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ARMSTRONG LIE & OSCAR SHORTS Open Friday at THE NEON!

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2014-oscar-animated-shorts1Hello 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

Ralph Fiennes’ INVISIBLE WOMAN Opens Friday at THE NEON

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the-invisible-woman-pstr02Hello Everyone,

It’s time to start moving along at THE NEON. If you still need to see AUGUST: OSAGE COUNTY, tomorrow (Thursday) will be its last day with us. The Coen Brothers’ INSIDE LLEWYN DAVIS will stick around for another week, and on Friday we’ll open the new film directed by (and starring) Ralph Fiennes – THE INVISIBLE WOMAN. Remaining showtimes for this week can be found at www.neonmovies.com

Synopsis for THE INVISIBLE WOMAN: “Nelly (Felicity Jones), a happily-married mother and schoolteacher, is haunted by her past. Her memories, provoked by remorse and guilt, take us back in time to follow the story of her relationship with Charles Dickens (Ralph Fiennes) with whom she discovered an exciting but fragile complicity.” (Taken from Sony Pictures Classics) This lovely film, also starring NEON-favorite Kristin Scott Thomas, will delight our regulars who love period costume dramas…but it goes beyond that. Giving the film a 100% review, Scott Foundas of VARIETY wrote, “So tastefully mounted and brilliantly acted that it wears down even the corset-phobic’s innate resistance to such things.” Click on this LINK to visit the film’s official site.

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Fans of THE NEON have requested a special screening of a fantasy film called KNIGHTS OF BADASSDOM (a films about Live Action Role Playing starring Peter Dinklage and Steve Zahn). They worked with Tugg to see if there was enough interest in screening the film in Dayton…and the required reservations crossed the threshold. This means that the screening will happen on Wednesday, February 5 at 8:30. To buy tickets in advance, visit this LINK. If any tickets remain, they will be sold at the door on the night of the screening.

“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.
Mark your calendars for our annual Oscar Party – March 2! More details coming soon.
We hope to see many of you this weekend!

Jonathan

SHOWTIMES for Friday, Jan. 31 – Thursday, Feb. 6:

THE INVISIBLE WOMAN (R) 1 hrs 51 min
Friday, Saturday: 12:20, 2:40, 5:00, 7:20, 9:40
Sunday: 12:20, 2:40, 5:00, 7:20
Monday – Thursday: 2:50, 5:15, 7:40

INSIDE LLEWYN DAVIS (R) 1 hr 45 min
Friday, Saturday: 12:30, 2:50, 5:15, 7:30, 9:50
Sunday: 12:30, 2:50, 5:15, 7:30
Monday & Tuesday: 3:00, 5:20, 7:45
Wednesday: 3:00, 5:20
Thursday: 3:00, 5:20, 7:45

KNIGHTS OF BADASSDOM (R) 1 Hr 26 Min
Wednesday: 8:30

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

2 Hits Led To THE NEON’s Best Weekend Ever!

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7rp49wcHello Everyone,

THANK YOU! THANK YOU! THANK YOU!  We just had our best weekend ever!!

AUGUST: OSAGE COUNTY performed wonderfully – with several sold-out screenings over the weekend. INSIDE LLEWYN DAVIS also did quite well. I’m pretty certain that both films will stick around for a couple more weeks…but we do have other exciting films down the road.

It’s interesting to note that even though we had our best weekend ever, neither film could take the prize for “Best Opening Weekend.” That title still belongs to FAHRENHEIT 9/11 (with MOONRISE KINGDOM close behind).

Click this LINK to visit the official site for AUGUST: OSAGE COUNTY.  Click this LINK to visit the official site for INSIDE LLEWYN DAVIS.

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“VERY YOUNG GIRLS is Start Freedom Dayton’s first film of 2014. VYG takes a look at human trafficking from the victims’ perspective and introduces us to Rachel Lloyd, the founder of NYC based GEMS – an organization dedicated to empowering victims to escape and live new lives. VYG is sponsored by Peace on Fifth and newest friend the Zonta Club of Dayton – an organization advocating for the status of women worldwide. Amanda Arrington from the East End Community Center will lead discussion after the film. Learn what is happening locally and how you can get involved. Ticket prices help keep this film series going. A program of Peace on Fifth fully supported by the community. The screening is scheduled for January 23 at 7:30, and tickets are just $8 – available exclusively at THE NEON. Contact Peace on Fifth with questions at 937.367.7215 or at startfreedom@peaceonfifth.com” (Taken from Peace On Fifth press notes.)

RISING FROM THE ASHES, the award-winning feature-length documentary about Team Rwanda, will premiere at THE NEON on Monday, January 27 at 7:30 p.m. The event is presented by Garry Harrington & sponsored by Five Rivers MetroParks. “RISING FROM THE ASHES is a joyous and uplifting independent film about the development of a national cycling team in Rwanda, a country still affected deeply by the genocide that tore the East African nation apart in 1994…The documentary tells a story of redemption, hope and second chances. It is not about the bike; however, the bicycle becomes a tool that has helped change a nation…Advance tickets are $11 and can be purchased online by clicking this LINK. Remaining tickets at the door will be $15…For more information about the film, go to www.risingfromashesthemovie.com.” (press notes provided by Garry Harrington) Advanced tickets for this event are only available on-line.

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Fans of THE NEON have requested a special screening of a fantasy film called KNIGHTS OF BADASSDOM (a films about Live Action Role Playing starring Peter Dinklage and Steve Zahn). They worked with Tugg to see if there was enough interest in screening the film in Dayton…and the required reservations just crossed the threshold. This means that the screening will happen on Wednesday, February 5 at 8:30. To buy tickets in advance, visit this LINK. If any tickets remain, they will be sold at the door on the night of the screening.

Thanks for your continued support.
Oscar nominations come out this week. Have you made your predictions?

We hope to see you soon!

Jonathan

SHOWTIMES for Friday, Jan. 17 – Thursday, Jan. 23:

AUGUST: OSAGE COUNTY (R) 2 hrs 01 min
Friday, Saturday: 11:40, 2:10, 4:45, 7:20, 9:45
Sunday: 11:40, 2:10, 4:45, 7:20
Monday: 3:00, 5:20, 7:40
Tuesday – Thursday: 2:45, 5:15, 7:40

INSIDE LLEWYN DAVIS (R) 1 hr 45 min
Friday, Saturday: 12:30, 3:00, 5:15, 7:30, 9:50
Sunday: 3:00, 5:15, 7:30
Monday – Wednesday: 3:00, 5:20, 7:45
Thursday: 3:00, 5:20

VERY YOUNG GIRLS (NR) 1 Hr 23 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.
TBD – THE ARMSTRONG LIE
TBD – THE PAST
TBD – THE INVISIBLE WOMAN
TBD – OSCAR-NOMINATED SHORTS
TBD – GLORIA
TBD – GRAND BUDAPEST HOTEL
TBD – TIM’S VERMEER
TBD – LE WEEK-END
TBD – THE LUNCHBOX

New Coen Brothers & Meryl Streep/Julia Roberts Movies Open Friday at THE NEON

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Inside-llewyn-davis-1Hello Everyone,

In the last few days of 2013, PHILOMENA took a leap and became the most successful film of the year at THE NEON! That’s pretty awesome. Can you guess #2 and #3? (I’ll let you know next week.) If you still need to see PHILOMENA or NEBRASKA or BLUE IS THE WARMEST COLOR, Thursday (Jan. 9) will be your last chance to catch them at THE NEON. Check out our website for showtimes at www.neonmovies.com.

On Friday, we will open 2 highly anticipated films…the new film from The Coen Brothers – INSIDE LLEWYN DAVIS and the star-studded adaptation of Tracy Letts’ Pulitzer Prize-Winning play – AUGUST: OSAGE COUNTY. We’re hoping for an exciting weekend!

Synopsis for INSIDE LLEWYN DAVIS: “INSIDE LLEWYN DAVIS follows a week in the life of a young folk singer as he navigates the Greenwich Village folk scene of 1961. Guitar in tow, huddled against the unforgiving New York winter, he is struggling to make it as a musician against seemingly insurmountable obstacles-some of them of his own making.” (CBS Films) The latest from The Coen Brothers is one of the most anticipated films of the season – starring Oscar Isaac, Carey Mulligan, Garrett Hedlund, John Goodman, and Justin Timberlake. Click this LINK to visit the official site.

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Synopsis for AUGUST: OSAGE COUNTY: “AUGUST: OSAGE COUNTY tells the dark, hilarious and deeply touching story of the strong-willed women of the Weston family, whose lives have diverged until a family crisis brings them back to the Midwest house they grew up in, and to the dysfunctional woman who raised them. Letts’ play made its Broadway debut in December 2007 after premiering at Chicago’s legendary Steppenwolf Theatre earlier that year. It continued with a successful international run.” (The Weinstein Company) This all-star cast has been getting a lot of buzz, and both Meryl Streep and Julia Roberts have been nominated for Golden Globe Awards for their performances! Click this LINK to visit the official site.

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In addition to these 2 new films, we have something that’s suitable for the entire family. For 2 special screenings only, we will play THE ADVENTURER: CURSE OF THE MIDAS BOX on Saturday and Sunday mornings. “Ancient mysteries. Powerful evil. A fearless hero’s quest through a fantastical realm of steam-powered wonders and sinister magic. In THE ADVENTURER: CURSE OF THE MIDAS BOX, seventeen-year-old Mariah Mundi’s life is turned upside down when his parents vanish and his younger brother is kidnapped. Following a trail of clues to the darkly majestic Prince Regent Hotel, Mariah discovers a hidden realm of child-stealing monsters, deadly secrets and a long-lost artifact that grants limitless wealth – but also devastating supernatural power. With the fate of his world and his family at stake, Mariah will risk everything to unravel the Curse of the Midas Box!”

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“VERY YOUNG GIRLS is Start Freedom Dayton’s first film of 2014. VYG takes a look at human trafficking from the victims’ perspective and introduces us to Rachel Lloyd, the founder of NYC based GEMS – an organization dedicated to empowering victims to escape and live new lives. VYG is sponsored by Peace on Fifth and newest friend the Zonta Club of Dayton – an organization advocating for the status of women worldwide. Amanda Arrington from the East End Community Center will lead discussion after the film. Learn what is happening locally and how you can get involved. Ticket prices help keep this film series going. A program of Peace on Fifth fully supported by the community. The screening is scheduled for January 23 at 7:30, and tickets are just $8 – available exclusively at THE NEON. Contact Peace on Fifth with questions at 937.367.7215 or at startfreedom@peaceonfifth.com” (Taken from Peace On Fifth press notes.)

Some fans of THE NEON have requested a special screening of a fantasy film called KNIGHTS OF BADASSDOM (a film about Live Action Role Playing starring Peter Dinklage and Steve Zahn). They’re working with Tugg in hopes of drumming up enough interest to make the screening happen. If 66 tickets are reserved by Jan. 22, then the screening will take place on Wednesday, February 5 at 8:30. To reserve a ticket, follow this LINK.  Your card will only be charged if enough people reserve tickets and the event moves forward.

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

Jonathan

SHOWTIMES for Friday, Jan. 10 – Thursday, Jan. 16:

AUGUST: OSAGE COUNTY (R) 2 hrs 01 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, 7:40

INSIDE LLEWYN DAVIS (R) 1 hr 45 min
Friday: 2:50, 5:10, 7:30, 9:50
Saturday: 12:30, 2:50, 5:10, 7:30, 9:50
Sunday: 12:30, 2:50, 5:10, 7:30
Monday – Thursday: 3:00, 5:20, 7:45

THE ADVENTURER: CURSE OF THE MIDAS BOX (PG)1 Hr 39 Min
Saturday, Sunday: 10:30am

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

Toronto – Day #5 – 2013

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Hello!

Yesterday ended up being not as productive as I had planned. I only saw 3 films in their entirety…and the festival is officially starting to wear me out.  The early morning line-up is dwindling.  Some industry folks have already left town, and some of this drop-off is due merely to communal exhaustion.

First off, I saw a film called BELLE – a Fox Searchlight film (which means we’ll more than likely play it…but it won’t come out until next Spring)  set in 18-century Britain about a mixed-race woman who is accepted by her affluent father and is brought up in high class society.  Though not given all the same treatment due to her skin color and the fact that she is “illegitimate,” she is given a good education and is rather free-spirited.  After asking lots of questions and meeting an idealistic son of the town vicar, she becomes instrumental in ending slavery in England.  This film is beautifully shot and will be a crowd-pleaser – on par with films like YOUNG VICTORIA and THE DUCHESS.

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THE INVISIBLE WOMAN is based on the true story of Charles Dickens and his secret relationship with a younger woman.  Directed by and starring Ralph Fiennes, this is a lovely, intelligent film about a strong-willed woman facing her past.  The lead character is played with a rich, layered performance by Felicity Jones (she had a small part in the under-appreciated HYSTERIA), and Sony Classics is positioning this film for a limited Christmas release – which makes it clear that they will push for some Oscar attention.  The art direction, the costumes, and the performances are all lovely, and though the pacing is slow, lovers of mid-career Merchant Ivory films (like THE BOSTONIANS and MAURICE) will be delighted.  Fiennes and Jones were present for a Q&A after the screening.

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UNDER THE SKIN is the new, highly anticipated film by Jonathan Glazer – director of SEXY BEAST and BIRTH.  (It’s been a decade since his last film.)  Each of his films is distinctly different, and UNDER THE SKIN is partially experimental in form.  The movie is about a young woman who stalks the streets of Scotland – looking for single, unattached men.  The film is sexually charged and absolutely captivating.  There’s very little dialog in this film, but the images and score create poetry.  A lot more could be added in describing the plot to this film, but as the catalog states, “it’s best to allow UNDER THE SKIN to reveal itself.”  Lead actress Scarlett Johansson and director Jonathan Glazer were in attendance for an insightful Q&A.  I can’t remember the last time I saw such an abstract film with over 1500 people…it was a nice feeling…but it won’t be appreciated by the masses.  (That said, there will certainly be a cult-like following for this film.)  Watch the teaser to get a small sense of tone for this film.

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More soon!

Thanks for reading!