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On Screen Dayton

Hawaii – A Max Kaplan Film

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The premiere of Max Kaplan’s latest film “Hawaii”, a Luminous Coast production, will take place at  The Neon in Dayton on July 21st. Director Max Kaplan partnered with cinematographer Luke Holliday, producer Savannah Webb and writer Jesse Wright on this film. 
“Hawaii” is a coming of age story that follows two high school sweethearts 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 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. Filming took place in the greater Dayton region in 2020 under Covid protocols.

“Hawaii” is Kaplan’s 14th movie, he has been releasing films since the age of 11 and is currently attending Ohio University’s Honors film program.

Tickets are available for the 7pm and 9pm showing on Wed, July 21st online and at theater.

ANTHONY BOURDAIN Doc Opens and SUMMER OF SOUL Keeps Soaring!

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Another great weekend! SUMMER OF SOUL keeps soaring, and THE LONELIEST WHALE was much loved with a couple sold-out shows. Both films will share a screen for another week, and in our large auditorium, we’ll be opening ROADRUNNER: A FILM ABOUT ANTHONY BOURDAIN – a film that has already sold dozens of advance tickets! We also have numerous special events in the coming days…please keep reading.

NEW IN-PERSON ENGAGEMENT:
Synopsis for ROADRUNNER: A FILM ABOUT ANTHONY BOURDAIN: “It’s not where you go. It’s what you leave behind . . . Chef, writer, adventurer, provocateur: Anthony Bourdain lived his life unabashedly. ROADRUNNER: A FILM ABOUT ANTHONY BOURDAIN is an intimate, behind-the-scenes look at how an anonymous chef became a world-renowned cultural icon. From Academy Award®-winning filmmaker Morgan Neville (20 FEET FROM STARDOM, WON’T YOU BE MY NEIGHBOR?), this unflinching look at Bourdain reverberates with his presence, in his own voice and in the way he indelibly impacted the world around him.” (Focus Features) CLOSED CAPTION DEVICES AVAILABLE FOR THIS FILM. NARRATIVE DESCRIPTION DEVICES AVAILABLE FOR THIS FILM. HEARING ASSISTANCE DEVICES AVAILABLE FOR THIS FILM. Click the image below to watch the film’s trailer.
CONTINUING IN OUR VIRTUAL CINEMA
Synopsis for THE GOD COMMITTEE:”An organ transplant committee has one hour to decide which of three patients deserves a life-saving heart. Seven years later, the committee members struggle with the consequences of that fateful decision.” This film is available to watch on your computer or mobile device as well as via Roku, AppleTV and Chromecast. Click the image below to watch the trailer and gain 48-hour access for $7.
To read more about all the films that are still available in our Virtual Cinema, please visit our WEBSITE. Several critically acclaimed films and audience favorites are still available! 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 a couple more titles, but for sure on July 23, we’ll open the Ben Platt & Lola Kirk drama – BROKEN DIAMONDS. 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:
Attention Families with Young Kids! Continuing this Saturday, July 17 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 #3 (July 17) will feature DINOSAUR TRAIN. 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 details coming soon)
Scripted in Black, an exclusive multi-disciplinary arts collective that centers the work and collaboration of Black + Brown unconventional creatives, has two more screenings 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. Each film will be preceded by a business mixer from 6:00-7:00 on THE NEON’s patio…then films will start at 7:15! Series sponsored by Westchester Education Services. July 15 – PAID IN FULL, featured business – AKenlo. July 22 – THE WOOD, featured businesses – Teddy’s World.
HEALING THROUGH FREEDOM, FREEDOM THROUGH HEALING – “This collection of short films reflects the Black experience in America’s modern criminal justice system. Adopting nuanced explorations of police brutality, incarceration, mental wellness, and the path to healing our communities. Featuring works from local artists Brie Hope, Dionte’ Allen, Leroy Bean, and Mariah Johnson. Premiering Sunday, July 18 at 7:30p and 9p EST. Tickets are $25 for the show, $35 for show and after party plus free 3pm reception at Ed Dixon’s Gallery with ticket purchase.” (The Artist Power Hive) Tickets are available HERE.
Local filmmaker Max Kaplan will host the Dayton premiere of his latest short film HAWAII here on 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.

SIB Celebrates Black Storytelling in Film

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A new movie series is kicking off tonight at The Neon, curated by Dana Graham, Founder and Creative Director of Scripted in Black (SIB).  “This movie night series is a chance for the community to celebrate the importance of Black storytelling and the way it honors the multi-dimensional layers of our culture, experience, and perspective,” explained Graham. Tickets for tonights event may be purchased on The Neon’s online ticket site.

Each of the evenings events  will begin with a mixer featuring a locally owned black businesses before the showing of a film they’ve had a hand in selecting .  “The Scripted in Black Team is excited to provide and enjoy this experience with our community because it creates an opportunity to be lifted through fellowship and supporting local Black businesses and Black films together,” said Graham. “Storytelling has always been a rich tradition and necessity in Black culture. The films chosen by each featured business express an aspect of our culture that makes us resilient, determined, creative, lit, hopeful, strong, and beautiful.”

SIB Founder Dana Graham

Scripted in Black LLC is an exclusive multi-disciplinary arts collective currently serving the Dayton area. SIB centers the work + collaboration of unconventional Black and Brown creatives through the yearly curation of boutique to high scale experiential installments.  Ms Graham and her team, Ashley Brooks, Installment Coordinator and Korey SmithVisuals Director  to present diverse installments  that focus on eclectic cultural storytelling through events and lifestyle merchandising, community engagement and education. The collective aims to address and alleviate the lack of minority representation in the local social arts + culture infrastructure. With a background in theatre arts coupled with a social-forward approach, Scripted in Black LLC will ensure that High-Vibe, Black & Brown identities have an intentional, vibrant, and affordable home in their creative landscape. You may support SIB by becoming a member, or just attending their events around the city.

What’s Showing at The Neon

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What a great weekend! SUMMER OF SOUL is off to a terrific start, and audiences are adoring this powerful new doc! In fact, this film now has the honor of being our highest grossing opening weekend since we’ve been reopened! It is certainly going to stick around. On Friday, we will open a very different but also wonderful doc – THE LONELIEST WHALE: THE SEARCH FOR 52. If you still need to see 12 MIGHTY ORPHANS or RITA MORENO: JUST A GIRL WHO DECIDED TO GO FOR IT, you only have a couple more chances to see them at THE NEON.

In our Virtual Cinema, we’re adding an intriguing new film with lots of familiar faces and great performances – THE GOD COMMITTEE.
Tickets for next week’s engagement of ROADRUNNER: A FILM ABOUT ANTHONY BOURDAIN are now on sale!
NEW IN-PERSON ENGAGEMENTS:
Synopsis for THE LONELIEST WHALE: THE SEARCH FOR 52: “THE LONELIEST WHALE: THE SEARCH FOR 52 is a cinematic quest to find the ’52 Hertz Whale,’ which scientists believe has spent its entire life in solitude calling out at a frequency that is different from any other whale. As the film embarks on this engrossing journey, audiences will explore what this whale’s lonely plight can teach us – not just about our changing relationship to the oceans, but to each other.” (Bleecker Street) Click the image below to watch the film’s trailer.
NEW IN OUR VIRTUAL CINEMA
Synopsis for THE GOD COMMITTEE: Available starting July 9! “An organ transplant committee has one hour to decide which of three patients deserves a life-saving heart. Seven years later, the committee members struggle with the consequences of that fateful decision.” This film is available to watch on your computer or mobile device as well as via Roku, AppleTV and Chromecast. Click the image below to watch the trailer and gain 48-hour access for $7.
CONTINUING IN OUR VIRTUAL CINEMA:
Synopsis for GOD EXISTS, HER NAME IS PETRUNYA: “In Stip, a small town in Macedonia, every January the local priest throws a wooden cross into the river and hundreds of men dive after it. Good fortune and prosperity are guaranteed to the man who retrieves it. This time, Petrunya dives into the water on a whim and manages to grab the cross before the others. Her competitors are furious – how dare a woman take part in their ritual? All hell breaks loose, but Petrunya holds her ground. She won her cross and will not give it up.” (Outsider Pictures) This film will be available to watch on your computer or mobile device or via your smart TV via mirroring/casting. Click the image below to watch the trailer and reserve 72 hour access for $12.
To read more about all the films that are still available in our Virtual Cinema, please visit our WEBSITE. Several critically acclaimed films and audience favorites are still available! 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 a couple more titles, but for sure on August 13, we’ll bring the brilliantly strange new Polish film NEVER GONNA SNOW AGAIN. On August 20, we’ll start DRAMARAMA (there’s no trailer for this film just yet, but here’s some coverage from VARIETY). More titles are on the way…stay tuned!
UPCOMING SPECIAL EVENTS:
Attention Families with Young Kids! Continuing this Saturday, July 10 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 #2 (July 10) will feature WILD KRATTS. Week #3 (July 17) will feature DINOSAUR TRAIN. Week #4 (July 24) will feature ODD SQUAD. (more title details coming soon)
Scripted in Black, an exclusive multi-disciplinary arts collective that centers the work and collaboration of Black + Brown unconventional creatives, will be hosting a series of films over the next few weeks, and tickets are on sale now. “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. Each film will be preceded by a business mixer from 6:00-7:00 on THE NEON’s patio…then films will start at 7:15! Series sponsored by Westchester Education Services. July 8 – JUST MERCY, featured business – Dayton Young Black Professionals. July 15 – PAID IN FULL, featured business – AKenlo. July 22 – THE WOOD, featured businesses – Teddy’s World.
HEALING THROUGH FREEDOM, FREEDOM THROUGH HEALING – “This collection of short films reflects the Black experience in America’s modern criminal justice system. Adopting nuanced explorations of police brutality, incarceration, mental wellness, and the path to healing our communities. Featuring works from local artists Brie Hope, Dionte’ Allen, Leroy Bean, and Mariah Johnson. Premiering Sunday, July 18 at 7:30p and 9p EST. Tickets are $25 for the show, $35 for show and after party plus free 3pm reception at Ed Dixon’s Gallery with ticket purchase.” (The Artist Power Hive) Tickets are available HERE.
Local filmmaker Max Kaplan will host the local premiere of his latest short film HAWAII here on 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.
A NOTE ABOUT COVID PRECAUTIONS. Starting Friday, June 25, THE NEON’s Board decided to make a change to our COVID protocols. Though every other row remains unavailable, we will only require one empty seat between parties sitting in the same row. As a reminder, All NEON Staff as well as unvaccinated patrons will still be required to wear masks…they are optional for all vaccinated patrons.
A CALL FOR GARDENING VOLUNTEERS! A couple months ago, while I was on my hands and knees pulling hundreds of weeds, a customer suggested that I put out a call to some of our supporters (who love gardening) who might be willing to help us manage some of our grounds. The corner of our parking lot (at St. Clair and Fifth St.) is in need of some major love, and I simply don’t have enough hours in the day. Is there any chance that any of you might be willing to come and volunteer a few hours to help spruce it up?
A farewell to Ian. If you’re a regular at THE NEON, then you know Ian Bonnett. He’s been working here for 8 years…first as a part-timer, then as a “third keyholder,” and now as our Assistant Manager. Ian will be leaving us this week. He had an opportunity that was too good to resist, and we will certainly miss him…he’s been a treasure to us at THE NEON. Please help us in wishing him the best of luck in his future endeavors.
Thanks so much for all of your support!
We hope to see you soon,
Jonathan

Free Summer Family Film Fest at The Neon

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Starting on July 3 at 11am, THE NEON and ThinkTV PBS will begin presenting a 10-week, FREE Summer Family Film Festival. Each week, doors will open at 10:30am, and tickets will be 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 #1 (July 3) will feature NATURE CAT.

Week #2 (July 10) will feature WILD KRATTS.
Week #3 (July 17) will feature DINOSAUR TRAIN.
Week #4 (July 24) will feature ODD SQUAD. (more title details coming soon)

Neon News: Martin Sheen in 12 MIGHTY ORPHANS

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This week, we’re moving right along with another film that has a Dayton connection. 12 MIGHTY ORPHANS, the new film based on the beloved bestseller, stars Dayton’s own Martin Sheen! Though our much loved WSU grad combo of HOLLER and WE STILL MAKE THINGS will stick around for a second week, Thursday will be your last chance to catch SUBLET on the big screen. And don’t forget that we have 2 special in-person screenings of TRUMAN & TENNESSEE happening in this week’s schedule.

In our Virtual Cinema, we have numerous films available to watch at home. I hope you’ll check out that long list soon. That said, we’ll be adding the crowd-pleasing MONUMENTSand TRUMAN & TENNESSEE to the mix this Friday. (If you can’t make it to THE NEON for one of our special in-person screenings about these literary greats, we hope you’ll support it virtually.)
TICKETS AVAILABLE. Tickets for the June 24 preview screening of RITA MORENO: JUST A GIRL WHO DECIDED TO GO FOR IT are available now! Tickets for the July 1 preview screening of SUMMER OF SOUL will be available later this afternoon. Tickets for ROADRUNNER: A FILM ABOUT ANTHONY BOURDAIN will go on sale July 7.
NEW IN-PERSON ENGAGEMENTS:
Synopsis for 12 MIGHTY ORPHANS: “12 MIGHTY ORPHANS tells the true story of the Mighty Mites, the football team of a Fort Worth orphanage who, during the Great Depression, went from playing without shoes—or even a football—to playing for the Texas state championships. Over the course of their winning season these underdogs and their resilient spirit became an inspiration to their city, state, and an entire nation in need of a rebound, even catching the attention of President Franklin D. Roosevelt. The architect of their success was Rusty Russell, a legendary high school coach who shocked his colleagues by giving up a privileged position so he could teach and coach at an orphanage. Few knew Rusty’s secret: that he himself was an orphan. Recognizing that his scrawny players couldn’t beat the other teams with brawn, Rusty developed innovative strategies that would come to define modern football.” (Sony Classics) Click the image below to watch the film’s trailer.
Synopsis for TRUMAN & TENNESSEE: AN INTIMATE CONVERSATION: We have 2 in-person screenings set for this great new documentary. “The brilliant work, personal struggles, and cultural impact of iconic American writers Truman Capote and Tennessee Williams explodes onto the screen in this innovative dual-portrait documentary. Filmmaker Lisa Immordino Vreeland masterfully collages a wealth of archival material, including dishy talk show appearances with Dick Cavett and David Frost, with clips from some of the duo’s most memorable movie adaptions: A Streetcar Named Desire, Cat on a Hot Tin Roof, The Glass Menagerie, Breakfast at Tiffany’s, and In Cold Blood. Featuring vibrant voiceover work by award-winning actors Jim Parsons (Capote) and Zachary Quinto (Williams), the film is dripping with wit and wisdom. It is a celebration of both men’s fearless candor and often tumultuous friendship that honors how their identity as gay Southerners informed their timeless artistic achievements and relationships with family, colleagues, confidants, and – most significantly – each other.” TRUMAN & TENNESSEE will screen this Saturday at Noon and on Thursday, June 24 at 7:30. Click the image below to watch the film’s trailer.
NEW IN OUR VIRTUAL CINEMA:
Synopsis for MONUMENTS: “A young widower sidesteps grief, loss, and familial dysfunction when he steals his wife’s ashes and sets off on an impulsive odyssey through America’s heartland in the charming new road trip comedy, MONUMENTS. Ted (David Sullivan) encounters a cast of eccentric characters, including his rival Howl (Javier Muñoz), who direct and misdirect him on his mission to find something he’d lost long before the death his wife Laura (Marguerite Moreau). MONUMENTS infuses humor and hope into a story of mourning, loss, and marriage to create one of the best feel-good indie films of 2021.” Click the image below to watch the trailer and gain 72 hour access to the film for $11.99.
Synopsis for TRUMAN & TENNESSEE: If you can’t catch this terrific new doc in person, you’ll be able to watch it from home. “The brilliant work, personal struggles, and cultural impact of iconic American writers Truman Capote and Tennessee Williams explodes onto the screen in this innovative dual-portrait documentary. Filmmaker Lisa Immordino Vreeland masterfully collages a wealth of archival material, including dishy talk show appearances with Dick Cavett and David Frost, with clips from some of the duo’s most memorable movie adaptions: A Streetcar Named Desire, Cat on a Hot Tin Roof, The Glass Menagerie, Breakfast at Tiffany’s, and In Cold Blood. Featuring vibrant voiceover work by award-winning actors Jim Parsons (Capote) and Zachary Quinto (Williams), the film is dripping with wit and wisdom. It is a celebration of both men’s fearless candor and often tumultuous friendship that honors how their identity as gay Southerners informed their timeless artistic achievements and relationships with family, colleagues, confidants, and – most significantly – each other.” 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.
CONTINUING IN OUR VIRTUAL CINEMA:
Synopsis for SUBLET: “Michael, a travel columnist for The New York Times, goes to Tel Aviv to write an article after suffering a tragedy. He is still grieving and the loss has caused problems between him and his husband. He just wants to do his research and go home. But when he sublets an apartment from Tomer, a young film student, he finds himself drawn into the life of the city” (Greenwich Entertainment) This film will be available to watch on your computer or mobile device or via the Eventive app on your Roku or AppleTV. Additional instructions can be found on Eventive’s HELP PAGE. Click the image below to check out the trailer and gain 72 hour access for $9.99.
To read more about all the films that are still available in our Virtual Cinema, please visit our WEBSITE. Several critically acclaimed films and audience favorites are still available! Here’s a LINK with a video I made about how Virtual Cinema works.
Would you like to know what titles we have planned for our Virtual cinema? (Click any title to watch that film’s trailer.) On June 25, we’ll star the gorgeous mother-daughter Israeli drama ASIA. July 2 will bring the Berlin winning Macedonian film GOD EXISTS, HER NAME IS PETRUNYA. And on July 9, we’ll open THE GOD COMMITTEE – starring Kelsey Grammer and Julia Stiles. More titles are on the way…stay tuned!
UPCOMING SPECIAL EVENTS
We have a few spots left for DISCLOSURE: TRANS LIVES ON FILM – set for Saturday, June 26 at Noon. This screening will be used as a fundraiser for David’s Place at Daybreak, and you can request your free tickets (though donations will be appreciated on the day of the screening) by clicking the image below. Click HERE to watch the film’s trailer.
Attention Families with Young Kids! Starting on July 3 at 11am, THE NEON and ThinkTV PBS will begin presenting a 10-week, FREE Summer Family Film Festival. Short films from PBS Kids will screen on Saturday mornings at 11am on a first-come, first-serve basis. This is a great, affordable way to keep kids engaged this summer…and ThinkTV will provide activity books for kids to take home after each screening. More details will be available in next week’s newsletter, but I wanted to make sure you were the first to hear about this. Please help us spread the word. This wonderful partnership is made possible with generous support from The RubiGirls Scholarship Initiative.
Scripted in Black, an exclusive multi-disciplinary arts collective that centers the work and collaboration of Black + Brown unconventional creatives, will be hosting a series of films in July, and tickets are already on sale. “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. Each film will be preceded by a business mixer from 6:00-7:00 on THE NEON’s patio…then films will start at 7:15! Series sponsored by Westchester Education Services. July 8 – JUST MERCY, featured business – Dayton Young Black Professionals. July 15 – PAID IN FULL, featured business – AKenlo. July 22 – THE WOOD, featured businesses – Flyght Academy + Wright Way Foundation.
A NOTE ABOUT COVID PRECAUTIONS. Starting Friday, June 25, THE NEON’s Board has decided to make a change to our COVID protocols. Though every other row will remain unavailable, we will only require one empty seat between parties sitting in the same row. As a reminder, All NEON Staff as well as unvaccinated patrons will still be required to wear masks…they are optional for all vaccinated patrons.

McCoy on Movies: The Hitman’s Wife’s Bodyguard

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Video game violence, foul language make for sometimes fun yet
ultimately frivolously The Hitman’s Wife’s Bodyguard

“Tell me there will be a third Deadpool!” Sonia Kincaid (Salma Hayek) speaks with a disheveled Michael Bryce (Ryan Reynolds) in a scene from THE HITMAN’S WIFE’S BODYGUARD. Credit: David Appleby. © 2021 Lionsgate Publicity. All rights reserved.

WATCH THE TRAILER(S) HERE:


 

DIRECTOR: Patrick Hughes

KEY CAST MEMBERS: Ryan Reynolds, Samuel L. Jackson, Salma Hayek, with Antonio Banderas, and Morgan Freeman, Frank Grillo, Caroline Goodall, Rebecca Front, Gabriella Wright, Alice McMillan, Kristofer Kamiyasu, Tom Hopper and Blake Ritson with Richard E. Grant


THE BACK STORY: The sequel to 2017’s The Hitman’s Bodyguard, The Hitman’s Wife’s Bodyguard once again stars Ryan Reynolds as Michael Bryce, a Triple A-rated bodyguard … Or at least he was. You see, he’s been having recurring nightmares after dealing with Darius Kincaid (Samuel L. Jackson), the man responsible for one of his greatest failures.

Unfortunately for Michael, his sabbatical from bodyguarding is about to come to an abrupt end thanks to Sonia Kincaid (Salma Hayek), a.k.a. Darius’ equally hotheaded – and lethal – wife. It seems her hubby has been kidnapped by the Italian mafia, the country where Michael just so happens to be trying to enjoy a much-needed vacation. But, as all three of them are about to find out when Aristotle Papadopolous begins to enact his plan to restore Greece as the head of European civilization, there will be no vacations anytime soon, especially as the body count starts rising.

THE REVIEW: The Hitman’s Bodyguard was a fun but frivolous hit when released to theaters nearly five oh so seemingly long years ago. The Hitman’s Wife’s Bodyguard, while fun, definitely ups the frivolous nature of things, feeling at times more like a live action video game than anything resembling a true movie.  Sure, there are some fun moments, but as a whole, the film is an unnecessary sequel akin to an Ocean’s Twelve or Thirteen where you can clearly tell the cast is having fun – possibly more than the audience.

Take plausibility out of the equation and The Hitman’s Wife’s Bodyguard is still a ridiculous, trio buddy comedy with Grand Theft Auto-level violence and profanity that, if he wasn’t in the movie, would likely make Jackson blush. Hayek is the clear star of the film as she proves she can be as rough and tumble as her male counterparts, but overall, The Hitman’s Wife’s Bodyguard is … Silly. Seriously. It’s a movie that feels like a 90s high school teen would have written or, at best, Michael Bay. It’s got some fun moments, but it’s nothing that will be the highlight of anyone’s resume thanks to the aforementioned video game level violence, constant quips and absolutely inane plot twists and turns.

In short, if you’re looking for 90 minutes of turn-your-brain-off-and-just-watch-it entertainment, you may enjoy The Hitman’s Wife’s Bodyguard. If you’re thinking of paying a premium for it, however, your wallet might need to be protected from you.
OVERALL RATING (OUT OF FOUR POSSIBLE BUCKETS OF POPCORN):

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Ohio Filmmaker’s Directorial Debut Opens Thurs at Neon

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Nicole Riegel is the director and writer of the film “Holler.” It’s a story set in a Rust Belt Ohio town that follows teenager Ruth as she spends her days collecting cans and scrap metal with her brother, trying to put together enough cash to avoid being evicted as she is torn between loyalty to her town, her family, and the dream of a college education.  Riegel drew inspiration for this film came from growing up in Jackson, Ohio. She wanted to showcase young women from where she grew up seeking higher education.  She shares that she grew up watching people on screen from Appalachia almost portrayed as jokes, as hillbillies, as ignorant, always men, never with a sense of humor or warmth or intelligence.

 

I grew up wanting to get out of Jackson, only to – as a grown woman, I sort of had to, you know, return to this place in order to have a future. So when I was a teenager, I wanted to be a film director. I wanted to write and direct my films. And I applied to art schools, and I was accepted. And I didn’t go because it felt like a betrayal to leave my family behind and my community, and no one in my family had ever gone to college at that point.

Instead she joined the Army National Guard because everyone in her family and her community joined the military. She was at Fort Jackson, S.C., being trained on the M16A2. At the end of her military years, she came back to Ohio and enrolled in a film class at Wright State University. There she was introduced to the documentarians Julia Reichert and Steve Bognar, and her world was opened up to incredible world of film. She then moved to Los Angeles a few years later to attend UCLA  for graduate film school. In 202 the Palm Springs International Film Festival named Riegel their “Directors to Watch.”

 

HOLLER will open Thursday, June 10th at The Neon
Showtimes are as follows:
Thursday (June 10) 7:30
Friday & Saturday (June 11 & 12) 1:30, 4:30, 7:30
Sunday (June 13) 1:30, 7:30
Mon-Thu (June 14-17) 3:15, 7:15

 

 

Yellow Springs Filmmakers Partner with Chappelle on Documentary

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This year’s Tribeca Film Festival will close on June 19th with a still untitled documentary directed and produced by Academy Award winning Yellow Springs filmmakers Julia Reichert and Steven Bognar.  The documentary, making its world premiere, portrays the challenges facing a rural village in Ohio during the early days of the pandemic. It captures the emotional period of the Black Lives Matter movement and the remarkable leadership of the town’s youth who started weekly marches and rallies in comedian Dave Chappelle’s home town of Yellow Springs.

“Dave is our neighbor. We see him in the grocery store, and on the street. When Dave came to us with the idea, we were immediately struck by the challenge to tell the story of our part of the world during the pandemic and the national reckoning on racial injustice,” said Reichert. “This was a historic moment and we really wanted to chronicle this place and this time, it just felt right.”

“Dave and his friends entrusted our team of amazing young filmmakers from Ohio with intimate moments which enabled us to create a moving portrait of artists’ as they navigated a time of fear and isolation,” said Bognar.

 

Neon News: DREAM HORSE & Eric Bana in THE DRY Start This Week!

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We’ve got to clean house. If you still need to see THE TRUFFLE HUNTERS or GUNDA, Thursday will be you last chance to catch them at THE NEON. On Thursday night we’ll start the crowdpleaser DREAM HORSE, and on Friday, we’ll start the new Australian thriller starring Eric Bana – THE DRY.

On Friday, 2 new films will be available in our Virtual Cinema. WHEN HITLER STOLE PINK RABBIT, based on the bestseller by Judith Kerr, was beautifully directed by Oscar winner Caroline Link (NOWHERE IN AFRICA). DRUNK BUS – a wonderful film that SLASH FILM calls “a unique and uplifting anti-road trip comedy” – is currently at “100% Fresh” on rottentomatoes.
NEW IN-PERSON ENGAGEMENTS:
Synopsis for DREAM HORSE: “Experience the inspiring true story of Dream Alliance, an unlikely race horse bred by small town bartender, Jan Vokes (Toni Collette). With very little money and no experience, Jan convinces her neighbors to chip in their meager earnings to help raise Dream and compete with the racing elites. Their investment pays off as Dream rises through the ranks and becomes a beacon of hope in their struggling community. Also starring Damian Lewis.” (Bleecker Street) This synopsis may sound familiar. We had a documentary about this story several years ago called DARK HORSE…this is the narrative retelling with the incredible Toni Colette in the lead role!
Synopsis for THE DRY: “Based on the global bestseller by Jane Harper, a federal agent’s homecoming leads to a deeply personal murder investigation that reopens old wounds and threatens to unravel the tight-knit small town.” (IFC Films) Starring Eric Bana! Click the image below to watch the film’s trailer.
NEW IN OUR VIRTUAL CINEMA:
Synopsis for WHEN HITLER STOLE PINK RABBIT: Available starting May 21! “From Academy Award® winning director Caroline Link (NOWHERE IN AFRICA) comes an adaptation of acclaimed British author Judith Kerr’s classic novel based on her childhood memories. The story of a Jewish family’s escape from 1933 Berlin to Europe tackles prejudice, exile, displacement and adaptation, as told from the perspective of the author’s alter ego, nine year-old Anna Kemper (Riva Krymalowski in her feature film debut). Anna is too busy with schoolwork and friends to notice Hitler’s face glaring from posters plastered all over 1933 Berlin. But when her father (Oliver Masucci) – based on the prominent theater critic Alfred Kerr – suddenly vanishes, the family is secretly hurried out of Germany. Anna begins to understand life will never be the same as she and her family navigate unfamiliar lands and cope with the challenges of being refugees.”
This film will be available to watch on your computer or mobile device or via the Eventive app on your Roku or AppleTV. Additional instructions can be found on Eventive’s HELP PAGE. Click the image below to watch the trailer and gain 72 access for $12
Synopsis for DRUNK BUS: Available starting May 21! “Michael (Charlie Tahan, OZARK) is a recent graduate whose post-college plan is derailed when his girlfriend leaves him for a job in New York City. When the bus service hires a security guard to watch over the night shift, Michael comes face to tattooed face with Pineapple, a 300-pound punk rock Samoan.” FILM INQUIRY writes, “”DRUNK BUS IS EDGY AND HEARTWARMING, BRINGING POWERFUL PERFORMANCES AND AN EVEN STRONGER MESSAGE TO THIS COMING-OF-AGE FILM,” and SLASH FILM calls DRUNK BUS “A UNIQE AND UPLIFTING ANTI-ROAD TRIP COMEDY.” This film will be available to watch on your computer or mobile device or via the Eventive app on your Roku or AppleTV. Additional instructions can be found on Eventive’s HELP PAGE. Click the image below to watch the trailer and gain 72 access for $12
CONTINUING IN OUR VIRTUAL CINEMA:
Synopsis for RK/RKAY: “Director, writer and star, Rajat Kapoor, the ‘godfather’ of Indian independent film has created a charming ‘meta-movie’ about filmmaking itself in his newest, RK/RKAY. Working in the tradition of such classics as BEING JOHN MALKOVICH and THE PURPLE ROSE OF CAIRO, the film tells the story of a film director whose main character usurps control of the plot line, and eventually, real life.” 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 72 hour access for $12.
Synopsis for US KIDS: “US KIDS is an insightful, rousing coming-of-age story of youth leaders determined to fight for justice at a critical time in U.S. history. Sparked by the plague of gun violence ravaging their schools, US KIDS chronicles the March For Our Lives movement over several years. The documentary follows Emma Gonzalez, David Hogg, Cameron Kasky, Samantha Fuentes, gun violence survivors, and teenage activists as they pull together the largest youth protest in American history. Their movement went global with rallies on six continents and in over 700 cities in every state across the nation, expanding to address racial injustice, a growing public health crisis, and shocking a political system into change. The March For Our Lives movement was instrumental in the record youth voter turnout in 2018 and 2020.” 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 gain 72 hour access to the film for $9.99.
To read more about all the films that are still available in our Virtual Cinema, please visit our WEBSITE. Several critically acclaimed films and audience favorites are still available! Here’s a LINK with a video I made about how Virtual Cinema works.
Would you like to know what titles we have planned for our Virtual cinema? (Click any title to watch that film’s trailer.) On May 28, we’ll open AMERICAN TRAITOR – a film based on a true story starring Al Pacino, and we’ll also open TINY TIM: KING FOR A DAY – a heartbreakingly wonderful documentary about the “unlikely” pop star. On June 4, we’ll have a film for the adventurous, extreme sport lovers – SUPER FRENCHIE, and on June 11, we’ll start the wonderful festival favorite and love letter to Tel Aviv – SUBLET. On June 18, we’ll open the great new documentary about two literary icons – TRUMAN & TENNESSEE: AN INTIMATE CONVERSATION (this film will also have 2 special, in-person screenings).More titles are on the way…stay tuned!
UPCOMING SPECIAL EVENTS
We have two different films coming down the road for special screenings. DISCLOSURE: TRANS LIVES ON FILM is set for Saturday, June 26 at Noon. This screening will be used as a fundraiser for David’s Place at Daybreak, and you can request your free tickets (though donations will be appreciated on the day of the screening) by clicking the image below. Click HERE to watch the film’s trailer.
On Saturday, June 19 at Noon & Thursday, June 24 at 7:30, we’ll have two special screenings of the new documentary TRUMAN & TENNESSEE: AN INTIMATE CONVERSATION. You’ll want to make sure that all the literary lovers in your life know about this one. Click HERE to watch a trailer. Tickets are on sale now.
A NOTE ABOUT COVID PRECAUTIONS. At this time, THE NEON is keeping all COVID precautions in place until further notice (including social distancing, masking requirements for all patrons and staff without exceptions, air filtration systems, plexiglass barriers at all points of sale, etc.). THE NEON’s Board will be meeting over the next few weeks to determine if any of these precautions might be loosened anytime soon. If you’d like to weigh in with what you’d like to see happen, don’t hesitate to drop me a note…I will present your responses to the Board.

McCoy on Movies: Spiral

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Chris Rock brings dramatic chops to Saw franchise’s latest spinoff

“Tell me one more time how you didn’t like either of the Grown Ups movies, I dare you!” Detective Ezekiel “Zeke” Banks” (Chris Rock) lines up a potential shot in a scene from director Darren Bousman’s SPIRAL: FROM THE BOOK OF SAW. Credit: Brooke Palmer © 2020 Lionsgate Publicity. All rights reserved.

WATCH THE TRAILER(S) HERE:

 
 
 

DIRECTOR: Darren Bousman

KEY CAST MEMBERS: Chris Rock, Max Minghella, Samuel L. Jackson, Marisol Nichols, Richard Zeppieri, Ali Johnson, Edie Inksetter and Daniel Petronijevic

THE BACK STORY: Ezekiel “Zeke” Burns (Chris Rock) is a detective with a lot of stress in his life. In addition to going through a divorce, he’s still living in the shadow of his father Marcus (Samuel L. Jackson), the former South Metro Police Captain. Throw in the fact he also turned in a dirty cop and took a bullet when his backup failed to arrive and Zeke understandable seems grizzled well beyond his years … Which should in turn explain why he has little to no desire to train a rookie detective in William Schenk (Max Minghella).
But when Zeke (with his new partner in tow) is called to the scene of what was suspected to be a homeless man hit by a subway train, he quickly learns that he now has an even bigger problem to deal with: A possible disciple of the former John Kramer, the serial killer known as Jigsaw …
THE REVIEW: What happens if you were to upgrade the acting of the past Saw films while retaining the – with apologies to All Elite Wrestling – blood and guts for which the franchise is known? Spiral answers that question: You get a movie that satisfies America’s longstanding obsession with serial killers while delivering a dramatic stage interesting enough to make you keep watching between the absolutely gruesome – and yes, I do mean gruesome – murders.
Say what you want about Chris Rock’s past movie work; the man has quietly been putting in work both in front and behind the camera for several years – and Spiral is his arguably his finest acting performance to date.
Spiral doesn’t work with Rock’s nuanced performance. Even when his hardened detective cracks the occasional joke, it doesn’t feel like you’re watching the stand-up comic that has been slaying audiences for the better part of four decades. Instead, you are watching a man battling inner and external demons, both of which come to a head once he starts seeing bodies of people he has a connection to start to pile up. If you were to remove the torture devices, it wouldn’t be a Saw spinoff (obviously), but it would still work as a serial killer drama – and that’s a testament to how far both Rock and longstanding Saw franchise head Darren Bousman have come.
If there was one nitpicky problem with Spiral, it would have to be part of the ending. Without going into detail, the “too cool to be bothered” explanation by the killer takes away a bit from the dramatic crescendo to which the film builds; given their motivation, this moment needs to be a bit more impassioned as opposed to coming off like “Oh yeah – I killed these people … You want some coffee?” Throw in one seeming hole that may or may not have been left open to some sort of sequel and it takes away a bit from the apex of the story, which is as over-the-top as you’d expect but mostly works … mostly.
But for a film that is arguably the best sequel of a franchise that most people would have been hard pressed to ever imagine upon the initial installment’s release, Spiral avoids going down one in fine, brutal fashion.
OVERALL RATING (OUT OF FOUR POSSIBLE BUCKETS OF POPCORN):

 

 

 

 

 

NOMADLAND Returns + FOUR GOOD DAYS with Glenn Close

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This week, we’re holding both TOGETHER TOGETHER and STREET GANG: HOW WE GOT TO SESAME STREET – both of which our audiences are loving. That said, we’re adding a couple titles to the mix. After its “Best Picture” win on Sunday (and because we agree with Frances McDormand that it should be seen on the big screen), we’re bringing back NOMADLAND for a handful of screenings. We’re also going to pepper in some shows of FOUR GOOD DAYS – a new drama about a family dealing with addiction starring Glenn Close & Mila Kunis.

On Friday, we will also open two new films in our Virtual Cinema – a wonderful Icelandic film THE COUNTY as well as ABOUT ENDLESSNESS, the latest film from brilliant filmmaker Roy Andersson.
NEW IN-PERSON ENGAGEMENT:
Synopsis for FOUR GOOD DAYS: “Emerging from a detox clinic, a young addict must stay clean while living with her mother for the next four days.” Starring Glenn Close & Mila Kunis. In addition to offering this film for a few traditional screenings, we will also have two benefit screenings. See this powerful film on the big screen and benefit FOA (Families of Addicts) at the same time. The 2 Special Screenings are this Friday at 7:00 and Sunday at 1:15. Tickets for these benefit screenings can be reserved by calling Anita Kitchen at (937)329-2865 (or by email at [email protected]). Our few traditional screenings can be purchased on our website or at our box office. Click the image below to watch the film’s trailer.
Synopsis for NOMADLAND: Winner of 3 Academy Awards – “Best Picture,” “Best Director” & “Best Actress!” “Following the economic collapse of a company town in rural Nevada, Fern (Frances McDormand) packs her van and sets off on the road exploring a life outside of conventional society as a modern-day nomad. The third feature film from director Chloé Zhao, NOMADLAND features real nomads Linda May, Swankie and Bob Wells as Fern’s mentors and comrades in her exploration through the vast landscape of the American West.” Inspired by the non-fiction book. Click the image below to visit the film’s official site (where there are several, wonderful Q&As).
NEW IN OUR VIRTUAL CINEMA:
Synopsis for ABOUT ENDLESSNESS: Available starting April 30! The new film from master filmmaker Roy Andersson! IndieWire says “You give Roy Andersson 76 minutes, and he’ll give you the universe.” “ABOUT ENDLESSNESS is a reflection on human life in all its beauty and cruelty, its splendor and banality. We wander, dreamlike, gently guided by our Scheherazade-esque narrator. Inconsequential moments take on the same significance as historical events: a couple floats over a war-torn Cologne; on the way to a birthday party, a father stops to tie his daughter’s shoelaces in the pouring rain; teenage girls dance outside a cafe; a defeated army marches to a prisoner-of-war camp. Simultaneously an ode and a lament, ABOUT ENDLESSNESS presents a kaleidoscope of all that is eternally human, an infinite story of the vulnerability of existence.” (Magnolia Pictures) 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 72 hour access for $12.
Synopsis for THE COUNTY: Available starting April 30! “After the global success of his Un Certain Regard winner RAMS, director Grímur Hákonarson returns to his native Iceland with another humanist farmland fable. Bitterly funny and deeply affecting, THE COUNTY plays out a timely political allegory against a jaw-dropping natural landscape, aided by a brainy, tenacious anti-heroine and Hákonarson’s dry Nordic humor.
When we first meet Inga (a brilliant Arndís Hrönn Egilsdóttir, in a star-making performance), she is midwifing a calf, in the middle of another back-breaking day on the small, nearly bankrupt dairy farm she shares with her husband, Reynir (Hinrik Ólafsson). She is one of many hard-working farmers in her region who work under a bureaucratic co-operative that, having fallen out of the control of its farmers, operates as a monopoly, pushing her and her community deep into debt. After Reynir’s sudden and suspicious death, Inga learns the true extent of both her powerlessness and her late husband’s involvement with the co-op’s schemings. With an eye to the future, and with no other option, she aims to chip away at the co-op’s domination…THE COUNTY cuts deep, putting a human face on an all-too-likely conflict, along with suspense, charm, and a touch of Scandinavian zaniness.” (Dekanalog) 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 72 hour access for $10.
Synopsis for THE RACE TO SAVE THE WORLD: “THE RACE TO SAVE THE WORLD is a climate documentary with a uniquely optimistic approach. It follows passionate activists whose single-minded focus is the creation of a sustainable world for future generations. These climate warriors, ages 15 to 72, are in the trenches fighting for a livable future, regardless of the personal cost. Emmy award-winning filmmaker Joe Gantz brings an urgent and intimate portrait of the protests, arrests, courtroom drama, and family turmoil these activists endure as they push for change. The Race to Save The World is an energizing and inspiring call-to-action that inspires viewers to quit waiting on the sidelines and start making their voices heard.” Michael Mann, Author of THE NEW CLIMATE WAR, writes, “There is still time to prevent catastrophic climate change. This powerful film shows how each of us can use our voice and our actions to save this planet from destruction. Watch it and be inspired to make a difference.” 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 72 access for $12
SPECIAL EVENT! Tomorrow! Wednesday, April 28 at 7pm, join us for a special, FREE Virtual Roundtable Discussion on our official FACEBOOK PAGE about BILL TRAYLOR: CHASING GHOSTS (you don’t need a Facebook Account to join us) – Guests will include Jeffrey Wolf (the film’s director and producer) and Jeany Nisenholz-Wolf (the film’s producer – and Dayton native) as well as renowned, local artist Bing Davis and Distinguished Research Professor, Dr. Flavia Bastos from School of Art, University of Cincinnati. (Special thanks to Meredith Moss for her story in last Sunday’s DAYTON DAILY NEWS. Here’s a LINK to that story.) If you haven’t seen the film yet, you can check it out HERE in our Virtual Cinema.
To read more about all the films that are still available in our Virtual Cinema, please visit our WEBSITE. Several critically acclaimed films and audience favorites are still available! Here’s a LINK with a video I made about how Virtual Cinema works.
Would you like to know what titles we have planned for our Virtual cinema? (Click any title to watch that film’s trailer.) On May 7, we’ll open HIGH GROUND – an Australian period piece that The Hollywood Reporter calls, “A gripping, visually spectacular revenge thriller that makes superb use of stunning landscapes while also addressing the lingering scars of colonial-era racism.” On May 14, we’ll start a poignant, award-winning doc – US KIDS, and on May 21, we’ll open WHEN HITLER STOLE PINK RABBIT– based on the bestseller by Judith Kerr. More titles are on the way…stay tuned!

Pop Up Drive in Movie Theater Experience

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Liftoff Entertainment has launched a new seriesWheels and Reels, a  Drive In Theater Experience Held at Top of the Market at 32 Webster St in Dayton, you can load up your car, grab food and beverages from the Market and catch a flick on the on a 40ft  Movie Screen. Owner Jay Nigro says,
“our goal is to host Covid friendly events. These events are almost a transition into what events used to be.  They allow you to get out of the house and attend an event in a safe manor. Tickets are based on parking spots not a per person rate. A single ticket allows as many people that can legally ride in the vehicle to enjoy the movie.”
Scheduled Movies:
April 29 – The Goonies
May 6 – Back to the Future
May 13 – Jurassic Park – premium viewing parking spots are already sold out for this show.
Parking Lot will open at 7:30pm.  Movies will start 15 min after sunset (approx 8:45pm)
Upon arriving you will be greeted and directed to a parking space by one of our parking coordinators. You are welcome to bring chairs and sit in front of your car. Tune your cars radio to 105.3FM to hear the movie. You are also welcome to bring a portable radio if you wish to sit outside of your car
Pricing is $30 per carload for general admission and $40 per carload for Premium View Spots. Tickets can be purchased from www.WheelsAndReelsDYT.com. Ticketed guests will be informed via email if there is any change due to weather.  Rain checks/Rain Date will be given if the event is cancelled.
Liftoff’s professional outdoor theater experience is also perfect for community events, backyard movie nights, neighborhood block parties, or watching the big game. Rentals start at $200 and screens range in size from 10ft to the big 40 ft screen.

WSU Big Lens Festival To Be Held at The Drive-In

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Wright State University’s acclaimed Motion Pictures program will present its annual Big Lens Film Festival Thursday, April 22nd at 8pm at Dayton’s Dixie Twin Drive-In.

For the first time, in order to accommodate COVID-conscious viewing requirements, the Big Lens Film Festival will take place outdoor, with audience members viewing from the safety of their cars. Big Lens has become an annual tradition in the regional film community as a celebration of the graduating students being showcased.

This year’s films are the culmination of up to two years of preparation and production – all of it made more challenging by an abrupt halt to production, and then the added requirements of following industry standards for COVID-safe conditions for filming, editing and preparing these premieres. The chance to see these films on a very large screen at Dixie Twin will be a joyful culmination to these filmmakers’ four years as students in the Tom Hanks Center for Motion Pictures.

 

Festival Director, Instructor of Motion Pictures Jeremy Bolden says, “This year’s Big Lens will have films from 2020 graduates, as well as 2021 graduates. Almost everything you’ll see on the screen was either finished, or entirely created during the COVID-19 Pandemic. A large part of the filmmaking process is problem solving, and our students have and continued to put in a tremendous amount of work to create content and tell stories that are important to them.”

The Disaster Mitzvah

Department of Theatre, Dance and Motion Pictures Chair, Joe Deer, says, “The Big Lens Film Festival is always a great event. But, this year is special, seeing a group of students that have banded together to make films while much of their industry has had to go on hiatus. I have such admiration for them and for their gifted faculty and staff, who have gone so many extra miles to make this event possible. I don’t think any of these filmmakers will ever forget this festival.”

This year’s films include:

  • Will I Make it Thru the Springtime, Music Video, Directed by Adam Clark
  • 27 Pages of Notes, Documentary, Directed by Parker Bowling
  • MAGGIE & SARAH, Short, Directed by Ella Price
  • Meat*, Animation, Directed by Vincent Short
  • Sick and Tired, Music Video, Directed by Adam Clark
  • CANVAS, Documentary, Directed by Ryder Caldwell
  • The Disaster Mitzvah*, Animation, Directed by Brandon Werwa
  • DEON, Documentary, Directed by Danny Fain
  • You May Feel, Animation, Directed by Joe Greenwell
  • I’m Lonely Even Though I’m Not Alone, Music Video, Directed by Parker Bowling
  • APOTHEOSIS, Short, Directed by Ella Price
  • Gooey Goats*, Animation, Directed by Ben Young

* Denotes 2020 Graduate.

Graduates of the Department of Theatre, Dance and Motion Pictures who have participated in this festival have gone on to win Emmy and Academy Awards and to lead the film and television industry in Southwest Ohio and the nation.

The Festival screening will take place Thursday, April 22nd, with gates opening at 7:00pm. The showings will begin a sunset (approximately 8pm). A suggested cash/check donation of $10 per person can be made at the gate. Patrons are expected to follow COVID precautions while viewing films at the Dixie Twin Drive-In

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NEON NEWS: Judi Dench’s Newest Film + More Oscar Nominees

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Though we’re holding onto everything we’re currently playing (FRENCH EXIT as well as the ANIMATED and LIVE ACTION OSCAR NOMINATED SHORTS), we’re going to add quite a bit to the mix this weekend. On Friday, we will open SIX MINUTES TO MIDNIGHT- a spy thriller set days before WWII starring Eddie Izzard and Judi Dench. In addition, we’re adding a handful of screenings of the OSCAR NOMINATED DOCUMENTARY SHORTS.

In our Virtual Cinema, we’re adding two new films. THE MAN WHO SOLD HIS SKIN is nominated for the “Best International Film” Oscar this year, and ROSE PLAYS JULIE is a thriller that speaks as a kind of companion piece to PROMISING YOUNG WOMAN.

NEW IN-PERSON ENGAGEMENTS:

Synopsis for SIX MINUTES TO MIDNIGHT: “’In the summer of 1939, influential families in Nazi Germany have sent their daughters to a finishing school in an English seaside town to learn the language and be ambassadors for a future looking National Socialist. A teacher there sees what is coming and is trying to raise the alarm. But the authorities believe he is the problem.” Starring Eddie Izzard, Judi Dench, James D’Arcy, and Jim Broadbent. (IFC Films) Click the image below to watch the film’s trailer.

Synopsis for OSCAR NOMINATED SHORT FILMS – DOCUMENTARY: All 5 Academy Award Nominated Documentary Short Films have been assembled for you to see in one place. Starting Friday, you can see these at THE NEON during one of our four special screenings (but if those don’t work for you, they’re still available in our Virtual Cinema). Here are the films: A LOVE SONG FOR LATASHA (USA, 18 min.), DO NOT SPLIT (USA/Norway, 36 min.), HUNGER WARD (USA, 40 min.), COLETTE (France/Germany/USA, 24 min.), and A CONCERTO IS A CONVERSATION (USA, 13 min.). Due to mature themes, this package is not intended for young audiences – our suggested rating is R. If you wish to screen these films virtually, you can watch them on your computer or mobile device or via the Eventive App on your Roku or SmartTV. Please make sure you use this LINK to purchase your at-home access. Click the image below to watch the official trailer for all the shorts.

NEW VIRTUAL ENGAGEMENTS:

Synopsis for ROSE PLAYS JULIE: Available starting April 9! “Rose (Ann Skelly) is at university studying veterinary science. An only child, she has enjoyed a loving relationship with her adoptive parents. However, for as long as Rose can remember she has wanted to know who her biological parents are and the facts of her true identity. After years trying to trace her birth mother, Rose now has a name and a number…and it quickly becomes clear that her birth mother has no wish to have any contact. Rose is shattered. A renewed and deepened sense of rejection compels her to keep going. Rose travels from Dublin to London in an effort to confront her birth mother, Ellen (Orla Brady). Ellen is deeply disturbed when Rose turns up unannounced. The very existence of this young woman threatens the stability of the new life Ellen has painstakingly put together. But Rose proves very tenacious and Ellen is forced to reveal a secret she has kept hidden for over 20 years. This shocking revelation forces Rose to accept the violent nature of how she came into existence. Rose believes she has little to lose but much to gain when she sets out to confront her biological father, Peter (Aidan Gillen).” Tickets are $6.99 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 THE MAN WHO SOLD HIS SKIN: Available starting April 9! OSCAR NOMINATED for Best International Film! “Sam Ali, a young, sensitive and impulsive Syrian, left his country for Lebanon to escape the war. To be able to travel to Europe and live with the love of his life, he accepts to have his back tattooed by one of the World’s most sulfurous contemporary artists. Turning his own body into a prestigious piece of art, Sam will however come to realize that his decision might actually mean anything but freedom.” Click the image below to watch this film’s trailer. The link to access the film will be available on our website later in the week.

To read more about all the films that are still available in our Virtual Cinema, please visit our WEBSITE. Several critically acclaimed films and audience favorites are still available! Here’s a LINK with a video I made about how Virtual Cinema works.

Would you like to know what titles we have planned for our Virtual cinema? (Click any title to watch that film’s trailer.) On April 16, we’ll start 2 new films – WE BROKE UP is a contemporary and smart romantic comedy and BILL TRAYLOR: CHASING GHOSTS (no trailer available yet) is a documentary about the singular and pioneering artist (I will soon have details for you about a special free virtual talk-back with the film’s director & producer as well as local artist Bing Davis and Dr. Flavia Bastos, Director of Graduate Studies in Art Education – University of Cincinnati). On Earth Day (April 22), we’ll start a new documentary – THE RACE TO SAVE THE WORLD. And onn, April 30, we will start a wonderful Icelandic film THE COUNTY. More titles are on the way…stay tuned!

Sending special thanks to our friends at Toxic Brew, A Hole in the Wall and Ned Pepper’s (3 Oregon District bars just a block+ from THE NEON) for hosting 4 one-time-only screenings in their “Cult Film Series.” These screenings have helped to raise over $2,500 for THE NEON…and we truly appreciate their generosity. Please let them know how grateful we are the next time you stop in to one of these neighborhood favorites.

And now the news that many of you have been waiting for. Our Free Annual Oscar Screening is still going to happen this year, but seating will be severely limited. You’re the first to get this invitation to request tickets. Click this LINK to request yours…they will be given on a first-come, first-serve basis.

McCoy on Movies: The Courier

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The Courier a solid if-not familiar Cold War drama best suited for older audiences

 

“This seems strange … There’s no caped superheroes here to back me up … And I have a mustache!” Greville Wynne (Benedict Cumberbatch) in a scene from Dominic Cooke’s based on a true story Cold War drama THE COURIER. Credit: Liam Daniel © Lionsgate and 2020 Roadside Attractions. All rights reserved.

WATCH THE TRAILER(S) HERE:

DIRECTOR: Dominic Cooke

KEY CAST MEMBERS: Benedict Cumberbatch, Merab Ninidze, Rachel Brosnahan, Angus Wright, Jessie Buckley, Petr Klimes and Kirill Pirogov

THE BACK STORY: Greville Wynn (Benedict Cumberbatch) is a simple businessman, nothing more, nothing less. Then his life is turned upside down when a MI-6 agent (Angus Wright) and a CIA operative (Rachel Brosnahan) approach him with a request: Get information from would-be Russian defector Oleg Penkovsky (Merab Ninidze) about the Soviet supply of nuclear weapons to help prevent a third world war at the height of the Cuban Missile Crisis.
As long as Greville and Oleg don’t get caught by Gribanov (Kirill Pirogov) and/or any other KGB agent, for that matter, everything should be just fine …
THE REVIEW: The Courier is fine. Cumberbatch commits to the role of Greville well, playing him with fish out of water sensibility quite well while Ninidze is convincing as Oleg. Likewise, Jessie Buckley is a classic mid-20th Century housewife as Sheila, demure yet confident and guarded given her husband’s past indiscretions only to reveal a softer side as the story progresses.
In similar fashion, Brosnahan is steadfast in her mission as CIA operative Emily Donovan, playing well against the traditionally reserved British gentleman that is Angus Wright’s Dickie Franks. And then there’s Kirill Pirogov’s performance as Gribanov, a man who is not so much a villain as a man committed to his cause, just as the American forces that are convinced they are right, so is he.
So what then, keeps The Courier from excelling to higher heights? It could be the familiarity of the entire affair (the Cold War has been cinematic fodder for 70 years). It could also be the familiarity of the characters (the tension between husband and wife in Greville and Sheila, the cat-and-mouse set ups as the story progresses with the foreshadowing being fairly heavy to the point it feels a bit too predictable. This does change, however, at about one hour into the story, but there is one grandiose moment that feels a bit to “made for the movies” for its own good.
In short, The Courier is a solid historical drama for those already interested in the subject matter that pays respect to its subject … It just lacks something inherently dynamic about it the way a say Good Night and Good Luck grips you. Think of it like a good meal at a restaurant you frequent. It’s solid, but it’s familiar. It feels like a film for an audience of a certain age, which is a bit of misstep given that it is based in a classic tale of espionage.
And for a man who’s story is largely unfamiliar to the world, you might be wishing there was just a little more than that.
OVERALL RATING (OUT OF FOUR POSSIBLE BUCKETS OF POPCORN):