i'm so excited

I’M SO EXCITED – Almodovar’s Latest & BIG LENS News at THE NEON!

August 15, 2013 By Jonathan McNeal Leave a Comment

Hello Everyone,

Tomorrow (Fri, Aug 16), we will open the new film from my favorite director Pedro Almodovar – I’M SO EXCITED. This film is a return to the tone of his earlier work. It’s a sex farce that’s more in the vein of WOMEN ON THE VERGE OF A NERVOUS BREAKDOWN than ALL ABOUT MY MOTHER, but it’s certainly not without social commentary. Even though Almodovar’s work runs the gamut in regards to stories and themes, you can always tell his work by the incredible design and color palette.

Synopsis for I’M SO EXCITED: “A very varied group of people are in a precarious situation aboard a plane flying to Mexico City. A technical failure (a kind of justifiable negligence, even though it sounds contradictory, but that’s what human actions are) has endangered the lives of the passengers on Peninsula Flight 2549. The pilots, hardened, experienced professionals are striving, along with their colleagues in the Control Center, to find a solution. The flight attendants and the chief steward are atypical, baroque characters who, in the face of danger, try to forget their own personal problems and devote themselves body and soul to the task of making the flight as enjoyable as possible for the passengers, while they wait for a solution. Life in the clouds is as complicated as it is at ground level, and for the same reasons, which could be summarized in two: sex and death.” (taken from Sony Classics) Click this LINK to visit the official site.

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The FilmDayton Festival is ready to kick off next weekend with the opening night film of IN A WORLD! Film screenings will take place at THE NEON, but the festival is about a whole lot more…and it’s scheduled for August 23-25. Check out their line-up on the official site.

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And speaking of FilmDayton, WSU’s Annual Big Lens Film Festival will kick off the festival this year. “The 21st Annual Big Lens Film Festival will premiere on Thursday, August 22nd at the THE NEON…Every year, Big Lens screens a selection of the very best short films to come from the Wright State University Motion Picture program, and this year is no different! Ranging from documentary to narrative, these six films cover a wide variety of subjects and emotions. There will be two screenings shown concurrently, one at 7:30pm and one at 8:00. Following the screenings, there will be a Q&A with the filmmakers, emceed by Oscar-nominated filmmaker Julia Reichert. Tickets to either screening are $7 each, and are now available at THE NEON. Some films may contain adult content.” (taken from Big Lens press notes)

The India Foundation is also gearing up for another special screening. “When Salma, a young Muslim girl in a south Indian village, was 13 years old, her family locked her up for 25 years, forbidding her to study and forcing her into marriage. During that time, words were Salma’s salvation. She began covertly composing poems on scraps of paper and, through an intricate system, was able to sneak them out of the house, eventually getting them into the hands of a publisher. Against the odds, Salma became the most famous Tamil poet: the first step to discovering her own freedom and challenging the traditions and code of conduct in her village.” The India Foundation Celebrates One Hundred Years of Indian Cinema with this month’s selection – SALMA – the critically acclaimed documentary by Kim Longinotto – Saturday, August 31, 2013 at 12 noon. This is the first public screening in Ohio and outside the festival circuit!

We’ve got so much going on!
We hope to see you soon!

All the best,
Jonathan

SHOWTIMES for Fri, Aug. 16 – Thurs, Aug. 22:

I’M SO EXCITED (R) 1 Hr 30 Min
Friday, Saturday, Sunday: 12:50, 3:00, 5:10, 7:20, 9:30
Monday – Wednesday: 3:15, 5:30, 7:45
Thursday: 3:15, 5:30

THE WAY WAY BACK (PG-13) 1 Hr 43 Min
Friday, Saturday, Sunday: 12:30, 2:45, 5:00, 7:15, 9:30
Monday – Wednesday: 3:00, 5:15, 7:30
Thursday: 3:00, 5:15

WSU’S BIG LENS FILM FESTIVAL (NR)
1 Hr 30 Min + Discussion
Thursday: 7:30 (large auditorium), 8:00 (small auditorium)

COMING SOON:
As always, all dates are tentative. Many of these dates will change.
In some rare cases, titles may disappear.
8/23 – BLUE JASMINE
8/26-29 – IN THE HOUSE
8/30 – BLACKFISH
TBD – THE HUNT
9/13 – SALINGER
9/? – THE SPECTACULAR NOW
TBD – THE PATIENCE STONE
TBD – AUSTENLAND
TBD – CUTIE AND THE BOXER
10/18 – INEQUALITY FOR NOW
10/18 – ENOUGH SAID
TBD – WADJDA

FRUITVALE STATION and THE WAY WAY BACK Open at THE NEON!

July 25, 2013 By Jonathan McNeal Leave a Comment

Hello Everyone,

As much as we’d like to hold THE KINGS OF SUMMER (it performed very well over the weekend, and audiences loved it), we have to keep moving (otherwise we’d have to skip this weekend’s titles). On Friday (July 26), we will open 2 of the biggest indie hits of the summer – FRUITVALE STATION and THE WAY WAY BACK. Thursday will be your last chance to see 20 FEET FROM STARDOM and THE KINGS OF SUMMER. For this week’s remaining showtimes, visit our website at www.neonmovies.com.

Synopsis for FRUITVALE STATION: “Winner of both the Grand Jury Prize for dramatic feature and the Audience Award for U.S. dramatic film at the 2013 Sundance Film Festival, director Ryan Coogler’s FRUITVALE STATION follows the true story of Oscar Grant (Michael B. Jordan), a 22-year-old Bay Area resident who wakes up on the morning of December 31, 2008 and feels something in the air. Not sure what it is, he takes it as a sign to get a head start on his resolutions: being a better son to his mother (Octavia Spencer), being a better partner to his girlfriend Sophina (Melonie Diaz), and being a better father to Tatiana (Ariana Neal), their beautiful four year-old daughter. His resolve takes a tragic turn, however, when BART officers shoot him in cold blood at the Fruitvale subway stop on New Year’s Day. Oscar’s life and tragic death would shake the Bay Area – and the entire nation – to its very core.” (The Weinstein Company) With production design from WSU Motion Picture Alum Hannah Beachler! Beachler will be available for Q&As after screenings on Friday (July 26) at 7:30 and Saturday (July 27) at 5:10. Click THIS LINK to visit the film’s official site.

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Synopsis for THE WAY WAY BACK: “THE WAY, WAY BACK is the funny and poignant coming of age story of 14-year-old Duncan’s (Liam James) summer vacation with his mother, Pam (Toni Collette), her overbearing boyfriend, Trent (Steve Carell), and his daughter, Steph (Zoe Levin). Having a rough time fitting in, the introverted Duncan finds an unexpected friend in gregarious Owen (Sam Rockwell), manager of the Water Wizz water park. Through his funny, clandestine friendship with Owen, Duncan slowly opens up to and begins to finally find his place in the world – all during a summer he will never forget.” The cast in this film is terrific – featuring one of Dayton’s own – Allison Janney! Click THIS LINK to visit the film’s official site.

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“Roger Brown — the greatest basketball player Dayton has ever known — will be inducted into the Naismith Hall of Fame on Sept. 8. Without the love and sacrifice of 84-year-old Daytonian Arlena Smith, it wouldn’t be happening. Join us at THE NEON on Aug. 15 at 7:30 for a benefit screening of the acclaimed documentary UNDEFEATED: THE ROGER BROWN STORY, with all proceeds going toward Arlena Smith’s trip to Springfield, Mass., for Brown’s Hall of Fame induction. Arlena and her late husband Azariah could not have children of their own, so they regularly welcomed troubled teenagers into their modest West Side home. One of those was Roger Brown. Among the greatest young basketball players in New York City history, Brown in 1961 had been unfairly implicated in a gambling scandal just as he was finishing his freshman year at the University of Dayton. Though never charged with a crime, he was kicked out of school and banned for life by the NBA. The Smiths came to the rescue. They opened up their home, found Brown a job, gave him the strength to move on. And finally, Brown bloomed anew. In 1967, he became the first player of the ABA’s Indiana Pacers. He led them to three championships, and became an Indianapolis City Councilman. All along, until his death at age 54 of cancer, Brown credited the Smiths — his ‘second parents’ — for making it possible.” (taken from press notes) Mark your calendars now! Tickets, just $10 each, are now available at our box office and at EbonNia Gallery.

“The Libertarian Party of Ohio is hosting an evening of film, food, and discussion in support of the rights of individuals, families, and farmers to make healthy choices about what to grow and eat without interference from government. Food, Freedom and Farmageddon begins at 6:30 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 8, with the film Farmageddon: The Unseen War on American Family Farms screening at 7:30 p.m at the The Neon, 130 E. Fifth St., Dayton. Fressa and Harvest Mobile Cuisine, two of Dayton’s most popular food trucks, will be parked right outside, and local food vendors will have their goods for sale. Also co-sponsoring the event is The Heights Cafe of Huber Heights. Admission is $5.” (taken from Libertarian Party Press Notes) Click THIS LINK to reserve your seat.
Hope to see you this weekend!

All the best,
Jonathan

SHOWTIMES for Fri. July 26 – Aug 1:

FRUITVALE STATION (R) 1 Hr 25 Min
Friday, Saturday, Sunday: 12:50, 3:00, 5:10, 7:30, 9:45
Monday – Thursday: 3:00, 5:10, 7:30, 9:45

THE WAY WAY BACK (PG-13) 1 Hr 43 Min
Friday, Saturday, Sunday: 12:30, 2:45, 5:00, 7:15, 9:30
Monday – Thursday: 2:45, 5:00, 7:15, 9:30

COMING SOON:
As always, all dates are tentative. Many of these dates will change.
In some rare cases, titles may disappear.
TBD – FILL THE VOID
TBD – IN THE HOUSE
Aug. 2 – I’M SO EXCITED
Aug. 23 – BLUE JASMINE
TBD – BLACKFISH
TBD – THE HUNT

20 FEET FROM STARDOM Opens at THE NEON

July 10, 2013 By Jonathan McNeal Leave a Comment

Hello Everyone,

We’re gonna keep on movin’ at THE NEON. If you still need to see LOVE IS ALL YOU NEED, tomorrow will be your last chance (7/11). On Friday, we will open the documentary that audiences are adoring – 20 FEET FROM STARDOM. In addition, we will hold MUCH ADO ABOUT NOTHING and KON-TIKI for another week. For this week’s remaining showtimes, visit our website at www.neonmovies.com.

Synopsis for 20 FEET FROM STARDOM: “Millions know their voices, but no one knows their names. In his compelling new film 20 FEET FROM STARDOM, award-winning director Morgan Neville shines a spotlight on the untold true story of the backup singers behind some of the greatest musical legends of the 21st century. Triumphant and heartbreaking in equal measure, the film is both a tribute to the unsung voices who brought shape and style to popular music and a reflection on the conflicts, sacrifices and rewards of a career spent harmonizing with others. These gifted artists span a range of styles, genres and eras of popular music, but each has a uniquely fascinating and personal story to share of life spent in the shadows of superstardom. Along with rare archival footage and a peerless soundtrack, 20 FEET FROM STARDOM boasts intimate interviews with Bruce Springsteen, Stevie Wonder, Mick Jagger and Sting to name just a few. However, these world-famous figures take a backseat to the diverse array of backup singers whose lives and stories take center stage in the film.” (Taken from TWC-Radius) Currently at “98% FRESH” on rottentomatoes.com Click this LINK to visit the film’s official site.

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“AMU is the story of Kaju, a twenty-one-year-old Indian American woman who returns to India to visit her family and discover the place where she was born. The film takes a dark turn as Kaju stumbles against secrets and lies from her past. A horrifying genocide that took place twenty years ago turns out to hold the key to her mysterious origins.” The India Foundation will present this special screening of AMU this Saturday, July 13 at Noon. Tickets will be $5 each.

Hope to see you this weekend!

All the best,
Jonathan

SHOWTIMES for Fri. July 12 – Thur. July 18:

MUCH ADO ABOUT NOTHING (PG-13) 1 Hr 49 Min
Friday, Saturday, Sunday: 2:40, 7:30, 9:45
Monday – Thursday: 3:00, 7:30

KON-TIKI (PG-13) 1 Hr 36 Min
Friday: 12:30, 5:15
Saturday: 5:15
Sunday: 12:30, 5:15
Monday – Thursday: 5:15

20 FEET FROM STARDOM (PG-13) 1 Hr 31 Min
Friday, Saturday, Sunday: 12:50, 3:00, 5:10, 7:20, 9:30
Monday – Thursday: 3:15, 5:30, 7:45

AMU (NR) 1 Hr 36 Min
Saturday: Noon

COMING SOON:
As always, all dates are tentative. Many of these dates will change.
In some rare cases, titles may disappear.
July ? – KINGS OF SUMMER
July 26 – THE WAY WAY BACK
TBD – GINGER AND ROSA
TBD – FILL THE VOID
TBD – FROM UP ON POPPY HILL
TBD – IN THE HOUSE
Aug. 2 – I’M SO EXCITED
Aug. 23 – BLUE JASMINE

LOVE IS ALL YOU NEED Now At THE NEON!

June 28, 2013 By Jonathan McNeal Leave a Comment

Hello Everyone,

We’re moving right along at THE NEON. Though we’re holding both of our current attractions (BEFORE MIDNIGHT and THE EAST), we also had room to open a new romantic comedy that I saw at last year’s Toronto International Film Festival – LOVE IS ALL YOU NEED. It’s directed by Academy Award winner Susanne Bier and stars Pierce Brosnan and Trine Dyrholm. For this week’s remaining showtimes, visit our website at www.neonmovies.com.

Several of you have been asking…and I’m excited to announce that the new adaptation of Shakespeare’s MUCH ADO ABOUT NOTHING, directed by Joss Whedon, is slated to open next Friday!

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Synopsis for LOVE IS ALL YOU NEED: “Philip (Brosnan), an Englishman living in Denmark, is a lonely, middle-aged widower and estranged single father. Ida (Dyrholm) is a Danish hairdresser, recuperating from a long bout of illness, who’s just been left by her husband for a younger woman, Thilde. The fates of these two bruised souls are about to intertwine, as they embark for a trip to Italy to attend the wedding of their children. With warmth, affection and confidence, Susanne Bier has shaken a cocktail of love, loss, absurdity, humor, and delicately drawn characters that will leave only the hardest heart untouched. It is a film about the simple yet profound pains and joys of moving on – and forward – with your life.” (taken from Sony Classics) Click HERE to visit the film’s official site.

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On Saturday, July 6, THE NEON will host the premiere of Meladi McNair’s new film THE OMISSION. “Marissa tries to hide from her friends that she is in an unfortunate, yet common situation that afflicts many young adults. A violent, controlling relationship. Three flashbacks paint her birthday bash as the platform for a series of unfortunate events in which five long-time friends learn of her situation, and turn on each other… THE OMISSION, a dark, abuse awareness film debuts at 3 pm on July 6. The film was written and directed by Dayton’s own Meladi McNair; a Journalist and social-conscious author, artist and filmmaker. She is also the author of the anti-bullying book, ‘The Vexing.’ Tickets are $5 each.” (taken from press notes)

Here’s a note from American Pi, a store just a block from THE NEON: “Victory Film Group and Made in the USA Films present a 90 minute documentary that explores the rise and fall of U.S. manufacturing. Josh Miller sets out on a journey in which he attempts to live off of USA made products for 30 days. Can he do it!? During Josh’s journey he talks with locals to find out if ‘Made in the USA’ really means anything anymore. If not, what does that mean for the future of our country? Come find out when you join us on the MADE IN THE USA: THE 30 DAY JOURNEY. To obtain tickets online, visit the site. Our site says they are $10 but for a they are FREE. TICKETS MUST BE RESERVED via the website, at our location or via phone (click this LINK for the site). FREE price will reflect during checkout. We do have a VIP package so that viewers can get DVD and photos with Josh etc. and that price is $20.” Check out American Pi’s official site.

“AMU is the story of Kaju, a twenty-one-year-old Indian American woman who returns to India to visit her family and discover the place where she was born. The film takes a dark turn as Kaju stumbles against secrets and lies from her past. A horrifying genocide that took place twenty years ago turns out to hold the key to her mysterious origins.” The India Foundation will present this special screening of AMU on Saturday, July 13 at Noon. Tickets will be $5 each.

There’s another potential Gathr screening on the horizon. Once again, 50 tickets need to be reserved in order for the screening to be locked down. The movie is BACK TO 1942, and it’s an epic film set during a drought in China’s Henan province in 1942. The tentative screening is scheduled for July 17 at 7:30. Check out this LINK to watch the trailer and reserve your ticket. There’s only about a week left to reserve a ticket in order to secure the screening…and right now, it doesn’t look like it’s gonna happen. Hurry and share these details if this is a film you’d like to see!

See you soon!

All the best,
Jonathan

SHOWTIMES for Fri. June 28 – Thur. July 4:

BEFORE MIDNIGHT (R) 1 Hr 48 Min
Friday, Saturday, Sunday: 12:15, 5:00, 7:30
Monday – Thursday: 5:20

THE EAST (PG-13) 1 Hr 56 Min
Friday, Saturday, Sunday: 2:30, 4:00, 9:40
Monday – Thursday: 2:50, 7:45

LOVE IS ALL YOU NEED (PG-13) 1 Hr 57 Min
Friday, Saturday, Sunday: 1:00, 7:15, 9:40
Monday – Thursday: 3:00, 5:30, 8:00

COMING SOON:
As always, all dates are tentative. Many of these dates will change.
In some rare cases, titles may disappear.
July 5 – MUCH ADO ABOUT NOTHING
July 12 – 20 FEET FROM STARDOM
July ? – KINGS OF SUMMER
July 26 – THE WAY WAY BACK
Aug 2 – I’M SO EXCITED!
Aug 26 – BLUE JASMINE
TBD – GINGER AND ROSA
TBD – KON TIKI
TBD – FROM UP ON POPPY HILL
TBD – IN THE HOUSE