Place Beyond the Pines

Redford’s THE COMPANY YOU KEEP at THE NEON!

April 24, 2013 By Jonathan McNeal Leave a Comment

Hello Everyone,

If you still need to see Danny Boyle’s latest film – TRANCE – you’ll need to hurry. Today (Thur, April 25) is its last day at THE NEON. On Friday, we will open Robert Redford’s latest film (based on the famous novel) – THE COMPANY YOU KEEP. For this week’s remaining showtimes, visit our official site: www.neonmovies.com

Synopsis for THE COMPANY YOU KEEP: “Jim Grant (Robert Redford) is a public interest lawyer and single father raising his daughter in the tranquil suburbs of Albany, New York. Grant’s world is turned upside down,when a brash young reporter named Ben Shepard (Shia LaBeouf) exposes his true identity as a former 1970s antiwar radical fugitive wanted for murder. After living for more than 30 years underground, Grant must now go on the run. With the FBI in hot pursuit, he sets off on a cross-country journey to track down the one person that can clear his name.” (taken from Sony Pictures Classics) Directed by Redford, this film also stars Susan Sarandon, Nick Nolte, Chris Cooper, Sam Elliott, Julie Christie, Richard Jenkins, Stanley Tucci and Terrence Howard. Click this LINK to visit the film’s official site.

[yframe url=’http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2r0l6TBszwo’]

The 13th Dayton Jewish International Film Festival is off to a terrific start. Opening night sold out both of our auditoriums, and audiences are loving the films. You can visit our lobby to pick up a brochure for this year’s festival, and you can visit the website to purchase advanced tickets by clicking this LINK. 5 remaining films from this festival will screen at THE NEON. Here are the dates and times:
Thu, Apr 25 at 7:15 – NICKY’S FAMILY
Tue, Apr 30 at 7:15 – NAOMI
Thu, May 2 at 7:15 – LEA & DARIA
Tue, May 7 at 10am – TORN
Thu, May 9 at 7:15 – A BOTTLE IN THE GAZA SEA

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

“The India Foundation celebrates One Hundred Years of Indian Cinema: 1913 – 2013 with a Tribute to Dada Saheb Phalke – Father of the Indian Cinema. The first Indian silent film produced, written and directed by Mr. Phalke was released in Bombay on May 3, 1913. A screening of selected clips entitled Silent Movies – Early Years will be presented on Saturday, May 4th at Noon (the collection includes digitized clips from Phalke’s RAJA HARISHCHANDRA and KALIYA MARDAN (1919) and clips from the only surviving Bengali silent film JAMAI BABU (Son-in-Law) by Kalipada Das). A reception preceding the screening will begin at 11:30a.m. Admission is only $5. The National Film Archives of India has graciously made the present collection possible.” (taken from press notes)

We’ve got a gathr screening on the horizon. This time, it’s for a film called 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 will only take place if 50 people reserve a ticket by May 26 (the screening is tentatively 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’]

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)

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

We will open MUD next week – the new thriller with Matthew McConaughey. (I’m delighted to report that the distributor decided to wait for us until next week instead of opening at a multiplex this week.)

We hope to see you soon!
All the best,
Jonathan

SHOWTIMES for Fri. April 26 – Thur, May 2:

THE PLACE BEYOND THE PINES
(R) 2 Hr 20 Min
Friday, Saturday, Sunday: 1:00, 4:00, 7:00, 9:45
Monday: 1:45, 4:30, 7:30
Tuesday: 1:45, 4:30
Wednesday: 1:45, 4:30, 7:30
Thursday: 1:45, 4:30

THE COMAPNY YOU KEEP (R) 2 Hr 05 Min
Friday, Saturday, Sunday: 1:30, 4:40, 7:20, 9:45
Monday – Thursday: 2:00, 4:40, 7:20

DAYTON JEWISH INTERNATIONAL FILM FEST
Tuesday at 7:15 – NAOMI
Thursday at 7:15 – LEA & DARIA

COMING SOON:
As always, all dates are tentative. Many of these dates will change.
In some rare cases, titles may disappear.
May 3 – MUD
May 10 – THE SAPPHIRES
May ? – STARBUCK
May ? – TO THE WONDER
May 24 – AT ANY PRICE
May 31 – RENOIR
June 7 – LOVE IS ALL YOU NEED
TBD – GINGER AND ROSA
TBD – KON TIKI
TBD – FROM UP ON POPPY HILL
TBD – FRANCES HA
TBD – IN THE HOUSE
TBD – NO

TRANCE & PLACE BEYOND THE PINES + Special Events at THE NEON!

April 18, 2013 By Jonathan McNeal Leave a Comment

Hello Everyone,

I just got back from The Cleveland International Film Festival, and I had a magnificent time. Over the course of 5 days, I saw 15 films and met a couple filmmakers I greatly admire. Several of you have asked how one goes about visiting the Toronto Film Fest. Though I wouldn’t dissuade you from attending that fest, I’d be remiss if I didn’t encourage you to attend this great festival which is just a few hours away. This year, there were 180 features and 165 shorts to chose from, and this incredible fest just keeps growing. Keep your eye on it next spring!

THE PLACE BEYOND THE PINES had a terrific weekend at THE NEON, but TRANCE fell short of our expectations. That said, we’ll hold both films…but TRANCE will more than likely only play for one more week. For this week’s remaining showtimes, visit our official site: www.neonmovies.com.

Check out this featurette from PLACE BEYOND THE PINES:

[yframe url=’http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=x8X1WSiedaI’]

And check out this featurette from TRANCE:

[yframe url=’http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-5e1yaIXYg4′]

The 13th Dayton Jewish International Film Festival is here, and you can visit our lobby to pick up a brochure for this year’s festival . To visit the website and purchase advanced tickets, click this LINK. 8 films from this festival will screen at THE NEON, and the line-up looks terrific! Here are the dates and times:
Thu, Apr 18 at 7:30 – THE OTHER SON (preceded by Opening Reception at 7pm)
Sun, Apr 21 at 3:00 – MY BEST ENEMY
Tue, Apr 23 at 7:15 – MELTING AWAY
Thu, Apr 25 at 7:15 – NICKY’S FAMILY
Tue, Apr 30 at 7:15 – NAOMI
Thu, May 2 at 7:15 – LEA & DARIA
Tue, May 7 at 10am – TORN
Thu, May 9 at 7:15 – A BOTTLE IN THE GAZA SEA

“In celebration of National Record Store Day, GHETTOBLASTER MAGAZINE in partnership with DAYTON MUSIC FEST have organized a free screening of Brendan Toller’s I NEED THAT RECORD! THE DEATH (OR POSSIBLE SURVIVAL) OF THE INDEPENDENT RECORD STORE on Saturday, April 20 at 10:15 pm. “Greedy record labels, media consolidation, homogenized radio, big box stores, Ecommerce and the digital revolution all pose threats on the very well being of our favorite record stores and the music industry at large. Will these stores die? Will they survive? Featuring interviews with THURSTON MOORE of Sonic Youth, Ian MacKaye of Fugazi/Minor Threat, activist/author NOAM CHOMSKY, MIKE WATT of the Minutemen, PAT CARNEY of the Black Keys and many indie record stores across the U.S. of A!” Bring your receipts from earlier that day from the many local businesses participating with special Record Store Day discounts and get entered to win one of two DAYTON INDIE BUSINESSES SHOPPING SPREES! This screening is FREE…first come, first serve. Sponsored by BLIND BOB’S, OMEGA MUSIC, THAI9, AND 5TH STREET WINE & DELI.” (taken from press notes)

[yframe url=’http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OePVFP7NJrQ’]

In next week’s newsletter, I’ll tell let you know about film #4 in Start Freedom Dayton’s film series – scheduled for May 30.

Check out our COMING SOON list below. THE SAPPHIRES had to be pushed back (we’re hoping you’ll help make that film a Dayton success when it opens), and I’m sure many of you will be happy to see that RENOIR will open in late May!

All the best,
Jonathan

SHOWTIMES for Fri. April 19 – Thur, April 25:

THE PLACE BEYOND THE PINES (R) 2 Hr 20 Min
Friday, Saturday, Sunday: 1:00, 4:00, 7:00, 9:45
Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday: 1:45, 4:40, 7:45
Thursday: 1:45, 4:30

TRANCE (R) 1 Hr 41 Min
Friday: 12:50, 3:00, 5:10, 7:20, 9:30
Saturday: 12:50, 3:00, 5:10, 7:20
Sunday: 12:50, 5:10, 7:20, 9:30
Monday: 3:00, 5:10, 7:20
Tuesday: 3:00, 5:10
Wednesday & Thursday: 3:00, 5:10, 7:20

I NEED THAT RECORD! (NR) 1 Hr 17 Min
Saturday: 10:15

DAYTON JEWISH INTERNATIONAL FILM FEST
Sunday at 3:00 – MY BEST ENEMY
Tuesday at 7:15 – MELTING AWAY
Thursday at 7:15 – NICKY’S FAMILY

COMING SOON:

As always, all dates are tentative. Many of these dates will change.

In some rare cases, titles may disappear.

April 26 – THE COMPANY YOU KEEP
April 26 – MUD
May 10 – THE SAPPHIRES
May ? – STARBUCK
May ? – TO THE WONDER
May 24 – AT ANY PRICE
May 31 – RENOIR
June 7 – LOVE IS ALL YOU NEED
TBD – GINGER AND ROSA
TBD – KON TIKI
TBD – FROM UP ON POPPY HILL
TBD – FRANCES HA
TBD – IN THE HOUSE
TBD – NO

THE PLACE BEYOND THE PINES and TRANCE at THE NEON!

April 8, 2013 By Jonathan McNeal Leave a Comment

Hello Everyone,

Everything Must Go! If you still need to see ON THE ROAD, THE GATEKEEPERS or 56 UP, Thursday will be your last chance to see them at THE NEON. On Friday, we will open 2 new films…both from directors who have had successful films at THE NEON in the past. For this week’s remaining showtimes, visit our official site: www.neonmovies.com.

On Friday, we will open Danny Boyle’s TRANCE (Boyle directed SLUMDOG MILLIONAIRE (our biggest hit ever), MILLIONS and 127 HOURS) and Derek Cianfrance’s THE PLACE BEYOND THE PINES (Cianfrance directed BLUE VALENTINE – which also starred Ryan Gosling).

Synopsis for TRANCE: “Simon (James McAvoy), a fine art auctioneer, teams up with a criminal gang to steal a Goya painting worth millions of dollars, but after suffering a blow to the head during the heist he awakens to discover he has no memory of where he hid the painting. When physical threats and torture fail to produce answers, the gang’s leader Frank (Vincent Cassel) hires hypnotherapist Elizabeth Lamb (Rosario Dawson) to delve into the darkest recesses of Simon’s psyche. As Elizabeth begins to unravel Simon’s broken subconscious, the lines between truth, suggestion, and deceit begin to blur.” (taken from Fox Searchlight) Click this LINK to watch the official trailer.

[yframe url=’http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=976y9Xm6BkY’]

Synopsis for THE PLACE BEYOND THE PINES: “The highly anticipated new drama from director Derek Cianfrance powerfully explores the consequences of motorcycle rider Luke’s (Academy Award nominee Ryan Gosling) fateful decision to commit a crime to support his child. The incident renders him targeted by policeman Avery (Academy Award nominee Bradley Cooper), and the two men become locked on a tense collision course which will have a devastating impact on both of their families in the years following.” (taken from Focus Features) Click this LINK to visit the official site.

[yframe url=’http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7ew4j9xxupI’]

On Tuesday, April 16 at 7:30, Five River Metroparks will host a screening of WHERE THE YELLOWSTONE GOES. The film “follows a 30-day drift boat journey down the longest ‘undammed’ river in the lower 48. Intimate portraits of locals in both booming cities and dusty, dwindling towns along the Yellowstone River illustrate the history and controversies surrounding this enigmatic watershed leading to questions about its future. Connect with colorful characters, get lost in the hypnotic cast of a fly rod, and experience silhouetted moments of fireside stories on this heartfelt river adventure.” (taken from press notes) Tickets will be $11 in advance ($10 plus $1 service fee) or $15 the day of the screening at the door (cash only). We will not be selling advanced tickets to this screening at THE NEON. Click this LINK to purchase advanced tickets. Visit the official site to learn more about the film.

Also on the horizon is The 13th Dayton Jewish International Film Festival. You can now visit our lobby to pick up a brochure for this year’s festival . To visit the website and purchase advanced tickets, click this LINK. 8 films from this festival will screen at THE NEON, and the line-up looks terrific! Here are the dates and times:
Thu, Apr 18 at 7:30 – THE OTHER SON (preceded by Opening Reception at 7pm)
Sun, Apr 21 at 3:00 – MY BEST ENEMY
Tue, Apr 23 at 7:15 – MELTING AWAY
Thu, Apr 25 at 7:15 – NICKY’S FAMILY
Tue, Apr 30 at 7:15 – NAOMI
Thu, May 2 at 7:15 – LEA & DARIA
Tue, May 7 at 10am – TORN
Thu, May 9 at 7:15 – A BOTTLE IN THE GAZA SEA

All the best,
Jonathan

SHOWTIMES for Fri. April 12 – Thur, April 18:

THE PLACE BEYOND THE PINES
(R) 2 Hr 20 Min
Friday, Saturday, Sunday: 1:00, 4:00, 7:00, 9:45
Monday: 1:45, 4:40, 7:45
Tuesday: 1:45, 4:40
Wednesday: 1:45, 4:40, 7:45
Thursday: 1:45, 4:40

TRANCE (R) 1 Hr 41 Min
Friday, Saturday, Sunday: 12:50, 3:00, 5:10, 7:20, 9:30
Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday: 3:00, 5:10, 7:20
Thursday: 3:00, 5:10

WHERE THE YELLOWSTONE GOES (NR) 1 Hr 28 Min
Tuesday: 7:30

THE OTHER SON (PG-13) 1 Hr 45 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.

April 19 – THE SAPPHIRES
April 26 – MUD
April 26 – THE COMPANY YOU KEEP
April 26 – STARBUCK
May ? – TO THE WONDER
May 24 – AT ANY PRICE
June 7 – LOVE IS ALL YOU NEED
TBD – GINGER AND ROSA
TBD – KON TIKI
TBD – FROM UP ON POPPY HILL
TBD – FRANCES HA
TBD – IN THE HOUSE
TBD – NO

EMPEROR and QUARTET Continue Successful Runs at THE NEON!

March 12, 2013 By Jonathan McNeal Leave a Comment

Hello Everyone,

The first quarter for 2013 has been very good for us at THE NEON. Thanks to all of you who continue to support our films! QUARTET has been huge, HYDE PARK ON HUDSON and SILVER LININGS PLAYBOOK were big hits, and EMPEROR is off to a very good start. We appreciate your patronage and your great word-of-mouth marketing that you do for us. Thank you!

We will hold both of our current titles for another week – QUARTET and EMPEROR. It’s almost certain that this will be the final week for QUARTET…so if you need to see it (or see it again), hurry down. Remaining showtimes for this week are at: www.neonmovies.com.

Check out this little discussion about QUARTET with Dustin Hoffman:

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

We’ve got several special events on the horizon.

On Thursday, March 28 at 7:30, “Peace on Fifth will present movie #3 for their trafficking awareness campaign – Start Freedom Dayton (Sponsored by Love146 Dayton, Stop Human Trafficking Dayton and Peace on Fifth). FLESH, a documentary about sex trafficking in the U.S., challenges our ideas of slavery, human trafficking & prostitution. The story is told by the girls who have escaped and those who are currently enslaved, former and current pimps, and modern day abolitionists. The post-screening discussion will be led by Elizabeth Ranade Janis, Ohio’s first human trafficking coordinator. Tickets: $10 day of show at The Neon. Advance tickets: $8.50 at Peace on Fifth (508 E. 5th 937-367-7215).” (taken from press notes)

This year’s edition of LUNAFEST – a collection of 9 short films made by, for and about women – will take place on Sunday, April 7 at 3:00. In addition to the nationally touring program (which you can read all about by clicking this LINK), this year’s local line-up will also feature a short film by WSU student Megan Hague – WOMEN WHO YELL. Hague will be available for a Q&A following the screening. Proceeds will go to the Breast Cancer Fund and Planned Parenthood – Southwest Ohio. The suggested donation for tickets is $10 each (minimum of $5 per ticket). More ticket information will be available soon.

[yframe url=’http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TAa_mvSViP0′]

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 pdf 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 15 – Thur, March 21:

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 22 – WEST OF MEMPHIS
March 22 – STOKER
March 29 – THE GATEKEEPERS
April 5 – ON THE ROAD
April 12 – NO
April 12 – A PLACE BEYOND THE PINES
April 26 – MUD
April 26 – THE COMPANY YOU KEEP
April 26 – STARBUCK

Late April/Early May – THE SAPPHIRES
May ? – TO THE WONDER

Toronto Film Fest – Day #3

September 9, 2012 By Jonathan McNeal Leave a Comment

Hello Again,

I started off this morning with Derek Cianfrance’s follow-up to BLUE VALENTINE. This film is called A PLACE BEYOND THE PINES, and it’s well shot, edited, etc…but I really disliked it. The film is about a motorcycle trick rider with a traveling carnival who finds out that he an old fling ended up pregnant during his last stop through town. He decides to stick around when the fair leaves…and will do anything to make things “right.” There are three chapters to this film – each with its own set of acts. Ryan Gosling, Bradley Cooper, Eva Mendes, Dean DeHaan are the leads. The story seemed overly contrived to me, and I thought the score had elements of western/thriller hybrid – which somehow appropriate didn’t seem right at the time (only after seeing the whole film did it make sense…but doesn’t work as far as I’m concerned). I shook my head and snickered at several moments…that wasn’t the response the director was hoping for.

Next up, I saw a film from the Netherlands called THE DEFLOWERING OF EVA VON END. When a handsome German exchange student arrives at the home of the von End family, their backwards, slightly wacky lives are turned upside down as almost everyone (except one jealous son) tries to win the attention of the new arrival. This film started off quirky & hysterical…became a little twisted…and then took some completely zany turns. Whereas I liked 80% of this movie, the ending dragged on and I wasn’t completely sold on the entire third act. (That said, I did laugh quite a bit for the first hour.)

Lastly, I saw the world premiere of CLOUD ATLAS. This epic film from the directors of THE MATRIX and Tom Tykwer (PERFUME and RUN, LOLA RUN) covers numerous characters, numerous plotlines and numerous time periods. Whereas I’m rarely a fan of science fiction (GATTACA is the only sci-fi film from the last 20 years that I consider a favorite), this film had me intrigued from the opening sequence. Though it’s a big Hollywood film (Warner Brother is distributing), it’s thoughtful, complicated and quite topical. It’s funny, it’s gory, it’s rough, it’s tender…and the crowd gave the film a standing ovation for more than 6 minutes. So many were there – the directors, Susan Sarandon, Ben Whishaw, Jim Broadbent, Halle Berry, Tom Hanks, and more! Overall, I think this is an ambitious piece – and for the most part, sucessful. Check out the long, special trailer below!

[yframe url=’http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hWnAqFyaQ5s’]

After the film, I met up with an old friend who I haven’t seen since last year’s fest. I figured out that we met exactly 10 years ago to this very weekend. Bill and I met in line for Pedro Almodovar’s TALK TO HER – one of my favorite films of all time. And we’ve stayed in touch for a decade. That’s pretty special.

Time for bed. More tomorrow.

Jonathan