philip seymour hoffman

GOD’S POCKET – One of Philip Seymour Hoffman’s Last Films – Opens Friday!

May 13, 2014 By Jonathan McNeal Leave a Comment

Hello Everyone,

It’s now time to bid adieu to our 3rd highest grossing film ever – THE GRAND BUDAPEST HOTEL. Many thanks to all of you who helped make this film such a success. Thursday will be its last day at THE NEON. In addition, Thursday will be the last day for UNDER THE SKIN. Hurry down if you still need to see these films. (Showtimes for this week can still be found on our website at www.neonmovies.com )

Last weekend didn’t go as well as we had hoped for THE RAILWAY MAN. Though mediocre reviews may have kept some folks away, many of our regulars agreed that the film is actually quite powerful…and the performances from Colin Firth and Nicole Kidman are worth the price of admission. We will hold the film for another week. In addition, we will open the film GOD’S POCKET – one of Philip Seymour Hoffman’s final films.

Synopsis for GOD’S POCKET: Philip Seymour Hoffman, John Turturro, Christina Hendricks and Richard Jenkins star in the directorial debut from John Slattery (known for his work on MAD MEN). “In the gritty, blue-collar neighborhood of God’s Pocket, Mickey Scarpato’s crazy stepson, Leon, is killed in a construction ‘accident,’ and Mickey quickly tries to bury the bad news with the body. But when a local columnist comes sniffing around for the truth, things go from bad to worse. Mickey finds himself stuck in a life-and-death struggle compounded by a body he can’t bury, a wife he can’t please, and a debt he can’t pay. Acclaimed actor John Slattery makes an impressive jump behind the camera with an assured directorial debut that shows he has a razor-sharp eye for conveying the absurdity, cruelty, desperation, and tragic optimism of the people he portrays.” (taken from IFC Films)

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The 2014 Dayton Jewish Film Festival is already winding down. Only 2 films are left. Click this LINK to visit the festival’s official site…details for buying advanced tickets can be found there. Here is a list of remaining films that are screening at THE NEON:
Thursday, May 15 at 7:15 – WHITE PANTHER
Sunday, May 18 at 7:15 – THE THIRD HALF
Program guides are currently available in our lobby!

Don’t forget about tomorrow evening’s special presentation in celebration of National Architecture Week. The American Institute of Architects Dayton will present 2 special films on Wednesday, May 14 at 7:30. PEOPLE IN GLASS HOUSES (45 Minutes) celebrates the mid-century modern homes designed by Joseph Eichler in California between 1949 and 1974 and MONUMENT TO A DREAM (30 Minutes) traces the adventure of the St. Louis Arch’s evolution, from early concepts on the drawing boards to the fabrication of its stainless steel sections, and the triumphant placement, in a race against the sun, of its final section in the fall of 1965. Tickets, just $5 each, are now available at THE NEON’s box office.

“Stivers School for the Arts presents THE SHOWCASE 2014. This eclectic compilation of short films includes absurdly comedic work as well as hard hitting documentaries. Some of these films have already won national and regional awards. Following the show will be a Q & A with the student filmmakers. All proceeds go toward updating equipment in the Stivers video and animation studio. Tickets are $5.00 during the pre-sale and will be $7.00 the night of the screening. This presentation will screen on Tuesday, May 20 at 7:30. Tickets are available at THE NEON box office and Stivers School of the Arts.” (taken from press notes)

The Dayton Gay Men’s Chorus is celebrating the life and legacy of gay rights pioneer Harvey Milk with a 2 1/2 week celebration. Over that time, the chorus will screen THE TIMES OF HARVEY MILK at THE NEON as well as premiere a new work – I AM HARVEY MILK – at The Victoria Theatre. They will additionally host a brunch at Wheat Penny. More information on all these events (including ticketing details) can be found on the DGMC official site. If you’re only able to see the film (which includes the screening at THE NEON, a post-screening discussion with community leaders, and a reception at Serendipity Bistro), those tickets can be purchased at THE NEON’s box office for $15 each. This documentary from 1984 played a big part in the creation of the screenplay for the MILK biopic from 2008. It screens Thursday, May 22 at 7:15.

“On a fall afternoon in 1976, young Annie Parker (Samantha Morton) loses everything a person can lose, including her family. Through the years, Annie continues her fight, even after she is diagnosed with breast cancer herself. Meanwhile, far away, brilliant research scientist Mary-Claire King (Helen Hunt), contrary to the advice of her colleagues, is embarking on a journey that will touch millions of lives – one of the most important scientific discoveries of the twentieth century: the BRCA1 gene. This film premier of DECODING ANNIE PARKER, taking place Thursday June 12 at 7:30pm at THE NEON, is hosted by Cancer Support Community Western Ohio. Tickets cost $35 and include admission, concessions, a red carpet with photographers, complimentary wine and cheese, a Q&A with a panel of local experts, and a tax-deductible charitable donation to CSCWO. Tickets can be obtained by calling CSCWO at 937-223-4117 or visiting cancersupportwesternohio.org or visiting dineoutdayton.com.”

Many thanks for your continued interest in THE NEON.

We hope to see you soon!

All the best,
Jonathan

SHOWTIMES for Friday, May 16 – Thursday, May 22:

GOD’S POCKET (R) 1 Hr 28 Min
Friday, Saturday: 1:00, 3:00, 5:10, 7:20, 9:30
Sunday: 1:00, 3:00, 5:10, 7:20
Monday – Thursday: 3:00, 5:10, 7:20

THE RAILWAY MAN (R) 1 Hr 56 Min
Friday, Saturday: 12:15, 2:40, 5:00, 7:30, 9:50
Sunday: 12:15, 2:40, 5:00
Monday: 2:40, 5:00, 7:30
Tuesday: 2:40, 5:00
Wednesday: 2:40, 5:00, 7:30
Thursday: 2:40, 5:00

DAYTON JEWISH FILM FESTIVAL
THE THIRD HALF (NR) 1 Hr 55 Min – Sunday at 7:15

STIVERS: THE SHOWCASE 2014 (NR)
Tuesday: 7:30

THE TIMES OF HARVEY MILK (NR) 1 Hr 28 Min
Thursday: 7:15

COMING SOON:
(All Dates Are Tentative. Dates Often Move And Sometimes Disappear.)
May 23 – BELLE
May 30 – ONLY LOVERS LEFT ALIVE
May 30 – JODOROWSKI’S DUNE
June 13 – FOR NO GOOD REASON
TBD – DOM HEMINGWAY

THE SESSIONS + A LATE QUARTET Opening at THE NEON

November 14, 2012 By Jonathan McNeal Leave a Comment

Hello Everyone,

We’re opening 2 new films at this weekend, and we hope they’ll attract big crowds. This is a lucrative weekend/week at THE NEON. Thanksgiving business can often set the tone for the remaining weeks of the year…and we’re really hoping to end 2012 with a bang! Like many of the films we’ve played at this time, we think some Oscar nominations could arise from our selections. (Here are some films that we’ve played during Thanksgiving in past years: AMELIE, CAPOTE, THE QUEEN, BOY IN THE STRIPED PAJAMAS, 127 HOURS and THE DESCENDANTS.) If you need to see any of our current attractions, Thursday will be your last chance to see them at THE NEON (visit our website for current showtimes). On Friday, we will open THE SESSIONS and A LATE QUARTET.

Synopsis for THE SESSIONS: “The Sessions tells the story of a man confined to an iron lung who is determined at age 38 to lose his virginity. With the help of his therapists and the guidance of his priest, he sets out to make his dream a reality.” (from Fox Searchlight) Starring the amazing John Hawkes and a fearless Helen Hunt, this film is certain to get Oscar attention this year! Click this link to visit the official site. I LOVE THIS FILM!

Synopsis for A LATE QUARTET: “When the beloved cellist of a world-renowned string quartet receives a life changing diagnosis, the group’s future suddenly hangs in the balance: suppressed emotions, competing egos, and uncontrollable passions threaten to derail years of friendship and collaboration. As they are about to play their 25th anniversary concert, quite possibly their last, only their intimate bond and the power of music can preserve their legacy. Inspired by and structured around Beethoven’s Opus 131 String Quartet in C-sharp minor, A LATE QUARTET pays homage to chamber music and the cultural world of New York.” (taken from rottentomatoes.com) Starring Catherine Keener, Christopher Walken, Mark Ivanir, and Philip Seymour Hoffman Click this link to visit the official site.

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On Sunday, November 18 at 3:00, The Dayton International Peace Museum, Wright State Peace Lecture Committee, Pi Beta Phi at the University of Dayton and The Dayton Council on World Affairs will present a special, free screening of IN THE LAND OF BLOOD AND HONEY.
“Dayton has made its place in history as the host city for the Dayton Peace Accords. A historic achievement in 1995, the Accords helped bring an end to the tragic civil war of the Former Yugoslavia. With the end in fighting, a horrific reality of ethnic cleaning and genocide was revealed, especially after the international community had pledged ‘No More’ after the end of the Holocaust in 1945. The Angelina Jolie-directed movie, IN THE LAND OF BLOOD AND HONEY portrays a bittersweet love story during the war. It brings to light the tragic reality of war and its impact on our humanity. In the aftermath of the conflict in the former Yugoslavia, a major trial at the International Criminal Court at The Hague took place that led to
international recognition of rape as a weapon of war. At this screening, we will be commemorating the historic Dayton Peace Accords and how Dayton was instrumental in the process. There will also be a Q&A panel after the movie to discuss ongoing violence issues against women that sadly continue domestically and internationally. Please join us for this important movie and stimulating discussion on how we can contribute to peace and humanity in our world today.” (taken from press notes) Visit the film’s official site.

The first three Saturdays at Noon in December will mark the return of the Family Holiday Film Series – sponsored by The Dayton Holiday Festival, DP&L, Channel 99.9 and THE NEON. Here is this year’s line-up:
DEC. 1 at Noon – PRANCER
DEC. 8 at Noon – IT’S A WONDERFUL LIFE
DEC. 15 at Noon – ARTHUR CHRISTMAS
These films are free for children 12 & under and only $2 for everyone else.

Next time you’re in our lobby, make sure to take your picture in our HITCHCOCK Screaming Booth. We’ll soon have a contest on facebook where you’ll be able to post your picture and vote on your favorite scream! (HITCHCOCK – about the making of PSYCHO – is slated to start in December…and it’s lots of fun.)

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

SHOWTIMES for Fri. Nov. 16 – Thur, Nov. 22:

THE SESSIONS (R) 1 Hr 35 Min
Friday, Saturday, Sunday: 12:45, 3:00, 5:15, 7:30, 9:45
Monday – Thursday: 3:00, 5:15, 7:30, 9:45

A LATE QUARTET (R) 1 Hr 45 Min
Friday & Saturday: 12:20, 2:40, 5:00, 7:20, 9:40
Sunday: 12:20, 5:50, 8:00
Monday – Thursday: 2:40, 5:00, 7:20, 9:40

IN THE LAND OF BLOOD AND HONEY (R) 2 Hr 7 Min
Sunday: 3:00

COMING SOON:
As always, all dates are tentative. Many of these dates will change.
In some rare cases, titles may disappear.
Nov. 30 ANNA KARENINA
Dec. TBD – HITCHCOCK
Dec. ? – SMASHED
Dec. ? – A ROYAL AFFAIR
Jan. 4 – HYDE PARK ON HUDSON
Jan ? – RUST AND BONE
Jan ? – ON THE ROAD
Feb ? – WEST OF MEMPHIS
Feb. ? – AMOUR
TBD – DIANA VREELAND: THE EYE HAS TO TRAVEL

ARBITRAGE Now Playing at THE NEON!

October 5, 2012 By Jonathan McNeal Leave a Comment

Hello Everyone,

Special thanks to everyone who came out and supported THE DOWNTOWN DAYTON LGBT FILM FESTIVAL. With enthusiastic crowds, 3 visiting directors, and 4 sold-out shows, this turned out to be the most successful festival in THE NEON’s history. I’m pleased to announce that the votes for our audience awards were very tight…which means that audiences were really liking several selections. Our “Audience Award – Best Feature” went to LOVE FREE OR DIE, and our “Audience Award – Best Short” went to SABBATICAL. Many congrats to those filmmakers!

We’ve moved forward this weekend at THE NEON. ROBOT AND FRANK just left, and today we opened the new thriller starring Richard Gere and Susan Sarandon – ARBITRAGE. If you still need to see THE MASTER, you have one more week.

Synopsis for ARBITRAGE: “When we first meet New York hedge-fund magnate Robert Miller on the eve of his 60th birthday, he appears the very portrait of success in American business and family life. But behind the gilded walls of his mansion, Miller is in over his head, desperately trying to complete the sale of his trading empire to a major bank before the depths of his fraud are revealed. Struggling to conceal his duplicity from loyal wife Ellen and brilliant daughter and heir-apparent Brooke, Miller’s also balancing an affair with French art-dealer Julie Cote. Just as he’s about to unload his troubled empire, an unexpected bloody error forces him to juggle family, business, and crime with the aid of Jimmy Grant, a face from Miller’s past.” (Roadside Attractions) Click this LINK to visit the official site for ARBITRAGE.

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We’re less than 2 weeks away from our big benefit…and I’ve got some new details for you (if you didn’t read the e-mail I sent out a few weeks ago, you can check it out here). Tickets can now be purchased at our box office and on-line via paypal. WDTN recently did a story about our conversion and benefit…if you didn’t catch it, you can see the video by visiting their site. I also stopped by LIVING DAYTON last week…to see that piece, visit their site. The items for our auction are rolling in. J Todd Anderson of Oakwood – well-known for being the storyboard artist to The Coen Brothers – has donated a hand-signed print of a storyboard from THE BIG LEBOWSKI. Martin Sheen has donated 2, autographed screenplays from THE WEST WING (we even sent the pilot to Allison Janney and had her sign it, too). Local filmmakers Julia Reichert, Steve Bognar and Jim Klein have added an exciting package of award-winning films – A LION IN THE HOUSE, THE LAST TRUCK and GROWING UP FEMALE. I’m supplying a copy of THE RUBI GIRLS documentary (which has yet to be released on DVD) as well as an autographed poster of the Girls. And lastly, THE NEON will auction off naming rights to the small auditorium. Stay tuned to next week’s newsletter for your chance to submit a bid if you’re unable to attend the benefit. Click the AMELIE picture below to visit the benefit website – where you can purchase tickets or make a donation to our campaign.

SLEEPWALK WITH ME – a film that many people have been asking about (due to Ira Glass urging his listeners) – is set to open October 12!

All the best.
I hope to see you soon,
Jonathan

SHOWTIMES for Fri. Oct. 5 – Thu. Oct. 11:

ARBITRAGE (R) 1 Hr 47 Min
Friday, Saturday, Sunday: 12:30, 2:50, 5:10, 7:30, 9:45
Monday: 2:50, 5:10, 7:30
Tuesday: 2:50, 5:10
Wednesday & Thursday: 2:50, 5:10, 7:30

THE MASTER (R) 2 Hrs 17 Min
Friday, Saturday, Sunday: 1:00, 4:00, 7:00, 9:45
Monday – Thursday: 2:30, 5:15, 8:00

COMING SOON:
As always, all dates are tentative. Many of these dates will change.
In some rare cases, titles may disappear
Oct. 12 SLEEPWALK WITH ME
Oct. 19 SEARCHING FOR SUGAR MAN
Nov. ? SAMSARA
TBD LIBERAL ARTS
TBD THE SESSIONS
TBD KILLER JOE
TBD NEIL YOUNG JOURNEYS
TBD ANNA KARENINA
TBD HYDE PARK ON HUDSON