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On Screen Dayton

Blake Shelton Drive-In Concert

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A concert film featuring Blake Shelton, Gwen Stefani and Trace Adkins will be screened at a drive-in event this Saturday .

The show will be screened at drive-ins and outdoor theaters across the United States and Canada, according to a news release for the event. The event is made possible thanks to Encore Drive-In Nights and will follow the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Guidelines to ensure safety amid the coronavirus pandemic.

Cars must park six feet apart and bathroom capacity will be limited.

Blade Runner, More Hitchcock & Artists’ Roundtable!

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Hello NEON Fans!
We’ve gotta keep moving.  Audiences have been loving the Hitchcock films on the big screen (they look and sound incredible), so we’re bringing two more.  If you still need to see VERTIGO or PSYCHO, you only have until Thursday.  On Friday, we’re bringing MARNIE (with Tippi Hedren & Sean Connery) and REAR WINDOW(with Jimmy Stewart and Grace Kelly). Additionally this week, we will bring back the crowd-favorite BLADE RUNNER: THE FINAL CUT as well as a new senior-driven romantic dramedy – NEVER TOO LATE. If you still need to see THE TOBACONNIST (which audiences are raving about), it will continue in-person screenings through the weekend and its virtual engagement will also continue.
Synopsis for MARNIE: Our “Hitchcock 101 Series” continues this weekend with two familiar leads – Tippi Hedren & Sean Connery in MARNIE! This brilliant film is a favorite of professor emeritus Charles Derry of Wright State’s renowned film program…and Hitchcock was someone we studied quite a bit in film school.  That said, I feel as though this film is not mentioned nearly as often as PSYCHO and VERTIGO.  I think it deserves to be seen on the big screen! “Mark Rutland (Sean Connery) is a customer of one Mr. Strutt, whose business was robbed by his secretary, the mysterious Marnie Edgar (Tippi Hedren). When Marnie applies for a job with Mark, with the intention of stealing from him, Mark — who is obsessively in love with her — blackmails her into marrying him. However, he soon discovers that she has severe psychological issues regarding men, thunderstorms and the color red, and resolves to help her come to terms with her past trauma.”  Click the image below to watch the film’s trailer.
Synopsis for REAR WINDOW:  We’re delighted to continue our classic Hitchcock retrospectives with 2 Hollywood icons – Grace Kelly and Jimmy Stewart in REAR WINDOW. “The story of a recuperating news photographer who believes he has witnessed a murder. Confined to a wheelchair after an accident, he spends his time watching the occupants of neighboring apartments through a telephoto lens and binoculars and becomes convinced that a murder has taken place.” Click the image below to watch the film’s trailer.
Synopsis for BLADE RUNNER: THE FINAL CUT: “Deckard (Harrison Ford) is forced by the police Boss (M. Emmet Walsh) to continue his old job as Replicant Hunter. His assignment: eliminate four escaped Replicants from the colonies who have returned to Earth. Before starting the job, Deckard goes to the Tyrell Corporation and he meets Rachel (Sean Young), a Replicant girl he falls in love with.” Click the image below to watch the film’s trailer.
Synopsis for NEVER TOO LATE: “It’s been decades since Caine, Bronson, Angus and Wendell escaped a POW camp. Now, they’re sharing a new prison, Hogan Hills Retirement Home. The four band together for an escape plan, but the rules of engagement have changed-and so has what they’re fighting for. Never Too Late is a heartwarming story about how you’re never too old to chase your dreams.” Starring James Cromwell, Jacki Weaver, Dennis Waterman, and Jack Thompson. If you’re still not up for in-person screenings, this film will be available in our Virtual Cinema starting next Friday.  Click the image below to watch the film’s trailer.
Don’t forget that you can join Dr. Judy Schwartzman and me for a discussion about the film THE TOBACCONIST on Monday, July 20 at 7pm.  If you haven’t seen the film yet, you still have plenty of options to see it in person at THE NEON…or you can rent it in our Virtual Cinema! Synopsis for THE TOBACCONIST – In-Person & Virtual Cinema  Engagement: “Seventeen-year-old Franz journeys to Vienna to apprentice at a tobacco shop. There he meets Sigmund Freud (Bruno Ganz), a regular customer, and over time the two very different men form a singular friendship.” I saw this lovely gem of a film at The Cleveland International Film Festival in 2019, and I’ve been waiting ever since to bring it to THE NEON.  On July 20 at 7pm, Dr. Judy Schwartzman and I will co-facilitate a special “post screening discussion” via Zoom, hosted by the Jewish Community Center of Greater Dayton.  You can sign up for that HERE, and you can click the image below to watch the trailer and gain 72 hour access to the film for $12.
New this week in our Virtual Cinema is a documentary about a professor at Julliard who has helped lead many great actors on their path to greatness.  The film is about his life and and also about the philosophy of his craft. Synopsisfor CREATING A CHARACTER: “What do Jessica Chastain, Viola Davis, and Adam Driver have in common?  They are but a few of the extraordinary actors who have studied under the renowned acting teacher Moni Yakim at Julliard – America’s greatest performing arts school. Born in Jerusalem, Moni was a principal performer with Marcel Marceau’s mime company before becoming a director and teacher.  CREATING A CHARACTER explores his extraordinary life and includes insightful interviews with luminaries like Laura Linney, Anthony Mackie, Kevin Kline and more.” As a special bonus to fans of THE NEON and the Dayton Performing Arts Community, a special Artists’ Roundtable has been scheduled for Sunday, July 19 at 5:00.  You’ll be able to tune in via our Facebook page or our new Youtube page.  The Artists’ Roundtable will include Kevin Moore from The Human Race Theatre Company, Joe Deer from Wright State University, and two New York performing artists who have both worked in Dayton as well as studied with Moni – Colby Lane Chambers and Jasmine Batchelor.  (Batchelor appears in this documentary and is also the star of the critically acclaimed film THE SURROGATE – also offered in THE NEON’s Virtual Cinema.) Click the image below to gain 72 hour access to CREATING A CHARACTER for $10.
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These films are sticking around in our Virtual Cinema:
Synopsis for ONE SMALL STEP – Virtual Engagement: We know that Daytonians love a collection of short films! So here’s one that’s good for the entire family. “Embark on a roller coaster of imagination and possibility in this ShortsTV-presented compilation of new and acclaimed, family-friendly animated short films.” For instructions on how you can watch this film beyond your laptop or pad, visit the distributor’s Help Page HERE. Click the image below to watch the trailer and gain 72 hour access to this collection for $7.99.
JOHN LEWIS: GOOD TROUBLE in our Virtual Cinema. Synopsis: “Rated “100% Fresh” on Rottentomatoes! “Using interviews and rare archival footage, JOHN LEWIS: GOOD TROUBLE chronicles Lewis’ 60-plus years of social activism and legislative action on civil rights, voting rights, gun control, health-care reform and immigration.”  Click the image below to gain 72 hour access to the film for $12.
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Wanna know what’s coming down the road in our virtual cinema? (Click any title to watch that film’s trailer.)  On July 15, we’ll open the wonderful documentary about a beloved Julliard professor –  On July 22, we will open FLANNERY – a film about Flannery O’Connor that Ken Burns calls “an extraordinary documentary.” On July 24, we plan to begin offering NEVER TOO LATE – starring James Cromwell and Jacki Weaver.
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Over the last past few weeks, I’ve been chatting about the changes we’ve made in order to keep people safe and healthy during this unprecedented time.  One item I want to remind  you is that seating is available for each show at least 40 minutes before the start time.  Please arrive at least a few minutes early so you can find your assigned seat while the lights are still up! 
We’re doing a little fundraising to help keep our numbers afloat. Through the month of July, for a minimum of $100 donation, your name (or company name) will be added to a new NEON t-shirt (which will go on sale later in August). Donations can be made in person or via the “donate” button on our official site…and of course you’ll get a complimentary t-shirt when they’re ready! Click the image below to visit our donation page…just be sure to leave your email address and the name you’d like on the shirt in the “notes” section upon checking out (max. 20 characters).  Thanks for considering!

We hope to see you soon!
Be safe & well.
My best,
Jonathan

JOHN LEWIS, Catherine Deneuve & virtually THE LAST TREE!

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Hello NEON Fans!
Thanks to everyone who came out for our soft reopening.  We learned some important things along the way, and patrons reported that they had great experiences at THE NEON while adhering to our new safety measures.  If you still need to see MISS JUNETEENTH (and you want to see it on the big screen), you only have until Thursday…that said, we will continue our virtual engagement until July 9.  On Friday, we will open two brand new films – the inspiring doc JOHN LEWIS: GOOD TROUBLE and the star-studded gem THE TRUTH!  In addition, we’ve just added a brand new, powerful film to our virtual offerings – THE LAST TREE.
Be sure to check out the Virtual news further down.  We have a couple awesome announcements about special virtual events!
Synopsis for JOHN LEWIS: GOOD TROUBLE – In-Person Engagement: Rated “100% Fresh” on Rottentomatoes! “Using interviews and rare archival footage, JOHN LEWIS: GOOD TROUBLE chronicles Lewis’ 60-plus years of social activism and legislative action on civil rights, voting rights, gun control, health-care reform and immigration. Using present-day interviews with Lewis, now 80 years old, Porter explores his childhood experiences, his inspiring family and his fateful meeting with Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. in 1957. In addition to her interviews with Lewis and his family, Porter’s primarily cinéma verité film also includes interviews with political leaders, Congressional colleagues, and other people who figure prominently in his life.” (Magnolia Pictures) This feature-length documentary will be followed by a 16 minute pre-recorded discussion between Representative Lewis and Oprah. Leah Greenblatt of ENTERTAINMENT WEEKLY wrote, “Excellent. A joyful, galvanizing portrait of a life radically and fully lived.” Click the image below to watch the film’s trailer.
Synopsis for THE TRUTH – In-Person Engagement: “Legends of French cinema Catherine Deneuve and Juliette Binoche join masterful filmmaker Hirokazu Koreeda (SHOPLIFTERS, STILL WALKING) to paint a moving portrait of family dynamics in THE TRUTH. Fabienne (Catherine Deneuve) is an aging French movie star who, despite her momentary lapses in memory, remains a venerable force to be reckoned with. Upon the publication of her memoirs, her daughter Lumir (Juliette Binoche) returns to Paris from New York with her husband (Ethan Hawke) and their young daughter to commemorate its release. A sharp and funny battle of wits ensues between the mother-daughter duo, as Lumir takes issue with Fabienne’s rose-colored version of the past. Reflected cleverly by Fabienne’s latest role in a sci-fi drama, their strained relationship takes a poignant journey toward possible reconciliation. Charming, bold, and imbued with endless emotional insight, THE TRUTH offers a relatable look at human relationships, featuring exquisite performances from its all-star cast.” (IFC Films) Click the image below to watch the film’s trailer.
Synopsis for THE LAST TREE – Virtual Engagement: “THE LAST TREE is the semi-autobiographical story of Femi (as a child played by newcomer Tai Golding), a British boy of Nigerian heritage who, after being fostered in rural Lincolnshire, moves to inner-city London to live with his birth mother. In his teens, Femi (Sam Adewunmi) is struggling with the culture and values of his new environment. Femi must decide which path to adulthood he wants to take, and what it means to be a young black man in London during the early 00s. Going back home to Nigeria with his mum to find his Nigerian roots will help adolescent Femi find grounding and hope for a better future…THE LAST TREE scooped two wins for Best Supporting Actress and Most Promising Newcomer at the British Independent Film Award. Its Sundance 2019 World Premiere screening was followed by multiple festival screenings in the USA and Canada.” Click the image below to gain 72 hour access for $10.
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We’re delighted to announce that these films will continue in our Virtual Cinema for one more week (until July 9):
SOMETIMES ALWAYS NEVER in our VIRTUAL CINEMA: “Alan (Bill Nighy) is a stylish tailor with moves as sharp as his suits. However, he’s spent years searching for his missing son Michael, who stormed out over a game of Scrabble and hasn’t been seen since…” You can watch this film on your computer or mobile device as well as some smart TVs.  For more details about available devices, please visit the Eventive’s HELP

page. Click the image below to watch the trailer and gain 72 hour access for $12.
ELLA FITZGERALD: JUST ONE OF THOSE THINGS in our Virtual Cinema: “Ella Fitzgerald was a 15 year-old street kid when she won a talent contest in 1934 at the Apollo Theatre in Harlem. Within months she was a star…”  You can watch this film on your computer or mobile device as well as some smart TVs.  For more details about available devices, please visit the Eventive’s HELP page. This film will be available starting this Friday, June 26 in our Virtual Cinema.  Click the image below to watch the trailer and pre-order 72 hour access to the film for $12.
MISS JUNETEENTH in our Virtual Cinema: “Turquoise was once crowned Miss Juneteenth, a title commemorating the day slaves in Texas were freed – two years after the Emancipation Proclamation. Life didn’t turn out as beautifully as the title promised, but Turquoise, determined to right her wrongs, is cultivating her daughter, Kai, to become Miss Juneteenth, even if Kai wants something else.”

Click the image below to gain 72 hour access to this film for $6.99.

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Wanna know what’s coming down the road in our virtual cinema? (Click any title to watch that film’s trailer.)  On July 8, we will open ONE SMALL STEP – a collection of critically acclaimed and award-winning animated short films that are family-friendly!  On July 15, we’ll open the wonderful documentary about a beloved Julliard professor – CREATING A CHARACTER (and here’s the fun news: On Sunday, July 19 at 5:00, we’ll host a special Zoom Artists’ Roundtable with Kevin Moore from The Human Race Theatre Company, Joe Deer from Wright State University,  and actors Jasmine Batchelor (the lead actress from THE SURROGATE) and Colby Lane Chambers – both who have performed in Dayton productions and studied with Moni at Julliard – the subject of this film!!) On July 17, we will open THE TOBACCONIST – both virtually and in-person – a film I saw and loved at The Cleveland International Film Festival last year (and here’s the fun news: you can join a post-screening discussion that Judy Schwartzman and I will co-facilitate on Monday, July 20 at 7pm). More details about the zoom discussions will be available next week.  On July 22, we will open FLANNERY – a film about Flannery O’Connor that Ken Burns calls “an extraordinary documentary.” At the end of July, we plan to bring NEVER TOO LATE – starring James Cromwell and Jacki Weaver.
In case you didn’t get last week’s newsletter, here’s a reminder about our new policies. Due to new guidelines for keeping staff and customers healthy during the current crisis, we now offer reserved seating.  If you want to sit next to someone, you’ll need to purchase tickets in the same transaction.  The software we are using will automatically block off three seats between parties – so if you buy a single ticket, there’s no chance for someone to sit next to you. If you’re the first person to reserve a seat in a row (on-line or in-person), we ask that you choose a seat that’s on the aisle or along the wall…this will allow us to maximize our capacity.  This is going to be a big learning curve for us – a full house will now be approximately 35% of our actual capacity.
Here is some of what we’re initially doing TO ENSURE THAT STAFF AND GUESTS STAY HEALTHY:
  • Masks are required for all staff and guests except when eating in an auditorium.
  • Our entrance to the building has moved to THE NEON’s patio doors.  This will streamline transactions and separate ticketing from food purchases.  Additional time between screenings will also minimize lobby traffic.
  • Commonly touched surfaces (door handles, will be sanitized every 30 minutes.
  • Floor markers will assist with social distancing, and hand sanitizers are located throughout the lobby.
  • Please arrive before the scheduled showtime.  Seating will begin approximately 40 minutes before each show.
  • In the auditoriums, every other row will be unavailable. Groups may sit together, but 3 seats will be required between parties in each row.
  • We have increased the time between screenings to allow us sufficient time to sanitize the auditoriums.  For additional assurance, seat wipes will also be available for customer use.
  • Please stay home if you have any of the following symptoms: cough, shortness of breath, fever, chills, sore throat or new loss of taste/smell.
We’ve had a couple people express that they’re still not comfortable leaving their homes during this crazy time.  Though we have gone above and beyond the required guidelines, I understand that some people are hesitant to make the leap of coming to a movie in person.  So I’m asking for your help.  Please know that you can still support us by watching our virtual selections (and by spreading the word)…and if you’re so inclined, donations are always appreciated.  We finally have a DONATE button on our website.  Donations to our cinema are tax-deductible, and they’re easy to do at this LINK.
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While distributors continue moving opening dates of some highly anticipated films, we are thinking of offering some retrospective titles over the next few weeks.  Some distributors are offering us great deals to license some of the films from their libraries, and I want to know what you would support in person at THE NEON.  Would you come out for a Wes Anderson fest?  How about first films from acclaimed directors like Barry Jenkins, Miranda July or Steve McQueen?  Do you want some Coen Brothers?  Or do you prefer some classic Hitchcock?  How about a NEON favorite – AMELIE?  Unfortunately, WON’T YOU BE MY NEIGHBOR? wasn’t much of a draw this week…so I need your honest opinions as to what you’d support.  Thanks in advance for your input!
We hope to see you soon!
Be safe & well.
My best,
Jonathan
IN-PERSON SHOWTIMES for Wednesday, July 1 – Thursday, July 9:
MISS JUNETEENTH (NR) 1 Hr 34 Min
Wed & Thu (July 1 & 2): 3:30, 7:30
FINAL DAY – July 2!
WON’T YOU BE MY NEIGHBOR (PG-13) 1 Hr 35 Min
Wed & Thu (July 1 & 2): 3:00, 7:00
FINAL DAY – July 2!
JOHN LEWIS: GOOD TROUBLE (PG) 1 Hr 34 Min + 16 Min Oprah discussion
Friday, Saturday, Sunday (July 3-5): 1:30, 4:30, 7:30
Monday (July 6): 3:30, 7:30
Tuesday (July 7): 3:30
Wednesday & Thursday (July 8): 3:30, 7:30
THE TRUTH (PG) 1 Hr 46 Min
Friday, Saturday, Sunday (July 3-5): 1:00, 4:00, 7:00
Monday – Thursday (July 6-9): 3:00, 7:00
COMING SOON – In-Person Screenings:
(All Dates Are Tentative.  Dates Often Move And Sometimes Disappear)
July 10 – FIRST COW
July 17 – THE TOBACCONIST 
July 31 – SUMMERLAND
Aug 7 – BURNT ORANGE HERESY
TBD – MADE IN ITALY
SAVE YOURSELVES!
GORDON LIGHTFOOT: IF YOU COULD READ MY MIND
THE PERSONAL HISTORY OF DAVID COPPERFIELD

McCoy on Movies: Irresistible Skewers Modern Politics

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“Hmmm … Do you think that the NFL is going to have a season this fall or no?” Gary Zimmer (Steve Carell) and Diana Hastings (Mackenzie Davis) ponder their next move in a scene from writer/director Jon Stewart’s political satire IRRESISTIBLE. Credit: Daniel McFadden / Focus Features.

 

WATCH THE TRAILER(S) HERE:




KEY CAST MEMBERS: Steve Carell, Chris Cooper, Rose Byrne, Mackenzie Davis, Topher Grace, Natasha Lyonne, CJ Wilson, Brent Sexton and Will Sasso DIRECTOR(S): Jon Stewart

WEB SITE: www.watchirresistible.com

THE BACK STORY: A story of politics and tricks, Irresistible stars Steve Carell as Gary Zimmer. A strategist for the Democratic party, Gary is seeking a candidate that can galvanize the party — and more importantly, the general public – as a potential future presidential candidate.


And that’s when he comes across a viral video shot in Deerlaken, Wisconsin featuring Jack Hastings (Chris Cooper).


A retired Marine colonel, Jack’s speech at a local city council catches Gary’s attention as it has everything he could want in a candidate: Passion, emotional appeal and all American values with compassion for his fellow man. Intrigued, Gary heads to Deerlaken to convince Jack to run for office while getting to know his daughter Diana (Mackenzie Davis). Problem is, once Gary sees the opportunity to turn Jack into a star, his Republican strategist rival Faith Brewster (Rose Byrne) arrives on the scene to help the town’s incumbent mayor (Brent Sexton) win at any cost. 


So, what happens when small town America becomes the center of the political universe? A story that, as the events are set to prove, makes politics as unusual irresistible. 

THE REVIEW: Written and directed by Jon Stewart (yes, the former host of The Daily Show), Irresistible is a classic slow build comedy where sitting through the lead up to the payoff can at times feel a little like a chore – until the payoff hits.Carell is much like a smarter, savvier version of his former Michael Scott persona from The Office days with Byrne serving as a very Kellyanne Conway-esque foil to his character. Likewise, Cooper – ever great at playing the older everyman – turns in another solid performance to add to his extensive resume while showing a softer side than he typically gets to exhibit. And Davis is competent enough to do everything her character needs to do in a believable fashion to keep things moving along.

The thing, as alluded to above, that makes Irresistible a solid watch is the film’s last 15 minutes in which the point of the film hits home. Given Stewart’s knowledge (and well-known) critique of the American political system as it stands today, Irresistible sharply skewers everything from cable news, viral videos, the selling of a candidate’s image versus what they actually believe and of course, the two party system as a whole. While not re-inventing the wheel in any sense, Irresistible‘s biggest joke comes in showing how much the current setup is primed to show the joke is on all of us.

In doing so, the film packs enough laughs to show why, without major change, our current political system is quite possibly no laughing matter.

OVERALL RATING (OUT OF FOUR POSSIBLE BUCKETS OF POPCORN):

 
 

NEON Newsletter: Ella Fitzgerald, Bill Nighy & ReOpening News!

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Hello NEON Fans.
Once again, we’re moving right along in our Virtual Cinema.  Today marks the start of a new, charming & stylized dramedy starring Bill Nighy – SOMETIMES ALWAYS NEVER.  On Friday, we will open a fantastic new documentary about the “First Lady of Song” – ELLA FITZGERALD: JUST ONE OF THOSE THINGS.
Also this Friday, we’re doing a very soft, quiet reopening.  Just 2 shows per day for one week so we can get our feet wet again and introduce some new mechanics of our operations. (Below, I have outlined some of our new procedures.)  For one week only, starting this Friday, you can come see MISS JUNETEENTH or WON’T YOU BE MY NEIGHBOR on the big screen for just $5.

 

On July 3, we’ll open two brand new films in person. First off is the inspiring documentary JOHN LEWIS: GOOD TROUBLE.  We’ll also open THE TRUTH – starring the powerhouse talents of Catherine Deneuve, Juliette Binoche, and Ethan Hawke – directed by Hirokazu Koreeda (director of SHOPLIFTERS).

 

Synopsis for SOMETIMES ALWAYS NEVER in our VIRTUAL CINEMA: “Alan (Bill Nighy) is a stylish tailor with moves as sharp as his suits. However, he’s spent years searching for his missing son Michael, who stormed out over a game of Scrabble and hasn’t been seen since. With a body to identify and his family torn apart, Alan must repair his relationship with his youngest son. Worst of all, he must solve the mystery of an online player who might just be Michael–and find the right words before it’s too late.” You can watch this film on your computer or mobile device as well as some smart TVs.  For more details about available devices, please visit the Eventive’s HELP page. Click the image below to watch the trailer and gain 72 hour access for $12.
Synopsis for ELLA FITZGERALD: JUST ONE OF THOSE THINGS in our Virtual Cinema: “Ella Fitzgerald was a 15 year-old street kid when she won a talent contest in 1934 at the Apollo Theatre in Harlem. Within months she was a star. ELLA FITZGERALD: JUST ONE OF THOSE THINGS follows her extraordinary journey over six decades as her sublime voice transforms the tragedies of her own life and the troubles of her times into joy. The film uses never-before-seen images and unheard interviews to bring Ella Fitzgerald to life and to tell the story of her music – a black woman who makes her career in the face of horrifying racism. Here is an Ella the world never knew – tough, thoughtful, funny, a dazzling musical innovator. The film also uncovers Ella’s commitment to the battle for Civil Rights; and it explores the conflicts that always haunted this intensely private woman: the struggle to reconcile her hunger for adoring audiences with her longing for a domestic life with her husband and son. At a time when she was the biggest singing star in the world, her pianist and friend Oscar Peterson said Ella was ‘the loneliest woman in the world.’ But as Jamie Cullum says ‘her music is one of the reasons it’s worth being on this planet.’ Featuring interviews with: Tony Bennett, Jamie Cullum, Laura Mvula, Johnny Mathis, Smokey Robinson, Cleo Laine, Andre Previn, Norma Miller, Patti Austin, Izsak Perlman, Margo Jefferson, Will Friedwald and a rare interview with Ella’s son, Ray Brown Jr.” (Eagle Rock Entertainment) Here’s a bonus for our virtual fans: Join us for a live video conversation on Sunday, June 28 at 7PM with author & music critic WIll Friedwald, the film’s producer Reggie Nadelson, Pulitzer Prize-winning author/journalist Margo Jefferson and composer, multi-instrumentalist & vocalist Camille Thurman.  Click this LINK to sign up for this special Q&A.  You can watch this film on your computer or mobile device as well as some smart TVs.  For more details about available devices, please visit the Eventive’s HELP page. This film will be available starting this Friday, June 26 in our Virtual Cinema.  Click the image below to watch the trailer and pre-order 72 hour access to the film for $12.
Synopsis for MISS JUNETEENTH – In-Person Screenings: “Turquoise Jones is a single mom who holds down a household, a rebellious teenager, and pretty much everything that goes down at Wayman’s BBQ & Lounge. Turquoise is also a bona fide beauty queen — she was once crowned Miss Juneteenth, a title commemorating the day slaves in Texas were freed – two years after the Emancipation Proclamation. Life didn’t turn out as beautifully as the title promised, but Turquoise, determined to right her wrongs, is cultivating her daughter, Kai, to become Miss Juneteenth, even if Kai wants something else.” (Vertical Entertainment) Click the image below to watch the trailer!
Synopsis for WON’T YOU BE MY NEIGHBOR? – In-Person Screenings: In the summer of 2018, we opened this quiet and lovely film…and it quickly skyrocketed to becoming our biggest hit of the year and our highest grossing documentary of all time at THE NEON.  We’re bringing it back…because we need Mr. Roger’s wisdom and compassion more than ever. “For over thirty years, Fred Rogers, an unassuming minister, puppeteer, writer and producer was beamed daily into homes across America. In his beloved television program, MISTER ROGER’S NEIGHBORHOOD, Fred and his cast of puppets and friends spoke directly to young children about some of life’s weightiest issues, in a simple, direct fashion. There hadn’t been anything like Mr. Rogers on television before and there hasn’t been since. Though he may be best known today as a soft-spoken, cardigan-wearing children’s television host, in reality, Fred Rogers’ career represents a sustained attempt to present a coherent, beneficent view about how we should best speak to children about important matters and how television could be used as a positive force in our society.” (Focus Features) Click the image below to watch the film’s trailer.
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We are delighted to keep the following films available in our Virtual Cinema for another week (they will only be available until June 30):
 
Don’t Miss This Film starring WSU grad Jasmine Batchelor!  Local critic Russell Florence calls this film the “First best film of 2020.” THE SURROGATE: “Jess is thrilled to be the surrogate for her best friend and his husband, but when a prenatal test comes back positive, it creates a moral dilemma that threatens their friendship.” (Monument Releasing)  You can watch the film on your computer or mobile device as well as AppleTV, Roku and Chromecast. Click the image below to gain 72 hour access to this film for $12.
Synopsis for MISS JUNETEENTH: You can watch the film on your computer or mobile device as well as AppleTV, Roku and Chromecast. Click the image below to gain 72 hour access to this film for $6.99.
Synopsis for QUARANTINE CAT FILM FEST: “QUARANTINE CAT FILM FESTIVAL is a compilation reel that brings together the cutest, funniest, bravest, and most loving cat videos from more than 1,200 submissions filmed during the COVID-19 Quarantine.” This collection is available to watch on your computer or mobile device.  It is also available for your SmartTV via mirroring or via an HDMI hookup.  Click the image below to watch the trailer and gain 72 hour access for $12.
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The DAYTON JEWISH FILM FESTIVAL has already nearing an end…how is that possible?  That said, there are still a few films for you to see, and you can gain FREE access to their virtual selections and on-line events! Though we certainly miss hosting this fantastic festival at THE NEON, we think they’ve made a wise decision to move forward virtually this year!! Check out their awesome line-up by clicking the image below!  It’s their 20th anniversary, and they’re making all the screenings and on-line discussions FREE (including talk-backs & comedians)…and it’s very easy to sign up!
Wanna know what’s coming down the road in our virtual cinema? (Click any title to watch that film’s trailer.)  On July 1, we will open a powerful Sundance film about a young Black man exploring his roots and struggling with what it all means – THE LAST TREE.  On July 8, we plan to open ONE SMALL STEP – a collection of animated short films that are family-friendly!  On July 17, we hope to open THE TOBACCONIST – both virtually and in-person – a film I saw and loved at The Cleveland International Film Festival last year. And sometime later in July, we will open a film called CREATING A CHARACTER – a film about a famous Julliard acting instructor who has helped many incredible performers reach greatness.  We’re also hoping to pair this with a community discussion from a handful of directors & performing artists with local ties.

 

Due to new guidelines for keeping staff and customers healthy during the current crisis, we are in the process of “figuring out” reserved seating.  If you want to sit next to someone, you’ll need to purchase tickets in the same transaction.  The software we are using will automatically block off three seats between parties – so if you buy a single ticket, there’s no chance for someone to sit next to you. If you’re the first person to reserve a seat in a row (on-line or in-person), we ask that you choose a seat that’s on the aisle or along the wall…this will allow us to maximize our capacity.  This is going to be a big learning curve for us – a full house will now be approximately 35% of our actual capacity.

 

Here is some of what we’re initially doing TO ENSURE THAT STAFF AND GUESTS STAY HEALTHY:
  • Masks are required for all staff and guests except when eating in an auditorium.
  • Our entrance to the building has moved to THE NEON’s patio doors.  This will streamline transactions and separate ticketing from food purchases.  Additional time between screenings will also minimize lobby traffic.
  • Commonly touched surfaces (door handles, will be sanitized every 30 minutes.
  • Floor markers will assist with social distancing, and hand sanitizers are located throughout the lobby.
  • Please arrive before the scheduled showtime.  Seating will begin approximately 40 minutes before each show.
  • In the auditoriums, every other row will be unavailable. Groups may sit together, but 3 seats will be required between parties in each row.
  • We have increased the time between screenings to allow us sufficient time to sanitize the auditoriums.  For additional assurance, seat wipes will also be available for customer use.
  • Please stay home if you have any of the following symptoms: cough, shortness of breath, fever, chills, sore throat or new loss of taste/smell.
After all these weeks and hurdles, we finally have a DONATE button on our website.  If you would like to make a tax-deductible donation to our non-profit, please visit this LINK.
We hope to see you soon!
Be safe & well.
My best,
Jonathan

McCoy on Movies: Amazon Studios’ Hijacking Thriller 7500 Fakes Familiar, Mediocre Flight

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“I really wish I had watched that Blu-Ray of Airplane my friend gave me before I got up here!” Tobias (Joseph Gordon-Levitt) finds himself in not-so-friendly skies in director Patrick Vollrath’s hijacker thriller 7500. Credit: Courtesy of Amazon Studios. All rights reserved.

 

 

WATCH THE TRAILER(S) HERE:

 




KEY CAST MEMBERS: Joseph Gordon-Levitt, Omid Memar Murathan Muslu, Carlo Kitzlinger, Aylin Tezel and Paul Wollin
DIRECTOR(S): Patrick Vollrath

LINK TO WATCH NOW: Watch here
THE BACK STORY: Tobias (Joseph Gordon-Levitt), an American, is set to serve as the co-pilot to Michael (Carlo Kitzlinger) as they fly from Berlin to Paris. Tobias’ girlfriend/mother of his child (Aylin Tezel) is one of the flight attendants and much more interested in discussing their personal lives than the flight ahead of them.


That all changes, however, when three hijackers – Kenan (Murathan Muslu), Daniel (Paul Wollin) and teenager Vedat (Omid Memar) – armed with piece of broken glass make an attempt to take over the plane. Tobias is successful in subduing Kenan and locks the cabin on his accomplices, but not before grave injury to Michael. Thus, when Daniel begins threatening the lives of the other passengers on the plane unless he is let back into the cockpit, Tobias – dealing with a severe injury of his own, is left with extreme moral dilemmas and not much time in which to make them.

THE REVIEW: 7500 starts off intriguing … And then pretty much crashes and burns thanks to a familiar plot line that brings nothing new to the table. While Gordon-Levitt clearly shines above his co-stars, there are plot points that don’t feel realistic in the circumstances presented, the secondary characters are either over-developed in cliché fashion or barely developed at all … And the overall Muslim hijacking storyline is “been there, seen that” pretty much from beginning to end.Fortunately, at barely over 90 minutes including the credits, 7500 has enough inherent “how will it end?” intrigue to it to keep enough people watching … Even if it ends how 90% of people are likely to figure it out. Director Patrick Vollrath keeps things tight and claustrophobic to enhance the super-familiar story, but there’s a good chance that if you’ve seen a plane hijacking film recently, you’ll ask for transfer and/or put 7500 on a quick layover and not get back on the flight.

OVERALL RATING (OUT OF FOUR POSSIBLE BUCKETS OF POPCORN):

3 New Virtual Treats, ReOpening Film & More News From The Neon

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I appreciate so many of you reaching out with suggestions as to films I should explore or revisit to expand my knowledge of the struggle and inequalities that face Black people in our society — great recommendations like Ryan Coogler’s FRUITVALE STATION, Spike Lee’s 4 LITTLE GIRLS, and Sabaah Folayan’s WHOSE STREETS? I also loved hearing back from so many of you regarding the list of films on my screening list last week.  If you’re looking for a particular film and you can’t seem to easily find it on Netflix or Amazon, there’s a great resource called justwatch.com that can help you find the film in question on-line.

This week, we’re starting three new films in our virtual cinema.  The dark, comedic heist film  LUCKY GRANDMA and the cine-essay YOU DON’T NOMI (about the cult status of the trainwreck-of-a-film SHOWGIRLS) are already available, and the powerful doc FOR THEY KNOW NOT WHAT THEY DO will be available starting Friday.  ( Be sure sure to read about our first Virtual Community Discussion.  This on-line discussion with local partners will center around the film FOR THEY KNOW NOW WHAT THEY DO.)  More details are below. We will hold over 1 ANGRY BLACK MAN, PAHOKEE, CORPUS CHRISTI and MR. JONES for one more week.

 

As I mentioned last Friday, we are targeting early July as our opening date.  If all goes as planned, we will open a terrific, important, and perfect documentary for July 4th weekend – JOHN LEWIS: GOOD TROUBLE.  Check out this trailer when you get a moment!  (I’ll announce our 2nd new film here next week.)
I am looking to fill at least one part-time position.  If you know someone who is at least 21 years old and loves independent cinema and is looking for a little extra money, please send them to this LINK.  In the coming weeks, we may also start looking for some volunteers.  We will have limited seating capacity upon reopen, and I think I may need the help of ushers during our busier times. I’ll keep you posted!

Synopsis for LUCKY GRANDMA: Critics everywhere are loving Tsai Chin’s central performance. “Set in New York’s Chinatown, Chin portrays an ornery, newly-widowed 80-year-old eager to live life as an independent woman, despite her family’s concerns. When a local fortune teller (Wai Ching Ho) predicts a most auspicious day in her future, she decides to head to the casino, only to land herself on the wrong side of luck by suddenly attracting the attention of local gangsters. She then employs the services of a bodyguard from a rival gang. LUCKY GRANDMA is a dynamic comedy with a stand-out performance by Tsai Chin. A new song by Akwafina is also featured.” (Good Deed Entertainment) Jude Dry of indieWire writes, ” LUCKY GRANDMA is a wickedly entertaining dark comedy, steeped in the colors and characters of New York City’s Chinatown.”  And Peter Debruge of VARIETY wrote, ” Chin is plainly the film’s greatest asset, a terrific actor with great comic timing and a tendency to underplay her character’s reactions…” This film can be watched on your computer, mobile device or on your TV via the KinoMarquee app on a variety of sources. Scroll to the bottom of the purchasing page for further details.  Click the image below to watch the trailer and gain 5 day access to the film for $12.

Synopsis for YOU DON’T NOMI: “A chorus of film critics and fervent devotees explore the complicated afterlife of 1995’s biggest film flop, Paul Verhoeven’s salacious SHOWGIRLS, from disastrous release to cult adoration and extraordinary redemption. The film features Adam Nayman (Vice Guide to Film), April Kidwell (I, Nomi) and Peaches Christ (Milk) along with archive interview footage with the cast and crew of SHOWGIRLS.” David Rooney of THE HOLLYWOOD REPORTER wrote that the film presents ” a compelling case that the much-maligned pop-culture landmark can be judged as either tawdry rubbish or subversive comic triumph.” And Peter Travers of ROLLING STONE wrote,
” Jeffrey McHale’s feature debut doc is a raucous hoot that also generates a grudging appreciation for the 1995 trashathon that really might be so bad it’s good.” This film will be available to watch on your computer, mobile device and many TVs.  For more details, visit the platforms HELP page.  Click the image below to watch the trailer and gain 72 hour access for $9.99.

 

Synopsis for FOR THEY KNOW NOT WHAT THEY DO: “From the director of the landmark film FOR THE BIBLE TELLS ME SO comes a new documentary that explores the intersection of religion, sexual orientation and gender identity in present day America.” THE ADVOCATE wrote, “In this vital, authentic follow-up to FOR THE BIBLE TELLS ME SO, filmmaker Daniel Karslake returns a decade later to the religious right, embittered by the Supreme Court’s Obergefell decision and emboldened by the rise of Trump. Heartbreaking – and inspirational.”    This film will be available starting this Friday and throughout  the rest of June. On Sunday, June 28 at 5:00, I will host a Community Discussion via Zoom with a variety of Spiritual leaders from around the Miami Valley. Click HERE if you’d like to RSVP  for the Community Discussion. This film will be available to watch on your computer or mobile device and on some SmartTVs.  For more details about how you can watch the film, visit First Run Feature’s HELP page.  Click the image below to watch the trailer and pre-order 72 hour access to the film for $10 .
These films are continuing for one more week!
1 ANGRY BLACK MAN:   Click the image below to watch the trailer and gain 48 hour access to the film for $4.99.
PAHOKEE: To purchase 72 hour access of the film for $12, c lick on the image below to be directed to the film’s official site.  You will get a small pop-up that will allow you to purchase the film for $12.  If you get to a screen that quotes you $18, enter the word “neon” as your promo code…this will get your our $12 screening price (instead of $18) and will give us proper credit for your purchase.
CORPUS CHRISTI:  Click the picture below to watch the trailer and gain 72 hour access to the film for $12.
MR. JONES:  Click the picture below to watch the trailer and gain 72 hour access to the film for $12.
HAIL SATAN? Don’t forget that the Q&A with director Penny Lane in conversation with Lucien Greaves, head of The Satanic Temple is tonight!  Watch the trailer and gain 72 hour access to the film for $5 by clicking the image below.

The DAYTON JEWISH FILM FESTIVAL is already underway, and you can gain FREE access to their virtual selections and on-line events! Though we certainly miss hosting this fantastic festival at THE NEON, we think they’ve made a wise decision!! Check out their awesome line-up by clicking the image below!  It’s their 20th anniversary, and they’re making all the screenings and on-line discussions FREE…and it’s very easy to sign up!
Wanna know what’s coming down the road in our virtual cinema? ( Click any title to watch that film’s trailer.) On June 17, we plan to open a film that was supposed to have its world premiere at the SXSW Film Festival – THE SURROGATE.  On June 19, we’ll open the Sundance hit MISS JUNETEENTH as well as a project that might include some of your work – THE QUARANTINE CAT FILM FEST.  NEON regulars love Bill Nighy, and he’s the star of SOMETIMES ALWAYS NEVER – it opens for us on June 24. On June 26, we will open a new doc that I know many of you will love – ELLA FITZGERALD: JUST ONE OF THOSE THINGS.  And sometime in early July, we hope to open THE TOBACCONIST – a film I saw and loved at The Cleveland International Film Festival last year. On July 1, we will open a powerful Sundance film about a young Black man exploring his roots and struggling with what it all means – THE LAST TREE.

 

After all these weeks and hurdles, we finally have a DONATE button on our website.  If you would like to make a donation to our non-profit, please visit this LINK.
Wishing you all good health!
Be safe & well.
My best,
Jonathan

THE NEON’s Reopening News! Postponed Screenings! Added Films!

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Hello Everyone!

In the last 48 hours, we’ve made a lot of changes. We’ve added movies to our virtual cinema line-up, some future events have been postponed, and we’ve received word that cinemas are allowed to reopen in Ohio next week.  So I’ll take you through all that news.

First off, we just found out about a new film that speaks to the much-needed discussions about race in America…and the distributor was excited for us to open it today (6/5/20).  So we’ve added 1 ANGRY BLACK MAN, from writer and director Menelek Lumumbato, to our line-up. (More details below)

Our special screening of SHIRLEY (along with the Elisabeth Moss Q&A originally scheduled for 6/6/20) has been postponed with a new date TBD.  Knowing that Saturday evening would be a time for national protests, the organizer of this nation-wide screening event had this to say, “The mission of the Movie Night platform is to cultivate a communal experience through cinema. Hosting the event this Saturday does not feel appropriate or supportive of the activism happening across the country.”  We agree! If you pre-ordered a ticket, you should have already received an email from the organizers.  I’ll keep you posted as to when this event will move forward.

 

Yesterday, Governor DeWine announced that movie theaters can open on June 10.  That said, we are going to give it a few more weeks.  Our target re-open date will be July 1.  We’ve still got some major projects in the works to make the return safer and more comfortable for you and our staff alike. We also have to re-hire the entire staff, learn new policies, order fresh supplies, and book films.  (That said, I’m delighted with the prospects of what we might have on July 4th weekend.  I’ll keep you posted.)

 

Knowing we won’t be open before June 22, we will have to re-schedule our screening of DIE! DIE! MY DARLING! – which was part of our PNC Presents WOMEN OF INFLUENCE IN THE MOVIES series with The Human Race Theatre Company.  I’ll keep you posted.

 

I was delighted to read that The Criterion Channel has lifted their paywall on numerous films that center on Black Lives…including Julie Dash’s masterpiece DAUGHTERS OF THE DUST – starring the brilliant actress from Dayton, BarbaraO. The Criterion Channel is a treasure!

Lastly, I’ve booked a lot more new titles in the coming weeks to our Virtual Cinema.  Check out those details in the revised newsletter below.  (New titles include YOU DON’T NOMI, LUCKY GRANDMA, and MISS JUNETEENTH.)

 

In addition to starting a couple new films this week in our virtual cinema, we are bringing back PAHOKEE.  This film is an important part of the national conversation, and I want to give our community another chance to see this powerful work.  In addition, we just started the handsome and thrilling new period political thriller by Agnieszka Holland (director of EUROPA EUROPA and THE SECRET GARDEN) – MR. JONES.  We will also open the Oscar nominated film that several of you have asked for – CORPUS CHRISTI.  HAIL SATAN?, which starts Friday, will wrap up our Magnolia Pictures documentary fest, and on Saturday, we will have a one-time screening of a film with a very special Q&A – SHIRLEY (about famous author Shirley Jackson). 1 ANGRY BLACK MAN, has just been added to our virtual offerings. Jamie Broadnax of Black Girl Nerds says it’s “An impactful film that deals with cerebral discussions around race, class, and society through the lens of liberal arts students.”
Synopsis for 1 ANGRY BLACK MAN: “After a traumatic sexual mishap at the quintessential New England liberal arts school, Mike Anderson, 8 weeks away from graduation, is in his African-American literature class with his favorite teacher feeling sad, isolated and angry.” (Soulidifly) Click the image below to watch the trailer and gain 48 hour access to the film for $4.99.
Synopsis for our return engagement of PAHOKEE: “In a small agricultural town in the Florida Everglades, hopes for the future are concentrated on the youth. Four teens face heartbreak and celebrate in the rituals of an extraordinary senior year. Ivete Lucas and Patrick Bresnan create a detailed and incredibly nuanced portrait…A complex and multi-layered work that recalls both the gritty social realism of the new American cinema as well as a neorealist touch. PAHOKEE is a powerful portrait of a forgotten America absent from the current political discourse.” (Giona A. Nazzaro) Here’s a note from the distributor for this film: “you can watch it on your computer, smartphone, or tablet, or use the official Vimeo app on your Apple TV (4th generation), Android TV, Roku, Amazon Fire, Samsung TV, or Google Chromecast. Please note that there is no Vimeo app available for LG Smart TVs.” More details can be found on this Help Page. To purchase 72 hour access of the film for $12, click on the image below to be directed to the film’s official site.  You will get a small pop-up that will allow you to purchase the film for $12.  If you get to a screen that quotes you $18, enter the word “neon” as your promo code…this will get your our $12 screening price (instead of $18) and will give us proper credit for your purchase.
Synopsis for CORPUS CHRISTI: OSCAR NOMINATED! “After spending years in a Warsaw prison for a violent crime, 20-year-old Daniel is released and sent to a remote village to work as a manual laborer. The job is designed to keep the ex-con busy, but Daniel has a higher calling. Over the course of his incarceration he has found Christ, and aspires to join the clergy – but his criminal record means no seminary will accept him. When Daniel arrives in town, one quick lie allows him to be mistaken for the town’s new priest, and he sets about leading his newfound flock. Though he has no training, his passion and charisma inspire the community. At the same time, his unconventional sermons and unpriestly behavior raise suspicions among some of the townsfolk – even more so as he edges towards a dark secret that the community hasn’t revealed in the confessional booth.” (Film Movement) Anchored by a “dynamically physical, wild-eyed performance” (THE HOLLYWOOD REPORTER) from newcomer Bartosz Bielenia, this film is an incisive, darkly humorous, and “engrossing exploration of faith, second chances and the possibility of atonement” (SCREEN). You can watch this film on your web browser or via an app on AppleTV, Amazon Fire or Roku. Here’s a link to more instructions from the distributor. Click the picture below to watch the trailer and gain 72 hour access to the film for $12.
Synopsis for MR. JONES: “Agnieszka Holland’s thriller, set on the eve of world WWII, sees Hitler’s rise to power and Stalin’s Soviet propaganda machine pushing their ‘utopia’ to the Western world. Meanwhile an ambitious young journalist, Gareth Jones travels to Moscow to uncover the truth behind the propaganda, but then gets a tip that could expose an international conspiracy, one that could cost him and his informant their lives. Jones goes on a life-or-death journey to uncover the truth behind the façade that would later inspire George Orwell’s seminal book ANIMAL FARM.”  This film stars James Norton, Vanessa Kirby and Peter Sarsgaard.  Click the picture below to watch the trailer and gain 72 hour access to the film for $12.
MAGNOLIA PICTURES: A FEW OF OUR FAVORITE DOCS is wrapping up. We’re now on the last film of the series…and this one is a documentary that we didn’t have a chance to play when we were open – HAIL, SATAN?  Watch the film anytime and then you can then participate in a live Q&A next Wednesday by submitting questions in advance (You can either submit them over email to [email protected], or they can tweet at Magnolia by using the hashtag #magnoliadocseries.)  You can still rent the earlier films by clicking each film’s title.
RBG started on May 15.
LIFE ITSELF started May 22.
BLACKFISH started May 29. (Q&A tonight – 6/3 with director Gabriela Cowperthwaite)
HAIL SATAN? started today. (Q&A on 6/10 with director Penny Lane in conversation with Lucien Greaves, head of The Satanic Temple.)
Watch the trailer and gain 72 hour access to the film for $5 by clicking the image below.

The DAYTON JEWISH FILM FESTIVAL is ready to go! Though we’ll certainly miss hosting this fantastic festival at THE NEON, we think they’ve made a wise decision!! Check out their awesome line-up by clicking the image below!  It’s their 20th anniversary, and they’re making all the screenings and on-line discussions FREE!!  Opening night is next Tuesday and it’s at the Dixie Drive-In (make sure to register on-line).
Wanna know what’s coming down the road in our virtual cinema? (Click any title to watch that film’s trailer.) On June 10, we have two new films set to open.  The first is YOU DON’T NOMI – a cine-essay on the cult status of the terribly bad film SHOWGIRLS. We’ll also open a dark comedy heist film LUCKY GRANDMA. On June 12, we will open the documentary FOR THEY KNOW NOT WHAT THEY DO– Daniel Karslake’s follow-up to his film FOR THE BIBLE TELLS ME SO. (I’m working on creating an on-line, community-based discussion for this film. Save the date for June 28…more details next week!)
On June 17, we plan to open a film that was supposed to have its world premiere at the SXSW Film Festival –THE SURROGATE.  On June 19, we’ll open the Sundance hit MISS JUNETEENTH. On June 26, we will open a new doc that I know many of you will love – ELLA FITZGERALD: JUST ONE OF THOSE THINGS. And sometime in late June/early July, we hope to open THE TOBACCONIST – a film I saw and loved at The Cleveland International Film Festival last year.
Wishing you all good health!
Be safe & well.
Jonathan

The Latest From The Neon: Peter Sellers, Diana Kennedy, Killer Whales & Gift Cards!

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Our selections have been really well received over the last few weeks.  DRIVEWAYS continues to get great responses, our followers have told us that FRENCH SHORTS 2020 are wonderful, and Sherry told us that MILITARY WIVES“was the perfect Memorial Day film, or any day film. It is a film that reminds me that being human is a complex, painful, joyful journey.  I feel more human for watching.” That’s quite an endorsement!  All of these films will stick around for another week!  But we’re also going to keep moving.  Today, we’re bringing two new documentaries, and both are rated “100% Fresh” on rottentomatoes.  THE GHOST OF PETER SELLERS is about the disastrous making of the film GHOST OF THE NOONDAY SUN, and DIANA KENNEDY: NOTHING FANCY will be a delight for foodies and lovers of travel alike.  Lastly, on Friday, we’ll virtually open the fantastic documentary BLACKFISH – where you’ll be able to write in questions for a live Q&A next week.
(Don’t forget – Tonight, Wednesday, May 27 at 8pm, is the Q&A for the Roger Ebert documentary LIFE ITSELF!)
Synopsis for THE GHOST OF PETER SELLERS: “In September 1973 Peter  Sellers  embarked on the production of a 17th Century pirate comedy in Cyprus  for Columbia Pictures (GHOST OF THE NOONDAY SUN). Sellers  lost  confidence  with the film as soon as it began and desperately tried to sabotage it, firing the producers in the first week and then setting his sights on his friend the director, Peter Medak. At its core lies the story of an unraveling  production but also the tale of a young director firmly on a path to greatness. Medak had made 3 back-to-back successes; most notably THE RULING CLASS in 1972 with Peter O’Toole (nominated for the Palm D’Or). This film changed his career forever. After 43 years the wounds have barely healed for Medak and this is his opportunity to tell the story and finally release the weight associated with its failure. THE GHOST OF PETER SELLERS is a comic-tragic feature doc about what it takes to be a film director and survive your biggest disaster.” This film will be available on computers and mobile devices as well as Android, Apple TV, Roku, and Chromecast.  Here’s a LINK to a help page where you can learn more. Click on the image below to watch the trailer and gain 72 hour access to this film for $10.
Synopsis for DIANA KENNEDY: NOTHING FANCY: “An intimate, candid perspective into the curious world of 95-year-old cookbook author and British ex-patriot Diana Kennedy, widely regarded as the world’s academic expert on
Mexican cuisine. Standing barely five feet tall with a thick English accent, Diana is a formidable critic of anyone who doesn’t agree with her views on Mexican culinary traditions, or, God forbid, doesn’t recycle. The author of nine acclaimed cookbooks, Diana has spent nearly seventy years exploring Mexico (typically solo in her truck), and researching the country’s varied and complex cuisines. A two-time James Beard Award winner, Diana was decorated with an Order of the Aztec Eagle from the Mexican government in 1982 and became a Member of the Order of
the British Empire from the UK in 2002. Despite her notable achievements, Diana is difficult to categorize; often referred to as the ‘Julia Child of Mexico.’ Given her edgier style, however, Diana prefers a different title: ‘The Mick Jagger of
Mexican Cuisine.'” This film is available to watch on your computer or mobile devices and via and app with supported Apple and android TVs. More technicals details can be found on this LINK. You can watch the trailer and gain 72 hour access to this film will for $9.99 by clicking the image below.
These selections are sticking around:
NEW FRENCH SHORTS 2020 Click the image below to watch the trailer and gain 5 day access to this collection of films for $12.
MILITARY WIVES Click the image below to watch the trailer and gain 72 hour access for $4.99.
DRIVEWAYS Click the image below to watch the trailer and gain 72 hour access for $12.  This will be the final week for DRIVEWAYS!
MAGNOLIA PICTURES: A FEW OF OUR FAVORITE DOCS is already underway, and you’ve been invited to ask questions to the directors.  Each Friday, we start a virtual engagement of a great documentary for just $5.00 each.  On the following Wednesday, you can attend a live virtual Q&A with the film’s director – and you can submit your own questions in advance. (You can either submit them over email to [email protected], or they can tweet at Magnolia by using the hashtag #magnoliadocseries.)  This Friday marks the third film in the series, BLACKFISH…and you can still rent the first two:
RBG started on May 15.
LIFE ITSELF started May 22. (Q&A tonight, 5/27, with Chaz Ebert in conversation with director Steve James)
BLACKFISH starts May 29. (Q&A on 6/3 with director Gabriela Cowperthwaite)
HAIL SATAN? starts June 5. (Q&A on 6/10 with director Penny Lane in conversation with Lucien Greaves, head of The Satanic Temple.)
When you purchase access to each film for $5, you will also get invited to that film’s Q&A event and 10% of all the national sales will go to a charity of the filmmaker’s choice.
Due to the uncertainty of the coming weeks/months, the DAYTON JEWISH FILM FESTIVAL has decided to go mostly virtual this June instead of postponing or canceling…and the preview event on June 2 is right around the corner. Though we’ll certainly miss hosting this fantastic festival at THE NEON, we think they’ve made a wise decision!! Check out their awesome line-up by clicking the image below!  It’s their 20th anniversary, and they’re making all the screenings and on-line discussions FREE!!
Wanna know what’s coming down the road? (Click any title to watch that film’s trailer.) On June 3, we will virtually open the Oscar nominated film CORPUS CHRISTI. Also on June 3, we’ll start the beautiful political thriller from a director I greatly admire – Agnieszka Holand. MR. JONES is set during the early 1930’s and stars James Norton, Vanessa Kirby and Peter Sarsgaard. On June 12, we will open the documentary FOR THEY KNOW NOT WHAT THEY DO – Daniel Karslake’s follow-up to his film FOR THE BIBLE TELLS ME SO. And sometime in late June, we hope to open THE TOBACCONIST – a film I saw and loved at The Cleveland International Film Festival last year.  We’re working to make this a sidebar or encore to the Dayton Jewish Film Festival…and you’ll be invited to participate in a post-screening discussion with yours truly.
Last week, we participated in a gift card program with The Downtown Dayton Partnership…you could buy $25 gift cards for a number of businesses downtown and they would send you a bonus $15 gift card for a mystery business.  I wanted to let you know all about it, but the program was so successful that they sold out of $15,000 of free $15 gift cards in one day.  Due to some generous folks in the region, it looks like they may be announcing “Round 2” pretty soon.  Stay tuned to their Facebook Page for the latest details.

Neon News:

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We’re gonna move forward with some new films this week, but we will absolutely hold onto DRIVEWAYS for another week – NEON fans have loved it. Jane wrote, “DRIVEWAYS was a great film-we really enjoyed it!”  Richard says it’s an “Excellent film,” and Mickey chimed in with “Oh my goodness Driveways is SUCH a wonderful film!” Stuart told folks that DRIVEWAYS is, “Wonderful, poignant, one of Brian Dennehy’s best performances ever, and highly recommended.”  Thanks to all the folks who help spread the word.  If you missed the Q&A for UP FROM THE STREETS, the terrific doc about the Music of New Orleans, you’re in luck – a second has been added! A LIVE Q&A with Terence Blanchard, director Michael Murphy, and Ben Jaffe, Creative Director of Preservation Hall will take place on May 26 at 9pm ET/6pm PT – here’s the LINK where you sign up for the Free Q&A.  We’ll hold the film for another week, too!
Starting today, because we know how Daytonians have really started to embrace short films over the past few years, we are opening a collection of “petite Gallic pleasures” – NEW FRENCH SHORTS 2020.  On Friday, because we love Kristin Scott Thomas and because Dayton is proud of Wright Patt Air Force Base, we are opening MILITARY WIVES (and it’s just in time for Memorial Day).  In addition, on Friday, we will begin the next in the Magnolia Pictures’ Doc Series – A FEW OF OUR FAVORITE DOCS – where you can send in questions to each of the films’ directors (this week’s selection is LIFE ITSELF)!  (Don’t forget –  Tonight, Wednesday, May 20, is the Q&A for RBG!)
Synopsis for NEW FRENCH SHORTS 2020: “This showcase of some of the most exciting new cinematic voices from France runs the gamut from animation to romance to absurdist comedy. Revel in these petite Gallic pleasures, including award winners from Cannes, Locarno, and Palm Springs ShortFest. New French Shorts 2020 is made available through Young French Cinema, a program of UniFrance and the Cultural Services of the French Embassy. Selections include: Ahmed’s Song (Foued Mansour, 30m), Sheep, Wolf, and a Cup of Tea… (Marion Lacourt, 12m), Tuesday from 8 to 6 (Cecilia de Arce, 26m), The Distance Between Us and the Sky (Vasilis Kekatos, 9m), The Tears Thing (Clémence Poésy, 25m), Magnetic Harvest (Marine Levéel, 24m), Bonus: The Glorious Acceptance Speech of Nicolas Chauvin (Benjamin Crotty, 26m)” This collection of films will be available for viewing on most computers, phones and tablets as well as via apps on AppleTV, Roku and Firestick. Further details are available on the bottom of the official purchasing site. Click the image below to watch the trailer and gain 5 day access to this collection of films for $12.
Synopsis for MILITARY WIVES: Perfect for Memorial Day Weekend! We’re pleased to continue our partnership with Bleecker Street in bringing you their latest release, MILITARY WIVES. From the director of THE FULL MONTY and starring Kristin Scott Thomas (THE ENGLISH PATIENT) and Sharon Horgan (CATASTROPHE), it’s the feel-good movie of the year! “MILITARY WIVES centers on a group of women from different backgrounds whose partners are away serving in Afghanistan. Faced with their loved ones’ absences, they come together to form the very first military wives choir, helping each other through some of life’s most difficult moments, and quickly find themselves on an international stage.” (Bleecker Street) THE DAILY MAIL calls MILITARY WIVES “Hugely engaging, enormously moving.”  Starting May 22, you’ll be able to gain 72 hour access to the film for just $4.99. Click the image below to watch the trailer…the link to purchase the film will be available starting Friday on our website.
MAGNOLIA PICTURES: A FEW OF OUR FAVORITE DOCS is already underway with RBG, and you’ve been invited to ask questions to the directors.  Each Friday, we’ll start a virtual engagement of a great documentary for just $5.00 each.  On the following Wednesday, you can attend a live virtual Q&A with the film’s director – and you’ll be able to submit your own questions in advance. You can either submit them over email to [email protected], or they can tweet at Magnolia by using the hashtag #magnoliadocseries.  Here’s the line-up (click the titles to watch the trailers…the link for RBG and LIFE ITSELF are also where you can gain 72 hour access to each film for $5):
RBG starts on May 15. (Q&A on 5/20 with directors Betsy West and Julie Cohen, moderated by Melena Ryzik from the New York Times)
LIFE ITSELF starts May 22. (Q&A on 5/27 with Chaz Ebert in conversation with director Steve James)
BLACKFISH starts May 29. (Q&A on 6/3 with director Gabriela Cowperthwaite)
HAIL SATAN? starts June 5. (Q&A on 6/10 with director Penny Lane in conversation with Lucien Greaves, head of The Satanic Temple.)
When you purchase access to each film for $5, you will also get invited to that film’s Q&A event and 10% of all the national sales will go to a charity of the filmmaker’s choice.
Due to the uncertainty of the coming weeks/months, the DAYTON JEWISH FILM FESTIVAL has decided to go mostly virtual this June instead of postponing or canceling…and the preview event on June 2 is right around the corner. Though we’ll certainly miss hosting this fantastic festival at THE NEON, we think they’ve made a wise decision!! Check out their awesome line-up by clicking the image below!  It’s their 20th anniversary, and they’re making all the screenings and on-line discussions FREE!!
Wanna know what’s coming down the road? (Click any title to watch that film’s trailer.)  On May 27, foodies will delight in the new documentary DIANA KENNEDY: NOTHING FANCY. Also on the 27th, lovers of classic cinema and film history will adore THE GHOST OF PETER SELLERS. On June 12, we will open the documentary FOR THEY KNOW NOT WHAT THEY DO – Daniel Karslake’s follow-up to his film FOR THE BIBLE TELLS ME SO. And sometime in June, we hope to open THE TOBACCONIST – a film I saw and loved at The Cleveland International Film Festival last year.  We’re working to make this a sidebar or encore to the Dayton Jewish Film Festival…and you’ll be invited to participate in a post-screening discussion with yours truly.
There are many other irons in the fire right now, and THE NEON is working hard to make sure that when we’re able to re-open, we can do it as safely as possible. I’ll keep you posted.

NEON Trivia & “Virtually” Playing BOOKSELLERS and BALLOON!

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WOW!  Friday’s “Curbside Candy Clearance & More” was a huge, huge hit.  Some people waited over 90 minutes, and cars were lined up around the block.  Love for THE NEON was pouring in, and we were blown away!  Many, many thanks for all of your support!  (One family was even watching THE WOMAN WHO LOVES GIRAFFES on an i-pad while they waited – BRILLIANT!)  This Friday, we’ve got something completely different for all of you folks with Facebook and Instagram – “TEST YOUR NEON KNOWLEDGE” – NEON Movie Trivia Live!  More details below.
Next up in our “Virtual Cinema” are two new, great films.  The first is for all the book lovers of the world – THE BOOKSELLERS – a wonderful documentary that was executive produced by Parker Posey.  (I love a good bookstore – from the labyrinth of Strand and the charm of Three Lives Books in NYC to our neighborhood treasure Bonnett’s in the Oregon District.)  The second film is a nail-biting political thriller set during the time of the Berlin Wall – BALLOON – and it’s based on a true story!
Synopsis for THE BOOKSELLERS: “Antiquarian booksellers are part scholar, part detective and part businessperson, and their personalities and knowledge are as broad as the material they handle. They also play an underappreciated yet essential role in preserving history. THE BOOKSELLERS takes viewers inside their small but fascinating world, populated by an assortment of obsessives, intellects, eccentrics and dreamers.” (Greenwich Entertainment) Executive produced by Parker Posey. The Hollywood Reporter wrote, “A treat for anyone who appreciates the printed word.”  You can access this film virtually for 72 hours for $9.99.  Just click the image below. A note from this distributor for this particular film: “You can watch on your desktop, tablet, smartphone, Chromecast or AirPlay. If you prefer to watch on another device, check this here before your purchase.”
Synopsis for BALLOON: “In the summer of 1979, the Strelzyk and Wetzel families-who had been working on their audacious plan for more than two years-try to flee East Germany in a self-made hot-air balloon. But after the balloon crash-lands just before the West German border, the Stasi find traces of the attempted escape and immediately launch an investigation. In a nerve-wracking race against the clock, the two families attempt to build a new escape balloon as the Stasi get closer and closer each day…” (Distrib Films) Click the image below to visit the site where you can watch the trailer and then purchase 72 access to the film for $10. A note from the distributor about BALLOON: “You will be able to watch the film for 3 days on any computer, laptop, ipad, chromebook or other mobile devices. IMPORTANT: The only way to watch this film on a television is to mirror or cast from one of the above devices to your television.”  (I watched this one with an HDMI cable from my computer to my television.)
And for one more week, we’ll continue to offer THE WOMAN WHO LOVES GIRAFFES and THE TIMES OF BILL CUNNINGHAM.  Visit our website – www.neonmovies.com – for all the details!
Wanna know what’s coming down the road? (click any title to watch that film’s trailer)  On 4/29, we’ll open a film I saw and loved at The Cleveland International Film Festival last year – WHAT SHE SAID: THE ART OF PAULINE KAEL.  This terrific documentary is for anyone who loves the movies.  In addition, we will open a documentary that many of you will be excited about – THE DOG DOC.  We’ll be partnering with and donating $1 of every download to a really special organization – Ellie’s Rainy Day Fund – which works through veterinary request to support families that would otherwise be in danger of losing their beloved furry family members to veterinary emergencies they cannot afford to treat. To learn about Ellie’s Rainy Day Fund, please visit https://elliesrainydayfund.org/.  On May 6, we are slated to open 2 more films.  The first is a truly inspiring documentary about a high school where 91% of the students qualify for free lunch and where 90% graduate each year – PAHOKEE.  In addition, we’ll open a smart, rapid-fire comedy that moves at the pace of those beloved Golden Age comedies like HIS GIRL FRIDAY and BRINGING UP BABY – STRAIGHT UP.
Thanks to our friends at Row House Cinema, you have a chance to make your cats the stars they were meant to be! “Now that we are all quarantined at home with our cats, let us use this time to raise money for independent cinemas across the country. Videos selected will be joined with others, becoming the QUARANTINE CAT FILM FESTIVAL. THE NEON will sell tickets to the film, and receive 50% of the net proceeds. With your help, we are hoping cats will help to save independent movie theaters through this unprecedented quarantine. The videos will be judged in four categories: Cutest, Funniest, Bravest, and Most Loving. There will be a Best Of Show award as well. The videos will be judged by cat experts who are very opinionated. The cash prize amounts will be determined closer to the film’s release…Winners will be notified before the release of the film and identified in the film.” (Row House Cinema) Here’s the LINK with all the details!
Over the past few weeks, many have reached out and asked how you can help during our time of closure…and we truly appreciate your support!  One great way you can help is by spreading the word about our virtual offerings!  90% of the films we will offer virtually are not available on any other platform.  Please send people to our website, urge them to sign up for our newsletter and encourage them to enjoy one of our curated films.  And because we are now a non-profit, there’s another way you can help – by making a donation.  And your gifts are tax deductible! If you’d like to make a donation to THE NEON, we’ll certainly put it to good use – just mail a check to THE NEON, 130 E 5th St., Dayton, OH  45402.  We’ll make sure you get a receipt for your records.  One of our customers requested that his employer match his donation – very cool!…so we are now set up with Benevity (a platform that many large companies use to match charitable donations).  And as of late last year, we are also set up with The Dayton Foundation under “Dayton Movies dba The Neon.”
A Note About Our Virtual Offerings! It’s hard to believe that one month ago, offering films virtually wasn’t even something we had considered.  But many indie distributors stepped up very quickly and began to figure out ways to help us maintain a bit of revenue during these tricky times.  Each distributor comes with a different set of rules and prices, and all of us are learning a lot in the process of exploring multiple platforms.  Please know that you can always view the film from your browser (on your PC, laptop or ipad), and in most circumstances there are ways to access the media on your TV (via an app, syncing your wireless device with your TV, and more).  I’m a little “old fashioned”…I still hook an HDMI cable from my laptop to my TV – just like a bluray player (it works great).
And here’s the special news for Friday.  I’ll be on Facebook Live & Instagram Live on Friday, April 24 at 4:00 with a game where you can win prizes – TEST YOUR NEON KNOWLEDGE!  I’ll ask a series of 15 trivia questions, and you can email in your answers by 10pm on Friday night to [email protected]. Winners will be revealed on Saturday afternoon. You can find us on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/neonmovies and here’s our instagram handle: @neonmovies – I hope to see many of you there!
Wishing you all good health!
My best,
Jonathan

McCoy on Movies: Selah and the Spades 

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“Hi … This is my ‘I’m a serious person despite my age’ face.” Selah (Lovie Simone) runs an empire at a Pennsylvania prep school in Amazon Studios new teen drama SELAH & THE SPADES. Credit: Amazon Studios. All rights reserved.

WATCH THE TRAILER(S) HERE:




KEY CAST MEMBERS: Lovie Simone, Celeste O’Connor, Jharrel Jerome, Ana Mulvoy Tan and Jesse Williams DIRECTOR(S): Tayarisha Poe

LINK TO WATCH NOW: Watch here
THE BACK STORY: Set inside the world of Haldwell, an elite Pennsylvania boarding school, Selah and the Spades focuses on Selah Summers (Lovie Simone), leader of the Spades, one of five factions that essentially run the school’s underworld. There’s also the Skins, the Sea, the Prefects and the Bobbies, the latter of which is run by the appropriately named, beret wearing Bobby (Ana Mulvoy Tan). Each group has their specialty operation, the Spades being the most powerful (much to Bobby’s chagrin) since they supply the student body with classic vices in drugs and alcohol. But now, Selah has unexpectedly found herself with a bit of an existential crisis as being a senior, she will soon graduate and has no one to whom to pass her power. Her second in command, Maxxie (Jerrell Jerome), isn’t an option.


Enter Paloma (Celeste O’Connor).


A sophomore with an eye for photography, Paloma catches Selah’s attention, quickly forming a friendship. But as Paloma star rises, Selah start to re-assess what it means to have power and her legacy.

THE REVIEW: 21.46. That’s the exact amount of time that passed before I realized that writer/director Tayarisha Poe’s debut feature Selah and the Spades was not for me. And if you’re out of high school, I doubt it will be for you as well thanks to an underwhelming story, a mis-mash of performances and an ending that is as unremarkable as the 80-plus minutes that precede it.Poe is on record as saying she likes “stories about people who do something that everyone agrees is wrong but no one thinks they are wrong in doing it.” That explains the motivation of the making of Selah; what it doesn’t explain, however, is why anyone else should feel compelled to watch the finished product. The film plods along as a snail’s pace despite barely being 90 minutes and change with credits, the interesting story – the five factions – is not the focus of the story (at least the opening narration warns of that) and thus feels like it only exists to push Selah’s exploration of her life. Whereas there are plenty of compelling teen dramas that anyone can relate to, Selah feels like it exists for the sake of its own (in this case, its writer/director’s) vanity. While it is nice to see a film showcasing African-Americans in a light rarely if ever seen – Selah is empowered yet conflicted in proving herself because of her tenuous, under-explored relationship with her mother – in motion pictures, the movie is just … not interesting. The premise is there and Simone seems capable of making the story work despite a supporting cast outside of that doesn’t offer much outside of O’Connor but the movie … just doesn’t work.

The world in which the characters exist feels incredibly forced: Williams’ headmaster would be fired for his ineptitude in real life, the underutilized factions and their council are as ridiculous as the average talking head news panel. Likewise, Selah’s character, which is supposed to be multi-faceted, is nowhere near as complex and nuanced when you break it down and the whole affair feels like a teen drama taken to an extreme for the sake of itself. Save for teens invested in watching people their age explore something they often don’t have as they mature – power (which is what the film tries to convey) – most people will find the film much like it’s story: Underdeveloped, underwhelming and underserving of the love the people that would be most invested in it (youths, African-Americans).

I wish Selah and the Spades had more to say or, at the very least, did it better. Then again, maybe like high school itself, it’s better left to just the cool kids.

OVERALL RATING (OUT OF FOUR POSSIBLE BUCKETS OF POPCORN):

 
 

McCoy on Movies: Wendy

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Peter Pan and friends endure a terribly boring
and uninteresting adventure in Wendy

Titular character Wendy (Devin France) and Peter Pan (Yashua Mack) prepare to fly in a scene from director Behn Zeitlin’s imaginative re-envisioning of J.M. Barrie’s story about children who never grow up in WENDY. Credit: Photo courtesy of Searchlight Pictures © 2020 Twentieth Century Fox Film Corporation. All rights reserved.


WATCH THE TRAILER(S) HERE:




KEY CAST MEMBERS: Devin France, Yashua Mack, Gage Naquin, Gavin Naquin, Ahmad Cage, Krzysztof Meyn, Romryi Ross and Shay WalkerDIRECTOR(S): Behn Zeitlin

THE BACK STORY: A wildly different take on previous Peter Pan productions, Wendy stars Devin France as the titular character. Wendy, along with her two brothers Douglas and James (played by real life brothers Gage and Gavin Naquin), is a young child who we are first introduced to inside of the greasy spoon where their mother (Shay Walker) works. When the trio of siblings were younger, their friend Thomas (Krzysztof Meyn) went off on a train and was never seen again. 


Curious as to what happened, Wendy and her brothers one night sneak off when the train reappears. That is how they meet a young boy named Peter (Yashua Mack) who leads them on a journey to a mysterious island where children never age – as long as they believe in the island and “Mother,” a glowing whale-like sea creature that serves as the heart and soul of the island. The children enjoy their stay at the beginning, playing from sunrise to sunset … But they have no idea what awaits them as their extended stay turns into a life-changing experience, provided Wendy can get her family home once again.

THE REVIEW: In contention for both the most imaginative and worst movie of 2020 thus far, Wendy is at best wild and weird and at worst boring and grandiose.How can you take a classic for most and, at the very least, extremely familiar, story and turn it into a nearly 2 hour epic with no audience? Well, if you’re co-writer and director Behn Zeitlin (Beasts of the Southern Wild), you (1) take a children’s tale and make it geared towards an adult audience as you (2) have underperforming young actors recite (3) inane dialogue whilst (4) telling your story at an extremely methodical pace (5) too slow for children and too (6) plodding for adults. The movie is an art house take on a classic children’s story that is too artistic for anyone to be as entertained as the is it by itself.

While some will praise (or at the very least, commend) Zeitlin for his progressive thinking in his casting, a Caribbean Peter Pan with a distinct patois is something you’ll either be on board with or not. Likewise, the Pan character as portrayed in Wendy is both aloof and self-absorbed and less a compelling figure as much as he is a necessary conduit to arrive at various story points. (And not to criticize a child’s acting, but given that this is a critique, there are times Mack does not seem like the best choice for Zeitlin’s vision.)

Likewise, the older actors feel like last-minute replacements in their limited roles that match their limited acting skills. In addition, the new “mother” figure in the film – a deep sea creature that serves as the heart of the mythical island that Peter literally calls Mother – is a terrible metaphor for childhood/innocence and a lousy replacement for the role Wendy has in Barrie’s work. There are several plot discrepancies tied to the creature, which is a lot like the movie itself: An interesting but hodgepodge albatross that underdeveloped and misrepresentative of whatever it is supposed to represent.

Given the nearly decrepit pace the story moves at – coupled with the odd camera choices – Mack is the least of the film’s problems. Whereas Wendy aims to be ambitious, it often comes off as forced, odd for the sake of odd and at worst, completely non-compelling. It simply exists for its own sake with payoffs coming off so heavy-handed there is no inherent intrigue other than seeing how it ends.

These are all the reasons that Wendy is better off, like the Lost Boys themselves, staying missing from your movie viewing queue.

OVERALL RATING (OUT OF FOUR POSSIBLE BUCKETS OF POPCORN):

 

McCoy on Movies: Onward

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Disney•Pixar takes animated, emotional, teenage sibling tale with a
Weekend at Bernies’s flair in its latest adventure Onward

“If this weren’t an animated movie and this were happening, one of us would be on the way to the hospital!” Barley (left, voiced by Chris Pratt) and his brother Ian (right, voiced by Tom Holland) share a dance with their father – or at least half of him – in a scene from Disney/Pixar’s latest adventure ONWARD. Credit: Pixar © 2019 Disney/Pixar. All rights reserved.

WATCH THE TRAILER(S) HERE:



 

KEY CAST MEMBERS: Tom Holland, Chris Pratt, Octavia Spencer, Julia Louis-Dreyfuss Mel Rodriguez, Lena Waithe and Ali WongDIRECTOR(S): Dan Scanlon

THE BACK STORY: Once upon a time, the world in which elf brothers Barley (Chris Pratt) and Ian (Tom Holland) Lightfoot now live was full of magic. But then innovation in the form of technology took over, leaving magic to fade into the point of almost existing as nothing more than folklore. And for Barley, that’s something he misses greatly as magic and lore is his favorite thing in the world. In contrast, Ian doesn’t really know what his favorite thing yet as his shy, awkward nature often keeps him from socializing – which is a problem since he’s about to celebrate his 16th birthday. His mom Laurel (Julia Louis-Dreyfuss) just wants the best for both her sons, even though there’s something she knows that Ian misses his father Wilden something awful. Passing away during Ian’s youth, Wilden is an enigma to his youngest son who wishes he could just get the chance to spend some quality time with him.


Then, Laurel reveals a gift from Wilden that changes everything … If they are able to complete a magical quest like the ones Barley has been training for his entire life. Now, it’s up to both boys – despite all the colorful characters they’ll meet along the way – to make their wish to see their father again come true.


And to do so, they must move onward …

THE REVIEW: At this point, Disney•Pixar has pretty much perfected the way it makes movies to a science: (1) Insert cutesy scenario with characters that at first seem nice and whimsical; (2) Add emotional depth to the story by making the most non-human characters as human as possible with a variety of emotional struggles; (3) Add enough depth to make them relatable to the struggles of young people while at the same time making them palatable to adults – or in the case of Up, reverse the formula and (4) Bring the story to an emotional, action-packed climax with the occasional twist, turn and dose of comedy that everyone has come to love.Onward, which begins with a more serious, straightforward tone than many Disney•Pixar ventures, does all four of these things to deliver the quality entertainment for three decades-plus.

Adolescence is a popular movie staple for a simple reason: It’s a time period that so many struggle with yet shapes us all in so many long-lasting yet unique to us all ways that you can seemingly never run out of means to do so. With Onward, Disney•Pixar explores sibling rivalry, the path to self-discovery and the importance of a parental figure/mentor in a child’s life – all with the humor, conflict and heartwarming resolution audiences love. Holland, essentially channeling all of his Peter Parker energy into Ian, delivers a solid performance that gets to the heart of his character’s issues, which makes his eventual outcome all the more worthwhile. Pratt for his part plays a great second banana to steer Holland’s character through his journey. Likewise, Waithe adds a much-needed dose of playful enthusiasm as The Manticore, a legendary creature who has fallen victim to the convenience of the modern world and director Dan Scanlon’s Weekend at Bernie’s-like usage of the boys’ father.

It all adds up to an entertaining package which should inspire audience to march onward to the theater to enjoy another (near) perfect Disney•Pixar entertaining, family-friendly adventure.

OVERALL RATING (OUT OF FOUR POSSIBLE BUCKETS OF POPCORN):

McCoy on Movies: The Invisible Man

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An old horror icon gets re-envisioned for the #MeToo era in The Invisible Man

“Take my hand … And then watch me try to kill you with the other one!” Cecilia Kass (Elisabeth Moss) showers while an unbeknownst presence keeps watch in a scene from Saw-alum Leigh Whannell’s THE INVISBLE MAN. Credit: Universal Pictures. © 2020 Universal Studios. All rights reserved.
 

WATCH THE TRAILER(S) HERE:


 

KEY CAST MEMBERS: Elisabeth Moss, Aldis Hodge, Harriet Dyer, Oliver Jackson-Cohen, Storm Reid and Michael Dorman DIRECTOR(S): Leigh Whannell

THE BACK STORY: Cecilia Kass (Elisabeth Moss) is an architect that seemingly has it all given that the house she lives in is nothing short of a multi-million dollar beachfront palatial estate in San Francisco. But that doesn’t explain why Cecilia is attempting to flee in the middle of the night, now does it? No, that answer comes in the form of the abuse Cecilia claims her now ex, Adrian Griffin (Oliver Jackson-Cohen) has heaped upon her mentally and physically. Barely escaping, Cecilia takes refuge with a childhood friend turned police detective in James (Aldis Hodge) and his daughter Sydney (Storm Reid). 


Then Adrian’s brother – and the director of his estate – Tom (Michael Dorman) informs Cecilia and her sister Alice (Harriet Dyer) with bombshell news: Adrian, a tech magnate who built his fortunate in the field of optics, has committed suicide and left her millions to be paid out in increments of $100,00 over the next few years – as long as she doesn’t commit any crimes and lives a generally good life. There’s just one problem …


Cecilia, over the course of a series of rather weird and unfortunate events, becomes convinced Adrian is still alive. And he’s apparently determined to drive her insane – or worse. Thus, Cecilia is forced to answer a question most people would never ponder.


How do you prove someone who is supposed to be dead is very much alive and torturing you when no one – including you – can see them?
THE REVIEW: There are typically two types of movies released in the first few months of a new year: (1) Award contenders/art house endeavors that studios hope get that one last push before the statues are given out and (2) films that the studios greenlighted … But in retrospect probably wish they hadn’t (Fantasy Island, anyone?) But, every once in a while, you get those “‘tweeners:” Movies that have elements that are somewhat enjoyable and fun … Even though you know in your heart you really wouldn’t call it a “good” movie.About one hour into writer/director Leigh Whannell’s (the Saw and Insidious franchises) take on the often forgotten (no pun intended) member of Universal’s monsters, it becomes quite apparent The Invisible Man matches the last description to a “T.”

On the pro-side, Moss delivers enough of an emotional performance to drive The Invisible Man, which is essentially a domestic abuse tale examining what happens to victims at the hands of their accusers. Moss carefully walks the line between movie dramatics and emotionally believability to keep her character’s credence valid, never giving in to the temptation to go bad 80s horror movie scream queen at each abusive turn. She is by far the most interesting character on screen, making her character interesting enough to keep watching the film to its climax. There’s also enough twists and turns to keep you intrigued in what will happen, a must in a film where too much predictably could have been present.

On the con-side, however, the majority of characters that aren’t Moss – Dorman is acceptable as Adrian’s brother – are lackluster in either direction or execution (again, no pun intended). Likewise, most of the scenes where Moss and others are attacked by, well, an invisible assailant just feel cartoonish despite the cast and crew’s best efforts. Thus, you get a mixed bag of push/pull that keep the film from diving too far off the deep end, but a lot of missed opportunities that could have pushed it into groundbreaking territory. However, by focusing on Moss’ character’s pain, The Invisible Man basically becomes a metaphor for all the abuse women have suffered at the hands of men in the #metoo era – and a stern warning to men about what could happen if they refuse to stop it.

All things considered, The Invisible Man isn’t a great movie by any means, but it’s not a completely unwatchable mess, either. It’s more a simple thriller for those seeking a simple thriller, but one that may catch fire due to today’s current socio-political climate. Some people may hate it, some people may love it – and arguments can be made to justify both’s point of view objectively.

Just don’t say you weren’t warned, however, if you come expecting to “see” something more.

OVERALL RATING (OUT OF FOUR POSSIBLE BUCKETS OF POPCORN):

McCoy on Movies: Bad Boys for Life

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Lawrence, Smith reunite for entertaining nostalgia in Bad Boys for Life

“Over here, partner – I think I see the dude who convinced me to do Gemini Man! Mike Lowrey (Will Smith) and Marcus Burnett (Martin Lawrence) proceed with caution in a scene from co-directors Adil & Bilall’s addition to the Bad Boys franchise, BAD BOYS FOR LIFE. Credit: Ben Rothstein ™ 2019 CTMG, Inc. All rights reserved. 


WATCH THE TRAILER(S) HERE:



 

KEY CAST MEMBERS: Will Smith, Martin Lawrence, Joe Pantoliano, Paola Nuñez, Vanessa Hudgens, Alexander Ludwig, Charles Melton, Nicky Jam, Jacob Scipio and Kate del CastilloDIRECTOR(S): Adil & Bilall

THE BACK STORY: Mike Lowrey (Will Smith) has never needed the money. He has that thanks to his inheritance. He’s also apparently never needed love; sure he’s had “love” but nothing like what his partner Marcus Burnet (Martin Lawrence) and their always embattled leader, Captain Howard (Joe Pantoliano), have in their lives. Sure, he had a thing with Rita (Paola Nuñez) in the past, but that’s in the past. 


So, when his partner to make good on his threat to retire upon becoming a grandfather, Mike makes a bet with Marcus and wins – only he doesn’t get the chance to collect on that bet due to a ghost from his past: Isabel Aretas (Kate del Castillo), a.k.a. the Witch. It seems Isabel has an old score to settle with Mike from a very long time ago and has no problem using her willing son Armando (Jacob Scipio) to collect the debt. 


Now, as the body count starts piling up, Mike is going to need Marcus, Rita, Captain Howard and all the help he can get if he’s going to survive.

THE REVIEW: One key component of HBO’s acclaimed Watchmen television series revolved around the idea of one of the main characters being able to experience another a person’s memories via the ingestion of a pill dubbed “Nostalgia.” And while they had an adverse affect on Regina King’s character at first, they ultimately led to revelations that eventually proven to be essential to her and the overall ending of the first (and only?) season of the series.Watching Bad Boys for Life, one might have a similar take – for while the beginning of the film may start off a tad slower and/or more mundane than one might expect, once it gets going, all the fond memories fans of the first two films had will come quickly back to life.

Whereas the first two films relied inordinately upon the chemistry between Smith and Lawrence to carry them in Michael Bay’s explosion-filled paradise, Bad Boys for Life adds small bits of nuance to the mix to dive deeper into Smith’s and Lawrence’s characters personal lives. Smith’s rockstar cowboy realizes he’s fading into the twilight if he doesn’t change his ways in a way that doesn’t feel terribly contrived, all while Lawrence, Pantoliano and the film’s supporting players add strong punches of humor into the mix. (It’s kind of what last year’s already forgotten Shaft movie was hoping for but didn’t quite get right.) The ideas of growing old and growing up are at dual play in the film, Lawrence and Smith luckily handle both with enough flair and finesse to not make the film too dry or too frivolous for its own good.

Of course, the nostalgia of watching 90s comedy icons Smith and Lawrence is likely going to be more than enough for most audiences as the duo hasn’t any of their timing. Likewise, the action sequences under the eye of co-directors Adil & Bilall have all the usual buddy cop/action comedy panache you’d expect yet feel more fresh than familiarly overblown (for the most part). Throw in some strong female representation from Hudgens, Nuñez and del Castillo and the film has the entertainment value to make casual and die-hard fans happy.

If nothing else, Inner Circle will be just as pleased to take home all those residual checks for his best known song once again.

OVERALL RATING (OUT OF FOUR POSSIBLE BUCKETS OF POPCORN):