julia roberts

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

January 15, 2014 By Jonathan McNeal Leave a Comment

Hello 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 [email protected]” (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

January 8, 2014 By Jonathan McNeal Leave a Comment

Hello 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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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

BLUE IS THE WARMEST COLOR Opens at THE NEON!

January 2, 2014 By Jonathan McNeal Leave a Comment

Hello Everyone,

Snowy out? No worries! THE NEON is open!!

Word of mouth continues to be amazing for PHILOMENA. In fact, both PHILOMENA and NEBRASKA saw spikes in attendance over the weekend. That said, we still want to move forward with BLUE IS THE WARMEST COLOR before we get busy with 2 huge titles on January 10. If you want to see any of these three films, you’ll only have until January 9.

Synopsis for BLUE IS THE WARMEST COLOR: “The sensation of the Cannes Film Festival and the most controversial film of the year, BLUE IS THE WARMEST COLOR made cinema history as the first film ever awarded the Palme d’Or to both its director and its actresses. In a star-making role, Adèle Exarchopoulos is Adèle, a passionate young woman who has a yearning she doesn’t quite understand until a chance encounter with the blue-haired Emma ignites a flame and brings her to life. Léa Seydoux (Midnight in Paris) gives a fearless performance as Emma, the older woman who excites Adèle’s desire and becomes the love of her life. Abdellatif Kechiche’s intimate epic of tenderness and passion charts their relationship over the course of several years, from the ecstasy of a first kiss to the agony of heartbreak. Pulsing with gestures, embraces, furtive exchanges, and arias of joy and devastation, BLUE IS THE WARMEST COLOR is a profoundly moving hymn to both love and life.” (IFC Films) Click this LINK to visit the official site. Because this film is rated NC-17 for explicit sexual content, patrons must be 18 or over for admission.

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Next Friday (Jan. 10), we are slated to open 2 highly anticipated films – INSIDE LLEWYN DAVIS (the new film from The Coen Brothers) and AUGUST: OSAGE COUNTY (starring Meryl Streep, Julia Roberts and numerous other incredible actors). We think it will be a pretty amazing weekend.

“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 will be $8 and available exclusively at THE NEON (beginning this Friday). Contact Peace on Fifth with questions at 937.367.7215 or at [email protected]” (Taken from Peace On Fifth press notes.)

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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. Click HERE to watch a trailer for this film. To reserve a ticket, follow this LINK. Your card will only be charged if enough people reserve tickets and the event moves forward.

I’d like to thank you for your continued support of THE NEON. Early figures suggest that 2013 was THE NEON’s most successful year…and it’s your constant support that has helped make that happen.

Thank you so much!
Wishing you a Happy and Healthy New Year!

Jonathan

Revised SHOWTIMES for Friday, Jan. 3 – Thursday, Jan. 9:

PHILOMENA (PG-13) 1 hr 38 min
Friday, Saturday, Sunday: 12:30, 5:10, 7:20
Monday – Thursday: 3:00, 7:30

NEBRASKA (R) 1 hr 55 min
Friday, Saturday: 2:45, 4:30, 9:30
Sunday: 2:45, 4:30
Monday – Thursday: 5:10

BLUE IS THE WARMEST COLOR (NC-17) 2 Hr 59 Min
Friday, Saturday, Sunday: 1:00, 7:00
Monday- Thursday: 2:45, 7:15

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

Jan. 10 – AUGUST: OSAGE COUNTY
Jan. 10 – INSIDE LLEWYN DAVIS
TBD – THE ARMSTRONG LIE
TBD – THE PAST
TBD – THE INVISIBLE WOMAN

PHILOMENA and DALLAS BUYERS CLUB Are Hits at THE NEON!

December 5, 2013 By Jonathan McNeal Leave a Comment

Hello Everyone,

For the second week in a row – Wow!! We had one of our best Thanksgiving Weekends ever at THE NEON! Audiences are loving both DALLAS BUYERS CLUB and PHILOMENA, and I want to Thank YOU for being such loyal and wonderful patrons at THE NEON. Even though other theaters jumped in on PHILOMENA, you made us come out on top! Thank You! (To visit the official site for each of our current titles (which we will hold), click on the titles above.)

Though we are doing well with our current titles, I’d suggest hurrying down if you still need to see them. We have other titles we need to get to before the end of the year – including Alexander Payne’s new film NEBRASKA and the star-studded AUGUST: OSAGE COUNTY.

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This year’s Family Holiday Film Series starts this Saturday! 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.

Dayton-native Toni Dixon will premiere her new short film on Sunday, December 15 at 7:30. “FROM HIDDEN PAIN TO FREEDOM is an emotional depiction of the life of Tia. It is a powerful story of survival against all odds – the story of a little girl caught up in a world of physical, emotional and sexual abuse. The setting takes place in the inner-city projects of Ohio where Tia resides with her grandmother because her mother chose the company of men over family. There, she quickly realizes how cold and cruel the world can really be. Gaining strength from within, she grows up to overcome her pain to new found freedom.” (taken from Press Notes) Tickets are $10 each and are now available at THE NEON’s box office.

Thanks for your continued support!

We hope to see you soon,

Jonathan

SHOWTIMES for Friday, Dec. 6 – Thursday, Dec. 12:

PHILOMENA (PG-13) 1 hr 38 min
Friday, Saturday, Sunday: 12:30, 2:45, 5:00, 7:20, 9:40
Monday – Thursday: 3:00, 5:15, 7:30

DALLAS BUYERS CLUB (R) 1 hr 57 min
Friday: 12:10, 2:30, 5:00, 7:30, 9:55
Saturday: 2:30, 5:00, 7:30, 9:55
Sunday: 12:10, 2:30, 5:00, 7:30, 9:55
Monday – Thursday: 2:40, 5:10, 7:45

RISE OF THE GUARDIANS
Saturday: Noon

COMING SOON:
As always, all dates are tentative. Many of these dates will change.
In some rare cases, titles may disappear.
TBD – KILL YOUR DARLINGS
Dec. 20 – NEBRASKA
Dec. 25 – AUGUST: OSAGE COUNTY
TBD – THE ARMSTRONG LIE

12 YEARS A SLAVE & HOW I LIVE NOW at THE NEON!

November 6, 2013 By Jonathan McNeal Leave a Comment

Hello Everyone,

By now, I’m sure you’ve heard of 12 YEARS A SLAVE. This was one of the 32 films I saw in Toronto this Fall, and I immediately knew that a classic had been born. I wasn’t alone. The film went on to win “The People’s Choice Award” – the biggest prize at The Toronto International Film Festival. In addition, the film has received 100% reviews from THE NEW YORK TIMES, THE LOS ANGELES TIMES, THE WALL STREET JOURNAL, NPR, ENTERTAINMENT WEEKLY, ROLLING STONE, and many more. 12 YEARS A SLAVE will certainly be nominated for “Best Picture” at the Academy Awards (and will likely win), so we hope you’ll hurry to see it with us!

In addition, we will open a new film that I have not yet seen. HOW I LIVE NOW stars Saoirse Ronan (from ATONEMENT) and was directed by Kevin Macdonald (director of LAST KING OF SCOTLAND and MARLEY). I like everyone involved, so I’m anxious to see it.

If you still need to see HANNAH ARENDT or ENOUGH SAID, Thursday will be your last chance to catch them at THE NEON. IN A WORLD, the comedy that audiences are loving, will stick around for one screening a day over the weekend.

Synopsis for 12 YEARS A SLAVE: “12 YEARS A SLAVE is based on an incredible true story of one man’s fight for survival and freedom. In the pre-Civil War United States, Solomon Northup (Chiwetel Ejiofor), a free black man from upstate New York, is abducted and sold into slavery. Facing cruelty (personified by a malevolent slave owner, portrayed by Michael Fassbender), as well as unexpected kindnesses, Solomon struggles not only to stay alive, but to retain his dignity. In the twelfth year of his unforgettable odyssey, Solomon’s chance meeting with a Canadian abolitionist (Brad Pitt) will forever alter his life.” (Fox Searchlight) Click this LINK to visit the film’s official site.

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Synopsis for HOW I LIVE NOW: “Set in the near-future UK, Ronan plays Daisy, an American teenager sent to stay with relatives in the English countryside. Initially withdrawn and alienated, she begins to warm up to her charming surroundings, and strikes up a romance with the handsome Edmund (George MacKay). But on the fringes of their idyllic summer days are tense news reports of an escalating conflict in Europe. As the UK falls into a violent, chaotic military state, Daisy finds herself hiding and fighting to survive.” (Magnolia Pictures)

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“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.

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.

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

Jonathan

SHOWTIMES for Fri, Nov. 8 – Thurs, Nov. 14:

12 YEARS A SLAVE (R) 2 hrs 14 min
Friday, Saturday, Sunday: 1:00, 4:00, 6:30, 7:00, 9:45
Monday – Wednesday: 2:30, 5:15, 7:30, 8:00
Thursday: 2:30, 5:15, 8:00

HOW I LIVE NOW (R) 1 hr 41 min
Friday, Saturday, Sunday: 2:00, 9:30
Monday – Thursday: 3:00, 5:20

IN A WORLD (R) 1 hr 33 min
Friday, Saturday, Sunday: 4:15

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

Nov. 22 – DALLAS BUYERS CLUB
Nov. 22- KILL YOUR DARLINGS
Nov. 27 – PHILOMENA
Dec. 20 – NEBRASKA
Jan. 3 – THE ARMSTRONG LIE