stephen frears

TIFF 2017 – Day #4

September 11, 2017 By Jonathan McNeal

Hello Everyone.

I just got in from a very full day. I left the condo at 7:45am and returned at 1:45am. I saw 4 films and countless celebrities…ranging from Emma Stone and Steve Carell to Judi Dench…and then several folks at a Fox Searchlight party including Nicholas Hoult, Octavia Spencer, Michael Shannon, Sarah Silverman, James McAvoy, and more.

The first film I saw today was a highly anticipated film (in some circles) from auteur Darren Aronofsky (director of BLACK SWAN). It’s called MOTHER!, and I absolutely loathed it. Though Aronofsky is a master craftsman, I’m simply not interested in his stories. I often find his metaphors rather obtuse, and in the case of this film, the violence and brutality in the third act is just too much. This is on the bottom of the list for me so far this year.

I cleansed the palette with JANE, a new documentary about Jane Goodall directed by Brett Morgen (director of THE KID STAYS IN THE PICTURE). This new film is largely constructed from footage that was recently discovered (thought to have been lost) that was shot in the 1960’s by renowned National Geographic photographer Hugo van Lawick. With a tremendous score by Philip Glass, the film is a love story and a gorgeous portrait of Goodall’s early monumental work with chimpanzees. To make it extra special, Goodall was in attendance, and seeing her speak has been a highlight of the festival. She’s so inspiring and commands attention through her passion, grace and eloquence. When she was approached to be a part of this documentary, she said “Not again,” but agreed nonetheless – and she said it’s been one of the best experiences of recounting her work. (below is a photo I took…there is no trailer available yet for this documentary)

VICTORIA & ABDUL, the new film by Stephen Frears, was next on the list. And it didn’t disappoint. (Fears has had an incredible career. From MY BEAUTIFUL LAUNDERETTE to DANGEROUS LIAISONS to THE GRIFTERS to MRS. HENDERSON PRESENTS to PHILOMENA – many of his films are quite special to me.) This elegant period piece is not at all stuffy or staid, it’s actually quite funny and charming, and the chemistry between Dench and Fazel is magic. This is a story about Queen Victoria’s later years and how she befriended an Indian man who was initially only intended to present her with a special gift from India. This true story, which was supposed to have been wiped from the history books by Victoria’s son – King Edward VII, was discovered several years ago by author Shrabani Basu. I know that our audiences are going to love this film when it opens on October 6. Extra special…Dench and many others were in attendance for a Q&A.

BATTLE OF THE SEXES was my final film of the day (though the after-party was something special too). Directed by Jonathan Dayton & Valerie Faris (directors of LITTLE MISS SUNSHINE), this film is so much more than the shenanigans of Steve Carell featured in the trailer. Based on the true story of Billie Jean King and her famous match with Bobby Riggs, we actually end up getting a lot of King’s personal struggle to live her own truth. With a strong screenplay and strong performances across the board, I think we’ll do well with this film when it opens on Sept. 29 (this date just got bumped up over the weekend). Extra special…Billie Jean King, Emma Stone, Steve Carell, Sarah Silverman, the directors and many others were in attendance for a Q&A.

After my final screening, I went to Fox Searchlight’s party that was held to celebrate the three films playing at the festival – BATTLE OF THE SEXES, THE SHAPE OF WATER and THREE BILLBOARDS. This was the party to be at last night. The cocktails and food were spectacular, and everywhere you turned, stars were everywhere – from Stone and Silverman to Michael Shannon, Octavia Spencer, Richard Jenkins, Rachel Weisz and Nicholas Hoult. What a night!

Thanks for reading!

Jonathan

Big Date Changes – Coen Brothers Added to Upcoming NEON Engagements!

December 17, 2013 By Jonathan McNeal Leave a Comment

Hello Everyone,

Once again, big changes are happening to our upcoming release dates. It was determined yesterday (by “the powers that be”) that MANDELA won’t open after all at THE NEON. We’re quite disappointed by this, but the decision is out of our hands. That said, we’re glad that we will be able to open two smaller gems between now and our next big titles on January 10. On Dec. 27, we plan to open KILL YOUR DARLINGS – a story about the early life of poet Allen Ginsberg (a brave choice for actor Daniel Radcliffe of the HARRY POTTER films). On Jan. 3, we plan to open BLUE IS THE WARMEST COLOR – the French sensation that is garnering numerous awards and lots of attention around the world. Then on January 10 – a potentially huge day for us – we are slated to open AUGUST: OSAGE COUNTY as well as the new Coen Brothers film (we’re delighted about this) – INSIDE LLEWYN DAVIS.

This will more than likely be the final week for PHILOMENA – so hurry down if you still need to see this wonderful film (or if you need to see it again). NEBRASKA opened quite well this weekend, so we think it will stick around for a couple weeks. Click on either title above to visit that film’s official site. Both of these films are big contenders at this year’s Golden Globes!

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This year’s Family Holiday Film Series is already coming to a close! Tickets are FREE for children 12 and under, and all other tickets are $2 each. The final film – the holiday classic WHITE CHRISTMAS – will only screen this Saturday at Noon. Tickets will be available starting 45 minutes before the show.

An additional encore screening of THE TRIUMPH has been set for Monday, December 23 at 7:30. The local, faith-based non-profit hosting this screening is delighted that the demand for these tickets is so high. “THE TRIUMPH is a powerful new documentary film about our Blessed Mother’s apparitions in Medjugorje. On June 25, 1981, in the mountain village of Medjugorje in Bosnia Herzegovina, Our Lady appeared to six children. She identified herself as the Blessed Virgin Mary, Queen of Peace, and continues to appear to several of the visionaries even today.” (taken from Lovey Dovey, Inc. press notes) $10 presale tickets will only available via this LINK from Love Dovey, Inc. Remaining tickets will be sold at THE NEON on the night of the screening.

“Peace on Fifth is at it again with their knockout film series START FREEDOM DAYTON. Save the date for January 23rd at 7:30, as Peace on Fifth is slated to screen a film about human trafficking. Zonta Club of Dayton is the sponsor for the first film of 2014 and a human trafficking professional will lead the after viewing discussion. Tickets will be $8 and will be available exclusively at THE NEON. Contact Peace on Fifth with questions at 937.367.7215 or at [email protected] The film title will be announced in January.” (Taken from Peace On Fifth press notes.)

Don’t forget that we sell gift certificates at our box office in $5 and $10 denominations. These are a perfect gift for the film lover in your life…or perhaps the person who still needs to discover what THE NEON has to offer.

Thanks for your continued support!

We hope to see you soon,

Jonathan

SHOWTIMES for Friday, Dec. 20 – Thursday, Dec. 26:

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

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

WHITE CHRISTMAS (NR) 2 Hrs
Saturday: Noon

THE TRIUMPH (NR) 1 Hr 45 Min + Discussion
Monday: 7:30

COMING SOON:
As always, all dates are tentative. Many of these dates will change.
In some rare cases, titles may disappear.
Dec. 27 – KILL YOUR DARLINGS
Jan. 3 – BLUE IS THE WARMEST COLOR
Jan. 10 – AUGUST: OSAGE COUNTY
Jan. 10 – INSIDE LLEWYN DAVIS
TBD – THE ARMSTRONG LIE
TBD – THE PAST
TBD – THE INVISIBLE WOMAN

Alexander Payne’s NEBRASKA – Starring Bruce Dern – Opens Friday at THE NEON!

December 10, 2013 By Jonathan McNeal 1 Comment

Hello Everyone,

Distributors are playing with opening dates like crazy. Sometimes it works to our advantage, and sometimes it really changes everything. We got news on both sides of that fence today! Though AUGUST: OSAGE COUNTY has now moved into January, I’m delighted to announce that we will open Alexander Payne’s new film NEBRASKA this Friday. In addition, it looks like we’ll now be able to open MANDELA: LONG WALK TO FREEDOM on Dec. 25.

If you still need to see DALLAS BUYERS CLUB, Thursday will be your last chance to catch it at THE NEON. PHILOMENA, which has had spectacular word-of-mouth business, will stick around.

Synopsis for NEBRASKA: “After receiving a sweepstakes letter in the mail, a cantankerous father (Bruce Dern) thinks he’s struck it rich, and wrangles his son (Will Forte) into taking a road trip to claim the fortune. Shot in black and white across four states, Nebraska tells the stories of family life in the heartland of America.” One of the best reviewed films of the year, NEBRASKA was just nominated for 5 Independent Spirit Awards – including Best Feature. Alexander Payne also directed other NEON hits – SIDEWAYS and THE DESCENDANTS. Click this LINK to be directed to the film’s official site.

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This year’s Family Holiday Film Series is already off and running! Tickets are FREE for children 12 and under, and all other tickets are $2 each. Two films remain – 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 this 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. 13 – Thursday, Dec. 19:

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

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

HOME ALONE
Saturday: Noon

FROM HIDDEN PAIN TO FREEDOM (NR) 30 minutes + Q&A
Sunday: 7:30

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. 25 – MANDELA: LONG WALK TO FREEDOM
Jan. 10 – AUGUST: OSAGE COUNTY
TBD – THE ARMSTRONG LIE
TBD – THE PAST
TBD – THE INVISIBLE WOMAN

Toronto – Day #4 – 2013

September 9, 2013 By Jonathan McNeal Leave a Comment

Hello!

Yesterday was another epic day. After seeing 5 films, I still managed to meet up with a couple friends for drinks…a nap is certainly in store at some point today. One person I met up with is a Dayton native (a former Neon regular and Stivers grad) – Rachel Allen. She now lives in Brooklyn and works for a PR firm in NYC…and she’s in Toronto working with a handful of films at the festival. It was great to see her, and I was delighted to hear of her recent successes.

The first film I saw in the morning was THE F WORD – a romantic comedy starring Daniel Radcliffe and Zoe Kazan. This charming film is full of fast, witty dialog (and sadly way too many poop-obsessed jokes), and it doesn’t try to be anything beyond a sweet film targeted at young adults. The story centers on 2 young people who meet at a party. The young girl, delightfully played by Kazan, is an animator who is in a relationship. The young guy, played by Radcliffe (he has 3 films at TIFF this year), is still getting over a broken heart (the opening scene has him finally deleting a year-old voicemail from his ex-girlfriend). The 2, upon meeting, have great chemistry…but they determine that they can only be friends. Thogh predictable and at times a bit too screwball for my taste, this film ultimately works.

DALLAS BUYERS CLUB was the 2nd film of the festival that I really loved. Based on a true story, this is a film about a man in the 1980’s who is diagnosed with HIV. Frustrated by the lack of FDA-approved drugs, he sets out to smuggle non-approved treatments into the US. Matthew McConaughey plays the main character, and his performance is mind-blowing. That said, Jarred Leto – who plays a trans character – is also out of this world. With lots of interesting choices (great sound design and an urgency that makes the film not seem like a period piece), this will go down as one of the best films of the year…stay tuned for lots of award season recognition.

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Next up was a romantic, modern musical by John Carney (director of ONCE) – CAN A SONG SAVE YOUR LIFE? Starring Keira Knightley and Mark Ruffalo, this film is full of great music and good performances. It’s the story of two broken people who begin working together to produce an album of fresh, new music. I’ve heard many people raving about this film. Though I liked it, I didn’t think it was amazing. There are some magical moments, but I didn’t buy into the film entirely. (There’s a scene where Ruffalo imagines orchestrations over Knightley’s simple, guitar-accompanied performance…and I found it terribly cheesy.) There will certainly be an audience for this film, but I don’t think the results are as successful as ONCE.

PHILOMENA, the new Judi Dench film by Stephen Frears, is absolutely wonderful. This is the story of a relationship between a journalist and an aging woman. Philomena gave birth to a boy in a convent when she was 14, and the nuns found a home for him when he was an toddler. After years of feeling guilty for her sins of the flesh (the nuns were successful at shaming her for decades), a journalist takes interest in Philomena’s attempt to locate her son. The story is ultimately a mystery, but it’s so much more. The script is absolutely terrific, and the performances are rich and layered. This film is 100% NEON material! Without harping, the film has very interesting things to say at the Catholic Church, contemporary journalism and the Republican Party.

LE WEEK-END – a new film about a retirement-aged, British couple during a weekend is Paris – is clearly inspired by (and even references) films of the French New Wave. Though there are several great scenes in this film, and the performances of Jim Broadbent and Lindsay Duncan are terrific, I had a hard time connecting. Duncan’s hot/cold character changes moods on a dime, and I ultimately found her so frustrating that I found it difficult to care about anybody. Though I was ultimately moved by the film, I didn’t love it overall. Directed by Roger Michell (NOTTING HILL, THE MOTHER, VENUS, HYDE PARK ON HUDSON), I don’t see a lot of commercial success with this title.

I’m about to head into a screening of BELLE…then 3 other films today.

Thanks for reading! More tomorrow!