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ELAINE STRITCH Documentary At THE NEON and Wes Anderson News!

March 13, 2014 By Jonathan McNeal Leave a Comment

Hello Everyone,

OK. I’ll admit it. I’m biased. I simply adore Elaine Stritch. I’ve seen her perform twice (her cabaret act at The Carlyle and in A LITTLE NIGHT MUSIC on Broadway), and I can’t wait to see the new documentary which opens Friday (March 14) at THE NEON. That said, we’re not bringing the film just because I love her. ELAINE STRITCH: SHOOT ME is currently rated “100% Fresh” on rottentomatoes.com. That score almost never happens!

In addition to the new film, we will hold OMAR, DALLAS BUYERS CLUB, and THE GREAT BEAUTY for limited shows for one more week.

Synopsis for ELAINE STRITCH: SHOOT ME: “Now in her late 80s, Broadway legend Elaine Stritch remains as ferociously funny as ever. In this bold, hilarious and poignant portrait, the uncompromising Tony and Emmy Award-winner is revealed both on and off stage. Candid reflections about her life are punctuated with words from friends (including James Gandolfini, Tina Fey, John Turturro, Hal Prince, George C. Wolfe, Nathan Lane and Cherry Jones) and archival footage that showcases some of the great moments from her career. Whether dominating the stage, tormenting Alec Baldwin on the set of 30 Rock, or sharing her struggles with aging, diabetes and alcoholism, Elaine Stritch: Shoot Me reaches beyond the icon’s brassy exterior and reveals an inspiring portrait of a complex woman and artist.” Visit the film’s official site by clicking this LINK.

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We’re terribly excited to open Wes Anderson’s THE GRAND BUDAPEST HOTEL on March 21. Opening weekend in NYC and LA broke huge records! For a little taste of the film, click HERE for the official site. For even more flavor of the film, visit the site that is dedicated to its fictional world by clicking HERE.

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“Lion Apparel invites all area Firefighters & their friends to come to THE NEON to see the documentary BURN…’One year on the front lines of the battle to save Detroit.’ BURN is an award-winning, action-packed film that takes you closer than you’ve ever been, capturing a year in the lives of Detroit firefighters who are charged with the thankless task of saving a city that many have written off as dead. There will be 2 screenings – Tuesday April 1st and Wednesday April 2nd. Each screening starts at 7:30. Minimum $5 donation payable at the door. Money raised will go toward the Firefighter Cancer Support Network.” (taken from press notes)

Thanks so much for reading this newsletter and for your continued support of THE NEON!

We hope to see you soon,

Jonathan

SHOWTIMES for Friday, March 14 – Thursday, March 20:

ELAINE STRITCH: SHOOT ME (NR) 1 Hr 20 Min
Friday, Saturday, Sunday: 1:00, 3:00, 5:15, 7:15
Monday – Thursday: 3:15, 5:30, 7:30

DALLAS BUYERS CLUB (R) 1 Hr 57 Min
Friday, Saturday: 2:30, 9:40
Sunday: 2:30
Monday – Thursday: 7:50

THE GREAT BEAUTY (NR) 2 Hrs 22 Mins
Friday, Saturday, Sunday: 4:50
Monday-Thursday: 5:10

OMAR (NR) 1 Hr 36 Min
Friday, Saturday: 12:20, 7:30, 9:15
Sunday: 12:20, 7:30
Monday – Thursday: 2:40

COMING SOON:
As always, all dates are tentative. Many of these dates will change.
In some rare cases, titles may disappear.

March 21 – GRAND BUDAPEST HOTEL
March 28 – TIM’S VERMEER
April 11 – THE RAID 2
April 18 – THE LUNCHBOX
April 25 – LE WEKK-END
May 5 – JODOROWSKI’S DUNE
May 16 – ONLY LOVERS LEFT ALIVE
June 13 – FOR NO GOOD REASON

Academy Nominated OMAR Opens Friday at THE NEON!

March 5, 2014 By Jonathan McNeal Leave a Comment

f243d_movies_omar-96613-poster-xlarge-resized Hello Everyone,

This might be a first…we’ll be featuring 5 films this weekend! In addition to holding all of our current attractions (PHILOMENA, THE GREAT BEAUTY, GLORIA and DALLAS BUYERS CLUB), we will open the Academy Award nominated film OMAR. (PHILOMENA will only play through the weekend…it will screen for the last time on Sunday, March 9!) Visit our website for links to each of the film’s official sites as well as showtimes for the remainder of this week – www.neonmovies.com

Synopsis for OMAR: “A tense, gripping thriller about betrayal, suspected and real, in the Occupied Territories. Omar is a Palestinian baker who routinely climbs over the separation wall to meet up with his girl Nadja. By night, he’s either a freedom fighter or a terrorist – you decide – ready to risk his life to strike at the Israeli military with his childhood friends Tarek and Amjad. Arrested after the killing of an Israeli soldier and tricked into an admission of guilt by association, he agrees to work as an informant. So begins a dangerous game – is he playing his Israeli handler or will he really betray his cause? And who can he trust on either side? Palestinian filmmaker Hany Abu-Assad (director of PARADISE NOW) has made a dynamic, action-packed drama about the insoluble moral dilemmas and tough choices facing those on the frontlines of a conflict that shows no sign of letting up.” Click on this LINK to visit the film’s official site. Nominated for “Best Foreign Film” at this year’s Academy Awards!

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For the next few weeks, it’s all about our traditional engagements at THE NEON. But starting in April, we will have special events galore for the rest of the Spring. Stay tuned for all the fun details.

Next week, we will open ELAINE STRITCH: SHOOT ME! Have you already seen the trailer? If not, check it out below. And on March 21, we will open Wes Anderson’s latest film – THE GRAND BUDAPEST HOTEL. We can’t wait!

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Many thanks to ThinkTV and Square One Salon & Spa for their support of our Annual Oscar Party (click on either business to visit their official sites). Snowy weather hurt our turn-out a little, but the 80+ people who attended still had a great time.

And thanks to YOU for your continued support.

We hope to see you soon,

Jonathan

SHOWTIMES for Friday, March 7 – Thursday, March 13:

PHILOMENA (PG-13) 1 Hr 38 Min
Friday, Saturday, Sunday: 12:15

GLORIA (R) 1 Hr 50 Min
Friday, Saturday, Sunday: 4:45
Monday – Thursday: 3:00

DALLAS BUYERS CLUB (R) 1 Hr 57 Min
Friday, Saturday: 2:20, 9:45
Sunday: 2:20
Monday – Thursday: 5:15

THE GREAT BEAUTY (NR) 2 Hrs 22 Mins
Friday, Saturday, Sunday: 7:00
Monday-Thursday: 7:45

OMAR (NR) 1 Hr 36 Min
Friday, Saturday: 12:40, 2:50, 5:00, 7:15, 9:30
Sunday: 12:40, 2:50, 5:00, 7:15,
Monday – Thursday: 3:10, 5:20, 7:30

COMING SOON:
As always, all dates are tentative. Many of these dates will change.
In some rare cases, titles may disappear.
March 14 – ELAINE STRITCH: SHOOT ME
March 21 – GRAND BUDAPEST HOTEL
TBD – TIM’S VERMEER
TBD – LE WEEK-END
April 18 – THE LUNCHBOX

ARMSTRONG LIE & OSCAR SHORTS Open Friday at THE NEON!

February 4, 2014 By Jonathan McNeal Leave a Comment

Hello Everyone,

We’re truckin’ right along with new titles at THE NEON. If you haven’t had a chance to see INSIDE LLEWYN DAVIS, Thursday will be your last chance to see it with us. On Friday, we will open the new documentary THE ARMSTRONG LIE as well as the Animated Short and Live Action Short Contenders for this year’s OSCAR Race. THE INVISIBLE WOMAN will stick around for another week – though showtimes are limited. Remaining showtimes for this week can be found at www.neonmovies.com

Synopsis for THE ARMSTRONG LIE: “In 2009 Alex Gibney was hired to make a film about Lance Armstrong’s comeback to cycling. The project was shelved when the doping scandal erupted, and re-opened after Armstrong’s confession.” (Taken from Sony Classics) Click this LINK to visit the film’s official site.

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Synopsis for THE OSCAR SHORTS: “ShortsHD is once again bringing the wildly popular OSCAR Nominated Short Film programs to theaters around the globe. The theatrical release of The OSCAR Nominated Short Films has met enthusiastic audiences ever since its launch 8 years ago – giving people around the world an opportunity to see the nominated films prior to the OSCAR Awards ceremony on March 2nd.” (taken from press notes) On Feb. 7, THE NEON will open 2 Programs – LIVE ACTION and ANIMATION. (On Feb. 14, THE NEON plans to open the DOCUMENTARY Program.) Click this LINK to visit the official site for these programs.

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“The Miamisburg Malayalee Organization is arranging the screening of the highly acclaimed Indian film DRISHYAM on Saturday, Feb. 8 at 11:30am. This drama-thriller was written and directed by Jeethu Joseph and stars Mohanlal and Meena. ‘After his family commits an unexpected crime, a man desperately tries to save them from getting in trouble with the law.’ If you would like more details about reserving a ticket and helping to sponsor this event, please contact the organization at (937)654-7715. Remaining tickets will be available at the door for $10 each.” This just in! This film will unfortunately NOT be subtitled!

“The Junior Leaguers Club of Dayton, an African American based organization, will hold a fundraiser with the film SANKOFA on Saturday, Feb. 22 at Noon. This film is about an African American model on a photo shoot in Africa who has an ancestral experience which transforms her life and consciousness. ‘Sankofa’ is an Akan word that means ‘we must go back and reclaim our past so that we can move forward.’ The profit from this event will fund scholarships to graduating seniors in the Miami Valley. Applications will be available at the event in case you know a worthy student to submit to the organization. Tickets may be purchased at the Neon for $30. (Student tickets are $15 each.) The price includes a movie ticket, popcorn, soda, and a glass of wine for adults.” (Taken from press notes.)

Thanks for your continued support.

Oscar Ballots are now available at our Box Office. Take one home, toil over it, and bring it back on March 2 for your chance to win great prizes!

We hope to see many of you this weekend!

Jonathan

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

THE INVISIBLE WOMAN (R) 1 hrs 51 min
Friday, Saturday, Sunday: 2:30, 7:20
Monday – Wednesday: 5:15
Thursday: 12:15, 5:15

THE ARMSTRONG LIE (R) 2 hr 04 min
Friday: 12:00, 4:50, 9:40
Saturday: 4:50, 9:40
Sunday: 12:00, 4:50
Monday – Thursday: 2:45, 7:40

OSCAR SHORTS – ANIMATED (NR – suggested PG) 1 Hr 42 Min
Friday, Saturday: 12:30, 5:10, 9:45
Sunday: 12:30, 5:10
Monday – Thursday: 3:10, 7:45

OSCAR SHORTS – LIVE ACTION (NR – suggested R) 1 Hr 53 Min
Friday, Saturday, Sunday: 2:45, 7:30
Monday – Thursday: 5:20

DRISHYAM (NR) 2 Hr 40 Min
Saturday: 11:30am

FACEBOOK DETECTIVE (NR)
Thursday: Noon
(one-time screening of a soon-to-be Lifetime Movie)

COMING SOON:
As always, all dates are tentative. Many of these dates will change.
In some rare cases, titles may disappear.
TBD – THE PAST
TBD – GLORIA
March 7 – OMAR
TBD – GRAND BUDAPEST HOTEL
TBD – TIM’S VERMEER
TBD – LE WEEK-END
TBD – THE LUNCHBOX

KILL YOUR DARLINGS – One Week Only – Opens Friday at THE NEON!

December 24, 2013 By Jonathan McNeal Leave a Comment

Hello Everyone,

Word of mouth has been great for both of our current films. Ticket sales at THE NEON are above national averages for both titles, and that’s pretty great news! Thanks for all of your help in telling your friends and family about what we’re playing…word of mouth is one of our best marketing tools!

NEBRASKA will stick around, and because PHILOMENA has bounced back, it will hold through the New Year (be sure to pay close attention to showtimes). In addition, we will open the new film KILL YOUR DARLINGS – but only for a handful of screenings. Check out the showtimes below and hurry down if you want to catch this film!

Synopsis for KILL YOUR DARLINGS: “Daniel Radcliffe stars as Beat Generation icon Allen Ginsberg in this biopic set during the famed poet’s early years at Columbia University, and centering on a murder investigation involving Ginsberg, his handsome classmate Lucien Carr, and fellow Beat author William Burroughs. The year is 1944. Ginsberg (Radcliffe) is a young student at Columbia University when he falls hopelessly under the spell of charismatic classmate Carr (Dane DeHaan). Alongside Carr, Ginsberg manages to strike up friendships with aspiring writers William Burroughs (Ben Foster) and Jack Kerouac (Jack Huston) that would cast conformity to the wind, and serve as the foundation of the Beat movement… Jennifer Jason Leigh, Kyra Sedgwick, David Cross, and Michael C. Hall co-star.” (Jason Buchanan, Rovi) Click this LINK to visit the official site.

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“Peace on Fifth is at it again with their knockout film series START FREEDOM DAYTON. Save the date for January 23rd at 7:30, as Peace on Fifth is slated to screen a film about human trafficking. Zonta Club of Dayton is the sponsor for the first film of 2014 and a human trafficking professional will lead the after viewing discussion. Tickets will be $8 and will be available exclusively at THE NEON. Contact Peace on Fifth with questions at 937.367.7215 or at startfreedom@peaceonfifth.com The film title will be announced in January.” (Taken from Peace On Fifth press notes.)

Don’t forget that we sell gift certificates at our box office in $5 and $10 denominations. These are a perfect gift for the film lover in your life…or perhaps the person who still needs to discover what THE NEON has to offer.

Wishing you and yours a Happy Holiday Season.

Thank you for your continued support,

Jonathan

SHOWTIMES for Friday, Dec. 27 – Thursday, Jan. 2:

PHILOMENA (PG-13) 1 hr 38 min
Friday, Saturday, Sunday: 2:45, 5:00, 7:20
Monday – Thursday: 3:00, 7:30

NEBRASKA (R) 1 hr 55 min
Friday, Saturday: 12:10, 2:30, 5:00, 7:30, 9:55
Sunday: 12:10, 2:30, 5:00, 7:30
Monday – Thursday: 2:40, 5:10, 7:45

KILL YOUR DARLINGS (R) 1 Hr 44 Min
Friday, Saturday: 12:30, 9:30
Sunday: 12:30
Monday- Thursday: 5:15

COMING SOON: As always, all dates are tentative. Many of these dates will change. In some rare cases, titles may disappear.

Jan. 3 – BLUE IS THE WARMEST COLOR
Jan. 10 – AUGUST: OSAGE COUNTY
Jan. 10 – INSIDE LLEWYN DAVIS
TBD – THE ARMSTRONG LIE
TBD – THE PAST
TBD – THE INVISIBLE WOMAN

HANNAH ARENDT & IN A WORLD Start Friday at THE NEON!

October 31, 2013 By Jonathan McNeal Leave a Comment

Hello Everyone,

If you haven’t seen the wonderful film WADJDA, you only have until Thursday to catch it at THE NEON. In addition, INEQUALITY FOR ALL is also heading out. On Friday, we will begin 2 new films – the thoughtful and charged biopic HANNAH ARENDT and the hilarious comedy (which was the sold-out, opening night film at this year’s FilmDayton Festivao) IN A WORLD.

Synopsis for HANNAH ARENDT: “The sublime Barbara Sukowa reteams with director Margarethe von Trotta for her brilliant new biopic of influential German-Jewish philosopher and political theorist Hannah Arendt. Arendt’s reporting on the 1961 trial of ex-Nazi Adolf Eichmann in The New Yorker-controversial both for her portrayal of Eichmann and the Jewish councils-introduced her now-famous concept of the “Banality of Evil.” Using footage from the actual Eichmann trial and weaving a narrative that spans three countries, von Trotta beautifully turns the often invisible passion of thought into immersive, dramatic cinema. An Official Selection at the Toronto International and New York Jewish Film Festivals, Hannah Arendt also co-stars Klaus Pohl as philosopher Martin Heidegger, Nicolas Woodeson as New Yorker editor William Shawn, and two-time Oscar Nominee Janet McTeer (Albert Nobbs) as novelist Mary McCarthy.” (Zeitgeist Films) Click HERE to visit the film’s official site.

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Synopsis for IN A WORLD: “Lake Bell (Children’s Hospital) stars in IN A WORLD…a hilarious romantic comedy about a struggling vocal coach who strikes it big in the cutthroat world of movie-trailer voiceovers, only to find herself in direct competition with the industry’s reigning king-her father. Written and directed by Bell, who won the Sundance 2013 Waldo Salt Screenwriting Award for the script, IN A WORLD also stars Fred Melamed (A SERIOUS MAN), Rob Corddry (HOT TUB TIME MACHINE), Nick Offerman (Parks and Recreation), and Tig Notaro (The Sarah Silverman Program).” (Roadside Attractions) Click HERE to visit the film’s official site.

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A local faith-based non-profit is hosting a screening of the new documentary THE TRIUMPH on Wednesday, November 13 at 7:30. “THE TRIUMPH is a powerful new documentary film about our Blessed Mother’s apparitions in Medjugorje. On June 25, 1981, in the mountain village of Medjugorje in Bosnia Herzegovina, Our Lady appeared to six children. She identified herself as the Blessed Virgin Mary, Queen of Peace, and continues to appear to several of the visionaries even today. The filmmakers are hoping the audience can view the movie with an open mind, as they interview skeptics, priests, believers, and non-Christians who claim they have seen an apparition of Mary. ‘This is without a doubt one of the greatest historical and spiritual phenomenons that has ever happened in the history of mankind and the great thing about it is that it is happening right now, during our time…’ said TRIUMPH producer Zaid Jazrawi.” (taken from Lovey Dovey, Inc. press notes) $10 presale tickets are only available via this LINK from Love Dovey, Inc. Remaining tickets will be sold at THE NEON on the night of the screening.

“Come support GLSEN at the Dayton Premiere of SCARY NORMAL on Thursday November 21st at 7:30. Tickets are available on a sliding scale – pay what you can – $15-$50. Director Jennifer Bechtel presents this coming-of-age romantic comedy about Chelsea, a teenager who just wants to be seen as normal. However, her stepdad’s life as an independent filmmaker leaves her surrounded by wild, colorful characters and often embarrassed and frustrated by her family. Along comes Danielle, a sometimes brash, almost always self-confident young lesbian who has been kicked out of her own family because of her sexuality. Through their friendship, Chelsea starts to realize the true value of friends and family who love unconditionally. About GLSEN: For 25 years GLSEN, the Gay, Lesbian & Straight Education Network has been the leading national education organization focused on ensuring safe schools for all students.” (taken from GLSEN Dayton press notes) Tickets are now available at THE NEON.

On Friday of next week, we will open 2 new films. The first is one of the most anticipated films of the year – 12 YEARS A SLAVE. This film will certainly be nominated (and likely win) “Best Picture” at the Academy Awards…it is absolutely incredible! In addition, we will open HOW I LIVE NOW (from the director of THE LAST KING OF SCOTLAND) – a film about an American girl on holiday in the UK who finds herself fighting to survive as the British Empire becomes a military state. Several other great films are just down the road – like the fantastic film PHILOMENA. We hope to see you often over the next several weeks.

Mark your calendars now…this year’s Family Holiday Film Series is wonderful! Tickets are FREE for children 12 and under, and all other tickets are $2 each. We will screen RISE OF THE GUARDIANS on December 7, on December 14 we will screen HOME ALONE, and on December 21 – the holiday classic – WHITE CHRISTMAS. Each film will only screen one time – at Noon. Tickets will only be available starting 45 minutes before each show.

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Thanks for your continued support!

We hope to see you soon,
Jonathan

SHOWTIMES for Fri, Nov. 1 – Thurs, Nov. 7:

ENOUGH SAID (PG-13) 1 hr 33 min
Friday, Saturday, Sunday: 1:00, 5:20, 9:50
Monday – Thursday: 3:10, 5:20

HANNAH ARENDT (NR) 1 hr 53 min
Friday, Saturday, Sunday: 12:30, 3:00, 7:20
Monday – Thursday: 3:00, 7:30

IN A WORLD (R) 1 hr 33 min
Friday, Saturday, Sunday: 3:10, 5:15, 7:30, 9:40
Monday – Thursday: 5:20, 7:45

COMING SOON:
As always, all dates are tentative. Many of these dates will change.
In some rare cases, titles may disappear.
Nov. 8 – 12 YEARS A SLAVE
Nov. 8 – HOW I LIVE NOW
Nov. 22 – DALLAS BUYERS CLUB
Nov. 22- KILL YOUR DARLINGS
Nov. 27 – PHILOMENA
TBD – ALL IS LOST
Dec. 20 – NEBRASKA
Jan. 3 – THE ARMSTRONG LIE

KINGS OF SUMMER & Great News at THE NEON!

July 18, 2013 By Jonathan McNeal Leave a Comment

Hello Everyone,

If you’ve been to THE NEON recently, you’ve more than likely seen the trailer for the Ohio-made film THE KINGS OF SUMMER. It will open on Friday, and it’s a gem. That said, it will only play for one week! If you still need to see MUCH ADO ABOUT NOTHING or KON-TIKI, tomorrow will be your last chance. 20 FEET FROM STARDOM will stick around for a 2nd week, but it will also wrap up on July 25. I’m delighted to announce that we have 2 new films cemented to begin on July 26 – FRUITVALE STATION (a powerful true story that was a big winner at Sundance this year…and it was art directed by Hannah Beachler – a WSU Motion Picture alum...stay tuned for more details about special Q&As with Beachler during opening weekend) and THE WAY WAY BACK (a comedic & touching hit at Sundance). For this week’s remaining showtimes, visit our website at www.neonmovies.com.

ONE WEEK ONLY!! Synopsis for THE KINGS OF SUMMER:
“Premiering to rave reviews at the 2013 Sundance Film Festival, THE KINGS OF SUMMER is a unique coming-of-age comedy about three teenage friends – Joe, Patrick, and the eccentric and unpredictable Biaggio – who, in the ultimate act of independence, decide to spend their summer building a house in the woods and living off the land. Free from their parents’ rules, their idyllic summer quickly becomes a test of friendship as each boy learns to appreciate the fact that family – whether it is the one you’re born into or the one you create – is something you can’t run away from.” (taken from CBS Films) This film, shot in Ohio, was produced by Tyler Davidson – producer of TAKE SHELTER! Be sure to check out the really fun website by clicking this LINK. ONE WEEK ONLY!!

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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, will be available soon.

I’ll hopefully have some details for you next week about an upcoming screening of the documentary FARMAGEDDON – slated for August 8 and hosted by the Libertarian Party.

Hope to see you this weekend!

All the best,
Jonathan

SHOWTIMES for Fri. July 19 – Thur. July 25:

THE KINGS OF SUMMER (R) 1 Hr 35 Min
Friday, Saturday, Sunday: 12:40, 2:50, 5:15, 7:30, 9:45
Monday – Thursday: 2:50, 5:15, 7:30

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

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

Joss Whedon’s MUCH ADO ABOUT NOTHING & KON-TIKI Arrive at THE NEON!

July 2, 2013 By Jonathan McNeal Leave a Comment

Hello Everyone,

Once again, we’re truckin’ through the titles. If you still need to see BEFORE MIDNIGHT or THE EAST, you only have through Thursday to see them at THE NEON. On Friday, we will open 2 new films – Joss Whedon’s MUCH ADO ABOUT NOTHING and the Academy Award nominee KON-TIKI (which will more than likely only play for one week). In addition to the 2 new films, we will hold LOVE IS ALL YOU NEED for one more week. For this week’s remaining showtimes, visit our website at www.neonmovies.com.

Synopsis for MUCH ADO ABOUT NOTHING: “Shakespeare’s classic comedy is given a contemporary spin by director Joss Whedon. Shot in just 12 days, the story of sparring lovers Beatrice and Benedick offers a dark, sexy and occasionally absurd view of the intricate game that is love. As matchmaking schemes are put into play and disguguises are donned, loathing and love soon prove to be close cousins.” (taken from Lionsgate) Click HERE to visit the film’s official site.

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Synopsis for KON-TIKI: “Norwegian explorer Thor Heyerdahl crossed the Pacific ocean in a balsa wood raft in 1947, together with five men, to prove that South Americans already back in pre-Columbian times could have crossed the sea and settle on Polynesian islands. After gathering financing for the trip with loans and donations, they set off on an epic 101 day-long journey across 8,000 kilometers, all while the world was watching. KON-TIKI tells about the origin of Heyerdahl’s idea and the events surrounding the group’s voyage.” (taken from The Weinstein Co.) Click HERE to visit the film’s official site.

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This 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.”

“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.

See you soon!
All the best,
Jonathan

SHOWTIMES for Fri. July 5 – Thur. July 11:

MUCH ADO ABOUT NOTHING (PG-13) 1 Hr 49 Min
Friday, Saturday, Sunday: 12:10, 2:30, 4:50, 7:15, 9:40
Monday – Thursday: 3:00, 5:20, 7:45

KON-TIKI (PG-13) 1 Hr 36 Min
Friday: 2:40, 7:20, 9:30
Saturday: 7:20, 9:30
Sunday: 2:40, 7:20, 9:30
Monday – Wednesday: 3:00, 7:40
Thursday: 3:00

LOVE IS ALL YOU NEED (PG-13) 1 Hr 57 Min
Friday, Saturday, Sunday: 12:15, 4:50
Monday – Thursday: 5:10

THE OMISSION (NR) 40 Min
Saturday: 3:00

MADE IN THE USA: THE 30 DAY JOURNEY (NR)
1 Hr 33 Min + Discussion
Thursday: 7:30

COMING SOON:

As always, all dates are tentative. Many of these dates will change.
In some rare cases, titles may disappear.
July 12 – 20 FEET FROM STARDOM
July ? – KINGS OF SUMMER
July 26 – THE WAY WAY BACK
TBD – GINGER AND ROSA
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!

[yframe url=’ww.youtube.com/watch?v=jk5kkLNPg8g’]

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.

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

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)

“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

Thriller THE EAST and Several New Events at THE NEON!

June 21, 2013 By Jonathan McNeal Leave a Comment

Hello Everyone,

Response has been quite mixed for BEFORE MIDNIGHT. Some of you agree with me and think it’s one of the year’s best films…others think it’s “too chatty and boring.” If you haven’t seen it, we hope you’ll come and decide for yourself. It will stick around for another week. On our other screen, we will open a new thriller called THE EAST.

Be sure to keep a look-out for MUCH ADO ABOUT NOTHING, the contemporary retelling of The Bard’s famous play – directed by Joss Whedon. It could open as soon as next week!

Synopsis for THE EAST: “An elite private intelligence firm contracts ex-FBI agent Sarah Moss to infiltrate a mysterious anarchist collective, The East, suspected to be responsible for attacking major corporations. Sarah goes undercover, but as she gets closer to the action and the organization’s leader, her commitment to her task begins to waver.” (taken from Metacritic.com) Click this LINK to visit the film’s official site. This film stars Brit Marling, Alexander Skarsgard, Ellen Page and Patricia Clarkson (one of my all-time favorite actresses).

[yframe url=’http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=htExHNNyRH8′]

“Start Freedom Dayton is at it again – this time with a screening BORN INTO BROTHELS, the 77th Oscar winner for Best Feature Documentary. Come see the movie and stay for the post-screening discussion led by Melinda Haggerty, Ohio’s Director of Children’s Initiatives, the juvenile justice arm of the Office of Mike DeWine. Advance tickets are available at Peace on Fifth for $7.50 (located at 508 E. Fifth Street). Tickets on the day of the show will cost $10 at THE NEON.” (Peace on Fifth press notes.) Born into Brothels is the chronicle of two documentary filmmakers and their time in Sonagchi, Calcutta and the relationships they developed with children of prostitutes who work the city’s notorious red light district.

[yframe url=’http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AODZ6k8LgEI’]

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

[yframe url=’http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qX8db-wnir4′]

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

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. Click this LINK to reserve your ticket.

[yframe url=’http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aRy5PJWL1T4′]

See you soon!

All the best,
Jonathan

SHOWTIMES for Fri. June 21 – Thur. June 27:

BEFORE MIDNIGHT (R) 1 Hr 48 Min
Friday, Saturday, Sunday: 12:20, 2:40, 5:00, 7:20, 9:40
Monday – Wednesday: 3:00, 5:20, 7:45
Thursday: 3:00, 5:20

THE EAST (PG-13) 1 Hr 56 Min
Friday, Saturday, Sunday: 1:00, 4:00, 7:15, 9:45
Monday – Thursday: 2:30, 5:15, 7:45

BORN INTO BROTHELS (R) 1 Hr 31 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.
June 28 – MUCH ADO ABOUT NOTHING
TBD – LOVE IS ALL YOU NEED
July 12 – 20 FEET FROM STARDOM
July 26 – THE WAY WAY BACK
TBD – GINGER AND ROSA
TBD – KON TIKI
TBD – FROM UP ON POPPY HILL
TBD – IN THE HOUSE

BEFORE MIDNIGHT – Best Reviewed Film of the Year – Opens at THE NEON!

June 13, 2013 By Jonathan McNeal Leave a Comment

Hello Everyone,

For those of you who haven’t seen RENOIR yet (or those of you who need to see it again), we’re going to hold the film for one screening per day on Friday, Saturday and Sunday. Sunday will be its last day…so hurry down. On Friday, we will open the best reviewed film of the year…and in my opinion, the best film I’ve seen all year – BEFORE MIDNIGHT. In addition, we will hold the new Noah Baumbach comedy FRANCES HA. For this week’s remaining showtimes, visit our website at www.neonmovies.com.

Synopsis for BEFORE MIDNIGHT: BEFORE MIDNIGHT is the best reviewed film of the year – with current scores of 98% on Rottentomatoes.com and 96% on Metascritic.com (check out all the 100% reviews by clicking this LINK). Don’t miss this honest, relatable, and touching film on the big screen. “In this follow-up to Before Sunrise and Before Sunset, we meet Jesse and Celine nine years later in Greece. Almost two decades have passed since their first meeting on that train bound for Vienna.” (taken from Sony Classics) Click this LINK to visit the film’s official site. This film is rich with intelligent dialog and great performances, and it works whether you’ve seen the 2 previous films or not.

[yframe url=’http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Kv6JWoVKlGY’]

There are still tickets available for our special screening of I DO – taking place on Thursday, June 20 at 7:30. As the Supreme Court decides on civil rights issues that will effect thousands of US Citizens, this film couldn’t come at a more important time. (I saw this film at The Cleveland International Film Festival, and the audience adored it!) “A gay Brit living in New York is deprived of his immigration status, and risks losing his family and life in the U.S. He marries his lesbian best friend to remain in the country and stay with his family, but things get complicated when he meets the love of his life and is forced to make an impossible choice.” This one night only screening is part of Dayton’s PRIDE festivities. Tickets are $9 for General Admission. Members of The Greater Dayton LGBT Center get in for $7 (with valid membership card). Tickets are on sale now at THE NEON’s box office.

[yframe url=’http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=92tXGsF6s4Q’]

“Start Freedom Dayton is at it again – this time with a screening BORN INTO BROTHELS, the 77th Oscar winner for Best Feature Documentary. Come see the movie and stay for the post-screening discussion led by Melinda Haggerty, Ohio’s Director of Children’s Initiatives, the juvenile justice arm of the Office of Mike DeWine. Advance tickets are available at Peace on Fifth for $7.50 (located at 508 E. Fifth Street). Tickets on the day of the show will cost $10 at THE NEON.” (Peace on Fifth press notes.) Born into Brothels is the chronicle [of two documentary filmmakers and] their time in Sonagchi, Calcutta and the relationships they developed with children of prostitutes who work the city’s notorious red light district.

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 film maker. She is also the author of the anti-bullying book, ‘The Vexing.’ Tickets are $5 each.” (taken from press notes)

See you soon!

All the best,
Jonathan

SHOWTIMES for Fri. June 14 – Thur. June 20:

BEFORE MIDNIGHT (R) 1 Hr 48 Min
Friday, Saturday, Sunday: 12:20, 2:40, 5:00, 7:20, 9:40
Monday – Thursday: 3:00, 5:20, 7:45

RENOIR (R) 1 Hr 51 Min
Friday, Saturday, Sunday: 12:40

FRANCES HA (R) 1 Hr 26 Min
Friday, Saturday, Sunday: 3:00, 5:15, 7:30, 9:40
Monday – Wednesday: 3:00, 5:15, 7:30
Thursday: 3:00, 5:15

I DO (NR) 1 Hr 31 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.
June 21 – THE EAST
June 28 – LOVE IS ALL YOU NEED
July 12 – 20 FEET FROM STARDOM
July 26 – THE WAY WAY BACK
Aug 2 – I’M SO EXCITED
Aug 23 – BLUE JASMINE
TBD – GINGER AND ROSA
TBD – KON TIKI
TBD – FROM UP ON POPPY HILL
TBD – IN THE HOUSE

THE NEON Opens FRANCES HA – Best Reviewed Comedy of the Year!

June 5, 2013 By Jonathan McNeal Leave a Comment

Hello Everyone,

If you still need to see MUD or TO THE WONDER, you’ll only have until Thursday (June 6) to see them at THE NEON. On Friday (June 7), we will open the new comedy FRANCES HA – directed by Noah Baumbach (director of THE SQUID AND THE WHALE). This new comedy has been receiving fantastic reviews (100% reviews from The New York Times, The Los Angeles Times and The Washington Post to name a few), and I think it is equal parts early Woody Allen and Francois Truffaut. In addition to this new movie, the beautiful film RENOIR will stick around for another week. For this week’s remaining showtimes, visit our website at www.neonmovies.com.

Synopsis for FRANCES HA: “Frances (Greta Gerwig) lives in New York, but she doesn’t really have an apartment. Frances is an apprentice for a dance company, but shes not really a dancer. Frances has a best friend named Sophie, but they aren’t really speaking anymore. Frances throws herself headlong into her dreams, even as their possible reality dwindles. Frances wants so much more than she has but lives her life with unaccountable joy and lightness. FRANCES HA is a modern comic fable that explores New York, friendship, class, ambition, failure, and redemption.” (taken from IFC Films) Click this LINK to visit the film’s fun, official site.

[yframe url=’http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TafQAp72jGY’]

Our special screening of GIRL RISING sold out…and many people were disappointed that they didn’t get tickets. Don’t let that happen to you for our upcoming screening of I DO. There are still tickets available for Thursday, June 20 at 7:30. (I saw this film at The Cleveland International Film Festival, and the audience adored it!) “A gay Brit living in New York is deprived of his immigration status, and risks losing his family and life in the U.S. He marries his lesbian best friend to remain in the country and stay with his family, but things get complicated when he meets the love of his life and is forced to make an impossible choice.” This one night only screening is part of Dayton’s PRIDE festivities. Tickets are $9 for General Admission. Members of The Greater Dayton LGBT Center get in for $7 (with valid membership card). Tickets are on sale now at THE NEON’s box office. Check out this trailer…if it intrigues you in the slightest, then I think you’ll love the film (as the trailer doesn’t really do the film justice).

[yframe url=’http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=92tXGsF6s4Q’]

All the best,
Jonathan

SHOWTIMES for Fri. June 7 – Thur. June 13:

RENOIR (R) 1 Hr 51 Min
Friday, Saturday, Sunday: 12:20, 2:45, 5:10, 7:30, 9:45
Monday – Thursday: 2:45, 5:10, 7:30

FRANCES HA (R) 1 Hr 26 Min
Friday, Saturday, Sunday: 12:50, 3:00, 5:10, 7:20, 9:30
Monday – Thursday: 3:00, 5:10, 7:20

COMING SOON:
As always, all dates are tentative. Many of these dates will change.
In some rare cases, titles may disappear.
June 14 – BEFORE MIDNIGHT

Oscar Nominated NO Starts Friday at THE NEON

May 15, 2013 By Jonathan McNeal Leave a Comment

Hello Everyone,

We’re adding something to the mix this weekend, but you’ll only have one week to catch NO – the feature film from Chile starring Gael Garcia Bernal. NO was nominated for “Best Foreign Film” at this year’s Oscars, and it won an award at last year’s Cannes Film Festival. It also received 100% reviews from Entertainment Weekly, The Chicago Sun-Times, and Time Out New York. We will hold MUD and THE SAPPHIRES (though showtimes are changing). For this week’s remaining showtimes, visit our website at www.neonmovies.com.

Synopsis for NO: “In 1988, Chilean military dictator Augusto Pinochet, due to international pressure, is forced to call a referendum on his presidency. The country will vote YES or NO to Pinochet extending his rule for another eight years. Opposition leaders for the NO persuade a brash young advertising executive, Rene Saavedra (Gael Garcia Bernal), to spearhead their campaign. With scant resources and under scrutiny by the despot’s minions, Saavedra and his team devise an audacious plan to win the election and set Chile free.” (taken from The Weinstein Company) Click this LINK to visit the film’s official site.

[yframe url=’http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=veHCHhRx3Vk’]

In the 13 years of The Dayton Jewish International Film Festival, this year was the best ever. Many thanks to all of you who supported this great fest. MELTING AWAY and MY BEST ENEMY tied for the audience favorite of “Best Feature.”

Film #4 in Start Freedom Dayton’s film series – CALL + RESPONSE – is scheduled for May 30 at 7:30. “Organized by Justin Dillon, an artist, public speaker, abolitionist, founder and CEO of Slavery Footprint, CALL + RESPONSE is a documentary about human trafficking that combines musicians, celebrities, national abolitionists and political figures to shine a light on human trafficking concerns in the US and abroad. Tickets are $10 day of show at THE NEON or advance tickets are $8 (available exclusively at Peace on Fifth – 508 E. 5th – 937.367-7215). For information about Peace on Fifth or Start Freedom Dayton visit the official site. CALL + RESPONSE is sponsored by Fairly Simple.” (taken from the press release)

I’m happy to announce that the we’re good to go with the screening of GIRL RISING. For more about this film, click this LINK. This is the site where you can watch the trailer, read about the film and reserve your ticket. The screening is set to take place on Wednesday, June 5 at 7:30. Advanced tickets are only available on the website listed above. If tickets remain, we will be able to sell them at the door on the night of the show. Watch the trailer…this film looks terrific!

On Thursday, June 20 at 7:30, we will host a special screening of the new film I DO. (I just saw this film at The Cleveland International Film Festival, and the audience adored it!) “A gay Brit living in New York is deprived of his immigration status, and risks losing his family and life in the U.S. He marries his lesbian best friend to remain in the country and stay with his family, but things get complicated when he meets the love of his life and is forced to make an impossible choice.” This one night only screening is part of Dayton’s PRIDE festivities. Tickets are $9 for General Admission. Members of The Greater Dayton LGBT Center get in for $7 (with valid membership card). Tickets are on sale now at THE NEON’s box office.

[yframe url=’http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=92tXGsF6s4Q’]

I am currently on vacation in Europe. I’ve been saying that I would take this trip for the past 8-9 years. I’m finally doing it. Thanks for keeping THE NEON staff company in my absence.

See you soon!

All the best,
Jonathan

SHOWTIMES for Fri. May 17 – Thur, May 23:

MUD (PG-13) 2 Hr 10 Min
Friday, Saturday, Sunday: 1:00, 4:00, 7:10, 9:45
Monday – Thursday: 2:30, 5:15, 7:45

THE SAPPHIRES (PG-13) 1 Hr 43 Min
Friday, Saturday, Sunday: 12:30, 5:10, 7:30
Monday – Thursday: 5:10, 7:30

NO (R) 1 Hr 58 Min
Friday, Saturday, Sunday: 2:45, 9:45
Monday – Thursday: 2:45

COMING SOON:
As always, all dates are tentative. Many of these dates will change.
In some rare cases, titles may disappear.
May 24 – STARBUCK
May 24 – AT ANY PRICE
May 31 – RENOIR
June 7 – LOVE IS ALL YOU NEED
June 14 – BEFORE MIDNIGHT
June 28 – THE EAST
TBD – GINGER AND ROSA
TBD – KON TIKI
TBD – FROM UP ON POPPY HILL
TBD – FRANCES HA
TBD – IN THE HOUSE
TBD – TO THE WONDER

THE SAPPHIRES Opens Friday at THE NEON!

May 8, 2013 By Jonathan McNeal Leave a Comment

Hello Everyone,

We’re moving right along this weekend. If you still need to see THE COMPANY YOU KEEP, Thursday will be its last day at THE NEON. On Friday, we will open the crowd-pleasing, award-winning film that so many of you have been asking about – THE SAPPHIRES. We hope you’ll gather up your friends and make plans to see this fun film over the weekend! MUD was off to a great start…it will stick around. For this week’s remaining showtimes, visit our website at www.neonmovies.com.

Synopsis for THE SAPPHIRES: “Four smart, gutsy young Australian Aboriginal women become unlikely stars in the most unlikely of places, with the most unlikely of allies, in THE SAPPHIRES. Set in 1968, the film follows Gail (Deborah Mailman), Cynthia (Miranda Tapsell), Julie (Jessica Mauboy) and Kay (Shari Sebbens) as they seize a risky, but irresistible, chance to launch a professional career singing for U.S. troops in Vietnam. Under the tutelage of an R&B-loving Irish musician, Dave Lovelace (Chris O’Dowd), the girls transform themselves into a sizzling soul act and set out to make a name for themselves hundreds of miles from home. Inspired by a true story, THE SAPPHIRES is a celebration of music, family and self-discovery.” (taken from The Weinstein Company) Click this LINK to watch the trailer and visit the film’s official site.

[yframe url=’http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=h2Ty4r6mvgg’]

The ticket reservations for the screening of GIRL RISING have tipped the required amount…so the screening will move forward. For more about this film, click this LINK. This is the site where you can watch the trailer, read about the film and reserve your ticket. This site is the only place where you can get advanced tickets. If tickets remain on the night of the screening, they can be purchased at THE NEON. The screening is scheduled to take place on Wednesday, June 5 at 7:30. Watch the trailer…this film looks terrific!

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

[yframe url=’http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mS-0CHXfyIk’]

[yframe url=’http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=92tXGsF6s4Q’]

Be sure to check out our “Coming Soon” list below. I’m delighted that the new Linklater film BEFORE MIDNIGHT will make it to THE NEON…it’s wonderful.

We hope to see you soon!

All the best,
Jonathan

SHOWTIMES for Fri. May 10 – Thur, May 16:

MUD (PG-13) 2 Hr 10 Min
Friday, Saturday, Sunday: 1:00, 4:00, 7:10, 9:45
Monday – Thursday: 2:30, 5:15, 7:45

THE SAPPHIRES (PG-13) 1 Hr 43 Min
Friday, Saturday, Sunday: 12:30, 2:50, 5:10, 7:30, 9:45
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.
May 17 – NO
May 24 – STARBUCK
May 24 – AT ANY PRICE
May 31 – RENOIR
June 7 – LOVE IS ALL YOU NEED
June 14 – BEFORE MIDNIGHT
June 28 – THE EAST
TBD – GINGER AND ROSA
TBD – KON TIKI
TBD – FROM UP ON POPPY HILL
TBD – FRANCES HA
TBD – IN THE HOUSE
TBD – TO THE WONDER

EMPEROR Opens Exclusively at THE NEON!

March 7, 2013 By Jonathan McNeal Leave a Comment

Hello Everyone,

It’s time for us to let go of the Oscar-winning film AMOUR. Today (3/7) is your last chance to see it at THE NEON. On Friday, we will open an exclusive engagement of EMPEROR – the new WWII drama starring Tommy Lee Jones and Matthew Fox. In addition, we will continue our run of QUARTET – it has been our biggest hit in a long time! Remaining showtimes for this week are at: www.neonmovies.com.

Synopsis for EMPEROR: “Matthew Fox joins Academy Award winner Tommy Lee Jones, newcomer Eriko Hatsune, and award-winning Japanese star Toshiyuki Nishida to bring to life the American occupation of Japan in the perilous and unpredictable days just after Emperor Hirohito’s World War II surrender. As General Douglas MacArthur (Jones) suddenly finds himself the de facto ruler of a foreign nation, he assigns an expert in Japanese culture – and psychological warfare – General Bonner Fellers (Fox), to covertly investigate the looming question hanging over the country: should the Japanese Emperor, worshiped by his people but accused of war crimes, be punished or saved? Caught between the high-wire political intrigue of his urgent mission and his own impassioned search for the mysterious school teacher (Hatsune) who first drew him to Japan, Fellers can be certain only that the tricky subterfuge about to play out will forever change the history of two nations and his heart.” (Roadside Attractions) Click HERE to visit the official site.

[yframe url=’http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=X-Is8hvLPHk’]

We’ve got several special events on the horizon. Mark your calendars now for Peace on Fifth’s third film in their human trafficking series. The film is called FLESH, and it will screen Thursday, March 28 at 7:30. More details will be available next week. Also on the horizon is The 13th Dayton Jewish International Film Festival. I’ll go into more details in the coming weeks, but you can download a brochure for the festival by clicking this LINK. To visit the website, click this LINK. 8 films from this festival will screen at THE NEON, and the line-up looks terrific!

We hope to see you soon,
Jonathan

SHOWTIMES for Fri. March 8 – Thur, March 14:

QUARTET (PG-13) 1 Hr 38 Min.
Friday, Saturday, Sunday: 12:30, 2:50, 5:00, 7:15, 9:30
Monday – Thursday: 2:50, 5:00, 7:15

EMPEROR (PG-13) 1 Hrs 46 Min.
Friday, Saturday, Sunday: 12:40, 2:50, 5:10, 7:30, 9:40
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 15 – WEST OF MEMPHIS

March 22 – STOKER

March 29 – THE GATEKEEPERS

April 5 – ON THE ROAD

April 12 – NO

April ? – A PLACE BEYOND THE PINES

April 26 – STARBUCK

May ? – TO THE WONDER

QUARTET & AMOUR – Biggest Hits in 6+ Months at THE NEON!

February 19, 2013 By Jonathan McNeal Leave a Comment

Hello Everyone,

Thank you! We had a tremendous weekend…our best in over 6 months. We will hold both films – QUARTET (which is a crowd-pleasing, huge hit) and AMOUR (which won’t stick around nearly as long…but is a powerful, amazingly crafted film). Remaining showtimes for this week are at www.neonmovies.com. In addition to our 2 current hits, we will present an encore screening of the Oscar-Nominated Shorts Films. The Animated Shorts will play on Friday at 1:00, and the Live Action Shorts will play on Sunday at 1:00.

Check out this fun featurette about QUARTET…

[yframe url=’http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JA8IuLHgnxY’]

Here’s an interesting piece with director Michael Haneke about AMOUR…

[yframe url=’http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sjjKkZbfw2M’]

“On Saturday at Noon, the Junior Leaguers of Dayton – an African American Women’s Service Organization – will hold an annual fundraiser which raises money for scholarships. They will screen the film RED HOOK SUMMER (directed by Spike Lee and written by James McBride) – a coming of age movie about a young African American male who visits his grandparents living in the projects of Brooklyn New York. The discussion following the movie will be led by Dr. Michael Williams, a psychologist. The price is $30.00 which includes a movie ticket, glass of wine, soda, and popcorn. Student tickets are $15.00. Please contact Jackie Colvard for tickets at (937) 219-7501.” (taken from press notes)

Next Thursday, February 28 at 7:30, Peace on Fifth will hold a screening of HALF THE SKY. We don’t yet have all the needed details for this event. Stay tuned to our website for details as they come in. Advanced tickets are only available at Peace on Fifth for $8.50 each…day-of tickets will be at THE NEON for $10 each.

Omari Matlock, a former Daytonian, will premiere his latest film – DESCENT OF A SUPERSTAR – on Saturday, March 2 at Noon. “When money power and fame is not enough, a young pop star turns to habits put in place by dark spirits.” A minimum donation of $10 is required for each ticket. Each ticket includes admission to the film and to the After Party/Networking event at Therapy Cafe at 3:00 (be sure to bring head shots, demo reels & resumes to this event if you are in or aspiring to be in the entertainment industry). Visit the facebook page for this film by clicking this LINK. Tickets are now available at our box office.

I’m excited to announce that Square One Salon & Spa has once again donated a prize for our Oscar contest! This Sunday marks the date of our Free Annual Oscar Party. Ballots are now available in our lobby and prizes have started to arrive (though you must be present at the party in order to win prizes). We hope you’ll make plans to spend this fun night with us. We will begin seating for this party as close to 7pm as possible…which is when the Red-Carpet pre-show begins. (We will begin collecting ballots on Sunday, Feb. 24 at Noon…collected ballots (only one per person present) will result in our seating priority for the party.) Special thanks to ThinkTV for their help is us getting a signal for the event!

We hope to see you soon,
Jonathan

SHOWTIMES for Fri. Feb. 22 – Thur, Feb. 28:

QUARTET (PG-13) 1 Hr 38 Min.
Friday, Saturday: 12:45, 3:00, 5:15, 7:30, 9:40
Sunday: 12:45, 3:00, 5:15, 7:30
Monday – Thursday: 3:00, 5:15, 7:30

AMOUR (PG-13) 2 Hrs 7 Min.
Friday, Saturday: 4:00, 7:00, 9:30
Sunday: 4:00, 9:30
Monday – Wednesday: 2:30, 5:15, 8:00
Thursday: 2:30, 5:15

RED HOOK SUMMER (R) 2 Hr 1Min + Discussion
Saturday: Noon

OSCAR NOMINATED SHORTS
Animated Shorts – Friday at 1:00 (1Hr 27Min)
Live Action Shorts – Sunday at 1:00 (1Hr 55Min)

HALF THE SKY
Thursday: 7:30

COMING SOON:
As always, all dates are tentative. Many of these dates will change.
In some rare cases, titles may disappear.
March 8 – EMPEROR
March 22 – STOKER
March 29 – THE GATEKEEPERS
April 5 – ON THE ROAD
April 12 – NO

A ROYAL AFFAIR + Oscar Nominated Shorts at THE NEON

February 5, 2013 By Jonathan McNeal Leave a Comment

NOTE: QUARTET has just moved up! It will now open on Valentine’s Day! Please see schedule below.

Hello Everyone,

“Intense but amazing” was how a group of my friends described RUST AND BONE after seeing it on Sunday evening. Alas, not enough Daytonians came to see the film…so it won’t be sticking around for a second week. Thursday will be your last chance to see RUST AND BONE at THE NEON. This always makes me sad – when great films have to come and go so quickly. Hurry down if you still want to catch it. Showtimes are at www.neonmovies.com.

On Friday, we will begin a one-week engagement of the Oscar nominated period drama A ROYAL AFFAIR. We will also present a few screenings of Oscar-nominated animation and live action short films over the weekend. This is the first time we’ve offered Oscar shorts (though a handful have played at festivals over the years)…if there’s enough interest, we’ll look to make it an annual engagement.

Synopsis for A ROYAL AFFAIR: “A Royal Affair is the true story of an ordinary man who wins the queen’s heart and starts a revolution. Centering on the intriguing love triangle between the ever more insane Danish King Christian VII (Mikkel Boe Folsgaard), the royal physician who is a man of enlightenment and idealism Struenseensee and the young but strong Queen Caroline Mathilda, A Royal Affair is the gripping tale of brave idealists who risk everything in their pursuit of freedom for their people…Above all it is the story of a passionate and forbidden romance that changed an entire nation.” (Magnolia Pictures) Click this LINK to visit the official site.

[yframe url=’http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FGXNQu3fpP8′]

A very brief description of the OSCAR NOMINATED SHORTS: Each year during the Oscars, the makers of exceptional short films are recognized for their work. We often hear our audiences saying “How do people see these films?” Until now, festivals were one of the only outlets for seeing these gems. Though I still encourage you to support the Dayton-based film festivals (where only a handful of great films are selected out of hundreds of possibilities) we’re now offering you a chance to see this year’s nominees. The animated shorts will play on Friday and Sunday at 3:00, and the live action shorts will play on Saturday at 3:00. Please help us spread the word. To read more about the films, visit the official website.

Don’t forget this Thursday’s special screening of THE CENTRAL PARK FIVE (Feb. 7 at 7:30). We still have plenty of tickets available, and we really want to see a nice turnout for us to consider doing this kind of screening down the road.

It’s getting closer to Oscar time. Feb. 24 marks the date of our Free Annual Oscar Party. Ballots are now available in our lobby and prizes have started to arrive (though you must be present at the party in order to win prizes). 15 films that are nominated for Academy Awards have screened at (or are coming soon to) THE NEON. Between these 15 films, there are 34 nominations. We hope you’ll make plans to spend this fun night with us. We will begin seating for this party as close to 7pm as possible…which is when the Red-Carpet pre-show begins. (We will begin collecting ballots on Sunday, Feb. 24 at Noon…collected ballots (only one per person present) will result in our seating priority.)

Both AMOUR and QUARTET are scheduled to open next Friday (Feb. 15)! I’ll tell you more about these two great films next week.

We hope to see you soon,
Jonathan

SHOWTIMES for Fri. Feb. 8 – Thur, Feb. 14:

A ROYAL AFFAIR (R) 2 Hrs 17 Min
Friday, Saturday, Sunday: 12:15, 5:15, 8:00
Monday – Wednesday: 2:30, 5:15, 8:00 (FINAL DAY – 2/13!)

SILVER LININGS PLAYBOOK (R) 2 Hr 02 Min
Friday, Saturday, Sunday: 1:00, 4:00, 7:15, 9:45
Monday – Thursday: 3:00, 5:30, 8:00 (FINAL DAY – 2/14!)

OSCAR NOMINATED ANIMATED SHORTS (NR) 1 Hr 27 Min
Friday & Sunday: 3:00

OSCAR NOMINATED LIVE ACTION SHORTS (NR) 1 Hr 55 Min
Saturday: 3:00

QUARTET (PG-13) 1 Hr 38 Min

Thursday: 3:00, 5:15, 7:30

COMING SOON:
As always, all dates are tentative. Many of these dates will change.
In some rare cases, titles may disappear.

Feb 14 – QUARTET

Feb. 15 – AMOUR

March 8 – EMPEROR
March 22 – STOKER
March 29 – THE GATEKEEPERS
April 5 – ON THE ROAD
April 12 – NO

indie

Mon 5

Tue 6

Wed 7

Thu 8

Fri 9

Sat 10

Sun 11

Aullwood Audubon’s Birdathon

Oh Boy Sweets

Montgomery County’s State of the County

$1 Oysters

Cinco de Mayo

5 de Mayo

Cruise-In Night