Dayton Ohio

Oscar-Nominated FOOTNOTE Opens Friday

May 9, 2012 By Jonathan McNeal Leave a Comment

Hello Everyone,

On Friday, we finally get to open the Oscar-nominated film FOOTNOTE. If you’ve been to THE NEON in the past couple months, I’m almost certain you’ve seen the trailer for this film that has received critical accolades from around the world.

If you still need to see JIRO DREAMS OF SUSHI, it only plays through Thursday. JEFF WHO LIVES AT HOME and DAMSELS IN DISTRESS will play for another week. For remaining showtimes for this week, please visit our website at www.neonmovies.com.

Because of limited print availability, our upcoming schedule has moved around quite a bit. In addition, we’ve added some new, great titles (see the entire line-up below). On Friday, May 18, we will open the new documentary MARLEY – the definitive life story of the brilliant musician and political/social prophet Bob Marley. In celebration of this film, we will have live music on our patio – provided by Reggae musician M. Hunter of Columbus – starting at 6pm on May 18. We hope you’ll plan to join us. (More details will be provided in next week’s newsletter.)

Synopsis for FOOTNOTE: “Eliezer and Uriel Shkolnik are both eccentric professors who have dedicated their lives to their work. The father, Eliezer, is a stubborn purist who fears the establishment and has never been recognized for his work. Meanwhile his son, Uriel, is an up-and-coming star in the field, who appears to feed on accolades – endlessly seeking recognition. Then one day, the tables turn. When Eliezer learns that he is to be awarded the Israel Prize, the most valuable honor for scholarship in the country, his vanity and desperate need for validation are exposed. His son, Uriel, is thrilled to see his father’s achievements finally recognized but, in a darkly funny twist, is forced to choose between the advancement of his own career and his father’s. Will he sabotage his father’s glory?” (taken from Sony Pictures Classics) Nominated for “Best Foreign Film” at this year’s Oscars, this film is currently at 91% positive reviews on Rottentomatoes.com. Visit the OFFICIAL SITE.

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On Wednesday, May 23 at 6:30pm (registration begins at 6pm), United Food and Commercial Workers Union Local 75 has rented out our space for a special screening of INSIDE JOB – “the first film to expose the shocking truth behind the economic crisis of 2008″…and they’re inviting you to join them. “UFCW 75 represents nearly 30,000 members along the I-75 corridor in Ohio, Indiana, and Kentucky; our members work mostly in supermarkets, drug stores, food packing and food processing plants, and in health care facilities. We are Ohio’s largest private sector union. For questions, more information, or to RSVP, email [email protected].” (details provided by UFCW 75)

For those of you who use Facebook, we finally have an actual page…not just a “group” page. We will soon be fazing out the old group, so please LIKE us by visiting our page – which now has a very easy address: www.facebook.com/neonmovies

Thanks for your continued support.

We hope to see you soon,
Jonathan

P.S. I saw MOONRISE KINGDOM last week. Favorite film of the year so far. Can’t wait to bring it to Dayton!!

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SHOWTIMES for
Fri. May 11 – Thur. May 17:

JEFF WHO LIVES AT HOME (R) 1 Hr 23 Min
Friday, Saturday, Sunday: 5:10, 9:30
Monday – Thursday: 5:10

FOOTNOTE (PG) 1 Hr 43 Min
Friday, Saturday, Sunday: 12:50, 3:00, 5:15, 7:30, 9:40
Monday – Thursday: 3:00, 5:15, 7:30

DAMSELS IN DISTRESS (PG-13) 1 Hr 39 Min
Friday, Saturday, Sunday: 12:45, 3:00, 7:20
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.
May 18 MARLEY
May 25 THE BEST EXOTIC MARIGOLD HOTEL
June 1 SOUND OF MY VOICE
June 15 HYSTERIA
June 29 MOONRISE KINGDOM
LOLA VERSUS
DARLING COMPANION
July 6 TO ROME WITH LOVE
July 13 YOUR SISTER’S SISTER
July 27 BEASTS OF THE SOUTHERN WILD
WHERE DO WE GO NOW?

New Businesses Popping Up Downtown

April 26, 2012 By Dayton937 1 Comment

Peace on Fifth in the Oregon Arts District is a success story from the pilot phase of Activated Spaces' Pop-Up Project.

Three businesses will be up and running by May 4, the next First Friday art hop downtown, as part of the second phase of the Pop-Up Project, part of an initiative to fill downtown Dayton storefronts called Activated Spaces. The businesses selected for the second phase of the project are:

• American π, 37 S. St. Clair St.: This gift and accessories boutique will carry items made in the United States, including handbags, greeting cards, candles and food items. The store will be open Tuesday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. and Saturday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

• Arin, 27 S. St. Clair St.: Shop owner and jewelry designer Brooke Medlin will collaborate with Dayton artists and other creatives to showcase beautifully designed goods for self and home, along with Medlin’s line of jewelry that includes rings, earrings, personalized necklaces and more. Visitors will be able to watch the creation process in action in Arin’s on-site studio. Rotating guest artists will set up mini-studios in the store and spend two weeks working on a collection of products to be launched at every month’s First Friday art hop. The store will be open Monday, Wednesday, Friday and Saturday from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Call 937-640-0117.

• Vintage Barbershop, 110 W. Fifth St.: This old-school, classic barbershop will offer haircuts, hot steam towel shaves, facials and more. Haircuts will be $12 and shaves and facials will be $16, with special pricing for seniors. “Our goal is open a classy, professional barbershop while doing our part to make downtown a better place and trying to influence other businesses to follow suit,” owner Ron West said. The barbershop will be open Monday through Saturday from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Call 937-321-6165.

The women who participated in the pilot phase of the Pop-Up Project.

The entrepreneurs who participated in the pilot phase of the Pop-Up Project. Lisa Scott (far right) of Beaute Box extended her lease, as did London Coe (second from right) of Peace on Fifth.

These businesses have three- or six-month leases, although the hope is the business owners will extend those leases ― as happened in the pilot phase of the Pop-Up Project. Indeed, the second phase of the project builds on the success of its pilot, launched in November 2011 for the holiday shopping season. Two of the three business owners in the pilot extended their leases: Beaute Box, 116 W. Fifth St., and Peace on Fifth, 519 E. Fifth St. In addition, Amore! Designer Consignment Boutique, 16 Brown St., which opened at the same time as the Pop-Up pilots, plans to remain open on a long-term basis, and Basho Screen Printing and Apparel, 521-523 E. Fifth St., opened in a space occupied by a Pop-Up retailer after becoming interested in the location due to the buzz surrounding the project.

Activated Spaces’ Pop-Up Project, which helped fill 2,300 square feet of retail space during its pilot phase, is led by volunteers from the young professional organizations Generation Dayton and updayton. The project is a strategic effort to fill vacant street-level space and spur interest in opening a business downtown that’s part of the Greater Downtown Dayton Plan, a strategic blueprint for the future of downtown.

“The Pop-Up Shops have helped enliven downtown while building on growing momentum for the center city,” said Tom Razauskas, who owns the building housing Beaute Box and the Vintage Barbershop. Razauskas and other participating downtown property owners have supported the project by providing reduced rental rates. “It has been refreshing to work with volunteers and business owners who really believe in downtown and are excited about its future.”

A kickoff event for the Pop-Up Shops will be held from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. Friday, May 18. It will start at Beaute Box, 116 W. Fifth St., and end at Peace on Fifth, 519 E. Fifth St., with stops at all the Pop-Up Shops in between. Raffle tickets will be sold that night $5 each, with all proceeds benefiting Activated Spaces, and prizes will be drawn at each stop. Additional details will be available soon at www.activatedspaces.org.

Basho Apparel was attracted to open a downtown location in part due to the buzz surrounding the Pop-Up Project. (Photo courtesy of Carly Short)

“The Pop-Up Project provides a low-risk, low-cost, flexible way to showcase local businesses while adding vibrancy to downtown,” said Shanon Potts, past chair of Generation Dayton and Activated Spaces volunteer. “The long-term goal of the project is to convert temporary leases into traditional leases, while establishing downtown as a regional destination for shopping for one-of-a-kind items and retail services.”

“This project also supports local, creative entrepreneurs as they take a risk and test out their business concepts while bringing renewed life to downtown storefronts,” said Scott Murphy, immediate past chair of updayton and Activated Spaces volunteer. “Visitors who support these pop-up shops will help to spur a more permanent retail environment in our downtown ― the next step in downtown revitalization.”

Visit www.activatedspaces.org or e-mail [email protected] for more information about Activated Spaces.

JIRO DREAMS OF SUSHI Opens Friday at THE NEON

April 25, 2012 By Jonathan McNeal Leave a Comment

Hello Everyone,

Audiences are certainly talking about KEVIN. After almost every screening of WE NEED TO TALK ABOUT KEVIN, members of the audience have stuck around to talk about the film. Though dark and unsettling, this smart and masterful film will stick with you…and discussing it makes the experience even stronger. We’re going to hold it, along with JEFF WHO LIVES AT HOME, for one more week. In addition, we will open a new documentary that has garnered quite a fan-base since it premiered at the Tribeca Film Festival last spring – JIRO DREAMS OF SUSHI. This is the first documentary of 2012 to gross over a million dollars. That’s a rarity for documentaries…and a sign that audiences are loving it!

Synopsis for JIRO DREAMS OF SUSHI: “Jiro Dreams of Sushi is the story of 85 year-old Jiro Ono, considered by many to be the world’s greatest sushi chef. He is the proprietor of Sukiyabashi Jiro, a 10-seat, sushi-only restaurant inauspiciously located in a Tokyo subway station. Despite its humble appearances, it is the first restaurant of its kind to be awarded a prestigious 3 star Michelin review, and sushi lovers from around the globe make repeated pilgrimage, calling months in advance and shelling out top dollar for a coveted seat at Jiro’s sushi bar. For most of his life, Jiro has been mastering the art of making sushi, but even at his age he sees himself still striving for perfection, working from sunrise to well beyond sunset to taste every piece of fish; meticulously train his employees; and carefully mold and finesse the impeccable presentation of each sushi creation. At the heart of this story is Jiro’s relationship with his eldest son Yoshikazu, the worthy heir to Jiro’s legacy, who is unable to live up to his full potential in his father’s shadow.” (taken from Magnolia Pictures) Click this LINK to be directed to the film’s official site.
If you’re in the mood for sushi after the screening, don’t forget that your ticket stub will get you 15% off your meal from SA BAI – our new neighbor.

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

The 12th Dayton Jewish International Film Festival is ready to kick off. This wonderful, international film festival has a focus on the lives and issues of Jewish people, but it’s open the community and essential viewing for those who love good cinema. The following is a list of films that will screen at THE NEON:
Sun, Apr 29 at 5:15 – EICHMANN’S END: LOVE, BETRAYAL, & DEATH
Tues, May 1 at 9:30am – DAVID
Thurs, May 3 at 7:10 – REUNITING THE RUBINS
Sun, May 6 at 2:50 – SHOLEM ALEICHEM: LAUGHING IN THE DARKNESS
Sun, May 6 at 7:10 – KADDISH FOR A FRIEND
Tue, May 8 at 7:10 – SALSA TEL AVIV
Thur, May 10 at 7:10 – BERLIN 36
For the complete line-up of films and ticket details, visit the official site.

For remaining showtimes for this week (you only have a couple days left to see THE RAID: REDEMPTION), visit our site.

We’ve added some great new titles. Check out our “Coming Soon” list below.

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

SHOWTIMES for
Fri. April 27 – Thur. May 3:

JEFF WHO LIVES AT HOME (R) 1 Hr 23 Min
Friday, Saturday, Sunday: 1:00, 3:00, 7:30
Monday – Wednesday: 3:00, 7:30
Thursday: 3:00

JIRO DREAMS OF SUSHI (PG) 1 Hr 21 Min
Friday, Saturday: 1:15, 3:15, 5:15, 7:30, 9:30
Sunday: 1:15, 3:15, 7:30, 9:30
Monday – Thursday: 3:15, 5:15, 7:30

WE NEED TO TALK ABOUT KEVIN (R) 1 Hr 51 Min
Friday, Saturday, Sunday: 5:10, 9:30
Monday – Thursday: 5:10

COMING SOON:
As always, all dates are tentative.
Many of these dates will change.
In some rare cases, titles may disappear.
May 4 DAMSELS IN DISTRESS
May 11 FOOTNOTE
May 25 DARLING COMPANION
May 25 THE BEST EXOTIC MARIGOLD HOTEL
June 1 SOUND OF MY VOICE
June 15 WHERE DO WE GO NOW?
June 29 MOONRISE KINGDOM
July ? BEASTS OF THE SOUTHERN WILD
July ? TO ROME WITH LOVE

“We Need To Talk About Kevin” Opens Friday at THE NEON!

April 18, 2012 By Jonathan McNeal Leave a Comment

Hello Everyone,

Tilda Swinton was robbed! One of the most disappointing omissions from this year’s Oscar nominations was Swinton’s performance in WE NEED TO TALK ABOUT KEVIN.
After several months of playing the trailer, a print is available and we’re finally able to open this chilling, masterfully crafted film.
In addition to opening KEVIN, we will hold JEFF WHO LIVES AT HOME (which had a fantastic weekend) and one screening per day of THE RAID: REDEMPTION.

Synopsis for WE NEED TO TALK ABOUT KEVIN: “We Need to Talk About Kevin explores the factious relationship between a mother and her evil son. Tilda Swinton plays the mother, Eva, as she contends for 15 years with the increasing malevolence of her first-born child, Kevin. Based on the best-selling novel of the same name, We Need to Talk About Kevin explores nature vs. nurture on a whole new level as Eva’s own culpability is measured against Kevin’s innate evilness.” (taken from Oscilloscope Laboratories) This film also stars John C. Reilly and Ezra Miller.
Click this LINK to visit the official site.

[yframe url=’http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TGjjK5SMbJA’]

“In celebration of National Record Store Day, GHETTOBLASTER MAGAZINE will be hosting a special screening of EMPIRE RECORDS on Saturday, April 21 at 10:15pm. In addition to the movie we’ll be giving away two tickets for this year’s Nelsonville Music Festival and all proceeds will go toward 2012’s Dayton Music Fest. Dayton MostMetro.com is the media sponsor for Record Store Day and other events that day include music trivia at Blind Bob’s from 4-6pm, live music throughout the day at Omega Music, Record Gallery and Feathers in the Oregon District and Toxic Beauty in Yellow Springs (Omega and Toxic will also be selling special RSD releases) and many local businesses will be offering discounts with a shown receipt from one of our local record stores.” (taken from press notes) Tickets for this event will be just $6 each (and only $4 each if you have a receipt from one of the local, indie record stores). Tickets will only be available on the night of the screening.

The banner just went up in our lobby for the 12th Dayton Jewish International Film Festival. This wonderful, international film festival has a focus on the lives and issues of Jewish people, but it’s open the community and essential viewing for those who love good cinema. The following is a list of films that will screen at THE NEON:
Sun, Apr 29 at 5:15 – EICHMANN’S END: LOVE, BETRAYAL, & DEATH
Tues, May 1 at 9:30am – DAVID
Thurs, May 3 at 7:10 – REUNITING THE RUBINS
Sun, May 6 at 2:50 – SHOLEM ALEICHEM: LAUGHING IN THE DARKNESS
Sun, May 6 at 7:10 – KADDISH FOR A FRIEND
Tue, May 8 at 7:10 – SALSA TEL AVIV
Thur, May 10 at 7:10 – BERLIN 36
For the complete line-up of films and ticket details, check out our feature article here.

For remaining showtimes for this week – including details about tomorrow’s premiere (4/19) of OBSCURA – visit our site.

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

P.S. Below is a picture I took at the 2011 Toronto International Film Festival. In addition to a Q&A, I was able to attend a 90-minute conversation with Ms. Swinton. It was divine! (Pictured: director Lynne Ramsay, Tilda Swinton, Ezra Miller)

SHOWTIMES for Fri. April 20 – Thur. April 26:

JEFF WHO LIVES AT HOME (R) 1 Hr 23 Min
Friday: 1:00, 3:10, 7:20, 9:20
Saturday: 1:00, 3:10, 7:20
Sunday: 1:00, 3:10, 7:20, 9:20
Monday – Thursday: 3:10, 7:20

THE RAID: REDEMPTION (R) 1 Hr 41 Min
Friday – Thursday: 5:15

WE NEED TO TALK ABOUT KEVIN (R) 1 Hr 51 Min
Friday, Saturday, Sunday: 12:20, 2:40, 5:00, 7:30, 9:50
Monday – Thursday: 2:40, 5:00, 7:30

EMPIRE RECORDS (PG-13) 1 Hr 47 Min
Saturday: 10:15pm

COMING SOON:
As always, all dates are tentative.
Many of these dates will change.
In some rare cases, titles may disappear.
April 27 FOOTNOTE
May 4 JIRO DREAMS OF SUSHI
May 11 DAMSELS IN DISTRESS
May 25 DARLING COMPANION
May 25 THE BEST EXOTIC MARIGOLD HOTEL
June 1 SOUND OF MY VOICE
July ? BEASTS OF THE SOUTHERN WILD
July ? TO ROME WITH LOVE

Urban Arts Showcase Takes the Stage This Friday

April 18, 2012 By Dayton937 Leave a Comment

HBO Def Poet Black Ice will headline this Friday's "The Signature: A Poetic Medley Show."

Oral Funk Poetry Productions will launch its fifth season of “The Signature: A Poetic Medley Show” at The Loft Theatre, 126 N. Main St., from 9 to 11 p.m. this Friday, April 20.

The season-opening performance will be a celebration of National Poetry Month. The theme will be Jamaican and Caribbean culture through spoken word, dramatizations, live music, vocalists, visual arts and more.

Featured performers include Tony Award-winning HBO Def Poet Black Ice, who appeared on six seasons of the popular show and starred in Def Poetry on Broadway. He’s lent his voice to hip-hop projects by such artists at Method Man and opened for Mary J. Blige on her 2006 world tour. Black Ice also has appeared on BET’s Live 8 Concert Special, Rap City the Basement and 106th & Park, as well as on NBC’s Showtime at the Apollo.

Joining Black Ice will be singer and poet Scorpio Blues, who also has appeared on HBO’s Def Poetry. Her recent CD, Scorpio Rising, features her soul music and some poetry, while her first CD, Blue Blushin’, was an acclaimed poetry work. In 2006, Scorpio Rising became the first female and the first African-American to win the Ill List Poets championship. She also has her own spoken word and music entertainment, management and promotions company called Hot Water Cornbread.

The Flex Crew Reggae Band, a popular group from Columbus, will perform live music. Its seven members hail from a variety of musical backgrounds, resulting in a versatile and high-energy band with an array of musical styles, including funk, R&B, soul, hip hop and roots reggae. In addition, local spoken word poet I Witness Life will emcee.

Tickets cost $20 and can be purhcased at www.ticketcenterstage.com, by calling 937-228-3830 or at the door.

Poet Scorpio Blues also will perform during The Signature.

Oral Funk Poetry Productions has partnered with De’Lish Café, 139 N. Main St., for the event. The restaurant, located across the street from the theater, will offer special Jamaican and Caribbean menu items and drinks.

During its first four seasons, “The Signature: A Poetic Medley Show” featured local and national poets, musicians, actors, vocalists, dancers and visual artists presenting numerous forms of self-expression ― often to sold-out crowds.

“We’re so excited to continue producing our show at The Loft Theatre after moving the production to this great venue last year,” said Sierra Leone of Oral Funk Poetry Productions. “This location has more seating for our shows, which often sell out, and has allowed us to kick up the performance a notch thanks to access to more professional production equipment and capabilities in the theater. We also have appreciated the opportunity to work with and learn from the professionals at The Human Race Theatre Company.”

THE NEON is Cleaning House – 2 New Films Start Friday!

April 11, 2012 By Jonathan McNeal Leave a Comment

Hello Everyone,

I ran into a NEON regular at Meadowlark last week (you’ve been to their new, wonderful location, right?). He said, “Movies are comin’ and goin’ pretty quickly these days.” My response was simple. “That’s not a good sign.” When movies come and go, that means they’re not performing well…and that’s not to say that they aren’t great films. The response to both PARIAH and IN DARKNESS has been incredible, and numerous people have also loved SALMON FISHING IN THE YEMEN. However, all 3 films have to go. Tomorrow (Thursday, April 12) will be your last chance to see these films at THE NEON. On Friday, we will start two new, very different films – JEFF WHO LIVES AT HOME and THE RAID: REDEMPTION. To see current showtimes, visit our website.

Synopsis for JEFF WHO LIVES AT HOME: “On his way to the store to buy wood glue, Jeff looks for signs from the universe to determine his path. However, a series of comedic and unexpected events leads him to cross paths with his family in the strangest of locations and circumstances. Jeff just may find the meaning of his life…and if he’s lucky, pick up the wood glue as well.” (taken from Paramount Vantage) From the director of CYRUS comes JEFF WHO LIVES AT HOME – starring Jason Segel, Ed Helms and Susan Sarandon.

[yframe url=’http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=34kCWAsddtA’]

Synopsis for THE RAID: REDEMPTION: “A Swat team arrives at a rundown apartment block with a mission to remove its owner, a notorious drug lord named Tama. The building has never been raided before, never been touched by police. Seen as a no go zone it has since become a sanctuary to killers, gangs, rapists and thieves seeking accommodation in the one place they know they cannot be touched. Making their move in the break of dawn the swat team work their way up the building under cover of silence. But when a chance encounter with a spotter blows their cover and with news of their assault traveling to Tama in his penthouse suite the building is locked down with all lights out and all exits blocked. Stranded on the 6th floor the swat team must fight their way through every floor and every room not just to complete their mission but to survive.” (taken from Merantau Films) Many people who have seen the trailer say that this film doesn’t seem like our traditional fare…and I agree. That said, the movie is a foreign genre film with great reviews. Though the violence will turn some of you off, we hoping that fans of stylized action films find their way to us.

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

On Tuesday, April 17 at 7:30, we have a special treat for lovers of documentaries and vintage aircraft. “Each year the famous Doolittle Tokyo Raiders from WWII have a reunion to remember their mission, their comrades, and their heroic leader Gen. James Doolittle. In 2010, an extraordinary event took place – seventeen B-25 bomber crews volunteered to gather in honor of the Raiders, and over 70,000 people turned up to witness it. THE RESTORERS – THEY WERE ALL VOLUNTEERS follows the journey of a Minnesota B-25 named Miss Mitchell. Join this restored bomber as she travels to Dayton, Ohio to attend the largest B-25 gathering since WWII. Help us commemorate the 70th anniversary of the historic Doolittle mission. The filmmakers and participants will be on-hand for discussion and questions. Cost: $8.00 for adults, $6.00 for children and veterans.” (synopsis provided by Adam White)

On Thursday, April 19 at 7:30, we have a newly added special event for you. “OBSCURA is the new short film by writer/director and Wright State University Motion Picture graduate Chris Stevens. Filmed in the great state of Ohio with the accomplished and fellow Wright State graduate Mike King behind the camera, OBSCURA tells the story of Mike, Holly and Logan who are just your average family until a disaster leaves their world in darkness. Unknowing the origin of the mysterious disaster they decide to leave their home in search of answers and safety. Wandering in darkness their circumstance begins to wear them down. As trust and their faith in one another fades, so too does the chance they will ever find their answers as a family. A short Q&A will follow the screening. COST: Free Admission but Donations (to be used for film festival submissions) are encouraged.” (taken from press notes) Click this LINK to visit the film’s official site.

“In celebration of National Record Store Day, GHETTOBLASTER MAGAZINE will be hosting a special screening of EMPIRE RECORDS on Saturday, April 21 at 10:15pm. In addition to the movie we’ll be giving away two tickets for this year’s Nelsonville Music Festival and all proceeds will go toward 2012’s Dayton Music Fest. Other events that day include music trivia at Blind Bob’s from 4-6pm, live music throughout the day at Omega Music, Record Gallery and Feathers in the Oregon District and Toxic Beauty in Yellow Springs (Omega and Toxic will also be selling special RSD releases) and many local businesses will be offering discounts with a shown receipt from one of our local record stores.” (taken from press notes) Tickets for this event will be just $6 each (and only $4 each if you have a receipt from one of the local, indie record stores). Tickets will only be available on the night of the screening.

Do you want to win a trip to Paris? THE NEON has been happy to take part in selling raffle tickets for an upcoming benefit for AIDS Resource Center Ohio. Raffle tickets are $25 each or 6 for $100…and we still have a handful left. The drawing will take place on Saturday, April 28, and we will keep selling this tickets through this weekend.

For those of you who use Facebook, we finally have an actual page…not just a “group” page. We will soon be fazing out the old group, so please LIKE us by following the link.

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

SHOWTIMES for Fri. April 13 – Thur. April 19:

JEFF WHO LIVES AT HOME (R) 1 Hr 23 Min
Friday, Saturday, Sunday: 1:00, 3:10, 5:15, 7:20, 9:20
Monday: 3:10, 5:15, 7:20
Tuesday: 3:10, 5:15
Wednesday – Thursday: 3:10, 5:15, 7:20

THE RAID: REDEMPTION (R) 1 Hr 41 Min
Friday, Saturday, Sunday: 12:30, 2:45, 5:00, 7:15, 9:30
Monday – Wednesday: 2:45, 5:00, 7:15
Thursday: 2:45, 5:00

THE RESTORERS: THEY WERE ALL VOLUNTEERS (NR) 41 Min
Tuesday: 7:30

OBSCURA (NR) 10 Min
Thursday: 7:30

COMING SOON:
As always, all dates are tentative.
Many of these dates will change.
In some rare cases, titles may disappear.
April 20 WE NEED TO TALK ABOUT KEVIN
April 27 FOOTNOTE
May 4 JIRO DREAMS OF SUSHI
May 11 DAMSELS IN DISTRESS
May 25 DARLING COMPANION
May 25 THE BEST EXOTIC MARIGOLD HOTEL
June 1 SOUND OF MY VOICE
July ? BEASTS OF THE SOUTHERN WILD
July ? TO ROME WITH LOVE

PARIAH Starts Friday at THE NEON (One Week Only)!

April 4, 2012 By Jonathan McNeal Leave a Comment

Hello Everyone,

Though neither SALMON FISHING IN THE YEMEN nor IN DARKNESS were big hits for us, they both performed well enough to stick around for one more week. (Interestingly, both films have received rave reviews from our NEON regulars.) On Friday, we’re going to add one new title into the mix – a film about a young African American woman coming-of-age in Brooklyn. PARIAH has received perfect reviews from numerous critics, and Meryl Streep even acknowledged lead actress Adepero Oduye during her acceptance speech at this year’s Golden Globes (this was big news for Oduye – as she was the only name mentioned by Streep who wasn’t nominated for the award).

Synopsis for PARIAH: “Adepero Oduye portrays Alike (pronounced ah-lee-kay), a 17-year-old African-American woman who lives with her parents Audrey and Arthur and younger sister Sharonda in Brooklyn’s Fort Greene neighborhood. She has a flair for poetry, and is a good student at her local high school. Alike is quietly but firmly embracing her identity as a lesbian. With the sometimes boisterous support of her best friend, out lesbian Laura, Alike is especially eager to find a girlfriend. At home, her parents’ marriage is strained and there is further tension in the household whenever Alike’s development becomes a topic of discussion. Pressed by her mother into making the acquaintance of a colleague’s daughter, Bina, Alike finds Bina to be unexpectedly refreshing to socialize with. Wondering how much she can confide in her family, Alike strives to get through adolescence with grace, humor, and tenacity – sometimes succeeding, sometimes not, but always moving forward.” (taken from Focus Features)

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

“In celebration of National Record Store Day, GHETTOBLASTER MAGAZINE will be hosting a special screening of EMPIRE RECORDS on Saturday, April 21 at 10:15pm. In addition to the movie we’ll be giving away two tickets for this year’s Nelsonville Music Festival and all proceeds will go toward 2012’s Dayton Music Fest. Other events that day include music trivia at Blind Bob’s from 4-6pm, live music throughout the day at Omega Music, Record Gallery and Feathers in the Oregon District and Toxic Beauty in Yellow Springs (Omega and Toxic will also be selling special RSD releases) and many local businesses will be offering discounts with a shown receipt from one of our local record stores.” (taken from press notes) Tickets for this event will be just $6 each (and only $4 each if you have a receipt from one of the local, indie record stores). Tickets will only be available on the night of the screening.

For those of you who use Facebook, we finally have an actual page…not just a “group” page. We will soon be fazing out the old group, so please LIKE us by clicking this LINK.

We hope to see you soon,
Jonathan

SHOWTIMES for Fri. April 6 – Thur. April 12:

SALMON FISHING IN THE YEMEN (PG-13) 1 Hr 47 Min
Friday, Saturday, Sunday: 12:20, 2:40, 5:00, 7:20, 9:40
Monday – Thursday: 2:40, 5:00, 7:20

IN DARKNESS (R) 2 Hr 33 Min
Friday, Saturday, Sunday: 12:20, 5:00
Monday – Thursday: 5:00

PARIAH (R) 1 Hr 26 Min
Friday, Saturday, Sunday: 3:10, 7:50, 9:45
Monday – Thursday: 3:10, 7:50

COMING SOON:

As always, all dates are tentative.

Many of these dates will change. In some rare cases, titles may disappear.

April 13 JEFF WHO LIVES AT HOME
April 13 THE RAID
April 20 WE NEED TO TALK ABOUT KEVIN
April 27 FOOTNOTE
May 4 JIRO DREAMS OF SUSHI
mid-May DAMSELS IN DISTRESS
mid/late-May DARLIN COMPANION
May 25 THE BEST EXOTIC MARIGOLD HOTEL
June 1 SOUND OF MY VOICE
July ? BEASTS OF THE SOUTHERN WILD
July ? TO ROME WITH LOVE

THE NEON – Everything Must Go!

March 29, 2012 By Jonathan McNeal Leave a Comment

Hello Everyone,

Everything playing this week at THE NEON is heading out. THE HEDGEHOG is gone already, and today is your last chance to catch THIN ICE and FRIENDS WITH KIDS. Tomorrow (Mar. 30) we start two new films – SALMON FISHING IN THE YEMEN and IN DARKNESS – and they’ll both be playing exclusively at THE NEON!
For today’s remaining showtimes, please visit www.neonmovies.com.

Synopsis for SALMON FISHING IN THE YEMEN: “From the beloved director of CHOCOLAT and the Oscar-winning screenwriter of SLUMDOG MILLIONAIRE comes the inspirational comedy SALMON FISHING IN THE YEMEN. A visionary sheik (Amr Waked) believes his passion for the peaceful pastime of salmon fishing can enrich the lives of his people, and he dreams of bringing the sport to the not so fish-friendly desert. Willing to spare no expense, he instructs his representative (Emily Blunt) to turn the dream into reality, an extraordinary feat that will require the involvement of Britain’s leading fisheries expert (Ewan McGregor) who happens to think the project both absurd and unachievable. That is, until the Prime Minister’s overzealous press secretary (Kristin Scott Thomas) latches on to it as a ‘good will’ story. Now, this unlikely team will put it all on the line and embark on an upstream journey of faith and fish to prove the impossible, possible.” (taken from CBS Films)
Visit the official site.

[yframe url=’http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=K8YgX2EfbZs’]

Synopsis for IN DARKNESS: “In Darkness is based on a true story. Leopold Socha, a sewer worker and petty thief in Lvov, a Nazi occupied city in Poland, one day encounters a group of Jews trying to escape the liquidation of the ghetto. He hides them for money in the labyrinth of the town’s sewers beneath the bustling activity of the city above. What starts out as a straightforward and cynical business arrangement turns into something very unexpected, the unlikely alliance between Socha and the Jews as the enterprise seeps deeper into Socha’s conscience. The film is also an extraordinary story of survival as these men, women and children all try to outwit certain death during 14 months of ever increasing and intense danger.” (taken from Sony Pictures Classics)
Visit the official site.

[yframe url=’http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nb2TyPfxaQU’]

The 4th Annual LUNAFEST in Dayton will be held this Sunday at 3:00. “Nine Short Films By/For/About Women, including a funny view of a Persian woman at her younger sister’s engagement party and a serious look at treating obstetric fistulas in Africa. Also: PARK, by WSU film grad Liz Cambron, about a teenaged girl coming of age during summer in a Dayton-area trailer park (selected for this year’s SlamdDance Film Festival). Filmmaker will be do Q&A.
Tickets: $10 (suggested), $5 (minimum), $3 (students w/ ID).
Proceeds to National Breast Cancer Fund and Planned Parenthood of SW Ohio.
Sponsored by Dayton Women’s Rights Alliance.” (synopsis provided by Kathy Ellison)

For those of you who use Facebook, we finally have an actual page…not just a “group” page. We will soon be fazing out the old group, so please LIKE us by following this LINK.

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

SHOWTIMES for Fri. March 30 – Thur. April 5:

SALMON FISHING IN THE YEMEN (PG-13) 1 Hr 47 Min
Friday, Saturday: 12:20, 2:40, 5:00, 7:20, 9:40
Sunday: 12:20, 5:40, 7:45, 9:50
Monday – Thursday: 2:40, 5:00, 7:20

IN DARKNESS (R) 2 Hr 33 Min
Friday, Saturday, Sunday: 1:00, 4:00, 7:15
Monday – Thursday: 3:30, 7:15

LUNAFEST (NR) Films + Q&A
Sunday: 3:00

COMING SOON:

As always, all dates are tentative.
Many of these dates will change.
In some rare cases, titles may disappear.
April 6 JEFF WHO LIVES AT HOME
TBD PARIAH
April 13 THE RAID
April 20 WE NEED TO TALK ABOUT KEVIN
April 27 FOOTNOTE
mid-May DAMSELS IN DISTRESS
mid/late-May DARLIN COMPANION
May 25 THE BEST EXOTIC MARIGOLD HOTEL
June 1 SOUND OF MY VOICE
July ? BEASTS OF THE SOUTHERN WILD
July ? TO ROME WITH LOVE

THIN ICE + Great NEON News!

March 21, 2012 By Jonathan McNeal Leave a Comment

Hello Everyone,

We’re moving right along this week. On Friday, we will open a new dark comedy starring Greg Kinnear, Alan Arkin and Billy Crudup – THIN ICE. If you still need to see A SEPARATION, you only have until tomorrow. Though THE HEDGEHOG did not perform wonderfully, audiences have been adoring this film…so we’re going to keep it for one show a day over the weekend – thus Sunday will be your last chance to see it. FRIENDS WITH KIDS, which I think is a smart and sweet comedy, will stick around!

Synopsis for THIN ICE: “Mickey Prohaska is a small-time insurance agent looking for a way to jump-start his business, reunite with his estranged wife and escape the frigid Wisconsin weather. This self-proclaimed master of spin believes that salesmanship is about selling a story – all he needs is a sucker willing to buy it. He hits pay dirt with a lonely retired farmer who is sitting on something much bigger than an insurance commission. But Mickey’s attempt to con the old man spins out of control when a nosy, unstable locksmith with a volatile temper dramatically ups the stakes, trapping him in a spiral of danger, deceit and double-crossing. Blending dark comedy and delirious Midwestern noir, THIN ICE reaches a breaking point that no one – least of all Mickey Prohaska – could ever see coming.” (taken from ATO Pictures)
Click HERE to visit the official site.

[yframe url=’http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XBvr5139pOg’]

And now some great news. Many of you have asked about SALMON FISHING IN THE YEMEN – starring Emily Blunt, Ewan McGregor, and Kristin Scott Thomas. We just secured the film to open exclusively at THE NEON on March 30! If you come during opening weekend, you’ll help us send a message to this new distributor that they have made the right decision by chosing THE NEON. To learn more about the film, visit the official site.

[yframe url=’http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CEUwCX2UjJA’]

The 4th Annual LUNAFEST in Dayton will be held Sunday, April 1 at 3:00. “Nine Short Films By/For/About Women, including a funny view of a Persian woman at her younger sister’s engagement party and a serious look at treating obstetric fistulas in Africa. Also: PARK, by WSU film grad Liz Cambron, about a teenaged girl coming of age during summer in a Dayton-area trailer park (selected for this year’s SlamdDance Film Festival). Filmmaker will be do Q&A.
Tickets: $10 (suggested), $5 (minimum), $3 (students w/ ID).
Proceeds to National Breast Cancer Fund and Planned Parenthood of SW Ohio.
Sponsored by Dayton Women’s Rights Alliance.” (taken from press notes)

For this week’s remaining showtimes, please visit www.neonmovies.com.

For those of you who use Facebook, we finally have an actual page…not just a “group” page. We will soon be fazing out the old group, so please LIKE us by following this LINK.

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

SHOWTIMES for Fri. March 23 – Thur. March 29:

THE HEDGEHOG (NR) 1 Hr 40 Min
Friday, Saturday, Sunday: 12:40

THIN ICE (R) 1 Hr 33 Min
Friday, Saturday, Sunday: 12:50, 3:00, 5:10, 7:20, 9:30
Monday – Thursday: 3:00, 5:10, 7:20

FRIENDS WITH KIDS (R) 1 Hr 47 Min
Friday, Saturday, Sunday: 12:45, 5:00, 7:20, 9:40
Monday – Thursday: 3:00, 5:15, 7:45

COMING SOON:

As always, all dates are tentative.

Many of these dates will change.
In some rare cases, titles may disappear.
March 30 SALMON FISHING IN THE YEMEN
TBD PARIAH
TBD BEING FLYNN
TBD IN DARKNESS
TBD WE NEED TO TALK ABOUT KEVIN
April 13 THE RAID
April 27 FOOTNOTE
mid-May DAMSELS IN DISTRESS
mid/late-May DARLIN COMPANION
May 25 THE BEST EXOTIC MARIGOLD HOTEL
June 1 SOUND OF MY VOICE

FRIENDS WITH KIDS and THE HEDGEHOG Open Friday at THE NEON!

March 14, 2012 By Jonathan McNeal Leave a Comment

Hello Everyone,

Due to the underwhelming performance of recent titles, we had to make some quick changes to our upcoming schedule. On Friday, we will open 2 new films. First off is a film we’ve been marketing for several months – THE HEDGEHOG. This film is based on a beloved book that many of you have mentioned to me – The Elegance of the Hedgehog. Secondly, we will open a comedy with an all-star cast –FRIENDS WITH KIDS. In addition to the 2 new films, we will hold onto A SEPARATION (winner of this year’s Oscar for “Best Foreign Film”) for a few more screenings. With 3 very different films, we think we’ve got something for almost everyone this weekend. We hope you’ll make it down to see us.

Synopsis for FRIENDS WITH KIDS: “FRIENDS WITH KIDS is a comedy about a close-knit circle of friends at that moment in life when children arrive and everything changes. The last two singles in the group observe the effect that kids have had on their friends’ relationships and wonder if there’s a better way. They decide to have a kid together – and date other people. This unconventional ‘experiment’ leads everyone in the group to question the nature of friendship, family and, finally, true love.” (taken from Roadside Attractions) Written and directed by Jennifer Westfeldt (KISSING JESSICA STEIN), FRIENDS WITH KIDS also stars Jon Hamm, Kristen Wiig, Maya Rudolph, Edward Burns and more. Click this LINK to visit the official site.

[yframe url=’http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S0cYheYIT4o’]

Synopsis for THE HEDGEHOG: “THE HEDGEHOG is the timely story of Paloma, a young girl bent on ending it all on her upcoming twelfth birthday. Using her father’s old camcorder to chronicle the hypocrisy she sees in adults, Paloma begins to learn about life from the grumpy building concierge, Renee Michel. When Paloma’s camera reveals the extensive secret library in Renee’s back room, and that the often gruff matron reads Tolstoy to her cat, Paloma begins to understand that there are allies to be found beneath the prickliest of exteriors. As the unlikely friendship deepens, Paloma’s own coming of age becomes a much less pessimistic prospect.” (taken from NeoClassic Films) Click this LINK to visit the film’s official website.

[yframe url=’http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-bLq4ehVo7c’]

On Thursday, March 22 at 7:30, Keener Farm has rented our space for a special screening of the acclaimed documentary AMERICAN MEAT. “The film explains our current industrial meat system and shows the feedlots and confinement operations – not through hidden cameras but through the eyes of the farmers who live and work there. The film then shifts to the burgeoning sustainable, local-food movement made up of farmers, food advocates, chefs and everyday folks who could change everything about the way meat reaches the American table…Sustainable farming is expanding exponentially as Americans learn more about their food and how to connect with local farmers…” (taken from press notes) The screening will be preceded by a meet and greet with appetizers provided by Olive: An Urban Dive (beginning at 6:30), and a panel discussion with the filmmaker as well as local farmers & restaurateurs will follow the screening. Admission is free (first come, first serve), but donations will gladly be accepted to help offset costs.

Save The Date! April 1 at 3:00 – LUNAFEST: Short Films By…For…About Women. More details in next week’s newsletter.

For this week’s remaining showtimes, please visit www.neonmovies.com.

Thanks for your continued support.

We hope to see you soon,

Jonathan

P.S. We now have TWITTER. If you use this application, we hope you’ll follow us.

SHOWTIMES for Fri. March 16 – Thur. March 22:

THE HEDGEHOG (NR) 1 Hr 40 Min

Friday, Saturday, Sunday: 12:40, 2:50, 7:30

Monday – Wednesday: 2:50, 7:30

Thursday: 2:50

A SEPARATION (PG-13) 2 Hr 03 Min

Friday, Saturday, Sunday: 5:00, 9:40

Monday – Thursday: 5:00

FRIENDS WITH KIDS (R) 1 Hr 47 Min

Friday, Saturday, Sunday: 12:30, 2:45, 5:00, 7:20, 9:40

Monday – Thursday: 3:00, 5:15, 8:00

COMING SOON:

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

TBD PARIAH

TBD BEING FLYNN

March 23 THIN ICE

March 30 IN DARKNESS

March 30 WE NEED TO TALK ABOUT KEVIN

April 13 THE RAID

April 27 FOOTNOTE

Spring SALMON FISHING IN THE YEMEN

mid-May DAMSELS IN DISTRESS

mid/late-May DARLIN COMPANION

May 25 THE BEST EXOTIC MARIGOLD HOTEL

June 1 SOUND OF MY VOICE

SHAME “The Sex Addiction Film” Starts Friday at THE NEON!

March 8, 2012 By Jonathan McNeal Leave a Comment

Hello Everyone,

A SEPARATION performed just well enough for it to stick around a second week. If you haven’t seen this film yet, I hope you’ll hurry out to see it! Across the boards, A SEPARATION was one of the very best reviewed films of last year (far better than any of the nominees for “Best Picture”). Professor Charles Derry recently sent me a note regarding the film. In it, he wrote, “I think the most perceptive way of looking at this film is by comparing it to some of the great films by Jean Renoir, who famously said, in a variety of different versions: ‘The real hell of life is that everyone has their reasons.’ And this film shows exactly that: everyone, in their own way, is right, and because of that, we empathize with everyone, and yet all that results is conflict and separation.” Derry also mentioned that Woody Allen recently stated that he considered A SEPARATION to be the best film of the year.

If you still haven’t seen it (or need to see it again), THE ARTIST is on its way out. Today (March 8) will be your last chance to catch it at THE NEON. On Friday (March 9), we will begin a limited engagement of the new film starring Michael Fassbender – SHAME.

Synopsis for SHAME: “Brandon is a New Yorker who shuns intimacy with women but feeds his desires with a compulsive addiction to sex. When his wayward younger sister moves into his apartment stirring memories of their shared painful past, Brandon’s insular life spirals out of control.” This film stars incredible performances by both Michael Fassbender and Carey Mulligan (Mulligan’s performance of “New York, New York” is one of the best vocal performances I’ve seen in a film for quite some time). Click on this LINK to visit the official site. (You might recall Fassbender from FISH TANK or the recent JANE EYRE…and Carey Mulligan from AN EDUCATION and NEVER LET ME GO.) Note: This film is rated NC-17 for explicit sexual content. THE NEON will be carding anyone who appears to be under 18 for admission to this film.

[yframe url=’http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Op9iQiB_ANI’]

Here’s a second trailer – different in tone – that features Mulligan’s performance.

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

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

For this week’s remaining showtimes, please visit our official site.

Thanks for your continued support.

We hope to see you soon,

Jonathan

P.S. We now have TWITTER. If you use this application, we hope you’ll follow us – @neonmovies

SHOWTIMES for Fri. March 9 – Thur. March 15:

A SEPARATION (PG-13) 2 Hr 03 Min

Friday, Saturday, Sunday: 1:30, 4:00, 7:00, 9:30

Monday – Thursday: 2:40, 5:10, 8:00

SHAME (NC-17) 1 Hr 41 Min

Friday, Saturday, Sunday: 12:40, 2:50, 5:10, 7:30, 9:30

Monday – Thursday: 2:50, 5:10, 7:30

COMING SOON:

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

TBD THE HEDGEHOG

TBD PARIAH

TBD BEING FLYNN

March 23 IN DARKNESS

March ? WE NEED TO TALK ABOUT KEVIN

April ? FOOTNOTE

Spring SALMON FISHING IN THE YEMEN

Spring BEST EXOTIC MARIGOLD HOTEL

Oscar Winner A SEPARATION Starts Friday!

March 1, 2012 By Jonathan McNeal Leave a Comment

Hello Everyone,

I’m sad to report that the community has not embraced PINA well enough for it to stick around a second week. If you still need to see this artful and inspiring film, you only have today (Thursday, March 1) to see it at THE NEON. Though I’m sad to see this film leave, I am happy to announce that we will open the Oscar-winning film A SEPARATION on Friday! THE ARTIST, winner of 5 Academy Awards including “Best Picture,” will continue its run.

Synopsis for A SEPARATION: “Set in contemporary Iran, A Separation is a compelling drama about the dissolution of a marriage. Simin wants to leave Iran with her husband Nader and daughter Termeh. Simin sues for divorce when Nader refuses to leave behind his Alzheimer-suffering father. Her request having failed, Simin returns to her parents’ home, but Termeh decides to stay with Nader. When Nader hires a young woman to assist with his father in his wife’s absence, he hopes that his life will return to a normal state. However, when he discovers that the new maid has been lying to him, he realizes that there is more on the line than just his marriage.” (Taken from Sony Pictures Classics)

[yframe url=’http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=58Onuy5USTc’]

A SEPARATION – official site

THE ARTIST – official site

Our Annual Oscar Party was a success. Many thanks to those of you who came out and participated in the fun evening, and many additional thanks to our friends at ThinkTV and Square One Salon & Spa for helping to make our evening a big hit.
For this week’s remaining showtimes, please visit www.neonmovies.com.

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

P.S. We now have TWITTER. If you use this application, we hope you’ll follow us. @neonmovies

SHOWTIMES for Fri. March 2 – Thur. March 8:

A SEPARATION (PG-13) 2 Hr 03 Min
Friday, Saturday, Sunday: 1:30, 4:00, 7:00, 9:30
Monday – Thursday: 2:40, 5:10, 8:00

THE ARTIST (PG-13) 1 Hr 40 Min
Friday, Saturday, Sunday: 12:40, 2:50, 5:10, 7:30, 9:30
Monday – Thursday: 2:50, 5:10, 7:30

COMING SOON:
As always, all dates are tentative. Many of these dates will change.
In some rare cases, titles may disappear.
March 9 SHAME
TBD THE HEDGEHOG
TBD   PARIAH
March 23   IN DARKNESS
March ? WE NEED TO TALK ABOUT KEVIN
April ? FOOTNOTE
Spring   SALMON FISHING IN THE YEMEN
Spring BEST EXOTIC MARIGOLD HOTEL

What The Hell is Beer? Presentation at Pecha Kucha Dayton

February 28, 2012 By Max Spang Leave a Comment

[yframe url=’http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jB6MIMSungI’]

On February 23, 2012, I was invited to present at Pecha Kucha Dayton Volume 10. Pecha Kucha ( also called PK Night ) is a series of presenters that are required to show 20 images each lasting 20 seconds long. This format allows for a rapid, fast-paced, and eclectic group of presentations.

For more information, please visit
http://www.pecha-kucha.org/
http://www.pecha-kucha.org/night/dayton/

This video can also be found at Snobby Beer.

On Becoming a Bad Ass

February 23, 2012 By Dayton937 Leave a Comment

Kristen Wicker and Amelia Robinson spar at Drake's Downtown Gym to prepare for Dayton Knockout. PHOTO COURTESY OF TOM GREENE.

“Girl, the jig is up,” my best friend is telling me on the phone as I’m freaking out about my recent discovery that I am not, after all, a born fighter. “Your shit is totally exposed.”

She’s right, and I know it. I rappelled off a 27-story office tower. In the bazaars of Cairo, Egypt, I’ve nonchalantly weaved through cow carcasses hanging from their hooves and dripping blood. I’ve chased a group of punk kids in my former inner city hood. I have a bunch of big tattoos and own three genuine leather jackets. I’ve hiked through the Grand Canyon on trails forged by mountain goats and swam with sharks and barracuda in the Red Sea. (OK, I admit that last one was by accident, but it still didn’t faze me.) I will walk right up to a sketchy-looking somebody hanging out downtown and tell him to move it right along.

But my bad ass credentials have never before been tested as they have in the past three months as I’ve trained to box some of my best friends as part of Dayton Knockout.

I signed up for this charity boxing event ― which will be held this Saturday, Feb. 25, at Memorial Hall ― to be part of something super cool, help a good cause, get in shape and maybe lose a few pounds. I’d been boxing at Drake’s Downtown Gym for nearly two years, and I’ve yet to encounter a workout that makes me feel like more of a bad ass than giving a punching bag a hefty one-two.

Immediately, it was on. My girlfriend and I started trash talking. And texting. And posting.

I hope your bucket list is wheelchair accessible.

They’re gonna find your torso in a corn maze.

I hope you enjoyed your smoothie because after I knock all your teeth out, you’ll only be able to digest soft foods.

I’m gonna snack on your kidney on a stick.

I hope you liked wearing head gear because soon it will be a permanent fashion accessory for you.

I hear they make software now that can help you re-learn how to walk.

Halfway through our training, I missed nearly two weeks of practice after some complications from what was supposed to be minor surgery. She sent me flowers ― a beautiful bouquet of roses, actually ― with a card reading, “Sickness will not protect you.”

Then we sparred for the first time. And she rattled my teeth as if they were shells in a wind chime.

Which took the muscle right out of my trash talking. Truth is, I’m not a bad ass. I’m just really good at pretending.

I even had my friend fooled.

“What do you mean, you’ve never fought before? I thought you said you were some kind of crazy, black-haired punk rocker in high school!”

“Those Barbies wouldn’t fight me,” I explained. “Their Aqua Net puff bangs would have gotten flattened.”

“Didn’t you fight your sister?” She was incredulous at this point.

“My sister is eight years younger than me. The worst thing I ever did was put peas in her peanut butter and jelly sandwich.”

***

Monster Truck Rally at Hara Arena. Bad ass grade: D

I did try to up my bad ass quotient after my first Saturday-practice skull crushing. I figured it would help me find my inner fighter.

A friend and I went to a monster truck rally at Hara Arena. I imagined it just like in the commercials: big ass trucks crushing cars and motor bikes daredeviling over piles of dirt. Whoopee! We picked out the perfect outfits, complete with cowboy boots and denim and plaid flannel and bandanas. I insisted we arrive early to have a cocktail at the Hara Pub and spotted an extra five bucks for VIP tickets so we could gain access to a pre-party and obtain a complimentary skull and crossbones flag.

Commercials can be misleading.

“We don’t open the bar for family events,” the woman scanning our tickets tartly replied at my dismay that the pub was closed. The VIP tickets must have stood for Very Ignorant Person, because everyone seemed to be enjoying the “perks” of said tickets. The skull and crossbones flags appeared to have come from one of those little plastic cups in a pizza parlor vending machine. The cars were already crushed, and there wasn’t a speck of dirt (unless you count the grime coating all that is Hara Arena). Some of the drivers couldn’t even get their trucks to spin in the donut competition. Some dude in an ostrich costume as raggedy as an old shag carpet came out and did a 10-minute skit that nearly made us peel our eyeballs out of our skulls.

The best part of the night was when a kid in the row behind us recognized Hell’s Bells two gongs into the song. “Your mother would be so proud,” sighed the woman with him.

We left at intermission. I think my bad-assery actually dropped in value that night.

Rock Star Wrestling in Dayton. Bad ass grade: A

Then I took the grand opening of Rock Star Wrestling on East Third Street for a spin. Now, this was some bad ass I could get behind ― men in singlets and Captain America-esque costumes jumping on the ropes around the ring and tossing each other like salad. Hell, YES, that’s what I’m talking about! Complete with kids heckling the wrestlers from the front row!

I definitely ingested a nice womp of bad ass that night. Problem was, I drowned it in beer and Long Island Iced Teas and was left with only blurry pictures on my phone.

***

I have been humiliated by the realization I’m lacking in the bona fide bad ass department before.

The first time I went to a Gem City Roller Girls bout, I was convinced it should be me out there zipping around on skates, hunched into the breeze created by my own speed, elbowing and snarling and falling-but-getting-right-back-up. Oh, the girl power! The striped socks and black skirts and skulls! The clever yet sinister names!

Then I went to Skateworld of Vandalia with my rock star girlfriend. She’s trotted the globe playing searing guitar with bands and always has been much cooler than I am. It was the same in the skating rink.

Gem City Roller Girls. Bad ass grade: A+

My feet had not known a pair of roller skates since Members Only jackets were in style, you did the Hokey Pokey and Space Invaders was the game to beat. I decided I should warm up with a spin in the kids’ practice area.

At first, I figured the floor was warped in weird ways that were preventing me from getting my Pac Man Fever back. Then, I decided I was just too tired and sloppy from an exhausting week. Next, I concluded that I was just being sensible, as the place was jam-packed with little kids’ birthday parties. If a big girl like me fell on one of these 3-year-olds, that youngster could be smushed like a cupcake. Why risk it?

Finally, my friend ― skating backward and doing spins ― convinced me to make my way to the big kids rink. By then, I was too paranoid to let go of the side railing. As I clunked and slithered my way around the ring as if I were walking on an oil spill, I felt a poke in the small of my back.

I turned to find a little girl, probably five years old, her hair in pig tails. “Excuse me, miss,” she asked in her pip-squeak voice. “Can you move? You’re blocking my way.”

“No,” I said, the word falling from my mouth like a brick. I grabbed her hand and ― still desperately clutching the railing ― swung her around me.

I then proceeded to get the hell out of the rink and take off those damned skates as fast as I could. On our way out, my friend handed me a brochure about skating lessons. I shoved it in the bottom of my purse.

***

Twisted Wicker in the blue corner psyching herself up to bust some jaw. PHOTO COURTESY OF TOM GREENE.

I haven’t given up on becoming a boxer as I did with becoming a Gem City Roller Derby Girl. I have been practicing my jab to the point where my knuckles are bruised. I’ve watched Rocky I, II and III, along with YouTube videos of real-life boxers, to observe in-the-ring moves. I’ve been listening incessantly to “We Are the Champions,” “Eye of the Tiger” and the song I chose to play as I make my way to the stage at Memorial Hall, “Mama Said Knock You Out.”

And I’ve been spending a lot of time envisioning myself as a fighter. Faking it. Which I know I can do. After all, these days, when I tell people I’m clinically shy (I am! Like turning a bowling ball in your stomach to talk to a stranger kind of shy!), they don’t believe me. They are totally faked out.

I realize now that becoming a bad ass is like aging: It’s less about the number of times you’ve toasted your birthday or the number of years you’ve been giddy about the arrival of spring. It’s just a a thought you create and control in the mechanics of your brain.

At least, that’s what I’m telling myself as I walk into that ring. I may be wearing a costume of sorts, but it’s genuine boxing garb, the same the pros wear. And I will be feeling like a genuine boxer ― and bad ass.

JAB!

Dayton Knockout benefits AIDS Resource Center Ohio and Dayton History. The event takes place at 8 p.m. this Saturday, Feb. 25, at Memorial Hall. Doors open at 7 p.m. Buy advance tickets online or at Drake’s Downtown Gym, Ghostlight Coffee, Lucky’s Taproom & Eatery, Brixx Ice Co., Square One Salon, and the Dublin Pub. Food and drinks will be available, and an after party featuring live music by Funky G and the Groove Machine will be held in the Memorial Hall basement after the fights.

Click here to read J.T. Ryder’s article on the history of boxing in Dayton. Click here to listen to a radio story Amelia Robinson and I produced about the fight.

PINA Starts Friday + New Oscar Party News!

February 22, 2012 By Jonathan McNeal Leave a Comment

Hello Everyone,

We think that ALBERT NOBBS still has a little business in it, but we really need to get moving. Therefore, we will hold ALBERT for one screening a day through Sunday…but Sunday will be the film’s last day. Now that we’re exclusive on THE ARTIST, our ticket sales flew back up this weekend…so we’re going to continue hodling it steady. On Friday, we open one of my absolute favorite films of the past few years – PINA. PINA is stunning and lovely, and it’s also Oscar-nominated. We hope you’ll hurry to see it before our Oscar Party on Sunday night. (PINA will be presented at THE NEON via traditional 35mm, 2D projection.)

Synopsis for PINA: “In his exhilarating new film, German master Wim Wenders (WINGS OF DESIRE, THE BUENA VISTA SOCIAL CLUB) captures the brilliantly inventive dance world of legendary choreographer Pina Bausch. Wenders had conceived with Bausch a dance film like none seen before, one which would put the viewer deep inside Bausch’s playful, thrillingly unpredictable pieces. After her untimely death in 2009, Wenders continued with the project, turning it into the most exciting tribute he could imagine. Sensual and visually stunning, PINA takes the audience into Bausch’s work in her imaginative sets (a gliding monorail, a bare stage covered with chairs, a towering man-made waterfall) and powerfully rendering the beauty and sheer physicality of the dances and dancers of her Tanztheater Wuppertal ensemble.” (Taken from Sundance Selects)

[yframe url=’http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CNuQVS7q7-A’]

On Saturday, The Junior Leaguers Club, Inc. will host a benefit screening of THUNDER SOUL. “THUNDER SOUL follows the extraordinary alumni from Houston’s storied Kashmere High School Stage Band, who return home after 35 years to play a tribute concert for the 92-year-old “Prof,” their beloved band leader who broke the color barrier and transformed the school’s struggling jazz band into a world-class funk powerhouse in the early 1970s.” (taken from press notes) Adult tickets (which include a glass of wine as well as soda & popcorn) are $30 each. Student tickets (which include soda and popcorn) are $15 each. For more information, please call (937)219-7501. Proceeds from this event will go to The Junior Leaguers Scholarship Fund. To check out more about THUNDER SOUL, visit the official site.

In regards to the Oscars, we’re getting set for our annual party this Sunday! Once again, our friends at ThinkTV will help us to get a strong signal for the broadcast, and our friends at Square One Salon & Spa will give us a nice gift basket for our grand prize. In addition, we’ll be giving out dvds, screenplays and soundtracks throughout the evening for randomly drawn correct guesses. You must be present to win any prizes, and seating will begin at approximately 7pm – admission is FREE! Ballots are already available in our lobby. Here’s the new twist: At any time on Sunday, you can personally drop off your ballot at THE NEON (you can’t drop off ballots for numerous people – only one per person). Your ballot will be numbered in the order in which it is collected (ON SUNDAY). When we begin seating at approximately 7:00pm, we will begin seating in numerical order.

Green Earth Outdoors has rented our space for a special screening of GREEN FIRE on Thursday, March 1 at 7:30. “GREEN FIRE explores the life and legacy of famed conservationist Aldo Leopold and the many ways his land ethic philosophy lives on in the work of people and organizations all over the country today. The film shares highlights from Leopold’s life and extraordinary career, explaining how he shaped conservation and the modern environmental movement. It also illustrates Leopold’s continuing influence, exploring current projects that connect people and land at the local level. Green Fire proceeds will support Five Rivers MetroParks ‘Leaf’ a Legacy Reforestation program that aids in the protection of native trees and local forest ecosystems damaged by non-native invasive species.” (description taken from press release) Tickets are $5 each and are currently available on the official site or by calling (502)558-8970. Remaining tickets will be available at THE NEON’s box office on the night of the event.

Last week, I announced that we would start selling biscotti again at THE NEON – this time from a local baker, Thistle Confections by Hilary. I’m now pleased to announce that customers are loving it! We ordered twice as much this week, so we hope you’ll keep ordering it!

For remaining showtimes for this week, please visit www.neonmovies.com.

Thanks for your continued support.

We hope to see you soon,

Jonathan

P.S. We now have TWITTER. If you use this application, we hope you’ll follow us @neonmovies

SHOWTIMES for Fri. February 24 – Thur. March 1:

ALBERT NOBBS (R) 1 Hrs 53 Min

Friday, Saturday, Sunday: 12:20

PINA (PG) 1 Hr 43 Min

Friday, Saturday, Sunday: 2:45, 5:00, 7:20, 9:30

Mon – Thur: 2:45, 5:00, 7:20

THE ARTIST (PG-13) 1 Hr 40 Min

Friday: 12:40, 2:50, 5:10, 7:30, 9:30

Saturday: 2:50, 5:10, 7:30, 9:30

Sunday: 12:40, 2:50, 5:10

Monday – Wednesday: 2:50, 5:10, 7:30

Thursday: 2:50, 5:10

COMING SOON:

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

In some rare cases, titles may disappear.

TBD THE HEDGEHOG

TBD SHAME

TBD PARIAH

March 9 A SEPARATION

March 23 IN DARKNESS

March ? WE NEED TO TALK ABOUT KEVIN

April ? FOOTNOTE

Pop-Up Project Seeking Business Owners to Open Downtown

February 16, 2012 By Dayton937 1 Comment

Guests at Beaute Box, one of the businesses that opened downtown as part of the first phase of the Pop-Up Project.

Activated Spaces, an initiative to fill downtown storefronts, is accepting applications for temporary retail and service businesses to open downtown as part of the second phase of its Pop-up Project. The project matches business owners and entrepreneurs who want to try out a business concept with downtown property owners who have first-floor storefront space available for occupancy.

Interested retailers should fill out an application, which can be downloaded at www.activatedspaces.org, and email it to Sherri Wierzba at [email protected]. The application deadline is 5 p.m. on Friday, March 9. Tenants will be selected March 30, and retailers must be ready to open by May 1.

Lease lengths will range from three to six months. The spaces will have varying lease rates, but will be leased below market value. Activated Spaces volunteers will connect retailers with commercial property owners, help make the space move-in ready, and promote the business during such events as First Friday and Urban Nights. Selected businesses will negotiate leasing terms directly with the selected property owner, but flexibility for the tenant is a priority.

Activated Spaces volunteers hope to build on the success of the Pop-Up Project’s pilot phase, when three businesses filled 2,300 square feet of space. Two of those businesses ― Beaute Box, 116 W. Fifth St., and Peace on Fifth, 519 E. Fifth St. ― are looking to convert their temporary leases into traditional long-term ones. Another business, Basho Screen Printing and Apparel, opened a second area location at 521-523 E. Fifth St. after being drawn to the space when it was occupied by Comfort & Joy, which offered holiday gifts, during the Pop-Up Project’s pilot.

Commercial property owners interested in offering space to interested retailers should contact Sherri Wierzba or Erin Gillespie at 937-224-1518. Participating property owners will be listed on the Activated Spaces website. Once a match is made, a limited amount of money is available to be distributed in $250 increments at the discretion of the Activated Spaces team for such purposes as offsetting utility costs, making cosmetic improvements to the space or other necessities for making the space operational.

The grand opening celebration of Pop-Up Shop Peace on Fifth.

Activated Spaces, a volunteer-led initiative spearheaded by young professional organizations Generation Dayton and updayton, has three main goals:

• reactivate and beautify vacant storefronts with creative displays

• encourage entrepreneurs, artists and community groups to occupy space for short- and long- term uses

• showcase downtown properties and increase interest and investment in available space

Activated Spaces is part of the Greater Downtown Dayton Plan, a strategic blueprint for the future of downtown. Those interested in volunteering with Activated Spaces should e-mail [email protected].

For more information, contact Sherri Wierzba or Erin Gillespie at 937-224-1518.