The Neon

THE GIRL WHO PLAYED WITH FIRE Comes To Town!

September 3, 2010 By Jonathan McNeal 2 Comments

Hello Everyone.

The next several weeks are full of special events. In addition to seeing all of our engagements, you’ll want to get out your calendar to make certain you don’t miss many of these unique opportunities to see so many great films at THE NEON.

GET LOW – the new highly acclaimed film with Robert Duvall, Bill Murray, and Sissy Spacek – is a hit. Audiences are loving it…and it will stick around. That said, THE KIDS ARE ALL RIGHT and WINTER’S BONE have reached the end of their very successful runs. Both of these films will only play through Thursday. On Friday, we will open the 2nd film in the Millennium Trilogy – THE GIRL WHO PLAYED WITH FIRE. We’ve had more phone calls about this title than any other recent film. We hope Daytonians turn out for this installment!

Synopsis for THE GIRL WHO PLAYED WITH FIRE: “Two journalists on the verge of exposing their story in Millennium about an extensive sex trafficking operation between Eastern Europe and Sweden are brutally murdered. Lisbeth Salander’s prints are on the weapon.
Mikael Blomkvist, alone in his belief in Salander’s innocence, plunges into an investigation of the slayings which will implicate highly placed members of Swedish society, business and government. Knowing Salander to be fierce when fearful, he is desperate to get to her before she is cornered and alone but she is nowhere to be found. Digging deeper, Blomkvist also unearths some heart-wrenching facts about Salander’s past life…” (taken from press notes)

On Wednesday, September 15th at 7:30 p.m. MochaReaders will host a special screening of the 70’s hit movie FOXY BROWN starring legendary actress Pam Grier. Movie goers will enjoy refreshments, special giveaways and WWRD-TV32 will highlight the event. Join MochaReaders in celebrating and welcoming Pam Grier to Dayton to promote her new book. (Ms. Grier will appear at “A Foxy Affair – An Evening with Pam Grier” at Ponitz Career Technology Center, 471 Washington Street on Thursday, Sept. 16. For more information visit www.mochareaders.com or call (937) 361-7657.) Single tickets to the Wednesday, Sept. 15 screening of FOXY BROWN (on 35mm) are just $5 and are now available at THE NEON’s box office!

On Thursday, Sept. 16, DATV will present the MEDIA THAT MATTERS FILM FESTIVAL. The festival showcases 12 jury selected short films – each 12 minutes or less – that tackle a broad range of social issues with humor, humanity and honesty. Tickets are $15 each and are available on-line at www.datv.org or at our box office.

The Downtown Dayton LGBT Film Festival is swinging into action for its 5th year! The wonderfully designed website just launched last week. Check it out at www.daytonlgbt.com. The website is full of images and links to trailers and official sites. It also outlines all of the sponsors for this year. GREAT NEWS! We have just secured the attendance of 4 guest artists (and perhaps even more will be announced soon). Casper Andreas – director of VIOLET TENDENCIES (Saturday, Sept. 25 at 9:30), Sarah Louise Lilley – star & producer of NOTHING HAPPENED and Jessica Provenz – writer and producer of NOTHING HAPPENED (Saturday, Sept. 25 at 3:00), and Heath Daniels – writer, star and producer of GO-GO REJECT (also on Saturday, Sept. 25 at 3:00) will attend the fest. These guest artists will be flying in from NYC and LA…and I hope they’ll have a warm reception with an enthusiastic crowd at each screening – please help to make it happen.

Living City Film Fest is at it again! This year, the festival will be a celebration of the career of Jeff Bridges. Titles include THE FABULOUS BAKER BOYS, THE LAST PICTURE SHOW and THE BIG LEBOWSKI (each on 35mm)…a full line-up of titles, sponsors and dates (October/November) will be announced soon.

FREE TICKET information.
CONGRATULATIONS!!
The winners of a pass good for 2 people to THE NEON are Lee & Milly H! There were only 16 entries into our review contest…so Milly H & Lee had great odds of winning (with 5 entries between the 2 of them). I’ll keep you posted as we may re-work this contest and launch it again in the future.

We hope to see you soon.
Take care,
Jonathan

SHOWTIMES for September 3 – September 9:

GET LOW (PG-13) 100 Minutes
Friday, Saturday, Sunday, Monday: 12:40, 2:50, 5:10, 7:30, 9:50
Tuesday – Thursday: 2:50, 5:10, 7:30

THE GIRL WHO PLAYED WITH FIRE (R) 129 Minutes
Friday, Saturday, Sunday, Monday: 1:00, 4:00, 7:00, 9:45
Tuesday – Thursday: 2:15, 5:15, 7:45

COMING SOON:
As always, all dates are tentative.

Sept. 10 JOAN RIVERS – A PIECE OF WORK

Sept. 17 ANIMAL KINGDOM & RESTREPO

Sept. 24 FAREWELL

Oct. 1 THE ELEPHANT IN THE LIVING ROOM

Oct. 8 LEBANON

Oct. 15 A WOMAN, A MAN & A NOODLE SHOP

TBD WILD GRASS

Duvall, Murray & Spacek in GET LOW

August 26, 2010 By Jonathan McNeal Leave a Comment

Hello Everyone.

We’ve got a lot going on in the next several weeks…and there are many more events in the works. These special events are going to keep us on our toes, but I’m certain you’ll be interested in many of them.

As predicted last week, COCO CHANEL & IGOR STRAVINSKY could only stick around for one week. Today is the last day for the film…and tomorrow we start GET LOW – the new highly acclaimed film with Robert Duvall, Bill Murray, and Sissy Spacek. Please spread the word and tell people to support this indie gem at a true indie theatre – THE NEON.

Synopsis for GET LOW: “Inspired by the true story of Tennessee recluse Felix “Bush” Breazeale, who planned his funeral while he was still alive… Few folks have spoken with Felix Bush (Duvall) since he disappeared into the Tennessee woods 40 years ago, and the ones who have don’t necessarily have the kindest things to say about him. Gruff, confrontational, and ill-tempered, Felix has been the source of many malicious rumors over the years. Some say he’s a cold-hearted killer and his penchant for walking into town with a shotgun, a wild beard, and threadbare clothes doesn’t exactly give the impression of a man who seeks to make friends. When Felix walks into Frank Quinn’s (Murray) funeral parlor and announces his intentions to throw himself a massive party before he passes away, word quickly spreads through town and anticipation starts to run high. Before long the big day has finally arrived, and Felix surprises everyone…” (Jason Buchanan, American Movie Guide)

On Thursday, Sept. 16, DATV will present the MEDIA THAT MATTERS FILM FESTIVAL. The festival showcases 12 jury selected short films – each 12 minutes or less – that tackle a broad range of social issues with humor, humanity and honesty. Tickets are $15 each and are available on-line at www.datv.org or at our box office.

The Downtown Dayton LGBT Film Festival is swinging into action for its 5th year! The wonderfully designed website just launched a few days ago. Check it out at www.daytonlgbt.com. The website is full of images and links to trailers and official sites. It also outlines all of the sponsors for this year. Over the next couple weeks, we will be securing the visiting artists for this year’s festival – writers, directors, and stars. Stay tuned for more details.

Living City Film Fest is at it again! This year, the festival will be a celebration of the career of Jeff Bridges. Titles include THE FABULOUS BAKER BOYS, THE LAST PICTURE SHOW and THE BIG LEBOWSKI (each on 35mm)…a full line-up of titles, sponsors and dates (October/November) will be announced soon.

FREE TICKET information.
You only have a few more days to win, and the odds are still good for you. If you see a movie at THE NEON, you can now comment on the film for everyone in town to see.
During the month of August, post a review for any film currently playing at THE NEON directly below my posting.
At the end of the month, we’ll select two winners to win a pair of tickets to THE NEON. If the response is good, we’ll do it again in September. (You can only review a specific film one time…but if we have 5 films play in one month, you could possibly have 5 entries.) Good luck & Happy Reviewing! (Drop me a note if you have any questions.)

We hope to see you soon.
Take care,
Jonathan

SHOWTIMES for August 27 – September 2:

GET LOW (PG-13) 100 Minutes
Friday, Saturday, Sunday: 12:40, 2:50, 5:10, 7:30, 9:45
Monday – Thursday: 2:50, 5:10, 7:30, 9:45

THE KIDS ARE ALL RIGHT (R) 104 Minutes
Friday – Thursday: 2:40, 9:40

WINTER’S BONE (R) 100 Minutes
Friday, Saturday, Sunday: 12:30, 5:00, 7:20
Monday – Thursday: 5:00, 7:20

COMING SOON:
As always, all dates are tentative.
Sept. 3 THE GIRL WHO PLAYED WITH FIRE
Sept. 10 JOAN RIVERS – A PIECE OF WORK
Sept. 17 ANIMAL KINGDOM
Sept. 24 FAREWELL
Oct. 8 LEBANON
Oct. 15 A WOMAN, A MAN & A NOODLE SHOP
TBD RESTREPO, WILD GRASS

WINTER’S BONE – A Critical and Audience Darling – Opens Today at THE NEON!

August 5, 2010 By Jonathan McNeal 3 Comments

Hello Everyone.

Wow! Last weekend was great! Thanks to all of you who hurried out to see THE KIDS ARE ALL RIGHT. We hope you’re spreading the word about what a special film it is.
Today, we’re opening another special film – this year’s big winner at the Sundance Film Festival – WINTER’S BONE. Critics are raving about WINTER’S BONE. In fact, more than a dozen of the nation’s top critics have given WINTER’S BONE a 100% review – including NEW YORK MAGAZINE, ENTERTAINMENT WEEKLY, TIME OUT NEW YORK, WALL STREET JOURNAL, USA TODAY, CHICAGO-SUN TIMES, THE NEW YORKER, and many more! We hope you’ll hurry down to see it.

Synopsis for WINTER’S BONE: “This tense, naturalistic thriller follows 17-year-old Ree Dolly as she confronts the local criminal underworld and the harsh Ozark wilderness in order to to track down her father, who has put up the family homestead for his bail. Featuring a star-making performance by Jennifer Lawrence, Winter’s Bone is sure to be one of the most-critically acclaimed films of the year.” (taken from Roadside Attractions)

The Downtown Dayton LGBT Film Festival is swinging into action for its 5th year! Mark your calendars for September 24-26. I promised you a line-up this week…so here you go (the press doesn’t even have this information yet):

FRIDAY, SEPT. 24 at 7:30
I KILLED BY MOTHER (a winner at Cannes & other international film festivals) – preceded by THE YOUNG PRIME MINISTER
sponsored by PFLAG Dayton
Followed by Opening Night Party at Color of Energy Gallery
sponsored by Lisa Hanauer & Sue Spiegel

SATURDAY, SEPT. 25 at 3:00
TOP DRAWER SHORTS: DOOR PRIZE, GAYBY, NOTHING HAPPENED, GO GO REJECT, AT NIGHT I WAS BEAUTIFUL, JUDGMENT DAY, INFLATABLE SWAMP, KADEN, REMEMBER ME IN RED
sponsored by The Human Race Theatre Company

SATURDAY, SEPT. 25 at 7:15
A MARINE STORY (same director & actress as THE GYMNAST from 2008’s festival)
sponsored by Greater Dayton LGBT Center

SATURDAY, SEPT. 25 at 9:30
VIOLET TENDENCIES – preceded by I’D RATHER BE LOOKING AT PORN
sponsorship TBD

SUNDAY, SEPT. 26 at 3:00
STONEWALL UPRISING – preceded by GAY POOL PARTY: 1968 & LAST ADDRESS
sponsored by Miami Valley Fair Housing

SUNDAY, SEPT. 26 at 5:15
UNDERTOW (a big winner at Sundance and other international film festivals)
sponsored by Square One Salon & Spa

Tickets will go on sale in early September. If you are interested in becoming a sponsor to help make the festival bigger and better (ie – bringing more visiting filmmakers, etc.), please let me know. There are also opportunities for advertising in the program.

And now for FREE TICKET information.
If you see a movie at THE NEON, you can now comment on the film for everyone in town to see – right here on DAYTONMOSTMETRO.COM!
During the month of August, you can write a review for a film that’s currently playing at THE NEON.
At the end of the month, we’ll select two winners to win a pair of tickets to THE NEON. If the response to this contest is good, we’ll do it again in September. (You can only review a specific film one time…but if we have 5 films play in one month, you could possibly have 5 entries.) Good luck & Happy Reviewing! (Drop me a note if you have any questions.)

We hope to see you soon.
Take care,
Jonathan

SHOWTIMES for August 6 – August 12:

THE KIDS ARE ALL RIGHT (R) 104 Minutes
Friday, Saturday, Sunday: 12:30, 2:50, 5:15, 7:30, 9:45
Monday – Thursday: 2:50, 5:15, 7:30, 9:45

WINTER’S BONE (R) 100 Minutes
Friday, Saturday, Sunday: 12:20, 2:40, 5:00, 7:20, 9:40
Monday – Thursday: 2:40, 5:00, 7:20, 9:40

COMING SOON:

Aug. 13 JOAN RIVERS – A PIECE OF WORK

Aug. 20 THE GIRL WHO PLAYED WITH FIRE

Aug. 20 COCO CHANEL AND IGOR STRAVINSKY

Aug. 27 GET LOW

Sept. 10 FAREWELL

Sept. 17 ANIMAL KINGDOM

Sept. 24 WILD GRASS

Oct. 8 LEBANON

Oct. 15 A WOMAN, A MAN & A NOODLE SHOP

Burma VJ, A MUST SEE Film Saturday at FilmDayton Fest

May 14, 2010 By Lisa Grigsby Leave a Comment

The following commentary was written by Andy Valeri, when I asked him how by knew about Burma VJ and why he thought it was such an important “get” for the FilmDayton Festival:

“Burma VJ” (VJ standing for “video journalist”) is one of the most important documentary films to be produced in a number of years. Not simply
because of its filmmaking quality in telling a riveting story about the
“Saffron Revolution” which took place in Burma in 2007, but in *how* that
story was told through the use of citizen-based, grassroots media networks.

Ever since I first saw the film upon its initial release a year ago, I knew
it was a potential game-changer in the world of media and its relationship
to movements for political change. I was fortunate to get a chance to see
this film upon its initial release, when my friends filmmakers Steve Bognar
and Julia Reichert were lent a copy by one of their colleagues. Steve
called me up to tell me about this amazing new film which he had just seen,
and invited me over to watch it. Knowing of my ongoing work in media and
human rights, Steve thought I really should see it.

I was deeply moved by the film, again not only for the drama inherent
within the story itself, but what it represented as a harbinger of the
inherent power and potential in the future progress of community-based,
grassroots media networks as as the most important tool available to
confront the cruelty and injustice in our world. It brought to the fore
Gandhi’s principle that the key to confronting injustice was to make it
visible.

It also struck a personal note with me, as I myself was in the same town in
Thailand where the main figure in the movie was based during the time the
events portrayed in the film were exploding forth. When I was there I
couldn’t help but be immersed in the goings ons just over the border. It
was a major concern amongst a number of the Buddhist monks that I would
talk with at the time, and no one was sure what was going to happen, since
nothing quite like this had ever happened before in Burma during the
decades of oppressive rule by the military junta in charge. The monks had
taken to the streets in mass organized protests against the legitimacy of
the government, and the government had resorted to actually shooting them.

And here it was all documented by courageous videographers risking their
very lives to show the world what was going on.

Thus began our interest in bringing the film to Dayton. At first Steve and
I thought it was something that could be presented at the University of
Dayton as part of their groundbreaking Human Rights Studies program. It
certainly would serve as a direct example of my interest in seeing
communication studies incorporated directly into human rights work.

Though the timing for a UD screening wasn’t able to pan out, we are all
more than fortunate to be able to present it at the FilmDayton Festival
this year. And not only that, as the lattice of coincidence would have it,
Steve and Julia ended up meeting and befriending the film’s producer from
Denmark, Lise Lense-Møller at this year’s Academy Awards, in which both
were nominees in their respective documentary categories! And not only
that, but Lise’s husband is from Ohio, and used to be a truck driver, who
would do deliveries to the former GM plant in Moraine about which whose
closing Steve and Julia’s film was nominated for an Oscar as well!

So, along with the Indian film “Kavi” showing at 12:30pm at Gilly’s on
Saturday, followed by Steve and Julia’s “The Last Truck,” and then with
“Burma VJ” running at 5pm at the Neon Movies, Dayton’s humble little film
festival will have THREE Academy Award-nominated films screening on the
same afternoon in the same festival.

For more on Burma VJ, here’s a good article from The New York Times…
“Democracy Now!” did a story this award winning film, which really gives
good insight into what the film is about, and the extraordinary risks
citizen journalists take to get information out of the country.

Short Films By, For and About Women

March 25, 2010 By Lisa Grigsby 1 Comment

LUNAFEST is a traveling film festival celebrating women filmmakers while also raising awareness for women’s issues and supporting nonprofits that benefit women in the US and Canada. This years festival will be on Sun, March 28th from 3-5:30pm at The Neon, 130 E. Fifth Street, Downtown Dayton. Ranging in style from Animation to Documentary, in origin from Brazil to Bulgaria,in subject from Beauty to Bicycling, tickets are just a $5 or $10 donation or $3 with a student ID. As a special edition to the fest, Dayton Native, Alicia Conway will screen her short, RITE, followed by a Q & A with the filmmaker. Rite portrays the day of a young girl’s coronation and entry to adulthood in a family with some grisly traditions.

For more information on the 10 shorts featured, click here.

Sponsors for this years local LUNAFEST include Dayton Women’s Rights Alliance, American Association of University Women and Planned Parenthood Southwest Ohio Region.

Established in 2000 by LUNA, the makers of the Whole Nutrition Bar for Women, LUNAFEST is completely funded by LUNA and run by a small, dedicated group of LUNA employees. 100 percent of all proceeds are donated to charity – 15 percent to the Breast Cancer Fund and the remaining 85 percent of proceeds go directly back to hosting community organizations.

Over the years, as LUNAFEST has grown from a single annual event to more than 140 festivals each season, LUNA’s commitment to this worthwhile program has grown as well. To date, LUNAFEST has raised over $470,000 for worthwhile women’s organizations, while raising hope and awareness for the stories of women everywhere.