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The Neon

MARGIN CALL Opens Friday at THE NEON!

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Hello Everyone,

Opening weekend of TAKE SHELTER was perfect.  We had a couple full houses, and folks have really been liking the film.  Many thanks to all of you who attended our special Q&As with Tyler Davidson – having the chance to pose questions and gain further insight into the film was a great opportunity, and I’m so glad many of you were able to come out.

TAKE SHELTER will hold over for another week, and we’ll open a new film about the 2008 Wall Street collapse – MARGIN CALL – on Friday (the cast of this film is enough reason to see it…but the reviews are great, too).  If you still need to see THE WAY, Thursday will be your last chance to see it at THE NEON.

Synopsis for MARGIN CALL:  “This tense Wall Street thriller follows the staff of a high-powered brokerage firm in the 24 hours before the stock market crash of 2008. Featuring an all-star cast, Margin Call was one of the most talked about films of the Sundance Film Festival and was also the Opening Night selection of New Directors/New Films.” (Roadside Attractions)  Click this LINK to visit the film’s official website.

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The Ohio Liberty Film Festival is gearing up for its third year this November.  With numerous presenters and sponsors, the festival is able to make admission free to all of their screenings.  Click this LINK to see the entire line-up for various venues around town.  The following are movies that will play at THE NEON:  Friday, Nov. 11 at 3:00 – THE GREAT DICTATOR (The Charlie Chaplin classic).  Saturday, Nov. 12 at 1:30 – AS FAR AS MY FEET WILL CARRY ME. Sunday, Nov. 13 at 1:30 – PATTON.

There is only 1 film left for Living City’s VAMPIRE retrospective.  Single tickets will be available at the door before the screening for $8 each.  BRAM STOKER’S DRACULA (1992 – 35mm) will play November 14 at 7:30.

“Help support DATV and be inspired by short films that aim to make a difference in our lives. DATV presents the MEDIA THAT MATTERS SHORT FILM SHOWCASE on Thursday, November 17th at 7:30pm…The festival features 12 jury selected short films that tackle a broad range of social issues with humor, humanity and honesty in 12 minutes or less.  Special thanks to our sponsor Merrill Lynch Global Wealth Management OGDM Group – Centerville, Ohio…Proceeds from the event will benefit DATV.  DATV’s mission is to be a community forum that empowers all citizens to learn, create and express their ideas through electronic media…”  (taken from press notes)  Visit the official site for this event.  Tickets are already available at our box office for $10 each.

The rest of November is great!  With MARGIN CALL, MARTHA MARCY MAY MARLENE (the huge Sundance hit – being called “this year’s WINTER’S BONE”) and THE DESCENDANTS (an incredible film directed by Alexander Payne & starring George Clooney), I think we’ll be seeing a lot of you over the coming weeks!

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And don’t forget that we’ll be hosting holiday films on Saturdays in December…flyers are in our lobby now, and I’ll give you a full update next week.

For remaining showtimes for this week visit our site.

Hope to see you very soon,

Jonathan

SHOWTIMES for Nov 11 – Nov 17:

MARGIN CALL (R) 1 Hrs 47 Min

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

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

Monday – Wednesday: 2:45, 5:00, 7:20

Thursday: 2:45, 5:00

TAKE SHELTER (R) 2 Hrs

Friday – Sunday: 12:30, 5:10, 7:30, 9:50

Monday: 2:50, 5:10

Tuesday – Thursday: 2:50, 5:10, 7:30

OHIO LIBERTY FILM FEST

The Great Dictoator (125 minutes) – Fri. at 3:00

As Far As My Feet Will Carry Me (158 min) – Sat. at 1:30

Patton (172 min) – Sun. at 1:30

BRAM STOKER’S DRACULA (R) 2 Hrs 8 Min

Monday: 7:30

MEDIA THAT MATTERS (NR)

Thursday: 7:30

COMING SOON:

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

In some cases, titles may disappear.

Nov. 18  MARTHA MARCY MAY MARLENE

Nov. 23  THE DESCENDANTS

Dec. 16   WEEKEND

 

 

 

 

 

TBD   THE ARTIST

TBD   THE SKIN I LIVE IN

 

TBD   MELANCHOLIA

TBD   THE HEDGEHOG

MY AFTERNOONS WITH MARGUERITTE & Hot November Plans for THE NEON

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Hello Everyone,

Professor Charles Derry told me that THE DEVIL’S DOUBLE is a combination of SCARFACE and a Bette David melodrama (FYI – that’s a compliment)…and my friend Maddi Breslin said that it was outstanding…and that she “could see it again.”  Unfortunately, the film did not perform well.  Thursday will be your last chance to see THE DEVIL’S DOUBLE at THE NEON.

Conversely, Martin Sheen’s THE WAY (directed by son Emilio Estevez) had a great weekend!  We were way above the national average for the film, and audiences are loving it.  THE WAY is set to stick around for another week.

On Friday, we will open a charming French film with Gerard Depardieu and Gisele Casadesus – MY AFTERNOONS WITH MARGUERITTE.  If you saw THE WAY this weekend, you saw a trailer for this film.  It is only slated to play for one week, so hurry down!

Synopsis for MY AFTERNOONS WITH MARGUERITTE:  “My Afternoon with Margueritte is the story of life’s random encounters. In a small French town, Germain, a nearly illiterate man in his 50’s and considered to be the village idiot by his friends at the local bistro, takes a walk to the park one day and happens to sit beside Margueritte, a little old lady who is reading excerpts from her novel aloud. She’s articulate, highly intelligent and frail…Afternoons spent reading aloud on their favorite bench transform their lives and start them both on a new journey — to literacy and respect for Germain, and to the deepest friendship for Margueritte.” (Cohen Media Group)

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

Next Monday will be the 3rd film in Living City’s VAMPIRE retrospective.  (If you missed Monday’s screening of DRACULA, you missed an absolutely gorgeous 35mm print!)  Single tickets will be available at the door before each screening for $8 each.  Here are the remaining dates and films:

October 31 – THE LOST BOYS (digital video projection)

November 7 – INTERVIEW WITH THE VAMPIRE (35mm)

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

Here’s the latest regarding our special opening of TAKE SHELTER!  TAKE SHELTER was one of my favorite films from this year’s Toronto International Film Festival.  It has been receiving much-deserved international acclaim, and I hope we hear a lot more about it come Oscar time.  The performances are incredible, the story is great, and the photography is wonderful.  On top of all that, the film was made in Ohio!  We’re so glad to announce that we will bring producer Tyler Davidson to town during opening weekend.  Mr. Davidson will do a Q&A after the following screenings:

Friday, Nov. 4 at 7:00

Saturday, Nov. 5 at 4:15

Saturday, Nov. 5 at 7:00

Advanced tickets (which are regular price!!) are available now at our box office.  To read more about the film, visit the film’s official site.

[yframe url=’http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=I5U4TtYpKIc’]

The Ohio Liberty Film Festival is gearing up for its third year this November.  With numerous presenters and sponsors, the festival is able to make admission free to all of their screenings.  Click this LINK to see the entire line-up for various venues around town .  The following are movies that will play at THE NEON:

Friday, Nov. 11 at 3:00 – THE GREAT DICTATOR (The Charlie Chaplin classic)

Saturday, Nov. 12 at 1:30 – AS FAR AS MY FEET WILL CARRY ME

Sunday, Nov. 13 at 1:30 – PATTON

“Help support DATV and be inspired by short films that aim to make a difference in our lives. DATV presents the MEDIA THAT MATTERS SHORT FILM SHOWCASE on Thursday, November 17th at 7:30pm…The festival features 12 jury selected short films that tackle a broad range of social issues with humor, humanity and honesty in 12 minutes or less.  Special thanks to our sponsor Merrill Lynch Global Wealth Management OGDM Group – Centerville, Ohio…Proceeds from the event will benefit DATV.  DATV’s mission is to be a community forum that empowers all citizens to learn, create and express their ideas through electronic media…”  (taken from press notes)  Visit the official site for this event .  Tickets are already available at our box office for $10 each.

I’m very excited to announce that we have booked an incredible film to open in time for Thanksgiving.  Alexander Payne’s new film THE DESCENDANTS (starring George Clooney) is fantastic!  SIDEWAYS (also directed by Payne) was a huge hit for us, and I think THE DESCENDANTS is his best film yet.  (Payne also directed the final short film in PARIS, JE T’AIME – which was also fantastic!)  Thanksgiving weekend is a crucial movie-going weekend for cinemas…and we hope you’ll make plans to see this great film with us!  To find out more about the film, visit the official site.

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For remaining showtimes for this week visit our official site.

Hope to see you very soon,

Jonathan

SHOWTIMES for October 28 – November 3:

THE WAY (PG-13) 2 Hrs 1 Min

Friday, Saturday: 12:15, 2:40, 5:00, 7:30, 9:50

Sunday: 12:15, 2:40, 5:00, 7:30

Monday: 2:45, 5:10

Tuesday – Thursday: 2:45, 5:10, 7:40

MY AFTERNOONS WITH MARGUERITTE (NR) 1 Hr 22 Min

Friday, Saturday: 1:00, 3:00, 5:15, 7:15, 9:15

Sunday: 1:00, 3:00, 5:15, 7:15

Monday – Wednesday: 3:00, 5:30, 7:30

Thursday: 3:00, 5:30

THE LOST BOYS (R) 1 Hr 37 Min

Monday: 7:30

COMING SOON:

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

In some cases, titles may disappear.

Nov. 4  TAKE SHELTER

Nov. 4   MARGIN CALL

Nov. 18  MARTHA MARCY MAY MARLENE

Nov. 23  THE DESCENDANTS

TBD   THE SKIN I LIVE IN

TBD   MELANCHOLIA

TBD   WEEKENDTBD

THE HEDGEHOG

THE WAY, THE DEVIL’S DOUBLE & Big NEON News!

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Hello Everyone,

We’re cleaning house this week.  If you still need to see THE FUTURE, RESTLESS or SENNA, you only have through tomorrow (October 20) to see them at THE NEON.  On Friday, we open two new films.  First is a film from Emilio Estevez – starring his father Martin Sheen – THE WAY.  On our other screen, we’ll open a film based on a true story about the body double for Saddam Hussein’s son – THE DEVIL’S DOUBLE.

Synopsis for THE WAY:  “THE WAY is a powerful and inspirational story about family, friends, and the challenges we face while navigating this ever-changing and complicated world. Martin Sheen plays Tom, an American doctor who comes to St. Jean Pied de Port, France to collect the remains of his adult son (played by Emilio Estevez), killed in the Pyrenees in a storm while walking the Camino de Santiago, also known as The Way of Saint James. Rather than return home, Tom decides to embark on the historical pilgrimage to honor his son’s desire to finish the journey. What Tom doesn’t plan on is the profound impact the journey will have on him and his ‘California Bubble Life.'” (taken from the official site)  Many of you have heard about this film because Sheen & Estevez recently came through Dayton promoting it.  We hope you’ll help us make this film a success in their hometown!

[yframe url=’http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o5VZKWcgw6c’]

Synopsis for THE DEVIL’S DOUBLE: “Summoned from the frontline to Saddam Hussein’s palace, Iraqi army lieutenant Latif Yahia is thrust into the highest echelons of the ‘royal family’ when he’s ordered to become the body double to Saddam’s son – a reckless, sadistic party-boy with a rabid hunger for sex and brutality. With his and his family’s lives at stake, Latif must surrender his former self forever as he learns to walk, talk and act. But nothing could have prepared him for the horror of the Black Prince’s psychotic, drug-addled life of fast cars, easy women and impulsive violence…” (Herrick Entertainment) Click the link to visit the film’s official site.

[yframe url=’http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qhlQOg9abRk’]

Next Monday will be the 2nd of Living City’s VAMPIRE retrospective.  Single tickets will be available at the door before each screening for $8 each.  Here are the remaining dates and films:

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).

Here’s some great news!  TAKE SHELTER was one of my favorite films from this year’s Toronto International Film Festival.  It has been receiving much-deserved international acclaim, and I hope we hear a lot more about it come Oscar time.  The performances are incredible, the story is great, and the photography is wonderful.  On top of all that, the film was made in Ohio!  We’re so glad to announce that we will bring producer Tyler Davidson to town during opening weekend.  Mr. Davidson will be able to introduce the film and conduct Q&As following select screenings.  Stay tuned to my updates for the latest details as they develop.  Meanwhile, visit the film’s official site .

On November 17, DATV has rented our space to host their annual MEDIA THAT MATTERS event.  Tickets are already available at our box office for $10 each.  Mark your calendars now, and I’ll include more details in next week’s update…but if you want to read more, visit their official site.

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

Hope to see you very soon,

Jonathan

SHOWTIMES for October 21 – October 27:

THE WAY (PG-13) 2 Hrs 1 Min

Friday, Saturday, Sunday: 12:15, 2:40, 5:00, 7:30, 9:50

Monday – Thursday:  3:00, 5:30, 8:00

THE DEVIL’S DOUBLE (R) 1 Hr 49 Min

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

Monday: 3:00, 5:15

Tuesday – Thursday: 3:00, 5:15, 7:30

DRACULA (NR) 1 Hr 15 Min

Monday: 7:30

COMING SOON:

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

In some cases, titles may disappear.

Nov. 4  TAKE SHELTER

Nov. ?  MARGIN CALL

Nov. 18  MARTHA MARCY MAY MARLENE

Nov. 25   THE SKIN I LIVE IN

Dec. 2   MELANCHOLIA

TBD   WEEKEND

TBD   THE HEDGEHOG

TBD   MY AFTERNOONS WITH MARGUERITTE


The Future, Restless & Big NEON News!

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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

Friday, Saturday, Sunday: 3:15, 7:30, 9:40

Monday – Thursday: 3:15, 7:50

THE HUNGER (R) 1 Hr 37 Min

Monday: 7:30

COMING SOON:

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

In some cases, titles may disappear.

Oct. 14  THE WAY

Oct. 21   THE DEVIL’S DOUBLE

Oct. 28   THE HEDGEHOG

(check out the Trailer for THE HEDGEHOG…I love it!)

[yframe url=’http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-bLq4ehVo7c’]

Oct. 28   MY AFTERNOONS WITH MARGUERITTE

Nov. 4  TAKE SHELTER

Nov. 18  MARTHA MARCY MAY MARLENE

Nov. 25   THE SKIN I LIVE IN

Nov. ?   MARGIN CALL

Dec. 2   MELANCHOLIA

TBD   WEEKEND

SENNA and LIFE, ABOVE ALL at The Neon

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Hello Everyone,

We’re opening two new films this weekend.  First is a documentary for which we have received numerous requests – perhaps as many as we received for BUCK.  This time, instead of a horse trainer, the subject is regarded as “the best driver who ever lived” – SENNA.  We will also open a small African film which will only play for one week.  If you’ve been to THE NEON recently, I’m almost certain you’ve seen a trailer for LIFE, ABOVE ALL – a film for which Robert Ebert gave a 100% review.

Synopsis for SENNA:  “Senna’s remarkable story, charting his physical and spiritual achievements on the track and off, his quest for perfection, and the mythical status he has since attained, is the subject of SENNA, a documentary feature that spans the racing legend’s years as an F1 driver, from his opening season in 1984 to his final, tragic race a decade later. Far more than a film for F1 fans, SENNA unfolds a remarkable story in a remarkable manner, eschewing many standard documentary techniques in favour of a more cinematic approach that makes full use of astounding footage, much of which is drawn from F1 archives and is previously unseen.” (Working Title Films)  Click this LINK to visit the film’s official site.

[yframe url=’http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=t6rvBiYBL-w&feature=fvst’]

Synopsis for LIFE, ABOVE ALL: “Just after the death of her newly-born sister, Chanda, 12 years old, learns of a rumor that spreads like wildfire through her small, dust-ridden village near Johannesburg. It destroys her family and forces her mother to flee. Sensing that the gossip stems from prejudice and superstition, Chanda leaves home and school in search of her mother and the truth.” (Sony Pictures Classics) Click this LINK to visit the film’s official site.

[yframe url=’http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3GtWfPQ98Qk’]

Living City is gearing up for their VAMPIRE retrospective.  The series will include 5 Films over the course of 5 Mondays at 7:30 – beginning October 17.  Single tickets will be available at the door before each screening for $8 each.  A festival pass – good for all 5 screnings – will be available this weekend for just $30  (members of FilmDayton will receive $5 off the festival pass price).   Here are the dates and films:

October 17 – THE HUNGER

October 24 – DRACULA (1931, starring Bela Lugosi)

October 31 – THE LOST BOYS

November 7 – INTERVIEW WITH THE VAMPIRE

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

Hope to see you this weekend,

Jonathan

SHOWTIMES for October 7 – October 13:

SENNA (PG-13) 1 Hr 46 Min

Friday, Saturday, Sunday: 12:20, 2:45, 5:10, 7:30, 9:45

Monday – Thursday:  3:00, 5:20, 7:50

LIFE, ABOVE ALL (PG-13) 1 Hr 40 Min

Friday, Saturday, Sunday:  12:30, 5:00

Monday – Thursday: 5:30

HIGHER GROUND (R) 1 Hr 49 Min

Friday, Saturday, Sunday: 2:40, 7:20, 9:40

Monday – Thursday: 3:10, 7:40

COMING SOON:

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

In some cases, titles may disappear.

Oct. 14  RESTLESS

Oct. 14  THE FUTURE

Oct. 21   THE DEVIL’S DOUBLE

Nov. 4  TAKE SHELTER

Nov. 18  MARTHA MARCY MAY MARLENE

Nov. 25   THE SKIN I LIVE IN

Nov. ?   MARGIN CALL

Dec. 2   MELANCHOLIA

TBD   WEEKEND

HIGHER GROUND & More at THE NEON

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Hello Everyone.

Many thanks to those of you who supported this year’s Downtown Dayton LGBT Film Festival.  It was the most successful festival yet!  While CAROL CHANNING: LARGER THAN LIFE received the most enthusiastic response (if you missed this, you missed a complete gem), many attendees were also in love with WEEKEND and TOMBOY.

This weekend, we’re going to hold onto THE GUARD and THE WHISTLEBLOWERwhile opening a new film both directed by and starring Vera Farmiga – HIGHER GROUND.

Synopsis for HIGHER GROUND:  “Higher Ground, depicts the landscape of a tight-knit spiritual community thrown off-kilter when one of their own begins to question her faith. Inspired by Carolyn S. Briggs’ memoir, This Dark World, the film tells the story of a thoughtful woman’s struggles with belief, love, and trust. Faith, love and honesty are the cornerstones of this story of a woman who learns that no matter how many times she loses her footing, she has within herself all that’s necessary to get to a higher place.” (Sony Pictures Classics)  Visit the film’s official site.

[yframe url=’http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IRpFKwJHQ7g’]

This Sunday, The India Foundation will celebrate the birthday of Gandhi by presenting a reception and a free screening of the documentary MAHATMA.  “This one-hour documentary on the life of Mahatma Gandhi contains never-before-seen archival footage from the vaults of Films Davison of India.  Come over and join in Mahatma Gandhi’s 142nd birthday celebration.  Birthday cake, coffee, samaras in the lobby from 1:30 to 2:30.  The film starts at 3:00.  Admission is FREE – on first-come, first-seated basis.”

Below is a small collage of photos I took during this year’s Toronto International Film Festival.  Sadly, I didn’t always have my camera with me…and in some instances, I didn’t want to be “that guy” snapping pictures at a big party.  How many people can you name?

Living City is putting the final details in place for this Fall’s VAMPIRE retrospective.  Ticketing details will be available soon.  That said, you can mark your calendars now for October 17 – THE HUNGER, October 24 – DRACULA (starring Bela Lugosi), October 31 – THE LOST BOYS, November 7 – INTERVIEW WITH THE VAMPIRE, and November 14 – BRAM STOKER’S DRACULA (1992).

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

Next Friday (Oct. 7), we plan to open SENNA.  We’ve had numerous calls and e-mails about this film…so we hope that we’ll soon have another documentary hit on our hands!

Hope to see you this weekend,

Jonathan

SHOWTIMES for Sept. 30 – October 6:

THE WHISTLEBLOWER (R) 1 Hr 52 Min

Friday, Saturday: 2:40, 7:15

Sunday: 7:15

Monday – Thursday:  3:10, 7:50

THE GUARD (R) 1 Hr 36 Min

Friday, Saturday, Sunday:  12:30, 5:00, 9:40

Monday – Thursday: 5:30

HIGHER GROUND (R) 1 Hr 49 Min

Friday, Saturday, Sunday: 12:20, 2:45, 5:10, 7:30, 9:45

Monday – Thursday: 3:00, 5:20, 8:00

MAHATMAN (NR) 1 Hr

Sunday: 3:00 (reception begins at 1:30)

COMING SOON:

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

In some cases, titles may disappear.

Oct. 7   SENNA

Oct. 7 RESTLESS

Oct. 14  THE FUTURE

Nov. 4  TAKE SHELTER

Nov. 18 MARTHA MARCY MAY MARLENE

Nov. 25   THE SKIN I LIVE IN

TBD   LIFE ABOVE ALL

Movies Galore This Weekend at THE NEON!

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Hello Everyone.

I’m back from Toronto and throwing myself right into details for the upcoming weekend at THE NEON.  Toronto was fantastic – 34 Films, a couple great parties and a chance to meet numerous people in the industry.  If you want to catch up on my daily blogs from the festival, click HERE.  In addition to my reaction to each film, I posted trailers, clips and pictures (and in the coming days, I’ll manage to upload some personal photos I took – including pictures of Tilda Swinton, Antonio Benderas, Jessica Chastain and more.)

If you still need to see SARAH’S KEY , you only have until Thursday to see it at THE NEON (visit our site for remaining showtimes).  THE GUARD – starring Brendan Gleeson & Don Cheadle – had a solid opening weekend.  It will stick around.  In addition to this weekend’s LGBT Film Festival, we will open THE WHISTLEBLOWER – starring Rachel Weisz, Vanessa Redgrave and David Strathairn on Friday.

Synopsis for THE WHISTLEBLOWER:  “Inspired by actual events, Kathy is an American police officer who takes a job working as a peacekeeper in post-war Bosnia. Her expectations of helping to rebuild a devastated country are dashed when she uncovers a dangerous reality of corruption, cover-up and intrigue amid a world of private contractors and multinational diplomatic double-talk.” (Samuel Goldwyn Pictures)  Visit the official website to read more about the film.

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The 6th Annual Downtown Dayton LGBT Film Festival is ready to go, and festival passes & single tickets are currently on sale at our box office.  Our closing movie on Sunday afternoon – a British film called WEEKEND – just received a fantastic review in The Village Voice.  To visit the official website for the festival, click HERE .  Trailers for each feature are on the site.  And don’t forget…if you get a ticket to the opening night film, you’re invited to the opening night party at Sidebar – which will include appetizers and complimentary sangria.  A movie starring Cheyenne Jackson & Julia Ormond + food & cocktails for only $8???  Almost too good to be true!

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On Thursday, September 29 at 7:30, director Lee Zellars has rented one of our auditoriums for the Dayton premiere of his Cincinnati-based film PURPLE HAZE. “Damian Ship was a talented musician in Haiti. He dreamed of coming to American and becoming a famous musician. This was made possible by CEO Sam Lucci – who signed him to his label but had no intention to living up to the agreement… When Damian is swindled out of monies due to him, he brings a wrath on Sam Lucci like nothing he ever experienced in all his shady dealings before. Damian Ship, later known as Purple Haze, brought forth a horror that would keep any record executive in check.”  Tickets are $10 each and are available at our box office.

Hope to see you this weekend,

Jonathan

SHOWTIMES for Sept. 23 – September 29:

THE WHISTLEBLOWER (R) 1 Hr 52 Min

Friday: 12:30, 2:50, 5:10, 7:30, 9:45

Saturday: 12:30, 5:10, 7:30

Sunday: 12:30, 2:50, 5:10, 7:30, 9:45

Monday – Thursday:  3:00, 5:30, 8:00

THE GUARD (R) 1 Hr 36 Min

Friday:  12:40, 2:50, 5:00, 9:50

Saturday: 2:50, 5:15, 9:50

Sunday: 5:10, 7:20, 9:30

Monday – Wednesday: 3:10, 5:30, 7:50

Thursday:  3:10, 5:30

DOWNTOWN DAYTON LGBT FILM FESTIVAL

Friday at 7:30 – THE GREEN

Saturday at 12:30 – GEN SILENT

Saturday at 3:00 – TOP DRAWER SHORTS

Saturday at 7:30 – TOMBOY

Saturday at 9:30 – GOING DOWN IN LA-LA LAND

Sunday at 12:30 – CAROL CHANNING: LARGER THAN LIFE

Sunday at 3:00 – WEEKEND

PURPLE HAZE (NR) 1 Hr 26 Min

Thursday: 7:30

COMING SOON:

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

In some cases, titles may disappear.

Sept 30   HIGHER GROUND

Sept. 30   THE FUTURE

Oct. 7   RESTLESS

Oct. 7   SENNA

Nov. 4  TAKE SHELTER

Nov. 18  MARTHA MARCY MAY MARLENE

Nov. 25   THE SKIN I LIVE IN

TBD   LIFE ABOVE ALL

Sixth Annual Dayton LGBT Film Festival

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With the sixth annual Downtown Dayton LGBT Film Festival starting this week at The Neon, moviegoers should be looking forward to what has been promised to be the best year yet.

To kick off the festival, Steven Williford’s The Green will be shown at 7:30p.m. Friday, September 23rd. The picture is about an accusation of a male teacher improperly involving himself with a male student.  Directly following the screening, there will be an opening night party at Sidebar in downtown Dayton’s Oregon District. All viewers need is their ticket stub for entry.

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Beginning at 12:30p.m. Saturday, September 24th, Stu Maddux’s Gen Silent will be presented, a film about being forced to change your sexual orientation in order to receive medical care. Next, a series of six short films, or “Top Drawer Shorts”, will begin at 3:00p.m. At 7:30p.m., Celine Sciamma’s picture Tomboy about a 10-year-old girl disguising herself as a young boy in a new town will certainly entertain movie lovers. Ending the night at 9:30p.m. is Casper Andrea’s Going Down in LA-LA Land, a film about an actor’s survival in Hollywood, which “has a great central performance by Matthew Ludwinski” who will attend this year’s festival (http://www.daytonlgbt.com/).

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Ending the three day festival on Sunday, September 25th will be Dori Berinstein’s Carol Channing: Larger Than Life (12:00p.m.) and Andrew Haigh’s Weekend (3:00p.m.). Closing with a documentary about one of Broadway’s most beloved singers and actresses and a drama about a passionate encounter between two strangers, this impressive lineup is sure to interest longtime fans of the festival as well as attract new viewers.

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Single showings are $8 and a Festival Pass is $50. Tickets can be purchased at The Neon Movie Theater. Tickets are on sale now. “See you at the movies!”

Toronto – THE FILMS – Day 9

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Hello Everyone.

Yesterday was jam-packed, and I had to be up at 5:30 this morning in order to get to the airport on time (I’m sure glad I got there 2 hours in advance as suggested – that place was crazed at 6:30am).  Anyway, the following are the films I saw on my final day in Toronto.

First off, I saw a documentary called PATRON SAINTS.  This short piece about residents in a nursing home could have been even shorter.  In fact, I think that the poor image quality combined with the mostly poor camera work lend itself to being a better audio piece.  The only thing that makes this piece interesting are the characters – and though it’s certainly compelling to see their images, it’s their stories (and sometimes heartbreaking questions) that really count.  (Of course this trailer makes my criticism look off the mark…but perhaps a 30 minute film would have been better than 72 – given the minutes and minutes of shaky, outdoor, non-interesting photography).

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Next up, I saw THE WOMAN IN THE FIFTH – a French film (though with lots of dialog in English) with Ethan Hawke and Kristin Scott Thomas.  The story involves a man who has returned to Paris (we’re led to believe that he just released from prison – but we begin to question all of our beliefs) in order to try and get time with his young daughter – from whom he has a restraining order.  Though he gets a few brief moments with her, he begins to write her a long letter – and eventually meets a muse (Kristin Scott Thomas) who insists that he return to writing a novel.  I liked this film, but it has me wondering if there were key details that I missed (as the last 15 minutes left me a little puzzled).  The trailer below is the French trailer (the only one available) – but there’s plenty of dialog in English.

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After that, I saw THE AWAKENING – a supernatural thriller with Rebecca Hall (with a supporting role by one of my favorites – Imelda Staunton).  This period film is about a woman who is called to an all boys’ school in order to disprove the rumors and fears that a ghost is responsible for the recent death of a student.  Interestingly, each time she disproves the presence of ghosts, she falls into a depression – because she wants nothing more than to be able to communicate with her dead lover.  The film will undoubtedly be linked to recent movies like THE OTHERS or THE ORPHANAGE…and that’s fair.  That said, I think it’s quite good.  The production values and performances make it stand out in its genre – and I jumped and shrieked with the rest of the audience.

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Lastly, I saw BEAUTY – a film set in South Africa.  The film is about a man who leads a very polished and respected life with his family – but secretly meets for group sex with a local group of closeted men.  The lead character becomes interested in the son of a family friend, and the movie becomes a spooky tale of obsession.  There are several critics/members of the gay community who loathe the depiction of gay men as leering, predatory creatures portrayed as nothing but wicked characters.  Though I certainly understand their point (it doesn’t do much in helping to create positive images of the lgbt community), this film is actually a cautionary tale about repression.  It’s the married men, hiding their true sexual identities, who should concern us.  They’re the ones who tend to be filled with self-loathing, resentment, jealousy and thus potentially unleashed anger…the ones who tend to seem the most homophobic and vote against lgbt rights (see numerous news stories regarding political and religious leaders who have been caught hiring rent boys and had public restroom encounters).  Though I don’t think this is a great film, it is well done and certainly unsettling.

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So that’s it!  34 Films in 9 Days!

I’m home now…doing laundry, catching up on a bit of rest, and beginning to put all my thoughts into next weekend’s LGBT Film Fest at THE NEON.  (You know about that, right???)  www.daytonlgbt.com Tickets are on sale now!  If you can’t make it to everything, I personally suggest WEEKEND, TOMBOY, Top Drawer Shorts, and CAROL CHANNING: LARGER THAN LIFE.

Hope to see you soon,

Jonathan

Toronto – THE FILMS – Day 8, Part 2

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Hello Again

Since I last wrote a blog, I’ve seen 2 films and had a great dinner with an old friend.  It’s not nearly as late as I have been writing the past several nights, and that’s refreshing.

At 3:30 today, I saw a film – AMERICANO -directed by Mathieu Demy – son of Jacques Demy & Agnes Varda.  He was also the lead actor in the film – with a supporting cast of a couple other children of well-known filmmakers – Chiara Mastoianni & Geraldine Chaplin  (if you don’t know who these kids are, I’d suggest googling them).  In addition, Selma Hayek is in the film.  Though I liked this movie, I had certain reservations with numerous plot points in the second half of the film.  The story regards a young man (in France) who receives news that his mother has passed away (in L.A.).  He makes the journey to tend to her house – claiming he has very few memories of his childhood.  However, certain images conjure memories…and for the flashbacks, Demy uses actual footage of himself  as a child that was shot by his father.  Below is a clip of the film – a trailer is not yet available.

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After that, I saw one of the best films so far.  TAKE SHELTER, which has already been dated for THE NEON, is absolutely incredible.  Jessica Chastain, who has so many films coming out this year, was present for an introduction and Q&A.  Not only is she luminous, she’s articulate, talented and also quite friendly.  The movie is about a man (played by Michael Shannon) who starts to fear that a terrible storm – unlike any other – is about to come.  His premonitions and dreams signal a need for him to create a safer living environment (as well as an underground shelter) for his family.  With an understanding that his mother has been institutionalized for mental illness, we immediately begin to understand that mental illness might be genetic.  I’m not going to write anything more…except that the two leads give incredible performances.  (AND THIS – This film was shot mostly in Ohio!! )

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3 or 4 more films tomorrow…then pack my bags.

More soon,

Jonathan

Toronto – THE FILMS – Day 7 & 8

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Hello!

Last night, I saw a film that I’ve been quite interested to see for a while.  Several months ago, I first saw a trailer for SLEEPING BEAUTY – an Australian film that is “presented by Jane Campion.”  The film is a first feature for director Julia Leigh, and the story follows a college student who takes a job providing “silver service.”   The job is one in which the socially elite are served dinner and cocktails by beautiful, exposed women – and the service requires lots of protocal and particulars.  During the interview process, the woman in charge (a very sophisticated & beautifully dressed woman played by Rachael Blake) states “Your vagina will never be penetrated.  Your vagina is a temple.”  (I’ve noticed a couple recurring themes during this festival…bridges that can’t be crossed, “it’s him or me” has been stated in a few films, and now college girls becoming prostitutes to pay for tuition.)  Though captivated for the entire film, I must admit that parts of the film puzzled me…and several questions were left unanswered.

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This morning, I saw a comedy – MY WORST NIGHTMARE – by Anne Fontaine starring Isabelle Huppert (one of my favorite actresses).  The comedy is a class clash between an icy, uppity woman and the father of a boy who attends her son’s school.  Though very funny in parts (and nobody plays an ice queen like Huppert), the third act was a big dissapointment.

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I just walked out of a film.  At this point, I’m too tired to sit through films now that aren’t capturing my attention.  I’ve got 2 more films today – then I’m meeting an old friend for dinner.  He and I met in line for Almodovar’s TALK TO HER back in 2002.

1.5 days left.

More soon,

Jonathan

Toronto – THE FILMS – Day #7, Part 1

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Hello Everyone,

I’ve seen three films already today…I have a bit of free time and I decided to write and update now (as I might be out late this evening).

First off, I saw HYSTERIA – a comedy set in 1880 starring Hugh Dancy & Maggie Gyllenhaal.  The movie is about a young doctor who is fired from his job and has to find a new place to work.  After being turned down numerous places, he is hired at a doctor’s office for women – most of whom seem to suffer from hysteria.  Though the trailer seems nothing but breezy, this little film is a gem and is actually quite touching (on par with the likes of MISS PETTIGREW LIVES FOR A DAY).  The performances, set design, costumes and score are wonderful.  NEON regulars will love this film!

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Next I saw UNION SQUARE – starring Mira Sorvino and Emmy winner Tammy Blanchard (as well as a small part by Patti Lupone).  This rather stagey character study is relatively short, and overall, I don’t think it really worked on the big screen.  The performances are strong, but it feels like a play.  The story regards a woman who shows up on her sister’s doorstep after more than 3 years of not communicating.  One sister is in a pristine house with a husband and an organic food business…the other is from the Bronx and wonders what happened to her sister and her roots.

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I just got out of a screening of ALPS – the new film from Yorgos Lanthimos – director of DOGTOOTH.  ALPS is the name of an underground group of roleplayers who substitute for people’s departed loved ones.  The relationships between characters in the group are often volatile, and the performances are often stagey and almost unbelievable…but the actors in the film are incredible.  I’m a big fan of DOGTOOTH, so I was excited to see this film.  It has some interesting things to say about the human condition and our need for roles.  Below is a photo I took of the director and his two leads actresses (I sadly didn’t see that Aggeliki Papoulia’s eyes were closed until I uploaded the photo to my computer) and a clip of some footage from the film.

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If I don’t check in again tonight, I’ll certainly be back tomorrow.

Cheers!

Toronto – THE FILMS – Day #6

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Hello Everyone.

If you need showtimes for the upcoming weekend at THE NEON, please visit the official site at www.neonmovies.com.

Well…it was a mixed bag again today.

First off, I saw ELLES – a new, sexually charged film starring Juliette Binoche.  The movie is about a woman who is quite busy being a housewife…but is also a journalist.  For her latest story, she is interviewing 2 young ladies who have become prostitutes in order to put themselves through college.  While writing the story, she revisits her interviews and begins to question her marriage, her position and her own sexuality.  If you’re thinking BELLE DU JOUR (with Deneuve), so was I.  Though not as strong or provocative, I do like that it makes us think about how we perceive women.  The photography is good, and  Binoche is always a treat to watch.  There is no clip or trailer available, so all you get is the photo above.

Next I saw a film I’ve been dying to see.  The new film directed by Madonna – W.E. The movie concerns 2 stories – The relationship of Wallis Simpson and King Edward…and a contemporary story about a woman who is obsessed with the early 20th century romance.  (Though Madonna was in town for the premiere yesterday, she did not attend this 2nd screening.)  I went into the screening with a negative vibe.  I was prepared to be disappointed – as early criticism from Venice was mostly negative.  Then the movie started.  Though there were some visual choices that I didn’t care for, I was ready to stand up again the naysayers!  Andrea Riseborough – who plays Wallis Simpson – is absolutely spectacular.  The costumes are fantastic, the sets are divine.  Though camera work was a little unsettling, I was entirely engaged…for the first hour.  Then begin some moments that are simply inexcusable.  It’s really too bad…there’s a good film here, it just needs to be cut.  I’d be more than willing to offer my services.  This film needs 3 scenes cut…and overall about 20 minutes taken out…and it would be at the very least, a good film.  Below are a couple images of Riseborough and a scene from the film.

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Lastly, I saw the latest film from Whit Stillman – who hasn’t made a film in more than a decade.  DAMSELS IN DISTRESS is CLUELESS for the college set.  I thought it was a scream.  Stillman, lead actress Greta Gerwig (who you might remember as the best part of GREENBERG), Adam Brody, and a couple other damsels were at the screening.  It’s the funniest movie I’ve seen at this year’s festival, and I think it will certainly develop a following.  Below is a clip – but by no means the funniest part of the film.

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4 Films tomorrow…need to be up by 6:00 one last time.  Thus off to bed.

Cheers,

Jonathan

Toronto – THE FILMS – Day # 5

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We’ll soon see if I can get 5 hours of sleep tonight instead of the 3-4 hours I’ve had over the past couple nights.

I saw 4 films again…which makes a grand total of 20 so far!!

First I saw SALMON FISHING IN THE YEMEN with Ewan McGregor, Emily Blunt and Kristin Scott Thomas.  A woman beside me loved it.  Another woman at a different screening later in the day started gushing about it.  So perhaps this film was specifically made for a female audience age 45-60.  I certainly did not like it!!  Though it had a couple moments that reeled me in, it’s ultimately the most uneven and slight film I’ve seen so far.  It’s a romantic comedy & ecologically/socially conscious (though full of negative stereotypes), terrorist thriller…about salmon being introduced into the Yeman.  Cutesy one minute – terrorists the next.  AKA – A Gigantic Mess, in my opinion.  Below is a clip.

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Next off, I saw ALBERT NOBBS – starring the absolutely incredible Glenn Close.  This film was a little more whimsical than I suspected.  That said, the film does tackle some interesting ideas – and all the more interesting is the fact that the film is based on a short story from the early 1900’s.  It’s about a woman who presents herself as a man in order to gain employment as a butler in the late 1800’s.  The film reminded me, in tone, of CRANFORD or MRS. HENDERSON PRESENTS.  Relatively jovial (at first) – but with big undercurrents of sadness and yearning.  The set design, costumes and score are marvelous…and  I should hope that Ms. Close gets an Oscar nomination (though some of the other performances are also quite wonderful). Below is a clip.

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MONSIEUR LAHZAR was the next film I saw.  I saw this film because it was directed by the same man who did IT WASN’T ME, I SWEAR (which I saw a few years ago and loved) – Philippe Falardeau.  This French Canadian film is about a man who comes to teach in a classroom in which the former teacher had committed suicide.  He’s got his own baggage…but lots is gained from both students and teacher alike.  The frustrations of dealing with parents and administration will certainly be empathized by many of you who have taught in the public school system.  The film is very good.  The trailer below is not yet available with subtitles…as it has not yet found a distributor in The States.

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Lastly, I saw Christophe Honore’s new film – BELOVED – starring Chiara Mastroianni, Ludivine Sagnier, Catherine Deneuve, Louis Garrel, and a handful of other familiar faces.  First off, the film is much too long.  That said, I still loved so much about it.  If you’re familiar with Honore’s earlier film LOVE SONGS, this is similar (meaning there are several musical numbers – but almost presented as dialog (if you think, “Sounds like UMBRELLAS OF CHERBOURG” – we’re on the same page.).  The film spans several decades and is a candid and emotional look at contemporary sexual politics.  The opening scenes in the 60’s are delightful…and get heavier (though still with some moments of great joy) as the film progresses.  Because the film was in a smaller venue tonight, I decided to pack light and not take my camera with me.  I was surprised (but bummed that I didn’t have my camera) to find out that Honore and Garrel were present for an introduction and Q&A.  (I did manage to get a cell phone pic after the screening in a better lit space…though not a great picture, I have posted it at the end of this post.)  Below is a trailer.

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More soon!!

(I didn’t make it.  Already after 1:00am…need to be up by 6:00.  Oh well.  I’ll sleep in October.)

Toronto – THE FILM – Day #4, Part 1

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OK…

Once again, I find myself getting in much too late to type a full recap…so I’ll make it short and sweet…with more to come.

The Tilda Swinton Interview/Q&A was a divine experience.  The 75 minutes flew by – I could have stayed for hours!!!

BARRYMORE – a film with Christopher Plummer reprising his role as John Barrymore (from his one-man-show on Broadway) – was solid, but not cinematic enough to get a theatrical release.  I think it will make a better Masterpiece Theatre evening.

Next, I saw SHAME – the new Steve McQueen film starring Michael Fassbender.  A film about sexual addiction, this film is highly charged and quite wonderful.  Fassbender and McQueen were at the screening.  I was in the front row.  Below is a clip.

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The last film I saw today was the new Pedro Almodovar film – THE SKIN I LIVE IN.  I won’t say too much…as I’m a little sad that I knew plot points before seeing the film.  The movie is 100x’s better than the trailer (which is below) – and I suggest not knowing a whole lot about the plot.  Just enjoy Pedro’s new highly stylized thriller that is both shocking and emotionally charged.  Both leads – Antonio Benderas & Elena Anaya – introduced the film.  Once again, I was in the front row!

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Additional sightings…IndieWire conducted interviews in the industry lounge today with Morgan Spurlock and Emily Blunt (along with the director from YOUR SISTER’S SISTER – also known for HUMPDAY).

More tomorrow!!

Jonathan

Toronto – THE FILMS – Day #3, Part 2

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Hello Again,

With less than 4 hours of sleep, I managed to crawl out of bed this morning and get to my ticket line by 7:00.  I got the tickets I desired for Tuesday (which made me happy…and I’ll make you wait until Tuesday for you to see why).  I also managed to get the last available ticket (they made a few available this morning) to a Maverick session with Tilda Swinton – which I just attended.  I’ll write more about that later – it was divine.

Yesterday’s films were a mixed bag.

First off, I saw Andrea Arnold’s WUTHERING HEIGHTS.  Though still a period piece, this is unlike any version you’ve seen before.  With a contemporary shooting style and almost entirely without scoring, this film took a little while for me to become invested.  The dialog is quite altered (I don’t recall Bronte’s text having such vulgar language), but the story remains quite similar (though no ghosts per se)…and like FISH TANK, Arnold shot the film in 4×3 – which confines the characters more than a more panoramic aspect ratio.  The film is not something I’d want to seek out to own, but it’s worth a viewing for the sake of it’s “honest” rendering of the story…though I feel it plays a little long.  Below is a clip.

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Next I saw the new film from Todd Solondz – DARK HORSE.  The story is about the ultimate man-child (played by Jordan Gelber) who still lives with his parents in a room filled with action figures and Absolut Vodka magazine ads lining the walls (in an early scene, we see him avoiding work by considering to pay $350 for a Thundercats action figure on e-bay).  Solondz revels in making movies about the socially awkward.  This is his most accessible film – and was quite funny for the first 45 minutes.  (Mia Farrow, who plays his mother, is quietly hysterical.)  Eventually, I thought the film got a bit stale – and the last 15 minutes was a bit of a puzzle (but perhaps my sleep deprivation was finally getting to me).  Below is a teaser – from a scene in which the lead character goes to visit the girl (played by Selma Blair) he recently met (and fell for) at a wedding.

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My next screening was THE DESCENDANTS.  This film is fantastic, and I already posted the trailer in yesterday’s post.  This film will be a hit – both at the box office and critically.  The film is about a man who is dealing with raising his daughters while his wife lays in a coma (which was a result of a speed-boat accident).  The film is as funny as it is touching, and the performances are fantastic across the board.  (Clooney, during the Q&A, was absolutely charming.)

And then there was the party – hosted by Fox Searchlight, Vanity Fair and Belvedere Vodka.  Lots of folks were there.  Clooney, Elizabeth Olsen (as well as numerous people from MARTHA MARCY MAY MARLENE), Juliette Lewis, Kirsten Dunst, Alexander Skarsgard, and several talk show corespondents.  I got to talk with several very interesting people in the film business – from producers, to a production designer, to people in marketing.  It was a great party!  The cocktails and food were delicious, and upon leaving, I once again ran into James Franco.  Always a great way to end the evening.

More soon!

Jonathan

P.S.  New Pedro Almodovar film tonight!!!