a great weekend. On top of our Oscar party seeing its biggest crowd ever (we were at capacity!) BARNEY’S VERSION performed better than the national average. Thanks for your continued support in making THE NEON your destination for great cinema.

On top of holding onto BARNEY’S VERSION, we will hold RABBIT HOLE for one more week. If you haven’t seen this fantastic film, please hurry down. I’ve had a few people tell me that they didn’t intend to see RABBIT HOLE until I urged them to do so…and they’re so glad they saw it.

On Friday we will begin a film that was nominated for 2 major awards at this year’s Oscars. Starring Javier Bardem and directed by Alejandro Gonzelez Inarritu (director of 21 GRAMS and BABEL), BIUTIFUL was nominated for “Best Actor” and “Best Foreign Film.”

Synopsis for BIUTIFUL: “Academy Award winner Javier Bardem plays a man on the wrong side of the law who struggles to provide for his children on the dangerous streets of Barcelona. The latest film from Academy Award nominee Alejandro Gonzalez Inarritu, Biutiful won the award for Best Actor at the 2010 Cannes Film Festival.” (Roadside Attractions)
I saw BIUTIFUL at the Toronto Film Fest in September, and I think it’s a stunning film. Though certainly of heavy subject matter, it’s quite worth the ride. Bardem is superb!  Visit the official website by clicking HERE.

[yframe url=’http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fdWz1IFEv4k&playnext=1&list=PL1B1853572A70C2DB’]

Last year marked the first time that THE FOUND FOOTAGE FESTIVAL made a stop in Dayton. Folks loved the show, the fellas are on the road again. On Sunday, March 20 at 7:30, THE FOUND FOOTAGE FESTIVAL will return to THE NEON with a new batch of material. Visit the official website to find out more about the show. Advanced tickets ($11 each) are only available on-line by visiting this LINK.

THE 11th DAYTON JEWISH INTERNATIONAL FILM FESTIVAL is just around the corner. Screenings at THE NEON begin on Thursday, March 24th…and I’ll give you even more details in next week’s newsletter. To see a list of titles, screening venues, showtimes and ticket details, click this LINK.

Tickets for the documentary NORTH DIXIE DRIVE are flying from our box office! The film will play on Saturday, March 26 at 5:00pm and tickets are $6 each (and only $4 for members of FilmDayton). “North Dixie Drive is the portrait of a small community of businesses and people residing in the Northridge section of Dayton, OH. It is the story of big time wrestlers, mechanics, a donut salesmen, an eccentric country singer, barbers, exotic dancers and car repo men. This collection of people, from all walks of life, live and work around a traffic circle situated along highway I-75, and fight to keep their lives and careers afloat in a failing economy. This debut film by Brooklyn, NY filmmaker Eric Mahoney showcases an off beat group of characters in today’s Middle America.” (taken from website) You can see a trailer and read more about the film by visiting the official site.

If you were lucky enough to see Djuna Wahlrab’s short film FALLING UP, don’t miss seeing her set pieces and puppets at the 5th Street Gallery at Stivers School for the Arts. The exhibit is up and running…and it is completely stunning. Call (937)542-7448 for more details.

If you’re in the mood for an escapist, well-reviewed, hysterical, dirty-minded comedy…we’ve got you covered. CEDAR RAPIDS is set to open on March 11.

We hope to see you soon,
Jonathan

SHOWTIMES for March 4 – March 10:

RABBIT HOLE (PG-13) 1 Hr 31 Min
Friday, Saturday, Sunday: 2:50
Monday – Thursday: 5:15

BIUTIFUL (R) 2 Hr 28 Min
Friday, Saturday, Sunday: 1:00, 4:00, 7:00, 9:45
Monday – Thursday: 2:00, 5:00, 8:00

BARNEY’S VERSION (R) 2 Hr 14 Min
Friday, Saturday, Sunday: 12:15, 4:45, 7:20, 9:50
Monday – Thursday: 2:30, 7:30

COMING SOON:
As always, all dates are tentative.
Due to Oscar Season, we know that many of these dates will change.
In some cases, titles may disappear.
March 11 CEDAR RAPIDS
TBD I LOVE YOU PHILLIP MORRIS
TBD SOMEWHERE
TBD TINY FURNITURE
TBD JANE EYRE
TBD WIN WIN

Another Year, Barney’s Version + FREE Oscar Party!

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Hello Everyone.

Thank you, Thank you, Thank you! Though RABBIT HOLE didn’t perform quite like THE KING’S SPEECH, you helped make Dayton look a lot more film savvy than many other similar-sized markets. RABBIT HOLE had a successful weekend, and I’ve heard many, many positive reviews. Therefor, RABBIT HOLE will stick around…and we’ll still manage to open 2 new films – BARNEY’S VERSION and ANOTHER YEAR.

Synopsis for ANOTHER YEAR: “British filmmaker Mike Leigh delivers another emotionally honest portrait of ordinary people trying to make sense of their lives in this comedy drama. Tom (Jim Broadbent) and Gerri (Ruth Sheen) are a couple who are drifting past middle age into their sixties; he’s a geologist and she’s a psychotherapist. Tom and Gerri have a stable and happy marriage and a grown son, Joe (Oliver Maltman), an activist lawyer who hasn’t settled down yet, much to his mother’s chagrin. One of Gerri’s co-workers and close friends is Mary (Lesley Manville), who puts up a facade of desperate good cheer despite the fact she’s been very lonely since her husband left her and has been drowning her anxieties in wine. Another Year received its world premiere at the 2010 Cannes Film Festival.” (Mark Deming, ALL MOVIE GUIDE)  OFFICIAL SITE

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Synopsis for BARNEY’S VERSION: “Barney’s Version is the story of Barney Panofsky, a seemingly ordinary man who lives an extraordinary life. A candid confessional, told from Barney’s point of view, the film spans three decades and two continents, taking us through the different acts of his unusual history. There is his first wife, Clara, a flame-haired, flagrantly unfaithful free sprit with whom Barney briefly lives la vie de Boheme in Rome. The Second Mrs. P. is a wealthy Jewish Princess who shops and talks incessantly, barely noticing that Barney is not listening. And it is at their lavish wedding that Barney meets, and starts pursuing, Miriam, his third wife, the mother of his two children, and his true love. With his father, Izzy as his sidekick, Barney takes us through the many highs, and a few too many lows, of his long and colorful life. Not only does Barney turn out to be a true romantic, he is also capable of all kinds of sneaky acts of gallantry, generosity, and goodness when we – and he – least expect it. His is a gloriously full life, played out on a grand scale. And, at its center stands an unlikely hero – the unforgettable Barney Panofsky.”
(Sony Pictures Classics)  OFFICIAL SITE

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This Sunday (Feb. 27) is our Annual OSCAR Screening Party. The show starts at 8:00 (doors open at 7:30) and admission is FREE – first come, first serve. Ballots are now available in our lobby, and prizes are arriving daily (screenplays, soundtracks, dvds, etc.). The big prize – provided by our friends at Square One Salon & Spa – will be a salon gift basket complete with champagne and movie goodies. In addition, our friends at Granola Snacks are donating lots of gourmet granola for the festivities. Join fellow movie lovers as we celebrate the “Cinephile’s Superbowl.” You must be present to win prizes.
Special thanks to the folks at ThinkTV for helping us to get a signal for the telecast!

The International College of Broadcasting & Mike Giannott have rented our theater for a special, one night only screening…complete with multiple shorts, a PSA and their centerpiece film. “ZOMBIE PUNK ATTACK is a short film written, produced and directed by Aaron Cline and Mike Giannott. It’s taken from a comic written by Aaron Cline. It, of course, has a diseased animal, a lab technician that gets bitten and a mad scientist who has the cure – sprinkle that with an all-girl punk band and what could possibly go wrong? Well, a lot. Ride the wave of undead through this tale of death, decay, punk rock and weaponry. It stars Brittany Nagy, Brian Hixon, Paige Beller, Nicki Brooks, Moriah Yux, Sarah Kouse, Nina Lombardo and Marty Velez. Come on out on Tuesday, March 1st 2011, for the World Premier and help support local filmmakers. Tickets are $5.00. There will be a raffle for dvds and the movie poster (signed by the directors and stars).” (taken from press notes)

Tickets for the documentary NORTH DIXIE DRIVE are now on sale. The film will play on Saturday, March 26 at 5:00pm and tickets are $6 each (and only $4 for members of FilmDayton). “North Dixie Drive is the portrait of a small community of businesses and people residing in the Northridge section of Dayton, OH. It is the story of big time wrestlers, mechanics, a donut salesmen, an eccentric country singer, barbers, exotic dancers and car repo men. This collection of people, from all walks of life, live and work around a traffic circle situated along highway I-75, and fight to keep their lives and careers afloat in a failing economy. This debut film by Brooklyn, NY filmmaker Eric Mahoney showcases an off beat group of characters in today’s Middle America.” (taken from official website)

[iframe http://www.youtube.com/embed/QoH26ARkeUs/ 560 349]

Both the Dayton Jewish International Film Festival and FilmDayton are gearing up for their annual festivals. In addition, several special events have booked screenings at THE NEON. March, April & May will have numerous opportunities for you to catch films that you otherwise wouldn’t have a chance to see. I’ll keep you posted as details are confirmed.

If you were lucky enough to see Djuna Wahlrab’s short film FALLING UP, don’t miss seeing her set pieces and puppets at the 5th Street Gallery at Stivers School for the Arts. The exhibit opens this Thursday and will run for a month. Call (937)542-7448 for more details.

We’re scheduled to open BIUTIFUL on March 4…so titles may come and go quickly.
We hope to see you soon,
Jonathan

SHOWTIMES for February 25 – March 3:

RABBIT HOLE (PG-13) 1 Hr 31 Min
Friday, Saturday: 3:10, 7:40, 9:40
Sunday: 3:10
Monday: 3:10, 7:40
Tuesday: 3:10
Wednesday & Thursday: 3:10, 7:40

ANOTHER YEAR (PG-13) 2 Hr 09 Min
Friday, Saturday, Sunday: 12:30, 5:10
Monday – Thursday: 5:10

BARNEY’S VERSION (R) 2 Hr 14 Min
Friday, Saturday, Sunday: 1:00, 4:00, 7:15, 9:50
Monday – Thursday: 2:30, 5:10, 7:40

THE OSCARS
Sunday: 7:30 – Seating Begins

ZOMBIE PUNK ATTACK (NR)
Tuesday: 7:30

COMING SOON:
As always, all dates are tentative.
In some cases, titles may disappear.
March 4 BIUTIFUL
March 11 CEDAR RAPIDS
TBD I LOVE YOU PHILLIP MORRIS
TBD SOMEWHERE
TBD TINY FURNITURE
TBD CASINO JACK
TBD JANE EYRE

RABBIT HOLE is Incredible. Don’t Miss It!

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Hello Everyone.

While at The Toronto International Film Festival last September, I saw close to 30 films from around the world. Only 2 English-language films made my “Top 5.” One was THE KING’S SPEECH (you loved that, right?)…the other was RABBIT HOLE – starring Nicole Kidman & Aaron Eckhart and directed by John Cameron Mitchell. This film has not been performing very well around the country, so folks don’t have high hopes for it in Dayton…but you can help change the trend by supporting this film opening weekend. It’s true that the subject matter is sad (that’s why people are staying away) – but there’s a great deal of healing in this film…with moments of wonderful laughter and happiness. Please spread the word and support this small, indie film with beautiful, honest performances.

Synopsis for RABBIT HOLE: “RABBIT HOLE is a vivid, hopeful, honest and unexpectedly witty portrait of a family searching for what remains possible in the most impossible of all situations.
Becca and Howie Corbett (NICOLE KIDMAN and AARON ECKHART) are returning to their everyday existence in the wake of a shocking, sudden loss. Just eight months ago, they were a happy suburban family with everything they wanted. Now, they are caught in a maze of memory, longing, guilt, recrimination, sarcasm and tightly controlled rage from which they cannot escape. While Becca finds pain in the familiar, Howie finds comfort…
RABBIT HOLE is directed by John Cameron Mitchell (HEDWIG AND THE ANGRY INCH) from a script by acclaimed playwright David Lindsay-Abaire, adapted from his Pulitzer Prize-winning play. Additional cast includes two-time Oscar winner Dianne Wiest (HANNAH AND HER SISTERS & BULLETS OVER BROADWAY), Tammy Blanchard, Miles Teller, Giancarlo Esposito, Jon Tenney and Sandra Oh.” — (C) Lionsgate
Nicole Kidman has been nominated for “Best Actress” for this role, and Dianne Wiest was robbed for not being nominated. Don’t miss it!

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http://rabbitholefilm.com/index.html

The “D” review for THE ILLUSIONIST in Friday’s Dayton Daily News really hurt at the box office this weekend. Though nominated for “Best Animated Feature” and a darling at film festivals around the world, the paper has told me that the “D” review was the only review available for them to use from their wire service. (Most of you know that no one at Dayton Daily covers film any longer…all reviews are from other papers – and critics change from week to week.) That said, it would be a crime for us not to hold such a charming, magical film. THE ILLUSIONIST will stay for one screening a day for one more week. In addition, we’ll continue Djuna Wahlrab’s lovely stop-action film FALLING UP. Read more about FALLING UP by visiting the official website at – http://fallingupmovie.com/

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Hurry down…as we’re gonna keep moving…Next week, we will open ANOTHER YEAR and BARNEY’S VERSION!

The International College of Broadcasting & Mike Giannott have rented our theater for a special, one night only screening…complete with multiple shorts, a PSA and their centerpiece film. “ZOMBIE PUNK ATTACK is a short film written, produced and directed by Aaron Cline and Mike Giannott. It’s taken from a comic written by Aaron Cline. It, of course, has a diseased animal, a lab technician that gets bitten and a mad scientist who has the cure – sprinkle that with an all-girl punk band and what could possibly go wrong? Well, a lot. Ride the wave of undead through this tale of death, decay, punk rock and weaponry. It stars Brittany Nagy, Brian Hixon, Paige Beller, Nicki Brooks, Moriah Yux, Sarah Kouse, Nina Lombardo and Marty Velez. Come on out on Tuesday, March 1st 2011, for the World Premier and help support local filmmakers. Tickets are $5.00. There will be a raffle for dvds and the movie poster (signed by the directors and stars).” (taken from press notes)

Tickets for the documentary NORTH DIXIE DRIVE are now on sale. The film will play on Saturday, March 26 at 5:00pm and tickets are $6 each (and only $4 for members of FilmDayton). “North Dixie Drive is the portrait of a small community of businesses and people residing in the Northridge section of Dayton, OH. It is the story of big time wrestlers, mechanics, a donut salesmen, an eccentric country singer, barbers, exotic dancers and car repo men. This collection of people, from all walks of life, live and work around a traffic circle situated along highway I-75, and fight to keep their lives and careers afloat in a failing economy. This debut film by Brooklyn, NY filmmaker Eric Mahoney showcases an off beat group of characters in today’s Middle America.” (taken from website) You can see a trailer and read more about the film by visiting the official site by clicking http://www.northdixiedrivemovie.com/

Plan on joining us for our Annual OSCAR Screening Party on Feb. 27. The show starts at 8:00 (doors open at 7:30) – admission is FREE – first come, first serve. Ballots are now available in our lobby, and prizes are arriving daily (screenplays, soundtracks, dvds, etc.). The big prize – provided by our friends at Square One Salon & Spa – will be a salon gift basket complete with champagne and movie goodies. In addition, our friends at Granola Snacks are donating lots of gourmet granola for the festivities. Join fellow movie lovers as we celebrate the “Cinephile’s Superbowl.” You must be present to win prizes.
Special thanks to the folks at ThinkTV for helping us to get a signal for the telecast!

Both the Dayton Jewish International Film Festival and FilmDayton are gearing up for their annual festivals. March, April & May will have numerous opportunities for you to catch films that you otherwise wouldn’t have a chance to see. I’ll keep you posted as they unveil plans for these film fests.

We hope to see you soon,
Jonathan

SHOWTIMES for February 18 – February 24:

RABBIT HOLE (PG-13) 1 Hr 31 Min
Friday, Saturday, Sunday: 12:50, 3:10, 5:15, 7:30, 9:40
Monday – Thursday: 3:10, 5:15, 7:30

BLUE VALENTINE (R) 1 Hr 52 Min
Friday, Saturday, Sunday: 12:30, 5:00, 7:20, 9:40
Monday – Thursday: 5:00, 7:20

THE ILLUSIONIST (PG) 1 Hr 20 Min
Friday – Thursday: 3:00*
(*denotes preceded by FALLING UP)

COMING SOON:
As always, all dates are tentative.
Due to Oscar Season, we know that many of these dates will change.
In some cases, titles may disappear.
Feb. 25 BARNEY’S VERSION
Feb. 25 ANOTHER YEAR
March 11 CEDAR RAPIDS
TBD I LOVE YOU PHILLIP MORRIS
TBD BIUTIFUL
TBD SOMEWHERE
TBD TINY FURNITURE
TBD CASINO JACK