quartet

STOKER and WEST OF MEMPHIS Open at THE NEON!

March 19, 2013 By Jonathan McNeal Leave a Comment

Hello Everyone,

We’re moving along this weekend. If you still need to see QUARTET, you only have through Thursday to catch it at THE NEON. On Friday, we start a new, stylish thriller which clearly pays homage to Hitchcock – STOKER. We will also begin a one-week engagement of the new documentary WEST OF MEMPHIS. In addition, EMPEROR will stick around for a couple screenings per day for one more week. For this week’s remaining showtimes, visit our official site: www.neonmovies.com.

Synopsis for STOKER: “After India’s father dies in an auto accident, her Uncle Charlie, who she never knew existed, comes to live with her and her emotionally unstable mother. Soon after his arrival, she comes to suspect this mysterious, charming man has ulterior motives, but instead of feeling outrage or horror, this friendless girl becomes increasingly infatuated with him.” (taken from rottentomatoes.com) This film stars Mia Wasikowska, Nicole Kidman, Matthew Goode and Jackie Weaver. Click HERE to visit the film’s official site.

[yframe url=’http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JNpDG4WR_74′]

Synopsis for WEST OF MEMPHIS: “From director Amy Berg, in collaboration with filmmakers Peter Jackson and Fran Walsh comes WEST OF MEMPHIS, a powerful examination of a catastrophic failure of justice in Arkansas. The documentary tells the hitherto unknown story behind an extraordinary and desperate fight to bring the truth to light. Told and made by those who lived it, Berg’s unprecedented access to the inner workings of the defense, allows the film to show the investigation, research and appeals process in a way that has never been seen before; revealing shocking and disturbing new information about a case that still haunts the American South.” (taken from rottentomatoes) This story was told in a film called PARADISE LOST and its subsequent follow-ups…but critics agree that this film is a masterfully crafted summation that reveals fresh insights. Click HERE to visit the film’s official site.

[yframe url=’http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CQ0p44qDqK4′]

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. (I previously announced that Hague would be at the screening, but that has changed. She will not be able to attend.) 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.

Downtown resident and NEON regular Hector Escobar wants us to screen the film BLESS ME, ULTIMA. In order to make the screening happen, we need to “sell” 65 tickets by the end of March. If that many tickets are reserved, the screening will take place Wednesday, April 10 at 7:30. (This is a lot like our screening of THE CENTRAL PARK FIVE. There’s no gamble. If 65 tickets aren’t reserved, you will not be billed…and the event will not proceed.) Watch the trailer below and check out this LINK to reserve your ticket.

[yframe url=’http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1yg9kkqCul0′]

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. I’ll go into more details in the coming weeks, or you can visit our lobby for the new brochures . To visit the website, click this LINK. 8 films from this festival will screen at THE NEON, and the line-up looks terrific!

Over the years, we have celebrated the work of local filmmakers Julia Reichert and Steve Bognar. Well if you haven’t already heard, they recently unveiled a new website about Dayton, and new content (the 2nd part of a documentary found on the site) was just released today. Click this LINK to read an article I wrote about their project.

The spring looks very promising at THE NEON, and we hope to see you soon.

All the best,
Jonathan

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

STOKER (R) 1 Hr 39 Min
Friday, Saturday, Sunday: 12:30, 2:50, 5:10, 7:30, 9:45
Monday – Wednesday: 2:50, 5:10, 7:30
Thursday: 2:50, 5:10, 7:50

EMPEROR (PG-13) 1 Hrs 46 Min
Friday, Saturday, Sunday: 2:00, 7:15
Monday – Wednesday: 2:45, 8:00
Thursday: 2:45

WEST OF MEMPHIS (R) 2 Hrs 27 Min
Friday, Saturday, Sunday: 4:15, 9:30
Monday – Thursday: 5:00

COMING SOON:
As always, all dates are tentative. Many of these dates will change.
In some rare cases, titles may disappear.
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 – THE SAPPHIRES
May ? – TO THE WONDER

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.

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

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

AMOUR and QUARTET Continue Successful Runs at THE NEON!

February 27, 2013 By Jonathan McNeal Leave a Comment

Hello Everyone,

Thank you! We had another great weekend. We truly appreciate your patronage and all the good word-of-mouth recommendations you’ve been giving regarding our films. QUARTET continues to be a big hit for us – it will stick around. Though numbers for the Oscar-winning AMOUR have fallen, it will stay for one more week (hurry down if you need to see it…many of our patrons agree that Emmanuelle Riva should have taken home the Oscar this Sunday). Remaining showtimes for this week are at www.neonmovies.com.

[yframe url=’http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BQ0SupR0XgM’]

Though attendance was down for this year’s Oscar Party (we think some folks made other plans since we’ve been so busy in past years…and we realize there are lots of other options), we had a great time! Thanks so much to everyone who came…and Special Thanks to ThinkTV and Square One Salon & Spa for helping to make the night a success!

“This evening, February 28 at 7:30, Peace on Fifth brings you movie #2 in their series about human trafficking and exploitation. HALF THE SKY, based on the book by Nicholas Kristof and Sheryl Dunn, takes you on a journey from oppression to opportunity. Because this film focuses on the oppression of women, we will explore the direct links of oppression of women and the growth of human trafficking locally and abroad during our after-movie discussion. This screening is sponsored in part by Gallery 510, Loretta Puncer.” (taken from press notes) Advanced tickets (before the day of the event) are only available at Peace on Fifth for $8.50 each (Peace On Fifth is located at 508 E. 5th Street in the Oregon District). Tickets on the day of the screening will be at THE NEON for $10 each.

Omari Matlock, a former Daytonian, will premiere his latest film – DESCENT OF A SUPERSTAR – this 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 available at our box office.

Next week, we will share the line-up for this year’s Dayton Jewish International Film Festival and a few other special events on the horizon.

We hope to see you soon,
Jonathan

SHOWTIMES for Fri. March 1 – Thur, March 7:

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

AMOUR (PG-13) 2 Hrs 7 Min.
Friday: 1:00, 4:00, 7:00, 9:30
Saturday: 4:00, 7:00, 9:30
Sunday: 1:00, 4:00, 7:00, 9:30
Monday – Thursday: 2:30, 5:15, 8:00

DESCENT OF A SUPERSTAR (NR) 30 Min + Discussion
Saturday: Noon

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 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

QUARTET and AMOUR Exclusively at THE NEON

February 12, 2013 By Jonathan McNeal Leave a Comment

Hello Everyone,

Everything we’ve got is leaving! If you still need to see A ROYAL AFFAIR or SILVER LININGS PLAYBOOK, hurry down. On Thursday (Valentine’s Day) we’ll begin our exclusive engagement of QUARTET (which I’m certain will delight so many of you). On Friday, we begin one of the absolute best reviewed films of 2012 – AMOUR.

The Oscar-Nominated Shorts were a big success. Special thanks to all of you who came out and supported them. If at all possible (we’re not certain yet), we will have encore screenings of these films next weekend (Feb. 22-24). Remaining showtimes for this week are at www.neonmovies.com.

Synopsis for QUARTET: “Beecham House is abuzz. The rumor circling the halls is that the home for retired musicians is soon to play host to a new resident. Word is, it’s a star. For Reginald Paget (Tom Courtenay), Wilfred Bond (Billy Connolly) and Cecily Robson (Pauline Collins) this sort of talk is par for the course at the gossipy home. But they’re in for a special shock when the new arrival turns out to be none other than their former singing partner, Jean Horton (Maggie Smith). Her subsequent career as a star soloist, and the ego that accompanied it, split up their long friendship and ended her marriage to Reggie, who takes the news of her arrival particularly hard. Can the passage of time heal old wounds? And will the famous quartet be able to patch up their differences in time for Beecham House’s gala concert?” (The Weinstein Company) When I saw this film in Toronto, I knew immediately that we had to book this film…I deemed it “the next BEST EXOTIC MARIGOLD HOTEL,” and audiences across the country are loving it. Please help us spread the word…we want to let The Weinstein Company know that they made the right decision by giving us the exclusive engagement! Click on this LINK to visit the official site.

[yframe url=’http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wSEnh8Hi62E’]

Synopsis for AMOUR: Nominated for 5 Oscars – Including Best Picture, Best Foreign Film, and Best Actress – this is one of 2012’s Best Reviewed Films…with 100% reviews from THE CHICAGO TRIBUNE, ENTERTAINMENT WEEKLY, THE WALL STREET JOURNAL, TIME, THE NEW YORK TIMES, THE LOS ANGELES TIMES and many more! “Georges and Anne are in their eighties. They are cultivated, retired music teachers. Their daughter, who is also a musician, lives abroad with her family. One day, Anne has an attack. The couple’s bond of love is severely tested.” (Sony Pictures Classics) If I was casting a ballot for Best Picture at this year’s Academy Awards, this would be my pick! Click on this LINK to visit the film’s official site.

[yframe url=’http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6Tuc3zjvJU8′]

“On February 23 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 with James McBride as co-writer) – 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)

[yframe url=’http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qWUaexrY2dk’]

On February 28 at 7:30, Peace on Fifth will hold a screening of HALF THE SKY. More details will be available in next week’s newsletter.

I’m excited to announce that Square One Salon & Spa has once again donated a prize for our Oscar contest! 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.)

We hope to see you soon,
Jonathan

SHOWTIMES for Fri. Feb. 15 – Thur, Feb. 21:

QUARTET (PG-13) 1 Hr 38 Min.
Thur (Feb. 14): 3:00, 5:15, 7:30
Friday, Saturday, Sunday: 12:45, 3:00, 5:15, 7:30, 9:40
Monday – Thursday: 3:00, 5:15, 7:30

AMOUR (PG-13) 2 Hrs 7 Min.
Friday, Saturday, Sunday: 1:00, 4:00, 7:00, 9:30
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.
March 8 – EMPEROR
March 22 – STOKER
March 29 – THE GATEKEEPERS
April 5 – ON THE ROAD
April 12 – NO

SILVER LININGS PLAYBOOK & HYDE PARK ON HUDSON Continue at THE NEON

January 23, 2013 By Jonathan McNeal Leave a Comment

Hello Everyone,

We’ve had a tremendous start to 2013. Thanks to all of you who continue to support the films we bring to town. This past weekend was fantastic, and audiences are loving SILVER LININGS PLAYBOOK. In fact, we’re going to hold both films. That said, this will be the final week for HYDE PARK ON HUDSON. Hurry down if you still need to see it! For remaining showtimes this week, visit our official site at www.neonmovies.com.

By now, I’m sure you’re aware of our upcoming screening of the new documentary directed by Ken Burns, Sarah Burns, and David McMahon – THE CENTRAL PARK FIVE. We’re set to play it thanks to your support of a new distribution model called GATHR. Because 25 people have already purchased tickets to the screening, the date and time are secure. We’ll play the film on Thursday, February. 7 at 7:30. Tickets are $9 each. Visit our box office or the Gathr site to purchase advanced tickets (this is the LINK to the gathr site…enter “45402” for the zip code). Please help us spread the word…we would love to bring even more smaller films to town, but we have to make certain there’s adequate support before we bring them. Here’s a brief synopsis of the film – “In 1989, five black and Latino teenagers were arrested and chared with brutally attacking and raping a white female jogger in Central Park. News media swarmed the case, calling them a ‘wolfpack.’ The five would spend years in prison for a crime they didn’t commit before the truth about what really happened became clear…”

“January 1863 marked the first legal idea of freedom for slaves in the United States of America, but 150 years later there are more slaves and humans trafficked than ever before. Ohio is #5 in the nation for the most number of humans trafficked. Peace on Fifth presents a one-time movie screening of NOT MY LIFE in honor of Human Trafficking Prevention Month and as a part of Start Freedom Dayton, a local human trafficking awareness campaign. With a reported 27 million people enslaved in the world, many US Americans may think this is a global problem that does not touch the shores of the US. In fact, who would ever think that Dayton is at risk or involved? The film covers five continents and shows multiple forms of trafficking/slavery. You will hear from victims, advocates and abolitionists that are on the ground living and fighting for freedom every day. Come out and see about modern day slavery and learn how you can change the world…right now! Tickets at $10 at the door or $8.50 in advance at Peace on Fifth (located at 508 E Fifth Street).”

ThinkTV has once again offered to help us get a signal for our FREE Annual Oscar Party. Mark you calendars for Sunday, February 24. Ballots are now available in our lobby (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.)

Next week, we play to open RUST AND BONE…and incredible film with n amazing performance by Marion Cotillard. Check out the trailer.

[yframe url=’http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Jg7skcyYolU’]

We hope to see you soon,
Jonathan

SHOWTIMES for Fri. Jan. 25 – Thur, Jan. 31:

HYDE PARK ON HUDSON (R) 1 Hr 34 Min
Friday, Saturday, Sunday: 12:50, 3:00, 5:10, 7:20, 9:30
Monday – Wednesday: 3:00, 5:15, 7:50
Thursday: 3:00, 5:15

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

NOT MY LIFE (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.
Feb. 1 – RUST AND BONE
Feb ? – A ROYAL AFFAIR
Feb. 15 – AMOUR
Feb ? – QUARTET
Feb ? – WEST OF MEMPHIS
Late Winter/Spring – NO
Late Winter/Spring – THE GATEKEEPERS
Spring – ON THE ROAD

DIANA VREELAND Doc at THE NEON Plus Fun Announcements

January 9, 2013 By Jonathan McNeal Leave a Comment

Hello Everyone,

Thanks to all of you who came out over the weekend. It was a great way to start off 2013! HYDE PARK ON HUDSON was a big hit, and we’re going to hold it steady. PROMISED LAND, though well-liked, wasn’t so hot. We’re going to hold it for a few screenings a day for one more week…but we’re also going to add something new to the mix. Diana Vreeland, the style icon and “Auntie Mame” of the fashion world, is featured in a new documentary that will appeal to all lovers of fashion, music and art – DIANA VREELAND: THE EYE HAS TO TRAVEL. This film will only play for one week…one screening per day. For this week’s remaining showtimes, visit our website at www.neonmovies.com

Synopsis for DIANA VREELAND: THE EYE HAS TO TRAVEL: “During Diana Vreeland’s fifty year reign as the “Empress of Fashion,” she launched Twiggy, advised Jackie Onassis, and established countless trends that have withstood the test of time. She was the fashion editor of Harper’s Bazaar where she worked for twenty-five years before becoming editor-in-chief of Vogue, followed by a remarkable stint at the Metropolitan Museum of Art’s Costume Institute, where she helped popularize its historical collections. Diana Vreeland: The Eye Has to Travel is an intimate portrait and a vibrant celebration of one of the most influential women of the twentieth century, an enduring icon who has had a strong influence on the course of fashion, beauty, publishing and culture.” (Samuel Goldwyn) Click this LINK to visit the official site.

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Have you heard of the new documentary directed by Ken Burns, Sarah Burns, and David McMahon – THE CENTRAL PARK FIVE? “In 1989, five black and Latino teenagers were arrested and charged with brutally attacking and raping a white female jogger in Central Park. News media swarmed the case, calling them a ‘wolfpack.’ The five would spend years in prison for a crime they didn’t commit before the truth about what really happened became clear…this incendiary film tells the riveting tale of innocent young men scapegoated for a heinous crime, and serves as a mirror for our times.” This documentary is not currently slated to play in town. That said, we’re trying something new. It’s called Gathr. If 25 people buy tickets in advance, we’ll play the film on Thursday, February. 7 at 7:30. Tickets will be $9 each. Visit the Gathr site to purchase your tickets by clicking this LINK (enter “45402” for the zip code, and the information for THE CENTRAL PARK FIVE will appear…along with a trailer). Don’t worry – If you “buy” a ticket but there’s not enough interest, we won’t hold the screening and you won’t be charged. Please help us spread the word…we need to sell 25 tickets in advance in order to proceed!

If you were a fan of the one-night only screening of RIDE THE DIVIDE, mark your calendars now for January 23. We will host a one-night only screening of the new film REVEAL THE PATH. “REVEAL THE PATH is a genre-defying adventure film that contemplates what it means to live an inspired life using the bicycle as a mechanism to explore, dream and discover. Regions explored include Scotland’s lush valleys, Europe’s snow capped mountains, Morocco’s high desert landscapes, Nepal’s rural countryside and Alaska’s rugged coastal beaches…Meet the locals living modest yet seemingly fulfilling lives, leading us to question what it means to live an inspired life – however humble or extravagant. Join in as the creators of RIDE THE DIVIDE take you on an adventure that will leave you with an eager desire to chart your own course to far away lands or simply to discover with eyes wide open what’s right around the bend.” (taken from press notes) Check out the official site to find out more about the film and to purchase advanced tickets. (We will not be selling advanced tickets for this event at our box office…they will only be available on the official site.)

ThinkTV has once again offered to help us get a signal for our FREE Annual Oscar Party. Mark you calendars for Sunday, February 24. More details will be available soon.

On January 18, we will open SILVER LININGS PLAYBOOK. The Weinstein Company wanted us to open the film on Dec. 25, but we had obligations with our other titles at that time…so we think adding it after tomorrow’s Oscar nominations will be a good fit. Please help us spread the word. If you haven’t seen this film yet, we hope you’ll wait to see it with us. If you’ve already seen it, perhaps you’d consider telling friends to see it here (or maybe even see it again).

We hope to see you soon,
Jonathan

SHOWTIMES for Fri. Jan. 11 – Thur, Jan. 17:

HYDE PARK ON HUDSON (R) 1 Hr 34 Min
Friday, Saturday, Sunday: 12:50, 3:00, 5:10, 7:20, 9:30
Monday – Thursday: 3:00, 5:15, 7:50

PROMISED LAND (R) 1 Hr 46 Min
Friday, 5:15, 7:30, 9:45
Saturday, Sunday: 12:45, 5:15, 7:30, 9:45
Monday – Thursday: 3:00, 8:00

DIANA VREELAND: THE EYE HAS TO TRAVEL
(PG-13) 1 Hr 26 min
Friday, Saturday, Sunday: 3:00
Monday – Thursday: 5:30

COMING SOON:
As always, all dates are tentative. Many of these dates will change.
In some rare cases, titles may disappear.
Jan. ? – A ROYAL AFFAIR
Jan 25 – RUST AND BONE
Feb. 15 – AMOUR
Feb ? – WEST OF MEMPHIS
Late February – QUARTET
Spring – ON THE ROAD

Toronto Film Fest – Day #4

September 10, 2012 By Jonathan McNeal Leave a Comment

Hello!

I’m gonna try and make this short and sweet…as it’s already late and I need to wake by 6am again tomorrow.

It was quite a day. 4 films…all (mostly) good.

First off, I saw David O. Russell’s SILVER LININGS PLAYBOOK (Russell did I HEART HUCKABEES, FLIRTING WITH DISASTER and – starring Bradley Cooper, Jennifer Lawrence and Robert DeNiro. This dysfunctional family comedy about mental illness was full of laughs – mostly due to honest observations. I wish it had been a little shorter, but ultimately I think it will be crowd-pleaser. (editorial note – I think that the pairing of obsessing over sports paired mental illness issues is an interesting marriage)

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A ROYAL AFFAIR is a period drama about Queen Caroline of Denmark in the late 18th Century. She married into the monarchy, and her husband was a childish, self-absorbed man. Caroline had an affair with the royal physician, and they managed to make numerous changes to government. The photography and set/costume design of this film are delicious, and the lead actress – Alicia Vikander – is absolutely stunning (she’s also in ANNA KARENINA).

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This evening, I saw the film that will undoubtedly be dubbed “The Next Marigold Hotel.” QUARTET – Dustin Hoffman’s directorial debut – stars Maggie Smith, Bill Connolly, Pauline Collins, and Tom Courtenay. This little film is an absolute delight! It’s about a retirement home for retired musicians…and in addition to the 4 lead actors, it stars numerous singers and musicians in their 70’s 80’s and 90’s (Hoffman wanted real musical artists to live in his scenes – not just actors playing musicians) . Tonight was it’s world premiere, and I must confess something…. I’ve seen people go insane for movie stars over the years. Johnny Depp. Brad Pitt. Angelina Jolie. People scream, the jump up and down, and sometimes they even cry. Tonight, when Maggie Smith was standing 10 feet away from me, tears streamed down my face. From THE PRIME OF MISS JEAN BRODIE to ROOM WITH A VIEW…from THE V.I.P.s to DOWNTON ABBEY, I have loved Dame Maggie for decades, and it was a complete thrill to see her in person! The Q&A with the principal cast as well as Hoffman was a night to remember, and the film is going to be a hit with our audience.

Lastly, I saw LOVE IS ALL YOU NEED – the latest film from Sussane Bier (director of BROTHERS, IN A BETTER WORLD and OPEN HEARTS). (Interestingly, the original Danish title would be translated into THE BALD HAIRDRESSER.) This film is much lighter than Bier’s recent work. There are some serious subjects on the table – but there are also a lot of laughs. Bier, along with lead actress Trine Dyrholm (also in A ROYAL AFFAIR) and Pierce Brosnan, introduced the film and did a Q&A. Though I liked most of this film, I also thought it was a little too long given the subject/story. That said, Dyrholm is a joy to watch.

Off to bed! Thanks for reading!

Jonathan