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we need to talk about kevin

JIRO DREAMS OF SUSHI Opens Friday at THE NEON

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Hello Everyone,

Audiences are certainly talking about KEVIN. After almost every screening of WE NEED TO TALK ABOUT KEVIN, members of the audience have stuck around to talk about the film. Though dark and unsettling, this smart and masterful film will stick with you…and discussing it makes the experience even stronger. We’re going to hold it, along with JEFF WHO LIVES AT HOME, for one more week. In addition, we will open a new documentary that has garnered quite a fan-base since it premiered at the Tribeca Film Festival last spring – JIRO DREAMS OF SUSHI. This is the first documentary of 2012 to gross over a million dollars. That’s a rarity for documentaries…and a sign that audiences are loving it!

Synopsis for JIRO DREAMS OF SUSHI: “Jiro Dreams of Sushi is the story of 85 year-old Jiro Ono, considered by many to be the world’s greatest sushi chef. He is the proprietor of Sukiyabashi Jiro, a 10-seat, sushi-only restaurant inauspiciously located in a Tokyo subway station. Despite its humble appearances, it is the first restaurant of its kind to be awarded a prestigious 3 star Michelin review, and sushi lovers from around the globe make repeated pilgrimage, calling months in advance and shelling out top dollar for a coveted seat at Jiro’s sushi bar. For most of his life, Jiro has been mastering the art of making sushi, but even at his age he sees himself still striving for perfection, working from sunrise to well beyond sunset to taste every piece of fish; meticulously train his employees; and carefully mold and finesse the impeccable presentation of each sushi creation. At the heart of this story is Jiro’s relationship with his eldest son Yoshikazu, the worthy heir to Jiro’s legacy, who is unable to live up to his full potential in his father’s shadow.” (taken from Magnolia Pictures) Click this LINK to be directed to the film’s official site.
If you’re in the mood for sushi after the screening, don’t forget that your ticket stub will get you 15% off your meal from SA BAI – our new neighbor.

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

The 12th Dayton Jewish International Film Festival is ready to kick off. This wonderful, international film festival has a focus on the lives and issues of Jewish people, but it’s open the community and essential viewing for those who love good cinema. The following is a list of films that will screen at THE NEON:
Sun, Apr 29 at 5:15 – EICHMANN’S END: LOVE, BETRAYAL, & DEATH
Tues, May 1 at 9:30am – DAVID
Thurs, May 3 at 7:10 – REUNITING THE RUBINS
Sun, May 6 at 2:50 – SHOLEM ALEICHEM: LAUGHING IN THE DARKNESS
Sun, May 6 at 7:10 – KADDISH FOR A FRIEND
Tue, May 8 at 7:10 – SALSA TEL AVIV
Thur, May 10 at 7:10 – BERLIN 36
For the complete line-up of films and ticket details, visit the official site.

For those of you who use Facebook, we finally have an actual page…not just a “group” page. We will soon be fazing out the old group, so please LIKE us by visiting our page – which now has a very easy address: www.facebook.com/neonmovies

For remaining showtimes for this week (you only have a couple days left to see THE RAID: REDEMPTION), visit our site.

We’ve added some great new titles. Check out our “Coming Soon” list below.

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

SHOWTIMES for
Fri. April 27 – Thur. May 3:

JEFF WHO LIVES AT HOME (R) 1 Hr 23 Min
Friday, Saturday, Sunday: 1:00, 3:00, 7:30
Monday – Wednesday: 3:00, 7:30
Thursday: 3:00

JIRO DREAMS OF SUSHI (PG) 1 Hr 21 Min
Friday, Saturday: 1:15, 3:15, 5:15, 7:30, 9:30
Sunday: 1:15, 3:15, 7:30, 9:30
Monday – Thursday: 3:15, 5:15, 7:30

WE NEED TO TALK ABOUT KEVIN (R) 1 Hr 51 Min
Friday, Saturday, Sunday: 5:10, 9:30
Monday – Thursday: 5:10

COMING SOON:
As always, all dates are tentative.
Many of these dates will change.
In some rare cases, titles may disappear.
May 4 DAMSELS IN DISTRESS
May 11 FOOTNOTE
May 25 DARLING COMPANION
May 25 THE BEST EXOTIC MARIGOLD HOTEL
June 1 SOUND OF MY VOICE
June 15 WHERE DO WE GO NOW?
June 29 MOONRISE KINGDOM
July ? BEASTS OF THE SOUTHERN WILD
July ? TO ROME WITH LOVE

“We Need To Talk About Kevin” Opens Friday at THE NEON!

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Hello Everyone,

Tilda Swinton was robbed!  One of the most disappointing omissions from this year’s Oscar nominations was Swinton’s performance in WE NEED TO TALK ABOUT KEVIN.
After several months of playing the trailer, a print is available and we’re finally able to open this chilling, masterfully crafted film.
In addition to opening KEVIN, we will hold JEFF WHO LIVES AT HOME (which had a fantastic weekend) and one screening per day of THE RAID: REDEMPTION.

Synopsis for WE NEED TO TALK ABOUT KEVIN: “We Need to Talk About Kevin explores the factious relationship between a mother and her evil son. Tilda Swinton plays the mother, Eva, as she contends for 15 years with the increasing malevolence of her first-born child, Kevin. Based on the best-selling novel of the same name, We Need to Talk About Kevin explores nature vs. nurture on a whole new level as Eva’s own culpability is measured against Kevin’s innate evilness.” (taken from Oscilloscope Laboratories) This film also stars John C. Reilly and Ezra Miller.
Click this LINK to visit the official site.

[yframe url=’http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TGjjK5SMbJA’]

“In celebration of National Record Store Day, GHETTOBLASTER MAGAZINE will be hosting a special screening of EMPIRE RECORDS on Saturday, April 21 at 10:15pm. In addition to the movie we’ll be giving away two tickets for this year’s Nelsonville Music Festival and all proceeds will go toward 2012’s Dayton Music Fest. Dayton MostMetro.com is the media sponsor for Record Store Day and other events that day include music trivia at Blind Bob’s from 4-6pm, live music throughout the day at Omega Music, Record Gallery and Feathers in the Oregon District and Toxic Beauty in Yellow Springs (Omega and Toxic will also be selling special RSD releases) and many local businesses will be offering discounts with a shown receipt from one of our local record stores.” (taken from press notes) Tickets for this event will be just $6 each (and only $4 each if you have a receipt from one of the local, indie record stores). Tickets will only be available on the night of the screening.

The banner just went up in our lobby for the 12th Dayton Jewish International Film Festival. This wonderful, international film festival has a focus on the lives and issues of Jewish people, but it’s open the community and essential viewing for those who love good cinema. The following is a list of films that will screen at THE NEON:
Sun, Apr 29 at 5:15 – EICHMANN’S END: LOVE, BETRAYAL, & DEATH
Tues, May 1 at 9:30am – DAVID
Thurs, May 3 at 7:10 – REUNITING THE RUBINS
Sun, May 6 at 2:50 – SHOLEM ALEICHEM: LAUGHING IN THE DARKNESS
Sun, May 6 at 7:10 – KADDISH FOR A FRIEND
Tue, May 8 at 7:10 – SALSA TEL AVIV
Thur, May 10 at 7:10 – BERLIN 36
For the complete line-up of films and ticket details, check out our feature article here.

For those of you who use Facebook, we finally have an actual page…not just a “group” page. We will soon be fazing out the old group, so please LIKE us by visiting our page – which now has a very easy address: www.facebook.com/neonmovies

For remaining showtimes for this week – including details about tomorrow’s premiere (4/19) of OBSCURA – visit our site.

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

P.S.  Below is a picture I took at the 2011 Toronto International Film Festival.  In addition to a Q&A, I was able to attend a 90-minute conversation with Ms. Swinton.  It was divine!  (Pictured: director Lynne Ramsay, Tilda Swinton, Ezra Miller)

SHOWTIMES for Fri. April 20 – Thur. April 26:

JEFF WHO LIVES AT HOME (R) 1 Hr 23 Min
Friday: 1:00, 3:10, 7:20, 9:20
Saturday: 1:00, 3:10, 7:20
Sunday: 1:00, 3:10, 7:20, 9:20
Monday – Thursday: 3:10, 7:20

THE RAID: REDEMPTION (R) 1 Hr 41 Min
Friday – Thursday: 5:15

WE NEED TO TALK ABOUT KEVIN (R) 1 Hr 51 Min
Friday, Saturday, Sunday: 12:20, 2:40, 5:00, 7:30, 9:50
Monday – Thursday: 2:40, 5:00, 7:30

EMPIRE RECORDS (PG-13) 1 Hr 47 Min
Saturday: 10:15pm

COMING SOON:
As always, all dates are tentative.
Many of these dates will change.
In some rare cases, titles may disappear.
April 27 FOOTNOTE
May 4 JIRO DREAMS OF SUSHI
May 11 DAMSELS IN DISTRESS
May 25 DARLING COMPANION
May 25 THE BEST EXOTIC MARIGOLD HOTEL
June 1 SOUND OF MY VOICE
July ? BEASTS OF THE SOUTHERN WILD
July ? TO ROME WITH LOVE

THE NEON is Cleaning House – 2 New Films Start Friday!

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Hello Everyone,

I ran into a NEON regular at Meadowlark last week (you’ve been to their new, wonderful location, right?). He said, “Movies are comin’ and goin’ pretty quickly these days.” My response was simple. “That’s not a good sign.” When movies come and go, that means they’re not performing well…and that’s not to say that they aren’t great films. The response to both PARIAH and IN DARKNESS has been incredible, and numerous people have also loved SALMON FISHING IN THE YEMEN. However, all 3 films have to go. Tomorrow (Thursday, April 12) will be your last chance to see these films at THE NEON. On Friday, we will start two new, very different films – JEFF WHO LIVES AT HOME and THE RAID: REDEMPTION. To see current showtimes, visit our website.

Synopsis for JEFF WHO LIVES AT HOME: “On his way to the store to buy wood glue, Jeff looks for signs from the universe to determine his path. However, a series of comedic and unexpected events leads him to cross paths with his family in the strangest of locations and circumstances. Jeff just may find the meaning of his life…and if he’s lucky, pick up the wood glue as well.” (taken from Paramount Vantage) From the director of CYRUS comes JEFF WHO LIVES AT HOME – starring Jason Segel, Ed Helms and Susan Sarandon.

[yframe url=’http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=34kCWAsddtA’]

Synopsis for THE RAID: REDEMPTION: “A Swat team arrives at a rundown apartment block with a mission to remove its owner, a notorious drug lord named Tama. The building has never been raided before, never been touched by police. Seen as a no go zone it has since become a sanctuary to killers, gangs, rapists and thieves seeking accommodation in the one place they know they cannot be touched. Making their move in the break of dawn the swat team work their way up the building under cover of silence. But when a chance encounter with a spotter blows their cover and with news of their assault traveling to Tama in his penthouse suite the building is locked down with all lights out and all exits blocked. Stranded on the 6th floor the swat team must fight their way through every floor and every room not just to complete their mission but to survive.” (taken from Merantau Films) Many people who have seen the trailer say that this film doesn’t seem like our traditional fare…and I agree. That said, the movie is a foreign genre film with great reviews. Though the violence will turn some of you off, we hoping that fans of stylized action films find their way to us.

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

On Tuesday, April 17 at 7:30, we have a special treat for lovers of documentaries and vintage aircraft. “Each year the famous Doolittle Tokyo Raiders from WWII have a reunion to remember their mission, their comrades, and their heroic leader Gen. James Doolittle. In 2010, an extraordinary event took place – seventeen B-25 bomber crews volunteered to gather in honor of the Raiders, and over 70,000 people turned up to witness it. THE RESTORERS – THEY WERE ALL VOLUNTEERS follows the journey of a Minnesota B-25 named Miss Mitchell. Join this restored bomber as she travels to Dayton, Ohio to attend the largest B-25 gathering since WWII. Help us commemorate the 70th anniversary of the historic Doolittle mission. The filmmakers and participants will be on-hand for discussion and questions. Cost: $8.00 for adults, $6.00 for children and veterans.” (synopsis provided by Adam White)

On Thursday, April 19 at 7:30, we have a newly added special event for you. “OBSCURA is the new short film by writer/director and Wright State University Motion Picture graduate Chris Stevens. Filmed in the great state of Ohio with the accomplished and fellow Wright State graduate Mike King behind the camera, OBSCURA tells the story of Mike, Holly and Logan who are just your average family until a disaster leaves their world in darkness. Unknowing the origin of the mysterious disaster they decide to leave their home in search of answers and safety. Wandering in darkness their circumstance begins to wear them down. As trust and their faith in one another fades, so too does the chance they will ever find their answers as a family. A short Q&A will follow the screening. COST: Free Admission but Donations (to be used for film festival submissions) are encouraged.” (taken from press notes) Click this LINK to visit the film’s official site.

“In celebration of National Record Store Day, GHETTOBLASTER MAGAZINE will be hosting a special screening of EMPIRE RECORDS on Saturday, April 21 at 10:15pm. In addition to the movie we’ll be giving away two tickets for this year’s Nelsonville Music Festival and all proceeds will go toward 2012’s Dayton Music Fest. Other events that day include music trivia at Blind Bob’s from 4-6pm, live music throughout the day at Omega Music, Record Gallery and Feathers in the Oregon District and Toxic Beauty in Yellow Springs (Omega and Toxic will also be selling special RSD releases) and many local businesses will be offering discounts with a shown receipt from one of our local record stores.” (taken from press notes) Tickets for this event will be just $6 each (and only $4 each if you have a receipt from one of the local, indie record stores). Tickets will only be available on the night of the screening.

Do you want to win a trip to Paris? THE NEON has been happy to take part in selling raffle tickets for an upcoming benefit for AIDS Resource Center Ohio. Raffle tickets are $25 each or 6 for $100…and we still have a handful left. The drawing will take place on Saturday, April 28, and we will keep selling this tickets through this weekend.

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

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

SHOWTIMES for Fri. April 13 – Thur. April 19:

JEFF WHO LIVES AT HOME (R) 1 Hr 23 Min
Friday, Saturday, Sunday: 1:00, 3:10, 5:15, 7:20, 9:20
Monday: 3:10, 5:15, 7:20
Tuesday: 3:10, 5:15
Wednesday – Thursday: 3:10, 5:15, 7:20

THE RAID: REDEMPTION (R) 1 Hr 41 Min
Friday, Saturday, Sunday: 12:30, 2:45, 5:00, 7:15, 9:30
Monday – Wednesday: 2:45, 5:00, 7:15
Thursday: 2:45, 5:00

THE RESTORERS: THEY WERE ALL VOLUNTEERS (NR) 41 Min
Tuesday: 7:30

OBSCURA (NR) 10 Min
Thursday: 7:30

COMING SOON:
As always, all dates are tentative.
Many of these dates will change.
In some rare cases, titles may disappear.
April 20  WE NEED TO TALK ABOUT KEVIN
April 27  FOOTNOTE
May 4  JIRO DREAMS OF SUSHI
May 11  DAMSELS IN DISTRESS
May 25  DARLING COMPANION
May 25  THE BEST EXOTIC MARIGOLD HOTEL
June 1  SOUND OF MY VOICE
July ?  BEASTS OF THE SOUTHERN WILD
July ?  TO ROME WITH LOVE

PARIAH Starts Friday at THE NEON (One Week Only)!

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Hello Everyone,

Though neither SALMON FISHING IN THE YEMEN nor IN DARKNESS were big hits for us, they both performed well enough to stick around for one more week. (Interestingly, both films have received rave reviews from our NEON regulars.) On Friday, we’re going to add one new title into the mix – a film about a young African American woman coming-of-age in Brooklyn. PARIAH has received perfect reviews from numerous critics, and Meryl Streep even acknowledged lead actress Adepero Oduye during her acceptance speech at this year’s Golden Globes (this was big news for Oduye – as she was the only name mentioned by Streep who wasn’t nominated for the award).

Synopsis for PARIAH: “Adepero Oduye portrays Alike (pronounced ah-lee-kay), a 17-year-old African-American woman who lives with her parents Audrey and Arthur and younger sister Sharonda in Brooklyn’s Fort Greene neighborhood. She has a flair for poetry, and is a good student at her local high school. Alike is quietly but firmly embracing her identity as a lesbian. With the sometimes boisterous support of her best friend, out lesbian Laura, Alike is especially eager to find a girlfriend. At home, her parents’ marriage is strained and there is further tension in the household whenever Alike’s development becomes a topic of discussion. Pressed by her mother into making the acquaintance of a colleague’s daughter, Bina, Alike finds Bina to be unexpectedly refreshing to socialize with. Wondering how much she can confide in her family, Alike strives to get through adolescence with grace, humor, and tenacity – sometimes succeeding, sometimes not, but always moving forward.” (taken from Focus Features)

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

On Tuesday, April 17 at 7:30, we have a special treat for lovers of documentaries and vintage aircraft. “Each year the famous Doolittle Tokyo Raiders from WWII have a reunion to remember their mission, their comrades, and their heroic leader Gen. James Doolittle. In 2010, an extraordinary event took place – seventeen B-25 bomber crews volunteered to gather in honor of the Raiders, and over 70,000 people turned up to witness it. THE RESTORERS – THEY WERE ALL VOLUNTEERS follows the journey of a Minnesota B-25 named Miss Mitchell. Join this restored bomber as she travels to Dayton, Ohio to attend the largest B-25 gathering since WWII. Help us commemorate the 70th anniversary of the historic Doolittle mission. The filmmakers and participants will be on-hand for discussion and questions. Cost: $8.00 for adults, $6.00 for children and veterans.” (synopsis provided by Adam White)

“In celebration of National Record Store Day, GHETTOBLASTER MAGAZINE will be hosting a special screening of EMPIRE RECORDS on Saturday, April 21 at 10:15pm. In addition to the movie we’ll be giving away two tickets for this year’s Nelsonville Music Festival and all proceeds will go toward 2012’s Dayton Music Fest. Other events that day include music trivia at Blind Bob’s from 4-6pm, live music throughout the day at Omega Music, Record Gallery and Feathers in the Oregon District and Toxic Beauty in Yellow Springs (Omega and Toxic will also be selling special RSD releases) and many local businesses will be offering discounts with a shown receipt from one of our local record stores.” (taken from press notes) Tickets for this event will be just $6 each (and only $4 each if you have a receipt from one of the local, indie record stores). Tickets will only be available on the night of the screening.

Do you want to win a trip to Paris? THE NEON has been happy to take part in selling raffle tickets for an upcoming benefit for AIDS Resource Center Ohio. Raffle tickets are $25 each or 6 for $100…and we still have a handful left. The drawing will take place on Saturday, April 28, and we will keep selling this tickets for another week.

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

We hope to see you soon,
Jonathan

SHOWTIMES for Fri. April 6 – Thur. April 12:

SALMON FISHING IN THE YEMEN (PG-13) 1 Hr 47 Min
Friday, Saturday, Sunday: 12:20, 2:40, 5:00, 7:20, 9:40
Monday – Thursday: 2:40, 5:00, 7:20

IN DARKNESS (R) 2 Hr 33 Min
Friday, Saturday, Sunday: 12:20, 5:00
Monday – Thursday: 5:00

PARIAH (R) 1 Hr 26 Min
Friday, Saturday, Sunday: 3:10, 7:50, 9:45
Monday – Thursday: 3:10, 7:50

COMING SOON:

As always, all dates are tentative.

Many of these dates will change.  In some rare cases, titles may disappear.

April 13 JEFF WHO LIVES AT HOME
April 13 THE RAID
April 20 WE NEED TO TALK ABOUT KEVIN
April 27 FOOTNOTE
May 4 JIRO DREAMS OF SUSHI
mid-May DAMSELS IN DISTRESS
mid/late-May DARLIN COMPANION
May 25 THE BEST EXOTIC MARIGOLD HOTEL
June 1 SOUND OF MY VOICE
July ? BEASTS OF THE SOUTHERN WILD
July ? TO ROME WITH LOVE

THIN ICE + Great NEON News!

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Hello Everyone,

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

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

[yframe url=’http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XBvr5139pOg’]

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

[yframe url=’http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CEUwCX2UjJA’]

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

COMING SOON:

As always, all dates are tentative.

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

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

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Hello Everyone,

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

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

[yframe url=’http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S0cYheYIT4o’]

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

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

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

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

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

Thanks for your continued support.

We hope to see you soon,

Jonathan

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

 

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

THE HEDGEHOG (NR) 1 Hr 40 Min

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

Monday – Wednesday: 2:50, 7:30

Thursday: 2:50

 

A SEPARATION (PG-13) 2 Hr 03 Min

Friday, Saturday, Sunday:  5:00, 9:40

Monday – Thursday:  5:00

 

FRIENDS WITH KIDS (R) 1 Hr 47 Min

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

Monday – Thursday: 3:00, 5:15, 8:00

COMING SOON:

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

TBD   PARIAH

TBD   BEING FLYNN

March 23   THIN ICE 

March 30   IN DARKNESS

March 30   WE NEED TO TALK ABOUT KEVIN

April 13   THE RAID

April 27  FOOTNOTE

Spring   SALMON FISHING IN THE YEMEN

mid-May   DAMSELS IN DISTRESS

mid/late-May   DARLIN COMPANION

May 25   THE BEST EXOTIC MARIGOLD HOTEL

June 1   SOUND OF MY VOICE

SHAME “The Sex Addiction Film” Starts Friday at THE NEON!

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Hello Everyone,

A SEPARATION performed just well enough for it to stick around a second week.  If you haven’t seen this film yet, I hope you’ll hurry out to see it!   Across the boards, A SEPARATION was one of the very best reviewed films of last year (far better than any of the nominees for “Best Picture”).  Professor Charles Derry recently sent me a note regarding the film.  In it, he wrote, “I think the most perceptive way of looking at this film is by comparing it to some of the great films by Jean Renoir, who famously said, in a variety of different versions: ‘The real hell of life is that everyone has their reasons.’  And this film shows exactly that: everyone, in their own way, is right, and because of that, we empathize with everyone, and yet all that results is conflict and separation.”  Derry also mentioned that Woody Allen recently stated that he considered A SEPARATION to be the best film of the year.

If you still haven’t seen it (or need to see it again), THE ARTIST is on its way out.  Today (March 8) will be your last chance to catch it at THE NEON.  On Friday (March 9), we will begin a limited engagement of the new film starring Michael Fassbender – SHAME.

Synopsis for SHAME: “Brandon is a New Yorker who shuns intimacy with women but feeds his desires with a compulsive addiction to sex. When his wayward younger sister moves into his apartment stirring memories of their shared painful past, Brandon’s insular life spirals out of control.”  This film stars incredible performances by both Michael Fassbender and Carey Mulligan (Mulligan’s performance of “New York, New York” is one of the best vocal performances I’ve seen in a film for quite some time).  Click on this LINK to visit the official site.  (You might recall Fassbender from FISH TANK or the recent JANE EYRE…and Carey Mulligan from AN EDUCATION and NEVER LET ME GO.)  Note:  This film is rated NC-17 for explicit sexual content.  THE NEON will be carding anyone who appears to be under 18 for admission to this film.

[yframe url=’http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Op9iQiB_ANI’]

Here’s a second trailer – different in tone – that features Mulligan’s performance.

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

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

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

For this week’s remaining showtimes, please visit our official site.

Thanks for your continued support.

We hope to see you soon,

Jonathan

 

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

SHOWTIMES for Fri. March 9 – Thur. March 15:

A SEPARATION (PG-13) 2 Hr 03 Min

Friday, Saturday, Sunday:  1:30, 4:00, 7:00, 9:30

Monday – Thursday:  2:40, 5:10, 8:00

 

SHAME (NC-17) 1 Hr 41 Min

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

Monday – Thursday: 2:50, 5:10, 7:30

COMING SOON:

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

TBD   THE HEDGEHOG

TBD   PARIAH

TBD   BEING FLYNN 

March 23   IN DARKNESS

March ?   WE NEED TO TALK ABOUT KEVIN

April ?  FOOTNOTE

Spring   SALMON FISHING IN THE YEMEN

Spring  BEST EXOTIC MARIGOLD HOTEL

Oscar Winner A SEPARATION Starts Friday!

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Hello Everyone,

I’m sad to report that the community has not embraced PINA well enough for it to stick around a second week.  If you still need to see this artful and inspiring film, you only have today (Thursday, March 1) to see it at THE NEON.  Though I’m sad to see this film leave, I am happy to announce that we will open the Oscar-winning film A SEPARATION on Friday!   THE ARTIST, winner of 5 Academy Awards including “Best Picture,” will continue its run.

Synopsis for A SEPARATION: “Set in contemporary Iran, A Separation is a compelling drama about the dissolution of a marriage. Simin wants to leave Iran with her husband Nader and daughter Termeh. Simin sues for divorce when Nader refuses to leave behind his Alzheimer-suffering father. Her request having failed, Simin returns to her parents’ home, but Termeh decides to stay with Nader. When Nader hires a young woman to assist with his father in his wife’s absence, he hopes that his life will return to a normal state. However, when he discovers that the new maid has been lying to him, he realizes that there is more on the line than just his marriage.”  (Taken from Sony Pictures Classics)

[yframe url=’http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=58Onuy5USTc’]

A SEPARATION – official site

THE ARTIST – official site

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

Our Annual Oscar Party was a success.  Many thanks to those of you who came out and participated in the fun evening, and many additional thanks to our friends at ThinkTV and Square One Salon & Spa for helping to make our evening a big hit.
For this week’s remaining showtimes, please visit www.neonmovies.com.

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

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

SHOWTIMES for Fri. March 2 – Thur. March 8:

A SEPARATION (PG-13) 2 Hr 03 Min
Friday, Saturday, Sunday:  1:30, 4:00, 7:00, 9:30
Monday – Thursday:  2:40, 5:10, 8:00

THE ARTIST (PG-13) 1 Hr 40 Min
Friday, Saturday, Sunday: 12:40, 2:50, 5:10, 7:30, 9:30
Monday – Thursday: 2:50, 5:10, 7:30

COMING SOON:
As always, all dates are tentative.  Many of these dates will change.
In some rare cases, titles may disappear.
March 9   SHAME
TBD   THE HEDGEHOG
TBD   PARIAH
March 23   IN DARKNESS
March ?   WE NEED TO TALK ABOUT KEVIN
April ?  FOOTNOTE
Spring   SALMON FISHING IN THE YEMEN
Spring  BEST EXOTIC MARIGOLD HOTEL

PINA Starts Friday + New Oscar Party News!

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Hello Everyone,

We think that ALBERT NOBBS still has a little business in it, but we really need to get moving.  Therefore, we will hold ALBERT for one screening a day through Sunday…but Sunday will be the film’s last day.  Now that we’re exclusive on THE ARTIST, our ticket sales flew back up this weekend…so we’re going to continue hodling it steady.  On Friday, we open one of my absolute favorite films of the past few years – PINA.  PINA is stunning and lovely, and it’s also Oscar-nominated.  We hope you’ll hurry to see it before our Oscar Party on Sunday night.  (PINA will be presented at THE NEON via traditional 35mm, 2D projection.)

Synopsis for PINA: “In his exhilarating new film, German master Wim Wenders (WINGS OF DESIRE, THE BUENA VISTA SOCIAL CLUB) captures the brilliantly inventive dance world of legendary choreographer Pina Bausch. Wenders had conceived with Bausch a dance film like none seen before, one which would put the viewer deep inside Bausch’s playful, thrillingly unpredictable pieces. After her untimely death in 2009, Wenders continued with the project, turning it into the most exciting tribute he could imagine. Sensual and visually stunning, PINA takes the audience into Bausch’s work in her imaginative sets (a gliding monorail, a bare stage covered with chairs, a towering man-made waterfall) and powerfully rendering the beauty and sheer physicality of the dances and dancers of her Tanztheater Wuppertal ensemble.”  (Taken from Sundance Selects)

[yframe url=’http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CNuQVS7q7-A’]

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

In regards to the Oscars, we’re getting set for our annual party this Sunday!  Once again, our friends at ThinkTV will help us to get a strong signal for the broadcast, and our friends at Square One Salon & Spa will give us a nice gift basket for our grand prize.  In addition, we’ll be giving out dvds, screenplays and soundtracks throughout the evening for randomly drawn correct guesses.  You must be present to win any prizes, and seating will begin at approximately 7pm – admission is FREE!  Ballots are already available in our lobby.  Here’s the new twist:  At any time on Sunday, you can personally drop off your ballot at THE NEON (you can’t drop off ballots for numerous people – only one per person).  Your ballot will be numbered in the order in which it is collected (ON SUNDAY).  When we begin seating at approximately 7:00pm, we will begin seating in numerical order.

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

Last week, I announced that we would start selling biscotti again at THE NEON – this time from a local baker, Thistle Confections by Hilary.  I’m now pleased to announce that customers are loving it!  We ordered twice as much this week, so we hope you’ll keep ordering it!

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

Thanks for your continued support.

We hope to see you soon,

Jonathan

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

 

SHOWTIMES for Fri. February 24 – Thur. March 1:

ALBERT NOBBS (R) 1 Hrs 53 Min

Friday, Saturday, Sunday:  12:20

PINA (PG) 1 Hr 43 Min

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

Mon – Thur: 2:45, 5:00, 7:20 

THE ARTIST (PG-13) 1 Hr 40 Min

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

Saturday: 2:50, 5:10, 7:30, 9:30

Sunday: 12:40, 2:50, 5:10

Monday – Wednesday: 2:50, 5:10, 7:30

Thursday: 2:50, 5:10

COMING SOON:

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

In some rare cases, titles may disappear.

TBD   THE HEDGEHOG 

TBD   SHAME

TBD   PARIAH 

March 9   A SEPARATION 

March 23   IN DARKNESS

March ?   WE NEED TO TALK ABOUT KEVIN

April ?  FOOTNOTE

Audiences Are Loving ALBERT NOBBS!

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Hello Everyone,

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

THE ARTIST – official site.

[yframe url=’http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OK7pfLlsUQM’]

ALBERT NOBBS – official site.

[yframe url=’http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ini59bYhaUY’]

PINA – official site.

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

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

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

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

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

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

Thanks for your continued support.

We hope to see you soon,

Jonathan

 

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

ALBERT NOBBS (R) 1 Hrs 53 Min

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

Monday – Thursday: 2:40, 5:00, 7:20

 

THE ARTIST (PG-13) 1 Hr 40 Min

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

Monday – Thursday: 2:50, 5:10, 7:30

COMING SOON:

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

In some rare cases, titles may disappear.

Feb. 24 PINA

TBD THE HEDGEHOG

TBD SHAME

TBD PARIAH

March 9 A SEPARATION

March 23 IN DARKNESS

March ? WE NEED TO TALK ABOUT KEVIN

April ? FOOTNOTE

Oscar Nominee ALBERT NOBBS Starts Friday at THE NEON

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Hello Everyone,

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

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

[yframe url=’http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iGX_JKjG1dM’]

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

[yframe url=’http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CNuQVS7q7-A’]

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

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

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

Thanks for your continued support.

We hope to see you soon,

Jonathan

 

 

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

ALBERT NOBBS (R) 1 Hrs 53 Min

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

Monday – Thursday:  2:40, 5:00, 7:20

 

THE ARTIST (PG-13) 1 Hr 40 Min

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

Monday – Thursday: 2:50, 5:10, 7:30 

COMING SOON:

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

Feb. 24  PINA

TBD   THE HEDGEHOG 

TBD   SHAME

TBD   PARIAH 

March 9   A SEPARATION 

March 23   IN DARKNESS

March ?   WE NEED TO TALK ABOUT KEVIN

April ?  FOOTNOTE

A DANGEROUS METHOD Opens Friday at THE NEON!

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Hello Everyone,

I had an absolutely wonderful time in Utah. The conference (The Art House Convergence) was full of great networking and lots of invaluable information. After the conference, I managed to see a handful of films at The Sundance Film Festival and a collection of shorts at The Slamdance Film Festival (which included a short film from one of our previous employees – Liz Cambron…congrats to Liz for a great, sold-out screening!!).

If you still need to see TINKER TAILOR SOLDIER SPY (nominated for 3 Oscars), you only have until Thursday to see it at THE NEON. We will certainly hold onto THE ARTIST – nominated for 10 Oscars (including “Best Picture”). Audiences are loving this film.

On Friday, we will open a film that has been requested by several of you (and snubbed by the Academy) – A DANGEROUS METHOD. Directed by David Cronenberg and starring Michael Fassbender (FISH TANK, JANE EYRE and upcoming SHAME), Viggo Mortensen (A HISTORY OF VIOLENCE, THE ROAD) and Keira Knightley (ATONEMENT, NEVER LET ME GO), this is the story of Jung and Freud and the woman who came between them.

Synopsis for A DANGEROUS METHOD: “On the eve of World War I, Zurich and Vienna are the setting for a dark tale of sexual and intellectual discovery. Drawn from true-life events, A Dangerous Method takes a glimpse into the turbulent relationships between fledgling psychiatrist Carl Jung, his mentor Sigmund Freud and Sabina Spielrein, the troubled but beautiful young woman who comes between them. Into the mix comes Otto Gross, a debauched patient who is determined to push the boundaries. In this exploration of sensuality, ambition and deceit set the scene for the pivotal moment when Jung, Freud and Sabina come together and split apart, forever changing the face of modern thought” (taken from Sony Classics)

Visit the official website by clicking this LINK.

[yframe url=’http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pjyP9DjUdVk’]

“The Miami Valley School, Dayton’s only independent, college-preparatory school is proud to present a special one-time only screening of RACE TO NOWHERE on Thursday, Feb. 9, 2012. Considered to be the counter film to Waiting for Superman, RACE TO NOWHERE addresses the academic pressures facing students today and what we can do about it. Featuring heartbreaking stories of young people who have been pushed to the brink, educators who are burned out and worried that students are not developing the skills they need, and parents who are trying to do what’s best for their kids, RACE TO NOWHERE points to the silent epidemic in our school: Students are pressured to perform and not necessarily to learn critical thinking skills…To see the trailer, please go to www.racetonowhere.com.  This is a free event and all are welcome!  Thursday, February 9, 2012 – Reception at 6:30 pm and screening begins at 7:30 pm, followed with Q & A session.” (taken from Miami Valley School press release)

[yframe url=’http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Uem73imvn9Y’]

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

[yframe url=’http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hiodQURIe0M’]

See you soon,

Jonathan

 

SHOWTIMES for Fri. January 27 – Thur. February 2:

A DANGEROUS METHOD (R) 1 Hrs 39 Min

Friday, Saturday, Sunday: 12:50, 3:00, 5:15, 7:30, 9:40

Monday – Thursday: 3:00, 5:15, 7:30

THE ARTIST (PG-13) 1 Hr 40 Min

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

Saturday: 12:30, 5:20, 7:20, 9:30

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

Monday – Thursday: 2:45, 5:00, 7:20

CALL OF THE SCENIC RIVER: AN OHIO JOURNEY

Saturday: 3:00 – This Screening Has SOLD OUT!

COMING SOON:

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

In some cases, titles may disappear.

Feb. ? ALBERT NOBBS

TBD THE HEDGEHOG

TBD SHAME

TBD A SEPARATION

March 16 WE NEED TO TALK ABOUT KEVIN

THE ARTIST – Now Playing at THE NEON!

By Leave a Comment

 

Hello Everyone,

I’m going to keep this update short and sweet.  I’ve been running around Park City, and I’ve returned to the hotel where the internet connection is terribly slow.

As of today (Jan. 20), THE NEON is now playing one of the best reviewed films of 2011…and in my opinion, it’s fantastic!  Do not miss THE ARTIST – winner of the Golden Globe for “Best Picture – Musical or Comedy.”  For showtimes, please visit www.neonmovies.com.

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

Thanks much…and see you soon!

Jonathan

 

Holding Steady and New News at THE NEON

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Hello Everyone,

We had a very solid opening for TINKER TAILOR SOLDIER SPY, and I want to thank all of you who came out to support opening weekend at The Neon!  TTSS will stick around, and we are going to hold MY WEEK WITH MARILYN for one more week (Jan. 19 will be MARILYN’s final day).  Unfortunately, I have to report that we needed to move the opening date of CARNAGE, but the distributor didn’t want to wait for us…so we have to pass on playing it.  That said, the road will be clear for us to open THE ARTIST on January 20 as planned.

Click HERE for TINKER TAILOR’s official site.

[yframe url=’http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6SRGi6GCt4k’]

On Saturday, January 28 at 3:00, our large auditorium has been rented to screen CALL OF THE SCENIC RIVER: AN OHIO JOURNEY.  “This film is the story of Ohio’s most natural waterways. Although few people realize that Ohio was the first state to declare a Scenic Rivers Program in March of 1968, Ohio’s program continues to lead river conservation because of it’s respect of private property, it’s commitment to designating the most ecologically intact systems, and it’s popular volunteer opportunities. Filmed by Ohio cinematographers, Mike King and Adam White, with underwater footage by Tom Mayor, – alumni of Wright State University’s Motion Picture Program – the film captures the stunning and natural beauty of these watershed eco-systems. A portion of the proceeds will benefit Rivers Unlimited, the nation’s oldest river conservation organization. RSVP and tickets ($10/ticket) may be purchased from the film’s website – CLICK LINK.”  (taken from press notes)

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

On Sunday morning, I’ll be heading to a conference for operators and owners of arthouse cinemas from across the country.  The conference is in Utah, so I’ll stick around for the first couple days of the Sundance Film Festival, too.  Please keep the staff nice and busy while I’m gone.

See you soon,

Jonathan

 

SHOWTIMES for

Fri. January 13 – Thur. January 19:

TINKER TAILOR SOLDIER SPY (R) 2 Hrs 07 Min

Friday, Saturday, Sunday:  1:15, 4:15, 7:15, 9:45

Monday: 3:30, 5:45, 8:15

Tuesday – Thursday:  2:30, 5:15, 8:00

MY WEEK WITH MARILYN (R) 1 Hr 39 Min

Friday: 12:50, 3:00, 5:10, 7:20, 9:30

Saturday: 12:50, 5:10, 7:20, 9:30

Sunday:  12:50, 3:00, 5:10, 7:20, 9:30

Monday: 3:30, 5:45, 8:00

Tuesday – Thursday:  3:00, 5:10, 7:20

COMING SOON:

As always, all dates are tentative.

Many of these dates will change.

In some cases, titles may disappear.

Jan. 20   THE ARTIST

TBD   THE HEDGEHOG

TBD   SHAME

TBD   A DANGEROUS METHOD

TBD   A SEPARATION

Toronto – THE FILMS – Day #2

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Hello Again,

Today was full once again…and I’m going to try and keep this “brief.”  I saw 5 films – and overall, it was a better day than yesterday.

First off, I saw MARTHA MARCY MAY MARLENE – starring Elizabeth Olsen (sister to the Olsen twins) & John Hawkes (from WINTER’S BONE).  Many people will relate WINTER’S to MARTHA.  There’s a similar backwoods tone to the film…and it’s a very human thriller…but that’s it.  This film about a girl who has escaped a cult and has difficulty assimilating into traditional “American manners” is at first quietly unsettling and eventually becomes terrifying.  Olsen is fantastic, and I’ll be concerned anytime I hear pine cones on my roof.

[yframe url=’http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0_k3wCsOgqk’]

Next I saw A DANGEROUS METHOD – the new film from David Cronenberg.  I liked the trailer.  On paper, the film seems ready-made for me – A period piece with high production values, actors I like, interesting subject matter (Jung & Freud), Christopher Hampton as screenwriter…but there was something about the film that didn’t make it work for me.  Knightley’s accent was a bit hard to take – but otherwise, her performance was fantastic.  I found Cassel a bit hard to take, but Fassbender was wonderful.  I just couldn’t find a way into the film – though some are already declaring it a masterpiece.

[yframe url=’http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=664eq7BXQcM’]

Next I saw THE KID WITH A BIKE – the new film from the Dardenne Brothers (directors of LORNA’S SILENCE).  The most naturalistic narrative I’ve seen so far…and it’s such a simple story that is heartbreaking without really playing moments for tears.  This movie is about a boy who is left alone at a group home.  He’s certain his father is at home – but it’s evident that his father has left and even sold the boy’s bike.  Enter a woman who takes an interest in the boy and agrees to let him stay with her on the weekends.  It’s simple.  It’s great.

[yframe url=’http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ce3t1YIYokY’]

And then there’s THE ARTIST.  I saw this at a public screening – the director and lead actor introduced the film…and it’s really, really terrific.  Beautifully shot.  Great performances.  And the story is a hybrid of A STAR IS BORN, SINGIN’ IN THE RAIN and SUNSET BOULEVARD…but silent!  I’ll let the trailer do the rest.

[yframe url=’http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=O8K9AZcSQJE’]

THE ARTIST got a late start…so I had to leave early.  I got up from my seat about 5 minutes before it was over and went to the back of the auditorium.  I asked the usher if the other screening (in a theatre upstairs) had started seating yet.  She said, “No,” so I asked if I could continue watching from the back.  Moments before it ended, I had to get out in order to make it to my screening on time.  The usher led me to a back door which wouldn’t interfere with the light of the theatre.  Upon opening the door, there she was…just six feet in front of me – being ushered to the elevator for my next screening.  Tilda Swinton!  One of my favorite actresses of ALL TIME.  Absolutely stunning!

I made it to my last screening with just a few minutes to spare, and I got a front row seat.  (I’ll upload my pictures sometimes soon.)  WE NEED TO TALK ABOUT KEVIN is based on a famous book about a mother reflecting on how she raised her son – and how it might have led to his violent behavior.  It’s edgy, it’s non-linear, and it is somewhat experimental.  Directed by Lynne Ramsay, this film is a rough ride.  Interestingly, I think the musing are akin to Lars von Trier…but with Ramsay, the product is organic.  It feels richer, more honest and less contrived.  Swinton is brilliant in this film (as is Ezra Miller), and I’m still thinking about it.  I’m so delighted that I got see Swinton in person…EDWARD II, ORLANDO, THE DEEP END, I AM LOVE…I could go on!

[yframe url=’http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZLRgAe2jLaw’]

Off to bed.

Until tomorrow,

Jonathan