Imitation Game

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

Best Picture Nominee THE IMITATION GAME Opens Thursday at THE NEON! WILD a Big Success!

December 22, 2014 By Jonathan McNeal

Hello Everyone,

WILD was a big success over the weekend. Many thanks to all of you who came down to support it at THE NEON. It will be sticking around through the end of the year.

We’re pretty excited for what we hope will be our next big film – THE IMITATION GAME – opening this Thursday. This film about Alan Turing and the breaking of the Enigma Codes during WWII has been nominated for 5 Golden Globe Awards including “Best Picture.” (In addition to already winning the “Audience Choice Award” in Toronto, it has also garnered lots of recognition from critics this season.) Benedict Cumberbatch and Keira Knightley are sensational, and the screenplay is terrific. In addition, the story has an interesting connection to Dayton. Though there’s only a fleeting reference to NCR in the film, Dayton’s connection to Alan Turing (he actually visited Dayton in the early 40’s) and cracking codes during the war was pretty significant. (To find out more about this compelling connection, tune into WDTN for the news this evening (Monday, Dec. 22). Mark Allan will have a story about Dayton’s important role in helping to end WWII.)

If you still need to see THE THEORY OF EVERYTHING or THE HOMESMAN, Wednesday will be your last chance to catch them at THE NEON. Remaining showtimes for this current week can be found on our website at www.neonmovies.com

Synopsis for THE IMITATION GAME: “THE IMITATION GAME portrays the race against time by Alan Turing and his team of code-breakers at Britain’s top-secret Government Code and Cypher School at Bletchley Park, during the Second World War. The group of scholars, mathematicians, linguists, chess champions and intelligence officers had a powerful ally in Prime Minister Winston Churchill who authorized the provision of any resource they required. The film spans the key periods of Turing’s life: his unhappy teenage years at boarding school; the triumph of his secret wartime work on the revolutionary electro-mechanical bombe that was capable of breaking 3,000 Enigma-generated naval codes a day; and the tragedy of his post-war decline following his conviction for gross indecency, a criminal offense stemming from his admission of maintaining a homosexual relationship.” (Lucy Powell, Optimum Releasing) This film will almost certainly be nominated for “Best Picture” at this year’s Academy Awards. Click on this LINK to visit the film’s official website.

KRW Cycles is hoping 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.

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.

Wishing you the happiest of holidays!

Jonathan

SHOWTIMES for Thursday, Dec. 25 – Thursday, Jan.1:

THE IMITATION GAME (PG-13) 1 Hr 54 Min
Thursday (Dec. 25): 2:30, 5:00, 7:30
Friday & Saturday (Dec. 26 & 27): 12:00, 2:30, 5:00, 7:30, 9:55
Sunday (Dec. 28): 12:00, 2:30, 5:00, 7:30
Monday – Thursday (Dec. 29-Jan. 1): 3:00, 5:30, 8:00

WILD (R) 1 Hr 55 Min
Thursday (Dec. 25): 2:45, 5:15, 7:45
Friday, Saturday (Dec. 26 & 27): 11:45, 2:15, 4:45, 7:15, 9:45
Sunday (Dec. 28): 11:45, 2:15, 4:45, 7:15
Monday – Thursday (Dec. 29-Jan. 1): 2:45, 5:15, 7:45

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

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

Thrilling CITIZENFOUR and Special Event Announcements at THE NEON

December 2, 2014 By Jonathan McNeal

Hello Everyone,

It was a terrific weekend at THE NEON. Many thanks to everyone who came out to see movies with us. Audiences are adoring THE THEORY OF EVERYTHING, and BIRDMAN keeps on truckin’ (and will stick around for one screening per day for one more week). Unfortunately, despite the high praise, WHIPLASH is heading out. If you haven’t seen it yet, Thursday will be your last chance to catch it at THE NEON. On Friday, we will begin the new documentary about Edward Snowden and government surveillance programs – CITIZENFOUR. In many circles, this film is considered the front-runner for this year’s Oscar as “Best Feature-Length Documentary.”

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

Synopsis for CITIZENFOUR: “In January 2013, Poitras (recipient of the 2012 MacArthur Genius Fellowship and co-recipient of the 2014 Pulitzer Prize for Public Service) was several years into making a film about surveillance in the post-9/11 era when she started receiving encrypted e-mails from someone identifying himself as ‘citizen four,’ who was ready to blow the whistle on the massive covert surveillance programs run by the NSA and other intelligence agencies. In June 2013, she and Greenwald flew to Hong Kong for the first of many meetings with the man who turned out to be Snowden. She brought her camera with her. The film that resulted from this series of tense encounters is absolutely sui generis in the history of cinema: a 100% real-life thriller unfolding minute by minute before our eyes.” Click on this LINK to visit the film’s official website.

The Annual Family Holiday Film Series, presented by The Dayton Holiday Festival, The Downtown Dayton Partnership, Channel 99.9 and THE NEON, will begin this weekend. Films will screen at Noon on December 6, 13, & 20 – and the price is absolutely amazing. Admission is FREE for kids 12 & under and only $2 for general admission. ELF will play on December 6, THE MUPPET CHRISTMAS CAROL will play on December 13, and the Cary Grant classic THE BISHOP’S WIFE will play on December 20. Tickets will only be available starting 45 minutes before each screening, and children must be present to claim free tickets.

Last year, THE NEON hosted a few screenings of THE TRIUMPH for a local non-profit. On December 10, 4Mary.Org will bring back this documentary one more time. “THE TRIUMPH is a powerful new documentary film about a prophecy unfolding right now, before our very eyes. From Medjugorje, a tiny village in Bosnia-Herzegovina, comes a message from the Mother of God. Does this woman really know mankind’s future, as millions believe? Decide for yourself.” (taken from press notes) Tickets are $10 each and can only be purchased in advance by visiting the official site. Click this LINK to purchase tickets.

After receiving numerous requests to bring AWAKE: THE LIFE OF YOGANANDA to THE NEON, we have decided to move forward with a few special screenings. “AWAKE is an unconventional biography about the Hindu Swami who brought yoga and meditation to the West in the 1920s. Paramahansa Yogananda authored the spiritual classic ‘Autobiography of a Yogi,’ which has sold millions of copies worldwide and is a go-to book for seekers, philosophers and yoga enthusiasts today. (Apparently, it was the only book that Steve Jobs had on his iPad.) By personalizing his own quest for enlightenment and sharing his struggles along the path, Yogananda made ancient Vedic teachings accessible to a modern audience, attracting many followers and inspiring the millions who practice yoga today.” This film will screen at 12:30 on Friday, Saturday and Sunday, December 12, 13 & 14. Tickets will be $7 each and will be available later this week at our box office. Click this LINK to visit the film’s official site.

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

SHOWTIMES for Friday, Dec. 5 – Thursday, Dec. 11:

THE THEORY OF EVERYTHING (PG-13) 2 Hr 3 Min
Friday & Saturday: 11:45, 2:15, 4:45, 7:15, 9:45
Sunday: 11:45, 2:15, 4:45, 7:15
Monday, Tuesday: 2:45, 5:15, 7:45
Wednesday: 2:45, 5:15
Thursday: 2:45, 5:15, 7:45

BIRDMAN (R) 1 Hr 59 Min
Friday, Saturday, Sunday: 5:00
Monday – Thursday: 5:15

CITIZENFOUR (R) 1 Hr 54 Min
Friday: 12:10, 2:30, 730, 9:50
Saturday: 2:30, 7:30, 9:50
Sunday: 12:10, 2:30, 7:30
Monday – Thursday: 2:50, 7:50

ELF (PG) 1 Hr 47 Min
Saturday: Noon

THE TRIUMPH (NR) 2 Hrs + Discussion
Wednesday: 7:30

COMING SOON:
(All Dates Are Tentative. Dates Often Move And Sometimes Disappear.)
Dec. 12 – AWAKE: THE LIFE OF YOGANANDA (3 screenings only!)
Dec. 12 – HOMESMAN
Dec. 25 – THE IMITATION GAME
Dec. 25 – WILD
Jan. 9 or 16 – FOXCATCHER
TBD – FORCE MAJEURE

Oscar Hopeful THEORY OF EVERYTHING Opens at THE NEON!

November 25, 2014 By Jonathan McNeal

Hello DaytonMostMetro Fans,

I’ve got good news. WHIPLASH and BIRDMAN will be able to share a screen starting this Wednesday. That said, if you need to see either of these films, I’d suggest hurrying down. They may not last more than one more week. Tomorrow (Wed, Nov. 26), we will open a film that I know many of you will embrace – THE THEORY OF EVERYTHING. When I saw this film at the World Premiere in Toronto, the auditorium was packed with stars who were anxious to see the film – including Jon Stewart, Julie Taymor and Andrew Garfield. The standing ovation was remarkable, and hearing Eddie Redmayne (who deserves the Oscar for this performance) speak about the process was incredible. I hope you’ll be anxious to see the film with us this weekend.

Synopsis for THE THEORY OF EVERYTHING: “Starring Eddie Redmayne and Felicity Jones, this is the extraordinary story of one of the world’s greatest living minds, the renowned astrophysicist Stephen Hawking, who falls deeply in love with fellow Cambridge student Jane Wilde. Once a healthy, active young man, Hawking received an earth-shattering diagnosis at 21 years of age. With Jane fighting tirelessly by his side, Stephen embarks on his most ambitious scientific work, studying the very thing he now has precious little of – time. Together, they defy impossible odds, breaking new ground in medicine and science, and achieving more than they could ever have dreamed. The film is based on the memoir Travelling to Infinity: My Life with Stephen, by Jane Hawking, and is directed by Academy Award winner James Marsh (MAN ON WIRE).” Click on this LINK to visit the film’s official website.

The Annual Family Holiday Film Series, presented by The Dayton Holiday Festival, The Downtown Dayton Partnership, Channel 99.9 and THE NEON, has secured titles for this year’s line-up. Films will screen at Noon on December 6, 13, & 20 – and the price is absolutely amazing. Admission is FREE for kids 12 & under and only $2 for general admission. ELF will play on December 6, THE MUPPET CHRISTMAS CAROL will play on December 13, and the Cary Grant classic THE BISHOP’S WIFE will play on December 20. Tickets will only be available starting 45 minutes before each screening, and children must be present to claim free tickets.

Last year, THE NEON hosted a few screenings of THE TRIUMPH for a local non-profit. On December 10, 4Mary.Org will bring back this documentary another time. “THE TRIUMPH is a powerful new documentary film about a prophecy unfolding right now, before our very eyes. From Medjugorje, a tiny village in Bosnia-Herzegovina, comes a message from the Mother of God. Does this woman really know mankind’s future, as millions believe? Decide for yourself.” (taken from press notes) Tickets are $10 each and can only be purchased in advance by visiting the official site. Click this LINK to purchase tickets and this LINK to check out the trailer.

As we head into the holiday season, I want to take this opportunity to express my great thanks for your patronage. We’re trending to make 2014 a banner year, and we wouldn’t be in this great place without your enthusiasm & support. In addition, I want to thank Diana Cordero – our assistant manager. Diana has been right beside me for over 13 years at THE NEON, and I couldn’t do it without her. Thank you!

Wishing all of you a great Thanksgiving!

We hope to see you soon,

Jonathan

SHOWTIMES for Wednesday, Nov. 26 – Thursday, Dec. 4:
PLEASE NOTE: This schedule is more than a week!

THE THEORY OF EVERYTHING (PG-13) 2 Hr 3 Min
Wednesday & Thursday: 2:45, 5:15, 7:45
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

BIRDMAN (R) 1 Hr 59 Min
Wednesday & Thursday: 2:40, 7:30
Friday & Saturday: 2:40, 7:30, 9:55
Sunday – Thursday: 2:40, 7:30

WHIPLASH (PG-13) 1 Hr 47 Min
Wednesday & Thursday: 5:10
Friday, Saturday, Sunday: 12:20, 5:10
Monday – Thursday: 5:10

COMING SOON:
(All Dates Are Tentative. Dates Often Move And Sometimes Disappear.)
Dec. 5 – CITIZENFOUR
Dec. 25 – THE IMITATION GAME
Dec. 25 – WILD
Jan. 9 or 16 – FOXCATCHER
TBD – FORCE MAJEURE
TBD – HOMESMAN

Amazing Line-Up at THE NEON! THEORY OF EVERYTHING Opens Sooner Than Expected!

November 20, 2014 By Jonathan McNeal

Hello Everyone,

I’m happy to report that BIRDMAN continues to bring in nice crowds, thus it will be sticking around. However, despite incredible reviews, WHIPLASH didn’t perform quite as well as we had hoped. That said, we’re holding it for another weekend. At this point, we’re not sure if it will stick around beyond Tuesday…we need to wait for another weekend to see if we can hold it any longer. I’d suggest hurrying down if you still need to see this film. On Wednesday of next week (the day before Thanksgiving), we will open one of my absolute favorites from this year’s Toronto International Film Festival – THE THEORY OF EVERYTHING. I’ll send you more details about this film early next week. For remaining showtimes, please visit our website at www.neonmovies.com

The Annual Family Holiday Film Series, presented by The Dayton Holiday Festival, The Downtown Dayton Partnership, Channel 99.9 and THE NEON, has secured titles for this year’s line-up. Films will screen at Noon on December 6, 13, & 20 – and the price is absolutely amazing. Admission is FREE for kids 12 & under and only $2 for general admission. ELF will play on December 6, THE MUPPET CHRISTMAS CAROL will play on December 13, and the Cary Grant classic THE BISHOP’S WIFE will play on December 20. Tickets will only be available starting 45 minutes before each screening, and children must be present to claim free tickets.

Our line-up for the next several weeks is incredible. In addition to THE THEORY OF EVERYTHING, I know you’ll love THE IMITATION GAME (which will surely be nominated for “Best Picture” this year), and I’m anxious to see CITIZENFOUR as well as FORCE MAJEURE.

Thanks so much for your continued support!

We hope to see you soon,
Jonathan

SHOWTIMES for Friday, Nov. 21 – Tuesday, Nov. 25:
PLEASE NOTE: This schedule only goes until Tuesday!

BIRDMAN (R) 1 Hr 59 Min
Friday & Saturday: 11:50, 2:15, 4:45, 7:15, 9:45
Sunday:11:50, 2:15, 4:45, 7:15
Monday & Tuesday: 2:45, 5:15, 7:45

WHIPLASH (PG-13) 1 Hr 47 Min
Friday & Saturday: 12:20, 2:40, 5:00, 7:20, 9:40
Sunday: 12:20, 2:40, 5:00, 7:20
Monday & Tuesday: 3:00, 5:30, 8:00

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

Nov. 26 – THE THEORY OF EVERYTHING
Dec. 5 – CITIZENFOUR
Dec. 25 – THE IMITATION GAME
Dec. 25 – WILD
Jan. 9 or 16 – FOXCATCHER
TBD – FORCE MAJEURE
TBD – HOMESMAN

WHIPLASH – Approved By Critics & Audiences Alike – Opens Friday at THE NEON!

November 11, 2014 By Jonathan McNeal

Hello Everyone,

We had a really good weekend with BIRDMAN and ST. VINCENT – our best weekend in the past few months. Thanks to everyone who came out! If you still need to see ST. VINCENT, Thursday will be your last chance to see it at THE NEON. For remaining showtimes, please visit our website at www.neonmovies.com

On Friday, we will open a film that has garnered great reviews from critics and audiences alike – WHIPLASH. You don’t have to take my word for it. Take a look at all the great reviews on the film’s Rottentomatoes page.

Synopsis for WHIPLASH: “Andrew Neyman is an ambitious young jazz drummer, single-minded in his pursuit to rise to the top of his elite east coast music conservatory. Plagued by the failed writing career of his father, Andrew hungers day and night to become one of the greats. Terence Fletcher, an instructor equally known for his teaching talents as for his terrifying methods, leads the top jazz ensemble in the school. Fletcher discovers Andrew and transfers the aspiring drummer into his band, forever changing the young man’s life. Andrew’s passion to achieve perfection quickly spirals into obsession, as his ruthless teacher continues to push him to the brink of both his ability-and his sanity.” (taken from Sony Classics) Click on this link to visit the film’s official site.

REMINDER! VSOP Music & Film is bringing HARLEM STREET SINGER – THE STORY OF REVEREND GARY DAVIS to THE NEON for a one-time screening tomorrow – Wednesday, Nov. 12 at 7:30. Tickets are still available! “The film tells the story of the blind, self-taught musician Reverend Gary Davis. It chronicles his hardscrabble life and the profound impact he made on musicians eager to explore his technique – a homegrown guitar style forged from ragtime, gospel and blues. In addition to archival footage and interview segments with Bob Weir, Jorma Kaukonen, John Cohen, David Bromberg, Ramblin’ Jack Elliott and others, the film features newly recorded versions of songs Davis was closely identified with performed by a band led by Woody Mann. Blues and jazz historian (and frontman for the Classic Jazz Stompers) Dave Greer will lead a Q&A following the screeing.” (taken from VSOP Press Notes) Tickets will be $8 each and available starting Oct. 22 at THE NEON’s box office.

The Annual Family Holiday Film Series, presented by The Dayton Holiday Festival, The Downtown Dayton Partnership, Channel 99.9 and THE NEON, has secured titles for this year’s line-up. Films will screen at Noon on December 6, 13, & 20 – and the price is absolutely amazing. Admission is FREE for kids 12 & under and only $2 for general admission. ELF will play on December 6, THE MUPPET CHRISTMAS CAROL will play on December 13, and the Cary Grant classic THE BISHOP’S WIFE will play on December 20. Tickets will only be available starting 45 minutes before each screening, and children must be present to claim free tickets.

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

Jonathan

SHOWTIMES for Friday, Nov. 14 – Thursday, Nov. 20:

BIRDMAN (R) 1 Hr 59 Min
Friday & Saturday: 11:50, 2:15, 4:45, 7:15, 9:45
Sunday:11:50, 2:15, 4:45, 7:15
Monday – Thursday: 2:45, 5:15, 7:45

WHIPLASH (PG-13) 1 Hr 47 Min
Friday & Saturday: 12:20, 2:40, 5:00, 7:20, 9:40
Sunday: 12:20, 2:40, 5:00, 7:20
Monday – Thursday: 3:00, 5:30, 8:00

COMING SOON:
(All Dates Are Tentative. Dates Often Move And Sometimes Disappear.)
Nov. 26 – THE THEORY OF EVERYTHING
Dec. 5 – CITIZENFOUR
Dec. 25 – THE IMITATION GAME
Dec. 25 – WILD
Jan. 9 or 16 – FOXCATCHER
TBD – FORCE MAJEURE
TBD – HOMESMAN

BIRDMAN (with Amazing Cast & Stellar Reviews) Opens Friday at THE NEON!

November 5, 2014 By Jonathan McNeal

Hello Everyone,

Audiences are loving all three of our current attractions, but if you still need to see PRIDE or MY OLD LADY, you’ll need to move quickly. PRIDE will screen for the last time tonight (Wednesday) and MY OLD LADY will screen for the last time on Thursday afternoon. ST. VINCENT is sticking around. If you need a refresher about any of our current films, please visit our website at www.neonmovies.com

On Friday, we’re excited to open BIRDMAN – a film by the brilliant Mexican director Alejandro G. Inarritu, director of AMORES PERROS, 21 GRAMS, BABEL and BIUTIFUL. This new film, which has garnered 100% reviews from some of today’s most esteemed critics, has also garnered a lot of great press for the lead performance by Michael Keaton.

Synopsis for BIRDMAN or (THE UNEXPECTED VIRTUE OF IGNORANCE): “BIRDMAN is a black comedy that tells the story of an actor (Michael Keaton) – famous for portraying an iconic superhero – as he struggles to mount a Broadway play. In the days leading up to opening night, he battles his ego and attempts to recover his family, his career, and himself. ” Also starring Zach Galifianakis, Edward Norton, Andrea Riseborough, Amy Ryan, Emma Stone, and Naomi Watts. Click on this LINK to visit the film’s official site.

VSOP Music & Film is bringing HARLEM STREET SINGER – THE STORY OF REVEREND GARY DAVIS to THE NEON for a one-time screening on Wednesday, Nov. 12 at 7:30. “The film tells the story of the blind, self-taught musician Reverend Gary Davis. It chronicles his hardscrabble life and the profound impact he made on musicians eager to explore his technique – a homegrown guitar style forged from ragtime, gospel and blues. In addition to archival footage and interview segments with Bob Weir, Jorma Kaukonen, John Cohen, David Bromberg, Ramblin’ Jack Elliott and others, the film features newly recorded versions of songs Davis was closely identified with performed by a band led by Woody Mann. Blues and jazz historian (and frontman for the Classic Jazz Stompers) Dave Greer will lead a Q&A following the screeing.” (taken from VSOP Press Notes) Tickets will be $8 each and available starting Oct. 22 at THE NEON’s box office.

Next week, I’ll announce our line-up for the Annual Family Holiday Film Series – presented by The Dayton Holiday Festival & The Downtown Dayton Partnership. Films will screen at Noon on December 6, 13, & 20 – and the price is absolutely amazing. Stay tuned!

Thanks so much for your continued support!

We hope to see you soon,

Jonathan

SHOWTIMES for Friday, Nov. 7 – Thursday, Nov. 13:

BIRDMAN (R) 1 Hr 59 Min
Friday & Saturday: 11:50, 2:15, 4:45, 7:15, 9:45
Sunday:11:50, 2:15, 4:45, 7:15
Monday – Thursday: 2:45, 5:15, 7:45

ST. VINCENT (PG-13) 1 Hr 42 Min
Friday & Saturday: 12:30, 2:50, 5:10, 7:30, 9:50
Sunday: 12:30, 2:50, 5:10, 7:30
Monday – Tuesday: 2:50, 5:10, 7:30
Wednesday: 2:50, 5:10
Thursday: 2:50, 7:45

HARLEM STREET SINGER (NR) 1 Hr 16 Min + discussion
Wednesday: 7:30

COMING SOON:

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

Nov. 14 – WHIPLASH
Nov. 28 – THE THEORY OF EVERYTHING
Dec. 5 – CITIZENFOUR
Dec. 19 – THE IMITATION GAME
Jan. 9 – FOXCATCHER
TBD – FORCE MAJEURE

TIFF 2014 – Day #8

September 12, 2014 By Jonathan McNeal

Thursday, September 11, 2014

Welcome back! Thanks for checking out my Day #8 blog of my TIFF adventures.

This morning was so different than the others. I slept in! Because I didn’t need to be in line by 7:00, I woke up at 9:15 instead of 6am. It was glorious!

My first film of the day was LOVE IN THE TIME OF CIVIL WAR – a French-Canadian film about a 20-something guy with a crack problem. An alternate title for this film could be DON’T DO CRACK. I’ve never seen such a gruelingly monotonous film about drug use. The lead character smokes to get high, has some sex (in what is generally very unsexy footage), buys some drugs and gets high again. Sometimes, he has to find money – so he robs someone, gets paid for sex and then buys more drugs and gets high. This film could essentially be a 2-hour PSA about the horrors of crack. As much as I wanted to go, I felt like I needed to stay. I didn’t make the right decision.

There is no trailer available for this film. Below is a picture.

I went into my next film with a qualifier in place. If the film failed to reel me in within the first 12 minutes, I would leave to go to a different selection. It failed and I walked. The next selection was worse. Including eye-rolling situations with characters that were much too twee or playing on archetypal stereotypes, I failed to see the backbone of good storytelling…so I left that screening and got lunch instead.

After a 30-minute nap, I was off to AN EYE FOR BEAUTY – the new film from Denys Arcand (director of BARBARIAN INVASIONS, JESUS OF MONTREAL and more). It’s the story of a married man and how he’s both interested in another woman and dealing with the mental instability of wife. This film is full of stunning landscapes, the changing seasons, and well-written dialog.Though fully engaged, I felt the film fell flat with a lack of focus.

There is no trailer with English subtitles, but take a look at this anyway.

THE IMITATION GAME was my final film for the day. I am quite certain that this film will be nominated for “Best Picture.” I’ll bet the farm on it! Based on the story of Alan Turing and the breaking of the Enigma codes, this film is filled with familiar NEON favorites Benedict Cumberbatch, Keira Knightley and Matthew Goode. The art direction is superb, the story is touching and suspenseful with quite a few laughs, and the packed 1200+ audience was truly engaged. Though I wasn’t as emotionally attached to this film as I was to THE THEORY OF EVERYTHING, I still think this film will play very well. (For those who know the story, NCR was only mentioned once very quickly. No other mention of Dayton was made.)

A last-minute decision for a late-night cocktail in the neighborhood where I’m staying ended up creating a nice evening. I ran into some old and new friends and was able to talk about highlights of the festival before wrapping it up for the night. More than likely, I’ll see at least 3 films tomorrow…and I head home Saturday.

More soon!

Thanks for reading,

Jonathan