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LOVING VINCENT Opens Friday at THE NEON. Big Holiday Films On Horizon!

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Hello Everyone!

We’re moving forward this Friday with a film many of you have expressed great interest in seeing – LOVING VINCENT. This hand oil-painted film is absolutely stunning, but its engagement will be limited (we have 2 spectacular new films that need to open on Nov. 22). Hurry down – everything will have to leave (including FLORIDA PROJECT and GOODBYE CHRISTOPHER ROBIN – click either title to visit that film’s official site) within the next couple weeks.

Synopsis for LOVING VINCENT: “The man was carrying nothing; his hands clasped to a fresh bullet wound leaking blood from his belly. This was Vincent van Gogh, then a little known artist; now the most famous artist in the world. His tragic death has long been known, what has remained a mystery is how and why he came to be shot. Loving Vincent tells that story.” LOVING VINCENT is told via animated oil paintings – all done by hand. Don’t miss this incredibly gorgeous experience!  To watch the trailer and learn more about the process, Click this LINK to visit the film’s official website.

“The ME/CFR Dayton Support Group is sponsoring a free screening of UNREST to raise awareness about Chronic Fatigue Syndrome and resources within the Dayton area for support. When Harvard Ph.D. student Jennifer Brea is struck down by a fever that leaves her bedridden, she sets out on a virtual journey to document her story as she fights a disease that medicine forgot. FREE to the public (movie, parking, popcorn). Donations welcome at the door. This Sunday, Nov. 12 at 3:30.” To reserve your seat via FaceBook, please click this LINK. (details provided by event coordinator Jerry Leggett)

On Wednesday, November 15 at 7:15, The Jewish Community Center of Greater Dayton will host a special screening of the classic Gary Cooper film HIGH NOON at THE NEON. Speaking with the film will be the Pulitzer Prize-winner Glenn Frankel, author of HIGH NOON: THE HOLLYWOOD BLACKLIST AND THE MAKING OF AN AMERICAN CLASSIC. Tickets are $9 each and are available via this LINK or by calling Karen at (937)610-1555.

The Dayton Holiday Festival, Mix 107.7 and THE NEON will present the return of the much-loved FAMILY HOLIDAY FILM SERIES. This year, we’ll look at 3 holiday gems over the course of the first three Saturdays in December. Admission is free for children 12 and under, and general admission is just $2. On December 2 at Noon, we’ll watch PRANCER – a film about a little girl who finds one of Santa’s injured reindeer. On December 9 at Noon, we’ll watch the holiday classic – MIRACLE ON 34th STREET – starring a young Natalie Wood. On December 16 at Noon, we’ll wrap up the series with HOME ALONE – this classic starring Macaulay Culkin is already 27 years old! Tickets are first come, first serve – available 45 minutes before each screening.

We’ve got a really strong line-up over the next several weeks.  We are slated to open both LADY BIRD and THREE BILLBOARDS OUTSIDE EBBING, MISSOURI on November 22.  These 2 films are winning praise and Oscar buzz galore.  On December 22, we are slated to open THE SHAPE OF WATER (one of my absolute favorite films of the year with the incredible Sally Hawkins) and DARKEST HOUR.  Somewhere in between these dates, we hope to get to FACES PLACES (another of my favorites of the year – an absolutely charming, insightful and uplifting film) and possibly THE SQUARE.  Stay tuned!

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

SHOWTIMES for Wednesday, Nov. 8 – Thursday, Nov. 16:

THE FLORIDA PROJECT (R) 1 Hr 51 Min
Wednesday-Thursday (Nov 8 & 9): 2:50, 5:10, 7:30
Friday & Saturday (Nov 10 & 11): 2:50, 5:10, 7:30, 9:45
Sunday (Nov 12): 5:30, 7:45
Monday-Thursday (Nov 13-16): 5:10, 7:30

GOODBYE CHRISTOPHER ROBIN (PG) 1 Hr 47 Min
Wednesday-Thursday (Nov 8 & 9): 3:00, 5:20, 7:40
Friday, Saturday, Sunday (Nov 10 – 12): 12:10, 2:30, 7:20
Monday & Tuesday (Nov 13 & 14): 3:00, 7:20
Wednesday (Nov 15): 3:00
Thursday (Nov 16): 3:00, 7:20

LOVING VINCENT (PG-13) 1 Hr 34 Min
Friday & Saturday (Nov 10 & 11): 12:50, 5:15, 9:40
Sunday (Nov 12): 12:50, 5:15
Monday-Thursday (Nov 13-16): 3:00, 5:15

UNREST (NR) 1 Hr 38 Min
Sunday (Nov 12): 3:30

HIGH NOON (PG) 1 Hr 25 Min + Discussion
Wednesday (Nov 15): 7:15

COMING SOON:
(All Dates Are Tentative. Dates Often Move And Sometimes Disappear)
Nov. 22 – THREE BILLBOARDS OUTSIDE EBBING MISSOURI
Nov. 22 – LADY BIRD
Dec. 22 – SHAPE OF WATER
Dec. 22 – DARKEST HOUR
TBD Possibilities – FACES PLACES, THE SQUARE

 

The Grande Dame of Ohio LGBT Film Fests Returns to the Neon!

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For Jonathan Mcneal, LGBT films are as vital now as they were the first year when he and four sponsors presented Dayton’s now iconic festival. ‘Look around. We are under attack again, and that means being vocal, being clear and being strong. Our hope is to educate and build community through the film festival!’

Dayton’s LGBT film festival, a much-respected, much-antipated event, is the longest running LBBT  film festival in Ohio.
In it’s 12th year, the festival has one helluva line-up this year. ‘We have some must-sees,’ says McNeal.
‘God’s Own Country‘ is really amazing.’ Indiewire wrote about the film ‘…..It’s a British Brokeback but better…’ One film ‘Rebels on Pointe‘ will actually get two showings due to its overwhelming popularity.

The Dayton LGBT Film Festival runs from October 13-15th. The dates are not by chance. ‘I learned early on that October works best. Films premiere in mid-summer. We want to get what’s hot and fresh. And honestly, we moved from September because Oktoberfest and other festivals are just too much to compete with!’ McNeal adds.
The films are only part of the big weekend. There will be gay-themed items for sale from Agnes and Orson Gifts, and some very special guests. ‘We have six guests attending this year. 3 from SENSITIVITY TRAINING. 1 from ALASKA IS A DRAG. 1 from CURMUDGEONS. 1 from SOMETHING NEW. It’s incredible to see that many folks involved in film-making coming to Dayton. So proud of that!’ (**Spoiler, the actress/guest from Sensitivty Training is from Beavercreek…a local star!)

Sponsorships have grown exponentially from the early days. ‘We have had some sponsors, square one salon and the priority board, that have been involved since the get-go. They had faith in me and the Dayton Community. This year, we are excited to add Westminster Financial and AARP to the mix!’
The festival has had consistent growth and festival passes sell out quickly. The crowds are diverse, and although there are still some in the community who have the ‘not gay, no way’ mentality, that sentiment seems to be changing.
This is an interesting year for the film festival in many ways. ‘5 of the feature films are by women! Our opening film has big names like Bette Midler and LaVerne Cox. And the opening night will end with a great party at Mudlick Tavern.’
The kick-off party, sponsored by Neon Aficionados Lisa Hanuaer and Sue Spiegel, is a great opportunity to discuss the opening film, have a drink and meet the guests. ‘People love the party. It is a great community builder.’

For McNeal, a dozen years after taking his acclaimed RubiGirl Documentary around the LGBT film fest circuit, it feels great to share his vision of a more diverse, more accepting world here at home….in Dayton.

For More information on The Dayton LGBT Film Festival, go to DAYTONLGBT.COM.

AN INCONVENIENT SEQUEL Now Playing at THE NEON + FALSETTOS News!

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Hello Everyone!

We opened a new film yesterday that many people have been asking about – AN INCONVENIENT SEQUEL: TRUTH TO POWER. In addition to this powerful  new film, we’re holding LANDLINE and THE BIG SICK (this winner just keeps going and going) for one more week. (Details about a special screening of AN INCONVENIENT SEQUEL followed by a panel discussion can be found at the end of this newsletter.)  Next week, we plan to open MAUDIE.

Synopsis for AN INCONVENIENT SEQUEL – TRUTH TO POWER: “Former Vice President Al Gore continues his tireless fight, traveling around the world to train an army of activists and influence international climate policy. Cameras follow him behind the scenes — in moments both private and public, funny and poignant — as he pursues the inspirational idea that while the stakes have never been higher, the perils of climate change can be overcome with human ingenuity and passion.” (Paramount Pictures) Click this LINK to visit the film’s official site.

Due to local demand, THE NEON is excited to explore bringing a bit of Broadway to our screens. Buy your tickets now, and let’s see if we can make this one-night-only screening of FALSETTOS a success! “Nominated for five 2017 Tony Awards, including Best Revival of a Musical, Falsettos is a hilarious and poignant look at a modern family revolving around the life of a gay man Marvin, his wife, his lover, his soon-to-be-bar-mitzvahed son, their psychiatrist, and the lesbians next door. Originally created under the specter of the AIDS crisis, this timely musical about middle-class family dynamics manages to remain buoyant and satirically perceptive even as it moves towards its heartbreaking conclusion. Lincoln Center Theater’s production stars Christian Borle, Stephanie J. Block, Andrew Rannells, and Brandon Uranowitz, all of whom received Tony nominations for their respective performances.” FALSETTOS will screen Wednesday, August 16 at 7:30. Tickets are $12 each and are currently available on-line via this LINK. They are also available at THE NEON’s box office.

Dayton Writers Movement is gearing up for the premiere of UNWRITTEN – SEASON 2 on Sunday, Aug. 27 at 5:30. “UNWRITTEN is a serialized audio drama podcas – think radio play – written, acted and produced locally here in Dayton. The first season, which was up for several AudioVerse Podcast Awards, has reached 54+ countries and more than 1,600 cities with its dramatic storytelling and comedic timing. In Season 2, the podcast series continues the journey with a group of friends as they deal with the events of season 1 and wrangle mature social issues, uncover a mystery, and tackle their inner demons. The group will be premiering the first episode of Season 2 with a live talk back afterward. Advanced tickets are available for $6 each by clicking this Official Link. One Time Only Public Showing! (Explicit, mature content) For more information about the podcast, visit unwrittenpodcast.com” Tickets not sold on-line, if available, will be available at our box office starting 1 hour before the event.

This year’s Dayton LGBT Film Fest is shaping up, and we’re almost ready to start rolling out details. Mark your calendars for Oct. 13-15, it’s going to be a great weekend-long fest!  And speaking of film festivals, The Toronto International Film Festival has begun releasing titles from this year’s line-up…I’m getting pretty excited about several of them!

Some local organizations are very excited about our engagement of AN INCONVENIENT SEQUEL and the opportunity to continue local discussions about our climate with you. After Tuesday August 15’s 7:30 screening, representatives from Citizens Climate Lobby, Sierra Club Miami Group, The Climate Mobilization, and Move To Amend will hold a panel discussion. In addition, there will be other opportunities to engage with members from these organizations at various locations at different times around town. We’ll have flyers in our lobby this weekend that outline all the opportunities, and you can also find the flyer on our Facebook page by following this LINK.

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

SHOWTIMES for Saturday, Aug. 12 – Thursday, Aug. 17:

THE BIG SICK (R) 1 Hr 59 Min
Saturday (Aug 12): 4:50, 9:30
Sunday (Aug 13): 4:50
Monday – Thursday (Aug 14-17): 5:15

LANDLINE (R) 1 Hr 37 Min
Saturday, Sunday (Aug 12-13): 12:30, 2:40, 7:20
Monday & Tuesday (Aug 14 & 15): 3:00, 7:45
Wednesday (Aug 16): 3:00
Thursday (Aug 17): 3:00, 7:45

AN INCONVENIENT SEQUEL: TRUTH TO POWER (PG) 1 Hr 38 Min
Saturday (Aug 12): 12:40, 2:50, 5:10, 7:30, 9:45
Sunday (Aug 13): 12:40, 2:50, 5:10, 7:30
Monday-Thursday (Aug 14-17): 2:50, 5:10, 7:30

FALSETTOS (NR) 2 Hrs 22 Min
Wednesday (Aug 16): 7:30

COMING SOON:
(All Dates Are Tentative. Dates Often Move And Sometimes Disappear)
Aug. 18 – MAUDIE
Aug. 18 – THE LITTLE HOURS
TBD – LADY MACBETH
Aug 30 – PATTI CAKE$
Oct 6 – VICTORIA AND ABDUL
Oct 13-15 – DAYTON LGBT FILM FEST

Strong Summer Line-Up at THE NEON

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Hello Most Metro!

We’ve got a lot of films to pack in this summer…so we’re moving right along this week! If you still need to see CHURCHILL, Thursday will be your last chance to see it at THE NEON. On Friday, we will open PARIS CAN WAIT – the new film by Eleanor Coppola (June is for the Coppolas! We’ll open Sofia Coppola’s new film BEGUILED later this month and we’ll even bring back a sparkling wine from Francis Ford Coppola’s vineyard at the end of the month). We’ll hold onto MY COUSIN RACHEL for another week.

Synopsis for PARIS CAN WAIT: “Eleanor Coppola’s feature film directorial and screenwriting debut at the age of 81 stars Academy Award nominee Diane Lane as a Hollywood producer’s wife who unexpectedly takes a trip through France, which reawakens her sense of self and her joie de vivre. Anne (Lane) is at a crossroads in her life. Long married to a successfully driven but inattentive movie producer (Alec Baldwin), she finds herself taking a car trip from Cannes to Paris with a business associate of her husband (Arnaud Viard). What should be a seven-hour drive turns into a journey of discovery involving mouthwatering meals, spectacular wines, and picturesque sights.” (Sony Classics) Click this LINK to visit the film’s official site.

In last week’s NEON Newsletter, I mentioned that “Tickets are flying” for A VERY SORDID WEDDING! I wasn’t kidding. As I write this paragraph, we only have 3 tickets left at our box office…so we’ve added a second screening. “It’s 2015, seventeen years after Peggy tripped over G.W.’s wooden legs and died in SORDID LIVES, and life has moved into the present for the residents of Winters, Texas. Sissy Hickey (Dale Dickey) is reading the Bible, cover to cover, trying to make some kind of sense out of what it really says about gay people. Her niece Latrelle Williamson (Bonnie Bedelia) has divorced her husband Wilson (Michael MacRae) who has taken up with a hot young gold digger (Katherine Bailess). Latrelle’s now out and proud gay son Ty (Kirk Geiger) is on his way back to town with a black man (T. Ashanti Mozelle) and news of their own. Her sister LaVonda (Ann Walker) is still cussin’ and drankin’ and is being blackmailed to sit with the sick and afflicted…As the sordid saga continues, the cast of colorful characters are all on a collision course for shenanigans and fireworks.” (from official site) Join us for a very PRIDE-ful “Encore” screening on Thursday, June 22 at 10:00. Tickets are available at THE NEON’s box office or by clicking this LINK.

Dayton native Eric Mahoney (director of NORTH DIXIE DRIVE) is coming back to town to shoot additional material for a new documentary…and we’ve sheduled a one-time screening of MADLY, a film he produced, on Thursday, July 6 at 7:30. “Six groundbreaking directors, six iconic international destinations, six visions of modern love in all of its complications. From Producer Eric Mahoney comes the award winning feature MADLY, taking viewers on a passionate trip around the world with short vignettes from acclaimed directors: Gael Garcia Bernal, Sion Sono, Sebastian Silva, Mia Wasikowska, Anurag Kashyap, and Natasha Khan. Indiewire writes, ‘the film, like love itself is hard to resist.’ Actress Radhika Apte was also awarded Best International Actress at the 2016 Tribeca Film Festival.” (taken from press notes) Proceeds from this special one time screening will go to help finance Mahoney’s current project, a documentary on the Dayton, OH band Brainiac. For more information about the new BRAINIAC film, please visit this LINK.  Tickets, just $10 each, are on sale now at THE NEON’s box office. Mahoney will be in attendance for a Q&A at this screening.

This Saturday, June 17, we’ll be collecting money for The Alzheimer’s Association’s LONGEST DAY project – a series of events that recognize the endurance of caregivers and those living with Alzheimer’s. We’ll be asking everyone if they’d like to round up their ticket price for the day – with all extra money going to The Alzheimer’s Association (of course we’ll accept additional donations, too). We hope you’ll make it down to see us this Saturday.

I’m delighted to announce that we now have official dates for 2 more special events. MANIFESTO, the new film starring Cate Blanchett in 13 different roles, will be here for a few screenings beginning July 8 (check out the trailer below). On July 10, we will host a one-time special screening of SPRING STREET Season 1 – the new series from creator (and Dayton Native) David Beck. I’ll write more about these screenings next week…but if you can’t wait, read more now on our website – www.neonmovies.com

Thanks so much for your continued support.
See you soon,
Jonathan

 

SHOWTIMES for June 13 – June 22:

CHURCHILL (PG) 1 Hr 45 Min
Tuesday-Thursday (June 13-15): 2:50, 5:10, 7:30
FINAL DAY – June 15!

MY COUSIN RACHEL (PG-13) 1 Hr 46 Min
Tuesday-Thursday (June 13-15): 3:00, 5:20, 7:40
Friday & Saturday (June 16 & 17): 12:20, 2:40, 5:00, 7:20, 9:40
Sunday (June 18): 12:20, 2:40, 5:00, 7:20
Monday-Thursday (June 19-22): 3:00, 5:20, 7:40

PARIS CAN WAIT (PG) 1 Hr 32 Min
Friday & Saturday (June 16 & 17): 12:50, 3:00, 5:10, 7:20, 9:30
Sunday (June 18): 12:50, 3:00, 5:10
Monday-Wednesday (June 19-21): 3:00, 5:15, 7:30
Thursday (June 22): 3:00, 5:15

A VERY SORDID WEDDING (NR) 1 Hr 49 Min
Thursday (June 22): 7:30, 10:00

COMING SOON:
(All Dates Are Tentative. Dates Often Move And Sometimes Disappear)
June 23 – A QUIET PASSION
June 24, 25 & 28 – MAURICE
June 30 – THE BEGUILED
July 8, 9 & 12 – MANIFESTO
TBE – BEATRIZ AT DINNER
TBD – THE HERO
July 21 – MAUDIE
TBD – THE WEDDING PLAN
TBD – JEREMIAH TOWER
TBD – DEAN

Kristen Stewart’s Thriller & Oscar Nom Coming to THE NEON This Weekend

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Hello Everyone!

Once again, we’re moving right along at THE NEON this weekend. If you still need to see Shirley MacLaine in THE LAST WORD or Woody Harrelson in WILSON, Thursday will be your last chance to catch these films at THE NEON. The gorgeous & masterful film FRANTZ (by one of my favorite directors) will stick around for one more week, and we’ll add two new films to the mix. PERSONAL SHOPPER, the new film by Olivier Assayas starring Kristen Stewart, will open Friday for one week. We’ll also open a film that was nominated for “Best Foreign Film” at this year’s Academy Awards – LAND OF MINE – for just three days beginning this Friday. For more details about our current films, please visit www.neonmovies.com

Synopsis for PERSONAL SHOPPER: “Olivier Assayas, the internationally-acclaimed director of CLOUDS OF SILS MARIA and SUMMER HOURS, returns with this ethereal and mysterious ghost story starring Kristen Stewart as a high-fashion personal shopper to the stars who is also a spiritual medium. Grieving the recent death of her twin brother, she haunts his Paris home, determined to make contact with him.” (IFC Films) Richard Roeper of CHICAGO-SUN TIMES wrote, “I can’t explain everything I saw in this film, but I was entertained and enthralled by every second of it.” This film is only scheduled to play for one week!

Synopsis for LAND OF MINE: Nominated for “Best Foreign Film” at this year’s Academy Awards, this powerful film is only scheduled to play for three days this weekend. “As World War Two comes to an end, a group of German POWs, boys rather than men, are captured by the Danish army and forced to engage in a deadly task – to defuse and clear land mines from the Danish coastline. With little or no training, the boys soon discover that the war is far from over. Inspired by real events, LAND OF MINE exposes the untold story of one tragic moment in post-war history.” (Sony Classics) Click HERE to visit the film’s official site.

Vu-Do Swing is now set to bring ALIVE AND KICKING to town on April 26 at 7:30. “ALIVE AND KICKING is a feature-length documentary that takes an inside look into the culture of swing dancing and the characters who make it special. We explore the culture surrounding Swing dance from the emergence of the Lindy Hop to the modern day international phenomenon. The film follows the growth of Swing dance from its purely American roots as an art form, to countries all over the world. Alive and Kicking looks at the lives of the Swing dancers themselves to find their personal stories and why this dance fills them with joy.” Click this LINK to watch a trailer and reserve your ticket.

The 2017 DAYTON JEWISH FILM FESTIVAL has announced their line-up, and it’s terrific. To read all about the numerous films, to watch trailers, to see the schedule of screenings and to purchase advance tickets, please visit the festival’s official website by clicking this LINK. The following list only reflects films that will be screening at THE NEON:
Apr 27 at 7:15pm – ON THE MAP
May 1 at 7:15pm – IN SEARCH OF ISRAELI CUISINE
May 4 at 7:15pm – THE KIND WORDS
May 9 at 7:15pm – KEEP QUIET
May 11 at 7:15pm – SABENA HIJACKING
May 15 at 7:15pm – PERSONA NON GRATA
May 16 at 10am – THE PEOPLE VS. FRITZ BAUER
May 18 at 7:15pm – WOMEN’S BALCONY

On Friday, April 21, we plan to clear the decks and bring two new films to town…and we’ve decided to start them both a little early. COLOSSAL (starring Anne Hathaway) and LOST CITY OF Z (based on the beloved non-fiction book and starring Tom Holland & Robert Pattinson) will both have preview screenings on Thursday, April 20.

Thanks so much for your continued support.
See you soon,
Jonathan

SHOWTIMES for Tuesday, April 11 – Thursday, April 20:

THE LAST WORD (R) 1 Hr 48 Min
Wednesday-Thursday (Apr 12-13): 5:10
FINAL DAY – Apr 13!

WILSON (R) 1 Hr 34 Min
Wednesday-Thursday (Apr 12-13): 3:10, 7:30
FINAL DAY – Apr 13!

FRANTZ (PG-13) 1 Hr 53 Min
Wednesday-Thursday (Apr 12-13): 2:45, 5:15, 7:40
Friday & Saturday (Apr 14 & 15): 3:00, 7:30, 9:45
Sunday (Apr 16): 3:00, 7:30
Monday – Wednesday (Apr 17-19): 2:50, 5:10, 7:30
Thursday (Apr 20): 2:50, 5:10

PERSONAL SHOPPER (R) 1 Hr 45 Min
Friday & Saturday (Apr 14 & 15): 12:15, 2:30, 4:50, 7:15, 9:30
Sunday (Apr 16): 12:15, 2:30, 4:50, 7:15
Monday – Wednesday (Apr 17-19): 3:00, 5:20, 7:40
Thursday (Apr 20): 3:00, 5:20

LAND OF MINE (R) 1 Hr 40 Min
Friday, Saturday, Sunday (Apr 14-16): 12:45, 5:20

THE LOST CITY OF Z (PG-13) 2 Hrs 21 Min
Preview Screening – Thursday (Apr 20): 7:30

COLOSSAL (R) 1 Hr 50 Min
Preview Screening – Thursday (Apr 20): 7:40

COMING SOON:
(All Dates Are Tentative. Dates Often Move And Sometimes Disappear)
April 21 – COLOSSAL
April 21 – LOST CITY OF Z
May 5 – THEIR FINEST
May 26 – THE LOVERS
TBD – CEZANNE ET MOI
TBD – MAUDIE
TBD – NORMAN

Shirley MacLaine’s LAST WORD at THE NEON This Weekend

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Hello Everyone!

How can you not love Shirley MacLaine? From THE TROUBLE WITH HARRY to THE APARTMENT to THE CHILDREN’S HOUR to IRMA LA DOUCE to SWEET CHARITY to TERMS OF ENDEARMENT to STEEL MAGNOLIAS to POSTCARDS FROM THE EDGE to BERNIE – there’s so much to love! This Friday, we will bring this legend’s latest film to town – THE LAST WORD – and MacLaine fans won’t be disappointed. We will also hold onto both KEDI and THE SENSE OF AN ENDING for one more week.

Synopsis for THE LAST WORD: “In THE LAST WORD, Shirley MacLaine is Harriet Lauler, a once successful businesswoman in tight control of every aspect of her life. As she reflects upon her accomplishment, she’s suddenly inspired to engage a young local writer, Anne Sherman (Amanda Seyfried), to pen her life’s story. When the initial result doesn’t meet Harriet’s high expectations, she sets out to reshape the way she is remembered, with Anne dragged along as an unwilling accomplice. As the journey unfolds, the two women develop a unique bond which alters not only Harriet’s legacy, but also Anne’s future.” (Bleecker Street) Click this LINK to visit the film’s official site.

Don’t forget about THE REEL PADDLING FILM FESTIVAL – returning to town this Thursday evening at 7:30. Advanced tickets are available on-line or at THE NEON’s box office.

“LUNAFEST, a national festival of women’s films, comes to Dayton for the 8th time this Sunday, March 26 from 3:00-5:00 pm at THE NEON. This season’s program of nine selected films will compel discussion, make you laugh, tug at your heartstrings and motivate you to make a difference in your community. Incredibly diverse in style and content, the films are united by a common thread of exceptional storytelling – by, for and about women. Two additional short films will be presented by Pens to Pictures, a local filmmaking collaborative that worked with incarcerated women at the Dayton Correctional Institute to help them make their own short films, from script to screen. Funds raised by this event will go to the Breast Cancer Fund and to Pens to Pictures. Tickets are $10.00 ($5.00 for students) and donations over this amount are gratefully accepted. The event is sponsored nationally by Luna, makers of the nutrition bar, and locally by Dayton Women’s Rights Alliance and the Dayton chapter of the American Association of University Women. Tickets are now available at THE NEON’s box office.” (Press Notes) Visit the Lunafest official site to check out clips from this year’s festival.

Equitas Health is bringing the film FREEDOM TO MARRY to town on Thursday, March 30 at 7:30. This film is “The nail-biting, untold story of how same-sex marriage became law of the land. THE FREEDOM TO MARRY follows Evan Wolfson, the architect the movement, civil rights attorney Mary Bonauto and their key colleagues on this decades long battle, culminating in a dramatic fight at the United States Supreme Court. More than the saga of one movement’s history, this is an inspiringtale of how regular people can change the world.” To watch the trailer and reserve your ticket, visit this LINK.

“On Saturday, April 8, from 9:00 am until Noon, come out to Kick-off and Celebrate MINORITY HEALTH MONTH! This event is free and open to the entire community. Starting at 9:00 am, there will be a free breakfast and health screenings (Hepatitis B, Cholesterol, Blood pressure and confidential HIV), and a live radio broadcast with WROU’s Host Faith Daniels! At 10:00 am, health leadership awards will be given to Gina McFarlane-El, CEO, Five Rivers Health Center, the 2017 Shero of Health recipient, and Richard “Clay” Dixon, for Community Action Leadership. At 10:00, watch the award-winning movie UNNATURAL CAUSES: IS INEQUALITY MAKING US SICK? How do you have good health? How do you live longer? Housing, education, community development and so much more impact choices, behaviors, health conditions, and quality of life. Get answers on how to improve health and quality of life. Free popcorn. Funded by Public Health, Buckeye Health Plan, and the Ohio Commission on Minority Health.”

Vu-Do Swing is hoping to bring ALIVE AND KICKING to town on April 26, but they still need to reserve 55 tickets by April 17 to make it happen. “ALIVE AND KICKING is a feature-length documentary that takes an inside look into the culture of swing dancing and the characters who make it special. We explore the culture surrounding Swing dance from the emergence of the Lindy Hop to the modern day international phenomenon. The film follows the growth of Swing dance from its purely American roots as an art form, to countries all over the world. Alive and Kicking looks at the lives of the Swing dancers themselves to find their personal stories and why this dance fills them with joy.” If not enough tickets are reserved by the deadline, your credit card will never be charged. Click this LINK to watch a trailer and reserve your ticket.

The Dayton Jewish Film Festival will kick off in late April, but they’ll have a sneak peek at this year’s fest during a screening of the classic film THE FRISCO KID (starring Gene Wilder) on Sunday, April 2 at 3PM. Brochures for the entire festival are now available in our lobby, and you can visit the official site to read about the films, watch trailers and purchase tickets in advance. This year’s line-up looks pretty amazing!

We’ve added numerous films to our “Coming Soon” list, and I’m very happy that we’ve added FRANTZ (from Francois Ozon) and THEIR FINEST (a period film with Bill Nighy) to the line-up – they are films I loved in Toronto, and I know you’ll like them, too.

Thanks so much for your continued support.
See you soon,
Jonathan

SHOWTIMES for Tuesday, March 21 – Thursday, March 30:

KEDI (NR) 1 Hr 20 Min
Tuesday-Thursday (March 21-23): 3:10, 5:15, 7:20
Friday & Saturday (March 24 & 25): 1:00, 5:30, 9:45
Sunday (March 26): 1:00, 5:30
Monday-Wednesday (March 27-29): 3:00, 7:40
Thursday (March 30): 3:00

THE SENSE OF AN ENDING (PG-13) 1 Hr 48 Min
Tuesday & Wednesday (March 21 & 22): 2:50, 5:10, 7:30
Thursday (March 23): 2:50, 5:10
Friday & Saturday (March 24 & 25): 3:00, 7:20
Sunday (March 26): 7:20
Monday-Thursday (March 27-30); 5:10

REEL PADDLING FILM FESTIVAL (NR) 2 Hrs
Thursday (Mar 23): 7:30

THE LAST WORD (R) 1 Hr 48 Min
Friday & Saturday (March 24 & 25): 12:30, 2:50, 5:10, 7:30, 9:45
Sunday (March 26): 12:30, 2:50, 5:10, 7:30
Monday-Thursday (March 27-30): 2:50, 5:10, 7:30

LUNAFEST + PENS TO PICTURES (NR) 2 Hrs
Sunday (March 26): 3:00

FREEDOM TO MARRY (NR) 1 Hr 26 Min
Thursday (March 30): 7:30

COMING SOON:
(All Dates Are Tentative. Dates Often Move And Sometimes Disappear)
March 31 – WILSON
April 4-9 – CONTEMPORARY COLOR (limited screenings, lots of local ties)
April 7 – FRANTZ
April 21 – COLOSSAL
May 5 – THEIR FINEST
May 26 – THE LOVERS
TBD – TONI ERDMANN, THE RED TURTLE, PERSONAL SHOPPER

2 New Films, 2 “Best Actresses” at THE NEON

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Hello Dayton Most Metro!

We’re moving along in a big way this weekend. If you still need to see LA LA LAND – now the highest grossing film in THE NEON’s history – Thursday will be your last chance to catch it with us. If you still need to see 20TH CENTURY WOMEN, Sunday will be your last chance to catch this gem at THE NEON. On Friday, we will open two very different films that have something in common. JACKIE and ELLE both have lead performances that have been nominated for “Best Actress” at this year’s Academy Awards. Natalie Portman gives an incredible performance as Jackie Kennedy – one that has garnered her numerous awards this season. Isabelle Huppert, one of my favorite actresses, has never been nominated for an Oscar before (which is hard to believe given her stunning body of work) – but she just won “Best Actress” and ELLE also took home “Best Foreign Film” at this year’s Golden Globes.

Showtimes and additional information can be found on our website – www.neonmovies.com …but you can check out the trailers here:

 

In the coming weeks, we have numerous special events – from one time only screenings to our upcoming Oscar Party.  Stay tuned to our website for the latest.

See ya at the movies,

Jonathan

Numerous Oscar Nominations for Films at THE NEON

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Hello Most Metro!

We were all set to move forward with JACKIE this weekend, but the execs at Lionsgate (the distributor for LA LA LAND) were insistent that we hold their hit for another week…and with good reasons. 1) LA LA LAND is still performing well. 2) LA LA LAND just scored the highest number of Oscar nominations ever received – 14 in all (tying with ALL ABOUT EVE and TITANIC). 3) In just under 4 weeks, LA LA LAND has become our #2 “Highest Grossing Film Ever” at THE NEON. Over the course of this upcoming weekend, it will likely move into the #1 spot! All that said, we will hold both LA LA LAND and 20TH CENTURY WOMEN for another week. I know that many of you are anxious to see Natalie Portman’s Oscar-nominated performance, but we promise that JACKIE will open on Feb. 3.

Speaking of Oscars, NEON titles performed very well this year. Past/current films that received nominations are: MOONLIGHT, MANCHESTER BY THE SEA, LOVING, NOCTURNAL ANIMALS, A MAN CALLED OVE, THE LOBSTER, 20TH CENTURY WOMEN, LA LA LAND, and LIFE, ANIMATED. Nominees that are still on their way to us include JACKIE, ELLE, THE RED TURTLE, I AM NOT YOUR NEGRO, TONI ERDMANN, and all of the OSCAR NOMINATED SHORTS (and possibly more). Of all the nominations, a couple “snubs” stood out to me. Annette Bening is absent from the list for 20TH CENTURY WOMEN. The film was recognized for “Best Screenplay,” but her role deserved recognition. Secondly, I was disappointed to not see EAGLE HUNTRESS among the nominations. Though “Best Documentary” is full of heavy hitters, I think this stunning but subtle, quiet film speaks to many issues and deserved more recognition.

For showtimes and descriptions of numerous special events at THE NEON, visit our official site: www.neonmovies.com

We hope to see you soon!

Jonathan

 

LA LA LAND is Huge Hit at THE NEON!

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Hello MostMetro,

We’re very excited at THE NEON.  In less than two weeks, LA LA LAND has become our #5 highest grossing film of all time.  To put that in perspective, every other film in our Top 10 played at THE NEON for at least six weeks…so LA LA LAND has performed exceptionally well.  Many thanks to everyone who has helped to make the end of 2016 and the beginning of 2017 such a success.

This weekend, we are holding both LA LA LAND and MANCHESTER BY THE SEA – both of which are certain to be “Best Picture” contenders during this year’s Oscar Race.

To read about everything that’s happening at THE NEON in the next few weeks (as well as to find showtimes for this weekend), please check out our weekly newsletter by following this LINK.

Many thanks for your support!

Jonathan

 

MAN CALLED OVE Returns and LOVING & MOONLIGHT Stay at THE NEON!

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2410c881d-ce06-8d19-1c0709c9f6ea9edbHello Everyone!

Thanksgiving weekend was bustling at THE NEON. Many thanks to everyone who came out to support our two award-winning films. Speaking of awards, we were very happy to read about MOONLIGHT cleaning up at the Gotham Awards this week (the first big awards of the season). Over the past two years, the Gotham Awards have predicted the Oscar for “Best Picture” (SPOTLIGHT and BIRDMAN)…thus we think MOONLIGHT will continue to be a major player this year.

We will hold both LOVING and MOONLIGHT for another week. In addition, we have one more treat to rotate back into the mix – A MAN CALLED OVE. We had to let go of OVE last week because we had other commitments…but now, due to popular demand and the fact that we have space, we’re bringing OVE back for a handful of screenings. Don’t let it slip by!

This Saturday will mark the beginning of the Family Holiday Film Series . On Saturdays in December, we’ll present films that are suitable for the entire family – sponsored by The Dayton Holiday Festival, Channel 99.9 and THE NEON. These films are FREE for children 12 and under and only $2 for general admission. On December 3 at Noon, we’ll screen ARTHUR CHRISTMAS . On December 10, we’ll screen HOW THE GRINCH STOLE CHRISTMAS – starring Jim Carrey. And lastly, on December 17, we’ll screen the holiday classic IT’S A WONDERFUL LIFE (the big screen is the best way to see it). Please spread the word with your friends and neighbors…we’d like to see packed auditoriums each week.

Our friends at 4Mary.org have two more screenings of APPARITION HILL on the books. “Join 4Mary.Org for a night at the movies! A few years ago, 4Mary.Org organized screenings of the independent film THE TRIUMPH, and it was a terrific success. Now, from the same director, comes the new feature film APPARITION HILL about an unlikely group of pilgrims who journey to the same little-known village of Medjugorje. Two screenings remain: Thurs Dec 8 at 7:30pm and Mon Dec 12 at 7:30pm. Tickets are $10 each and are only available online via this LINK. All proceeds benefit the 4Mary Youth Pilgrimage to Fatima in 2017. For more info, contact [email protected]” (taken from press notes) To watch a trailer for this film, click this LINK.

We just received permission to have a preview screening of NOCTURNAL ANIMALS on Thursday, December 8 at 7:30. This was one of my “Top 3” films at this year’s Toronto International Film Festival. It’s a stylish and dark thriller from famous fashion designer Tom Ford, and I’m so glad we’re able to bring it to town. (My other 2 favorites from the festival were MOONLIGHT and LA LA LAND.) I’ll provide more details about this film in next week’s newsletter.

Don’t forget that we offer NEON Gift Certificates in $5 and $10 denominations – perfect for all of the film lovers in your life! Gift certificates are available in our lobby during traditional hours of operation.

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

SHOWTIMES for Tuesday, Nov. 29 – Thursday, Dec. 8:

MOONLIGHT (R) 1 Hr 50 Min
Tues day – Thursday (Nov 29-Dec 1): 2:45, 5:15, 7:45
Friday & Saturday (Dec 2 & 3): 2:30, 7:30, 9:50
Sunday (Dec 4): 2:30, 7:30
Monday – Wednesday (Dec 5-7): 5:15, 7:45
Thursday (Dec 8): 5:15

LOVING (PG-13) 2 Hrs 3 Min
Tuesday – Thursday (Nov 29-Dec 1): 2:30, 5:10, 7:40
Friday & Saturday (Dec 2 & 3): 11:40, 2:10, 4:45, 7:20, 9:45
Sunday (Dec 4): 11:40, 2:10, 4:45, 7:20
Monday – Wednesday (Dec 5-7): 2:30, 5:10, 7:40
Thursday (Dec 8): 2:30, 5:10

A MAN CALLED OVE (PG-13) 1 Hr 56 Min
Friday (Dec 2): 12:00, 5:00
Saturday (Dec 3): 5:00
Sunday (Dec 4): 12:00, 5:00
Monday – Thursday (Dec 5-8): 2:45

ARTHUR CHRISTMAS (PG) 1 Hr 37 Min
Saturday: Noon

APPARITION HILL (PG-13) 1 Hr 55 Min
Thursday: 7:30

NOCTURNAL ANIMALS (R) 1 Hr 56 Min
Thursday: 7:30

COMING SOON:
(All Dates Are Tentative. Dates Often Move And Sometimes Disappear.)
Dec 8 – NOCTURNAL ANIMALS
TBD – MANCHESTER BY THE SEA
TBD – LA LA LAND
TBD – LION
TBD – EAGLE HUNTRESS
TBD – ELLE
Jan 27 – JACKIE

Cleaning House – 2 New Films & MOONLIGHT (aka Oscar Season) News at THE NEON!

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man-called-ove-webHello Everyone!

We’re going completely international this weekend with two exciting, new films – both of which we didn’t think we’d be able to accommodate but many of you have been asking about. At last we’re able to move forward with a film based on the beloved, international bestseller A MAN CALLED OVE as well as the new film from Park Chan-wook – THE HANDMAIDEN (based on the British novel FINGERSMITH). If you still need to see CHRISTINE, CERTAIN WOMEN or KING COBRA, Thursday will be your last chance to see them at THE NEON.

Synopsis for A MAN CALLED OVE: “Stepping from the pages of Fredrik Backman’s international best-selling novel, Ove is the quintessential angry old man next door. An isolated retiree with strict principles and a short fuse, who spends his days enforcing block association rules that only he cares about, and visiting his wife’s grave, Ove has given up on life. Enter a boisterous young family next door who accidentally flattens Ove’s mailbox while moving in and earning his special brand of ire. Yet from this inauspicious beginning an unlikely friendship forms and we come to understand Ove’s past happiness and heartbreaks. What emerges is a heartwarming tale of unreliable first impressions and the gentle reminder that life is sweeter when it’s shared. One of Sweden’s biggest locally-produced box office hits ever, director Hannes Holm finds the beating heart of his source material and Swedish star Rolf Lassgard, whose performance won him the Best Actor award at the 2016 Seattle International Film Festival, affectingly embodies the lovable curmudgeon Ove.” (Music Box Films) THE NEW YORK TIMES called this film “cinematic comfort food,” and I think our audiences are going to love it!

Synopsis for THE HANDMAIDEN: “From PARK Chan-wook, the celebrated director of OLDBOY, LADY VENGEANCE and STOKER, comes a ravishing new crime drama. PARK presents a gripping and sensual tale of two women – a young Japanese Lady living on a secluded estate, and a Korean woman who is hired to serve as her new handmaiden, but is secretly plotting with a conman to defraud her of a large inheritance. Inspired by the novel Fingersmith by British author Sarah Waters, THE HANDMAIDEN borrows the most dynamic elements of its source material and combines it with PARK Chan-wook’s singular vision to create an unforgettable viewing experience.” (Magnolia Pictures) Click this LINK to visit the film’s official site.

For descriptions and showtimes of any current attractions, please visit our website at www.neonmovies.com

The past 30 days have seen whirlwinds of visiting artists and amazing screenings. From The Dayton LGBT Film Fest to TORREY PINES and this Saturday’s incredible screening of SHORTBUS, I couldn’t be more happy with what we’ve been able to achieve right here in Dayton, Ohio. Many thanks to everyone who has supported these incredible events!

Don’t forget about this Thursday’s special screening. Dayton Tech Guide & Launch Runner are joining forces to bring GENERATION STARTUP to town for a one-time screening on Thursday, Nov. 10 at 5:30. “GENERATION STARTUP takes us to the front lines of entrepreneurship in America, capturing the struggles and triumphs of six recent college graduates who put everything on the line to build startups in Detroit…” Click this LINK to reserve your ticket on the official tugg website. If tickets remain on the day of the screening, we will be able to sell them at our box office starting one hour before the show.

Our friends at 4Mary.org are bringing APPARITION HILL to Dayton. “Join 4Mary.Org for a night at the movies! A few years ago, 4Mary.Org organized screenings of the independent film THE TRIUMPH, and it was a terrific success. Now, from the same director, comes the new feature film APPARITION HILL about an unlikely group of pilgrims who journey to the same little-known village of Medjugorje. Three screenings have been scheduled at THE NEON: Mon Nov 21 at 7:30pm, Thurs Dec 8 at 7:30pm, and Mon Dec 12 at 7:30pm. Tickets are $10 each and are only available online via this LINK. All proceeds benefit the 4Mary Youth Pilgrimage to Fatima in 2017. For more info, contact [email protected]” (taken from press notes) To watch a trailer for this film, click this LINK.

And now for some great news! MOONLIGHT is set to open on Nov. 18. This incredible film was one of my “Top 3” films at this year’s Toronto International Film Festival…and it is one of the absolute best reviewed films of the year. I think this film clearly marks the beginning of Oscar Season, and we’ve been able to secure a preview screening on Thursday, Nov. 17 at 7:40. Tickets will be on sale this weekend. Visit the film’s OFFICIAL WEBSITE to learn all about it.

It’s almost time for the Family Holiday Film Series. On Saturdays in December, we’ll present films that are suitable for the entire family…for only $2 a ticket (and FREE for children 12 and under). I’ll provide more details in next week’s newsletter.

Thanks so much for your continued support!

We hope to see you soon,
Jonathan

SHOWTIMES for Tuesday, Nov. 8 – Thursday, Nov. 17:

CERTAIN WOMEN (R) 1 Hr 47 Min
Monday-Thursday (Nov 8-10): 2:50, 7:30
FINAL DAY – Nov. 10!

CHRISTINE (R) 1 Hr 55 Min
Tuesday, Wednesday (Nov 8 & 9): 2:45, 5:20, 7:50
Thursday (Nov 10): 2:45, 7:50
FINAL DAY – Nov. 10!

KING COBRA (NR) 1 Hr 31 Min
Tuesday-Thursday (Nov 8-10): 5:20
FINAL DAY – Nov. 10!

GENERATION STARTUP (NR) 1 Hr 33 Min
Thursday (Nov 10): 5:30
One Screening Only!

A MAN CALLED OVE (PG-13) 1 Hr 56 Min
Friday, Saturday, Sunday (Nov 11-13): 12:00, 2:30, 5:00, 7:30
Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday (Nov 14-16): 2:45, 5:15, 7:40
Thursday (Nov 17): 2:45, 5:15

THE HANDMAIDEN (NR) 2 Hrs 25 Min
Friday, Saturday, Sunday (Nov 11-13): 1:00, 4:00, 7:00
Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday (Nov 14-16): 3:30, 7:15
Thursday (Nov 17): 3:30

MOONLIGHT (R) 1 Hr 50 Min
Thursday (Nov 17) – Preview Screening – 7:40

COMING SOON:
(All Dates Are Tentative. Dates Often Move And Sometimes Disappear.)
Nov. 23 – LOVING
Dec. 21 – LION
TBD – EAGLE HUNTRESS
TBD – NOCTURNAL ANIMALS
TBD – LA LA LAND
TBD – MANCHESTER BY THE SEA
TBD – JACKIE

TIFF 2016 – Day #9 – Wrapping Up This Year’s Fest

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planetarium-posterHello Everyone,

My first film of my final day of screenings was PLANETARIUM – directed by Rebecca Zlotwoski and starring Natalie Portman and Lily-Rose Depp.  This is the story of two sisters who are mediums living in France and their relationship with a film producer.  Though the concept is intriguing (“sometimes you have to turn off the lights to see something” was an early quote that had promise) and I liked moments of the film, this was the biggest mess I saw at TIFF.  I don’t know what happened, but about an hour in, I felt like there were several films happening at once – and not in a good way. There were also a couple moments where Portman let out laughs that seemed like she was becoming completely unhinged…not her character, but Portman herself.  Attempts at “kinda sexy/kinda creepy” were in full swing – but the results were mostly just on the creepy end of the spectrum, and I eventually couldn’t wait for it to end.  Here’s a trailer…but you’ll have no idea what’s in store.

THE SECRET SCRIPTURE, directed by Jim Sheridan, was my second film of the day.  It was also Rooney Mara’s third film in this year’s festival.  Though Rooney was the star of the film, it was Vanessa Redgrave who shined.  This is the story of an older woman in a mental institution who has keep a journal in between the lines and in the margins of her Bible.  One of the first quotes we get from her journal is “I did not kill my child.”  Through a series of flashbacks, we see her as a younger woman in the 1940’s.  A true beauty, she turns heads everywhere she goes, and people in the town are quick to call her a whore…including the town’s priest who is clearly infatuated with her. Though I felt the story got a little muddled, it’s ultimately beautifully told and will easily find fans.  The Q&A with Jim Sheridan was a treat.  With Irish accent seemed to forgive all of his foul-mouthed responses, and the stories of working with actors (Vanessa Redgrave and the children from IN AMERICA in particular) were fantastic and full of insight.  There’s no trailer for this film yet, but here’s a still.

the-secret-scripture

My last film of the fest was THE LIMEHOUSE GOLEM, directed by Juan Carlos Medina and starring Bill Nighy & Olivia Cooke (ME AND EARL AND THE DYING GIRL).  In Victorian-era London, a detective has been given his first murder case – a case that has the city on edge as a serial killer is performing more and more heinous acts.  This beautifully styled period piece is a far cry from what you’d expect given the costumes and set-pieces.  With lots of blood and gory details of the crimes, it’s at times unsettling but ultimately rather predictable. There are some moments that should be big…but the materials isn’t there…so the decision was to over-score them – which actually ends up detracting from the scenes in question.  I wanted to like this film more, but I came out feeling it was really quite average.  There’s no trailer for this film yet, so here’s a still.  (Upon looking for images from the film, I found out that Alan Rickman was originally supposed to play the part of the detective – which would have added a different level of eeriness.)

4744

And so my screenings have come to an end.

I saw 30 films (not counting the two I walked out of), I met several great folks in the industry, I saw numerous big stars and directors, and I ate a lot of poutine.  In all, it was an incredible trip.

So here’s the wrap-up.  (All categories have films listed in the order in which I saw them.) My 3 favorites were: MOONLIGHT, NOCTURNAL ANIMALS and LA LA LAND.  Close behind were JULIETA, LOVING and SOUVENIR (BIRTH OF A NATION would be on this list, but I actually saw it several weeks ago and not at TIFF).  Some really good films that are 100% worth viewing but didn’t make it to the very top of my list are MANCHESTER BY THE SEA, FRANTZ, LION, A UNITED KINGDOM, THEIR FINEST, MAUDIE, PATERSON, JACKIE, and UNKNOWN GIRL.  For the other 15 films and how I felt about them, you’ll have to back-track through my blog.

Thanks so much for reading, and I appreciate your continued interest in THE NEON.

All the best,

Jonathan

 

TIFF 2016 – Day #8

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img_1615Hello Loyal TIFF Followers,

Unfortunately, MostMetro has been experiencing quite a bit of trouble with their website…and that’s why you haven’t heard from me for a couple days.  They’re working hard to iron out all the kinks, and I appreciate you coming back for more (some of you with multiple attempts).

My first film on Thursday was John Butler’s HANDSOME DEVIL.  Though a little light, there’s certainly an audience for this crowd-pleasing film about an outcast with bright red hair at a boarding school in Ireland.  The unlikely friendship he strikes up with his handsome roommate has them eventually entered in a talent night where they’ll sing and play guitar together…and it’s really charming.  However, the focus at this school is rugby, and the behaviors of the new guy don’t fit in with the agenda of his rugby coach.  DEAD POETS’ SOCIETY meets SCHOOL TIES meets SING STREET.  If it doesn’t get released sooner, you can certainly look for this film at next year’s PRIDE screening in June.  There is no trailer for this film, so you only get a still at this time.

handsomedevil_03

Next up was THE UNKOWN GIRL – a film by the Dardenne Brothers (KID WITH A BIKE, TWO DAYS ONE NIGHT).  The Dardennes are known for this social-realist style of filmmaking.  Always commenting on class as well as economic and social justice, this film still fills that role…but goes in a bit of different direction. This is the story of a doctor who doesn’t answer the buzzer at her office door.  It’s after hours, and she figures a person would buzz multiple times if it was an emergency.  The next day, she finds out that the girl who buzzed has been found dead across the street…she was a prostitute who buzzed the door in a panic – looking for help.  Driven by guilt, the doctor begins her own investigation to find the name of the unknown girl.  Without any scoring to trigger emotions, this mystery feels all the more real.  Though not embraced by critics like their previous two films, I found it very satisfying.

SOUVENIR, starring Isabelle Huppert and directed by Babo Defurne, this is the story of a woman who works in a pate factory.  She used to be a famous singer, but her star faded early  after coming in 2nd place during a televised European singing contest (ABBA took home first place that year).  The opening titles for the film are beautiful bubbles floating through water.  Bubbles, bubbles, more bubbles. It’s pretty and hypnotizing.  It’s light, it’s airy, it’s effervescent…it’s alka-seltzer.  Thus we get a joke right from the opening credits. This French gem – which becomes a December/May romance, won’t be embraced by everyone.  But I really like it!  There’s no trailer for this film, but here’s a clip.

After my three films, I met up with an old friend for dinner.  Then I met up with a few more friends (film programmers, PR folks, etc.) for cocktails.  This was by far the latest I stayed out…and I paid for it the next morning.  (But it was worth it.)

Thanks for reading,

Jonathan

TIFF 2016 – Day #6

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maudie-movie-poster-lgHello!

Today’s schedule had me down for 5 films…and though I got into the fifth, I just wasn’t loving it enough to stick around (thus I won’t review it).  Instead, I’ll go over the four films I screened in their entirety.

THEIR FINEST was my first screening at 9:30am, and it was packed in one of Scotiabank’s biggest venues.  Lone Scherfig (AN EDUCATION) delivers a very solid film about the film industry in England during WWII.  The story centers around a female writer who is initially hired to help write and flesh out the female voices just as the industry is also realizing that they need to make a picture that boosts morale on the homefront.  Bill Nighy, who plays an egotistical old pro actor, is a scene-stealer…and the film will be an crowd-pleaser.  Full of nostalgic winks and nods as well as colorful characters, this is an “acquisition title,” and I believe it will get picked up.  There’s no trailer yet for THEIR FINEST…so a photo will have to do at this point.

Their Finest Hour and A Half Directed by Lone Sherfig

Their Finest Hour and A Half
Directed by Lone Sherfig

MAUDIE, a biopic about Canadian folk artist Maud Lewis, was next on my list.  With an outstanding performance by Sally Hawkins which is touching, physically demanding and full of hysterical funny moments that make Maud all the more endearing, the film is about Lewis’s relationship with her husband (played by Ethan Hawke) and her rise to fame in the art world.  Challenged by childhood rheumatoid arthritis, everything from daily chores to even holding a brush look painful for Maud – but we fall in love with her desire to paint on just about any stationary object.  Directed by Aisling Walsh (she’s done a lot of television work including FINGERSMITH with Hawkins), this is a slower character piece – but I think it could easily find an audience with Neon patrons.  There’s no trailer for this film yet, but here’s a clip.

Once in a while at TIFF, I let myself see a big, splashy Hollywood movie.  One that clearly won’t be coming to THE NEON, but one that’s receiving some critical buzz.  A couple years ago, it was GRAVITY…this year, it was another sci-fi film – ARRIVAL, directed by Denis Villeneuve.  Though I can rattle off a handful of sci-fi films that I greatly admire, this isn’t a genre that usually attracts my attention, and this alien film intrigued me because it wasn’t going to be full of explosions and battle scenes.  Amy Adams plays a linguist who is hired by the government to attempt communicating with aliens who have landed 12 ships around the world.  There’s some really lovely work happening in this film – from the central performance to terrific special effects.  But there’s also some clunky ideas (especially in the third act) that keep me from embracing the film.  I realize that many, many people will love this one…but it’s not for me.

My last full film of the day was THE SALESMAN, directed by Asghar Farhadi (A SEPARATION and THE PAST).  The film opens with people needing to evacuate their building as it is beginning to crack and may soon crash. We follow a young theatrical couple (who are mounting a production of DEATH OF A SALESMAN) as they are displaced and soon find a new apartment that was formerly inhabited by a prostitute (though they don’t know that immediately).  An incident in the new place leaves the couple forever changed, and the film then becomes a subtle thriller.  With narrative elements and themes that I greatly admire, this film is well-done and solid – though not quite up to par with his previous two films due to a somewhat strained final act. There is no trailer yet for this film, but here’s a clip:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_VcfinMasfw

I wrapped up the night by attending a low-key party for lgbt industry folks.  I was glad to meet a few new people, and I’m crawling into bed before 2:00…so glad tomorrow is the last day I have to get up before 7:00.

Thanks for reading,

Jonathan

 

 

TIFF 2016 – Day #5

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la-la-land_poster_goldposter_com_3-jpg0o_0l_400w_70qHello Everyone.

Thanks for coming back to my blog.  I had intended to see more films today, but I got turned away from a screening of JACKIE (along with 200+ other people) because the demand was too big and being 25 minutes early wasn’t enough.  That said, there will be another screening Wednesday, so I will know to be extra early.

My first screening of the day was the latest by the prolific (especially for being quite young) Xavier Dolan –  IT’S ONLY THE END OF THE WORLD.   This is essentially a chamber piece about a gay man who comes to visit his family and tell them he’s dying…he hasn’t been home for 12 years…and it’s quickly evident why he’s been away so long.  Though I clearly understand what he’s doing, and the film is ultimately well done (though I do have some complaints about several of his choices), this is a film that’s hard to stomach.  The cast is exceptional (I love Marion & Gaspard), but shouting matches, unlikable/annoying characters…it’s not something I can highly recommend. 

LOVING, the new film by Jeff Nichols (TAKE SHELTER, MUD), was next on my list.  It’s also a film I’ve been looking forward to, and I’m happy to say that it didn’t disappoint.  This quiet and eloquent film is about the an interracial couple in Virginia whose illegal marriage and subsequent punishment (they went to D.C. to get married, but it wasn’t recognized in Virginia) eventually caught the attention of the ACLU…and eventually went to the Supreme Court to overturn miscegenation laws. For a film that’s largely about court battles, we only spend a few minutes in court rooms…and that’s refreshing.  Instead, we spend lots of time with this Mildred & Richard (stunningly and lovingly played by Ruth Negga and Joel Edgerton) – and watching a couple who are so clearly in love with each other makes such a strong case for marriage equality on many levels.

My final film of the day was LA LA LAND, directed by Damien Chazelle (WHIPLASH).  This splashy, colorful, song-and-dance musical harkens memories of a bygone era of the Hollywood studio system.  But even more, its influence is from one of my favorite musical directors – Jacques Demy.  The opening scene, shot on an L.A. highway, will blow your mind and immediately had me scribble YOUNG GIRLS OF ROCHEFORT in my notes.  Starring Emma Stone (who will clearly be nominated for an Oscar) and Ryan Gosling, this film had me on my feet immediately as the “The End” appeared on screen.  For the rest of the night, melodies swirled in my head and merely walking down the street was accompanied by the film’s infectious score.  I can’t wait to obtain the soundtrack and see the film again!

Tomorrow is an extra busy day.  Hoping I’ll be able to stay awake for all of it.

Thanks for reading,

Jonathan

TIFF 2016 – Day #4

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julieta620x709-1461716694Hello Everyone,

I’m up to my old TIFF tricks now.  Long days/nights…minimal sleep.

My first film today was The Weinstein Company’s big Oscar hopeful for this year – LION, directed by Garth Davis and starring Dev Patel.  This is the story of a little Indian boy who gets lost in the streets of Calcutta – hundreds of miles away from home.  After eventually being adopted by an Australian family, 20+ years later he begins a trip to find his birth family.  Once again, I found myself interested in trimming this film down.  Perhaps it has something to do with the fact that I’m watching dozens of movies…but I’m finding most material would be better if trimmed down.  This film shouldn’t be 2 Hrs & 10 Min…it should be 20-30 minutes shorter.  That said, what it accomplishes is indeed lovely, and the story is wonderful.  The final bit of archival footage at the end resulted in even more tears.

I met up with a friend to catch the next film on my list – A UNITED KINGDOM, directed by Amma Asante (director of BELLE).  This is the film about the relationship between Seretse Khama (a former African royal) and his wife Ruth Williams.  Being a black man, alarm bells go up on each side of the fence when he courts and eventually asks for a white Englishwoman’s hand in marriage.  This film feels old-fashioned in a good way.  The storytelling is very direct – nothing edgy here, just solid storytelling, and I came away feeling as though I’d just had a good (and entertaining) history lesson.  David Oyelowo is fantastic as Khama – his speeches are particularly moving and seem like they could stand alone as inspirational messages about race and patriotism.  Rosamund Pike plays Williams, and she’s lovely as usual.

After lunch with a friend from Dayton I hadn’t seen in almost a decade – who now works at Almo Drafthouse (in Austin), I took a little nap before heading to my two evening screenings.  Next up was a film I had already seen at an exhibitor screening.  I almost never see a film at TIFF that I’ve already seen…but because I got a tip that Pedro Almodovar was in town, I got a ticket to JULIETA.  Unfortunately, the tip was some bad intel. He wasn’t there. That said, I had tweeted a hopeful message that I wished Rossy de Palma would attend…and imagine my giddiness when she was introduced – her first time to Toronto.  The film was even better with a second viewing – it’s richness in color and layers of storytelling all the richer.  This is the story of a woman who decides to stay in Madrid in hopes that her daughter will return – someone who left her side 20 years before.  With an exceptional score and great performances (Julieta is played by three different actresses in different stages of her life), this film is lovely.  It’s hard to let an Almodovar film stand on its own without comparison.  When compared to his other work, it falls short of being one of Almodovar’s masterpieces…if it stood alone, it would be heralded as superb.  And P.S.  The Q&A was delightful…and Rossy was so funny, warm and personable. I got my picture taken with her at the stage door, and my day was made!

Tom Ford’s second feature film NOCTURNAL ANIMALS was my final film of the day.  I’ve been waiting 7 years since A SINGLE MAN to see what Tom Ford would do next, and this new film is exceptional!  Starring Amy Adams, Jake Gyllenhaal and Michael Shannon, this is the story of a woman who receives an advanced reading copy of her ex-husband’s novel which is a terrifying story that hits a little too close to home.  The film uses certain visual devices to distinguish three different stories happening at once – the present story, the story of the novel and flashbacks to the relationship that spurred the novel.  The costume design, sets and photography are stunning, the performances are incredible, and the story is intense and emotional.  With a late 2016 release in store, I think this film will certainly begin to create some award buzz. (no trailer is available yet)

nocturnal

I then went out to meet up with a bunch of industry folks for a couple beers.  That 5:50am alarm is gonna be hard.

Thanks for reading,

Jonathan