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

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Hello Everyone,

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

We hope to see you soon,
Jonathan

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

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

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

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

COMING SOON:

As always, all dates are tentative.

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

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

THE NEON – Everything Must Go!

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Hello Everyone,

Everything playing this week at THE NEON is heading out. THE HEDGEHOG is gone already, and today is your last chance to catch THIN ICE and FRIENDS WITH KIDS. Tomorrow (Mar. 30)  we start two new films – SALMON FISHING IN THE YEMEN and IN DARKNESS – and they’ll both be playing exclusively at THE NEON!
For today’s remaining showtimes, please visit www.neonmovies.com.

Synopsis for SALMON FISHING IN THE YEMEN: “From the beloved director of CHOCOLAT and the Oscar-winning screenwriter of SLUMDOG MILLIONAIRE comes the inspirational comedy SALMON FISHING IN THE YEMEN. A visionary sheik (Amr Waked) believes his passion for the peaceful pastime of salmon fishing can enrich the lives of his people, and he dreams of bringing the sport to the not so fish-friendly desert. Willing to spare no expense, he instructs his representative (Emily Blunt) to turn the dream into reality, an extraordinary feat that will require the involvement of Britain’s leading fisheries expert (Ewan McGregor) who happens to think the project both absurd and unachievable. That is, until the Prime Minister’s overzealous press secretary (Kristin Scott Thomas) latches on to it as a ‘good will’ story. Now, this unlikely team will put it all on the line and embark on an upstream journey of faith and fish to prove the impossible, possible.” (taken from CBS Films)
Visit the official site.

[yframe url=’http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=K8YgX2EfbZs’]

Synopsis for IN DARKNESS: “In Darkness is based on a true story. Leopold Socha, a sewer worker and petty thief in Lvov, a Nazi occupied city in Poland, one day encounters a group of Jews trying to escape the liquidation of the ghetto. He hides them for money in the labyrinth of the town’s sewers beneath the bustling activity of the city above. What starts out as a straightforward and cynical business arrangement turns into something very unexpected, the unlikely alliance between Socha and the Jews as the enterprise seeps deeper into Socha’s conscience. The film is also an extraordinary story of survival as these men, women and children all try to outwit certain death during 14 months of ever increasing and intense danger.” (taken from Sony Pictures Classics)
Visit the official site.

[yframe url=’http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nb2TyPfxaQU’]

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

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)

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

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

SHOWTIMES for Fri. March 30 – Thur. April 5:

SALMON FISHING IN THE YEMEN (PG-13) 1 Hr 47 Min
Friday, Saturday: 12:20, 2:40, 5:00, 7:20, 9:40
Sunday: 12:20, 5:40, 7:45, 9:50
Monday – Thursday: 2:40, 5:00, 7:20

IN DARKNESS (R) 2 Hr 33 Min
Friday, Saturday, Sunday: 1:00, 4:00, 7:15
Monday – Thursday: 3:30, 7:15

LUNAFEST (NR) Films + Q&A
Sunday: 3:00

COMING SOON:

As always, all dates are tentative.
Many of these dates will change.
In some rare cases, titles may disappear.
April 6 JEFF WHO LIVES AT HOME
TBD PARIAH
April 13 THE RAID
April 20 WE NEED TO TALK ABOUT KEVIN
April 27 FOOTNOTE
mid-May DAMSELS IN DISTRESS
mid/late-May DARLIN COMPANION
May 25 THE BEST EXOTIC MARIGOLD HOTEL
June 1 SOUND OF MY VOICE
July ? BEASTS OF THE SOUTHERN WILD
July ? TO ROME WITH LOVE

THIN ICE + Great NEON News!

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Hello Everyone,

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

COMING SOON:

As always, all dates are tentative.

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

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

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Hello Everyone,

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Thanks for your continued support.

We hope to see you soon,

Jonathan

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

 

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

THE HEDGEHOG (NR) 1 Hr 40 Min

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

Monday – Wednesday: 2:50, 7:30

Thursday: 2:50

 

A SEPARATION (PG-13) 2 Hr 03 Min

Friday, Saturday, Sunday:  5:00, 9:40

Monday – Thursday:  5:00

 

FRIENDS WITH KIDS (R) 1 Hr 47 Min

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

Monday – Thursday: 3:00, 5:15, 8:00

COMING SOON:

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

TBD   PARIAH

TBD   BEING FLYNN

March 23   THIN ICE 

March 30   IN DARKNESS

March 30   WE NEED TO TALK ABOUT KEVIN

April 13   THE RAID

April 27  FOOTNOTE

Spring   SALMON FISHING IN THE YEMEN

mid-May   DAMSELS IN DISTRESS

mid/late-May   DARLIN COMPANION

May 25   THE BEST EXOTIC MARIGOLD HOTEL

June 1   SOUND OF MY VOICE

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

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Hello Everyone,

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Thanks for your continued support.

We hope to see you soon,

Jonathan

 

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

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

A SEPARATION (PG-13) 2 Hr 03 Min

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

Monday – Thursday:  2:40, 5:10, 8:00

 

SHAME (NC-17) 1 Hr 41 Min

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

Monday – Thursday: 2:50, 5:10, 7:30

COMING SOON:

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

TBD   THE HEDGEHOG

TBD   PARIAH

TBD   BEING FLYNN 

March 23   IN DARKNESS

March ?   WE NEED TO TALK ABOUT KEVIN

April ?  FOOTNOTE

Spring   SALMON FISHING IN THE YEMEN

Spring  BEST EXOTIC MARIGOLD HOTEL

Oscar Winner A SEPARATION Starts Friday!

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Hello Everyone,

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

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

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

A SEPARATION – official site

THE ARTIST – official site

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

And The Oscar Goes To…

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A delightful silent film shot in stunning black and white and the moving saga of African-American maids in the Deep South particularly attracted the 6,000 voting members of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences who determined nominees for the 84th annual Academy Awards. “Hugo” leads the pack with 11 nominations, but faces stiff competition from “The Artist,” a frontrunner on the verge of a sweep. Equally noteworthy is the best adapted screenplay category which has local ties thanks to “The Ides of March,” co-written by Beau Willimon, George Clooney and Grant Heslov based on Willimon’s fantastic political drama “Farragut North,” the winner of the 2005 Dayton Playhouse FutureFest.
As always, anything is possible when winners will be revealed Sunday, February 26 at the Hollywood and Highland Center in Los Angeles. I’m especially anticipating the overdue return of host Billy Crystal and his signature musical medley of Best Picture nominees. Here are my predictions in the top six categories.

 

BEST PICTURE

“The Artist”
“The Descendants”
“Extremely Loud & Incredibly Close”
“The Help”
“Hugo”
“Midnight in Paris”
“Moneyball”
“The Tree of Life”
“War Horse”

Overlooked: “50/50”; “A Better Life”; “Beginners”; “Bridesmaids,”; “The Conspirator”; “Contagion”; “Drive”; “The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo”; “Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part 2”; “The Ides of March”; “Like Crazy”; ”Margin Call”; “Melancholia”;  “Super 8”; “Tinker, Tailor, Soldier, Spy”; “Warrior”; “Weekend”;“Win Win”

Will Win: “The Artist”
Should Win/Shocker: “The Help”

I’m still a fan of the Academy’s long-standing tradition of placing five nominees here. Bloating the category to nine still feels excessive. At any rate, “The Artist,” an enjoyable French import saluting bygone Hollywood and the magic of movies, is the clear favorite in the minds of prognosticators and art house aficionados. However, it lacks the gravitas traditionally associated with Best Picture recipients and a compelling emotional center. Did anyone watch “The Artist” and feel a sense of connection? In the scheme of things, it’s important not to underestimate “The Help,” an inherently impactful American tale of triumph in the face of adversity, culturally and financially. Tate Taylor’s wonderfully engrossing adaptation of Kathryn Stockett’s best-seller, the only nominee the majority of America has seen, grossed $170 million. It also sparked a national discussion on civil rights and race relations, fueling the film’s thought-provoking significance in the Obama era. Due to its 10 nominations and critical acclaim, “The Artist” will likely become the second silent Best Picture winner in Oscar history, but I’m hoping “The Help” defies the odds to become the first film since 1932’s “Grand Hotel” to win Best Picture without nominations for direction or screenplay.

 

BEST DIRECTOR

Woody Allen, “Midnight in Paris”
Michel Hazavanicious, “The Artist”
Terrence Malik, “The Tree of Life”
Alexander Payne, “The Descendants”
Martin Scorcese, “Hugo”

Overlooked: J.J. Abrams, “Super 8”; Thomas Alfredson, “Tinker, Tailor, Soldier, Spy”; George Clooney, “The Ides of March”; Stephen Daldry, “Extremely Loud & Incredibly Close”; Drake Doremus, “Like Crazy”; David Fincher, “The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo”; Bennett Miller, “Moneyball”; Mike Mills, “Beginners”; Robert Redford, “The Conspirator”; Nicolas Winding Refn, “Drive”; Steven Soderbergh, “Contagion”; Tate Taylor, “The Help”; Lars von Trier, “Melancholia”; Chris Weitz, “A Better Life”; David Yates, “Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows, Part 2”

Will/Should Win: Hazavanicious
Shocker: Malik

You can never discount Malik, especially when his exquisite yet polarizing “Tree of Life” gained enough support to be nominated for Best Picture over more commercial fare. Scorcese’s contributions are among his finest, but Hazavanicious skillfully resurrected a forgotten genre with intelligence, flair and whimsy.


BEST ACTOR

Demian Bichir, “A Better Life”
George Clooney, “The Descendants”
Jean Dujardin, “The Artist”
Gary Oldman, “Tinker, Tailor, Soldier, Spy”
Brad Pitt, “Moneyball”

Overlooked: Antonio Banderas, “The Skin I Live In”;  Asa Butterfield, “Hugo”; Dominic Cooper, “The Devil’s Double”; Daniel Craig, “The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo”; Tom Cullen, “Weekend”; Leonardo DiCaprio, “J. Edgar”; Joel Edgerton, “Warrior”; Michael Fassbender, “A Dangerous Method” and “Shame”; Paul Giamatti, “Win Win”; Ryan Gosling, “Drive” and “The Ides of March”; Joseph Gordon-Levitt, “50/50”; Tom Hardy, “Warrior”; Woody Harrelson, “Rampart”; Thomas Horn, “Extremely Loud & Incredibly Close”; Jeremy Irvine, “War Horse”; James McAvoy, “The Conspirator”; Ewan McGregor, “Beginners”; Chris New,
“Weekend”; Michael Shannon, “Take Shelter”; Jim Sturgess, “One Day”; Anton Yelchin, “Like Crazy”

Will/Should Win: Dujardin
Shocker: Bichir

Two months ago Clooney seemed unstoppable in his quest for a second Oscar. But as silent film star George Valentin, the incredibly expressive and charismatic Dujardin, attacking the Oscar campaign trail with a foreign charm not seen since Roberto Begnini (“Life is Beautiful”), including a visit to “Saturday Night Live,” scooped up precursor victories from the Screen Actors Guild and British Academy of Film and Television Arts. Although Clooney and Pitt delivered solid portrayals and the superbly understated Bichir could have a last-minute surge, Dujardin is a safe bet, particularly when his exceptionally detailed, Douglas Fairbanks-inspired performance wholeheartedly carries the believability of his film.

 

BEST ACTRESS

Glenn Close, “Albert Nobbs”
Viola Davis, “The Help”
Rooney Mara, “The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo”
Meryl Streep, “The Iron Lady”
Michelle Williams, “My Week with Marilyn”

Overlooked: Kirsten Dunst, “Melancholia”; Vera Farmiga, “Higher Ground”; Anne Hathaway, “One Day”; Felicity Jones, “Like Crazy”; Adepero Oduye, “Pariah”; Elizabeth Olsen, “Martha Marcy May Marlene”; Emma Stone, “The Help”; Tilda Swinton, “We Need to Talk About Kevin”; Charlize Theron, “Young Adult”; Mia Wasikowska, “Jane Eyre”; Rachel Weisz, “The Whistleblower”; Kristen Wiig, “Bridesmaids”; Robin Wright, “The Conspirator”

Will/Should Win: Davis
Shocker: Williams

The heated battle between Davis and Streep isn’t necessarily a nail-biter. Davis is in a Best Picture nominee. Davis has never won an Oscar. Davis received a standing ovation at the Screen Actors Guild Awards. Davis is on the brink of becoming only the second African-American to prevail in this category. Two-time winner Streep, whose excellent embodiment of Margaret Thatcher wasn’t enough to salvage her disjointed film, will undoubtedly return here again and again. In fact, she’ll probably be a serious frontrunner in 2014 for “August: Osage County.” It’s simply time for someone else to bask in the Oscar spotlight. Williams, slowly becoming an Oscar darling, could benefit from vote-splitting among her chief rivals, but expect the Academy to follow SAG and rally behind Davis’ phenomenally complex mix of introverted intensity and heartbreaking emotion as Aibileen Clark. If you’re not sure, just reflect upon “The Help’s” dramatic final minutes. Davis’ knockout confrontation with Bryce Dallas Howard (Hilly Holbrook) and tear-jerking farewell opposite Eleanor Henry (Mae Mobley) is the stuff Oscars are made of. Does Streep compare? Not this year.

 

BEST SUPPORTING ACTOR

Kenneth Branaugh, “My Week with Marilyn”
Jonah Hill, “Moneyball”
Nick Nolte, “Warrior”
Christopher Plummer, “Beginners”
Max von Sydow,” Extremely Loud & Incredibly Close”

Overlooked: Niels Arestrup, “War Horse”; Jim Broadbent, “The Iron Lady”; Albert Brooks, “Drive”; Jesper Christensen, “The Debt”; George Clooney, “The Ides of March”; Robert Forester, “The Descendants”; Paul Giamatti, “The Ides of March”; Armie Hammer, “J. Edgar”; John Hawkes, “Martha Marcy May Marlene”; Philip Seymour Hoffman, “The Ides of March”; Jeremy Irons, “Margin Call”; Ben Kingsley, “Hugo”; Kevin Kline, “The Conspirator”; Hunter McCracken, “The Tree of Life”; Viggo Mortensen, “A Dangerous Method”; Patton Oswalt, “Young Adult”; Brad Pitt, “The Tree of Life”; Christopher Plummer, “The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo”; Alan Rickman, “Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows, Part 2”; Stellan Skarsgard, “Melancholia”; Andy Serkis, “Rise of the Planet of the Apes”; Kevin Spacey, “Margin Call”; Corey Stoll, “Midnight in Paris”; Burt Young, “Win Win”

Will/Should Win: Plummer
Shocker: Von Sydow

Two 82-year-old veterans rule this race. Plummer, splendid as the terminally ill Hal Fields who joyously comes out of the closet, has swept the precursors, but faces a surprising challenge from the quietly captivating von Sydow as an elderly mute who joins his grandson for a life-changing exploration through New York after 9/11. Nonetheless, Plummer, who should have been nominated for “The Sound of Music,” will finally and deservedly be an Oscar winner.

 

BEST SUPPORTING ACTRESS

Berenice Bejo, “The Artist”
Jessica Chastain, “The Help”
Melissa McCarthy, “Bridesmaids”
Janet McTeer, “Albert Nobbs”
Octavia Spencer, “The Help”

Overlooked: Kathy Bates, “Midnight in Paris,”; Sandra Bullock, “Extremely Loud & Incredibly Close”; Jessica Chastain, “The Debt,” “Take Shelter” and “The Tree of Life”; Marion Cotillard, “Midnight in Paris”; Judi Dench, “J. Edgar”; Dagmara Dominczyk, “Higher Ground”; Elle Fanning, “Super 8”; Charlotte Gainsbourg, “Melancholia”; Bryce Dallas Howard, “The Help”; Anjelica Houston, “50/50”;  Allison Janney, “The Help”; Keira Knightley, “A Dangerous Method”; Helen McCrory, “Hugo”; Carey Mulligan, “Drive” and “Shame”;  Vanessa Redgrave, “Coriolanus”; Maya Rudolph, “Bridesmaids”; Amy Ryan, “Win Win”; Sissy Spacek, “The Help”; Marisa Tomei, “The Ides of March”; Cicely Tyson, “The Help”; Emily Watson, “War Horse”; Naomi Watts, “J. Edgar”; Evan Rachel Wood, “The Conspirator” and “The Ides of March”; Shailene Woodley, “The Descendants”

Will/Should Win: Spencer
Shocker: McTeer

This is a terrific slate, particularly the inclusions of breakthrough talent Chastain and the strikingly transformative McTeer. Still, Spencer’s marvelous Minny Jackson was a luminously earthy, comedic and dramatic force to be reckoned with. Hopefully she will make Oscar history by joining Davis to become the first African-American duo to take leading and supporting honors. Davis and Spencer’s probable acceptance speeches could be very powerful so you might want to keep some tissues handy.

 

The 84th annual Academy Awards, hosted by Billy Crystal, will be telecast live on ABC Sunday, February 26 at 8:30 p.m. In related news, The Neon Movies, 130 E. Fifth St. in downtown Dayton, The Little Art Theatre, 247 Xenia Ave. in Yellow Springs, and FilmDayton will host Oscar parties Sunday evening. For information about the Neon’s festivities, call (937) 222-7469 or visit www.neonmovies.com. For Little Art inquiries, call (937) 767-7671 or visit www.littleart.com. For FilmDayton’s festivities, which will be held at Geez Grill and Pub, visit www.filmdayton.com

 

PINA is visceral tour de force must see film for everyone

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Having reviewed dance in Dayton for DMM for the last season and a half I have always talked about my love and passion for all things related to dance. This passion has driven me literally to commute to Columbus for three years for a Masters Degree in dance. I have sacrificed my paycheck to send a needy student away to a summer dance program to give them a chance. I am willing to get up at the crack of dawn to read dance articles and watch YouTube clips of companies from around the world. I have drawn the ire from some people in this community because of my honest and less than salutatory reviews of our local dance companies. It is obvious my passion is deep and resolute.

After seeing Pina I feel the sacrifice and passion are vindicated. This was more than a film about dance it was a visceral journey to a world that we so rarely get to see and inhabit. It is a world in which the singularity of Pina’s vision as an art maker (choreographer is just too limiting of a term) is brilliantly mapped out by the legendary filmmaker Wim Wenders with such loving and passionate detail. It is fascinating hearing her dancers speak about their lives with her, the company is still in existence and performing her work even though she passed away in 2009. They tell us how she did not need to over explain her process, that they [the dancers] will get it. You will get it to as a audience. Seeing that their commitment has an almost quasi-religious fervor, that they are missionaries for the high priestess that was and is Pina Bausch, was inspiring.

But what stood out to me the most was the assemblage of her stage works for the film. The carefully chosen locations for outside performances, which were juxtaposed against the staged works was fluid. It made you feel as a viewer that the level she is operating at as an art maker transcends the confines of mere mortal comprehension and limitations of the proscenium stage. This is heady stuff but it is also rooted in the emotive and spiritual realm that only a genius can tap into for artistic inspiration. We have to acknowledge in a world were everyone thinks they are special and worthy, that we are not, when faced with the staggering creative abilities of Pina Bausch. It is humbling. I couldn’t breathe after seeing this film. I ran through a gambit of emotions just walking to my car, culminating in tears.

I have said in several reviews and speaking at the last installment of Pecha Kucha that the Dayton Arts community needs to step it up. I have been very critical of the arts patrons for not educating themselves about the world outside the bubble of Dayton. Here is a golden opportunity if you are willing to take the journey. Jonathan and the crew at the Neon Movies have provided us with a venue to view brilliance. There are no more excuses.

After seeing this masterpiece (which I am planning to see again at least two more times), I am even more committed to this crusade for “quality” being the lynch pin of the art viewing experience in our community. So dance community of Dayton, I am serving notice. In the immortal words of Bette Davis, “Fasten your seatbelts, it’s going to be a bumpy night!” This film is here for a limited one-week engagement if you miss it, shame on you. This is the level we should all be striving for as art makers and patrons. It took a movie to give me the visceral dance experience that I have desperately wanted to see on our local stages.

“Pina” A must see film for lovers of dance and film!

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It is not very often that I get to write about dance presented in a different medium. But a film like Pina is an exception worthy of all of the attention and buzz. This incredible documentary is of the works of Pina Bausch, one the most stunningly original artistic voices of our lifetime. Ms. Bausch agreed to work with the brilliant film director Wim Wenders, who was inspired to create the film after seeing a performance of her company Tanztheater Wuppertal Pina Bausch. Filmed in 3-D and 2-D, this is a dazzling treat no matter the cinematic format. In the film, you will get the opportunity to see her work as presented on the stage and also re-staged for non traditional spaces, including the outdoors. The visceral nature of her work was ripe for this cinematic love poem. Her singular vision is something to behold. Do not be surprised if you encounter all of the dancers from our community in the audience. They are delirious with excitement to experience this film. I can think of no better endorsement.

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

To learn more about the company and Pina Bausch go to:

http://www.pina-bausch.de/en/index.php

Pina is currently in the running for a Best Documentary Oscar at the 84th Annual Academy Awards being presented this Sunday. And honestly when can you say you have seen one of the oscar nominated films in this category?

PINA opens Feb. 24 at the Neon Movies and showtimes are below:
Fri, Sat, Sun (Feb 24-26)
2:45, 5:00, 7:20, 9:30

PINA Starts Friday + New Oscar Party News!

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Hello Everyone,

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Thanks for your continued support.

We hope to see you soon,

Jonathan

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

 

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

ALBERT NOBBS (R) 1 Hrs 53 Min

Friday, Saturday, Sunday:  12:20

PINA (PG) 1 Hr 43 Min

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

Mon – Thur: 2:45, 5:00, 7:20 

THE ARTIST (PG-13) 1 Hr 40 Min

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

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

Sunday: 12:40, 2:50, 5:10

Monday – Wednesday: 2:50, 5:10, 7:30

Thursday: 2:50, 5:10

COMING SOON:

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

In some rare cases, titles may disappear.

TBD   THE HEDGEHOG 

TBD   SHAME

TBD   PARIAH 

March 9   A SEPARATION 

March 23   IN DARKNESS

March ?   WE NEED TO TALK ABOUT KEVIN

April ?  FOOTNOTE

Film Review – Ghost Rider – Spirit of Vengeance (C+)

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I don’t think a movie has ever benefitted more strongly from comparison with its predecessor.

Directed by Mark Neveldine from a story by David Goyer (of Blade, Batman Begins and FlashForward fame), Ghost Rider: Spirit of Vengeance is by no means a great film. In fact, it’s rather woefully put together in some ways, and if you’re not a fan of Nicolas Cage I’d skip it altogether, since this is definitely one of his more idiosyncratic performances. But compared to his earlier turn as the skull-faced superhero in 2007, Spirit of Vengeance is a masterpiece.

Cage returns as Johnny Blaze, a former daredevil motorcyclist who sold his soul to the Devil, and is now doomed to transform into the titular demon whenever bad guys are around. On the bum in Eastern Europe, Blaze becomes the (reluctant) guardian angel of a young boy and his mother after being offered a chance to be freed of his curse in exchange for protecting them.

Let’s start with what works. First off, the filmmakers get the tone right this time around. Unlike its often jarringly goofy and light-hearted predecessor, SoV is a darker take on the material, and the change is overwhelmingly for the better. There’s still plenty of humor, of both the intentional and presumably unintentional variety (one scene in particular, featuring Cage at his hammiest as he terrorizes a hapless goon, had the audience at the Rave falling out of their seats), but overall this one is much edgier.

Johnny’s characterization has been much improved as well. Whereas the first film’s version of Blaze seemed to have things pretty well in hand by the time the credits rolled, Johnny 2.0 is a brooding, isolated figure struggling to control his alter ego and desperately searching for a cure, like a supernatural update on The Incredible Hulk.

Finally, the title character himself cuts a much more impressive figure in his second big-screen outing. The first film’s visual effects were underwhelming at best and downright laughable at worst; the transformation sequences were dismal, and the finished product looked like something out of an old Looney Tunes short. In contrast, the Rider looks downright menacing here, with scorched bones, flames that produce actual smoke, and grimy black duds that remind me of Jason in the old Friday the 13th movies. More than anything, he looks like he’s actually there, and that makes all the difference.

The film has its weaknesses, don’t get me wrong. None of the characters besides Blaze are especially well-developed, the villains are one-dimensional mustache twirlers, and the editing during some of the action sequences is confusing and leaves much to be desired. Some of the transitions between scenes are a bit jarring as well. My biggest problem with the film, however, is with the 3-D presentation.

Now, I need to make a confession: this is the first 3-D film I’ve actually seen. So there may be some kind of a learning curve involved, or the conditions at the theater where I saw it may not have been ideal (I was sitting awfully close to the screen, for instance, and I’ve heard the effect works better if you’re sitting somewhere near the middle). Maybe, as a friend of mine suggested after the screening, this particular film simply doesn’t benefit from the process as much as other films would. But, personally, I found the 3-D aspect of the viewing to be distracting and even borderline irritating at times.

First, the glasses. I was aware of the fact that I was wearing them the entire time, and I was constantly aware of the black bars around the perimeter of my vision (especially since I was sitting so close to the screen, which made me have to move my eyes back and forth much more than I’m used to in order to follow the action). Second, while the 3-D looked cool in a few places, it mostly amounted to people standing around on screen and me thinking, “Well, they certainly stand out more against the background than they usually would.” Not nearly cool enough to balance out the inconveniences involved, in other words.

All in all, however, I had a good time watching this film, and it was miles better than the original (for my take on that one, by the way, check out my blog, which is linked on my Contributor page). I give it two-and-a-half out of four flaming skullheads (C+).

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

Audiences Are Loving ALBERT NOBBS!

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Hello Everyone,

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

THE ARTIST – official site.

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

ALBERT NOBBS – official site.

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

PINA – official site.

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

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

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

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

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

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

Thanks for your continued support.

We hope to see you soon,

Jonathan

 

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

ALBERT NOBBS (R) 1 Hrs 53 Min

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

Monday – Thursday: 2:40, 5:00, 7:20

 

THE ARTIST (PG-13) 1 Hr 40 Min

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

Monday – Thursday: 2:50, 5:10, 7:30

COMING SOON:

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

In some rare cases, titles may disappear.

Feb. 24 PINA

TBD THE HEDGEHOG

TBD SHAME

TBD PARIAH

March 9 A SEPARATION

March 23 IN DARKNESS

March ? WE NEED TO TALK ABOUT KEVIN

April ? FOOTNOTE

And the nominees for best party are….

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No – I’m not talking about who’ll win what on Oscar night – I’m talking about where you’re going to party to celebrate! Dayton is a film community, and as such – we’ve got different parties for all different tastes to celebrate the Academy Awards. Want to dress up in your finest or stay cozy in your PJs? Want to watch the show for free or make a donation to a local nonprofit? Want to sit in a theatre and enjoy it on a big screen or hang out in a bar with friends to watch it on 14 smaller screens? Like I said – something for everyone. Here’s a taste:

You’re interested in a very “comfy” event? Check out Jeans ’n’ Jammies at the Little Art Theatre in Yellow Springs. There will be a screening of the ceremony and a cash bar will be available serving the Little Artini (among other tasty beverages). The Oscars at the Little Art will be preceded at 6:00 p.m. by a pre-party at the Winds Café, just a short walk from the theater, where heavy appetizers and complimentary wine will be served thanks to Mary Kay Smith and Kim Korkan of the Winds Café.  At 7:30 p.m. partygoers will proceed to the red carpet at the Little Art in time to catch the Oscars on the big screen – served up with free popcorn.  For those who wish to go early, the Hollywood red carpet arrivals will be showing at the Little Art at 7:00 p.m. Admission to the entire program is $50, of which $35 is a tax deductible contribution to the nonprofit Little Art Theatre Association. Attendees are invited to come in their pajamas. But, if they are not comfortable with relaxed attire in public, they may opt for jeans. Prizes will be awarded for best Jammies for couple and individual, for correctly predicting winners in the major categories, and for winners of a movie trivia contest. Local actor Howard Shook will emcee the event. Go to littleart.com or call Maureen Lynch at 937-901-1920 for more details and to RSVP.

Looking to stay closer to the center city, but still have that big screen experience? Don’t miss the Oscar Party at the NEON! This free event is a great chance to enjoy the ceremony with your friends in the very theatre that first showed many of the Oscar nominated films to our region.  Known throughout the Miami Valley for bringing the latest and best in independent and foreign cinema, THE NEON screened numerous films that have been nominated for Academy Awards.  Movies that screened over the past year garnered over 30 Oscar nominations, and that number will continue to grow in the coming weeks. Ballots are currently available in THE NEON’s lobby for attendees to begin making their Oscar predictions.  On the night of the party, ballots must be turned in before the first Academy Award is given – and prizes (including soundtracks, screenplays, and dvds) will be awarded throughout the evening for correct guesses.  At the end of the night, the person with the most correct predictions will win “The Star Treatment” – a gift basket from Square Salon & Spa and THE NEON.  (Must be present to win.)  Seating for this year’s party will begin at approximately 7pm and will be on a first-come, first-served basis. NOTE: The Neon is grateful to ThinkTV who provides assistance in acquiring a strong signal for the broadcast.

Like the casual feel, but want a more social night out? Check out the FilmDayton Oscar Party. Moving from the big screen to the small screen, they’ll have the ceremony broadcast on 14  flat screens at Geez Grill and Pub (off Far Hills in Centerville). Doors open at 7:30 PM and you’ll be able to grab some great food, enjoy the cash bar, bid on some great silent auction prizes, compete in a 50/50 cash prize for the best ballot, and play along with Oscar Bingo. Join FilmDayton to mingle with the filmmakers, film lovers, and friends who think the Oscars are a great excuse for a fun party. It’s a great night that encourages grabbing a table, chatting with your friends, and watching who wore what, who got Oscar, and who got robbed. $10 for FilmDayton members and $20 for nonmembers. More information here. This fundraiser for FilmDayton helps support the educational programming that the organization offers throughout the region and supports the annual FilmDayton Festival.

Oscar Nominee ALBERT NOBBS Starts Friday at THE NEON

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Hello Everyone,

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

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

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

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

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

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

Thanks for your continued support.

We hope to see you soon,

Jonathan

 

 

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

ALBERT NOBBS (R) 1 Hrs 53 Min

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

Monday – Thursday:  2:40, 5:00, 7:20

 

THE ARTIST (PG-13) 1 Hr 40 Min

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

Monday – Thursday: 2:50, 5:10, 7:30 

COMING SOON:

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

Feb. 24  PINA

TBD   THE HEDGEHOG 

TBD   SHAME

TBD   PARIAH 

March 9   A SEPARATION 

March 23   IN DARKNESS

March ?   WE NEED TO TALK ABOUT KEVIN

April ?  FOOTNOTE

A DANGEROUS METHOD Opens Friday at THE NEON!

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Hello Everyone,

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

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

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

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

Visit the official website by clicking this LINK.

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

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

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

See you soon,

Jonathan

 

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

A DANGEROUS METHOD (R) 1 Hrs 39 Min

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

Monday – Thursday: 3:00, 5:15, 7:30

THE ARTIST (PG-13) 1 Hr 40 Min

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

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

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

Monday – Thursday: 2:45, 5:00, 7:20

CALL OF THE SCENIC RIVER: AN OHIO JOURNEY

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

COMING SOON:

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

In some cases, titles may disappear.

Feb. ? ALBERT NOBBS

TBD THE HEDGEHOG

TBD SHAME

TBD A SEPARATION

March 16 WE NEED TO TALK ABOUT KEVIN

THE ARTIST – Now Playing at THE NEON!

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Hello Everyone,

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

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

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Thanks much…and see you soon!

Jonathan