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Cinematic Gem – THE KID WITH A BIKE – Starts Friday

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Hello Everyone,

THE BEST EXOTIC MARIGOLD HOTEL continues to be a hit at THE NEON. Unfortunately, SOUND OF MY VOICE underperformed this weekend. If you still need to see this new thriller, hurry down. Thursday will be its last day. Because VOICE is leaving so quickly, we now have room on our schedule to bring a cinematic gem to town…but only for one week! THE KID WITH A BIKE, the new film from the Dardenne Brothers, is one of the last films from my list of favorites at last year’s Toronto International Film Fest. (It was right at the top with THE DESCENDANTS and THE ARTIST.) Numerous critics have given the film a 100% rating – The New York Times, The Wall Street Journal, The Washington Post, Entertainment Weekly & more! Unless you were at THE NEON this past weekend, you may not have seen the trailer. If that’s the case, please take a moment to check it out below.

[yframe url=’http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Jfz-IGE66vg’]

Synopsis for THE KID WITH A BIKE: “Winner of the Grand Jury Prize at last year’s Cannes Film Festival and a Golden Globe nominee for Best Foreign Language Film, the deeply moving new film by the Dardenne brothers delves into the emotional life of troubled 11-year-old Cyril. When his father abandons him, Cyril obsessively searches for his bicycle – placing his last bit of hope in this symbol of their relationship. Almost by accident, he becomes the ward of a kind hairdresser, who seems surprised to find herself so determined to help him. With his wild, unpredictable behavior and his disastrous search for father figures, Cyril risks losing her – though she refuses to give up without a fight.” (IFC Films) THE KID WITH A BIKE is only slated to play for one week!!

Don’t forget about WSU’s BIG LENS FILM FESTIVAL this Thursday (a second show at 9:30 has just been added). Details about it and other films for this week are on our website at www.neonmovies.com

On June 28 at 7:30, The Greater Dayton LGBT Center and The Miami Valley Pride Partnership will present a screening of the new documentary VITO. This wonderful new film is about the life of Vito Russo – author, film lover, leader and activist. In addition to being educational and enlightening, I found the movie to be utterly inspiring. I’m anxious to see it again. Tickets, just $8 each, are available at our box office.

“Allow yourself to be immersed in a world where perception is redefined by a mysterious drug called I Razor. Dr. Gregory Fleer, a once brilliant scientist and the creator of I Razor, is transformed by his own experiment, along with a portion of the male population, into a band of telekinetic freaks who must negotiate their way through a world twisted beyond all recognition by their altered perceptions… Circus Devils (Robert Pollard of GUIDED BY VOICES and Todd Tobias) present: I RAZOR a New Film directed by Todd Tobias, starring Steve Five, Cory Race, and Brad Visker – with music by Circus Devils. Saturday July 14th at 12:30pm. Tickets are $5 (available at THE NEON’s box office beginning June 8) and are first come first serve and open to the public. Buying a ticket will enter you into a raffle to win cool I Razor/Circus Devils stuff (I Razor Movie T Shirts, posters) before the movie, and I Razor tickets for this event will be specially made and collectable.” (taken from press release)

And don’t forget that your movie ticket gets you 15% off your food order at Sa-Bai…located directly behind THE NEON.

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

SHOWTIMES for Fri. June 8 – Thur. June 14:

THE KID WITH A BIKE (PG-13) 1 Hr 27 Min
Friday, Saturday, Sunday: 1:00, 3:10, 5:20, 7:30, 9:40
Monday – Thursday: 3:10, 5:20, 7:30

THE BEST EXOTIC MARIGOLD HOTEL (PG-13) 2 Hr 4 Min
Friday, Saturday, Sunday: 1:30, 4:15, 7:00, 9:30
Monday – Thursday: 2:30, 5:00, 7:30

COMING SOON:
As always, all dates are tentative.
Many of these dates will change.
In some rare cases, titles may disappear.
June 15 THE INTOUCHABLES
June 29 MOONRISE KINGDOM
July 6 TO ROME WITH LOVE
July 13 YOUR SISTER’S SISTER
July 27 BEASTS OF THE SOUTHERN WILD
TBD WHERE DO WE GO NOW?
LOLA VERSUS

SOUND OF MY VOICE Opens Friday + Great NEON News

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Hello Everyone,

Thank you, Thank you, Thank you! Opening weekend of THE BEST EXOTIC MARIGOLD HOTEL was terrific…thanks to everyone who came out to see it. Memorial Day weekend is traditionally quite good for us…but this was our best ever! Audiences are loving the film, and there have been several rounds of applause after screenings over the past few days. In addition, I appreciate the fact that many of you voted for THE NEON as “Best Movie Theater.” Though we didn’t end up in first place, I’m not distraught. We only do about 5% of the business of the multiplexes, and I’m terribly grateful that so many of you jumped at the chance to vote for us.

If you still need to see MARLEY or DARLING COMPANION, tomorrow will be your last chance to see either film at THE NEON. On Friday, we will open a new thriller – SOUND OF MY VOICE.

Synopsis for SOUND OF MY VOICE: ” Peter and Lorna, a couple and documentary filmmaking team, infiltrate a mysterious group led by an enigmatic young woman named Maggie. Intent on exposing her as a charlatan and freeing the followers from her grip, Peter and Lorna start to question their objective and each other as they unravel the secrets of Maggie’s underworld.” (Fox Searchlight)

[yframe url=’http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U8xElfWyexo’]

WSU’s BIG LENS – a showcase of the latest films from WSU’s Motion Picture Department – is set for next Thursday, and tickets are available at our box office for just $7 each. See the latest works from the award-winning Motion Pictures Program at WSU. This show will include premiers of 5 entirely new films as well as a Q&A session with the young filmmakers. Like its predecessors, Big Lens 2012 will no doubt entertain, educate, enlighten, and excite. Check out the roster: IN WITH THE NEW – Alex Taylor & Eric Risher; PROFILE – Jon Swansiger, Colin Brooks, & Chris Flannery; NO NAME #3 – Joe Asta, Cole Pisano, Colin Brooks, & Alex Taylor; WOMEN WHO YELL – Megan Hague & Kyle Wilkinson; ANY OTHER DAY – Rick Moosbrugger & Andrew Grigiss.

On June 28 at 7:30, The Greater Dayton LGBT Center and The Miami Valley Pride Partnership will present a screening of the new documentary VITO. This wonderful new film is about the life of Vito Russo – author, film lover, leader and activist. In addition to being educational and enlightening, I found the movie to be utterly inspiring. I’m anxious to see it again. Tickets, just $8 each, are available at our box office.

And don’t forget that your movie ticket gets you 15% off your food order at Sa-Bai…located directly behind THE NEON.

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

SHOWTIMES for
Fri. June 1 – Thur. June 7:

SOUND OF MY VOICE (R) 1 Hr 25 Min
Friday, Saturday, Sunday: 1:00, 3:10, 5:20, 7:30, 9:40
Monday – Wednesday: 3:10, 5:20, 7:30
Thursday: 3:10, 5:20

THE BEST EXOTIC MARIGOLD HOTEL (PG-13) 2 Hr 4 Min
Friday, Saturday, Sunday: 1:30, 4:15, 7:00, 9:30
Monday – Thursday: 2:30, 5:00, 7:30

WSU’S BIG LENS FILM FESTIVAL (NR) 5 shorts + discussion
Thursday: 7:30

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

In some rare cases, titles may disappear.
June 15 THE INTOUCHABLES
June 29 MOONRISE KINGDOM
July 6 TO ROME WITH LOVE
July 13 YOUR SISTER’S SISTER
July 27 BEASTS OF THE SOUTHERN WILD
TBD WHERE DO WE GO NOW?
LOLA VERSUS

MARIGOLD HOTEL, Vote NEON & More

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Hello Everyone,

We’ve got 2 new movies opening this Friday (+ 1 holdover)…but we also need your help. First, let’s talk movies.

In last week’s newsletter, I mentioned that we have received more phone calls, e-mails and customer questions about THE BEST EXOTIC MARIGOLD HOTEL than any film in recent memory. Well it’s finally coming to town, and we hope you’re making plans to see it soon. This little British import (though shot mostly in India) has been a huge hit in larger markets, and we’re hoping it’s a hit for us, too.

In addition to MARIGOLD HOTEL, we’re opening a little film that we don’t anticipate sticking around too long. DARLING COMPANION – starring Diane Keaton and Kevin Kline – was directed by Lawrence Kasdan (THE BIG CHILL, GRAND CANYON). Hurry down if you want to catch this one.

Though MARLEY only performed moderately well, we’re going to hold onto it for one screening a day for one more week. When the film opened on Friday, the enthusiasm and energy was tremendous. Special thanks to M Hunter for his wonderful music on the patio, Elizabeth Gorman for her help in building the needed community ties, and to all of you who came out on that beautiful night. It was fantastic!

If you still need to see FOOTNOTE or DAMSELS IN DISTRESS, Thursday will be your last chance to see them at THE NEON. For remaining showtimes, please visit our official site. And as an added note, because of the holiday, Monday’s schedule will have extra screenings of our upcoming features (schedule is below).

Synopsis for THE BEST EXOTIC MARIGOLD HOTEL: “The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel follows a group of British retirees who decide to “outsource” their retirement to less expensive and seemingly exotic India. Enticed by advertisements for the newly restored Marigold Hotel and bolstered with visions of a life of leisure, they arrive to find the palace a shell of its former self. Though the new environment is less luxurious than imagined, they are forever transformed by their shared experiences, discovering that life and love can begin again when you let go of the past.” (Fox Searchlight)
[yframe url=’http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dDY89LYxK0w’]

Synopsis for DARLING COMPANION: “On a wintry day, Beth saves a bedraggled lost dog from the side of the freeway. Struggling with her distracted, self-involved husband Joseph and an empty nest at home, Beth forms a special bond with the rescued animal. When Joseph loses the dog after a wedding at their vacation home in the Rockies, the distraught Beth enlists the help of the few remaining guests and a mysterious young woman in a frantic search. Each member of the search party is affected by the adventure, which takes them in unexpected directions – comic, harrowing, and sometimes deeply emotional.” (Sony Classics)
[yframe url=’http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z_OSjd8nKlQ’]

And now for the part where we need your HELP!
Active Dayton (a part of Dayton Daily News) is once again holding their contest for “Best Movie Theater”…and THE NEON is way behind. (This contest completely slipped past me last year, and it’s the only year we didn’t win.) If you have a few seconds, please visit this LINK and vote for your favorite cinema in Dayton.

WSU’s BIG LENS – a showcase of the latest films from WSU’s Motion Picture Department – is now on the calendar…and it’s only a couple weeks away. I’ll have more details in next week’s newsletter, but make sure to save the date for Thursday, June 7 at 7:30pm. Tickets will be on sale starting this weekend, and they’re only $7 each.

For those of you who use Facebook, we finally have an actual page…not just a “group” page. We will soon be fazing out the old group, so please LIKE us by visiting our page – which now has a very easy address: www.facebook.com/neonmovies
And don’t forget that your movie ticket gets you 15% off your food order at Sa-Bai…located directly behind THE NEON.

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

SHOWTIMES for Fri. May 25 – Thur. May 31:

MARLEY (PG-13) 2 Hr 24 Min
Friday, Saturday, Sunday, Monday: 4:30
Tuesday – Thursday: 5:00

THE BEST EXOTIC MARIGOLD HOTEL (PG-13) 2 Hr 4 Min
Friday, Saturday, Sunday, Monday: 1:30, 4:15, 7:00, 9:30
Tuesday – Thursday: 2:30, 5:00, 7:30

DARLING COMPANION (PG-13) 1 Hr 43 Min
Friday, Saturday, Sunday, Monday: 12:00, 2:15, 7:20, 9:40
Tuesday – Thursday: 2:45, 7:45

COMING SOON:

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

June 1 SOUND OF MY VOICE
June 15 THE INTOUCHABLES
June 29 MOONRISE KINGDOM
July 6 TO ROME WITH LOVE
July 13 YOUR SISTER’S SISTER
July 27 BEASTS OF THE SOUTHERN WILD
TBD WHERE DO WE GO NOW?
LOLA VERSUS

Bob MARLEY Documentary Opens Friday!

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Hello Everyone,

Over the past several weeks, numerous people have asked if we were going to play MARLEY – the new documentary about the brilliant musician Bob Marley. On Friday, it will finally arrive.
If you still need to see JEFF WHO LIVES AT HOME, Thursday will be your last chance to see it at THE NEON. DAMSELS IN DISTRESS and FOOTNOTE will stick around for another week. Remaining showtimes for this week can be found at our website – www.neonmovies.com.

And speaking of customer requests…we’ve had more calls and questions about THE BEST EXOTIC MARIGOLD HOTEL than any other film in recent memory. Fear not! It opens Friday, May 25.

Synopsis for MARLEY: “Bob Marley’s universal appeal, impact on music history and role as a social and political prophet is both unique and unparalleled. Marley is the definitive life story of the musician, revolutionary, and legend, from his early days to his rise to international superstardom. Made with the support of the Marley family, the film features rare footage, incredible performances and revelatory interviews with the people that knew him best.” Join us for our OPENING NIGHT PATIO PARTY. Before Friday’s 7:15 screening, live acoustic music will be presented on our patio by M Hunter of Columbus (performance begins at 6PM)!

[yframe url=’http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VSvXlZlm6Zg’]

On Wednesday, May 23 at 6:30pm, United Food and Commercial Workers Union Local 75 has rented out our space for a special screening of INSIDE JOB – “the first film to expose the shocking truth behind the economic crisis of 2008″…and they’re inviting you to join them. “UFCW 75 represents nearly 30,000 members along the I-75 corridor in Ohio, Indiana, and Kentucky; our members work mostly in supermarkets, drug stores, food packing and food processing plants, and in health care facilities. We are Ohio’s largest private sector union. For questions, more information, or to RSVP, email [email protected].” (details provided by UFCW 75)

For those of you who use Facebook, we finally have an actual page…not just a “group” page. We will soon be fazing out the old group, so please LIKE us by visiting our page – which now has a very easy address: www.facebook.com/neonmovies
And don’t forget that your movie ticket gets you 15% off your food order at Sa-Bai…located directly behind THE NEON.

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

SHOWTIMES for
Fri. May 18 – Thur. May 24:

MARLEY (PG-13) 2 Hr 24 Min
Friday, Saturday: 1:00, 4:15, 7:15, 10:00
Sunday: 1:00, 4:15, 7:15
Monday – Thursday: 3:30, 7:15

FOOTNOTE (PG) 1 Hr 43 Min
Friday, Saturday, Sunday: 12:50, 3:00, 7:20
Monday & Tuesday: 3:00, 7:20
Wednesday: 3:00
Thursday: 3:00, 7:20

DAMSELS IN DISTRESS (PG-13) 1 Hr 39 Min
Friday, Saturday: 5:10, 9:30
Sunday: 5:10
Monday & Tuesday: 5:10
Wednesday: no screenings
Thursday: 5:10

INSIDE JOB (PG-13)
Wednesday: 6:00 – RSVP Required

COMING SOON:
As always, all dates are tentative.  Many of these dates will change.
In some rare cases, titles may disappear.
May 25 THE BEST EXOTIC MARIGOLD HOTEL
June 1 SOUND OF MY VOICE
June 15 THE INTOUCHABLES
June 29 MOONRISE KINGDOM
July 6 TO ROME WITH LOVE
July 13 YOUR SISTER’S SISTER
July 27 BEASTS OF THE SOUTHERN WILD
TBD WHERE DO WE GO NOW?
DARLING COMPANION
LOLA VERSUS

Oscar-Nominated FOOTNOTE Opens Friday

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Hello Everyone,

On Friday, we finally get to open the Oscar-nominated film FOOTNOTE. If you’ve been to THE NEON in the past couple months, I’m almost certain you’ve seen the trailer for this film that has received critical accolades from around the world.

If you still need to see JIRO DREAMS OF SUSHI, it only plays through Thursday. JEFF WHO LIVES AT HOME and DAMSELS IN DISTRESS will play for another week. For remaining showtimes for this week, please visit our website at www.neonmovies.com.

Because of limited print availability, our upcoming schedule has moved around quite a bit. In addition, we’ve added some new, great titles (see the entire line-up below). On Friday, May 18, we will open the new documentary MARLEY – the definitive life story of the brilliant musician and political/social prophet Bob Marley. In celebration of this film, we will have live music on our patio – provided by Reggae musician M. Hunter of Columbus – starting at 6pm on May 18. We hope you’ll plan to join us. (More details will be provided in next week’s newsletter.)

Synopsis for FOOTNOTE: “Eliezer and Uriel Shkolnik are both eccentric professors who have dedicated their lives to their work. The father, Eliezer, is a stubborn purist who fears the establishment and has never been recognized for his work. Meanwhile his son, Uriel, is an up-and-coming star in the field, who appears to feed on accolades – endlessly seeking recognition. Then one day, the tables turn. When Eliezer learns that he is to be awarded the Israel Prize, the most valuable honor for scholarship in the country, his vanity and desperate need for validation are exposed. His son, Uriel, is thrilled to see his father’s achievements finally recognized but, in a darkly funny twist, is forced to choose between the advancement of his own career and his father’s. Will he sabotage his father’s glory?” (taken from Sony Pictures Classics) Nominated for “Best Foreign Film” at this year’s Oscars, this film is currently at 91% positive reviews on Rottentomatoes.com.  Visit the OFFICIAL SITE.

[yframe url=’http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8dwe7GR9kO4′]

On Wednesday, May 23 at 6:30pm (registration begins at 6pm), United Food and Commercial Workers Union Local 75 has rented out our space for a special screening of INSIDE JOB – “the first film to expose the shocking truth behind the economic crisis of 2008″…and they’re inviting you to join them. “UFCW 75 represents nearly 30,000 members along the I-75 corridor in Ohio, Indiana, and Kentucky; our members work mostly in supermarkets, drug stores, food packing and food processing plants, and in health care facilities. We are Ohio’s largest private sector union. For questions, more information, or to RSVP, email [email protected].” (details provided by UFCW 75)

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

Thanks for your continued support.

We hope to see you soon,
Jonathan

P.S.  I saw MOONRISE KINGDOM last week.  Favorite film of the year so far.  Can’t wait to bring it to Dayton!!

[yframe url=’http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ocac5Umhb9g’]

 

SHOWTIMES for
Fri. May 11 – Thur. May 17:

JEFF WHO LIVES AT HOME (R) 1 Hr 23 Min
Friday, Saturday, Sunday: 5:10, 9:30
Monday – Thursday: 5:10

FOOTNOTE (PG) 1 Hr 43 Min
Friday, Saturday, Sunday: 12:50, 3:00, 5:15, 7:30, 9:40
Monday – Thursday: 3:00, 5:15, 7:30

DAMSELS IN DISTRESS (PG-13) 1 Hr 39 Min
Friday, Saturday, Sunday: 12:45, 3:00, 7:20
Monday – Thursday: 3:00, 7:20

COMING SOON:
As always, all dates are tentative.  Many of these dates will change.
In some rare cases, titles may disappear.
May 18 MARLEY
May 25 THE BEST EXOTIC MARIGOLD HOTEL
June 1 SOUND OF MY VOICE
June 15 HYSTERIA
June 29 MOONRISE KINGDOM
LOLA VERSUS
DARLING COMPANION
July 6 TO ROME WITH LOVE
July 13 YOUR SISTER’S SISTER
July 27 BEASTS OF THE SOUTHERN WILD
WHERE DO WE GO NOW?

The Invisible Becomes Visible – This American Life Hits the Big Screen

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Radio Spectacular Comes To The Big Screen Via This American Life Live!

On May 10 the ultimate “shared experience” will be simulcast in over 550 theaters between the US and Canada as PRI’s award winning show, This American Life (TAL) brings radio to the big screen for the third time! TAL host and executive producer (and public radio rockstar) Ira Glass, serves as ring master for the cinematic event broadcasting live from NYU’s Skirball Center for the Performing Arts in NYC. The Invisible Made Visible is the theme for this production, starring a veritable “whose who” of the public radio culture!

For starters, there are feature stories from Ira Glass himself, as well as regular contributors David Sedaris and David Rakoff and yet another regular, Mike Birbiglia, throws in a short film into the mix. Also joining these TAL all stars is the host of NPR’s Snap Judgment, Glynn Washington, as well as comic Tig Notaro, author Ryan Knighton (to the delight of Canadian TAL fans) and live music with audience interactive Android / iPhone App performance by the band OK Go. Original animation and projected illustrations will be sprinkled throughout the show plus special surprise guests!

BUT WAIT! There’s MORE! What, you may be asking yourself, would a radio show be without dance?  The Monica Bill Barnes & Company of New York is not only featured in this performance, but was the motivation behind bringing This American Life back into the cinema!  In a recent interview, Glass recounts how inspired he was while attending a live performance of Monica Bill Barnes & Company for the first time…

“There was something about they way they did their performance that reminded me of our radio show. There was something about the personality of it and the way the dances unfolded. They were just very good actors. The pieces seemed to be about moments of awkwardness and anxiety and the thought flashed in my head.” Glass went on to say that, “Our audience would really be into this, it’s just like our radio show…but it’s entirely visual, maybe we should think about doing another cinema event.”

I asked him how long it took from the actual moment of inspiration to the concrete production of this live show. He was surprisingly specific…

“I saw the dance show (I’m pulling it up on my calendar as we speak) June 4th, 2011, but we didn’t really decide to do it until September.” He cites being in ‘infinite editing mode’ on a Birbiglia film during the Fall of 2011 and preparing for the January 2012 Sundance Film Festival, for putting this live event momentarily on the back burner.

Yet, this moment of inspiration led Glass into a parallel universe to produce The Invisible Made Visible. For the better part of the last year, while continuing to work on the radio show, Glass found himself in “the weirdest period of my life” approving drafts from Disney animators, attending dance rehearsals, as well as working with the band OK Go in developing an interactive iPhone & Android app. To heighten the shared experience, the vision for the music app is to include 50,000 audience members in a musical performance with OK Go, similar to the bands 2012 interactive music video, Needing/Getting which aired as a Chevrolet commercial during the Superbowl.

“We basically tried to invent things that you could never do on the radio.” – Ira Glass

This production is not the only cinematic venture in the life of Ira Glass. In the summer of 2011 he co-wrote and shot a feature film with humorist and author Mike Birbiglia titled Sleepwalk With Me, which is based on Birbiglia’s This American Life piece of the same name which, in turn, was developed into a book and one man show. In January of this year Sleepwalk With Me received an audience award at Sundance Film Festival and will be go into general release August 24, 2012.

When asked what his thoughts were pertaining to the Invisible Made Visible project, he laughingly said, “I wished for a multi media adventure and I got my wish!”

When I asked Ira if fans could look forward to these cinematic/multimedia events on a regular basis, say every two years or so, he gave an enthusiastic nervous laugh, saying, “I have no idea if we’ll ever do it again! It is such an ambitious sort of undertaking that with all the animations and movies and things like that, it’s either going to be the most AMAZING thing that we have ever put on, or, it’s going to be a complete train wreck! There’s no middle ground! It’s going to be the greatest triumph of the shows history OR we will always look back on this day as the WORST thing that we ever attempted. Nothing in between is possible!” (more nervous laughter) “That is my promise to the audience!”

Judging from the success of the radio show, the brief stint of This American Life on Showtime and the last two cinema events, Glass doesn’t have much to worry about. The financial weight of this, the third, live show is much less daunting than the previous one in 2009. That entire production was funded from the pockets of TAL and was an extreme business risk.

“This time we’re doing it for the purest of reasons. It seemed like it would be fun for the audience and fun for us.” – Ira Glass

Even with the hefty price tag of such a production for a cinematic event like this, the thought of the possible higher revenue from Pay Per View is not as attractive to Glass as one might think. The impetus for taking on such a huge endeavor such as this may be explained by something Glass had been witness to in the past. As a huge fan of Howard Stern, Ira recalled how magical it felt to be in a theater with other fans and the moment of sharing the standing “O” when Stern entered the theater.

“One of the big advantages to doing it in a movie theater is, I know that when we’ve done our show live on stage, it’s exciting for people who are fans of a radio show to get together with a group of people who are fans of the same show.” Glass said.

Glass respects the intelligence of  the audience of This American Life, and leaves it up them to discern the difference between journalism and story telling. Briefly touching on the recent controversial Mike Daisey episode, Mr. Daisey Goes to the Apple Factory and the following retraction show in March 2012, Glass spoke to issues of fact checking and the responsibility of shows that deliver a mix of off beat news through entertainment.

Pertaining to the pitfalls that can occur with a show such as TAL, Glass said, “Truthfully, I would like to believe that the audience is sophisticated enough that they can tell the difference and that we don’t have to cue them.”

Even in light of his high regard for the audience, technical concerns and complicated timing during this live show is nerve wracking.

“I feel confidence in the material but, it’s a very complicated tech thing to pull off and so I feel very nervous about that.” Glass expounded on that thought by saying, “I feel confident or I wouldn’t be doing a show…but I go into it very, very worried. It’s also the excitement of doing things you’ve never done. Hopefully, with fear comes enjoyment.”

With all the anxiety that comes with producing such an ambitious event, Glass is equally excited about the format. He loves the energy and reaction of a live audience versus being in a sound proof production booth.

“It’s exciting to be on stage in front of people, especially with material that you’re excited to present! Maybe this is a bad thing to say because we have all these people collaborating, but I am most excited about my own part of the show.” Glass went on, saying, “I’m most excited about the parts I get to perform! There’s a story I get to tell at the top of the show and there’s another one in the middle of the show and their both going to be really fun to perform!” Taking on a giddy tone, his inner geek came out while talking about mixing music, quotes and cues live with an iPad. “It’s really fun to do!”

“I feel like we’ve been doing promos on the air and try to express to the audience, ‘No, no! I know I’ve promoted other things but this one is really unusual and special!’ and I don’t know how to wave my arms around enough and say, ‘We’re pulling all the stops out here! Even stops we didn’t know existed!’” Glass added, “I want to communicate to the audience, ‘We’re not kidding this time! You’re not going to want to miss this one!’ The stuff we’re making for the show is so exciting! The animation and the movie that Mike Birbiglia did…they’re so exciting that it’s really hard not to just show (it to) those to people and say, ‘See what we’re talking about?!?’…but then we don’t want to spoil it.”

Dayton, Ohio witnessed this “live” mix in the flesh last May (2011) when Ira performed his solo act at Victoria Theater, in support of WYSO. I was fortunate enough to be in the first class of WYSO’s  Community Voices as a producer training. Ira conducted our last class the afternoon before his show. He had a lot of great stories and practical advice. One thing that stands out with me even today was his advice on finding stories, which was pretty simple actually: “Do stories on things that amuse you.”

This American Life has always had its finger on the pulse of what amuses people. Whether it’s tragic or comical, it draws us in. They have done what radio of the past has done; given a shared experience using only sound. This live show is the rare event to bring us the sight that goes with it.

Things you should know before attending the show:

~ Dayton showings are at Regal Hollywood 20 at Fairfield Commons in Beavercreek, Dayton South 16 (near Dayton Mall), and Huber Heights 16. Tickets are $20.00 and can be purchased in advance here: http://www.fathomevents.com/originals/event/thisamericanlife2012.aspx

~ If you have an iPhone or Android and would like to participate in the live interactive “OK Go” performance, (imagine being encouraged to loudly use your phone in a theater), you need to get the App before going to the theater. Cell phone reception is poor in theaters for a reason, so don’t wait to download your App in the theater. You can get it via iTunes or the App store or for easier linkage, go here: http://www.thisamericanlife.org/blog/2012/04/download-the-live-show-app

[yframe url=’http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=RKePFF3zUlE’]

Be a Part of Paul Laurence Dunbar History

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Too often those of us in Dayton don’t look around and see the history, architecture, community and passion that outsiders see. For these reasons, and many more, the Dayton region is attractive to filmmakers, artists and storytellers. Over the past few years, a filmmaker has been working quietly in Dayton, across the state, and in places around the country to tell the story of local poet Paul Laurence Dunbar. This month, a great opportunity is coming up for community members from the Miami Valley to be a part of this project.  In order to learn more, I asked filmmaker Frederick Lewis some questions on this project and his experience.

Can you talk about your history with Paul Laurence Dunbar and what drew you to focus your scholarship on him?

I am co-producing this documentary with Professor Joseph Slade, a colleague in the School of Media Arts & Studies. We have been working on it for several years and are now nearing completion. We hope to complete the project within the next 12 months. Our intended audience is PBS. Two of my previous documentaries have aired widely on PBS stations around the country and screened at many museums and universities.

What trips have you made to Dayton and what have you learned since launching this project?

We have made repeated trips to Dayton over the last three years, and conducted interviews with local Dunbar experts Laverne Sci, Herbert Martin, and Bing Davis. We’ve also conducted interviews with Dunbar biographer Felton Best, a distinguished professor at Central Connecticut State, and author Akasha Hull, who has written extensively on Dunbar’s relationship with his wife, Alice.

Can you discuss your history with this project and how it’s grown?

Interier of Old Courthouse taken from the Visitor's Galley looking down (from Montgomery Co. Collection at Dayton Metro Library)

We plan to interweave the biographical elements of Dunbars’ prolific, but tragically short life, with contemporary links to show his continued relevance. We followed the creation of Bing Davis’ sculpture inspired by Dunbar’s “Negro Love Song,” and James Pate’s new mural which prominently features images of Dunbar. We also recently completed a segment on how Paul Laurence Dunbar High School in Lexington, Kentucky honors their school’s namesake.

Why should a person want to be a part of the shoot on Sunday?

The music video we will be shooting on May 13th will also be woven into the documentary. Inspired by a canvas by Dayton painter James Pate, in which Dunbar is portrayed as a contemporary hip hop artist, we have taken Dunbar’s famous poem “We Wear the Mask,” and had Ohio University student Jean P, a fast rising hip hop performer, put Dunbar’s words to music. The video will feature a myriad of masks created by Dayton’s own Tristan Cupp of Zoot Theatre Co. We have rented the old Montgomery Court House for a scene to be shot on May 13th between 5–7 pm and we need as many extras as possible to help us out. Please dress in contemporary clothing suitable for attendance at a trial. Yes, it is Mother’s Day. Just bring your mother with you! Give her a cameo in a music video for Mother’s Day:) We ALSO need 8 or 10 people earlier in the day to act in several scenes to be shot in downtown Dayton. If you are interested in that aspect of the production please let us know asap!!

How to go:

When: Sunday, May 13, 5-7 PM (time slots available earlier in the day as well)

Where: Old Courthouse in Downtown Dayton on Courthouse Square (5PM Session)

Clothing: Contemporary clothes you have in your closet! You’ll dress in business clothing – something appropriate for a trial (jackets, ties, skirts, etc).

How: Email Frederick Lewis to express your interest and learn more: [email protected]

JIRO DREAMS OF SUSHI Opens Friday at THE NEON

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Hello Everyone,

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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Hello Everyone,

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Son of Ohio Shock: Part 2 of a History of Horror Hosting in the Buckeye State

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Editor’s note:  The piece was submitted by Matthew Brassfield, a local filmmaker and the writer, director and producer of Baron Von Porkchop’s Terrifying Tales of the Macabre.

I wrapped up my first article, Ohio Shock, at the beginning of the 80’s and presented hosts like the Ghoul, Dr. Creep, Mad Daddy, Fritz The Nite Owl and many more. Now it’s time to explore the next batch of hosts that kept the 80’s to present day scary for Ohioians.

Phil Chandler

In Ohio Shock we spoke about the Shock Package, a group of Universal Films that helped spawn the Horror Host genre into entertainment the whole family could watch. In 1958 a second package was released called “Son of Shock” that not only showcased horror from Universal Pictures but also Columbia Pictures, expanding the catalog of films stations and hosts could show. This new package brought new films to TVs across America and inspired new hosts with new shows. Most modern horror hosts show public domain horror, sci-fi and fantasy films and sometimes independent films made by upcoming directors.

Phil Chandler

Before we move on to the 1980s, I wanted to highlight a local host from the 70s that I just recently became aware of. Phil Chandler hosted “Friday Fright Festival” in the early 70’s in Dayton, Ohio and was Dr. Creep’s competition for a time. Phil, who was a vampire type character, would host cheesy movies late nights and was joined by side characters that included a Frankenstein monster and werewolf, both of whom had funny quirks. Phil was also a brilliant illusionist went on to become a ringmaster in the circus. His show’s side characters went on to make numerous appearances on Shock Theater with Dr. Creep. As of this point I am not aware of any surviving footage from his show.

The Cool Ghoul II

The Cool Ghoul II

In 1972, The Cool Ghoul’s run came to an end, and fans would have to wait until 1984 for a second wacky version of the host to hit TV sets with “Thriller Theatre” that aired in Akron. While The Cool Ghoul II also did a show in Canton in 1970, it was his second run that made him popular and turned this second incarnation of the Cool Ghoul into a first rate host. His show ended in 1986, but in subsequent year he was brought back to host Halloween specials and appear at charity events like the Jerry Lewis Telethon. The Cool Ghoul II would also go on to become the Cyber Cool Ghoul when he began hosting an online show. While not as iconic as the original, the second Cool Ghoul was a character all to himself and had a wacky style that got him a solid following. Some of his episodes can be found on trade lists and online.

Son of Ghoul

Son of Ghoul

The Son of Ghoul has been a mainstay on Cleveland television sets since 1986 when he took over the The Cool Ghoul II’s timeslot and began the “Son of Ghoul Show.” The Son of Ghoul was a stylistic mix of Ghoulardi and The Ghoul and was given the name “Son of” by The Ghoul himself when he won a look alike contest. Son of Ghoul would change up his image before hitting the airwaves by adding sunglasses, a top hat and cape to the fake goatee of his mentors. But things turned sour between Son of Ghoul and The Ghoul leaving the hosts at odds with each other and splitting what could have been a very powerful friendship. The Son of Ghoul would not let this get him down as he became yet another horror host icon from Cleveland, eventually becoming so popular that the station had him host a call in-game show. The Son of Ghoul’s hosting style is much like The Ghoul’s: adding sound effects and music to the films to spice them up. His co-hosts, The Fidge (who sadly passed away in 2003) and Jungle Bob, also ended up being just as popular as the Son of Ghoul himself. In 2012 Son of Ghoul is still going strong and is a respected member of the host community. You can find his shows on DVD at his official website.

Frank and Drac

Frank and Drac

Two classic monsters would hit Cleveland in 1987 when Frank and Drac unleashed “The Frank and Drac Show” proving that ghouls love film. Every week they would meet up to host a horror film, spouting facts about the movie and cracking wise on each other. Drac would talk in your typical Transylvania accent as Frank had an almost Curly from the Three Stooges sounding voice, making then a fun pair. The show was a hit and gained high ratings during its one year run. The final episode aired in 1988 due to the ghouls not seeing eye to eye with station higher ups. You can find clips of Frank and Drac on YouTube and episodes on trade lists.

A. Ghastlee Ghoul

A. Ghastlee Ghoul

When Dr. Creep went off the air in 1985, Dayton was left without a horror host. That void was filled in 1989 when A. Ghastlee Ghoul wisecracked his way into the spot with “The Ghastlee Movie Show” and became a beloved late night horror host. Ghastlee, who didn’t always host movies, had a show that more skit-based based and on occasion would show a film that he would wisecrack through or even add himself into. Ghastlee’s style would capture younger and older viewers who watched to see what The Ghastlee One would say next. His style also influenced other horror hosts such as Dr. Freak, who you’ll read about in a bit. Ghastlee would go on to host his show for many years and also co-create the Horrorhost Underground, a resource for hosts and fans around the world. At first Ghastlee wore a black duster, black clothes, gloves and white face paint with a unibrow. Later he would turn in the duster for a custom long red coat and signature hat. The Ghastlee Movie Show still airs and has new episodes from time to time as Ghastlee now also hosts on a YouTube show called “Weird Web Theater.” Ghastlee is also known for his 2004 convention, Scary Camp, and for playing music in and around Dayton. To see Ghastlee’s work you can buy his best of from him and see clips on YouTube.

Dr. Shock

Dr. Shock

“Dr. Shock’s X-Ray Chiller Theatre” was a Toledo show hosted by, you guessed it, Dr. Shock. The program started in 1989 and was cancelled in 1992 when the station, who was a Fox affiliate, decided to show late night infomercials instead. This did not stop the Dr. as he then went on to host independent films that were released on VHS and later DVD. Currently Dr. Show is off the air and his hosting direct to video films days are over, but his zany off the wall humor has touched many fans. You can find Dr. Shock hosting independent films on his website and watch clips online.

Billy Black

Billy Black

One part horror host and one part Andrew Dice Clay sums up Billy Black who brought “Hott Sinema” to Columbus in 1992. Billy Black, who really knew his films, would his time on air in a bar talking to his bartender friend and telling jokes as local strippers would dance in between segments. The show was a racy twist on hosting and was clearly more for adults than kids. Billy’s run was short and his impact not as powerful as the hosts before him, but to his fans he was one cool cat with one wild show. Clips of his show can be found online.

Commandant Gore

Commandant Gore

In 2000, the Centerville/Dayton area met Commandant Gore. Along with his sidekicks, he hosted a show called “Gorevision” and would show clips of things sure to make most viewers’ stomachs turn. Commandant’s show would be on and off for some years and would remain a rather underground show. While his gory visions have been off the air for some years now, those who spent time watching Commandant remember a bloody strange time. The Commandant’s are out there for the finding, but are not widely available.

Dr. Freak

Dr. Freak

The world’s youngest horror host, Dr. Freak (who was 14 when he started) brought his “Cult Theater” to Dayton airwaves for only three episodes during its first run in 2000. But he also made a number of appearances on other host programs such as New Shock Theater with Dr. Creep and The Ghastlee Movie Show hosted by A. Ghastlee Ghoul. Dr. Freak would also go on to star in his own movie called “Dr. Freak Vamp Killa,” directed by Henrique Couto and “Joe Nosferatu: Homeless Vampire,” directed by Bob Hinton keeping the young host active for the time. Dr. Freak would also make appearances at Cinema Wasteland and Horrorama Dayton. Dr. Freak’s style was a mix of old school hosting with a youthful twist, making for some interesting episodes. As of late, Dr. Freak has made a small return as he guest stars on Terrifying Tales of the Macabre (hosted by Baron Von Porkchop), and Cult Theater has returned for an episode on Dayton’s first Scare-A-Thon. So we just may be seeing more of him in the coming years. His episodes have been released on DVD and are hard to find nowadays, but are around for the fan who looks hard enough.

Butch R. Cleaver

Butch R. Cleaver

Butch R. Cleaver is a 1959 man stuck in modern times after an accident left him and his wife stranded in 2003. Every week Cincinnati fans can watch “Meet Cleaver Theatre” to find out what this old horror buff thinks of films he missed in the 50 years he skipped. Butch spends his time hosting movies and working in his lab doing zany experiments, making him a fan favorite. Butch is a classic host with a modern show that’s great to enjoy in the late hours. Butch R. Cleaver, who must wear his 3-D Glasses at all times to see properly, has slowed down as of late and with fewer episodes and public appearances in 2011, leaving fans hoping that Butch and Meet Cleaver Theatre will be back soon in full force. Episodes can be found at his public appearances, on trade lists and online.

The Mortician

The Mortician

The Mortician is a hulking skeleton faced man who took pride in his work of cutting bodies and hosting films on “The Mortician’s House of Fear” that started in 2003 and aired in Brunswick. Every week viewers would watch as he went to work on the dead body and talked about the films as heavy metal music played in the background. The show’s segments were shot as if on scratchy old film, and this added a great spooky feel to the show. While his House of Fear has been off the air for many years now, the Mortician certainly made his mark in Ohio hosting history. His show can be found on DVD via his website and at some online rental stores.

Tarr & Fether

Tarr & Fether

In 2004 Dr. Tarr and Professor Fether opened up the asylum doors to Liberty City viewers with their “Psycho Cinema,” and the madness of the two crazed loonies was unleashed. The pair would make up fake products, do skits and even look for local monster legends giving viewers laughs and adventure. The pair, who have been missing for some time, have hinted at a return giving fans something to look forward to. Tarr and Fether’s hosting style is very classic, and the two speak in almost proper English accents giving the show an old time feel. Both share the names of characters from an old Edger Allen Poe short story, making you wonder if these ghouls were the ones Poe wrote about. They also had a great opening sequence which resembled an original Sony Playstation video game. DVDs of their show can be bought at their official website and clips can be found on YouTube.

Dale Kay

Dale Kay

Dale Kay is the host of “Dale Kay’s Spookshow,” a Cleveland show that started in 2007 and is an old school horror host show that’s safe for the young and the young at heart. Dale, who was inspired by The Ghoul, hosts films and fills the time with skits parodying popular genre films and products. Dale and his Spookshow are still going strong and can also be seen on The Monster Channel (www.100ymm.com), a website that showcases all things horror including many horror host programs. Dale Kay’s shows can be inquired about via his Facebook page.

Iris and Reina

Iris & Retina

Two cool cats rocked their way into Dayton host history when Iris and Retina began “Mondo Smash A’ Go Go” in 2008. The pair hosts from their living room and shares a deep knowledge of the films they are watching alongside you. During break segments Iris & Retina will teach you to cook, host a dance contest or visit a local coffee shop making you feel the overall smooth vibe of the show. Their laid back nature is very much in the vein of Fritz The Nite Owl. As of late 2011, Iris & Retina have made a new episode that premiered before Dayton’s first Scare-A-Thon, and are slated to be on a future episode of Baron Von Porkchop’s Terrifying Tales of the Macabre. At times, you can catch them at surf rockers Team Void’s concerts. Episodes can be bought at Game Swap in Kettering and can been seen via YouTube.

Baron Von Porkchop

Baron Von Porkchop

In late 2010, Baron Von Porkchop was dug up from his grave and began hosting “Terrifying Tales of the Macabre” in Dayton. The Baron is an undead ghoul from the 1800’s who used to own slaughter houses that all went belly up. Now alongside his wife and a team of sidekicks, the Baron brings viewers classic horror films along with independent features. While the films on the show are not always, the Baron’s segments are kid friendly and are geared for fans of horror hosts from the 60’s-80’s, and his goofy nature has gained him a growing fan base. The Baron, who just wrapped his second season, has also hosted his own concert event called The Baron’s Ball at Gilly’s Jazz Club and has made appearances at Horrorhound Weekend, Cinema Wasteland, WYSO’s Kaleidoscope and Horrorama Dayton. The Baron also loves to bring host friends onto his show and has featured cameos from hosts such as A. Ghastlee Ghoul, Dr. Freak, Sammy Terry (Indiana), Count Gregula (Chicago) and more. The Barons shows can be bought at Game Swap in Kettering and online.

Dr. Dark

Dr. Dark

Imagine if Elvira Mistress of the Dark and Dr. Creep spawned an offspring that was a phantom and you would have Dr. Dark of “After Dark Theater” that began airing in Greenville in 2011. Despite being a phantom, Dr. Dark is a gentle undead soul who brings viewers classic public domain films alongside his own brand of comedy. While fairly new to hosting, Dr. Dark seems to be gaining a fan base based in and around his viewing area. Dr. Dark has also made some public appearances that include Horrorhound Weekend and the A. Ghastlee Night at Gillys concert. Dr. Dark also does many charity events and even does a kid friendly version of Robot Chicken for his public access station. His show can be seen on TV with future DVDs planned.

Susie D. Rott

Susie D. Rott

Susie D. Rott is a undead bride who hosts “Susie D. Rott’s Warehouse of Terror” in Hamilton. Her journey to bring the viewers the best (or is that worst) in public domain and independent films started in 2011 and is still going strong as of early 2012. Susie is joined in her warehouse by her director and a lot of sidekicks. Susie is a sweet undead woman who enjoys sharing her films and her warehouses with viewers. While a new face in the world of hosting, Susie could quickly earn a place in Ohio hosting history. Susie’s shows can be seen on the Monster Channel and clips are online.

And there you have some of the ghouls and bad movie historians that have and are haunting Ohio airwaves. Ohio has always been a mecca for horror hosts and has some of the world’s best fans who stand by and support their favorite late night hosts. But we aren’t the only ones. There are many states with amazing hosts: Indiana has Sammy Terry of Nightmare Theater, Iowa has Marlena Midnite of Midnite Mausoleum, Pennsylvania has Roxsy Tyler of Carnival of Horrors and so on in every state.

If you want to learn more about horror hosting, check out websites like

The Horror Host Graveyard

Egor’s Chamber of Horror Hosts

G.O.T.H.I.C.

Terror From Beyond The Daves

Also check out documentaries like American Scary directed by John E. Hudgens, Virginia Creepers by Sean Kotz & Christopher Valluzzo and Every Other Day’s Halloween by C.W. Prather. The book Television Horror Movie Hosts by Elena M. Watson is worth a read.

This closes our exploration of Ohio horror hosting for now.  But as new hosts pop up or old ones come to my attention, I will be more then happy to bring you another installment of this article, The Bride of Ohio Shock. So until next time, stay scary and keep on watching.

Special thanks to: Juliet Fromholt, Art Bausman, Bob Hinton, the late Barry Hobart, Stephen Alexander II, Richard Martin, Norman & Sue Brassfield, Jason Hignite and Bryan Brassfield for their help with this article.

-Matthew Brassfield

WWII Documentary Shot in Dayton – Shown in Dayton

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The creators of the Emmy Award winning PBS hit Red Tail Reborn have now created a new aviation program, The Restorers-They Were All Volunteers.  The documentary film centers on airplane restorers and the WWII heroes known as the Doolittle Tokyo Raiders, and will now appear in theaters in select cities throughout the Midwest.

What’s the history? On April 18th, 1942, Gen. James Doolittle led the Doolittle Tokyo Raiders on a top secret mission that would strike back at the heart of Japan after the attack on Pearl Harbor four months earlier. The Raiders launched their B-25 Mitchell Bombers off an aircraft carrier that would get them close to the home island of Japan. The bombing mission was a great success, boosting much needed morale for the United States.

Each year the famous Doolittle Tokyo Raiders from WWII have a reunion to remember their mission, their comrades, and their heroic leader Gen. James Doolittle.  In 2010, an extraordinary event took place. For the 68th Doolittle reunion, seventeen B-25 bomber crews volunteered to gather in honor of the Raiders.  Over 70,000 people turned up to witness the event, to see the bombers, and to meet the remaining Raiders.

The Restorers-They Were All Volunteers follows the journey of a Minnesota B-25 named Miss Mitchell. Join this restored bomber as she travels to Dayton, Ohio to attend the largest B-25 gathering since WWII.

April 18th, 2012 marks the 70th anniversary of the historic Doolittle mission. The Restorers – They Were All Volunteers will screen on Tuesday, April 17th, 7:30 pm – The Neon Movies – Dayton, Ohio

Helpful links:

www.TheRestorers.com

www.hemlockfilms.com

www.nationalmuseum.af.mil/doolittle.asp

 

[yframe url=’http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Hy4tysi4TvY’]

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

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Hello Everyone,

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

OBSCURA (NR) 10 Min
Thursday: 7:30

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

Sundog 9 – Call for Entries

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Do you know (or are you) a high-school or middle-school student (grades 8-12) interested in film? Check out the Sundog 9 Film Festival and submit your short film for consideration at this great contest! Students submit films, get together for a public adjudication where everyone learns a little something, and enjoy the premier where all films are viewed on the big screen. It’s a great opportunity to meet other aspiring student filmmakers and have a lot of fun.

From the Sundog Programmers:

High school and middle school students, grades 8-12, are invited to create and submit short films to the Sundog 9 Film Festival, premiering Sat. May 12th from 2:00-4:00 p.m. at the Little Art Theatre (in downtown Yellow Springs). Schools in the Greater Dayton-Columbus-Cincinnati areas compete in this regional event, where approximately $1500 in cash and prizes will be awarded in a variety of film genres which may include narrative, experimental, documentary, animation, public service announcement, self-portrait, and music video. In addition, shout-outs for best cinematography, special effects, screen writing, etc. may be given as deemed by the judges.  Sundog mascot, Moxy, will also be there to greet the audience and to present a special award for the best entry with a dog theme. The event is open to the public and admission is free. Entry deadline is 5:00 p.m., Tues. April 24th.  Submissions may be delivered or mailed to:  Sundog 9 Film Festival, c/o Yellow Springs HS, 420 E. Enon Rd., Yellow Springs, OH. 45387. There is a fee of $3 for each entry.

Students and their teachers are also invited to attend the open adjudication, Friday, April 27th, 9:00 a.m. at Fairmont High School, (3301 Shroyer Rd., Kettering, OH. 45429) in the Recital Hall, where a panel of media professionals will screen entries and offer constructive criticism to young filmmakers. Lunch will be provided by festival sponsors.

Sundog Film Festival originated in Yellow Springs in 2003 and is funded by the generosity of downtown businesses and caring individuals.  Ongoing support from YS Arts Council and partnership with FilmDayton have allowed this event to receive greater exposure while continuing to achieving its primary goal of “raising the bar for media arts education.”

Sponsors are needed and any donations of cash, gift cards, or merchandise to use for prizes will be greatly appreciated.  Sponsors will be listed in all promotional materials, including programs and will receive a keepsake poster to hang in their store.  Please contact festival director Melina Elum at [email protected]. for more information.

Twelfth Dayton Jewish International Film Festival

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(Ticket Contest details below this article)

The Twelfth Annual Dayton Jewish International Film Festival will open at the Dayton Art Institute on Tuesday, April 24, at 7 p.m. The festival (running from April 24 through May 10) will bring to Dayton and Yellow Springs the best in Jewish and Israeli cinema, including an international selection of both feature films and documentaries. Festival venues include The Neon Movies in downtown Dayton and The Little Art Theatre in Yellow Springs, as well as a free Israel Independence Day Celebration screening of Dolphin Boy at The Boonshoft Center for Jewish Culture and Education in Centerville on Thursday, April 26, at 7p.m.

(See the DMM Event Calendar for full film festival schedule)

Opening night (Tuesday, April 24, 7 p.m.) at the Dayton Art Institute will feature the festival premiere of The Matchmaker (Feature) 112min, Hebrew with English subtitles. This affectionate, bittersweet feature film tells a dramatic story about life, love and loyalty. Arik, a teenage boy growing up in Haifa in 1968 gets a job working for Yankele Bride, a matchmaker. Yankele introduces Arik to a new world, built on the ruins of an old one. As Arik begins to learn the mysteries of the human heart through his work with Yankele, he falls in love with Tamara, his friend Beni’s cousin. The disparate parts of Arik’s life collide in unexpected, often funny and very moving ways as he lives through a summer that changes him forever.

The 2012 line-up of nine films and 11 screenings includes American and foreign films. The Festival spans genres from thriller to comedy to documentary, and explores varied themes of injustice, love, war, politics, religion, and family relationships.

The Dayton Jewish International Film Festival is presented annually by the Dayton Jewish Community Center (DJCC). “On behalf of the Dayton Jewish Community Center, we are excited to bring an array of thought provoking and light hearted films to the community. Our festival allows participants to view excellent movies that might not otherwise make it to the Dayton area. We are thrilled to showcase these unique films; we have something for everyone.” says Cheryl Carne, Director of the DJCC.

The chairperson of this year’s festival, Alan Chesen, says, “The committee has taken great care to bring a first class film festival to the Dayton area. The lineup is outstanding. This year’s event is truly an international one that includes some films in English and others in languages such as Arabic, German, Hebrew and Russian that are English subtitled. I hope to see you at the movies.”

Season passes and group tickets for single events are available at a discount in advance. For more information please call the DJCC at 937-853-0372 or visit www.jewishdayton.org.

TICKET CONTEST

We have five pairs of tickets for the opening night (Tuesday April 24) of the 2012 Dayton Jewish International Film Festival, courtesy of the Dayton Jewish Community Center and Dayton MostMetro.com!  Simply share this article and then fill out the form below for your chance to win – we’ll announce winners on Wednesday April 18th… GOOD LUCK!

CONTEST CLOSED

Congratulations to:

Peter Wine

Sue Harmeyer

Mary Ann Oppenheimer

Vivienne Himmell

Brian Ferguson

You’re all going to the opening night of the 2012 Dayton Jewish International Film Festival next Tuesday April 24th!  Enjoy the film(s), and be sure to tell your friends!

 

2012 Dayton Jewish International Film Festival Lineup

 

The Matchmaker

Tuesday, April 24  7pm at the Dayton Art Institute (Details)

[yframe url=’http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LCt2YENzxJ0′]

 

Dolphin Boy 

Thursday, April 26  7pm at the Boonshoft Center for Jewish Culture & Education (Details)

[yframe url=’http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=H_s-yZ7Yucw’]

 

Eichmann’s End: Love, Betrayal, Death

Sunday, April 29  5:15pm at The Neon (Details)

[yframe url=’http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oi2HrYqtE8E’]

 

David

Tuesday, May 1 10am at The Neon (Details)

Wednesday, May 9 7pm at Little Art Theatre (Details)

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Berlin 36

Wednesday, May 2 7pm at Little Art Theatre (Details)

Thursday, May 10  7:10pm The Neon (Details)

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Reuniting the Rubins

Thursday, May 3  7:10pm at The Neon (Details)

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Sholem Aleichem: Laughing in the Darkness

Sunday, May 6  2:50pm at The Neon (Details)

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Kaddish for a Friend

Sunday, May 6  7:10pm at The Neon (Details)

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Salsa Tel Aviv

Tuesday, May 8  7:10pm at The Neon (Details)

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