the hedgehog

THIN ICE + Great NEON News!

March 21, 2012 By Jonathan McNeal Leave a Comment

Hello Everyone,

We’re moving right along this week. On Friday, we will open a new dark comedy starring Greg Kinnear, Alan Arkin and Billy Crudup – THIN ICE. If you still need to see A SEPARATION, you only have until tomorrow. Though THE HEDGEHOG did not perform wonderfully, audiences have been adoring this film…so we’re going to keep it for one show a day over the weekend – thus Sunday will be your last chance to see it. FRIENDS WITH KIDS, which I think is a smart and sweet comedy, will stick around!

Synopsis for THIN ICE: “Mickey Prohaska is a small-time insurance agent looking for a way to jump-start his business, reunite with his estranged wife and escape the frigid Wisconsin weather. This self-proclaimed master of spin believes that salesmanship is about selling a story – all he needs is a sucker willing to buy it. He hits pay dirt with a lonely retired farmer who is sitting on something much bigger than an insurance commission. But Mickey’s attempt to con the old man spins out of control when a nosy, unstable locksmith with a volatile temper dramatically ups the stakes, trapping him in a spiral of danger, deceit and double-crossing. Blending dark comedy and delirious Midwestern noir, THIN ICE reaches a breaking point that no one – least of all Mickey Prohaska – could ever see coming.” (taken from ATO Pictures)
Click HERE to visit the official site.

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And now some great news. Many of you have asked about SALMON FISHING IN THE YEMEN – starring Emily Blunt, Ewan McGregor, and Kristin Scott Thomas. We just secured the film to open exclusively at THE NEON on March 30! If you come during opening weekend, you’ll help us send a message to this new distributor that they have made the right decision by chosing THE NEON. To learn more about the film, visit the official site.

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The 4th Annual LUNAFEST in Dayton will be held Sunday, April 1 at 3:00. “Nine Short Films By/For/About Women, including a funny view of a Persian woman at her younger sister’s engagement party and a serious look at treating obstetric fistulas in Africa. Also: PARK, by WSU film grad Liz Cambron, about a teenaged girl coming of age during summer in a Dayton-area trailer park (selected for this year’s SlamdDance Film Festival). Filmmaker will be do Q&A.
Tickets: $10 (suggested), $5 (minimum), $3 (students w/ ID).
Proceeds to National Breast Cancer Fund and Planned Parenthood of SW Ohio.
Sponsored by Dayton Women’s Rights Alliance.” (taken from press notes)

For this week’s remaining showtimes, please visit www.neonmovies.com.

For those of you who use Facebook, we finally have an actual page…not just a “group” page. We will soon be fazing out the old group, so please LIKE us by following this LINK.

Thanks for your continued support.
We hope to see you soon,
Jonathan

SHOWTIMES for Fri. March 23 – Thur. March 29:

THE HEDGEHOG (NR) 1 Hr 40 Min
Friday, Saturday, Sunday: 12:40

THIN ICE (R) 1 Hr 33 Min
Friday, Saturday, Sunday: 12:50, 3:00, 5:10, 7:20, 9:30
Monday – Thursday: 3:00, 5:10, 7:20

FRIENDS WITH KIDS (R) 1 Hr 47 Min
Friday, Saturday, Sunday: 12:45, 5:00, 7:20, 9:40
Monday – Thursday: 3:00, 5:15, 7:45

COMING SOON:

As always, all dates are tentative.

Many of these dates will change.
In some rare cases, titles may disappear.
March 30 SALMON FISHING IN THE YEMEN
TBD PARIAH
TBD BEING FLYNN
TBD IN DARKNESS
TBD WE NEED TO TALK ABOUT KEVIN
April 13 THE RAID
April 27 FOOTNOTE
mid-May DAMSELS IN DISTRESS
mid/late-May DARLIN COMPANION
May 25 THE BEST EXOTIC MARIGOLD HOTEL
June 1 SOUND OF MY VOICE

FRIENDS WITH KIDS and THE HEDGEHOG Open Friday at THE NEON!

March 14, 2012 By Jonathan McNeal Leave a Comment

Hello Everyone,

Due to the underwhelming performance of recent titles, we had to make some quick changes to our upcoming schedule. On Friday, we will open 2 new films. First off is a film we’ve been marketing for several months – THE HEDGEHOG. This film is based on a beloved book that many of you have mentioned to me – The Elegance of the Hedgehog. Secondly, we will open a comedy with an all-star cast –FRIENDS WITH KIDS. In addition to the 2 new films, we will hold onto A SEPARATION (winner of this year’s Oscar for “Best Foreign Film”) for a few more screenings. With 3 very different films, we think we’ve got something for almost everyone this weekend. We hope you’ll make it down to see us.

Synopsis for FRIENDS WITH KIDS: “FRIENDS WITH KIDS is a comedy about a close-knit circle of friends at that moment in life when children arrive and everything changes. The last two singles in the group observe the effect that kids have had on their friends’ relationships and wonder if there’s a better way. They decide to have a kid together – and date other people. This unconventional ‘experiment’ leads everyone in the group to question the nature of friendship, family and, finally, true love.” (taken from Roadside Attractions) Written and directed by Jennifer Westfeldt (KISSING JESSICA STEIN), FRIENDS WITH KIDS also stars Jon Hamm, Kristen Wiig, Maya Rudolph, Edward Burns and more. Click this LINK to visit the official site.

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Synopsis for THE HEDGEHOG: “THE HEDGEHOG is the timely story of Paloma, a young girl bent on ending it all on her upcoming twelfth birthday. Using her father’s old camcorder to chronicle the hypocrisy she sees in adults, Paloma begins to learn about life from the grumpy building concierge, Renee Michel. When Paloma’s camera reveals the extensive secret library in Renee’s back room, and that the often gruff matron reads Tolstoy to her cat, Paloma begins to understand that there are allies to be found beneath the prickliest of exteriors. As the unlikely friendship deepens, Paloma’s own coming of age becomes a much less pessimistic prospect.” (taken from NeoClassic Films) Click this LINK to visit the film’s official website.

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On Thursday, March 22 at 7:30, Keener Farm has rented our space for a special screening of the acclaimed documentary AMERICAN MEAT. “The film explains our current industrial meat system and shows the feedlots and confinement operations – not through hidden cameras but through the eyes of the farmers who live and work there. The film then shifts to the burgeoning sustainable, local-food movement made up of farmers, food advocates, chefs and everyday folks who could change everything about the way meat reaches the American table…Sustainable farming is expanding exponentially as Americans learn more about their food and how to connect with local farmers…” (taken from press notes) The screening will be preceded by a meet and greet with appetizers provided by Olive: An Urban Dive (beginning at 6:30), and a panel discussion with the filmmaker as well as local farmers & restaurateurs will follow the screening. Admission is free (first come, first serve), but donations will gladly be accepted to help offset costs.

Save The Date! April 1 at 3:00 – LUNAFEST: Short Films By…For…About Women. More details in next week’s newsletter.

For this week’s remaining showtimes, please visit www.neonmovies.com.

Thanks for your continued support.

We hope to see you soon,

Jonathan

P.S. We now have TWITTER. If you use this application, we hope you’ll follow us.

SHOWTIMES for Fri. March 16 – Thur. March 22:

THE HEDGEHOG (NR) 1 Hr 40 Min

Friday, Saturday, Sunday: 12:40, 2:50, 7:30

Monday – Wednesday: 2:50, 7:30

Thursday: 2:50

A SEPARATION (PG-13) 2 Hr 03 Min

Friday, Saturday, Sunday: 5:00, 9:40

Monday – Thursday: 5:00

FRIENDS WITH KIDS (R) 1 Hr 47 Min

Friday, Saturday, Sunday: 12:30, 2:45, 5:00, 7:20, 9:40

Monday – Thursday: 3:00, 5:15, 8:00

COMING SOON:

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

TBD PARIAH

TBD BEING FLYNN

March 23 THIN ICE

March 30 IN DARKNESS

March 30 WE NEED TO TALK ABOUT KEVIN

April 13 THE RAID

April 27 FOOTNOTE

Spring SALMON FISHING IN THE YEMEN

mid-May DAMSELS IN DISTRESS

mid/late-May DARLIN COMPANION

May 25 THE BEST EXOTIC MARIGOLD HOTEL

June 1 SOUND OF MY VOICE

Audiences Are Loving ALBERT NOBBS!

February 15, 2012 By Jonathan McNeal Leave a Comment

Hello Everyone,

We’re holding steady this week with THE ARTIST and ALBERT NOBBS. Despite mixed response from the critics, audiences are loving ALBERT. That said, one of our current titles will more than likely leave next week…as we hope/plan to open PINA on Feb. 24. PINA is stunning and lovely – one of my absolute favorite films of the past few years. I hope you’ll make plans to come and see it. (PINA will be presented at THE NEON via traditional 35mm, 2D projection.)

THE ARTIST – official site.

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ALBERT NOBBS – official site.

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PINA – official site.

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On Saturday, February 25 at noon, The Junior Leaguers Club, Inc. will host a benefit screening of THUNDER SOUL. “THUNDER SOUL follows the extraordinary alumni from Houston’s storied Kashmere High School Stage Band, who return home after 35 years to play a tribute concert for the 92-year-old “Prof,” their beloved band leader who broke the color barrier and transformed the school’s struggling jazz band into a world-class funk powerhouse in the early 1970s.” (taken from press notes) Adult tickets (which include a glass of wine as well as soda & popcorn) are $30 each. Student tickets (which include soda and popcorn) are $15 each. For more information, please call (937)219-7501. Proceeds from this event will go to The Junior Leaguers Scholarship Fund. To check out more about THUNDER SOUL, visit the official site.

In regards to the Oscars, we’re getting set for our annual party on Sunday, February 26! Once again, our friends at ThinkTV will help us to get a strong signal for the broadcast, and our friends at Square One Salon & Spa will give us a nice gift basket for our grand prize. In addition, we’ll be giving out dvds, screenplays and soundtracks throughout the evening for randomly drawn correct guesses. You must be present to win any prizes, and seating will begin at approximately 7pm – admission is FREE! Ballots are already available in our lobby.

Green Earth Outdoors has rented our space for a special screening of GREEN FIRE on Thursday, March 1 at 7:30. “GREEN FIRE explores the life and legacy of famed conservationist Aldo Leopold and the many ways his land ethic philosophy lives on in the work of people and organizations all over the country today. The film shares highlights from Leopold’s life and extraordinary career, explaining how he shaped conservation and the modern environmental movement. It also illustrates Leopold’s continuing influence, exploring current projects that connect people and land at the local level. Green Fire proceeds will support Five Rivers MetroParks ‘Leaf’ a Legacy Reforestation program that aids in the protection of native trees and local forest ecosystems damaged by non-native invasive species.” (description taken from press release) Tickets are $5 each and are currently available on the official site or by calling (502)558-8970. Tickets will also be available soon at THE NEON box office.

For all of you who used to like getting coffee and a biscotti at THE NEON, I’m pleased to announce that we now have biscotti again. This time, we’re going with a local baker – Thistle Confections by Hilary…and they’re absolutely delicious!

For remaining showtimes for this week, visit our official site.

Thanks for your continued support.

We hope to see you soon,

Jonathan

SHOWTIMES for Fri. February 17 – Thur. February 23:

ALBERT NOBBS (R) 1 Hrs 53 Min

Friday, Saturday, Sunday: 12:15, 2:40, 5:00, 7:20, 9:40

Monday – Thursday: 2:40, 5:00, 7:20

THE ARTIST (PG-13) 1 Hr 40 Min

Friday, Saturday, Sunday: 12:40, 2:50, 5:10, 7:30, 9:30

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.

Feb. 24 PINA

TBD THE HEDGEHOG

TBD SHAME

TBD PARIAH

March 9 A SEPARATION

March 23 IN DARKNESS

March ? WE NEED TO TALK ABOUT KEVIN

April ? FOOTNOTE

Oscar Nominee ALBERT NOBBS Starts Friday at THE NEON

February 8, 2012 By Jonathan McNeal Leave a Comment

Hello Everyone,

We’re moving forward this weekend with the new film starring Glenn Close –ALBERT NOBBS – nominated for 3 Oscars. If you still need to see A DANGEROUS METHOD, you only have until Thursday to see it at THE NEON. That said, we will continue to hold THE ARTIST – which has now become a “certified hit” at THE NEON.

Synopsis for ALBERT NOBBS: “Albert Nobbs is a woman passing as a man in order to work and survive in 19th century Ireland. Some thirty years after donning men’s clothing, she finds herself trapped in a prison of her own making.” Nominated for 3 Oscars – including Glenn Close for Best Actress. Visit the official site.

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I’m delighted to announce that PINA is now officially on our schedule. One of my absolute favorite films from 2011, this rich documentary about Pina Bausch, directed by Wim Wenders, will wow you – whether you’re familiar with Pina’s gorgeous choreography or not. We may open this film as soon as February 24…so stay tuned! (PINA will be presented at THE NEON via traditional 35mm, 2D projection.)

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For remaining showtimes for this week (including Thursday’s special screening of RACE TO NOWHERE, presented by The Miami Valley School), visit www.neonmovies.com.

Thanks for your continued support.

We hope to see you soon,

Jonathan

SHOWTIMES for Fri. February 10 – Thur. February 16:

ALBERT NOBBS (R) 1 Hrs 53 Min

Friday, Saturday, Sunday: 12:15, 2:40, 5:00, 7:20, 9:45

Monday – Thursday: 2:40, 5:00, 7:20

THE ARTIST (PG-13) 1 Hr 40 Min

Friday, Saturday, Sunday: 12:40, 2:50, 5:10, 7:30, 9:30

Monday – Thursday: 2:50, 5:10, 7:30

COMING SOON:

As always, all dates are tentative. Many of these dates will change.In some cases, titles may disappear.

Feb. 24 PINA

TBD THE HEDGEHOG

TBD SHAME

TBD PARIAH

March 9 A SEPARATION

March 23 IN DARKNESS

March ? WE NEED TO TALK ABOUT KEVIN

April ? FOOTNOTE

The Future, Restless & Big NEON News!

October 13, 2011 By Jonathan McNeal Leave a Comment

Hello Everyone,

If you still need to see LIFE, ABOVE ALL or HIGHER GROUND, you only have today (Thursday, October 13) to see them at THE NEON. On Friday, we open two new films. First is the new film from Miranda July – THE FUTURE. The second is the new film from Gus Van Sant – RESTLESS. Of course there’s lots more to announce…but I’ll get to that in a minute. As a warning, it’s quite possible that both of our new films will only play for a week. So hurry down if you want to see them!

Synopsis for THE FUTURE: “When Sophie and Jason decide to adopt a stray cat, their perspective on life changes radically, literally altering the course of time and space and testing their faith in each other and themselves.” (Roadside Attractions) From visual artist and filmmaker Miranda July comes the follow-up film to her incredible first feature ME AND YOU AND EVERYONE WE KNOW. Visit the film’s official site.

Synopsis for RESTLESS: “Eccentric funeral crasher Enoch (Henry Hopper) finds his ideal soul mate in beautiful but mysterious Annabelle (Mia Wasikowska), who claims to work in a hospital but harbors a sensitive secret. Later, after Enoch opens up to Annabelle about his only friend, an outspoken ghost named Hiroshi, their fledgling romance is put to the ultimate test. Director Gus Van Sant teams with playwright Jason Lew to adapt Lew’s play of the same name.” (All Movie Guide) Visit the film’s official site .

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Monday will kick off Living City’s VAMPIRE retrospective. First off is a classic with David Bowie, Catherine Deneuve and Susan Sarandon – THE HUNGER. The series will include 5 Films over the course of 5 Mondays at 7:30. Single tickets will be available at the door before each screening for $8 each. Festival passes – good for all 5 screnings – are already available at our box office for just $30 (members of FilmDayton will receive $5 off the festival pass price). Here are the dates and films:

October 17 – THE HUNGER (digital video projection)

October 24 – DRACULA (1931, starring Bela Lugosi – 35mm)

October 31 – THE LOST BOYS (digital video projection)

November 7 – INTERVIEW WITH THE VAMPIRE (35mm)

November 14 – BRAM STOKER’S DRACULA (1992 – 35mm).

Within the past 24 hours, we finally received confirmation that we can open THE WAY on October 21 (“the Martin Sheen film” as so many people has referred to it). You more than likely saw or read details about Sheen and his son Emilio Estevez (who directed the film) visiting Dayton (their hometown) as they toured the country with this film. Since then, we’ve received numerous calls about the film having a traditional engagement – but we could never get the distributor to commit to opening with us. Alas it’s now set – so please help us spread the word. THE WAY will open next Friday!

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In the next few days, I hope to also have some good news regarding TAKE SHELTER. This film, one of my absolute favorites from this year’s Toronto Film Festival, was shot in Ohio and has been garnering awards and kudos around the world. Once Sony Classics confirms our opening date, I’ll get busy trying to secure some special details for audiences at THE NEON. I’ll keep you posted!

For remaining showtimes for this week visit THE NEON’s site.

Hope to see you this weekend,

Jonathan

SHOWTIMES for October 14 – October 20:

SENNA (PG-13) 1 Hr 46 Min

Friday, Saturday, Sunday: 1:00, 5:15

Monday – Thursday: 5:30

RESTLESS (PG-13) 1 Hr 31 Min

Friday, Saturday, Sunday: 1:00, 3:00, 5:15, 7:20, 9:30

Monday: 3:15, 5:20

Tuesday – Thursday: 3:15, 5:20, 7:45

THE FUTURE (R) 1 Hr 31 Min