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TIFF 2014 – Day #9

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MV5BMjEwMDczOTU3Nl5BMl5BanBnXkFtZTgwMDYyMDU0MjE@._V1_SX214_AL_Friday, September 12, 2014

Hello.

Thanks for coming back to check out my last day of screenings at this year’s Toronto International Film Festival.  Even though I didn’t see as many as I have during some years, I had a great time and managed to see 30 films, visit with lots of people in various aspects of the industry, and attend a couple fun parties.

My first film today was Susanne Bier’s A SECOND CHANCE.  I was first introduced to Bier’s work at my first TIFF back in 2002.  That’s where I saw OPEN HEARTS (her film from the Dogme Movement) and I fell in love…BROTHERS, AFTER THE WEDDING, the Oscar winning IN A BETTER WORLS – all great films.  Bier is truly a gifted storyteller, but this new film is just too over-the-top for me.  A veteran police officer and his wife are new, proud parents…but when the baby dies in the night of SIDS, the cop decides to swap his dead child with a mistreated baby from an ill-kept apartment to help nurse back his terribly depressed wife.  This film is like a more cinematic, 2-hour episode of LAW & ORDER: SVU.  Though the craft is there, the story and the script seem too big and even trite at times.  Though I was engaged and wanted to see what happened, I was ultimately disappointed.  (The lead actor, Nikolaj Coster-Waldau, is from GAMES OF THRONES.  I’m sure there will be added appeal due to his presence.)

I usually only name films that I finish.  If I walk out early, I don’t feel a review is warranted.  That said, I watched the first 20 minutes of a movie today to kill some time.  My plan was to leave early because I needed to get to a different screening.  The movie was X + Y, and I was truly engaged (Sally Hawkins is in it, so that adds to the allure). I wish I could have finished it, but I wanted to get to ST. VINCENT in time.

ST. VINCENT is Bill Murray’s most recent film.  It’s the story of a grumpy, older man who ends up babysitting his new next door neighbor’s kid when he gets home from school.  Murray takes the kid to the race tracks, teaches him to defend himself on the playground and adds a few new colorful words to his vocabulary.  Though a little “easy” sometimes, this film is a crowd-pleaser.

 

My last film of this year’s fest was LEARNING TO DRIVE – a film starring Patricia Clarkson and Ben Kingsley.  What a perfect way to end the fest!  This is a film about a middle-aged woman who has just been left by her husband.  Feeling even more trapped in her life by not being able to pick up and go visit her daughter, she finally takes the driving lessons she needs in order to get a license.  Clarkson is luminous in this film, and her chemistry with Kingsley is spectacular.  Clarkson attended the Q&A, and she told this audience that this is a film she’s been trying to make for 9 years.  It’s touching, it’s very funny, and it’s a liberating film in regards to finding and taking control of yourself.  I hope it finds distribution!

learning-to-drive-ben-kingsley-patricia-clarkson

After the screening, I met up with a childhood friend who now lives in Buffalo.  It’s been 5 years since I saw him last, and it was so great to catch up.

Thanks so much for checking in on my TIFF experience.  It’s been a great year, and I’m going to miss this wonderful city.

In the next few days, I’ll try to upload a few photos I took on my phone and come up with a mini-recap.

All the best,

Jonathan

Joss Whedon’s MUCH ADO ABOUT NOTHING & KON-TIKI Arrive at THE NEON!

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MUCH ADO Neon PosterHello Everyone,

Once again, we’re truckin’ through the titles. If you still need to see BEFORE MIDNIGHT or THE EAST, you only have through Thursday to see them at THE NEON. On Friday, we will open 2 new films – Joss Whedon’s MUCH ADO ABOUT NOTHING and the Academy Award nominee KON-TIKI (which will more than likely only play for one week). In addition to the 2 new films, we will hold LOVE IS ALL YOU NEED for one more week.  For this week’s remaining showtimes, visit our website at www.neonmovies.com.

Synopsis for MUCH ADO ABOUT NOTHING: “Shakespeare’s classic comedy is given a contemporary spin by director Joss Whedon. Shot in just 12 days, the story of sparring lovers Beatrice and Benedick offers a dark, sexy and occasionally absurd view of the intricate game that is love. As matchmaking schemes are put into play and disguguises are donned, loathing and love soon prove to be close cousins.” (taken from Lionsgate) Click HERE to visit the film’s official site.

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Synopsis for KON-TIKI: “Norwegian explorer Thor Heyerdahl crossed the Pacific ocean in a balsa wood raft in 1947, together with five men, to prove that South Americans already back in pre-Columbian times could have crossed the sea and settle on Polynesian islands. After gathering financing for the trip with loans and donations, they set off on an epic 101 day-long journey across 8,000 kilometers, all while the world was watching. KON-TIKI tells about the origin of Heyerdahl’s idea and the events surrounding the group’s voyage.” (taken from The Weinstein Co.) Click HERE to visit the film’s official site.

[yframe url=’http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=i1Xf3toxvXM’]

This Saturday, July 6, THE NEON will host the premiere of Meladi McNair’s new film THE OMISSION. “Marissa tries to hide from her friends that she is in an unfortunate, yet common situation that afflicts many young adults. A violent, controlling relationship. Three flashbacks paint her birthday bash as the platform for a series of unfortunate events in which five long-time friends learn of her situation, and turn on each other… THE OMISSION, a dark, abuse awareness film debuts at 3 pm on July 6. The film was written and directed by Dayton’s own Meladi McNair; a Journalist and social-conscious author, artist and filmmaker. She is also the author of the anti-bullying book, ‘The Vexing.’ Tickets are $5 each.” (taken from press notes)

Here’s a note from American Pi, a store just a block from THE NEON: “Victory Film Group and Made in the USA Films present a 90 minute documentary that explores the rise and fall of U.S. manufacturing. Josh Miller sets out on a journey in which he attempts to live off of USA made products for 30 days. Can he do it!? During Josh’s journey he talks with locals to find out if ‘Made in the USA’ really means anything anymore. If not, what does that mean for the future of our country? Come find out when you join us on the MADE IN THE USA: THE 30 DAY JOURNEY. To obtain tickets online, visit the site. Our site says they are $10 but for a they are FREE. TICKETS MUST BE RESERVED via the website, at our location or via phone (click this LINK for the site). FREE price will reflect during checkout. We do have a VIP package so that viewers can get DVD and photos with Josh etc. and that price is $20.”

“AMU is the story of Kaju, a twenty-one-year-old Indian American woman who returns to India to visit her family and discover the place where she was born. The film takes a dark turn as Kaju stumbles against secrets and lies from her past. A horrifying genocide that took place twenty years ago turns out to hold the key to her mysterious origins.” The India Foundation will present this special screening of AMU on Saturday, July 13 at Noon. Tickets will be $5 each.

See you soon!
All the best,
Jonathan

SHOWTIMES for Fri. July 5 – Thur. July 11:

MUCH ADO ABOUT NOTHING (PG-13) 1 Hr 49 Min
Friday, Saturday, Sunday: 12:10, 2:30, 4:50, 7:15, 9:40
Monday – Thursday: 3:00, 5:20, 7:45

KON-TIKI (PG-13) 1 Hr 36 Min
Friday: 2:40, 7:20, 9:30
Saturday: 7:20, 9:30
Sunday: 2:40, 7:20, 9:30
Monday – Wednesday: 3:00, 7:40
Thursday: 3:00

LOVE IS ALL YOU NEED (PG-13) 1 Hr 57 Min
Friday, Saturday, Sunday: 12:15, 4:50
Monday – Thursday: 5:10

THE OMISSION (NR) 40 Min
Saturday: 3:00

MADE IN THE USA: THE 30 DAY JOURNEY (NR)
1 Hr 33 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.
July 12 – 20 FEET FROM STARDOM
July ? – KINGS OF SUMMER
July 26 – THE WAY WAY BACK
TBD – GINGER AND ROSA
TBD – FROM UP ON POPPY HILL
TBD – IN THE HOUSE
Aug. 2 – I’M SO EXCITED
Aug. 23 – BLUE JASMINE

LOVE IS ALL YOU NEED Now At THE NEON!

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OR_Love Is All You Need 2012 movie Wallpaper 1600x1200Hello Everyone,

We’re moving right along at THE NEON. Though we’re holding both of our current attractions (BEFORE MIDNIGHT and THE EAST), we also had room to open a new romantic comedy that I saw at last year’s Toronto International Film Festival – LOVE IS ALL YOU NEED. It’s directed by Academy Award winner Susanne Bier and stars Pierce Brosnan and Trine Dyrholm. For this week’s remaining showtimes, visit our website at www.neonmovies.com.

Several of you have been asking…and I’m excited to announce that the new adaptation of Shakespeare’s MUCH ADO ABOUT NOTHING, directed by Joss Whedon, is slated to open next Friday!

[yframe url=’ww.youtube.com/watch?v=jk5kkLNPg8g’]

Synopsis for LOVE IS ALL YOU NEED: “Philip (Brosnan), an Englishman living in Denmark, is a lonely, middle-aged widower and estranged single father. Ida (Dyrholm) is a Danish hairdresser, recuperating from a long bout of illness, who’s just been left by her husband for a younger woman, Thilde. The fates of these two bruised souls are about to intertwine, as they embark for a trip to Italy to attend the wedding of their children. With warmth, affection and confidence, Susanne Bier has shaken a cocktail of love, loss, absurdity, humor, and delicately drawn characters that will leave only the hardest heart untouched. It is a film about the simple yet profound pains and joys of moving on – and forward – with your life.” (taken from Sony Classics) Click HERE to visit the film’s official site.

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

On Saturday, July 6, THE NEON will host the premiere of Meladi McNair’s new film THE OMISSION. “Marissa tries to hide from her friends that she is in an unfortunate, yet common situation that afflicts many young adults. A violent, controlling relationship. Three flashbacks paint her birthday bash as the platform for a series of unfortunate events in which five long-time friends learn of her situation, and turn on each other… THE OMISSION, a dark, abuse awareness film debuts at 3 pm on July 6. The film was written and directed by Dayton’s own Meladi McNair; a Journalist and social-conscious author, artist and filmmaker. She is also the author of the anti-bullying book, ‘The Vexing.’ Tickets are $5 each.” (taken from press notes)

Here’s a note from American Pi, a store just a block from THE NEON: “Victory Film Group and Made in the USA Films present a 90 minute documentary that explores the rise and fall of U.S. manufacturing. Josh Miller sets out on a journey in which he attempts to live off of USA made products for 30 days. Can he do it!? During Josh’s journey he talks with locals to find out if ‘Made in the USA’ really means anything anymore. If not, what does that mean for the future of our country? Come find out when you join us on the MADE IN THE USA: THE 30 DAY JOURNEY. To obtain tickets online, visit the site. Our site says they are $10 but for a they are FREE. TICKETS MUST BE RESERVED via the website, at our location or via phone (click this LINK for the site). FREE price will reflect during checkout. We do have a VIP package so that viewers can get DVD and photos with Josh etc. and that price is $20.” Check out American Pi’s official site.

“AMU is the story of Kaju, a twenty-one-year-old Indian American woman who returns to India to visit her family and discover the place where she was born. The film takes a dark turn as Kaju stumbles against secrets and lies from her past. A horrifying genocide that took place twenty years ago turns out to hold the key to her mysterious origins.” The India Foundation will present this special screening of AMU on Saturday, July 13 at Noon. Tickets will be $5 each.

There’s another potential Gathr screening on the horizon. Once again, 50 tickets need to be reserved in order for the screening to be locked down. The movie is BACK TO 1942, and it’s an epic film set during a drought in China’s Henan province in 1942. The tentative screening is scheduled for July 17 at 7:30. Check out this LINK to watch the trailer and reserve your ticket. There’s only about a week left to reserve a ticket in order to secure the screening…and right now, it doesn’t look like it’s gonna happen. Hurry and share these details if this is a film you’d like to see!

See you soon!

All the best,
Jonathan

SHOWTIMES for Fri. June 28 – Thur. July 4:

BEFORE MIDNIGHT (R) 1 Hr 48 Min
Friday, Saturday, Sunday: 12:15, 5:00, 7:30
Monday – Thursday: 5:20

THE EAST (PG-13) 1 Hr 56 Min
Friday, Saturday, Sunday: 2:30, 4:00, 9:40
Monday – Thursday: 2:50, 7:45

LOVE IS ALL YOU NEED (PG-13) 1 Hr 57 Min
Friday, Saturday, Sunday: 1:00, 7:15, 9:40
Monday – Thursday: 3:00, 5:30, 8:00

COMING SOON:
As always, all dates are tentative. Many of these dates will change.
In some rare cases, titles may disappear.
July 5 – MUCH ADO ABOUT NOTHING
July 12 – 20 FEET FROM STARDOM
July ? – KINGS OF SUMMER
July 26 – THE WAY WAY BACK
Aug 2 – I’M SO EXCITED!
Aug 26 – BLUE JASMINE
TBD – GINGER AND ROSA
TBD – KON TIKI
TBD – FROM UP ON POPPY HILL
TBD – IN THE HOUSE

Toronto Film Fest – Day #4

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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).

[yframe url=’http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RiHnVMHk6YU’]

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