Dayton937

Things to do in Dayton | Restaurants, Theatre, Music and More

Biutiful

Javier Bardem in BIUTIFUL Opens + Our Oscar Success!

By Leave a Comment

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!

By Leave a Comment

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

[iframe http://www.youtube.com/embed/yypx-Tz8NzU/ 560 349]

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

[iframe http://www.youtube.com/embed/oCufeuu21pw/ 560 349]

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

BLUE VALENTINE & Oscar News at THE NEON

By Leave a Comment

Hello Everyone.

As predicted, MADE IN DAGENHAM only had enough business to stick around for one week…that’s not to say that audiences didn’t love the film – they did. If you still want to catch it, today (1/27) will be its last day. On Friday, we will open the much-anticipated film BLUE VALENTINE – a huge hit at Sundance, Cannes, Toronto and more. Numerous critics have given the film a 100% review, and Michelle Williams just earned an Oscar nomination for her performance.

Speaking of Oscar nominations…NEON titles popped up in several categories. THE KING’S SPEECH, nominated for 12 Academy Awards, is sticking around for another week. Here’s a look at other NEON titles that were recognized:
WINTER’S BONE, THE KIDS ARE ALL RIGHT, 127 HOURS, BLACK SWAN, BLUE VALENTINE, INSIDE JOB, I AM LOVE, ANIMAL KINGDOM, and RESTREPO.
The following films were also nominated…and are booked for the coming weeks:
ANOTHER YEAR, BIUTIFUL, RABBIT HOLE, THE ILLUSIONIST, IN A BETTER WORLD, and BARNEY’S VERSION. (more will likely come)
Details about our annual FREE Oscar Party will be available soon! Hold the date for Sunday, February 27!

Synopsis for BLUE VALENTINE: “BLUE VALENTINE is a story of love found and love lost told in past and present moments in time. Flooded with romantic memories of their courtship, Dean and Cindy use one night to try and save their failing marriage. Ryan Gosling and Michelle Williams star in this honest portrait of a relationship on the rocks.”  Visit the official website by clicking this LINK.

On Thursday, February 3 at 7:15, come to THE NEON for PK Night Dayton, Volume 6. PechaKucha Night was devised in Tokyo in 2003 as an event where people meet, network, and share their creative endeavors with a lively audience. PK Nights are now held in hundreds of cities, inspiring creative people worldwide. The name comes from the Japanese term for the sound of “chit chat”, and rests on a presentation format that is based on a simple idea: 20 images x 20 seconds. It’s a format that makes presentations concise, and keeps things moving at a rapid pace. PechaKucha Night Dayton is on its sixth volume, with presentations from Samantha Enslen, Reade Faulkner, Theresa Gasper, Sherif Hedayat, Sharon Howard, Brandy King, Jay King, and Chris Wire. Following the presenations, stick around for a screening of the thought-provoking and motivating documentary DIVE! Grocery stores around the country are filling their dumpsters with food. Not rotten, spoiled food, but billions of pounds of good, edible food. Follow filmmaker Jeremy Seifert and his circle of friends as they dumpster dive in the back alleys and gated garbage receptacles of L.A.’s supermarkets. In the process, they uncover thousands of dollars worth of good food and an ugly truth about waste in America: grocery stores know they are wasting and most refuse to do anything about it. The cost for this entire event is $5. Presentations start at 7:15 and DIVE! starts at 9:00.

Here’s something special and new for us:
Regional premiere!
Here With Me: Christian Duhamel LIVE in Concert!
Grab a drink at The Neon Bar and join singer/composer Christian Duhamel for an evening of LIVE song and story. Guest artists will contribute their voices to his original music as they bring a new kind of “show time” to THE NEON. One night only! February 8th @ 9:30pm.
Details are still developing, so stay tuned for more information in next week’s newsletter!

BLUE VALENTINE is a true indie. Made with passion and a very modest budget – it took eleven years to go from page to the screen.  Please spread the word to support this indie at a true indie cinema – THE NEON with the best ticket and concession prices in town…not to mention a great beer selection.

Hope to see you soon,
Jonathan

SHOWTIMES for January 28 – February 3:

BLUE VALENTINE (R) 1 Hr 52 Min
Friday, Saturday, Sunday: 12:15, 2:30, 4:50, 7:20, 9:40
Monday – Thursday: 2:30, 4:50, 7:20, 9:40

THE KING’S SPEECH (R) 1 Hr 58 Min
Friday, Saturday, Sunday: 12:10, 2:30, 5:00, 7:30, 9:50
Monday – Wednesday: 2:30, 5:00, 7:30, 9:50
Thursday: 2:30, 5:00

PK NIGHT DAYTON, Volume 6 (NR)
Thursday: 7:15

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. 4 ANOTHER YEAR
Feb. 11 I LOVE YOU PHILLIP MORRIS
Feb. 18 BARNEY’S VERSION
TBD: RABBIT HOLE, BIUTIFUL, SOMEWHERE
TINY FURNITURE & THE ILLUSIONIST

Toronto – THE FILMS (and Stars) – Day #2

By Leave a Comment

First off, I apologize.  I forgot the little cord that connects my camera to my computer…so I’m unable to upload photos at this time.  Keep reading, and I’ll tell you about the pics I snapped today.

It’s already late (after 1AM as I write this), so I’m going to try and keep today’s update short & sweet.

I saw 4 films today!

First off, I saw Darren Aronofsky’s BLACK SWAN – the psychological ballet thriller starring Natalie Portman.  The response to this film has been and will be mixed.  The movie is clearly made by a skilled director, but at times the high stakes, grand gestures, and over-the-top dialog cross over from melodrama into camp territory. Overall, I enjoyed the film…but it seemed more like a guilty pleasure than a film by a master filmmaker.

Next I saw Woody Allen’s latest – YOU WILL MEET A TALL DARK STRANGER.  Everyone’s life in this film is interrupted by their lover’s roving eye & libido.  That said, the film is actually charming – but won’t go down as one of Allen’s best films. (However, Gemma Jones is a real treat!)

Next up was a Swedish thriller – BAD FAITH (dir. Kristian Petri).  In it, a woman comes across a dying body on her way home from work – a victim of a homicide. The protagonist decides to solve the crime herself, but her sanity seems to be as much in danger as she is.  This quiet, slow film had many good qualities, but when lots of action came into the picture in the 3rd Act, I found myself less interested.

Lastly, I saw the first true highlight of the fest for me.  Alejandro Gonzalez Inarritu’s BIUTIFUL  (Inarritu is known for 21 GRAMS, BABEL and AMORES PERROS.)  This film, starring Javier Bardem in an incredible performance, takes place in Barcelona – yet the story has such a global understanding.  Bardem is the central character, and early in the film he finds out that he has Cancer – yet he refuses to inform the people closest to him.  The story is complex and beautifully done – with great camera work and interesting sound design.  It’s a challenging film…but well-worth the 2.5 hours.  (The film is in three different languages – all with different-colored subtitles.  This allows the viewer to understand that not all characters are able to communicate with one another…a point that might escape some if only reading white, English subtitles.)

Here were 2 bonuses from today:  1)  2 seats down from me at the BAD FAITH screening was Atom Egoyan.  2) Alejandro and Javier were at the screening of BIUTIFUL…and they did a nice Q&A.  (I got pictures)

In addition, I witnessed Edward Norton being whisked into the back door of a theater…and Milla Jovovich (someone had to tell me who she was) giving fans a quick pose before ducking into the same venue.

So that’s that.  Full day tomorrow…complete with a big party.  More soon!  – Jonathan