12 years a slave

ALL IS LOST Opens Friday + Other Great NEON News!

November 13, 2013 By Jonathan McNeal Leave a Comment

Hello Everyone,

We had an absolutely incredible weekend. Many, many thanks to all of you who chose to come to THE NEON to support 12 YEARS A SLAVE. This spectacular film will certainly stick around. In addition, we will open ALL IS LOST – the new, highly-acclaimed film starring Robert Redford. ALL IS LOST will be a short run (please hurry down if you’d like to see it)…we are still planning to open DALLAS BUYERS CLUB on Nov. 22. If you still need to see HOW I LIVE NOW, you only have until tomorrow (Thursday). Check out our website for remaining showtimes.

Synopsis for ALL IS LOST: “Academy Award winner Robert Redford stars in ALL IS LOST, an open-water thriller about one man’s battle for survival against the elements after his sailboat is destroyed at sea. Written and directed by Academy Award nominee J.C. Chandor (MARGIN CALL) with a musical score by Alex Ebert, the film is a gripping, visceral and powerfully moving tribute to ingenuity and resilience.” (Roadside Attractions) Click this LINK to visit the film’s official site.

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Tonight’s screening of THE TRIUMPH is sold out, but an encore screening has been set for Tuesday, Nov. 26 at 7:30. The local, faith-based non-profit hosting this screening is delighted that the demand for these tickets is so high. “THE TRIUMPH is a powerful new documentary film about our Blessed Mother’s apparitions in Medjugorje. On June 25, 1981, in the mountain village of Medjugorje in Bosnia Herzegovina, Our Lady appeared to six children. She identified herself as the Blessed Virgin Mary, Queen of Peace, and continues to appear to several of the visionaries even today.” (taken from Lovey Dovey, Inc. press notes) $10 presale tickets are only available via this LINK from Love Dovey, Inc. Remaining tickets will be sold at THE NEON on the night of the screening.

“Come support GLSEN at the Dayton Premiere of SCARY NORMAL on Thursday November 21st at 7:30. Tickets are available on a sliding scale – pay what you can – $15-$50. Director Jennifer Bechtel presents this coming-of-age romantic comedy about Chelsea, a teenager who just wants to be seen as normal. However, her stepdad’s life as an independent filmmaker leaves her surrounded by wild, colorful characters and often embarrassed and frustrated by her family. Along comes Danielle, a sometimes brash, almost always self-confident young lesbian who has been kicked out of her own family because of her sexuality. Through their friendship, Chelsea starts to realize the true value of friends and family who love unconditionally. About GLSEN: For 25 years GLSEN, the Gay, Lesbian & Straight Education Network has been the leading national education organization focused on ensuring safe schools for all students.” (taken from GLSEN Dayton press notes) Tickets are now available at THE NEON.

Here’s a little something special. It’s a picture I took from the front row of a screening of 12 YEARS A SLAVE at this year’s Toronto International Film Festival. The Q&A after the screening was both insightful and powerful.

Thanks for your continued support!
We hope to see you soon,
Jonathan

SHOWTIMES for Fri, Nov. 15 – Thurs, Nov. 21:

12 YEARS A SLAVE (R) 2 hrs 14 min
Friday, Saturday, Sunday: 1:00, 4:00, 7:00, 9:45
Monday – Thursday: 2:30, 5:15, 8:00

ALL IS LOST (PG-13) 1 hr 46 min
Friday, Saturday, Sunday: 12:30, 2:50, 5:10, 7:30, 9:50
Monday – Wednesday: 2:50, 5:10, 7:30
Thursday: 2:50, 5:10

SCARY NORMAL (NR) Film + Discussion
Thursday: 7:30

COMING SOON:
As always, all dates are tentative. Many of these dates will change.
In some rare cases, titles may disappear.
Nov. 22 – DALLAS BUYERS CLUB
Nov. 27 – PHILOMENA
TBD – KILL YOUR DARLINGS
Dec. 20 – NEBRASKA
Dec. 25 – AUGUST: OSAGE COUNTY
Jan. 3 – THE ARMSTRONG LIE

12 YEARS A SLAVE & HOW I LIVE NOW at THE NEON!

November 6, 2013 By Jonathan McNeal Leave a Comment

Hello Everyone,

By now, I’m sure you’ve heard of 12 YEARS A SLAVE. This was one of the 32 films I saw in Toronto this Fall, and I immediately knew that a classic had been born. I wasn’t alone. The film went on to win “The People’s Choice Award” – the biggest prize at The Toronto International Film Festival. In addition, the film has received 100% reviews from THE NEW YORK TIMES, THE LOS ANGELES TIMES, THE WALL STREET JOURNAL, NPR, ENTERTAINMENT WEEKLY, ROLLING STONE, and many more. 12 YEARS A SLAVE will certainly be nominated for “Best Picture” at the Academy Awards (and will likely win), so we hope you’ll hurry to see it with us!

In addition, we will open a new film that I have not yet seen. HOW I LIVE NOW stars Saoirse Ronan (from ATONEMENT) and was directed by Kevin Macdonald (director of LAST KING OF SCOTLAND and MARLEY). I like everyone involved, so I’m anxious to see it.

If you still need to see HANNAH ARENDT or ENOUGH SAID, Thursday will be your last chance to catch them at THE NEON. IN A WORLD, the comedy that audiences are loving, will stick around for one screening a day over the weekend.

Synopsis for 12 YEARS A SLAVE: “12 YEARS A SLAVE is based on an incredible true story of one man’s fight for survival and freedom. In the pre-Civil War United States, Solomon Northup (Chiwetel Ejiofor), a free black man from upstate New York, is abducted and sold into slavery. Facing cruelty (personified by a malevolent slave owner, portrayed by Michael Fassbender), as well as unexpected kindnesses, Solomon struggles not only to stay alive, but to retain his dignity. In the twelfth year of his unforgettable odyssey, Solomon’s chance meeting with a Canadian abolitionist (Brad Pitt) will forever alter his life.” (Fox Searchlight) Click this LINK to visit the film’s official site.

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Synopsis for HOW I LIVE NOW: “Set in the near-future UK, Ronan plays Daisy, an American teenager sent to stay with relatives in the English countryside. Initially withdrawn and alienated, she begins to warm up to her charming surroundings, and strikes up a romance with the handsome Edmund (George MacKay). But on the fringes of their idyllic summer days are tense news reports of an escalating conflict in Europe. As the UK falls into a violent, chaotic military state, Daisy finds herself hiding and fighting to survive.” (Magnolia Pictures)

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Mark your calendars now…this year’s Family Holiday Film Series is wonderful! Tickets are FREE for children 12 and under, and all other tickets are $2 each. We will screen RISE OF THE GUARDIANS on December 7, on December 14 we will screen HOME ALONE, and on December 21 – the holiday classic – WHITE CHRISTMAS. Each film will only screen one time – at Noon. Tickets will only be available starting 45 minutes before each show.

Thanks for your continued support!
We hope to see you soon,

Jonathan

SHOWTIMES for Fri, Nov. 8 – Thurs, Nov. 14:

12 YEARS A SLAVE (R) 2 hrs 14 min
Friday, Saturday, Sunday: 1:00, 4:00, 6:30, 7:00, 9:45
Monday – Wednesday: 2:30, 5:15, 7:30, 8:00
Thursday: 2:30, 5:15, 8:00

HOW I LIVE NOW (R) 1 hr 41 min
Friday, Saturday, Sunday: 2:00, 9:30
Monday – Thursday: 3:00, 5:20

IN A WORLD (R) 1 hr 33 min
Friday, Saturday, Sunday: 4:15

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

Nov. 22 – DALLAS BUYERS CLUB
Nov. 22- KILL YOUR DARLINGS
Nov. 27 – PHILOMENA
Dec. 20 – NEBRASKA
Jan. 3 – THE ARMSTRONG LIE

HANNAH ARENDT & IN A WORLD Start Friday at THE NEON!

October 31, 2013 By Jonathan McNeal Leave a Comment

Hello Everyone,

If you haven’t seen the wonderful film WADJDA, you only have until Thursday to catch it at THE NEON. In addition, INEQUALITY FOR ALL is also heading out. On Friday, we will begin 2 new films – the thoughtful and charged biopic HANNAH ARENDT and the hilarious comedy (which was the sold-out, opening night film at this year’s FilmDayton Festivao) IN A WORLD.

Synopsis for HANNAH ARENDT: “The sublime Barbara Sukowa reteams with director Margarethe von Trotta for her brilliant new biopic of influential German-Jewish philosopher and political theorist Hannah Arendt. Arendt’s reporting on the 1961 trial of ex-Nazi Adolf Eichmann in The New Yorker-controversial both for her portrayal of Eichmann and the Jewish councils-introduced her now-famous concept of the “Banality of Evil.” Using footage from the actual Eichmann trial and weaving a narrative that spans three countries, von Trotta beautifully turns the often invisible passion of thought into immersive, dramatic cinema. An Official Selection at the Toronto International and New York Jewish Film Festivals, Hannah Arendt also co-stars Klaus Pohl as philosopher Martin Heidegger, Nicolas Woodeson as New Yorker editor William Shawn, and two-time Oscar Nominee Janet McTeer (Albert Nobbs) as novelist Mary McCarthy.” (Zeitgeist Films) Click HERE to visit the film’s official site.

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Synopsis for IN A WORLD: “Lake Bell (Children’s Hospital) stars in IN A WORLD…a hilarious romantic comedy about a struggling vocal coach who strikes it big in the cutthroat world of movie-trailer voiceovers, only to find herself in direct competition with the industry’s reigning king-her father. Written and directed by Bell, who won the Sundance 2013 Waldo Salt Screenwriting Award for the script, IN A WORLD also stars Fred Melamed (A SERIOUS MAN), Rob Corddry (HOT TUB TIME MACHINE), Nick Offerman (Parks and Recreation), and Tig Notaro (The Sarah Silverman Program).” (Roadside Attractions) Click HERE to visit the film’s official site.

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A local faith-based non-profit is hosting a screening of the new documentary THE TRIUMPH on Wednesday, November 13 at 7:30. “THE TRIUMPH is a powerful new documentary film about our Blessed Mother’s apparitions in Medjugorje. On June 25, 1981, in the mountain village of Medjugorje in Bosnia Herzegovina, Our Lady appeared to six children. She identified herself as the Blessed Virgin Mary, Queen of Peace, and continues to appear to several of the visionaries even today. The filmmakers are hoping the audience can view the movie with an open mind, as they interview skeptics, priests, believers, and non-Christians who claim they have seen an apparition of Mary. ‘This is without a doubt one of the greatest historical and spiritual phenomenons that has ever happened in the history of mankind and the great thing about it is that it is happening right now, during our time…’ said TRIUMPH producer Zaid Jazrawi.” (taken from Lovey Dovey, Inc. press notes) $10 presale tickets are only available via this LINK from Love Dovey, Inc. Remaining tickets will be sold at THE NEON on the night of the screening.

On Friday of next week, we will open 2 new films. The first is one of the most anticipated films of the year – 12 YEARS A SLAVE. This film will certainly be nominated (and likely win) “Best Picture” at the Academy Awards…it is absolutely incredible! In addition, we will open HOW I LIVE NOW (from the director of THE LAST KING OF SCOTLAND) – a film about an American girl on holiday in the UK who finds herself fighting to survive as the British Empire becomes a military state. Several other great films are just down the road – like the fantastic film PHILOMENA. We hope to see you often over the next several weeks.

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Thanks for your continued support!

We hope to see you soon,
Jonathan

SHOWTIMES for Fri, Nov. 1 – Thurs, Nov. 7:

ENOUGH SAID (PG-13) 1 hr 33 min
Friday, Saturday, Sunday: 1:00, 5:20, 9:50
Monday – Thursday: 3:10, 5:20

HANNAH ARENDT (NR) 1 hr 53 min
Friday, Saturday, Sunday: 12:30, 3:00, 7:20
Monday – Thursday: 3:00, 7:30

IN A WORLD (R) 1 hr 33 min
Friday, Saturday, Sunday: 3:10, 5:15, 7:30, 9:40
Monday – Thursday: 5:20, 7:45

COMING SOON:
As always, all dates are tentative. Many of these dates will change.
In some rare cases, titles may disappear.
Nov. 8 – 12 YEARS A SLAVE
Nov. 8 – HOW I LIVE NOW
Nov. 22 – DALLAS BUYERS CLUB
Nov. 22- KILL YOUR DARLINGS
Nov. 27 – PHILOMENA
TBD – ALL IS LOST
Dec. 20 – NEBRASKA
Jan. 3 – THE ARMSTRONG LIE

WADJDA Opens Friday at THE NEON + Special Event News!

October 23, 2013 By Jonathan McNeal Leave a Comment

Hello Everyone,

I know many of you are excited to see Robert Redford’s new film ALL IS LOST. Unfortunately, the distributor decided to make some drastic, last-minute changes. Instead of opening on 350 screens across the USA this weekend, they’re only opening on 75…and we didn’t make the cut. We hope they’ll make the film available to us in the near future, but we’ll have to wait and see how their new proposed date works with our other bookings.

Regardless, we are moving forward this Friday with a special film that is currently at a 99% approval rating on Rottentomatoes.com – WADJDA.

Synopsis for WADJDA: “WADJDA is a movie of firsts. This first feature film shot entirely in Saudi Arabia is the story of a young girl living in a suburb of Riyadh determined to raise enough money to buy a bike in a society that sees bicycles as dangerous to a girl’s virtue. Even more impressive, WADJDA is the first feature film made by a female Saudi filmmaker. In a country where cinemas are banned and women cannot drive or vote, writer- director Haifaa Al Mansour has broken many barriers with her new film.” (taken from Sony Classics) Keith Uhlich of TIME OUT NEW YORK wrote, “…it is a rare movie shot entirely in Saudi Arabia, which has no cinema industry to speak of…Forbidden from mixing with the men in her crew, Al-Mansour often directed via walkie-talkie from the back of a van.” Peter Keough of BOSTON GLOBE wrote, “The world of cinema is richer for the voice of Al Mansour; she speaks for the women of her country, and for people everywhere.” Click this LINK to visit the film’s official site.

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Next week, we’ll announce our Family Holiday Series…where movies are FREE for children 12 and under and only $2 for adults. Stay tuned!

Thanks for your continued support!

We hope to see you soon,

Jonathan

SHOWTIMES for Fri, Oct. 25 – Thurs, Oct. 31:

ENOUGH SAID (PG-13) 1 hr 33 min
Friday, Saturday, Sunday: 1:00, 3:10, 5:15, 7:30, 9:40
Monday – Thursday: 3:15, 5:30, 7:45

INEQUALITY FOR ALL (PG) 1 hr 29 min
Friday – Thursday: 5:15

WADJDA (PG) 1 hr 38 min
Friday, Saturday, Sunday: 12:45, 3:00, 7:20, 9:40
Monday – Thursday: 3:00, 7:20

COMING SOON:
As always, all dates are tentative. Many of these dates will change.
In some rare cases, titles may disappear.
TBD – ALL IS LOST
Nov. 8 – 12 YEARS A SLAVE
Nov. 22 – DALLAS BUYERS CLUB
Nov. 22- KILL YOUR DARLINGS
Nov. 27 – PHILOMENA

ENOUGH SAID, 2 French Imports & More at THE NEON

October 1, 2013 By Jonathan McNeal Leave a Comment

Hello Everyone,

We’re cleaning house this weekend. If you still need to see BLUE JASMINE, AUSTENLAND, SALINGER or THE HUNT, you only have until Thursday to see them at THE NEON. For remaining showtimes for this week, visit our official site at www.neonmovies.com.

On Friday, we will open 3 new films. First of all, we’ll open one of the best reviewed comedies of the year – a film I really like – ENOUGH SAID. Directed by Nicole Holofcener, this film is smart, funny & touching, and it has two incredible central performances by Julia Louis-Dreyfus and James Gandolfini. In addition, Francophiles will rejoice for our one-week engagement of 2 French films – POPULAIRE and HAUTE CUISINE (and foodies will certainly want to see the latter).

Synopsis for ENOUGH SAID: “A divorced and single parent, Eva (Julia Louis Dreyfus) spends her days enjoying work as a masseuse but dreading her daughter’s impending departure for college. She meets Albert (James Gandolfini) – a sweet, funny and like-minded man also facing an empty nest. As their romance quickly blossoms, Eva befriends Marianne (Catherine Keener), her new massage client. Marianne is a beautiful poet who seems “almost perfect” except for one prominent quality: she rags on her ex-husband way too much. Suddenly, Eva finds herself doubting her own relationship with Albert as she learns the truth about Marianne’s Ex. ENOUGH SAID is a sharp, insightful comedy that humorously explores the mess that often comes with getting involved again.” (taken from Fox Searchlight) Click HERE to visit the film’s official site.

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Synopsis for POPULAIRE: “Spring, 1958: 21-year-old Rose Pamphyle lives with her grouchy widower father who runs the village store. Engaged to the son of the local mechanic, she seems destined for the quiet, drudgery-filled life of a housewife. But that’s not the life Rose longs for. When she travels to Lisieux in Normandy, where charismatic insurance agency boss Louis Echard is advertising for a secretary, the ensuing interview is a disaster. But Rose reveals a special gift – she can type at extraordinary speed. Unwittingly, the young woman awakens the dormant sports fan in Louis. If she wants the job she’ll have to compete in a speed typing competition…He’ll turn her into the fastest girl in the world!” (taken from The Weinstein Company) Click HERE to visit the film’s official site.

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Synopsis for HAUTE CUISINE: “Hortense Laborie (Catherine Frot), a renowned chef from Perigord, is astonished when the President of the Republic (Jean d’Ormesson) appoints her his personal cook, responsible for creating all his meals at the Elysee Palace. Despite jealous resentment from the other kitchen staff, Hortense quickly establishes herself, thanks to her indomitable spirit. The authenticity of her cooking soon seduces the President, but the corridors of power are littered with traps.” (taken from The Weinstein Company) Click HERE to visit the film’s official site.

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THE DAYTON LGBT FILM FESTIVAL is just 10 days away! The dates are set for October 11-13, and the line-up is fantastic. The official site is up and running, and you can visit our Facebook Page for last-minute postings. We hope you’ll look at our site and find something you’d like to see…if you’re into thought-provoking documentaries or period films or satirical comedies, we’ve got it covered. As I’m writing this newsletter, there are less than 10 passes left (we made 60)…but there are plenty of single tickets to individual shows. Tickets can be purchased via the official site (with surcharges) or at THE NEON (for face value)!

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THE WATCHER’S REVELATION will screen October 24 at 7:30 and 9:45. “Is a race of benign extraterrestrials secretly influencing the world’s governments? Are these creatures really ancient aliens sent to protect humanity from self-destruction, or are they evil beings set on deception as the world approaches its final days?…This faith-based, science fiction film was made by lifepointe church in Dayton, OH, featuring a cast and crew of local talent who worked for an occasional pizza and the love of film. Tickets are $5 and extremely limited. They are available for purchase at lifepointe church and will be available at The Neon box office starting October 7.” (taken from Lifepointe Church press notes)

We’ve got so much going on in the next few weeks…and we’re heading into Oscar season. I’m so delighted to announce that 12 YEARS A SLAVE has just been added to our line-up. It’s certain to be nominated for “Best Picture” this year, and it is exceptional!

Thanks for your continued support!
We hope to see you soon,
Jonathan

SHOWTIMES for Fri, Oct. 4 – Thurs, Oct. 10:

ENOUGH SAID (PG-13) 1 hr 33 min
Friday, Saturday, Sunday: 1:00, 3:10, 5:15, 7:30, 9:40
Monday – Thursday: 3:15, 5:30, 7:45

POPULAIRE (R) 1 hr 51 min
Friday, Saturday, Sunday: 12:30, 5:00, 9:30
Monday – Thursday: 5:15

HAUTE CUISINE (PG-13) 1 hr 35 min
Friday, Saturday, Sunday: 2:45, 7:20
Monday – Thursday: 3:00, 7:40

COMING SOON:
As always, all dates are tentative. Many of these dates will change.
In some rare cases, titles may disappear.
Oct. 11 – THE PATIENCE STONE
Oct. 18 – INEQUALITY FOR ALL
Octo. 25 – ALL IS LOST
Oct. 25 – WADJDA
Nov. 8 – 12 YEARS A SLAVE
Nov. 22 – DALLAS BUYERS CLUB
Nov. 22- KILL YOUR DARLINGS
TBD – CUTIE AND THE BOXER

AUSTENLAND Opens at THE NEON + New Event News!

September 18, 2013 By Jonathan McNeal Leave a Comment

Hello Everyone,

I’m back from Toronto, and I had a wonderful time. The film culture in Toronto – especially with the addition of the TIFF Bell Lightbox and their year-round programming – is phenomenal. In all, I saw 32 films at this year’s festival (out of 300+ options), and I met some great people. Now it’s back to focusing on Dayton’s film culture! There are some fun announcements below.

This Friday, we will open a new romantic comedy based on the popular novel – AUSTENLAND. On our other screen, we will hold BLUE JASMINE and BLACKFISH for one more week…in addition to an encore screening of The Big Lens Film Festival. For remaining showtimes for this week, visit our official site at www.neonmovies.com.

Synopsis for AUSTENLAND: “Jane Hayes is obsessed with all things Jane Austen. But when she decides to spend her life savings on a trip to a resort catering to Austen-crazed women, Jane’s fantasies of meeting the perfect gentleman suddenly become more complicated than she ever could have imagined.” (taken from Sony Pictures Classics) Click HERE to visit the film’s official site.

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Due to the previous SOLD-OUT screenings, WSU’s Annual Big Lens Film Festival is returning to THE NEON for one more night. “The 21st Annual Big Lens Film Festival will play Tuesday, Sept. 24 at 7:30 at the THE NEON…Every year, Big Lens screens a selection of the very best short films to come from the Wright State University Motion Picture program, and this year is no different! Ranging from documentary to narrative, these six films cover a wide variety of subjects and emotions. Tickets, just $7 each, are now available at THE NEON. Some films may contain adult content.” (taken from Big Lens press release)

And speaking of film festivals, THE DAYTON LGBT FILM FESTIVAL is heading into its 8th year. The dates are set for October 11-13, and the line-up is fantastic. The committee has been working on this year’s festival since April, and we’re currently in the process of securing guest artists (and getting the website 100% ready). The official site should be ready by the end of the week, but you can visit our Facebook Page to get a glimpse of what’s happening. At the very least, be sure to check out the trailer for REACHING FOR THE MOON – it’s certainly NEON-hit material.

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Thanks for your continued support!
Jonathan

SHOWTIMES for Fri, Sept. 20 – Thurs, Sept. 26:

BLUE JASMINE (PG-13) 1 Hr 38 Min
Friday, Saturday, Sunday: 1:00, 5:10, 7:20
Monday: 3:10, 7:40
Tuesday: 3:10
Wednesday & Thursday: 3:10, 7:40

BLACKFISH (PG-13) 1 Hr 23 Min
Friday, Saturday, Sunday: 3:10, 9:30
Monday – Thursday: 5:30

AUSTENLAND (PG-13) 1 Hr 37 Min
Friday, Saturday, Sunday: 12:30, 2:45, 5:00, 7:15, 9:30
Monday – Thursday: 3:00, 5:15, 7:30

THE BIG LENS FILM FESTIVAL (NR)
Tuesday: 7:30

COMING SOON:
As always, all dates are tentative. Many of these dates will change.
In some rare cases, titles may disappear.
Sept. 27 – SALINGER
TBD – THE HUNT
Oct. 4 – ENOUGH SAID
Oct. 11 – THE PATIENCE STONE
Oct. 18 – INEQUALITY FOR ALL
Oct. 25 – WADJDA
Nov. 22- KILL YOUR DARLINGS
Nov. 22 –DALLAS BUYERS CLUB
TBD – CUTIE AND THE BOXER

Toronto – Day #3 – 2013

September 8, 2013 By Jonathan McNeal Leave a Comment

Hello!

Well…I’m really exhausted this morning…but it’s my own fault. I was simply having too much fun last night, and I didn’t get to bed until about 2:00. I then got up at 6:00am and darted out the door to land in this line by 6:50. The Fox Searchlight Party was last night, and it was a winner. The cocktails were good, the food was exceptional (though I couldn’t bring myself to sample everything), and the mingling was perfect. The party was celebrating 4 films that the distributor will release this year – BELLE, DOM HEMINGWAY, ENOUGH SAID, and 12 YEARS A SLAVE. I met and chatted with several folks, and the party was full of industry folks including numerous stars (like Michael Fassbender, Alfre Woodard, Chiwetel Ejiofor, Paul Giamatti, Tom Felton, Sarah Paulson and more).

And now the films from yesterday. I saw three.

First off was HATESHIP LOVESHIP – a film by Liza Johnson starring Kristen Wiig and Guy Pearce. This film has a Dayton connection…the production design (done very well!) was by Hannah Beachler – graduate of WSU’s Motion Picture Program. The story is about a socially awkward woman – Johanna – who is hired to take care of a teenage girl with a mother who has died and somewhat absent father (the girl lives with her grandfather – played by Nick Nolte). Upon receiving a note from the girl’s father, Johanna responds with a letter that is ultimately hijacked by the girl and her friend. They devise a scheme where they respond to Johanna via e-mail and make her think that the father has developed a crush and is ultimately falling in love. It’s a cruel, teenage prank, and Johanna goes headfirst into the “relationship.” Though not without some wonderful moments, I didn’t love this film. I felt that it had some tone issues and had a few moments that I just didn’t buy. It’s nice to see Wiig do some serious material, but it was a bit of a challenge to hear her deliver some monotone, unaffected delivery and not be swept back to former SNL characters.

12 YEARS A SLAVE – I finally saw a really amazing film…one that will clearly be nominated for Best Picture along with numerous acting nominations. This new film by Steve McQueen (director of HUNGER and SHAME) is a masterpiece – based on the memoir by Solomon Northup. Northup was a free African American who was kidnapped in 1841 and sold into slavery. The film is harrowing and beautifully done, and the performances are rich and complex. After the screening, a Q&A with McQueen and several actors provided some eloquent insight into the production. Upon talking about the films of McQueen, Michael Fassbender said something that sums up the challenging material that McQueen often addresses, “As an audience member, you have to contribute. It’s not a passive experience.” Those are the films I love. I don’t want to be spoon fed, and McQueen always presents material that requires some work and introspection. One issue that I don’t think too many people want to talk about is the use of the Bible in the film. Slave owners often refer to it – justifying their rights by the Biblical text. This is not unlike people who continue to use the Bible to promote their hate-filled agendas today. Without making it a focus, I think McQueen wants us to consider how we approach this book.

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THERESE was the last film I saw yesterday. Based on the novel THERESE RAQUIN by Emile Zola, this film stars Elizabeth Olsen, Tom Felton, and Jessica Lang – who were all present for a Q&A following the film – along with director Charlie Stratton. This period story (which ultimately became the basis for THE POSTMAN ALWAYS RINGS TWICE), is about a sexually repressed young woman who must marry a sickly cousin. Upon meeting an old family friend, she has a sexual awakening and yearns to be set free from the confines of her current surroundings. This film is a bit clunky, but the production values are lovely and the performances are solid. The director mentioned one thing that attracted him to the story – it’s rare to go into a film where you change who you’re rooting for several times. I think that’s rather interesting…and I need to think about it.

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A few of you asked which film I walked out of yesterday. You’ll have to ask me in person…as I don’t reveal the titles of films that I don’t watch in their entirety.

More soon! Thanks for reading!