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On Screen Dayton

Almodovar’s PARALLEL MOTHERS and Stunning Refugee Doc FLEE at The Neon

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Two films are rolling in and two films are rolling out! If you still need to see THE VELVET QUEEN or RED ROCKET, Thursday will be your last chance to catch them at THE NEON. On Friday, we will open Almodóvar’s new film with Penelope Cruz – PARALLEL MOTHERS (one of my absolute favorites of 2021). In addition, we’ll bring the very special animated doc FLEE for three screenings this weekend! LICORICE PIZZA is sticking around for another week, and because DRIVE MY CAR saw a nice uptick over the weekend, we’ll bring it back for three more shows starting Friday.

On February 4, we will open one of the most powerful documentaries I have seen in a long time – WHO WE ARE: A CHRONICLE OF RACISM IN AMERICA. I think this film should be part of a national curriculum. I hope you’ll help me spread the word about this doc that needs a groundswell of support to gain traction. Here’s a LINK to the trailer.
As most of you know, we closed our doors for 3+ months in 2020 due to the COVID pandemic. We reopened with strict protocols in late June that year and have only closed our doors again when we installed new projectors last Fall. It’s been a challenging ride for numerous reasons…but you’ve stuck with us, and we appreciate your support so much. We’ve had a few successes along the way – NOMADLAND, SUMMER OF SOUL, and THE FRENCH DISPATCH have been the highlights – and now LICORICE PIZZA has become our highest grossing film since we reopened our doors in June 2020. Thank you!
NEW IN-PERSON ENGAGEMENTS:
Synopsis for PARALLEL MOTHERS: “Don’t miss Pedro Almodóvar’s gorgeous new film on the big screen! “Two women, Janis and Ana, coincide in a hospital room where they are going to give birth. Both are single and became pregnant by accident. Janis, middle-aged, doesn’t regret it and she is exultant. The other, Ana, an adolescent, is scared, repentant and traumatized. Janis tries to encourage her while they move like sleepwalkers along the hospital corridors. The few words they exchange in these hours will create a very close link between the two, which by chance develops and complicates, and changes their lives in a decisive way.” (Sony Classics) EMPIRE writes, “Almodóvar juggles comedy and drama to terrifically entertaining ends, aided by a tip-top Penélope Cruz. It’s hard to think of a more exciting actor-director partnership working today.” Click the image below to watch the film’s trailer.
Synopsis for FLEE: Rated “98% Fresh” – “FLEE tells the story of Amin Nawabi as he grapples with a painful secret he has kept hidden for 20 years, one that threatens to derail the life he has built for himself and his soon to be husband. Recounted mostly through animation to director Jonas Poher Rasmussen, he tells for the first time the story of his extraordinary journey as a child refugee from Afghanistan.” (Neon Releasing) Don’t miss this gorgeous documentary that is certain to be an Academy Award contender this year! ABC News says, “The year’s most inventive animated adventure mixes graphic design with documentary realism and puts hallucinatory brilliance at the service of understanding the continuing psychic damage of war. You’ll never forget it.” Click the image below to watch the film’s trailer.
CONTINUING IN OUR VIRTUAL CINEMA
To read more about all the films that are still available, please visit our WEBSITE. Here’s a LINK with a video I made about how Virtual Cinema works. Our Virtual Cinema is slowing down, but we still want to bring new films now and again that deserve to be seen that you can enjoy from home! As a reminder, THE LAST PICTURE SHOW and A RAISIN IN THE SUN are only available until January 31!
UPCOMING SPECIAL EVENT:
Last week, I let you know about special screenings of ANYTHING GOES – set for March 27 & 30. Tickets are already on sale! What I’m even more excited about is that WSU’s Joe Deer, who was in the 1987 Broadway revival of ANYTHING GOES and has directed productions of this show several times, will introduce the screening on Wednesday, March 30. This is a filmed version of last summer’s West End production starring the luminous Sutton Foster. Don’t miss this Cole Porter treat on the big screen! Tickets are $12.50 available now at our box office or on-line! More details can be found on our website. Click the image below to watch a trailer.
THE NEON wants to keep our Staff and Patrons safe! Our Board of Directors has sought advisement from Combined Health Dayton & Montgomery County and the Center for Disease Control…we’re also looking at other arthouse cinemas in major markets across the country. We have recently made one minor change to our policy. Masks are now required for all guests age 2 and higher until further notice.  All patrons aged 12 and over will be required to present proof of vaccination with a photo ID or a negative COVID-19 test from the last 72 hours. (Self-reported vaccination records not verified by a third party health care provider are not acceptable. Test results must include name, test result, and a timestamp within the past 72 hours.) We will continue to monitor the community’s health data and amend our policies based on guidance. Please stay tuned to THE NEON’s website for the latest updates. A couple helpful hints!! Take a single picture of your photo ID and your vaccination card in the same shot. You’ll be able to flash this photo at our box office, and that will work as proof enough for us. If you have a smart phone, you could also download the app that most folks in NYC are using to get into movies, Broadway shows and restaurants – NYCCOVIDSAFE. This app will have you take a photo of your ID and your vaccine card – and it saves you from having to hunt for a photo on your phone. I downloaded it, and it’s very easy to use.
Please remember – We ask that you arrive before showtime to allow for checking everyone in before the auditorium gets dark!
Thank you for all of your continued support through these challenging times!
We hope to see you soon,
Jonathan

Dayton Dinner Theater presents “The Princess Bride”

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Dayton Dinner Theater presents “The Princess Bride”! See a classic family favorrite on the big screen in a fun group, interactive setting at The Brightside Music & Event Venue.

Enjoy Chef-inspired themed food, desserts, and cocktails from Brock Masterson. Before the movie, organizers have arranged for live-themed music featuring the renowned Dr. Willie Morris and the University of Dayton Jazz Ensemble.

During the movie, show your skills with DDT’s famous interactive quote contest, fun facts, theme spotting, and a trivia contest during intermission. Although these movie parties are geared more towards adults, they are family-friendly.

When? Jan 30, 6:00 PM – 9:20 PM. Doors open at 5:45pm. Food and live music are available from 6-7pm, the movie starts at 7pm,  a short intermission for dessert and trivia will start at 8pm. The movie ends around 9 pm.

Where? The Brightside Event Center, 905 E 3rd St, Dayton, OH 45402
Note: Table reservations only for parties of 6 or more, otherwise, we have open seating.

Cost: $35 tickets available at daytondinnertheater.com. Advance tickets are required.

About the Event:

Themed Food: TBA (maybe some stew, something that looks like mutton, something w/fire in the name, and maybe a peanut?)

Themed Drinks: The Battle of Wits (sparkling grape juice, vodka, cherry, pixie stick poison), The Buttercup (Butterscotch liquor, light cream, rum, cinnamon stick stirrer)

Themed Attire: You can be a Prince, a Pirate, a Princess, a Pauper, a Giant, or a Swordsman.  If you dress up as a ROUS, we will give you extra cheese.

 

Neon Newsflash: RED ROCKET and THE VELVET QUEEN!

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This Friday, we’re bringing two new films to town. The mesmerizing documentary THE VELVET QUEEN and the boisterous and critically acclaimed RED ROCKET. Both of these films might only play for a week…so hurry down. LICORICE PIZZA will stick around for another week, and DRIVE MY CAR will stick around for one show per day over the weekend. If you still need to see THE TRAGEDY OF MACBETH on the big screen, Thursday will be your last chance at THE NEON.

Several distributors are moving dates around this season, so we will likely be filling the early weeks of February with some critically lauded titles from earlier in the Awards Season that deserve to be seen on the big screen – like THE POWER OF THE DOG and THE LOST DAUGHTER. I’ll keep you posted. That said, we’re still on track to open two incredible new films next Friday (both of which will likely garner Academy Award nominations) – Almodovar’s PARALLEL MOTHERS and the animated documentary FLEE.
One special event that I know many of you will be excited about is now set for March 27 & 30 – 2 special screenings of ANYTHING GOES – a filmed version of last summer’s West End production starring the luminous Sutton Foster. This Cole Porter treasure is a treat! Tickets are available now! More details can be found on our website.
NEW IN-PERSON ENGAGEMENT:
Synopsis for THE VELVET QUEEN: “In the heart of the Tibetan highlands, multi-award-winning nature photographer Vincent Munier guides writer Sylvain Tesson on his quest to document the infamously elusive snow leopard. Munier introduces Tesson to the subtle art of waiting from a blind spot, tracking animals, and finding the patience to catch sight of the beasts. Through their journey in the Tibetan peaks, inhabited by invisible presences, the two men ponder humankind’s place amongst the magnificent creatures and glorious landscapes they encounter along the way.” (Oscilloscope) Click the image below to watch the film’s trailer.
Synopsis for RED ROCKET: “The audacious new film from writer-director Sean Baker (THE FLORIDA PROJECT and TANGERINE), starring Simon Rex in a magnetic, live-wire performance, RED ROCKET is a darkly funny and humane portrait of a uniquely American hustler and a hometown that barely tolerates him.” (A24) The Chicago Tribune says this film is “Raunchy, restless, cinematically vital…” Click the image below to watch the film’s trailer.
CONTINUING IN OUR VIRTUAL CINEMA
To read more about all the films that are still available, please visit our WEBSITE. Here’s a LINK with a video I made about how Virtual Cinema works. Our Virtual Cinema is slowing down, but we still want to bring new films now and again that deserve to be seen that you can enjoy from home! As a reminder, THE LAST PICTURE SHOW and A RAISIN IN THE SUN are only available until January 31!
UPCOMING SPECIAL EVENT
January 20th  – A DREAM TO SERVE THROUGH EDUCATION is a new short documentary that is being presented by the founder of The Dayton School. “The Dayton School (TDS) is an up and coming revolutionary educational experience for students, families, and the surrounding community. The school will specifically service Dayton students, however, through after school programming and community partners we plan to offer educational experiences for TDS families and the community. This documentary outlines a story of a young woman’s journey of resilience through poverty to educational success. Follow her on this voyage as she transforms humbling life lessons and early teaching experiences into passion and commitment to create rewarding education environments for all Dayton families. Witness her unflagging support for the Dayton community as a dedicated educator inside and outside of the classroom. It is the belief of The Dayton School that every child, regardless of zip code, economic status, or culture, deserves a free holistic project based style education that transcends beyond high school. The Dayton School has a mission to improve access, opportunity, and resources for students through multiple exemplary education pathways. This short 30 minute documentary can be viewed for $10 on Thursday January 20th at 7:30pm at THE NEON. After viewing the film The Dayton School’s board, and/or film participants will be available for questions, comments, and discussion. Tickets are available at THE NEON’s Box Office or via this LINK. For more information regarding The Dayton School, including ways in which you can support prior to viewing, please visit Daytonschoolohio.org.” (taken from press notes)
THE NEON wants to keep our Staff and Patrons safe! Our Board of Directors has sought advisement from Combined Health Dayton & Montgomery County and the Center for Disease Control…we’re also looking at other arthouse cinemas in major markets across the country. We have recently made one minor change to our policy. Masks are now required for all guests age 2 and higher until further notice.  All patrons aged 12 and over will be required to present proof of vaccination with a photo ID or a negative COVID-19 test from the last 72 hours. (Self-reported vaccination records not verified by a third party health care provider are not acceptable. Test results must include name, test result, and a timestamp within the past 72 hours.) We will continue to monitor the community’s health data and amend our policies based on guidance. Please stay tuned to THE NEON’s website for the latest updates. A couple helpful hints!! Take a single picture of your photo ID and your vaccination card in the same shot. You’ll be able to flash this photo at our box office, and that will work as proof enough for us. If you have a smart phone, you could also download the app that most folks in NYC are using to get into movies, Broadway shows and restaurants – NYCCOVIDSAFE. This app will have you take a photo of your ID and your vaccine card – and it saves you from having to hunt for a photo on your phone. I downloaded it, and it’s very easy to use.
Please remember – We ask that you arrive before showtime to allow for checking everyone in before the auditorium gets dark!
Thank you for all of your continued support through these challenging times!
We hope to see you soon,
Jonathan

NEON NEWSFLASH: Award Winning DRIVE MY CAR Opens Friday!

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This Friday, we will open one of the most acclaimed & awarded films of 2021 – DRIVE MY CAR. This Japanese drama is quite likely to be a big contender at this year’s Academy Awards…so don’t miss it on the big screen – it may only be here for a week! LICORICE PIZZA will stick around for another week on a full schedule, and THE TRAGEDY OF MACBETH will be here for one show per day until January 20.
In the next few weeks, we have some really wonderful films. PARALLEL MOTHERS(fantastic new film from Almodovar with a powerful central performance from Penelope Cruz), FLEE (an animated documentary that will likely garner at least 2 Oscar nominations), and THE VELVET QUEEN (a mesmerizing nature doc set in the Tibetan highlands). We hope to see you often.
During the entire pandemic, we have not raised our ticket prices…even though cost of goods have been rising across the board for months and months. Unfortunately, we have to make a change. Tickets will be going up 50 cents starting this Friday, and we will be exploring our concession prices in the coming days, too. Our prices will still be far below the multiplexes in town, and we hope you can understand the need for this change.
NEW IN-PERSON ENGAGEMENT:
Synopsis for DRIVE MY CAR: Winner of multiple awards around the world including the National Society of Film Critics’ “Best Picture” and “Best Director” prizes. “Two years after his wife’s unexpected death, Yusuke Kafuku (Hidetoshi Nishijima), a renowned stage actor and director, receives an offer to direct a production of Uncle Vanya at a theater festival in Hiroshima. There, he meets Misaki Watari (Toko Miura), a taciturn young woman assigned by the festival to chauffeur him in his beloved red Saab 900. As the production’s premiere approaches, tensions mount amongst the cast and crew, not least between Yusuke and Koji Takatsuki, a handsome TV star who shares an unwelcome connection to Yusuke’s late wife. Forced to confront painful truths raised from his past, Yusuke begins – with the help of his driver – to face the haunting mysteries his wife left behind. Adapted from Haruki Murakami’s short story, Ryusuke Hamaguchi’s DRIVE MY CAR is a haunting road movie traveling a path of love, loss, acceptance, and peace.” (Janus Films) Click the image below to watch the film’s trailer.
CONTINUING IN OUR VIRTUAL CINEMA
We added two classics to our Virtual Cinema over the weekend (available until Jan. 31), and we still have a handful of contemporary titles available. To read more about all the films that are still available, please visit our WEBSITE. Here’s a LINK with a video I made about how Virtual Cinema works. Our Virtual Cinema is slowing down, but we still want to bring new films now and again that deserve to be seen that you can enjoy from home! More titles are on the way…stay tuned!
In memory of the late, great Peter Bogdanovich – who passed away last week – we have secured the rights to his classic American film THE LAST PICTURE SHOW. Also known for directing other great films such as PAPER MOON, WHAT’S UP DOC? and MASK, THE LAST PICTURE SHOW was the movie that put Bogdanovich on the map. “Released in 1971 to critical acclaim and public controversy, THE LAST PICTURE SHOW garnered eight Academy Award nominations and was hailed as the most important work by a young American director since CITIZEN KANE. A surprisingly frank, bittersweet drama of social and sexual mores in small-town Texas, the film features a talent-laden cast led by Jeff Bridges (THE BIG LEBOWSKI), Cybill Sheperd (TV’s MOONLIGHTING) and Timothy Bottoms (THE PAPER CHASE). Cloris Leachman (TV’s THE MARY TYLER MOORE SHOW) and Ben Johnson (THE WILD BUNCH) each won Oscars for their work in supporting roles.” (Sony) Click on the image below to watch the trailer and rent the film. This film can be viewed on your computer or mobile device or via your TV with Apple TV or Roku (via the Eventive app). Once you unlock the film for $10, you’ll have 24 hours to finish watching it. Additional instructions can be found on Eventive’s Help Page.
In memory of the incomparable Sidney Poitier – who passed away last week – we have secured the rights to A RAISIN IN THE SUN – the screen adaptation of the award-winning play. Also known for great performances in films like IN THE HEAT OF THE NIGHT, THEY CALL ME MR. TIBBS!, GUESS WHO’S COMING TO DINNER?, LILLIES OF THE FIELD (for which he won an Oscar) and so many more, A RAISIN IN THE SUN saw him performing alongside Ruby Dee and Claudia McNeil. “A RAISIN IN THE SUN is a groundbreaking drama celebrating the human spirit, featuring an electrifying performance by Sidney Poitier. The Younger family, frustrated with living in their crowded Chicago apartment, sees the arrival of a $10,000 insurance check as the answer to their prayers. Matriarch Lena Younger promptly puts a down payment on a house in an all-white suburban neighborhood. But the family is divided when Lena entrusts the balance of the money to her mercurial son Walter Lee, against the wishes of her daughter and daughter-in-law. It takes the strength and integrity of this African-American family to battle against generations of prejudice to try to achieve their piece of the American Dream.” (Sony) Click on the image below to watch the trailer and rent the film. This film can be viewed on your computer or mobile device or via your TV with Apple TV or Roku (via the Eventive app). Once you unlock the film for $10, you’ll have 24 hours to finish watching it. Additional instructions can be found on Eventive’s Help Page.
UPCOMING SPECIAL EVENT
A DREAM TO SERVE THROUGH EDUCATION is a new short documentary that is being presented by the founder of The Dayton School. “The Dayton School (TDS) is an up and coming revolutionary educational experience for students, families, and the surrounding community. The school will specifically service Dayton students, however, through after school programming and community partners we plan to offer educational experiences for TDS families and the community. This documentary outlines a story of a young woman’s journey of resilience through poverty to educational success. Follow her on this voyage as she transforms humbling life lessons and early teaching experiences into passion and commitment to create rewarding education environments for all Dayton families. Witness her unflagging support for the Dayton community as a dedicated educator inside and outside of the classroom. It is the belief of The Dayton School that every child, regardless of zip code, economic status, or culture, deserves a free holistic project based style education that transcends beyond high school. The Dayton School has a mission to improve access, opportunity, and resources for students through multiple exemplary education pathways. This short 30 minute documentary can be viewed for $10 on Thursday January 20th at 7:30pm at THE NEON. After viewing the film The Dayton School’s board, and/or film participants will be available for questions, comments, and discussion. Tickets are available at THE NEON’s Box Office or via this LINK. For more information regarding The Dayton School, including ways in which you can support prior to viewing, please visit Daytonschoolohio.org.” (taken from press notes)
THE NEON wants to keep our Staff and Patrons safe! Our Board of Directors has sought advisement from Combined Health Dayton & Montgomery County and the Center for Disease Control…we’re also looking at other arthouse cinemas in major markets across the country. We have recently made one minor change to our policy. Masks are now required for all guests age 2 and higher until further notice.  All patrons aged 12 and over will be required to present proof of vaccination with a photo ID or a negative COVID-19 test from the last 72 hours. (Self-reported vaccination records not verified by a third party health care provider are not acceptable. Test results must include name, test result, and a timestamp within the past 72 hours.) We will continue to monitor the community’s health data and amend our policies based on guidance. Please stay tuned to THE NEON’s website for the latest updates. A couple helpful hints!! Take a single picture of your photo ID and your vaccination card in the same shot. You’ll be able to flash this photo at our box office, and that will work as proof enough for us. If you have a smart phone, you could also download the app that most folks in NYC are using to get into movies, Broadway shows and restaurants – NYCCOVIDSAFE. This app will have you take a photo of your ID and your vaccine card – and it saves you from having to hunt for a photo on your phone. I downloaded it, and it’s very easy to use.
Please remember – We ask that you arrive before showtime to allow for checking everyone in before the auditorium gets dark!
Thank you for all of your continued support through these challenging times!
We hope to see you soon,
Jonathan

Neon News: Denzel & Frances in Joel Coen’s TRAGEDY OF MACBETH

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LICORICE PIZZA was just what we needed for the holidays…an exclusive engagement of a big Oscar contender that would bring people to the cinema! Our audiences have been loving it, and it will stick around.

Starting this Friday, we’ll have another exclusive of a big award season contender – THE TRAGEDY OF MACBETH! If you still need to see NIGHTMARE ALLEY, Friday afternoon will be your last chance.

Synopsis for THE TRAGEDY OF MACBETH: Opens Dec. 31! “Denzel Washington and Frances McDormand star in Joel Coen’s bold and fierce adaptation—a tale of murder, madness, ambition, and wrathful cunning.” (A24) Ann Hornaday of WASHINGTON POST wrote, “The pursuit of power by any means necessary – and the moral injury that ensues – feels both ancient and urgently new, especially when it’s animated by the artistry and acute intelligence on display here.” Click the photo below to watch the film’s trailer.
CONTINUING IN OUR VIRTUAL CINEMA
We still have a handful of titles available in our Virtual Cinema…and we hope to add something new in the next few weeks. To read more about all the films that are still available, please visit our WEBSITE. Here’s a LINK with a video I made about how Virtual Cinema works. Our Virtual Cinema is slowing down, but we still want to bring new films now and again that deserve to be seen that you can enjoy from home! More titles are on the way…stay tuned!
UPCOMING SPECIAL EVENT
A DREAM TO SERVE THROUGH EDUCATION is a new short documentary that is being presented by the founder of The Dayton School. “The Dayton School (TDS) is an up and coming revolutionary educational experience for students, families, and the surrounding community. The school will specifically service Dayton students, however, through after school programming and community partners we plan to offer educational experiences for TDS families and the community. This documentary outlines a story of a young woman’s journey of resilience through poverty to educational success. Follow her on this voyage as she transforms humbling life lessons and early teaching experiences into passion and commitment to create rewarding education environments for all Dayton families. Witness her unflagging support for the Dayton community as a dedicated educator inside and outside of the classroom. It is the belief of The Dayton School that every child, regardless of zip code, economic status, or culture, deserves a free holistic project based style education that transcends beyond high school.
The Dayton School has a mission to improve access, opportunity, and resources for students through multiple exemplary education pathways. This short 30 minute documentary can be viewed for $10 on Thursday January 20th at 7:30pm at THE NEON. After viewing the film The Dayton School’s board, and/or film participants will be available for questions, comments, and discussion. Tickets are available at THE NEON’s Box Office or via this LINK. For more information regarding The Dayton School, including ways in which you can support prior to viewing, please visit Daytonschoolohio.org.” (taken from press notes)

THE NEON wants to keep our Staff and Patrons safe! Our Board of Directors has sought advisement from Combined Health Dayton & Montgomery County and the Center for Disease Control…we’re also looking at other arthouse cinemas in major markets across the country. We have recently made one minor change to our policy. Masks are now required for all guests age 2 and higher until further notice.  All patrons aged 12 and over will be required to present proof of vaccination with a photo ID or a negative COVID-19 test from the last 72 hours. (Self-reported vaccination records not verified by a third party health care provider are not acceptable. Test results must include name, test result, and a timestamp within the past 72 hours.) We will continue to monitor the community’s health data and amend our policies based on guidance. Please stay tuned to THE NEON’s website for the latest updates. A couple helpful hints!! Take a single picture of your photo ID and your vaccination card in the same shot. You’ll be able to flash this photo at our box office, and that will work as proof enough for us. If you have a smart phone, you could also download the app that most folks in NYC are using to get into movies, Broadway shows and restaurants – NYCCOVIDSAFE. This app will have you take a photo of your ID and your vaccine card – and it saves you from having to hunt for a photo on your phone. I downloaded it, and it’s very easy to use.

Please remember – We ask that you arrive before showtime to allow for checking everyone in before the auditorium gets dark!
Thank you for all of your support!
We hope to see you soon,
Jonathan
IN-PERSON SHOWTIMES for Tuesday, Dec. 28 – Thursday, Jan. 6 :
NIGHTMARE ALLEY (R) 2 Hrs 30 Min
Tuesday-Thursday (Dec 28-30): 3:15, 7:00
Friday (Dec 31): 1:00
FINAL DAY – Dec. 31!
LICORICE PIZZA (R) 2 Hrs 13 Min
Tuesday-Thursday (Dec 28-30): 3:30, 7:20
Friday, Saturday, Sunday (Dec 31-Jan 2): 12:50, 4:10, 7:20
Monday-Thursday (Jan 3-6): 3:30, 7:20
THE TRAGEDY OF MACBETH (R) 1 Hr 45 Min
Friday (Dec 31): 4:30, 7:30
Saturday & Sunday (Jan 1 & 2): 1:30, 4:30, 7:30
Monday-Thursday (Jan 3-6): 3:15, 7:00
COMING SOON – In-Person Screenings:
(All Dates Are Tentative. Dates Often Move And Sometimes Disappear)
TBD – CYRANO
TBD – PARALLEL MOTHERS
TBD – DRIVE MY CAR
TBD – THE DUKE
TBD – MOTHERING SUNDAYS

McCoy on Movies: SPIDER-MAN: NO WAY HOME

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Spider-Man: No Way Home swings to emotional high with epic performances, storyline and surprises

“All right … If I move too much more I just KNOW I’m gonna rip my spider-suit!” Peter Parker (Tom Holland) prepares to face what may be his toughest challenge yet in a scene from director Jon Watts’ SPIDER-MAN: NO WAY HOME. Credit: Matt Kennedy © 2021 CTMG. All rights reserved.
WATCH THE TRAILER HERE: 


 
DIRECTOR: Jon Watts
KEY CAST MEMBERS: Tom Holland, Zendaya, Jacob Batalon, Benedict Cumberbatch, Alfred Molina, Marisa Tomei, Jon Favreau, J.K. Simmons … And a couple other people who you really be excited/surprised to see.

 

THE BACK STORY: Peter Parker, having had his identity revealed to the world by the former Mysterio (Jake Gyllenhaal) after his latest adventure, finds himself in a position he never wanted to be in: The most famous person in the world, half of which believes he committed a murder. Luckily for Peter, he still has his the support of his beloved Aunt May (Marisa Tomei), his best friend Ned (Jacob Balaton) and his girlfriend M.J. (Zendaya). But with J. Jonah Jameson (J.K. Simmons) leading the charge to bring him down, he just wishes everyone in the world would forget who he is so he could focus on his goal of getting into M.I.T. with his friends.
And that’s where Dr. Steven Strange (Benedict Cumberbatch) comes into play.
Peter wants Dr. Strange to cast a spell to eliminate his name – along with the fact he is, well, you know, Spider-Man – from everyone’s memory. Reluctantly and against the advice of Wong (Benedict Wong), Dr. Strange eventually concedes to help Peter out … Only for Peter to keep changing the conditions of the spell. As you might expect, this ends up changing the spell forcing Dr. Strange to stop it before it gets out of hand.
It’s not until Otto Octavius – a.k.a. Doctor Octopus a.k.a. Dock Ock – appears to hunt down Spider-Man  does Peter realize just how out of hand things have unfortunately become. For you see, while Doc Ock recognizes the suit, he doesn’t recognize the teenager inside it – and for good reason: The spell has opened up the once thought to be mythical multiverse, allowing in anyone who ever knew who Spider-Man was to enter …
… And the best enemies are old enemies as he’s about to find out.
THE REVIEW: With apologies to Martin Scorsese and Ridley Scott, Spider-Man: Far From Home is proof that superheroes haven’t ruined movies. In fact, in delivering the most emotional superhero movie since Avengers: Endgame, it does quite the opposite. No Way Home isn’t a superhero movie with a story about good guys and bad guys; it’s a movie about people with extraordinary powers trying to deal with the various aspect of humanity (responsibility, love, the perils of fame and power, the search for purpose and identity, etc.).
Holland once proves his mettle worthy of the Spider-Man suit with his performance as Parker, which is deepened by the turns of Zendaya, Batalon, Tomei … And all the others that have either grown with his character or add depth to it with their presence. Holland’s Peter may have started off the most immature of the bunch (purposefully), but by the film’s end, he is by far it’s most thoughtful, powerful and ready for the role as the possible emotional core to fill the void left by his predecessors’ absence.
Likewise, Zendaya and Balaton provide several fun moments while maintaining the emotional core of being Peter’s main support system. Even Cumberbatch’s presence as the hardened father figure that eventually has to come to love the son he never asked for (metaphorically speaking – this is NOT a spoiler that he’s actually Peter’s dad, Internet nerds!) adds to Parker’s character.
Unfortunately, it’s hard to say more without giving away spoilers in the film, which, depending on what you consider a spoiler, there are easily about a half-dozen depending on if you stick around for the ENTIRE closing credits. What can be said, however, is that director Jon Watts nearly two-and-a-half hour opus is the most emotionally connected (and heartstring tugging) entry into the Spider-Man film series to date – and possibly its best. While the framework of the multiverse may provide the canvas for a lot of things to come together, Watts attention to detail (coupled with his actors’ dedication to their craft) create what is arguably one of the top five Marvel films to date while maintaining all the qualities that make Spider-Man unique.
With a beloved preceding film legacy (even with its missteps) comes great responsibility … And Spider-Man: No Way Home is a great film worth its weight in webs.
OVERALL RATING (OUT OF FOUR POSSIBLE BUCKETS OF POPCORN):

 

 

 

 

 

Free Holiday Movie Series for Children under 12

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The Dayton Holiday Festival Family Film Series returns to The Neon this Saturday. Tickets are FREE for children 12 and under and only $2 for anyone over 12. These tickets will become available at 10:15am on the day of each screening, and they are limited to one ticket per person (aka: everyone must be present in order to pick up tickets -they can’t hold or disperse tickets for people who are not at the theater).

Here’s the lineup:

Dec 4th  POLAR EXPRESS

Dec 11th A CHRISTMAS STORY

Dec 18th  JINGLE JANGLE

The Neon COVID protocols will be in place for these screenings. All patrons 12 and over will be required to present proof of vaccination or a recent negative COVID test (taken within the past 72 hours). Anyone age 2 and higher must wear a mask except when seated and eating in their assigned seat.

 

Dayton Dinner Theater launches new season on Sunday with “Star Wars”

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Dayton Dinner Theater is back! This fun Sunday tradition starts back on November 21, 2021, with the showing of Star Wars (A New Hope) at The Brightside Music & Event Venue from 6-9pm.

“I think it’s the perfect cure for the winter blahs,” says Dayton resident John Boucuvalas and founder of the Dayton Dinner Theater which opens back up on Sunday, after being shut down last year due to Covid. “I think it’s important to have something fun to look forward to when the days are short and the weather is cold and grey.”

The time off has allowed time for exciting new upgrades and partnerships such as having the renowned Dr. Willie Morris and the University of Dayton Jazz Ensemble to feature live music before the movie. They’ve also partnered with local caterer Brock Masterson, to create themed food and drinks specific to each film.

“We were getting some big crowds and momentum when Covid hit, and now we are ready to be back and better than before,” says Boucuvalas. “Partnering with UD and Brock Masterson’s is great and adds a touch of class and familiarity for folks around here.”

With a full Sunday liquor license at The Brightside, the fully stocked bar features our signature $5.00 themed drinks along with a wide variety of mixed drinks, wines, and beer.

During the movie, Dayton Dinner Theatre features their famous interactive quote contest, fun facts, theme spotting, with a trivia contest during intermission. They truly make movies a social and interactive experience.

This year’s lineup mostly features comedies and quotable classics that line up with the interactive nature of the event. Tickets are $35 and must be purchased in advance. More information can be found at www.daytondinnertheater.com. Note: Tickets must be purchased in advance to allow for accurate food preparation.

Dayton Dinner Theater Schedule

Sunday, Nov 21, 2021 – Dayton Dinner Theater premiere featuring Star Wars & live jazz

Sunday, Dec 5, 2021 – Dayton Dinner Theater featuring Christmas Vacation & live jazz

Sunday, Dec 12, 2021 – Dayton Dinner Theater featuring Elf

Sunday, Jan 16, 2021 – Dayton Dinner Theater premiere featuring Wizard of Oz & live jazz

Sunday, Jan 30, 2022 – Dayton Dinner Theater premiere featuring The Princess Bride & live jazz

Sunday, Feb 6, 2022 – Dayton Dinner Theater featuring Caddyshack & live jazz

Sunday, Feb 27, 2022 – Dayton Dinner Theater featuring Airplane & live jazz

Sunday, March 13, 2022 – Dayton Dinner Theater featuring The Holy Grail  

Sunday, March 27, 2022 – Dayton Dinner Theater featuring Napoleon Dynamite

Sunday, April 10, 2022 – Dayton Dinner Theater featuring The Big Lebowski & live jazz

 

McCoy on Movies: King Richard

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Biopic about Venus and Serena Williams’ father Richard serves up enough positive content to outweigh its drawbacks

“Girls, don’t you make fun of your daddy … These high socks and short shorts made many a NBA player a lotta money from the 1950s to about 1992!” Richard Williams (Will Smith, center) walks with his family – wife Oracene “Brandy” Williams (Aunjanue Ellis, far left) and their daugthers. From left to right: Tunde (Mikayla Bartholomew), Venus (Saniyya Sidney), Serena (Demi Singleton), Isha (Daniele Lawson) and Lyndrea (Layla Crawford, covered up behind Smith) in a scene from director Reinaldo Marcus Green’s drama KING RICHARD. Credit: Chiabella James © 2021 Warner Bros. Entertainment Inc. All rights reserved.
WATCH THE TRAILER HERE: 


 
DIRECTOR: Reinaldo Marcus Green
KEY CAST MEMBERS: Will Smith, Aunjanue Ellis, Saniyya Sidney, Demi Singleton, Daniele Lawson and Mikayla Lashae Bartholomew with Tony Goldwyn and Jon Berenthal
THE BACK STORY: Hailing from Shreveport, Louisiana, Richard Williams (Will Smith) isn’t the most respected man by his own admission. His wife Oracene – “Brandy” (Aunjanue Ellis) for short – loves him, however, as do his daughters: Tunde (Mikayla Bartholomew), Isha (Daniele Lawson), Lyndrea (Layla Crawford, Venus (Saniyya Sidney) and his youngest, Serena (Demi Singleton). While Tunde is set to soon graduate and go on to college and Isha is doing quite well in her studies, it’s Venus and Serena that Richard has the biggest plans for: The two biggest female tennis stars in the world. 
 
A dreamer and a little bit of a schemer, Richard has a couple of obstacles in his way: (1) He doesn’t have any funds to pay the coach he’s looking for to take his girls’ training to the next level; (2) He wants a coach to take the girls on for free … and (3) Since they live in Compton and (4) Are black and live in Compton, Cali., it’s not exactly an enticing prospect to most coaches. But Richard will not be shaken no matter how much life – and the local neighborhood thugs, hating parents of opposing players and anyone else – tries to keep him down. 
 
He has a 78 page plan for his daughters’ future he has no plans of deviating from by any means, even if it results in plenty of conflicts, potential missed opportunities and millions of dollars in the process.
THE REVIEW: An audience pleaser perfect for those who like films that are (1) Based on true events and (2) Present an overall, uplifting message, King Richard hits more than misses and accomplishes the goal of honoring – save for Smith’s terrible “N’awlins” accent – it’s subject’s achievements and their significance.
The film is a crowd pleaser in the fact that while it touches on certain aspects of the Williams’ story, it never goes too deep into the aspects that you know exist. This includes the racism that he and his daughters faced on their journey, Richard’s personal relationships as well as the gang violence near their home that had a very personal affect on their family. That’s possibly why the film’s best moments come in the instances where these subjects are touched upon, versus some of the lighter fare that that provides both comic relief and a bit of an after school special vibe at times. (The best exchange is by far the sequence where Richard and Oracene discuss their marriage in a raw yet productive fashion in a way to which that many couples – possibly Smith himself given his real-life spouse’s “entanglement” – can likely relate.) But knowing that this film is meant to focus on the positives and overcoming barriers, it’s understandable why it doesn’t dig deeper into these things. It does enough for you to get the point, even if there are times it seems a bit familiar.
That being said, King Richard ultimately presents a portrait of an imperfect man trying to do the best he can for his family, even if at times his actions seem to (or do) accomplish the exact opposite of that task. Jon Berenthal gets to show his range as an actor playing something other than a gun wielding heavy for a change as the oft-manipulated by Richard tennis coach Rick Macci and Ellis is a fantastic female counterpart to Smith’s Richard.
The film wouldn’t work, however, without the performances of Sidney and Singleton as Venus and Serena, respectively. Their athletics match their ability to deliver emotional connection to the audience, their talent underscoring their father’s drive and sometimes misguided actions since he knows what they could achieve one day. 
 
Given what they have achieved, director Reinaldo Marcus Green’s tribute to the man largely responsible for getting them on their way to do so might not exactly be fit for a king … But it’s definitely close enough.
OVERALL RATING (OUT OF FOUR POSSIBLE BUCKETS OF POPCORN):

 

 

 

 

The Line Up at The Neon this Week

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Wow! It felt really good to be busy again! THE FRENCH DISPATCH became our biggest opening of 2021, and we are thrilled. THANK YOU! It will certainly be sticking around. If you need to see LAST NIGHT IN SOHO, Thursday afternoon will be its last screening. On Thursday evening, we’ll open Kenneth Branagh’s semi-autobiographical film BELFAST – don’t miss this one!
We’re adding an award-winning new film to our Virtual Cinema this weekend, too – a powerful indigenous story set during Canada’s Oka Crisis in 1990 – BEANS.
NEW IN-PERSON ENGAGEMENT:
Synopsis for BELFAST: “Written and directed by Academy Award® nominee Kenneth Branagh, BELFAST is a poignant story of love, laughter and loss in one boy’s childhood, amid the music and social tumult of the late 1960s.” (Focus Features) This incredible, award-winning film will certainly garner a “Best Picture” nomination this year. Starring Jamie Dornan, Caitriona Balfe, Judi Dench and Ciarán Hinds, and introducing Jude Hill. I know that we have a lot of Judi Dench fans…and she is irresistible in this film. Her scenes with Ciarán Hinds are bliss. Don’t miss this one on the big screen! During Opening Week (Nov. 12-18), the 1:15 screening each day will feature Open Captions (this means captions will be projected on screen). Click the image below to watch the film’s trailer.
NEW IN OUR VIRTUAL CINEMA
Synopsis for BEANS: Available starting Nov. 12! “Twelve-year-old Beans is on the edge: torn between innocent childhood and delinquent adolescence; forced to grow up fast to become the tough Mohawk warrior she needs to be during the Indigenous uprising known as The Oka Crisis, which tore Quebec and Canada apart for 78 tense days in the summer of 1990.” Click the image below to watch the wonderful trailer and gain 72 hour access to the film for $12.
CONTINUING IN OUR VIRTUAL CINEMA
Synopsis for SISTERS: “For thirty years, French-Algerian sisters Zorah, Nohra and Djamila have been living in the hope of finding their brother Rheda, abducted by their father, and hidden in newly decolonised Algeria. Their relationship is shaken when Zorah, the eldest sister, decides to write a play based on the traumatising events of their childhood that haunted them their whole life. But when they learn that their father is dying, the three sisters decide to go to Algeria to seize their last opportunity to have him reveal where their brother is. When the past catches up, the three sisters have no choice but to put their differences aside.” (Distrib Films) Click the image below to watch the trailer and gain 72 hour access for $10.
To read more about all the films that are still available in our Virtual Cinema, please visit our WEBSITE. Here’s a LINK with a video I made about how Virtual Cinema works. Our Virtual Cinema is slowing down, but we still want to bring new films now and again that deserve to be seen that you can enjoy from home! More titles are on the way…stay tuned!
UPCOMING SPECIAL EVENTS
“SHOUT FOR JOY! brings the power and passion of Jeremy Winston Chorale International to the big screen.  Filmed in the beautiful sanctuary at Kettering Seventh-day Adventist Church, this short film showcases the exceptional artistry of this nation’s most outstanding vocalists and musicians. Along with in-depth artist interviews and discussions, the music will feature classical, spirituals, and a cappella gospel. It shares the story of this non-profit organization and how it uses music to change the world. All proceeds support scholarships for collegiate music students.” (taken from press notes) Tickets are $20 each and available on THE NEON’s website or at our box office during traditional operating hours. This event will take place Tuesday, November 23 at 7:30.
We’re delighted to bring JULIA REICHERT: 50 YEARS IN FILM to Julia’s hometown. The retrospective, which was curated and organized by the Wexner Center for the Arts, premiered at the Museum of Modern Art in May 2019. The film series then traveled to Los Angeles, Houston, Minneapolis, Portland, Cleveland, Louisville and Madison before the pandemic shut everything down. Reichert said, “It means so much to me to share these films again with Dayton audiences, many who weren’t even born yet when these films came out.” Attendees at the first screening on Nov. 21 will receive a complimentary souvenir program and will be treated to an artist talk from Reichert before screening her very first feature film – GROWING UP FEMALE. 4 dates have been set and more titles and dates will be determined in early 2022. Tickets are $10 for each screening and are now available on our website and at our box office. More details about each selection will be available in upcoming newsletters. Here’s the schedule:
Sunday, Nov 21 at 4:00 – GROWING UP FEMALE & Artist Talk
Wednesday, Dec 1 at 7:00 – UNION MAIDS and THE LAST TRUCK
Wednesday, Dec. 8 at 7:00 – SEEING RED
Wednesday, Dec. 15 at 7:00 – JULIA’S HIDDEN GEMS: 4 SHORT FILMS
We recently got a new delivery of NEON t-shirts and hoodies…perfect for the movie-lovers in your life. Get ’em while you can.
THE NEON wants to keep our Staff and Patrons safe! Our Board of Directors has sought advisement from Combined Health Dayton & Montgomery County and the Center for Disease Control.  Masks will continue to be required for all guests age 6 and higher until further notice.  On Oct. 1, 2021, we began our new policy that will be in effect until further notice – all patrons aged 12 and over will be required to present proof of vaccination with a photo ID or a negative COVID-19 test from the last 72 hours. (Self-administered tests will not be accepted. Test results must include name, test result, and a timestamp within the past 72 hours.) We will continue to monitor the community’s health data and amend our policies based on guidance. Please stay tuned to THE NEON’s website for the latest updates. A couple helpful hints!! Take a single picture of your photo ID and your vaccination card in the same shot. You’ll be able to flash this photo at our box office, and that will work as proof enough for us. If you have a smart phone, you could also download the app that most folks in NYC are using to get into movies, Broadway shows and restaurants – NYCCOVIDSAFE. This app will have you take a photo of your ID and your vaccine card – and it saves you from having to hunt for a photo on your phone. I downloaded it, and it’s very easy to use.
Please remember – We ask that you arrive before showtime to allow for checking everyone in before the auditorium gets dark!
If you know anyone or organization who might be interested in some old speakers and subwoofers, please send them my way.

“Julia Reichert: 50 Years in Film” Retrospective Coming to Neon

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Traveling film exhibit which debuted at the Museum of Modern Art finally premiering in Dayton

The Neon, Dayton’s downtown art house cinema, will host “Julia Reichert:  50 Years in Film,” a traveling celebration of the Oscar winning filmmaker’s decades of documentaries.  The screenings begin on Sunday afternoon, November 21, 2021.   The retrospective, which was curated and organized by the Wexner Center for the Arts, premiered at the Museum of Modern Art in May 2019.  The film series then traveled to Los Angeles, Houston, Minneapolis, Portland, Cleveland, Louisville and Madison before the pandemic shut everything down. 

“I’m deeply grateful to the Neon’s manager Jonathan McNeal for bringing this retrospective home,” said Julia Reichert.  “It means so much to me to share these films again with Dayton audiences, many who weren’t even born yet when these films came out.  New and beautiful 4K restorations of the four films I made with Jim Klein will play on the Neon’s screens, and they look amazing.”

“For 50 years, my professor, mentor and dear friend Julia Reichert has been telling powerful and engaging cinematic stories,” said McNeal.  “These important films still resonate, and we’re thrilled to finally be able to present this incredible collection of work back on the big screen.”

The retrospective will begin on Nov 21 with Reichert, who taught film at Wright State for 28 years, giving a live, intimate, illustrated talk about her origins.  How did she go from a working-class small-town girl, told she could only be a secretary, teacher or nurse, to being a pioneering filmmaker?  The first event will also include a screening of Julia Reichert & Jim Klein’s first film, GROWING UP FEMALE, their groundbreaking 1971 documentary exploring how girls and women are socialized.  This film, Julia’s senior project at Antioch College, was selected in 2011 by the Library of Congress for the prestigious National Film Registry of historically significant films.

The 2021 events in the retrospective are:

  • Sun, Nov 21 at 4:00: Julia Reichert Artist Talk and GROWING UP FEMALE (1971)
  • Wednesday, Dec. 1 at 7:00:  UNION MAIDS (1976) and THE LAST TRUCK: CLOSING OF A GM PLANT (2009).
  • Wednesday, Dec. 8 at 7:00:  SEEING RED:  STORIES OF AMERICAN COMMUNISTS (1984)
  • Wednesday, Dec. 15 at 7:00:  Julia’s Hidden Gems & Deep Cuts:  Four shorter documentaries from Reichert’s body of work:  METHADONE – AN AMERICAN WAY OF DEALING (1974), SPARKLE (2012), MAKING MORNING STAR (2014) & NO GUNS FOR CHRISTMAS (2014).

Reichert’s retrospective will continue in 2022 with films and dates to be announced. 

Tickets are $10 for each screening and available on THE NEON’s website www.neonmovies.com or at THE NEON’s Box Office.  For additional information, please contact Jonathan McNeal at [email protected]

 

McCoy on Movies: LAST NIGHT IN SOHO

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Last Night in Soho shines as an expertly crafted psychological thriller set to a perfectly suited soundtrack

  “See that man behind me? The one who looks like a doctor? Who? Him!” Matt Smith stars as Jack and Anya Taylor-Joy as Sandie in Edgar Wright’ thriller LAST NIGHT IN SOHO. Credit: Parisa Taghizadeh 

WATCH THE TRAILER HERE:

 
DIRECTOR: Edgar Wright
KEY CAST MEMBERS: Thomasin McKenzie, Ana Taylor Joy, Matt Smith, Michael Ajao, Rita Tushingham, Synnøve Karlsen, Dame Diana Rigg and Terrance Stamp
 
 

 

THE BACK STORY: Eloise (New Zealand actress Thomasin McKenzie) – “Ellie” if you will – is a country girl with a simple dream: Move to the big city (in this case, London) and live out her dream of becoming a big time fashion designer. Her grandmother Peggy (Rita Tushingham), however, is very concerned for her well being, especially given what happened to Eloise’s mother (Amieé Cassettari) when she tried to do the same.
Arriving in London, Eloise quickly realizes things are a bit different in the big city. Her assigned roommate Jocasta (Synnøve Karlsen) is every bit the party girl she is not, making her seek refuge in the available space owned by Ms. Collins (the late Dame Diana Rigg). Much more suitable to her needs, Ms. Collins’ space is a perfect place for Eloise to enjoy her love of all things 1960s, from fashion to music.
The new space, however, comes with an unexpected surprise. For whenever Eloise – who has been having visions of her late mother back home – goes to sleep, she begins having visions of 1960s England and particularly of Sandie (Ana Taylor-Joy), a cabaret singer with impeccable fashion and style for days. She also sees visions of Jack (Matt Smith)a debonair playboy who seems like the perfect manager to Sandie.
But wouldn’t you just know it? Seems like the deeper into the world of 1960s London Eloise’s dreams take her, the deeper the glamour of the world unravels – especially since she starts having visions of shadowy figures and Sandie’s descent into madness. And as Sandie’s world starts to unravel in Eloise’s dreams, so does Eloise’s reality …
All that glitters may not be gold indeed; in this case, it could be fatal.

 

THE REVIEW: Last Night in Soho is not a gory, traditional hack and slash horror movie like the latest Halloween debacle. (If we’re friends on Facebook or have ever seen me do stand-up, you already know how I feel about the latest installment of that franchise.) What it is, though, is a very finely crafted psychological thriller that, in the wake of Harvey Weinstein, Bill Cosby and so many others, feels timely while also being stylish, intelligent and – at times – a little scary to boot.
McKenzie and Taylor-Joy shine as mirror images of each other. Separated by decades character-wise, each actress plays opposite the other well to make the film’s multi-dimensional existence work at every critical turn. Without their careful attention to detail, you wouldn’t feel any of the emotions that both ladies expertly convey to move the story forward, which is masterfully executed under the watchful eye of co-writer/director Edgar Wright.
Instead of a predictable story or one that is out to make a statement, you get a fine homage to 1960s without any Austin Powers hokeyness while also delving into the seedy underbelly of life in the big city. Nothing is rushed, everything is paced out as it should be and despite some secondary characters that could probably use a little more screen time and the story lacks predictable elements. Add in a soundtrack that enhances the story – each song selection is perfectly matched for both the era and the part of the story being told – as a character itself and everything simply works and works well.
In short, if you are looking for an entertaining thriller this Halloween, perhaps you should skip the more traditional fare and find a surprising treat in the form of Last Night in Soho.
OVERALL RATING (OUT OF FOUR POSSIBLE BUCKETS OF POPCORN):

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

NEON NEWS: FALLING FOR FIGARO & THE GREEN KNIGHT!

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Even though we’re holding THE EYES OF TAMMY FAYE for another week, we’re adding two new films to the mix. Our first selection is a UK import that has had many audience members swooning – FALLING FOR FIGARO. Our second selection is a film that has already played in this market – but several NEON fans have been asking for it – THE GREEN KNIGHT. Both of these could be gone in a week…so hurry down.

Please remember that our new health and safety protocol starts this Friday!
THE NEON wants to keep our Staff and Patrons safe! Our Board of Directors has sought advisement from Montgomery County Health Department and the Center for Disease Control.  Masks will continue to be required for all guests age 6 and higher until further notice.  Beginning Oct. 1, 2021, all patrons aged 12 and over will be required to present proof of vaccination with a photo ID or a negative COVID-19 test from the last 72 hours. (Self-administered tests will not be accepted. Test results must include name, test result, and a timestamp within the past 72 hours.) We will continue to monitor the community’s health data and amend our policies based on guidance. Please stay tuned to THE NEON’s website for the latest updates. A couple helpful hints!! Some friends recently got back from the East Coast, and one had a solution for an easy way to always have proof of vaccination with you. Take a single picture of your photo ID and your vaccination card in the same shot. You’ll be able to flash this photo at our box office, and that will work as proof enough for us. If you have a smart phone, you could also download the app that most folks in NYC are using to get into movies, Broadway shows and restaurants – NYCCOVIDSAFE. This app will have you take a photo of your ID and your vaccine card – and it saves you from having to hunt for a photo on your phone. I downloaded it, and it’s very easy to use.
Please remember – We ask that you arrive before showtime to allow for checking everyone in before the auditorium gets dark!
NEW IN-PERSON ENGAGEMENTS:
Synopsis for FALLING FOR FIGARO: “From award-winning director Ben Lewin (THE SESSIONS, THE CATCHER WAS A SPY) FALLING FOR FIGARO follows a brilliant young fund manager named Millie (Danielle Macdonald: PATTI CAKES, DUMPLIN), who quits her job and ends things with her longterm boyfriend in order to fulfill her dream of becoming an opera singer — in the Scottish Highlands. She begins intense vocal training lessons with renowned but fearsome singing teacher and former opera diva Meghan Geoffrey-Bishop (Joanna Lumley – ABSOLUTELY FABULOUS). It is there she meets Max, another of Meghan’s students who is also training for the upcoming “Singer of Renown” contest. The competition between Millie and Max gradually evolves into something different and deeper.” (IFC Films) Click the image below to watch the film’s trailer.
Synopsis for THE GREEN KNIGHT: “An epic fantasy adventure based on the timeless Arthurian legend, THE GREEN KNIGHT tells the story of Sir Gawain (Dev Patel), King Arthur’s reckless and headstrong nephew, who embarks on a daring quest to confront the eponymous Green Knight, a gigantic emerald-skinned stranger and tester of men. Gawain contends with ghosts, giants, thieves, and schemers in what becomes a deeper journey to define his character and prove his worth in the eyes of his family and kingdom by facing the ultimate challenger. From visionary filmmaker David Lowery (who directed THE OLD MAN & THE GUN – partially shot in Dayton) comes a fresh and bold spin on a classic tale from the knights of the round table.” (A24) Click the image below to watch the film’s trailer. For a fun little video about the background of The Green Knight, click this LINK.
CONTINUING IN OUR VIRTUAL CINEMA:
Synopsis for SURGE: Brilliant actor Ben Whishaw stars in SURGE, directed by Aneil Karia. “Joseph (Ben Whishaw) works in security at a London airport. His life proceeds in an orderly fashion but, in spite of his contact with other people during the course of his job, he seems to be isolated from his surroundings. The anxiety felt by some passengers when they are patted down before check-in and the impersonal atmosphere amongst his colleagues both affect him. After a visit to his parents, something snaps inside this loner and another Joseph comes to light: one who takes what he wants, invades others’ personal space and does not even shy away from criminal acts. Between eruption, escalation and destruction, he undergoes a painful process of self-discovery, the starting point of which is closer than we would like to admit to the actual living and working conditions of many people.” (FilmRise) THE GUARDIAN says that it’s “[A] big pressure-cooker performance from Ben Whishaw.” Click the image below to watch the trailer and reserve access. This film can be viewed on your computer or mobile device or via your TV with Apple TV or Roku. Additional instructions can be found on Eventive’s Help Page. Click the image below to watch the trailer and reserve access to the film.
To read more about all the films that are still available in our Virtual Cinema, please visit our WEBSITE. Here’s a LINK with a video I made about how Virtual Cinema works.
Our Virtual Cinema is slowing down, but we still want to bring new films now and again that deserve to be seen that you can enjoy from home! (Click titles to watch each film’s trailer.) In October, we’ll have a documentary about how Gospel quartets became the basis for rock’n’roll – HOW THEY GOT OVER. In early November, we’ll have a French-Algerian film about a group of sisters who are searching for their kidnapped brother – SISTERS. On November 12, we’ll start the powerful indigenous story BEANS. More titles are on the way…stay tuned!
UPCOMING SPECIAL EVENTS:
“Take a noir-inspired and surreal trip through L.A. as Max, a failed writer, prepares to leave the city where her dreams died. On Wednesday, October 6th at 7:30, Wright State Film School grad, Trevor Hollen, will be presenting his award-winning feature film debut, EATING CARS – in conjunction with its US and UK release. The black and white film was made in Los Angeles, but most of the cast and crew hail from the Dayton/Cincinnati area and some are also WSU MoPix alumni. After the screening, there will be a Q&A with Trevor. Proceeds will go to the WSU MoPix department.” (taken from press notes) Tickets are available now on our website. Click the image below to watch the film’s trailer.

The 16th Annual DAYTON LGBT FILM FESTIVAL is gearing up to be back in person this year! Though things will be a little different (we’ll go an entire week this year with 2 screenings of each selection so we can spread everyone out), we’re delighted that we can bring the best in LGBT cinema back to the big screen. Our website is now live, and tickets are on sale now! Click the image below to watch the trailer for a documentary about queer women who have written some of Country Music’s biggest hits over the years for stars from Willie Nelson and Garth Brooks to Barbara Mandrell and Reba McEntire – INVISIBLE! You’ll see a lot of recognizable musicians interviewed in this doc – from Emmylou Harris to Linda Ronstadt. A friend told me that there are a lot of connections in this film to the Dayton Women’s Music Collective from Canal St. – for those of you who remember this, please spread the word!

Horrorama Dayton Slasher Camp Triple Feature

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Join us on Saturday, August 21st at 8:00pm for a triple feature of terror at the Englewood Cinema! We’ll be showing DON’T GO IN THE WOODS, FRIDAY THE 13TH PART VII: THE NEW BLOOD, and the original THE EVIL DEAD, plus plenty of retro trailer favorites! Tickets are only $10 at the door!

RESPECT and SWAN SONG at The Neon

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This weekend marks the opening of a film we’ve been anticipating for a while. Many critics already agree that Jennifer Hudson will get an Oscar nomination for playing Aretha Franklin in RESPECT – opening Thursday night. In addition, we’ve got a surprise! Starting Friday, for three shows only, we have an indie treat – Udo Kier in SWAN SONG (just wait until you see the trailer). ANNETTE and NINE DAYS will stick around for one more week…then we’ll open a film that we’re very excited about – CODA. Tickets for our Aug. 19 preview screening of this highly anticipated, award-winning film are on sale now!

In regards to NINE  DAYS, we’ve had several patrons rave that it is incredible. Richard, a long-time NEON fan, wrote “you want to make some room in your schedule for a viewing. This is an unbelievable piece of filmmaking.” We hope you’ll take his advice.
It’s been two weeks since we launched our Projecting Our Future fundraising campaign…and we’re getting closer to our goal! It’s hard to believe that it’s been 9 years since we switched from 35mm to digital projection, but our digital projectors are already out of warranty and parts are no longer being made for them. Our initial goal is to raise $85,000…and the fantastic news is that the Jack W. and Sally D. Eichelberger Foundation of the Dayton Foundation has already committed a lead gift of $50,000 to the campaign! Many thanks to them as well as to those of you who have reached out about contributing to our campaign. To learn more about “Projecting Our Future” and how you can be a part of it, please visit THIS SITE. Additional thanks to WDTN & Mark Alan as well as Dayton Daily News for helping us spread the word.
NEW IN-PERSON ENGAGEMENTS:
Synopsis for RESPECT: “Following the rise of Aretha Franklin’s career from a child singing in her father’s church’s choir to her international superstardom, Respect is the remarkable true story of Franklin’s journey to find her voice.” (taken from MGM/UA press notes) Starring Jennifer Hudson, Forest Whitaker, Marlon Wayans, Audra McDonald, Marc Maron, Tituss Burgess, Saycon Sengbloh, Hailey Kilgore, Heather Headley, Skye Dakota Turner, Tate Donovan and Mary J. Blige.THE HOLLYWOOD REPORTER writes, “An intimate gift of love, rich in complexity, spirituality, Black pride and feminist grit rooted not in didactic speeches but in authentic experience.” Click the image below to watch the film’s trailer.
Synopsis for SWAN SONG: Critics agree that Udo Kier has never been better! “A retired hairdresser (the legendary Udo Kier, in a career-defining role) escapes his nursing home and embarks on an odyssey across his small town to style a dead woman’s hair for her funeral, confronting the ghosts of his past and rediscovering his sparkle along the way.” (Magnolia Pictures) THE HOLLYWOOD REPORTER writes, “What’s most notable about Todd Stephens’ heartfelt salute to a real-life local legend is that the campiness of its outrageous plot becomes secondary to the soulful poignancy.” Click the image below to watch the trailer.
CONTINUING IN OUR VIRTUAL CINEMA
Synopsis for THE EVENING HOUR: “Cole Freeman (Philip Ettinger, FIRST REFORMED) maintains an uneasy equilibrium in his declining Appalachian mining town, looking after the old and infirm in the community while selling their excess painkillers to local addicts to help make ends meet. But when his old friend, Terry Rose (Cosmo Jarvis, LADY MACBETH), returns with dangerous plans that threaten the fragile balance Cole has crafted, his world and identity are thrown into disarray.” (Strand Releasin) Tickets are $12 for 72 hour access. This film can be viewed on your computer or mobile device or via your TV with Apple TV or Roku. Additional instructions can be found on Eventive’s HELP PAGE. Click the image below to watch the trailer and reserve access to the film.
Synopsis for NEVER GONNA SNOW AGAIN: “On a gray, foggy morning outside a large Polish city, a masseur from the East named Zhenia (Alec Utgoff, Stranger Things) enters the lives of the wealthy residents of a gated community. With his hypnotic presence and quasi-magical abilities, he is able to get a residence permit and starts plying his trade. The well-to-do residents in their cookie-cutter suburban homes seemingly have it all, but they all suffer from an inner sadness, some unexplained longing. The attractive and mysterious newcomer’s hands heal, and Zhenia’s eyes seem to penetrate their souls. To them, his Russian accent sounds like a song from the past, a memory of simpler times. The latest from writer/director Malgorzata Szumowska (Elles, In the Name of) and her longtime collaborator Michal Englert is an unclassifiable meditation on class, immigration, and global warming shot through with Lynchian touches of the otherworldly and moments of sober beauty and unexpected humor.” SCREEN DAILY wrote, “Somewhere between TWIN PEAKS and Pasolini’s TEOREMA.” – That’s was enough to get me hooked! This film can be viewed on your computer or mobile device. You can also watch via your TV (when you download the Kino Now app on Apple TV, Roku, or Amazon TV/Stick). Additional instructions can be found on the film’s landing page…just click the picture below to watch the trailer and reserve access to the film for $12.
To read more about all the films that are still available in our Virtual Cinema, please visit our WEBSITE. Here’s a LINK with a video I made about how Virtual Cinema works.
Our Virtual Cinema is slowing down, but we still want to bring new films now and again that deserve to be seen! We’re working on securing more titles, but for sure on August 20, we’ll start DRAMARAMA – a charming love letter to drama nerds. In September, we’ll have a thrilling new film with one of my favorite actors, Ben Whishaw – SURGE. More titles are on the way…stay tuned!
UPCOMING SPECIAL EVENTS:
Attention Families with Young Kids! Continuing this Saturday, August 14 at 11am, THE NEON and ThinkTV PBS will keep moving with our FREE Summer Family Film Festival. Each week, doors at THE NEON open at 10:30am, and tickets are given on a first-come, first-serve basis. Featuring episodic shorts from popular characters in the PBS Kids library, these screenings will give an opportunity for families to enjoy the movie-going experience together in a budget-friendly way while keeping kids thoughtfully engaged over the summer. Each Saturday will focus on a different program, and activity books will be available for children to take home after the screenings. This film festival is made possible from the generous support of The RubiGirls Scholarship Initiative. Week #7 (Aug 14) will be PEG & CAT. Week #8 (Aug 21) will be WILD KRATTS. (more titles coming soon…and details about a special party during week #10 of the fest!)
Back in late 2019 and early 2020, we partnered with The Human Race Theatre Company for their “Women of Influence” Season. PNC sponsored a film series for us that spoke to each of the theatre company’s productions. Unfortunately, COVID cut the series short…but we want to make good on our promises. Because LOOPED began its run at The Loft Theatre for three weeks starting on Aug. 5 (click HERE to learn more about that production), we have re-booked the film that we think best accompanies this show – DIE, DIE MY DARLING – starring Tallulah Bankhead. This film will screen Monday, August 23 at 7:30. If you had a Season Pass for this film series, we’ll still accept it…and you can reserve your spot by filling out this QUESTIONNAIRE. If you need to buy tickets to this special screening, here’s the LINK. Thank you!!
A NOTE ABOUT COVID PRECAUTIONS. Starting last week, Wednesday, August 4, THE NEON’s Board decided to make a change to our COVID protocols. Masks are once again mandatory for everyone inside THE NEON – staff and patrons. Masks may only be removed while actively eating/drinking in assigned seats. Thank you in advance for your cooperation. (Masks are not required on our patio.)

News From The Neon

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Wow! What a fantastic weekend! Thank you, NEON Fans! We had numerous “sold out” shows, and audiences are loving our selections. SUMMER OF SOUL and ROADRUNNER: A FILM ABOUT ANTHONY BOURDAIN are going to stick around. If you need to see THE LONELIEST WHALE, today (Wed, July 21) at 3:15 is your last chance. On Friday, we’ll open the Sundance hit SUMMERTIME for One Week Only!

In our Virtual Cinema, we’re starting a film with Tony & Emmy winning actor Ben Platt – BROKEN DIAMONDS…a film that’s based on the screenwriter’s own life.
If you’ve been to THE NEON recently, you’ve seen trailers for numerous great films we’ve got slated for the coming weeks – ANNETTE, RESPECT, AILEY, NINE DAYS. In addition to those, we just added VAL for next week – a special documentary about actor Val Kilmer. You can check out the trailer HERE.
Our Board has decided to make some adjustments to our COVID Protocols. More seats will be available starting Friday…full details are below.
NEW IN-PERSON ENGAGEMENT:
Synopsis for SUMMERTIME: “Over the course of a hot summer day in Los Angeles, the lives of 25 young Angelinos intersect. A skating guitarist, a tagger, two wannabe rappers, an exasperated fast-food worker, a limo driver—they all weave in and out of each other’s stories. Through poetry they express life, love, heartache, family, home, and fear. One of them just wants to find someplace that still serves good cheeseburgers. Inspired by a spoken-word showcase featuring 25 diverse high school performers, Carlos López Estrada (BLINDSPOTTING) proposed a collaboration to develop the performers’ work into a loose, interconnected narrative, allowing the non-actors to express themselves and their relationship to the city. With its Slacker-inspired structure, fanciful form, and exuberant magical realism, SUMMERTIME is a free-verse poem—of the kids, by the kids, for the kids. The young poets radiate vitality, honesty, and profound emotion. By the time they wind up together in a tricked-out mega-limo overlooking the city, we believe in what their crazy, creative togetherness represents: hope. As the driver says, ‘Y’all got a pocket full of dreams, so don’t let me down.'” (Sundance Program) Click the image below to watch the film’s trailer.
NEW IN OUR VIRTUAL CINEMA
Synopsis for BROKEN DIAMONDS: Available starting July 23! “In the wake of his father’s death, a twenty-something writer sees his dream of moving to Paris put in jeopardy when he’s forced to temporarily take in his wildly unpredictable, mentally ill sister.” Based on the screenwriter’s personal story, this film stars Ben Platt and Lola Kirke. Tickets are $12 for 72 hour access. This film can be viewed on your computer or mobile device or via your TV with Apple TV or Roku. Additional instructions can be found on Eventive’s HELP PAGE. Click the image below to watch the trailer and reserve access to the film.
To read more about all the films that are still available in our Virtual Cinema, please visit our WEBSITE. Here’s a LINK with a video I made about how Virtual Cinema works.
Our Virtual Cinema is slowing down, but we still want to bring new films now and again that deserve to be seen! We’re working on securing more titles, but for sure on August 6, we’ll have a true indie gem THE EVENING HOUR. On August 13, we’ll bring the brilliantly strange new Polish film NEVER GONNA SNOW AGAIN. On August 20, we’ll start DRAMARAMA – a charming love letter to drama nerds. More titles are on the way…stay tuned!
UPCOMING SPECIAL EVENTS:
Local filmmaker Max Kaplan will host the Dayton premiere of his latest short film HAWAIItonight, Wednesday, July 21 at 7:00 and 9:00. “HAWAII is a coming of age story that follows two high school sweethearts Erika Bierman (THE HUNGER GAMES, DUMB AND DUMBER TO) and Stone Taul (GOOD KIDS) as they say goodbye to everything they have known during their last summer before college; playing music, making memories, and chasing dreams, but ultimately learning how to say goodbye. The film is based on the director Max Kaplan’s high school experience and his time playing in the Dayton psych band Nudists on Strike. HAWAII boasts an incredible compilation soundtrack by both popular and local artists including Summer Salt, King Shelter, Surf Team, Nudists on Strike, and Sister Owsley. Two of Kaplan’s freshman shorts, GET THE F*CK TO CHURCH and SONG OF SONGS will also be shown. After the screenings there will be a Q&A with the cast and crew of HAWAII, actress Erika Bierman, director Max Kaplan and producer Savannah Webb.” (Luminous Coast) Tickets are $10 each and available now on THE NEON’s website and at our box office! Click the image below to watch the trailer for HAWAII.
Attention Families with Young Kids! Continuing this Saturday, July 24 at 11am, THE NEON and ThinkTV PBS will keep moving with our FREE Summer Family Film Festival. Each week, doors at THE NEON open at 10:30am, and tickets are given on a first-come, first-serve basis. Featuring episodic shorts from popular characters in the PBS Kids library, these screenings will give an opportunity for families to enjoy the movie-going experience together in a budget-friendly way while keeping kids thoughtfully engaged over the summer. Each Saturday will focus on a different program, and activity books will be available for children to take home after the screenings. This film festival is made possible from the generous support of The RubiGirls Scholarship Initiative. Week #4 (July 24) will feature ODD SQUAD. Week #5 (july 31) will be CURIOUS GEORGE. Week #6 (Aug 7) will be READY JET GO. Week #7 (Aug 14) will be PEG & CAT. (more title coming soon…including details about a special party at the end of the fest!)
Scripted in Black, an exclusive multi-disciplinary arts collective that centers the work and collaboration of Black + Brown unconventional creatives, has one more screening left in their series. “When SIB thinks of super chill kick back Thursday vibes, we envision a film series featuring just a few of the greatest Black classics + favorites to date. Whether we are learning from the past, relishing in hood politics, or examining the dynamics of friendship, this film series allows us to collectively experience the art of cinema, together. Featuring three Black-owned local businesses and partnering with THE NEON in Dayton allows for mingling amongst the creative community + supporting the local business ecosystem. This movie night series is a chance to celebrate as a community the importance of Black storytelling and the way it honors the multi-dimensional layers of our culture, experience, and perspective. This movie night series is the perfect way to close out a busy work week and step into the weekend with laughs, high vibes, + a little reminiscing on the good old days.” (Scripted in Black) Tickets are $20 each and come with a complimentary popcorn and soda. Tomorrow’s screening will be preceded by a business mixer from 6:00-7:00 on THE NEON’s patio…then the film will start at 7:15! Series sponsored by Westchester Education Services. This week’s film is THE WOOD, featured business – Teddy’s World.
“Please join the Southwestern Ohio Hemophilia Foundation for a free screening of BOMBARDIER BLOOD – the mountaineer and hemophiliac that has climbed the seven summits. The Southwestern Ohio Hemophilia Foundation is a non-profit organization that exists to improve the quality of life for those affected by hemophilia, von Willebrand disease and other bleeding disorders. We provide support, education, networking, advocacy and services to individuals and their families. We have been in the Miami Valley for over 30 years and we serve over 400 patients. Please contact [email protected] to reserve your tickets of call 937-298-8000.” (taken from press notes) This film will screen next Thursday, July 29, at 7:30. Click the image below to watch the trailer.
Our friends from Toxic Brew Co. & Hole in the Wall are hosting their sixth “Cult Movie Night” on Sunday, August 1 at 8:30…and they’ve chosen IN MEMORY OF this time – a film featuring Hole in the Wall bartender Haley Madison. Tickets are $20 each, and those tickets come with 2 beers from Toxic Brew (this event is limited to folks 21 years old and up). This adventure/horror/sci-fi film will be hosted by Madison with pre-screening drink specials at Hole in the Wall (just down the street).”When a medical experiment turns deadly, the only surviving subject flees for her life. Missing her memories and pursued by those who stand to profit from the experiment, she tracks down a mysterious stranger who can end her madness.” Click the image below to reserve your tickets.
A NOTE ABOUT COVID PRECAUTIONS. Starting Friday, July 23, THE NEON’s Board has decided to make a change to our COVID protocols. Every row will now be available for seating…though one buffer seat will still be preserved between parties. As a reminder, All NEON Staff as well as unvaccinated patrons will still be required to wear masks…they are optional for our vaccinated patrons.