fox catcher

15 Oscar Nominees Start Friday at THE NEON

January 29, 2015 By Jonathan McNeal

Hello Everyone,

Over the past few years, more and more people have been interested to see as many of the Oscar nominated films as possible before the ceremony…and now you can get even closer to that goal by having access to all 15 nominated short films. Starting Friday, we will open all three programs of the Oscar Nominated Short Films – ANIMATION, LIVE ACTION and DOCUMENTARY. Showtimes can be found by scrolling to the bottom of this newsletter or by visiting our official site at www.neonmovies.com. In addition, we will hold two other big nominees – THE IMITATION GAME and FOXCATCHER. (As an FYI, the Documentary Program will only play three times over the weekend – it’s a long, challenging and rewarding collection of work…you’ll certainly get your money’s worth.)

Synopsis for OSCAR NOMINATED SHORT FILMS: Each collection of short films contains the 5 nominees for this year’s Academy Award (in the case of the ANIMATION selections, additional noteworthy films have been added in order to create a feature-length program). Though none of the programs are officially rated by the MPAA, I think it’s good to have a “guess” for each program. For the Animation Program, we suggest a rating of “PG” due to one of the films being a bit dark. That said, kids over 8 should not have a problem with any of the material. For the Live Action Program, we suggest a rating of “PG-13” due to some cursing. We think kids over 11 or 12 would be fine. For the Documentary Program, we suggest a rating of “R” due to difficult and disturbing images. (The next to last film in this 2 hour 40 minute program takes place at a slaughterhouse. Though quite powerful, some may find the images rather disturbing.) Click on the image below to visit the official site for the OSCAR NOMINATED SHORTS. On this site, you can view a short clip from each film.

Patrick Larreategui is trying to bring a special screening of CHARLIE VICTOR ROMEO to town. If 68 tickets are reserved by Feb. 6, the screening will move forward – scheduled for Thursday, Feb. 19 at 7:30. “When you board an airplane, who are those people in uniform to whom you entrust your life? What do they really do when things go horribly wrong? Derived entirely from the ‘black box’ transcripts of six major airline emergencies, CHARLIE VICTOR ROMEO puts the audience inside the tension-filled cockpits of actual flights in distress, offering a fascinating portrait of the psychology of crisis and a person’s will to live to the last second. This chilling and groundbreaking production stretches the boundaries of film, theatre, and the traditional documentary with [the filming of] a stage play that recreates transcripts word for word.” Tickets are $10 each and reservations are required via the official link. (Your credit card will only be charged if enough reservations are made in order for the event to move forward as scheduled.)

“The Junior Leaguers Club of Dayton will sponsor a special screening of DEAR WHITE PEOPLE on Feb. 28, 2015 at noon. DEAR WHITE PEOPLE is a 2014 American satirical film written and directed by Justin Simien. The film focuses on African American students who attend a predominately white university. This is the fourth annual movie sponsored by the Junior Leaguers of Dayton as a fundraiser for scholarships. The film will be followed by a community discussion led by Jeannette Taylor, program coordinator for NCCJ. The cost is $30 per ticket which includes the cost of movie, soda, a glass of wine, popcorn and the discussion.” (Taken from event press notes.) Tickets can be purchased at THE NEON beginning Thursday, Jan. 29

Oscar ballots for our Annual FREE Oscar Party will be available in our lobby this weekend. Many thanks to the folks at ThinkTV for agreeing to help us get a broadcast signal for the event!

Thanks for your continued support.

We hope to see you this weekend,

Jonathan

SHOWTIMES for Friday, Jan. 30 – Thursday, Feb. 5:

THE IMITATION GAME (PG-13) 1 Hr 54 Min
Friday & Saturday: 2:45, 5:00, 7:20, 9:50
Sunday: 2:45, 5:00, 7:20
Monday – Thursday: 3:10, 5:30, 7:50

FOXCATCHER (R) 2 Hr 13 Min
Friday, Saturday, Sunday: 4:50
Monday – Thursday: 5:15

OSCAR SHORTS – ANIMATION (NR) 1 Hr 17 Min
Friday, Saturday: 2:50, 9:50
Sunday: 2:50
Monday: 8:00
Tuesday: 3:00
Wednesday: 8:00
Thursday: 3:00

OSCAR SHORTS – LIVE ACTION (NR) 1 Hr 57 Min
Friday, Saturday, Sunday: 12:20, 7:30
Monday: 3:00
Tuesday: 8:00
Wednesday: 3:00
Thursday: 8:00

OSCAR SHORTS – DOCUMENTARY (NR) 2 Hrs 40 Min
Friday, Saturday, Sunday: 11:30a.m.

COMING SOON:
(All Dates Are Tentative. Dates Often Move And Sometimes Disappear.)
Feb. 6 – TWO DAYS, ONE NIGHT
Feb. 13 – STILL ALICE
Feb. 20 – MOMMY
Feb. 20 – MR. TURNER
March 6 – WHAT WE DO IN THE SHADOWS
March 6 – LEVIATHAN
March 13 – RED ARMY
March 27 – WILD TALES
TBD – THE SECOND BEST EXOTIC MARIGOLD HOTEL

Acclaimed FOXCATCHER Opens Friday at THE NEON!

January 13, 2015 By Jonathan McNeal

Hello Everyone,

It’s Oscar Season, and it’s time to get moving with new films. If you haven’t had the chance to see WILD (or you need to see it again), you’ll need to hurry down to THE NEON…Thursday will be your last chance to catch it with us. On Friday, we will open the much-acclaimed new film FOXCATCHER – starring Steve Carrell, Channing Tatum and Mark Ruffalo. THE IMITATION GAME will continue its hugely successful run. Remaining showtimes for this current week can be found on our website at www.neonmovies.com.

Synopsis for FOXCATCHER: “FOXCATCHER is a psychological drama directed by Academy Award nominee Bennett Miller (MONEYBALL & CAPOTE) and starring Steve Carell, Channing Tatum, Mark Ruffalo, Vanessa Redgrave and Sienna Miller. It tells the story of Olympic Gold Medal-winning wrestler Mark Schultz (Tatum), who sees a way out from the shadow of his more celebrated wrestling brother Dave (Ruffalo) and a life of poverty when he is summoned by eccentric multi-millionaire John du Pont (Carell) to move onto his estate and train for the 1988 Seoul Olympics. Desperate to gain the respect of his disapproving mother, du Pont begins ‘coaching’ a world-class athletic team and, in the process, lures Mark into dangerous habits, breaks his confidence and drives him into a self-destructive spiral. Based on actual events, FOXCATCHER is a gripping and profoundly American story of fragile men who pinned their hopes for love and redemption on a desperate obsession for greatness.” (taken from Sony Classics) Click this LINK to visit the film’s official site.

Patrick Larreategui is trying to bring a special screening of CHARLIE VICTOR ROMEO to town. If 68 tickets are reserved by Feb. 6, the screening will move forward – scheduled for Thursday, Feb. 19 at 7:30. “When you board an airplane, who are those people in uniform to whom you entrust your life? What do they really do when things go horribly wrong? Derived entirely from the ‘black box’ transcripts of six major airline emergencies, CHARLIE VICTOR ROMEO puts the audience inside the tension-filled cockpits of actual flights in distress, offering a fascinating portrait of the psychology of crisis and a person’s will to live to the last second. This chilling and groundbreaking production stretches the boundaries of film, theatre, and the traditional documentary with [the filming of] a stage play that recreates transcripts word for word.” Tickets are $10 each and reservations are required via the official link. (You credit card will only be charged if enough reservations are made in order for the event to move forward as scheduled.)

Oscar nominations will be revealed this Thursday. In addition to several films that we’ve already played, we have a lot of contenders coming down the road – including the Oscar Nominated Shorts. We’ll keep you posted. And speaking of Oscars, Many thanks to the folks at ThinkTV – who have once again agreed to help us get a signal for our FREE screening of the Academy Awards. More details will be shared in the coming weeks.

Thank you for your continued support.

Jonathan

SHOWTIMES for Friday, Jan. 16 – Thursday, Jan. 22:

THE IMITATION GAME (PG-13) 1 Hr 54 Min
Friday & Saturday: 12:00, 2:30, 5:00, 7:30, 9:55
Sunday: 12:00, 2:30, 5:00, 7:30
Monday – Thursday: 3:10, 5:30, 8:00

FOXCATCHER (R) 2 Hr 13 Min
Friday, Saturday: 1:00, 4:00, 7:00, 9:40
Sunday: 1:00, 4:00, 7:00
Monday: 4:00, 7:00
Tuesday – Thursday: 2:45, 5:20, 7:50

COMING SOON:
(All Dates Are Tentative. Dates Often Move And Sometimes Disappear.)

TBD – OSCAR NOMINATED SHORTS
TBD – FORCE MAJEURE
TBD – MR. TURNER
TBD – STILL ALICE
TBD – OSCAR NOMINATED SHORTS
TBD – TWO DAYS ONE NIGHT
TBD – LEVIATHAN
TBD – WILD TALES
TBD – THE SECOND BEST EXOTIC MARIGOLD HOTEL

2 Big Hits & A BIG Thank YOU from THE NEON!

December 30, 2014 By Jonathan McNeal

Hello Everyone,

This past weekend was really big at THE NEON! In fact, it was our third best weekend of the year (GRAND BUDAPEST HOTEL holds the title for “Best Weekend Ever” and the weekend we opened AUGUST: OSAGE COUNTY as well as INSIDE LLEWYN DAVIS was our second best of the year). Needless to say, we’re going to hold both THE IMITATION GAME and WILD for another week. Remaining showtimes for this current week can be found on our website at www.neonmovies.com

To learn more about each film, visit our site…or each of the film’s official sites: THE IMITATION GAME and WILD.

Below are a couple featurettes about each of our films. Take a look!

It is now 100% official that 2014 has been our Best Year Ever at THE NEON! Thank you so much for making that happen. Without customer loyalty and positive word of mouth, we could not have reached such success. THANK YOU!

On December 23, Sony Pictures revealed that they would move forward with screening the controversial film THE INTERVIEW at independent cinemas on December 25. Immediately following that announcement, we had numerous phone calls and emails asking if we would be playing the film. With only 2 screens, making such drastic, last-minute changes was out of the question for us. We told the press that we were investigating the possibility of bringing the film for select screenings during the first weekend of 2015…but that was misconstrued by many as “THE NEON is going to play THE INTERVIEW.” As it turns out, Sony refused our offer. Because they refused our offer and because the film is available on so many VOD platforms, we are no longer pursuing and engagement of the film. Thanks for your understanding.

KRW Cycles is attempting to bring another motorcycle-inspired film to town. “ON ANY SUNDAY: THE NEXT CHAPTER is an exploration into the pursuit of excitement, passion and life in the two-wheeled world of motorcycle riding. Experiences that are as relatable to a rider as a day with friends, others that explore human triumph and overcoming fear, and some which occur once in a lifetime. One moment of riding a motorcycle – On Any Sunday.Critically acclaimed director Dana Brown (“Step Into Liquid” and “Dust to Glory”) teams up with his father, Academy Award Nominee Bruce Brown (“The Endless Summer” and “On Any Sunday”) to journey deeper into the humanity, thrills and excitement of the global culture of motorcycle riding; those who are bonded by their passion for the race, the love of family and friendship, and on a deeper level – their quest for the thrill of the next ride.” This is a tugg event. The movie is scheduled to screen on Thursday, Jan. 15 at 7:30. If not enough reservations are made by Jan. 2, the event will be cancelled. Visit this LINK to reserve your ticket.

Thank you for your continued support.

Wishing you the happiest of holidays!
Jonathan

SHOWTIMES for Friday, Jan. 2 – Thursday, Jan. 8:

THE IMITATION GAME (PG-13) 1 Hr 54 Min
Friday & Saturday: 12:00, 2:30, 5:00, 7:30, 9:55
Sunday: 12:00, 2:30, 5:00, 7:30
Monday – Thursday: 3:00, 5:30, 8:00

WILD (R) 1 Hr 55 Min
Friday, Saturday: 11:45, 2:15, 4:45, 7:15, 9:45
Sunday: 11:45, 2:15, 4:45, 7:15
Monday – Thursday: 2:45, 5:15, 7:45

COMING SOON:
(All Dates Are Tentative. Dates Often Move And Sometimes Disappear.)
Jan. 9 or 16 – FOXCATCHER
TBD – OSCAR NOMINATED SHORTS
TBD – FORCE MAJEURE
TBD – MR. TURNER
TBD – STILL ALICE
TBD – OSCAR SHORTS
TBD – TWO DAYS ONE NIGHT
TBD – LEVIATHAN
TBD – WILD TALES
TBD – THE SECOND BEST EXOTIC MARIGOLD HOTEL

WILD – Starring Reese Witherspoon – Opens Friday + More About IMITATION GAME, TOMMY LEE JONES Yogananda & More

December 17, 2014 By Jonathan McNeal

Hello Everyone,

We’re going to end the year at THE NEON with some very high profile films. On Friday, we will open WILD – the new film based on the #1 Bestseller by Cheryl Strayed. I saw this film in Toronto, and I immediately knew that Witherspoon would receive nominations galore for this role. She’s a shoe-in for an Oscar nomination! Next Thursday (Dec. 25), we will open THE IMITATION GAME – a film that was on the top of the list to see in Toronto. This is one that will undoubtedly get a “Best Picture” nomination. It’s a really terrific film, and I know Daytonians are going to love it!

If you still need to see THE HOMESMAN (starring Hilary Swank and Tommy Lee Jones – directed by Jones) or THE THEORY OF EVERYTHING (do not miss Eddie Redmayne in this incredible performance), they will stick around until Wednesday, Dec. 24! And due to high demand, we are playing AWAKE: THE LIFE OF YOGANANDA two more times this weekend (Friday and Sunday only).

Remaining showtimes for this current week can be found on our website at www.neonmovies.com

Synopsis for WILD: “After years of reckless behavior, a heroin addiction, and the destruction of her marriage, Cheryl Strayed (Reese Witherspoon) makes a rash decision. Haunted by memories of her mother Bobbi (Laura Dern) and with absolutely no experience, she sets out to hike more than a thousand miles on the Pacific Crest Trail all on her own.” (taken from Fox Searchlight) Reese Witherspoon is absolutely incredible in this film. WILD was directed by Jean-Marc Vallee – director of DALLAS BUYERS CLUB. Click on this LINK to visit the film’s official website.

To read more about AWAKE: THE LIFE OF YODANANDA, click on this LINK.

The Annual Family Holiday Film Series, presented by The Dayton Holiday Festival, The Downtown Dayton Partnership, Channel 99.9 and THE NEON, only has one film left. Admission is FREE for kids 12 & under and only $2 for general admission. The Cary Grant classic THE BISHOP’S WIFE will play this Saturday, December 20 at Noon. Tickets will only be available starting 45 minutes before each screening, and children must be present in order to claim free tickets.

Don’t forget that we sell gift certificates in $5 and $10 denominations at our box office. They make perfect holiday gifts for the film lovers in your life…or for people who have never experienced THE NEON. Diana also ordered some delicious 2-pack biscotti from Tastes of Nostalgia – they’d make a perfectly sweet pairing to our certificates.

Thank you for your continued support.

We hope to see you soon,
Jonathan

SHOWTIMES for Friday, Dec. 19 – Wednesday, Dec. 24:
Please note: These showtimes are only good until Wednesday!
A New Schedule (due to the holiday) Will Begin on Dec. 25!

THE THEORY OF EVERYTHING (PG-13) 2 Hr 3 Min
Friday & Saturday: 5:00, 9:55
Sunday: 5:00
Monday – Wednesday: 5:30
Final Day – Dec. 24!

THE HOMESMAN (R) 2 Hrs 2 Min
Friday, Saturday, Sunday: 2:30, 7:30
Monday – Wednesday: 3:00, 8:00
Final Day – Dec. 24!

WILD (R) 1 Hr 55 Min
Friday, Saturday: 11:45, 2:15, 4:45, 7:15, 9:45
Sunday: 11:45, 2:15, 4:45, 7:15
Monday – Wednesday: 2:45, 5:15, 7:45

THE BISHOP’S WIFE (NR) 1 Hr 49 Min
Saturday: Noon

AWAKE: THE LIFE OF YOGANANDA (PG) 1 Hr 27 Min
Friday & Sunday: 12:30

COMING SOON:
(All Dates Are Tentative. Dates Often Move And Sometimes Disappear.)
Dec. 25 – THE IMITATION GAME
Jan. 9 or 16 – FOXCATCHER
TBD – FORCE MAJEURE
TBD – MR. TURNER
TBD – STILL ALICE
TBD – OSCAR SHORTS
TBD – TWO DAYS ONE NIGHT
TBD – LEVIATHAN
TBD – THE SECOND BEST EXOTIC MARIGOLD HOTEL