woody allen

ABSOLUTELY FABULOUS & Lots of Fun News at THE NEON!

July 19, 2016 By Jonathan McNeal

Hello Everyone,

I’m sorry to say that TICKLED tanked this weekend…but interestingly, folks have loved it! (Some of our staffers have even said it’s one of their favorites we’ve shown this year.) If you still need to see it, Thursday will be your last chance to see it with us. We will hold MUSIC OF STRANGERS and DARK HORSE for one final week! On Thursday evening, we will open the highly anticipated comedy ABSOLUTELY FABULOUS – a film based on the beloved British sitcom. (On Friday, July 29, we’ll open Woody Allen’s latest – CAFE SOCIETY.)

Synopsis for ABSOLUTELY FABULOUS: “Edina and Patsy are still oozing glitz and glamor, living the high life they are accustomed to; shopping, drinking and clubbing their way around London’s trendiest hot-spots. Blamed for a major incident at an uber fashionable launch party, they become entangled in a media storm and are relentlessly pursued by the paparazzi. Fleeing penniless to the glamorous playground of the super-rich, the French Riviera, they hatch a plan to make their escape permanent and live the high life forever more!” (Fox Searchlight) Join us on Sunday afternoon at 12:50 & 3:00 (we’ll open at 11:30am) for AN ABSOLUTELY FABULOUS BUBBLY BRUNCH! We’ll have bottles of bubbly for sale and you can grab a bite from Pa’s Pork Foodtruck! Amelia Robinson & Alexis Larsen will be your “Patsy & Edina” for the afternoon – giving lots of fun prizes! (Many thanks to Lisa Grigsby of Dayton Most Metro for putting us in touch with Pa’s Pork!) Click this LINK to visit the film’s official website.

PUSH Dayton has rented our space to bring a one-time screening of TRAPPED to THE NEON on Thur, Aug. 4 at 7:30. “On June 27, 2016, the Supreme Court ruled in Whole Woman’s Health v. Hellerstedt, that restrictions on abortion clinics in Texas posed an undue burden on women seeking abortions. TRAPPED, a documentary by Dawn Porter, follows the struggles of the clinic workers and lawyers who are on the front lines of a battle to keep abortion safe and legal for millions of American women. US. reproductive health clinics are fighting to remain open. Since 2010, 288 TRAP (Targeted Regulations of Abortion Providers) laws have been passed by conservative state legislatures. Unable to comply with these far-reaching and medically unnecessary measures, clinics have taken their fight to the courts. What do these restrictions mean for the women of the United States? Their doctors? What’s the collateral damage when legislation plays politics with women’s health? PUSH (Professionals United for Sexual Health) is a Dayton-based advocacy group that raises funding and awareness for Planned Parenthood Southwest Ohio.” Ticket details coming soon. Sponsored by Harmony Creek United Church of Christ, Drunk Think Tank, Blue Jacket Books, and Mark E. Owens, Dayton Clerk of Court.” Tickets are $5 each and are only available by clicking this LINK. If tickets remain, they will be available in our lobby one hour before the screening.

Local filmmaker Gino Pasi and his team are hosting a special screening of his new film on Thursday, August 11. “THE ARCHIVIST, a short-film written, produced, and directed by Pasi, tells the story of the brief and unusual relationship of Virginia Hirsch and Archie Vecchio, two people unable to forsake the past. The halcyon days of Virginia Hirsch’s youth are quickly fading no matter how hard she tries to hold on to them. For Archie Vechhio, history is much easier to navigate than the complicated present. When these two people meet, however, the past is buried and the present engaged. And both Virginia and Archie come to realize that living life to the fullest in the “here and now” means taking action – action that won’t come easy for either. Tickets available now at THE NEON’s box office for $5. One Time Only Public Showing! 9PM, Thursday, August 11, 2016.” (This film will screen earlier in the evening for invited guests.)

Our “NEON Lumbar Supporter” campaign is off to a pretty good start. Many thanks to those of you who have contributed to the cause! So far, we’ve “sold” 21 chairs toward our goal of 100. This project will cost us $50,000, and you can read all about it by clicking this LINK. Donations can be accepted on-line, but we can also take donations in person…we’d love to chat with you and have you try out the new sample chairs in our lobby.

Thanks so much for your continued support,
Jonathan

SHOWTIMES for Tuesday, July 19 – Thursday, July 28:

TICKLED (R) 1 Hr 32 Min
Tuesday-Wednesday (July 19-20): 3:10, 7:20
Thursday (July 21): 3:10
FINAL DAY – July 21!

DARK HORSE (PG) 1 Hr 25 Min
Tuesday-Thursday (July 19-21): 5:15
Friday, Saturday, Sunday (July 22-24): 5:00
Monday-Thursday (July 25-28): 5:20
FINAL DAY – July 28!

THE MUSIC OF STRANGERS (PG-13) 1 Hr 36 Min
Tuesday-Thursday (July 19-21): 3:00, 5:20, 7:40
Friday & Saturday (July 22 & 23): 12:30, 2:45, 7:20, 9:30
Sunday (July 24): 12:30, 2:45, 7:20
Monday-Thursday (July 25-28): 3:00, 7:40

ABSOLUTELY FABULOUS (R) 1 Hr 30 Min
Thursday (July 21 – Sneak Preview): 7:30
Friday & Saturday (July 22 & 23): 12:50, 3:00, 5:15, 7:30, 9:45
Sunday (July 24): 12:50, 3:00, 5:15, 7:30
Monday-Thursday (July 25-28): 3:00, 5:15, 7:30

COMING SOON:
(All Dates Are Tentative. Dates Often Move And Sometimes Disappear.)
July 29 – CAFE SOCIETY
Aug 5 – HUNT FOR THE WILDERPEOPLE
Aug 12 – EAT THAT QUESTION
Aug 19 – GLEASON
Aug 26 – OUR LITTLE SISTER
Sept 2 – EQUITY
Sept 23 – THE HOLLARS

Beloved DARK HORSE Opens Friday at THE NEON! WEINER and MAN WHO KNEW INFINITY Continue!

July 6, 2016 By Jonathan McNeal

Hello Everyone,

We had a great holiday weekend at THE NEON. Thanks to everyone who came out. Though critics had luke-warm reviews of OUR KIND OF TRAITOR, many of our regulars truly enjoyed the film. In addition, THE MAN WHO KNEW INFINITY had a couple sell-outs over the weekend – it’s a film that has incredible word-of-mouth business. And then there’s WEINER – a documentary like you’ve never seen before. We will keep all three films for another week, and we’ll add a brand new film into the mix – DARK HORSE. This delightful documentary is currently rated “97% Fresh” on rottentomatoes.

Synopsis for DARK HORSE: “Set in a former mining village in Wales, DARK HORSE is the inspirational true story of a group of friends from a working men’s club who decide to take on the elite ‘sport of kings’ and breed themselves a racehorse. Raised on a slagheap allotment, their foal grows into an unlikely champion, beating the finest thoroughbreds in the land, before suffering a near fatal accident. Nursed back to health by the love of his owners – for whom he’s become a source of inspiration and hope – he makes a remarkable recovery, returning to the track for a heart-stopping comeback.” (Taken from Sony Classics) Click this LINK to visit the film’s official website.

Many thanks for everyone who came out to see CLOSET MONSTER last week. Though it wasn’t a sell-out, audience response was fantastic. And I’m happy to report that we raised over $650 to send to victims’ families of the Orlando nightclub tragedy.

Local filmmaker Gino Pasi and his team are hosting a special screening of his new film on Thursday, August 11. “THE ARCHIVIST, a short-film written, produced, and directed by Pasi, tells the story of the brief and unusual relationship of Virginia Hirsch and Archie Vecchio, two people unable to forsake the past. The halcyon days of Virginia Hirsch’s youth are quickly fading no matter how hard she tries to hold on to them. For Archie Vechhio, history is much easier to navigate than the complicated present. When these two people meet, however, the past is buried and the present engaged. And both Virginia and Archie come to realize that living life to the fullest in the “here and now” means taking action – action that won’t come easy for either. Tickets available now at THE NEON’s box office or at the door the night of the showing for $5. One Time Only Public Showing! 9PM, Thursday, August 11, 2016.” (This film will screen earlier in the evening for invited guests.)

If you’re a FaceBook user and a fan of ABSOLUTELY FABULOUS, be sure to visit our FaceBook page…There’s a contest you’ll likely want to enter. (More AbFab contests to come!)

Next week, I will roll out our campaign to assist with installing brand new chairs at THE NEON. A handful of people have already mentioned that they’d like to help – and that makes me quite hopeful. If you’d like to become a “NEON Lumbar Supporter,” you’ll find out all about it in next week’s newsletter.

We hope to see you soon!
Jonathan

SHOWTIMES for Tuesday, July 5 – Thursday, July 14:

THE MAN WHO KNEW INFINITY (PG-13) 1 Hr 48 Min
Tuesday – Thursday (July 5-7): 3:00, 7:20
Friday, Saturday, Sunday (July 8-10): 3:00
Monday-Thursday (July 11-14): 5:15

WEINER (R) 1 Hr 36 Min
Tuesday – Thursday (July 5-7): 5:15
Friday, Saturday, Sunday (July 8-10): 5:00
Monday-Thursday (July 11-14): 5:20

OUR KIND OF TRAITOR (R) 1 Hr 47 Min
Tuesday – Thursday (July 5-7): 3:00, 5:20, 7:40
Friday & Saturday (July 8 & 9): 12:20, 2:40, 7:20, 9:40
Sunday (July 10): 12:20, 2:40, 7:20
Monday-Thursday (July 11-14): 3:00, 7:40

DARK HORSE (PG) 1 Hr 25 Min
Friday & Saturday (July 8 & 9): 12:50, 5:20, 7:30, 9:30
Sunday (July 10): 12:50, 5:20, 7:30
Monday-Thursday (July 11-14): 3:10, 7:30

COMING SOON:
(All Dates Are Tentative. Dates Often Move And Sometimes Disappear.)
July 15 – MUSIC OF STRANGERS
July 22 – ABSOLUTELY FABULOUS
July 29 – CAFE SOCIETY
TBD – CAPTAIN FANTASTIC
Aug 5 – HUNT FOR THE WILDERPEOPLE
Aug 12 – EAT THAT QUESTION
Aug 26 – OUR LITTLE SISTER
Sept 2 – EQUITY
Sept 23 – THE HOLLARS

Woody Allen’s IRRATIONAL MAN – starring Joaquin Phoenix, Emma Stone & Parker Posey – Opens Friday at THE NEON

August 5, 2015 By Jonathan McNeal

Hello Everyone,

We had another solid weekend at THE NEON. Many thanks for your continued support! MR. HOLMES is going to stick around, but as anticipated, INFINITELY POLAR BEAR will only screen until Thursday. For this week’s remaining showtimes, please visit our website at www.neonmovies.com. On Friday, we will open Woody Allen’s latest film – IRRATIONAL MAN – starring Joaquin Phoenix, Emma Stone & Parker Posey.

Synopsis for IRRATIONAL MAN: “Woody Allen’s IRRATIONAL MAN is about a tormented philosophy professor who finds a will to live when he commits an existential act. Philosophy professor Abe Lucas (Joaquin Phoenix) is at rock bottom emotionally, unable to find any meaning or joy in life. Abe feels that everything he’s tried to do, from political activism to teaching, hasn’t made any difference. Soon after arriving to teach at a small town college, Abe gets involved with two women: Rita Richards (Parker Posey), a lonely professor who wants him to rescue her from her unhappy marriage; and Jill Pollard (Emma Stone), his best student, who becomes his closest friend. Pure chance changes everything when Abe and Jill overhear a stranger’s conversation and become drawn in…” (taken from Sony Classics) Click this LINK to visit the film’s official website.

Don’t forget that this Thursday, August 6 at 7:30, director Enzo Libertini will premiere his new film THRESHOLD (Libertini has a background in theater, this is his first feature film). “Three slackers wake up to find their friend is missing and in the search for his whereabouts they continue their normal routine that is both odd and compelling. When this routine becomes threatened they must face what’s been holding them back and cross the threshold into truly living. Filmmaker Enzo Libertini brings an epic comedy to the screen for the first time. Libertini began his work on the stage, with original plays Fulmination and Fall for This.” (taken from press notes) Tickets are on sale now for $8 each at THE NEON’s box office.

On Thursday, August 27 at 7:30, we will hold the world premiere of the new film DIARY OF A DEADBEAT: THE STORY OF JIM VANBEBBER. “Jim VanBebber, an uncompromising, underground, outlaw filmmaker from Greenville, Ohio has become one of the most infamous and controversial American independent filmmakers of our time. VanBebber brought us such cult classics as DEADBEAT AT DAWN (The first feature film made in Dayton, Ohio) MY SWEET SATAN, THE MANSON FAMILY, and many others. Diary of a Deadbeat is a documentary that follows his life from his early super 8mm films to his strange days in Hollywood. It features interviews with an eclectic group of artists such as Phil Ansemlo (Pantera), Richard Kern (Trangressive Film Director), Nivek Ogre (Skinny Puppy), R.A the Rugged Man, and many more. Director Victor Bonacore will be in attendance, granting the world the first look at this documentary that has been in the works for over five years! Be the first to see the much-anticipated and long-awaited Diary of a Deadbeat at its world premiere, for only $5!” Tickets on sale now at THE NEON’s box office.

A Reminder About PARKING! Parking across from our front door (the old Greyhound lot) is free for our customers at any time. In addition, we do validate for parking in the parking garage on weekdays after 6pm and all day on Saturday and Sunday. (In the event that the Convention Center is hosting a special event, do not pay an attendant for parking on your way in…simply state that you’re heading to THE NEON and you require a ticket that will be later validated.)

Thanks for your continued support.

We hope to see you this weekend!

Jonathan

SHOWTIMES for Friday, August 7 – Thursday, August 13:

IRRATIONAL MAN (R) 1 Hr 36 Min
Friday, Saturday: 12:45, 3:00, 5:15, 7:30, 9:45
Sunday: 12:45, 3:00, 5:15, 7:30
Monday – Thursday: 3:15, 5:30, 7:40

MR. HOLMES (PG) 1 Hr 45 Min
Friday & Saturday: 12:20, 2:40, 5:00, 7:20, 9:40
Sunday: 12:20, 2:40, 5:00, 7:20
Monday – Thursday: 3:00, 5:15, 7:30

COMING SOON:
(All Dates Are Tentative. Dates Often Move And Sometimes Disappear.)
Aug. 14 – TESTAMENT OF YOUTH
Aug. 21 – THE END OF THE TOUR
Aug. 28 – DIARY OF A TEENAGE GIRL
Sept. 11 – MISTRESS AMERICA Sept. 18 – LEARNING TO DRIVE
TBD: THE HUNDRED YEAR OLD MAN WHO CLIMBED OUT THE WINDOW AND DISAPPEARED

Ian McKellen’s MR. HOLMES Opens Friday at THE NEON!

July 22, 2015 By Jonathan McNeal

Hello Everyone,

This Friday, we will open the film that many regulars have been asking about – MR. HOLMES. Directed by Bill Condon (KINSEY) and starring Ian McKellen & Laura Linney, this film premiered at the Berlin International Film Festival and I’m certain many of you will love it. In addition, we will hold all three current films for one more week – AMY, THE OVERNIGHT and ME AND EARL AND THE DYING GIRL. For this week’s remaining showtimes (they’re different than the upcoming week – which are listed below), please visit our website at www.neonmovies.com. On July 31, we plan to open INFINITELY POLAR BEAR – starring Mark Ruffalo and Zoe Saldana.

Synopsis for MR. HOLMES: “MR HOLMES is a new twist on the world’s most famous detective. 1947, an aging Sherlock Holmes returns from a journey to Japan, where, in search of a rare plant with powerful restorative qualities, he has witnessed the devastation of nuclear warfare. Now, in his remote seaside farmhouse, Holmes faces the end of his days tending to his bees, with only the company of his housekeeper and her young son, Roger. Grappling with the diminishing powers of his mind, Holmes comes to rely upon the boy as he revisits the circumstances of the unsolved case that forced him into retirement, and searches for answers to the mysteries of life and love – before it’s too late.” (taken from Roadside Attractions) Kenneth Turan of The Los Angeles Times wrote, “Maneuvering shrewdly within the boundaries of the traditional canon and aided by the impeccable performance of Ian McKellen, Bill Condon directs an elegant puzzler that presents the sage of Baker Street dealing with the one thing he’s never had to contend with before: his own emotions.” Click this LINK to visit the film’s official website.

On Thursday, July 30 at 7:30, the Sierra Club Miami Group will host a special screening of a new film. “BAG IT is a documentary centered around life without plastic. ‘Everyman’ Jeb Berrier embarks on a global tour to unravel the complexities of the plastic world. BAG IT investigates plastic on our waterways, ocean gyres, and even our own bodies! Finally, a movie that tackles the plastic industry and what we can do about it. Today! Right now! BAG IT won the Audience Choice at Telluride Mountainfilm Festival and Princeton Environmental Film Festival. This screening will be presented by the Sierra Club Miami Group, one of Ohio’s largest and oldest environmental group with over four thousand members.” (taken from press notes) Tickets for this FREE Screening will be given on a first come, first serve basis starting one hour before showtime.

On Thursday, August 6 at 7:30, director Enzo Libertini will premiere his new film THRESHOLD (Libertini has a background in theater, this is his first feature film). “Three slackers wake up to find their friend is missing and in the search for his whereabouts they continue their normal routine that is both odd and compelling. When this routine becomes threatened they must face what’s been holding them back and cross the threshold into truly living. Filmmaker Enzo Libertini brings an epic comedy to the screen for the first time. Libertini began his work on the stage, with original plays Fulmination and Fall for This.” (taken from press notes) Tickets will be $8 each and will be available at THE NEON’s box office starting this weekend.

The Dayton Tiny House Community is hoping to bring a new film to town – SMALL IS BEAUTIFUL: A TINY HOUSE DOCUMENTARY. This is a tugg event, so 50+ more tickets must be reserved for the screening to take place on Wednesday, August 12 at 7:30 (those reservations need to be made on the official site by Aug. 1). “In Portland, Oregon, we meet four characters, each of whom are at various stages of building and living in their own tiny homes…Ultimately this story proves that it’s not what’s inside the walls of a tiny house that counts, but rather it is the strong community of like minded people who support each other as they dare to be different.” (taken from tugg) You can read more about this film, watch a trailer and reserve your tickets on the official site. Here’s the LINK.

Thanks for your continued support.
We hope to see you this weekend!

Jonathan

SHOWTIMES for Wednesday, July 24 – Thursday, July 30:

AMY (R) 2 Hrs 8 Min
Friday, Saturday, Sunday: 7:15
Monday – Wednesday: 7:30

ME AND EARL AND THE DYING GIRL (PG-13) 1 Hr 45 Min
Friday, Saturday: 12:45, 5:15
Sunday: 12:45
Monday – Thursday: 3:00

THE OVERNIGHT (R) 1 Hr 20 Min
Friday & Saturday: 3:15, 9:45
Sunday: 3:15
Monday – Thursday: 5:30

MR. HOLMES (PG) 1 Hr 45 Min
Friday & Saturday: 12:20, 2:40, 5:00, 7:20, 9:40
Sunday: 12:20, 2:40, 5:00, 7:20
Monday – Thursday: 3:00, 5:15, 7:30

BAG IT (NR) 1 Hr 14 Min
Thursday: 7:30

COMING SOON:
(All Dates Are Tentative. Dates Often Move And Sometimes Disappear.)
July 31 – INFINITELY POLAR BEAR
Aug. 7 – IRRATIONAL MAN
Aug. 14 – TESTAMENT OF YOUTH
Aug. 21 – THE END OF THE TOUR
Aug. 28 – DIARY OF A TEENAGE GIRL
GRANDMA, SAINT LAURENT,
THE HUNDRED YEAR OLD MAN WHO CLIMBED OUT THE WINDOW AND DISAPPEARED

Big Sundance Winner ME AND EARL AND THE DYING GIRL Now Playing at THE NEON!

July 1, 2015 By Jonathan McNeal

Hello Everyone,

ME AND EARL AND THE DYING GIRL – the big winner and giant crowdpleaser (especially for film lovers) from this year’s Sundance Film Festival – is now playing at THE NEON! In addition, I’m pleased to announce that we’re able to hold both LOVE & MERCY and I’LL SEE YOU IN MY DREAMS for one more week!

Synopsis for ME AND EARL AND THE DYING GIRL: “Winner of the 2015 Sundance Grand Jury Prize as well as the Audience Award, ME AND EARL AND THE DYING GIRL is the story of Greg Gaines (Thomas Mann), an awkward high school senior whose mom forces him to spend time with Rachel – a girl in his class (Olivia Cooke) with whom he hasn’t spoken to since kindergarten – who was just diagnosed with cancer.” (taken from Fox Searchlight) Joe Morgenstern from The Wall Street Journal wrote, “This brilliantly funny, casually profound and deeply affecting coming-of-age chronicle…even manages to be life-enlightening – it’s a fresh take on contemporary adolescence as a journey from ironic detachment to openhearted feeling.” Click on this LINK to visit the film’s official site.

Single Payer Action Network Ohio (SPAN Ohio) and Doctors for America are proud to host a screening of the powerful documentary REMOTE AREA MEDICAL. During the U.S. debate about healthcare reform, the media failed to put a human face on what it means to not have access to healthcare. Over three days in April 2012, Remote Area Medical, the pioneers of “no-cost” healthcare clinics, treated nearly 2,000 patients on the infield of Bristol, Tennessee’s massive NASCAR speedway. REMOTE AREA MEDICAL affords us an insider’s perspective on the ebb and flow of the event. It is the extraordinary stories of the patients, desperate for medical attention, that create a lasting impression about the state of modern healthcare in America. Admission is free and open to the public. A panel discussion will be held after the movie with local physicians and health policy advocates. The film will screen on Sunday, July 12 at 3pm. Tickets will be given on a first come, first serve basis on the day of the screening.

Next Friday, July 10, we plan to open the new powerful documentary AMY about the brilliant singer and songwriter Amy Winehouse – a smash at this year’s Cannes Film Festival. Please help us spread the word to any of your friends and family who are interested in music or strong documentaries.

Thanks for your continued support.
We hope to see you this weekend!
Jonathan

SHOWTIMES for Wednesday, July 1 – Thursday, July 9:

LOVE & MERCY (PG-13) 2 Hrs 1 Min
Wednesday & Thursday: 5:20
Friday & Saturday: 4:50, 9:30
Sunday: 4:50
Monday – Thursday: 5:20

I’LL SEE YOU IN MY DREAMS (PG-13) 1 Hr 32 Min
Wednesday & Thursday: 3:15, 7:45
Friday, Saturday, Sunday: 12:40, 2:50, 7:20
Monday – Thursday: 3:15, 7:45

ME AND EARL AND THE DYING GIRL (PG-13) 1 Hr 45 Min
Wednesday & Thursday (July 1 & 2): 2:30, 5:00, 7:30
Friday & Saturday: 12:15, 2:30, 5:00, 7:30, 9:45
Sunday: 12:15, 2:30, 5:00, 7:30
Monday – Thursday: 3:00, 5:15, 7:40

COMING SOON:
(All Dates Are Tentative. Dates Often Move And Sometimes Disappear.)
July 10 – AMY
July 17 (or later) – TESTAMENT OF YOUTH
July 24 (or later) – INFINITELY POLAR BEAR
July 24 – MR. HOLMES
Aug. 7 – IRRATIONAL MAN
TBD – END OF THE TOUR, DIARY OF A TEENAGE GIRL,
GRANDMA, SAINT LAURENT

LAND HO! Starts Friday at THE NEON!

September 4, 2014 By Jonathan McNeal

Hello Everyone,

Wow! We had a terrific weekend…much better than anticipated. Many thanks to all of you who came out to support our films. CALVARY performed better in Dayton than in many other cities, and we’re delighted and grateful. BOYHOOD has already screened for the last time, but MAGIC IN THE MOONLIGHT and CALVARY will stick around. In addition, we will open a film that many of you have been asking about – LAND HO! If you’ve been to THE NEON recently, you’ve more than likely seen the trailer. Remaining showtimes for this week can be found on our website at www.neonmovies.com.

Synopsis for LAND HO!: “A pair of 60-something ex-brothers-in-law sets off on a road trip through Iceland, hoping to reclaim their youth. Their picaresque adventures, from trendy Reykjavík to rugged outback, are a throwback to classic bawdy road comedies as well as a candid exploration of aging, loneliness, and friendship.” (taken from Sony Classics) Click on this LINK to visit the film’s official website.

KRW Cycles in Clayton hopes you’ll help tip the scales and bring PENTON to THE NEON. “The John Penton Story is an American story about family, competition, ingenuity and business that will tug at hearts of everyone who sees it. John Penton is motorcycle icon and pioneer who’s life on a farm in Ohio led to a long list of motorcycling accomplishments and global notoriety. What began with a humble motorcycle shop, turned into international off-road racing career leading him to the discovery of the need for a smaller machine which he was soon selling in the US. With his innovative Penton motorcycles he introduced riding to a new generation of riders around the world.” (taken from press notes) Click this LINK to the official site and reserve your ticket. If enough people don’t reserve a ticket by Sept. 5, the screening will not happen and your credit card will not be charged.

Start Freedom Dayton is hoping you’ll help tip the scales to bring #StandWithMe to Dayton on Thursday, Sept. 25. This film will only screen if 68 tickets are sold by Friday, Sept. 12. Click this LINK to watch a trailer and reserve your ticket now (if not enough tickets are reserved, your card will never be charged). “Only a 9-year-old would dream that a lemonade stand could free 500 enslaved children. What followed became so much bigger. After seeing a photo of two enslaved boys in Nepal, Vivienne Harr is moved to help in the only way she knows how: by setting up her lemonade stand. With the goal of freeing 500 children from a life of slavery, she sets up her stand every day, rain or shine. As Vivienne’s vision begins to show promise for something greater, her community stands with her – and she develops her own Social Purpose Company. In telling Vivienne’s story, #standwithme examines the realities of modern-day slavery, the role we play in it as consumers, and the importance of knowing the story behind what we buy.” (taken from tugg press notes)

Have you seen the trailer or read about the incredibly moving documentary ALIVE INSIDE? (If not, check out the official site.) We will have a traditional engagement of the film beginning sometime in late September or October, but a special preview screening is being planned for Wednesday, September 24 at 7:30. Special details are still in the works, but I wanted to let you know right away. Regular ticket prices will apply, and tickets are now available at THE NEON’s box office.

I just made it to Toronto for the Toronto International Film Festival. I’ll see numerous films over the course of 9 days, and in order to keep track of what I’m seeing, I’ll keep a daily blog. Starting this morning, you can click this LINK daily to read about my adventures.

Thanks for your continued support!

Jonathan

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SHOWTIMES for Friday, Sept. 5 – Thursday, Sept. 11:

MAGIC IN THE MOONLIGHT (PG-13) 1 Hr 37 Min
Friday, Saturday: 12:50, 5:10, 9:30
Sunday:12:50, 5:10
Monday – Thursday: 5:20

LAND HO! (R) 1 Hr 35 Min
Friday, Saturday, Sunday: 3:00, 7:20
Monday – Thursday: 3:10, 7:30

CALVARY (R) 1 Hr 40 Min
Friday, Saturday: 12:45, 3:00, 5:15, 7:30, 9:45
Sunday: 12:45, 3:00, 5:15, 7:30
Monday – Thursday: 3:15, 5:30, 8:00

COMING SOON:

(All Dates Are Tentative. Dates Often Move And Sometimes Disappear.)

Sept. 12 – THE DROP
Sept. 12 – TRIP TO ITALY
Sept. 26 – SKELETON TWINS
Sept. 26 – ALIVE INSIDE
Oct. 3 – LOVE IS STRANGE
Oct. 10-12 – DAYTON LGBT FILM FEST
Oct. 24 – PRIDE
Nov. 28 – THE THEORY OF EVERYTHING

Colin Firth & Emma Stone in Woody Allen’s MAGIC IN THE MOONLIGHT at THE NEON!

August 14, 2014 By Jonathan McNeal

Hello Everyone,

Woody Allen’s last three films – MIDNIGHT IN PARIS, TO ROME WITH LOVE and BLUE JASMINE – have all been big hits at THE NEON. On Friday, we will open Allen’s latest film – a 1920’s romantic comedy starring Colin Frith and Emma Stone – MAGIC IN THE MOONLIGHT. BOYHOOD – the best-reviewed film of the year – will stick around for another week.

Synopsis for MAGIC IN THE MOONLIGHT: “Chinese conjuror Wei Ling Soo is the most celebrated magician of his age, but few know that he is the stage persona of Stanley Crawford (Colin Firth), a grouchy and arrogant Englishman with a sky-high opinion of himself and an aversion to phony spiritualists’ claims. Persuaded by his friend, Howard Burkan (Simon McBurney), Stanley goes on a mission to the Cote d’Azur mansion of the Catledge family: mother Grace (Jacki Weaver), son Brice (Hamish Linklater), and daughter Caroline (Erica Leerhsen). He presents himself as a businessman named Stanley Taplinger in order to debunk the alluring young clairvoyant Sophie Baker (Emma Stone) who is staying there with her mother (Marcia Gay Harden)…What follows is a series of events that are magical in every sense of the word and send the characters reeling. In the end, the biggest trick MAGIC IN THE MOONLIGHT plays is the one that fools us all.” (taken from Sony Pictures Classics) Click this LINK to visit the film’s official site.

The FilmDayton Film Festival is just around the corner – August 22-24. The full schedule has been released and festival passes and single tickets are now available on-line. Check out the line-up and purchase your tickets at the festival’s Official Site. In addition to screenings that will be held at THE NEON, there are a number of other special programs happening downtown. Here’s a list of what’s happening at THE NEON:
Friday, Aug. 22 at 7pm – THE INFINITE MAN
Friday, Aug. 22 at 9pm – FLICK MY CLIP
Saturday, Aug. 23 at Noon – INTERNATIONAL SHORTS
Saturday, Aug. 23 at 2pm – GIVE TO LIVE THE MOVIE
Saturday, Aug. 23 at 4pm – OHIO SHORTS
Saturday, Aug. 23 at 7pm – ZERO MOTIVATION
Sunday, Aug. 24 at 12:30pm – U.S. SHORTS
Sunday, Aug. 24 at 3:15pm – STOMPING GROUND
Sunday, Aug. 24 at 5:30pm – THIS TIME NEXT YEAR
Sunday, Aug. 24 at 8pm – FILMDAYTON AWARDS

On Saturday, August 30 at noon, Roosevelt Class of ’67 will hold a fundraiser with a screening of BUCK AND THE PREACHER. “The film stars several icons who were at the beginning of their careers. Sidney Pointier stars as Buck. This was also the first film that he directed. Harry Belafonte stars as the preacher. His production company, Belafonte Enterprise produced the film with others. Ruby Dee was the wife of Buck. This film was set in Kansas Territory immediately following the Civil War in the late 1860’s. The cost is $20. This includes the movie, glass of wine, soda, and popcorn. Tickets are available at THE NEON.” (taken from press notes)

Mark your calendars now for The Dayton LGBT Film Festival – set for October 10-12. I met with the festival committee on Sunday for our epic, hash-it-out, planning meeting…and we came up with a really strong line-up of films. That said, I’m still awaiting confirmation from a couple titles before I can make big announcements. However, I can announce this – our Opening Night film – THE WAY HE LOOKS, sponsored by Square One Salon & Spa – is a huge crowd pleaser that has been winning awards all around the world. I hope you’ll hurry down to get tickets once they go on sale!

Thanks for your continued support!
Jonathan

SHOWTIMES for Friday, August 15 – Thursday, August 21:

MAGIC IN THE MOONLIGHT (PG-13) 1 Hr 37 Min
Friday, Saturday: 12:40, 2:50, 5:00, 7:20, 9:30
Sunday: 12:40, 2:50, 5:00, 7:20
Monday & Tuesday: 3:00, 5:20, 7:40
Wednesday: 3:00, 5:20, 8:30
Thursday: 3:00, 5:20, 7:40

BOYHOOD (R) 2 Hr 45 Min
Friday, Saturday, Sunday: 1:00, 4:30, 8:00
Monday – Thursday: 3:30, 7:30

COMING SOON:
(All Dates Are Tentative. Dates Often Move And Sometimes Disappear.)
Aug 29 – LAND HO
Aug 29 – CALVARY
TBD – TRIP TO ITALY
TBD – LOVE IS STRANGE
TBD – ALIVE INSIDE
TBD – SKELETON TWINS

I ORIGINS Opens & BOYHOOD Continues at THE NEON!

August 6, 2014 By Jonathan McNeal

Hello Everyone,

We had a very solid weekend with BOYHOOD. Many thanks to all of you who came out to support it. (We even had quite a few folks from Cincinnati – the film isn’t playing that market yet!) We will hold BOYHOOD, but we need to let go of IDA. If you still need to see this marvelous film, Thursday will be your last chance. On Friday, we will open I ORIGINS – a new film from the director of ANOTHER EARTH. (For this week’s remaining showtimes, visit our website at www.neonmovies.com)

Synopsis for I ORIGINS: ONE WEEK ONLY! “I ORIGINS, the second feature film from writer and director Mike Cahill, tells the story of Dr. Ian Gray (Michael Pitt), a molecular biologist studying the evolution of the eye. He finds his work permeating his life after a brief encounter with an exotic young woman (Astrid Bergès-Frisbey) who slips away from him. As his research continues years later with his lab partner Karen (Brit Marling), they make a stunning scientific discovery that has far reaching implications and complicates both his scientific and spiritual beliefs. Traveling half way around the world, he risks everything he has ever known to validate his theory.” (taken from Fox Searchlight press notes) Click on this LINK to visit the official website. I ORIGINS will play for One Week Only! Check out a featurette about the film below…

“On Thursday, August 14 at 7:30, Boston Stoker is proud to present A FILM ABOUT COFFEE to the Dayton Area. The film, which first premiered in Seattle at the Specialty Coffee Association of America (SCAA), explores the world’s involvement and fascination with specialty coffee from crop to cup. It captures in-depth views on the current state of specialty coffee with footage from throughout the US, Africa, South America and Japan. Boston Stoker is a specialty coffee roaster and wholesaler that has operated out of Dayton, Ohio since 1973. The company has a long history with direct trade work within the coffee industry, focusing on Heart to Honduras.” (taken from Boston Stoker press notes) This screening will be an Ohio premiere! Click this LINK to find out more about the film. Click this LINK to visit Boston Stoker’s official site.

The FilmDayton Film Festival is set for August 22-24. The full schedule has been released and festival passes and single tickets are now available on-line. Check out the line-up and purchase your tickets at the festival’s Official Site. In addition to screenings that will be held at THE NEON, there are a number of other special programs happening downtown.

I can’t believe that the Toronto International Film Festival is less than a month away. Before I depart, The Dayton LGBT Film Festival committee will sit down and finalize this year’s line-up (save the dates for October 10-12…titles will revealed in mid-August). Between that and all the special events at THE NEON, there’s a lot to do in the next few weeks.

Thanks for your continued support!
Jonathan

SHOWTIMES for Friday, August 8 – Thursday, August 14:

I ORIGINS (R) 1 Hr 47 Min
Friday: 2:50, 5:10, 7:30, 9:45
Saturday: 12:30, 2:50, 5:10, 7:30, 9:45
Sunday: 12:30, 2:50, 5:10, 7:30
Monday-Wednesday: 3:00, 5:20, 7:40
Thursday: 3:00, 5:20

BOYHOOD (R) 2 Hr 45 Min
Friday, Saturday, Sunday: 1:00, 4:30, 8:00
Monday – Thursday: 3:30, 7:30

A FILM ABOUT COFFEE (NR)
Thursday: 7:30

COMING SOON:
(All Dates Are Tentative. Dates Often Move And Sometimes Disappear.)
Aug 15 – MAGIC IN THE MOONLIGHT
Aug 29 – LAND HO
Aug 29 – CALVARY
TBD – TRIP TO ITALY
TBD – LOVE IS STRANGE
TBD – ALIVE INSIDE
TBD – SKELETON TWINS

Star-Studded THIRD PERSON Opens Friday at THE NEON

July 8, 2014 By Jonathan McNeal

Hello Everyone,

We had a lot of fun this weekend with A HARD DAY’S NIGHT. Audiences applauded after each screening, and some folks even admitted to having cried tears of joy during their revisit with The Beatles. If you’d still like to see it, Thursday will be your last chance at THE NEON. Thursday will also be the last day for the ground-breaking film OBVIOUS CHILD. On Friday, we will open the new film from Paul Haggis – THIRD PERSON. SNOWPIERCER (which had a terrific opening weekend) and CHEF will stick around for another week. (For this week’s remaining showtimes, visit our website at www.neonmovies.com)

Synopsis for THIRD PERSON: “THIRD PERSON tells three stories of love, passion, trust and betrayal, in a multi-strand story line reminiscent of Paul Haggis’s earlier Oscar-winning film CRASH. The tales play out in New York, Paris and Rome: three couples who appear to have nothing related but share deep commonalities: lovers and estranged spouses, children lost and found.” Starring Liam Neeson, Mila Kunis, Adrien Brody, Olivia Wilde, James Franco and many other well-known actors.

There’s been a locally-initiated tugg request for the film NO ORDINARY HERO: THE SUPERDEAFY MOVIE on July 23 at 7:30, and the event will only proceed if 62 tickets are purchased by July 14. (If the threshold isn’t met, your card will not be charged.) “When a deaf actor who plays a superhero on television looks beyond his cape to influence a deaf boy to redefine what ‘being normal’ means, he also finds inspiration to transform himself.” Visit the official LINK to watch the trailer and to reserver your ticket.

On Tuesday, July 29 at 7:30, The Evangelical Immigration Table will host a one-time screening of the documentary THE STRANGER. “This film was produced to motivate evangelical Christians to take a stand for immigration reform. The film tells the story of three families caught in our broken immigration system. The film is a stark reminder that immigration isn’t just a political issue, and it certainly isn’t a liberal or conservative issue. It is an American issue, and it is a spiritual issue. Tickets are $5 (available starting July 11 at THE NEON’s Box Office) and all proceeds will go to local refugees served by New Path Outreach, a ministry of Ginghamsburg Church. Watch the film. Then call your Congressman.” (taken from press notes) A panel discussion will be held after the screening.

On Thursday, July 31 at 7:30, 4 Paws For Ability would like to screen the documentary LEGENDS OF THE KNIGHT. This is a tugg screening…which means that 62 people need to reserve tickets by July 20 for the engagement to move forward. “LEGENDS OF THE KNIGHT weaves together the uplifting true stories of individuals who have overcome devastating obstacles, unselfishly given to the community, and embraced their inner superhero because of their love of Batman.” Follow this LINK to find out more about the film, watch a trailer and reserve your ticket.

Thanks so much for your continued support!

We hope to see you soon!

Jonathan

SHOWTIMES for Friday, July 11- Thursday, July 17:

THIRD PERSON (R) 2 Hr 17 Min
Friday, Saturday: 1:00, 4:00, 7:00, 9:45
Sunday: 1:00, 4:00, 7:00
Monday: 2:20, 5:10, 7:50
Tuesday: 2:20, 7:50
Wednesday, Thursday: 2:20, 5:10, 7:50

CHEF (R) 1 Hr 55 Min
Friday, Saturday, Sunday: 12:20, 5:30
Monday – Thursday: 5:30

SNOWPIERCER (R) 2 Hr 6 Min
Friday, Saturday, Sunday: 2:50, 8:00
Monday: 2:50, 8:00
Tuesday: 2:50
Wednesday, Thursday: 2:50, 8:00

COMING SOON:

(All Dates Are Tentative. Dates Often Move And Sometimes Disappear.)

TBD – IDA
TBD – WORDS AND PICTURES
July 18 – LIFE ITSELF
Aug 8 – BOYHOOD
Aug 15 – MAGIC IN THE MOONLIGHT
Aug 29 – LAND HO

The Beatles & SNOWPIERCER This Weekend at THE NEON

July 2, 2014 By Jonathan McNeal

Hello Everyone,

You only have until Thursday (July 3) to see JODOROWSKY’S DUNE…Thursday will be its last day at THE NEON. On Friday, we will open 2 films. One is the remastered and restored Beatles’ classic – A HARD DAY’S NIGHT – celebrating its 50th Anniversary. The other is a genre that doesn’t get much play around THE NEON…it’s a sci-fi action film by beloved and master filmmaker Bong Joon-ho. It’s called SNOWPIERCER, and the cast is amazing – Tilda Swinton, Ed Harris, Jamie Bell, John Hurt, Octavia Spencer, Chris Evans and more! OBVIOUS CHILD and CHEF will continue their runs for another week. (For this week’s remaining showtimes, visit our website at www.neonmovies.com)

Synopsis for SNOWPIERCER: This film has been receiving incredible reviews, and it has a lot to say about our society. “In this sci-fi epic from director Bong Joon Ho (THE HOST, MOTHER), a failed global-warming experiment kills off most life on the planet. The final survivors board the SNOWPIERCER, a train that travels around the globe via a perpetual-motion engine. When cryptic messages incite the passengers to revolt, the train thrusts full-throttle towards disaster.” (A24) Claudia Puig of USA TODAY wrote “A rare hybrid that perfectly blends the dazzle of a futuristic action thriller with the intellectual substance of an art film.” Scott Foundas of VARIETY wrote that the film has a “respect for the audience’s intelligence rarely encountered in high-concept genre cinema.” Peter Travers of ROLLING STONE wrote, “SNOWPIERCER is everything TRANSFORMERS wishes it could be: A slambam sci-fi thriller with a brain, a heart and an artful sense of purpose.” Click THIS LINK to visit the film’s official site.

Synopsis for A HARD DAY’S NIGHT: ONE WEEK ONLY! RESTORED & REMASTERED!! “Meet the Beatles! Just one month after they exploded onto the U.S. scene with their Ed Sullivan appearance, John, Paul, George, and Ringo began working on a project that would bring their revolutionary talent to the big screen. A Hard Day’s Night, in which the bandmates play wily, exuberant versions of themselves, captured the astonishing moment when they officially became the singular, irreverent idols of their generation and changed music forever. Directed with raucous, anything-goes verve by Richard Lester and featuring a slew of iconic pop anthems, including the title track, “Can’t Buy Me Love,” “I Should Have Known Better,” and “If I Fell,” A Hard Day’s Night, which reconceived the movie musical and exerted an incalculable influence on the music video, is one of the most deliriously entertaining movies of all time.” (Janus) Click THIS LINK to visit the film’s official facebook page.

Would you like to win tickets to A HARD DAY’S NIGHT? Listen to WSWO – Oldies 97.3 for chances to win tickets. WSWO is working on getting guest musicians to perform Beatles classics on our patio on Saturday afternoon starting at 4:00. For more information, follow this LINK to their facebook page.

Next time you’re in the neighborhood, even if you’re not up for a movie, be sure to check out our patio. We’ve really spruced things up with new furniture, new umbrellas and beautiful plants. Our beer selection is pretty awesome (not to mention our iced coffee and other cold drinks), so think about our patio as a great place to unwind down the road.

We hope to see you soon!
Jonathan

SHOWTIMES for Friday, July 4 – Thursday, July 10:

OBVIOUS CHILD (R) 1 Hr 24 Min
Friday, Saturday: 3:15, 9:45
Sunday – Thursday: 3:15

CHEF (R) 1 Hr 55 Min
Friday, Saturday, Sunday: 12:50, 7:20
Monday – Thursday: 7:20

A HARD DAY’S NIGHT (NR) 1 Hr 27 Min
Friday – Thursday: 5:15

SNOWPIERCER (R) 2 Hr 6 Min
Friday, Saturday: 1:30, 4:15, 7:00, 9:45
Sunday: 1:30, 4:15, 7:00
Monday – Thursday: 2:50, 5:20, 8:00

COMING SOON:
(All Dates Are Tentative. Dates Often Move And Sometimes Disappear.)
TBD – IDA
TBD – WORDS AND PICTURES
July 11 – THIRD PERSON
July 18 – LIFE ITSELF
Aug 8 – BOYHOOD
Aug 15 – MAGIC IN THE MOONLIGHT
Aug 29 – LAND HO

SALINGER and THE HUNT Open Friday at THE NEON!

September 24, 2013 By Jonathan McNeal Leave a Comment

Hello Everyone,

We’re moving right along, and I think it’s fair to say that we’ve got something for everyone this weekend. In addition to holding AUSTENLAND and BLUE JASMINE for one more week, we will open the documentary SALINGER and the highly acclaimed film from Denmark –THE HUNT. For remaining showtimes for this week, visit our official site at www.neonmovies.com.

Synopsis for SALINGER: “SALINGER features interviews with 150 subjects including Salinger’s friends, colleagues and members of his inner circle who have never spoken on the record before as well as film footage, photographs and other material that has never been seen. Additionally, Philip Seymour Hoffman, Edward Norton, John Cusack, Danny DeVito, John Guare, Martin Sheen, David Milch, Robert Towne, Tom Wolfe, E.L. Doctorow, Gore Vidal and Pulitzer Prize winners A. Scott Berg and Elizabeth Frank talk about Salinger’s influence on their lives, their work and the broader culture. The film is the first work to get beyond the Catcher in the Rye author’s meticulously built up wall: his childhood, painstaking work methods, marriages, private world and the secrets he left behind after his death in 2010.” (taken from The Weinstein Company) Click HERE to visit the film’s official site.

[yframe url=’http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_oUHn0lZFy8′]

Synopsis for THE HUNT: “Mads Mikkelsen (NBC’s Hannibal, A ROYAL AFFAIR) won the Best Actor Award at the 2012 Cannes Film Festival for his penetrating portrayal of Lucas, a former school teacher who has been forced to start over having overcome a tough divorce and the loss of his job. Just as things are starting to go his way, his life is shattered when an untruthful remark throws his small community into a collective state of hysteria. As the lie spreads, Lucas is forced to fight a lonely fight for his life and dignity.” (taken from Magnolia Pictures) Click HERE to visit the film’s official site.

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

THE DAYTON LGBT FILM FESTIVAL is heading into its 8th year, and we’ve just secured flights for 2 visiting filmmakers (with hopefully more to come). The dates are set for October 11-13, and the line-up is fantastic. The committee has been working on this year’s festival since April, and we’re proud of the response – festival passes are already flying. The official site is up and running, and you can visit our Facebook Page for last-minute and fun postings. We hope you’ll look at our site and find something you’d like to see…if you’re into thought-provoking documentaries or period films or satirical comedies, we’ve got it covered. Single tickets go on sale this Wednesday, Sept. 25…it’s certain to be an amazing festival!

I’m sure many of you have seen the trailer for one of the best reviewed comedies of the year – Nicole Holofcener’s ENOUGH SAID, starring Julia Louis-Dreyfus and James Gandolfini. I’m delighted to announce that it has moved up…it is now set to open next Friday (Oct. 4).

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

Jonathan

SHOWTIMES for Fri, Sept. 27 – Thurs, Oct. 3:

BLUE JASMINE (PG-13) 1 Hr 38 Min
Friday, Saturday, Sunday: 2:50, 9:45
Monday – Thursday: 5:30

THE HUNT (R) 1 Hr 55 Min
Friday, Saturday, Sunday: 12:30, 5:00, 7:20
Monday – Thursday: 3:10, 7:50

AUSTENLAND (PG-13) 1 Hr 37 Min
Friday, Saturday, Sunday: 12:45, 5:10
Monday – Thursday: 5:20

SALINGER (PG-13) 2 Hrs
Friday, Saturday, Sunday: 2:50, 7:15, 9:45
Monday – Thursday: 3:00, 7:45

COMING SOON:
As always, all dates are tentative. Many of these dates will change.
In some rare cases, titles may disappear.
Oct. 4 – ENOUGH SAID
Oct. 11 – THE PATIENCE STONE
Oct. 18 – INEQUALITY FOR ALL
Oct. 25 – WADJDA
Nov. 22- KILL YOUR DARLINGS
Nov. 22 –DALLAS BUYERS CLUB
TBD – CUTIE AND THE BOXER

THE SPECTACULAR NOW Opens & BLUE JASMINE Continues at THE NEON!

August 28, 2013 By Jonathan McNeal Leave a Comment

Hello Everyone,

Wow! What an incredible weekend! FilmDayton had some nice crowds over the weekend (their line-up was awesome), and BLUE JASMINE became one of our biggest openings of the year! Many thanks to all of you who came out. We were busy, and it felt great!

If you still need to see THE WAY WAY BACK, you only have a couple more days. In addition, I hope many of you will come down for our special 4-day engagement of IN THE HOUSE – one of my absolute favorite films of the year (only a few people turned out on Monday). Thursday will be the last day for both films, and you can see their schedules on our official site – www.neonmovies.com. While BLUE JASMINE will certainly stick around, we have another hot, new film opening this weekend – THE SPECTACULAR NOW. This film has garnered high praise from The Wall Street Journal, Los Angeles Times, Entertainment Weekly, USA Today, Variety, Chicago Sun-Times and many more. We hope you’ll support it!

Synopsis for THE SPECTACULAR NOW: “This is the tale of Sutter Keely, a high school senior and effortless charmer, and of how he unexpectedly falls in love with “the good girl” Aimee Finecky. What starts as an unlikely romance, becomes a sharp-eyed, straight-up snapshot of the heady confusion and haunting passion of youth – one that doesn’t look for tidy truths.” (taken from A24) This film stars Shailene Woodley – she played a daughter to George Clooney’s character in THE DESCENDANTS. She’s really wonderful. Click this LINK to visit the official site.

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

“James Booker, the ‘Piano Prince of New Orleans,’ is resurrected in Lily Keber’s superb new documentary film – BAYOU MAHARAJA: THE TRAGIC GENIUS OF JAMES BOOKER. The documentary features concert footage, eyewitness accounts of the outrageous Booker in action and reflections from fellow New Orleans musicians Harry Connick Jr., Allen Toussaint, Dr. John, Aaron Neville and others. 2013’s most talked-about music documentary, the movie captures the essence of this underappreciated virtuoso. Meet Lily Keber at THE NEON when she introduces her film and leads a Q&A session following the screening.” (taken from VSOP Press Notes) This film will play one time only – Wednesday, September 18 at 7:30. Tickets are already on sale at THE NEON’s box office.

[yframe url=’http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tV8zi0uwChk’]

I’m sad to announce that THE NEON has lost a good friend. Harish Trivedi of The India Foundation passed away earlier this month. He was such a lover of film, and he provided the community with a wealth of knowledge and passion for Indian cinema. He was a great collaborator, and his spirit and drive were infectious. He will be greatly missed.

Unfortunately, Saturday’s screening of SALMA has been cancelled. We hope it will be rescheduled for a future event, but no further details are available at this time.

Thanks for your continued support!

We hope to see you soon!
Jonathan

SHOWTIMES for Fri, Aug. 30 – Thurs, Sept. 5:

BLUE JASMINE (PG-13) 1 Hr 38 Min
Friday, Saturday, Sunday: 12:30, 2:45, 5:00, 7:15, 9:30
Monday: 12:30, 2:45, 5:00, 7:15
Tuesday – Thursday: 3:10, 5:20, 7:30

THE SPECTACULAR NOW (R) 1 Hr 35 Min
Friday, Saturday, Sunday: 12:40, 3:00, 5:15, 7:30, 9:40
Monday: 12:40, 3:00, 5:15, 7:40
Tuesday – Thursday: 3:00, 5:15, 7:40

COMING SOON:
As always, all dates are tentative. Many of these dates will change.
In some rare cases, titles may disappear.
TBD – BLACKFISH
TBD – THE HUNT
Sept. 13 – SALINGER
TBD – THE PATIENCE STONE
TBD – AUSTENLAND
TBD – WADJDA
Oct. 18 – ENOUGH SAID
Oct. 18 – INEQUALITY FOR ALL
TBD – CUTIE AND THE BOXER

BLUE JASMINE, IN THE HOUSE, FilmDAYTON & More Great News at THE NEON!

August 20, 2013 By Jonathan McNeal Leave a Comment

Hello Everyone,

We’ve got so much happening over the next week…I’m absolutely certain that there is something for everyone at THE NEON! In addition to FilmDayton‘s great line-up (including gems like IN A WORLD, SHORT TERM 12 and REMOTE AREA MEDICAL), we will open one of the most talked about indies of the year – Woody Allen’s BLUE JASMINE (featuring one of the most outstanding performances of Cate Blanchett’s incredible career). And it doesn’t stop there. Next Monday through Thursday, we will bring one of my favorite films of the year – Francois Ozon’s IN THE HOUSE – for a 4-day run!

Next Friday, August 30, we will open a coming of age story that critics and audiences alike are loving – THE SPECTACULAR NOW.

Synopsis for BLUE JASMINE: “After everything in her life falls to pieces, including her marriage to wealthy businessman Hal, elegant New York socialite Jasmine moves into her sister Ginger’s modest apartment in San Francisco to try to pull herself back together again.” (taken from Sony Classics) Click THIS LINK to visit the official site.

[yframe url=’http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FER3C394aI8′]

Synopsis for IN THE HOUSE: “Sixteen-year-old Claude insinuates himself into the house of fellow high school student, writing about his family in essays that perversely blur the lines between reality and fiction for his jaded literature teacher. Intrigued by this gifted and unusual student, Germain rediscovers his taste for teaching, but the boy’s intrusion sparks a series of uncontrollable events.” This was one of my Top 3 Films at last year’s Toronto Film Festival…it stars Fabrice Luchini and Kristin Scott Thomas. Be sure to check out the trailer below.

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

The FilmDayton Festival is ready to go! Film screenings will take place at THE NEON, but the festival is about a whole lot more. Check out their complete line-up on their official site.
Films/Events at THE NEON are:
Friday, Aug. 23 at 7:00 – IN A WORLD
Friday, Aug. 23 at 9:00 – FLICK MY CLIP COMEDY SHORTS
Friday, Aug. 23 at 11:00 – FRIDAY NIGHT FRIGHT
Saturday, Aug 24 at 11:00am – WYSO SCREENLESS SCREENING
Saturday, Aug 24 at 1:00 – JACK, JULES, ESTHER AND ME
Saturday, Aug 24 at 3:30 – SHORTS BLOCK #1
Saturday, Aug 24 at 6:00 – SUNDOG FESTIVAL (FREE!)
Saturday, Aug 24 at 8:30 – SHORT TERM 12
Sunday, Aug. 25 at 1:00 – SHORTS BLOCK #2
Sunday, Aug 25 at 3:30 – REMOTE AREA MEDICAL
Sunday, Aug 25 at 6:00 – BIG WORDS
Sunday, Aug 25 at 8:00 – FilmDayton AWARDS

As an FYI, Tickets to both screenings of WSU’s BIG LENS FILM FESTIVAL are completely sold out!

In next week’s week’s newsletter, I’ll have more details about VSOP’s special screening of BAYOU MAHARAJA: THE TRAGIC GENIUS OF JAMES BOOKER – slated for Wed, Sept. 18 at 7:30.

We’ve got so much going on!
We hope to see you soon!
All the best,
Jonathan

SHOWTIMES for Fri, Aug. 23 – Thurs, Aug. 29:

BLUE JASMINE (PG-13) 1 Hr 38 Min
Friday, Saturday, Sunday: 12:30, 2:45, 5:00, 7:15, 9:30
Monday – Thursday: 3:10, 5:20, 7:30

IN THE HOUSE (R) 1 Hr 45 Min
Monday – Thursday: 3:00, 7:45

THE WAY WAY BACK (PG-13) 1 Hr 43 Min
Friday, Saturday, Sunday: NO SCREENINGS
Monday – Thursday: 5:30

THE FILMDAYTON FESTIVAL
Friday: 7:00, 9:00, 11:00
Saturday: 11:00am, 1:00, 3:30, 6:00, 8:30
Sunday: 1:00, 3:30, 6:00, 8:00

COMING SOON:
As always, all dates are tentative. Many of these dates will change.
In some rare cases, titles may disappear.
Aug. 30 – THE SPECTACULAR NOW
TBD – THE HUNT
Sept. 13 – SALINGER
Sept. ? – BLACKFISH
TBD – THE PATIENCE STONE
TBD – AUSTENLAND
TBD – WADJDA
Oct. 18 – ENOUGH SAID
Oct. 18 – INEQUALITY FOR ALL
TBD – CUTIE AND THE BOXER

FILL THE VOID Opening at THE NEON!

August 8, 2013 By Jonathan McNeal Leave a Comment

Hello Everyone,

We’re moving along this week. On Friday (Aug. 9), we will open a lovely new Israeli film called FILL THE VOID.

Synopsis for FILL THE VOID: “Fill the Void tells the story of an Orthodox Hassidic family from Tel Aviv. Eighteen-year-old Shira is the youngest daughter of the family. She is about to be married off to a promising young man of the same age and background. It is a dream-come-true, and Shira feels prepared and excited. On Purim, her twenty-eight-year-old sister, Esther, dies while giving birth to her first child. The pain and grief that overwhelm the family postpone Shira’s promised match…When the girls’ mother finds out that Yochay may leave the country with her only grandchild, she proposes a match between Shira and the widower. Shira will have to choose between her heart’s wish and her family duty.” Peter Rainer of The Christian Science Monitor wrote, “The sheer force of artistry has the power to convert outsiders into insiders. I left Fill the Void feeling privileged, however briefly, to have been brought into this world.” It’s quite possible that FILL THE VOID will only play for one week. I hope you’ll hurry down! Click the image above to be directed to the film’s official site.

[yframe url=’http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NQuWarA9KXg’]

“Roger Brown — the greatest basketball player Dayton has ever known — will be inducted into the Naismith Hall of Fame on Sept. 8. Without the love and sacrifice of 84-year-old Daytonian Arlena Smith, it wouldn’t be happening. Join us at THE NEON on Aug. 15 at 7:30 for a benefit screening of the acclaimed documentary UNDEFEATED: THE ROGER BROWN STORY, with all proceeds going toward Arlena Smith’s trip to Springfield, Mass., for Brown’s Hall of Fame induction. Arlena and her late husband Azariah could not have children of their own, so they regularly welcomed troubled teenagers into their modest West Side home. One of those was Roger Brown. Among the greatest young basketball players in New York City history, Brown in 1961 had been unfairly implicated in a gambling scandal just as he was finishing his freshman year at the University of Dayton. Though never charged with a crime, he was kicked out of school and banned for life by the NBA. The Smiths came to the rescue. They opened up their home, found Brown a job, gave him the strength to move on. And finally, Brown bloomed anew. In 1967, he became the first player of the ABA’s Indiana Pacers. He led them to three championships, and became an Indianapolis City Councilman. All along, until his death at age 54 of cancer, Brown credited the Smiths — his ‘second parents’ — for making it possible.” (taken from press notes) Mark your calendars now! Tickets, just $10 each, are now available at our box office and at EbonNia Gallery.

The FilmDayton Festival is putting their marketing pieces into play, and they’re gearing up for another great festival. Film screenings will take place at THE NEON, but the festival is about a whole lot more…and it’s scheduled for August 23-25. Check out their line-up on the official site.

And speaking of FilmDayton, WSU’s Annual Big Lens Film Festival will kick off the festival this year. “The 21st Annual Big Lens Film Festival will premiere on Thursday, August 22nd at the THE NEON…Every year, Big Lens screens a selection of the very best short films to come from the Wright State University Motion Picture program, and this year is no different! Ranging from documentary to narrative, these six films cover a wide variety of subjects and emotions. There will be two screenings shown concurrently, one at 7:30pm and one at 8:00. Following the screenings, there will be a Q&A with the filmmakers, emceed by Oscar-nominated filmmaker Julia Reichert. Tickets to either screening are $7 each, and will soon be available at THE NEON. Some films may contain adult content.” (taken from Big Lens press notes)

We hope to see you this weekend!

All the best,
Jonathan

SHOWTIMES for Fri, Aug. 9 – Thurs, Aug. 15:

FILL THE VOID (PG) 1 Hr 30 Min
Friday, Saturday, Sunday: 12:50, 3:00, 5:10, 7:20, 9:30
Monday – Wednesday: 3:15, 5:30, 7:45
Thursday: 3:15, 5:30

THE WAY WAY BACK (PG-13) 1 Hr 43 Min
Friday, Saturday, Sunday: 12:30, 2:45, 5:00, 7:15, 9:30
Monday – Thursday: 3:00, 5:15, 7:30

UNDEFEATED: THE ROGER BROWN STORY
(NR) 1 Hr 30 Min + Discussion
Thursday: 7:30

COMING SOON:
As always, all dates are tentative. Many of these dates will change.
In some rare cases, titles may disappear.
Aug. 16 – I’M SO EXCITED

Aug. 23 – BLUE JASMINE

TBD – BLACKFISH

TBD – THE HUNT

TBD – FROM UP ON POPPY HILL

TBD – IN THE HOUSE

20 FEET FROM STARDOM Opens at THE NEON

July 10, 2013 By Jonathan McNeal Leave a Comment

Hello Everyone,

We’re gonna keep on movin’ at THE NEON. If you still need to see LOVE IS ALL YOU NEED, tomorrow will be your last chance (7/11). On Friday, we will open the documentary that audiences are adoring – 20 FEET FROM STARDOM. In addition, we will hold MUCH ADO ABOUT NOTHING and KON-TIKI for another week. For this week’s remaining showtimes, visit our website at www.neonmovies.com.

Synopsis for 20 FEET FROM STARDOM: “Millions know their voices, but no one knows their names. In his compelling new film 20 FEET FROM STARDOM, award-winning director Morgan Neville shines a spotlight on the untold true story of the backup singers behind some of the greatest musical legends of the 21st century. Triumphant and heartbreaking in equal measure, the film is both a tribute to the unsung voices who brought shape and style to popular music and a reflection on the conflicts, sacrifices and rewards of a career spent harmonizing with others. These gifted artists span a range of styles, genres and eras of popular music, but each has a uniquely fascinating and personal story to share of life spent in the shadows of superstardom. Along with rare archival footage and a peerless soundtrack, 20 FEET FROM STARDOM boasts intimate interviews with Bruce Springsteen, Stevie Wonder, Mick Jagger and Sting to name just a few. However, these world-famous figures take a backseat to the diverse array of backup singers whose lives and stories take center stage in the film.” (Taken from TWC-Radius) Currently at “98% FRESH” on rottentomatoes.com Click this LINK to visit the film’s official site.

[yframe url=’http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tWyUJcA8Zfo’]

“AMU is the story of Kaju, a twenty-one-year-old Indian American woman who returns to India to visit her family and discover the place where she was born. The film takes a dark turn as Kaju stumbles against secrets and lies from her past. A horrifying genocide that took place twenty years ago turns out to hold the key to her mysterious origins.” The India Foundation will present this special screening of AMU this Saturday, July 13 at Noon. Tickets will be $5 each.

Hope to see you this weekend!

All the best,
Jonathan

SHOWTIMES for Fri. July 12 – Thur. July 18:

MUCH ADO ABOUT NOTHING (PG-13) 1 Hr 49 Min
Friday, Saturday, Sunday: 2:40, 7:30, 9:45
Monday – Thursday: 3:00, 7:30

KON-TIKI (PG-13) 1 Hr 36 Min
Friday: 12:30, 5:15
Saturday: 5:15
Sunday: 12:30, 5:15
Monday – Thursday: 5:15

20 FEET FROM STARDOM (PG-13) 1 Hr 31 Min
Friday, Saturday, Sunday: 12:50, 3:00, 5:10, 7:20, 9:30
Monday – Thursday: 3:15, 5:30, 7:45

AMU (NR) 1 Hr 36 Min
Saturday: Noon

COMING SOON:
As always, all dates are tentative. Many of these dates will change.
In some rare cases, titles may disappear.
July ? – KINGS OF SUMMER
July 26 – THE WAY WAY BACK
TBD – GINGER AND ROSA
TBD – FILL THE VOID
TBD – FROM UP ON POPPY HILL
TBD – IN THE HOUSE
Aug. 2 – I’M SO EXCITED
Aug. 23 – BLUE JASMINE

LOVE IS ALL YOU NEED Now At THE NEON!

June 28, 2013 By Jonathan McNeal Leave a Comment

Hello Everyone,

We’re moving right along at THE NEON. Though we’re holding both of our current attractions (BEFORE MIDNIGHT and THE EAST), we also had room to open a new romantic comedy that I saw at last year’s Toronto International Film Festival – LOVE IS ALL YOU NEED. It’s directed by Academy Award winner Susanne Bier and stars Pierce Brosnan and Trine Dyrholm. For this week’s remaining showtimes, visit our website at www.neonmovies.com.

Several of you have been asking…and I’m excited to announce that the new adaptation of Shakespeare’s MUCH ADO ABOUT NOTHING, directed by Joss Whedon, is slated to open next Friday!

[yframe url=’ww.youtube.com/watch?v=jk5kkLNPg8g’]

Synopsis for LOVE IS ALL YOU NEED: “Philip (Brosnan), an Englishman living in Denmark, is a lonely, middle-aged widower and estranged single father. Ida (Dyrholm) is a Danish hairdresser, recuperating from a long bout of illness, who’s just been left by her husband for a younger woman, Thilde. The fates of these two bruised souls are about to intertwine, as they embark for a trip to Italy to attend the wedding of their children. With warmth, affection and confidence, Susanne Bier has shaken a cocktail of love, loss, absurdity, humor, and delicately drawn characters that will leave only the hardest heart untouched. It is a film about the simple yet profound pains and joys of moving on – and forward – with your life.” (taken from Sony Classics) Click HERE to visit the film’s official site.

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

On Saturday, July 6, THE NEON will host the premiere of Meladi McNair’s new film THE OMISSION. “Marissa tries to hide from her friends that she is in an unfortunate, yet common situation that afflicts many young adults. A violent, controlling relationship. Three flashbacks paint her birthday bash as the platform for a series of unfortunate events in which five long-time friends learn of her situation, and turn on each other… THE OMISSION, a dark, abuse awareness film debuts at 3 pm on July 6. The film was written and directed by Dayton’s own Meladi McNair; a Journalist and social-conscious author, artist and filmmaker. She is also the author of the anti-bullying book, ‘The Vexing.’ Tickets are $5 each.” (taken from press notes)

Here’s a note from American Pi, a store just a block from THE NEON: “Victory Film Group and Made in the USA Films present a 90 minute documentary that explores the rise and fall of U.S. manufacturing. Josh Miller sets out on a journey in which he attempts to live off of USA made products for 30 days. Can he do it!? During Josh’s journey he talks with locals to find out if ‘Made in the USA’ really means anything anymore. If not, what does that mean for the future of our country? Come find out when you join us on the MADE IN THE USA: THE 30 DAY JOURNEY. To obtain tickets online, visit the site. Our site says they are $10 but for a they are FREE. TICKETS MUST BE RESERVED via the website, at our location or via phone (click this LINK for the site). FREE price will reflect during checkout. We do have a VIP package so that viewers can get DVD and photos with Josh etc. and that price is $20.” Check out American Pi’s official site.

“AMU is the story of Kaju, a twenty-one-year-old Indian American woman who returns to India to visit her family and discover the place where she was born. The film takes a dark turn as Kaju stumbles against secrets and lies from her past. A horrifying genocide that took place twenty years ago turns out to hold the key to her mysterious origins.” The India Foundation will present this special screening of AMU on Saturday, July 13 at Noon. Tickets will be $5 each.

There’s another potential Gathr screening on the horizon. Once again, 50 tickets need to be reserved in order for the screening to be locked down. The movie is BACK TO 1942, and it’s an epic film set during a drought in China’s Henan province in 1942. The tentative screening is scheduled for July 17 at 7:30. Check out this LINK to watch the trailer and reserve your ticket. There’s only about a week left to reserve a ticket in order to secure the screening…and right now, it doesn’t look like it’s gonna happen. Hurry and share these details if this is a film you’d like to see!

See you soon!

All the best,
Jonathan

SHOWTIMES for Fri. June 28 – Thur. July 4:

BEFORE MIDNIGHT (R) 1 Hr 48 Min
Friday, Saturday, Sunday: 12:15, 5:00, 7:30
Monday – Thursday: 5:20

THE EAST (PG-13) 1 Hr 56 Min
Friday, Saturday, Sunday: 2:30, 4:00, 9:40
Monday – Thursday: 2:50, 7:45

LOVE IS ALL YOU NEED (PG-13) 1 Hr 57 Min
Friday, Saturday, Sunday: 1:00, 7:15, 9:40
Monday – Thursday: 3:00, 5:30, 8:00

COMING SOON:
As always, all dates are tentative. Many of these dates will change.
In some rare cases, titles may disappear.
July 5 – MUCH ADO ABOUT NOTHING
July 12 – 20 FEET FROM STARDOM
July ? – KINGS OF SUMMER
July 26 – THE WAY WAY BACK
Aug 2 – I’M SO EXCITED!
Aug 26 – BLUE JASMINE
TBD – GINGER AND ROSA
TBD – KON TIKI
TBD – FROM UP ON POPPY HILL
TBD – IN THE HOUSE

woody allen

Mon 4

Tue 5

Wed 6

Thu 7

Fri 8

Sat 9

Sun 10

Riverscape Ice Skating

Community Quilting

Holiday Wine Tasting

National Lampoon’s CHRISTMAS VACATION TRIVIA NIGHT

Karaoke & Ladies Night

Trivia Monday

“Oh What a Christmas It Will Be!” presented by Mayhem & Mystery

Open Mic Night at Toxic Brew Co

Holiday Farmers Market

Riverscape Ice Skating

Should I Shoot? A Self Defense Workshop

Caymus Wine Dinner 🍷

Tuesday Trivia

Trivia with Rob

Dirty Dancing Live in Concert

1920s Theme Party w/ Jess Lamb Live Jukebox & Dayton BBQ Co

Miracle on 34th Street: The Musical

Holly Days at the Arcade Presented by AES Ohio

Ohio’s Hospice of Dayton 45th Anniversary Community Open House

Riverscape Ice Skating

December Wine Social

Cooking with Chef Margot!

Dayton Pub Run

K99.1FM Jingle Bell Jam

Free Deeds Carillon Concert

Miracle on 34th Street: The Musical