Dayton937

Things to do in Dayton | Restaurants, Theatre, Music and More

Arts & Entertainment

TIFF Day #4 – 2025

By

Hello Dayton937 & NEON Fans!

It’s only Day #4, and I’m starting to drag a bit.  That said, I’ve now seen 15 films, met up with old friends, rubbed elbows with some big wigs, written a daily blog, kept up with NEON business from home and hobnobbed with some colleagues…all in just 4 days…so it’s no surprise.  When 15 minute naps are possible, I take them.

The first little photo on this blog entry is a brilliant marketing effort for my first film of the day – DEAD MAN’S WIRE (dir: Gus Van Sant – USA) “Featuring captivating performances from Bill Skarsgård, Dacre Montgomery, Colman Domingo, and Al Pacino, Gus Van Sant’s latest recreates the strange, fascinating true story of the 1977 kidnapping that made aspiring Indianapolis entrepreneur Tony Kiritsis into an eccentric outlaw folk hero.” (TIFF catalog). It’s so hard not to contextualize this film into right now with so many people embracing Luigi Mangione – as this is a story of a man who felt wronged by a mortgage company and their capitalistic greed.  I did not know the story of Tony Kiritsis, but this film and its character’s motives speaks greatly to the anti-establishment, and it  feels like an homage to films from the 70’s (and it works on a lot of levels).  Though I initially questioned some of Bill Skarsgård’s choices as too performative and over-the-top, I eventually bought into them as part of true character choices.  It’s a tight film, and I think it will find distribution.
There’s no trailer yet…just this still:

My next film was my first documentary of the festival – MODERN WHORE (dir: Nicole Bazuin – Canada) “Andrea Werhun and Nicole Bazuin challenge toxic misconceptions about sex work and sex workers with great audacity and high style.” (TIFF catalog). I agreed with so much of what this film had to say, but I found its style and form as trying too hard – with campy aesthetics and too much “winking” at the camera. It seems like it will be well-suited for clickbait on a streaming service…and maybe that’s where it’s message really needs to be heard.

My next film before my first small break of the day was & SONS (dir: Pablo Trapero – United Kingdom, Canada) “This dramatic adaptation of David Gilbert’s 2013 novel, co-written by Oscar-winner Sarah Polley and directed by Pablo Trapero (TIFF ’15’s The Clan), stars Bill Nighy as a reclusive literary superstar who calls his sons home for an unbelievable announcement.” (TIFF catalog). I adore Bill Nighy and Imelda Staunton, so I had to check out this film. I don’t want to give away too much of this film – as the surprise announcement that Nighy’s character makes is a stunning…and leads to some debate (within the film and the audience in the lobby).  I’m wondering how this film will be marketed…will they reveal this announcement or try to keep it under wraps?  At the end of the day, Nighy is a big (though physically shrinking) alcoholic who commands a room when he has something to say.  I found his character off-putting – but the performance quite good.  That said, it’s Staunton who is the soul of the film.  She has the best moments and will break your heart.   There’s one climatic-like scene that turned me off a bit…but I was also terribly tired during this film…so I’m going to be a bit forgiving. It’s well done overall.
There is no trailer yet, just a still photo:

My last film of the day was from Steven Soderbergh – who works as well in the indie world as big Hollywood – THE CHRISTOPHERS (dir: Steven Soderbergh – United Kingdom) “The great Ian McKellen and I May Destroy You’s Michaela Coel make a brilliant pairing in Oscar winner Steven Soderbergh’s incisively witty chamber comedy about art, commerce, and avarice.” (TIFF catalog) With a very strong screenplay and incredible central performances from McKellen and Michaela Coel, this whip-smart film is as funny as it is touching.  Though McKellen couldn’t attend due to doctors’ orders, he sent along a personal greeting to the TIFF audience…as we were the very first to see the finished film.  The Q&A following the film with Soderbergh, Coel and writer Ed Solomon and actor Jessica Gunning was fantastic.  I’m 15 films deep at this point, and THE CHRISTOPHERS is my personal favorite.
There’s no trailer yet, just a still:

An add-on of THE TESTAMENT OF ANN LEE is happening tomorrow morning (as I had hoped), so I need to make my way out early to get a spot in line.

Thanks so much for reading,

Jonathan

Catch Jonathan’s previous tiff posts:

The illuminated sign on King Street West indicates the start of the festival!

Day 1 post

Day2 post

Day 3 post

TIFF Day #3 – 2025

By

Hello Dayton937 & NEON Fans,

Day #3 didn’t start off the way I had hoped.  At 8:00 every morning, there’s a chance to get last-minute, public tickets for the day…and I sadly didn’t get anything for the mid-afternoon slots that I wanted.  This isn’t a huge surprise since it’s the first Saturday of the festival.  Tickets are at a premium.  I did get in line for a movie I wanted to see this morning, and arriving an hour early seemed like a good idea.  It was…but it wasn’t.  When I got to the TIFF Lightbox (the venue for the screening), there were already a hundred people in line.  I was glad I got there early – until I realized they were mostly there for a different film.  I was there for STEVE, and they were mostly there for an even later film called THE TESTAMENT OF ANNA LEE (which I had on my list…but didn’t fit with the rest of my day).  I’m hoping a screening of ANNA LEE get added – as I would like to see it.

My first film of the day was a powerful one. STEVE (dir: Tim Mielants – Ireland, United Kingdom) “Oscar winner Cillian Murphy anchors this gripping adaptation of a bestselling novella from 2023. Faced with ever-increasing pressures, the head of a crumbling reform school for boys navigates a pivotal, fraught day while clinging to a fading sense of hope.” (TIFF catalog)  This story is set on the day when a camera crew has descended on this school to do a interest piece.  The pairing of lead actor & director (who both worked together on SMALL THINGS LIKE THESE) is a strong partnership…but  everyone in this ensemble is terrific – the teachers, the staff, the cameracrew, the boys (it was nice to see Tracey Ullman in a dramatic (but sometimes still funny) role).  It’s a film that’s scary, touching and emotionally taxing, and I wish all people who deal with at-risk youth would see it…as well as people who deal with funding issues. This statement from the TIFF catalog sums it up beautifully. “STEVE is a bruised elegy for institutions under siege and a character study shaped by the courage of those who persist within them; a chamber piece of forceful commitment, lost boys, and stubborn acts of hope.” Sadly, I think this film will get lost in the heap of Netflix and not get a proper theatrical release.

Next up was highly anticipated…as I’m a big Saoirse Ronan fan.  It’s been fun watching Ronan grow up on screen at TIFF – from ATONEMENT to BROOKYN to LADY BIRD to ON CHESIL BEACH to this new film – BAD APPLES (dir: Jonatan Etzler – United Kingdom) ” The satirical thriller Bad Apples stars Saoirse Ronan (Lady Bird) as a primary school teacher forced to take drastic action because of a foul-mouthed, violent student, and uncovers how her community will turn a blind eye to the most outrageous events to preserve harmony and their sense of safety.” (TIFF catalog) I had no idea that this film would be so thematically similar to my first of the day…but tonally, theses films are from completely different planets. This dark, satirical comedy starts off with notes of honesty and then goes bonkers.  That said, you can’t wait to see what happens next.  At its core, it’s a film about teachers being under-resourced for at-risk kids…but it also has a lot to do with how the public will turned blind eyes to issues if their lives are better due to someone else’s pain and suffering.  There’s a lot to un-package about what could easily be tossed aside as just a dark comedy.
There is no trailer yet for BAD APPLES, just a still photo.

An friend from Searchlight got me a prime-seat ticket to the world premiere of my last film for today – RENTAL FAMILY (dir: HIKARI – United States of America, Japan) “Oscar winner Brendan Fraser stars as an American actor in Tokyo who suffers a colossal case of impostor syndrome when he becomes a professional surrogate in this wise and whimsical dramedy from director HIKARI (TIFF ’19’s 37 Seconds).” (TIFF catalog) This crowd-pleaser of a film is full of laughs…but with an undercurrent of sadness. Brendan Fraser plays Phillip, a man who lives alone in Japan (with a REAR WINDOW-like vantage point from his apartment) – feeling quite lonely and trying to find acting roles.  He stumbles upon a company that wants him to be substitute character in people’s lives – a man to introduce to your parents, an author to interview your father so he can feel special in his old age, a dad so your daughter can have two parents when interviewing for a prestigious school.  It’s a fascinating concept (I have seen this concept before in a Yorgos Lanthimos film called THE ALPS…though not at all a crowd-pleaser), and the director confirmed that it’s an actual business in Japan. Though the service fills some familial gaps, it can also be dangerous work – physically and emotionally – for both client and actor.  The film got a nice standing ovation, and HIKARI and Fraser did a nice Q&A.  I think this film will be well received by audiences later this season.

I should be back to 4 films tomorrow.  We’ll see.

Thanks for reading,

Jonathan

Catch Jonathan’s previous tiff posts:
Day 1 post

Day2 post

TIFF Day #2 – 2025

By

Hello Dayton937 & NEON Fans!

Today took some fun turns…including a great text from an old friend at Searchlight Pictures – offering me a great seat for tomorrow’s premiere of RENTAL FAMILY.  I’m excited to fit in another public screening of a highly anticipated film.  You’ll be able to read all about it tomorrow.

I started day #2 with a lesbian coming-of-age story – THE LITTLE SISTER (dir: Hafsia Herzi – France, Germany) “Hafsia Herzi’s sensitive and affecting coming-of-age drama The Little Sister tells the story of Fatima, a devout young Muslim woman, as she struggles to balance the dictates of her religion with her sexuality.” Beautifully shot with great performances, this synopsis really spells out this film.  There’s nothing terribly new here, but it’s done very well and honestly…and the characters make it worth spending time with this film. (TIFF catalog) No trailer…but here’s a clip:

There wasn’t much to go on except for some name recognition for my next film – TUNER (dir: Daniel Roher – United States) “Documentarian Daniel Roher dazzles with his narrative debut, a whip-smart thriller about an unusual safecracker (Leo Woodall).” (TIFF catalog) Because it was starring Dustin Hoffman & Leo Woodall (who I loved in the ONE DAY series), I took a chance.  The set-up, the characters, the writing…it was so fun. A piano tuner with a hearing disorder (where loud sounds cause terrible pain) stumbles into underground work as a safecracker.  If you look at the scribblings I write in the dark, you would see that I was loving this film for the first 30+ minutes. I was writing things like “what a find” and “this is so fun.”  Then it took some ridiculous turns and a lot of its charm was lost for me.  Overall, I still liked the film…I just didn’t like how big and over-the-top it got.
There is no trailer yet for TUNER…just some still photographs.  Here’s one:

After a cocktail with dear friend and former NEON Board member Susan Strong  and her husband Bob (who now live in Minneapolis), I was off to my next film.  While in line, a man behind me asked what films I had seen so far…and after chatting for a bit, he asked what I do.  I told him I run an arthouse cinema in Ohio…and he asked if we were playing TWINLESS.  I explained that we had just opened the film today…and that I was a fan of actor/director James Sweeney.  To that, he pulled out his phone and called James and handed the phone to me.  What a treat!  This could only happen at TIFF!  David Permut was the producer’s name, and he shared some details about upcoming productions he has in the works.  And interestingly, he plans on producing the next film from Agnieszka Holland…who directed the next film I saw – FRANZ (dir: Agnieszka Holland – Czech Republic, Germany, Poland) “Toggling between past and present, the latest from filmmaker Agnieszka Holland is a masterful tour de force portrait of legendary writer Franz Kafka, who remains celebrated worldwide for his books, short stories, fables, and aphorisms.” (TIFF Catalog). I’ve been an admirer of Agnieszka Holland’s work since I saw EUROPA, EUROPA when I was 18, and her 1993 film THE SECRET GARDEN is one of my favorite adaptations of children’s literature.  This new film is certainly Holland’s most experimental work.  It’s a challenging film about a challenging author – working on multiple timelines and commenting on how he has been “clichéd” and turned into a tourist attraction in Prague. Holland and most of the cast were at this screening, and the Q&A added some very interesting insight into the film.  Seeing Holland in person was a treat.  Even during the Q&A, she was directing.

My last film of the night was ERUPCJA (dir: Pete Ohs – United States of America, Poland) “American filmmaker Pete Ohs observes the combustible chemistry between a Polish florist (Lena Góra) and a British tourist (Charli xcx) in this charming postcard of sapphic synchronicity.”  (TIFF catalog) TIFF calls Pete Ohs an “American filmmaker,” but I’ll go one step further and call him and “Ohio filmmaker.”  One of Ohs’ earlier films was called YOUNGSTOWN – a city just 20+ minutes from where I grew up (I have to find this movie). This new film stars CharliXCX – a musician/performer I’ve grown to admire more and more over the last couple years (her SNL sketches with Please Don’t Destroy were hysterical). With influences of the French New Wave, this little fly-by-night film was a stylized love letter to Warsaw.  Ohs, as well as cast members Jeremy O. Harris, Will Madden and Lena Góra were in attendance.  Once again, the Q&A added such great insight.  Finding out exactly how Ohs approaches his films (without a script, without much of a crew, etc.) was both intriguing and inspiring.
There is no trailer yet for ERUPCJA – just still photos.  Here is one of them:

And now it’s time for bed.  I’ll be up in about 6 hours…ready to pack in screenings again tomorrow.

Thanks for reading,
Jonathan

Did you miss Jonathan’s Day 1 post?

TIFF Day #1 – 2025

By

Hello Dayton937 & NEON Friends!

I hit the ground running today.  I grabbed coffee from my favorite coffee spot in Toronto (The Daily Dose), and then I hopped in line during a downpour for my first of four movies of the day.  Luckily, my spot in line had a bit of coverage…dozens of other people were getting completely soaked.

In between movies, I met up with and ran into a few old friends/colleagues – which is always a fun part of the festival.

My first film of the day was THE CHORAL (dir: Nicholas Hytner – United Kingdom) “Starring Oscar nominee Ralph Fiennes (TIFF ’24’s Conclave), this heart-soaring period drama from director Nicholas Hytner (The Madness of King George) tells the story of young men raising their voices in song under the shadow of WWI.” I was really looking forward to this film.  From director Nicholas Hytner and screenwriter/playwright Alan Bennet, the pair who brought us THE HISTORY BOYS and THE LADY IN THE VAN, comes a film about how art can create community, inspire during moments of crisis and even be an act of defiance. Ralph Fiennes is quite strong in this film, and the voices are lovely…but I found the tone to shift a bit too much…with some content seeming rather misplaced.  Some emotional beats hit just right, but overall, it seemed too easy sometimes and trying too hard to be “adult” in others.

Next up was a film I attended because I was intrigued by its set-up.  Several critics had commented that the film “shouldn’t work…but it does.” A USEFUL GHOST  (dir: Ratchapoom Boonbunchachoke – Thailand, France, Singapore, Germany)  “Thai filmmaker Ratchapoom Boonbunchachoke upends pre-existing genres with a fantastical story about a ghost that inhabits a vacuum cleaner to become useful. This humorous and visually striking debut feature was the Grand Prix winner of Cannes Critics’ Week.” (TIFF catalog) For the first 30 minutes, I was completely in.  The film set up a crazy world, and I found it quite funny.  Eventually, some moments became quite tender – with something rather silly becoming rather touching.  But then the film wore out its welcome.  By the end of the 2 hrs 10 min, it was a big eyeroll…and I wish it had been shaved to about 90 minutes.

I was a little tired going into my next film – a political thriller set in Brazil. THE SECRET AGENT (dir: Kleber Mendonça Filho – Brazil, France, Netherlands, Germany) “Winner of multiple prizes at this year’s Cannes Film Festival, TIFF veteran Kleber Mendonça Filho’s sly, genre-bending political thriller stars Wagner Moura as Marcelo, a technology expert on the lam and seeking refuge in the Brazilian city of Recife in 1977.” (TIFF Catalog) This film took a while to reveal itself.  There were a couple different storylines at first…in different periods…and then more.  The cast is one of the best ensembles in a long time, and it’s quite a ride that doesn’t mind taking its time.  I personally would cut this film down a bit, but it takes some bold choices, and I applaud its decisions.

My last film of the night was my first public screening (meaning not just industry folks) – complete with red carpet, big stars and an awesome venue – The Princess of Wales Theatre (aka The VISA Screening Room)…and it was the best film of the day. SENTIMENTAL VALUE (dir: Joachim Trier – Norway, France, Denmark, Germany, Sweden, United Kingdom) “Stellan Skarsgård and Renate Reinsve lead an incomparable cast in Joachim Trier’s moving drama about a director’s bid to revive his career and repair his family’s broken bonds.” We played Trier’s last film – THE WORST PERSON IN THE WORLD – and I was quite interested to see what he would do next.  This familial drama is full of wonderful performances (with Renate Reinsve & Inga Ibsdotter Lilleaas having some of the most fantastic “sister chemistry” ever on screen) and has the best “first five minutes” of a movie I’ve seen in a long time – a set-up that really puts you right into the vibe of the film and gives us so much details about characters without feeling forced…it’s brilliant.  The trailer below sets a great tone, and that’s what this film is really about.  During the Q&A, Trier was asked about the use of music in his films.  He said that he had initially wanted to be a musician but was kicked out of two bands because he was a bad drummer…but that he wants his films to feel like music…leaving you with a vibe and a temperament.  The four lead actors of the film were on stage with Trier – Stellan Skarsgård, Renate Reinsve, Inga Ibsdotter Lilleaas, and Elle Fanning – and they all brought something different to the conversation, but all shared an admiration for Trier and his process.

Thanks for reading about my first day…there’s lots more to come.

Jonathan

Prepping for Toronto International Film Fest – 2025

By

Hello Dayton937!

It’s hard to believe that Labor Day is here…and it will soon be time to head to Toronto again for the Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF).  The line-up at TIFF is extensive –  “209 features, 6 Classics, 10 Primetime films, and 66 shorts” – so I have a lot of decisions to make.  The pass that I have will allow me to see dozens of dozens of films with other press and industry folks (these are no-frills screenings…just the movies plus lots of networking and movie-talk while waiting in lines).  In addition, I will get 10 tickets to public screenings – the events that get media attention – red carpets, big stars, Q&A’s, etc.

I’ve been scanning the line-up and making some initial picks, but I definitely leave room for some word-of-mouth and industry buzz to guide my decisions once I’m in Canada.

On this side of the festival, here are a few titles I’m looking forward to seeing:

HAMNET is the new film directed by Academy Award winner Chloé Zhao (NOMADLAND).  I love the cast, and the film looks lovely.

ETERNITY looks like it will be fun.  I love the entire cast.

Richard Linklater’s NOUVELLE VAGUE – about the making of the French New Wave classic BREATHLESS (Linklater has 2 films at the festival…clearly a busy man).

There are a handful of films playing at TIFF that I’ve already seen – like ELEANOR THE GREAT (starring National Treasure June Squibb – opening Sept. 26 at THE NEON), BLUE MOON (Richard Linklater’s fantastic film starring Ethan Hawke, Margaret Qualley, Andrew Scott & Bobby Cannavale – which will be playing at the OUT HERE DAYTON Film Fest on October 10), and NUREMBERG (a fascinating courtroom drama about the Nuremberg trials starring Rami Malek, Russell Crowe and Michael Shannon – certain to be a NEON fan favorite this Fall).  Because I won’t be screening them at the festival, I won’t be “reviewing” them in this blog per se…but I urge you to find out more about each of them.

Starting Thursday, Sept. 4, I’ll keep track of each film that I see at TIFF in this daily blog.  I appreciate Dayton937 for allowing me to use this platform to keep my thoughts in order and stay in touch with NEON fans.  www.dayton937.com/tag/tiff

Thanks for reading!

Jonathan McNeal, manager of THE NEON

The Play That Goes Wrong at La Comedia

By

Welcome to opening night of Cornley University Drama Society’s production of The Murder at Haversham Manor, where things are quickly going from bad to utterly disastrous” is the opening line from the acclaimed comedy, The Play That Goes Wrong. The play follows an amateur dramatic society’s attempt to stage a 1920s whodunit, which devolves into a series of comedic mishaps, including an unconscious lead actress, a poorly behaving corpse, and clumsy actors, all leading to a hilarious performance. 

Renaissance Festival Returns for 9 Weekends

By

The moment you walk through the gates of the Ohio Renaissance Festival, the modern world seems to melt away. Instead of cars and concrete, you’ll find yourself strolling cobblestone lanes lined with timber-framed shops, the scent of roasting turkey legs drifting through the air.

Laughter echoes from a nearby stage as jesters perform clever tricks, while the thunder of hooves signals the start of a joust in the arena. Around every corner, artisans display hand-forged blades, delicate glasswork, and custom leather creations—each piece a reminder that craftsmanship is alive and well. Musicians wander the lanes with lutes and drums, inviting you to slow your pace and soak in the rhythm of another time.

What makes the festival special isn’t just its carefully built 16th-century village—it’s the energy of the people who fill it. Visitors arrive in elaborate gowns and shining armor, or just jeans and T-shirts, but all share a willingness to step outside the ordinary. For a day, you can eat like royalty, cheer for knights, trade jokes with a pirate, and disappear into a world that feels both far away and strangely familiar.

The Fest kicks off August 30, 2025  and runs through October 26, 2025 on – Saturdays, Sundays & Labor Day

Tickets:

  • ADULT DATE SPECIFIC TICKETS $32-35 (online) or IF AVAILABLE $35-38 (ticket booth)
  • Children $10 (ages 5-12) – Children tickets are NOT limited.
  • Children under 5 FREE

Must see Attractions: The Swordsmen, two itinerant gentlemen with sharp swords, quick reflexes and even quicker wits for an entertaining balance of comedy and the manly art of swordfighting. Death-defying, daring, dangerous, and dynamic, Ichabod Wainright will amaze and amuse you with the Wheel of Death. Theatre In The Ground (aka The Mudde Show) presents literary classics with a comedic twist performed in Ohio’s only Muditorium, where comedy meets Earth. The Kamikaze Fireflies feature dangerous feats and comedic stunts.

Test your skills in the gaming area, then visit the Tower of London Dungeon of Doom. Eat, drink, shop, enjoy the shows, ride human-powered rides, and visit with Royalty at the 2024 Ohio Renaissance Festival.

More than 150 world-class artisans display wares in this unique shoppers’ paradise. Master artisans demonstrate timeless arts of glassblowing, jewelry making, blacksmithing, stone carving, leather crafting, weaving and more.

Be Sure to enjoy Giant Turkey Legs, Steak-On-A-Stake, Barbecue, Wraps, Stuffed Spuds, Bread Bowl Stews, Pizza Parlor, Hearty Ales, Flavorful Wines, Delectable Desserts and Vegetarian selections offer even the most discriminating taste buds a true Taste of the Renaissance.

Special Dining Events you won’t want to miss:

Savor a 5-course dinner show featuring delectable starters, a diverse array of entrées, a heavenly dessert, PLUS a variety of alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages, all complemented by a collectible tankard as a keepsake. Don’t miss out on this incredible dining experience!
One seating per festival day, 3:00 – 5:00 pm. Tickets run $85.99 ($80.00 + $5.99 fee), buy online.

5-Course Feast Royal Feast Menu

Starters: Fruit & Cheese Platter, Onion & Mushroom Bisque

Sides: Honey Roasted Carrots, Herb Roasted Potatoes

Main Courses: Beef, Poultry, and Pork

Desserts: Chef’s Selection

Beverages: A selection of alcoholic and non-alcoholic options.

 

Witches of Willy-Nilly Whiskey Tasting:
A Spirited Adventure at the Ohio Renaissance Festival!

Embark on a magical journey of whiskey, bourbon, and scotch with the enchanting Witches of Willy-Nilly. Sip, savor, and learn at this exclusive tasting event.
At the Tipsy Cauldron at 1 pm every festival day. $43.76 ($40.00 + $3.76 fee)

 A fun tasting event hosted by the Witches of Willy Nilly. Enjoy six premium tastes of spiritous beverages that rotate throughout the season.

 

Please arrive to the Tipsy Cauldron by 12:45pm to check in and get your seat. Tickets not checked in by 12:45pm are subject to be resold.  Must be 21 years of age. 

WINE TASTING

This unique experience invites you to savor a selection of fine wines, each chosen for its historical significance and exceptional quality. Whether you’re a seasoned connoisseur or a curious novice, our host will guide you through the rich tapestry of flavors, sharing stories of winemaking traditions from bygone eras. Raise your goblet and toast to an unforgettable journey through the vineyards of history!

Check-in at 3 pm at the Noble Nook.

The tasting will begin at 3:15 pm and last for about 45 minutes.

Price: $43.76 ($40 + 3.76) includes tastes of 5 savory wines (2 whites, 2 reds and 1 Rose) rotating throughout the season.

Ohio Renaissance Festival

10542 Ohio 73
Waynesville, Ohio 45068

I-75, exit 38 on State Route 73

Hours:
10:30am – 7:00pm

McCoy on Movies: Honey Don’t

By

Margaret Qualley shines in a dark, LGTBQIA+ dark comedy
that’s not as bright as her performance

Don’t have time to read a full, detailed movie review? Been meaning to talk about a movie for a while but just haven’t gotten around to telling a friend? Have no fear – get caught up with Quick Hits!

“Take notes … I’m the best thing about this film and you
know it.” Honey O’Donahue (Margaret Qualley) investigates
in a scene from Ethan Coen’s HONEY DON’T! Credit:

 

Karen Kuehn © 2025 Focus Features LLC. All Rights Reserved.
HONEY DON’T! 
 
There are exactly two reasons to see HONEY DON’T, the second installment of Ethan Coen’s “lesbian b-movie trilogy” written alongside his lesbian, non-traditional partner Tricia Cooke: (1) To watch Margaret Qualley, who stars as a queer, Bakersfield, CA-private eye that’s more masculine 1925 than she is 2025 in her demeanor, own every scene she’s in and (2) the gratuitous surely to some and likely not gratuitous enough to others nudity and sex crammed into the film’s 90 minute run-time. (Those who cheered the removal of the Pulse Nightclub crosswalk in Florida need not buy a ticket for reasons that should now be overtly obvious.
Moral objections to seeing LGTBQIA+ characters on screen – along with possibly the most corrupt preacher of the year in Chris Evans as drug dealing, murdering, fornicating church leader Drew Devlin – notwithstanding, HONEY DON’T finds Qualley outperforming the thin-yet-familiar material she is given to work with at every turn. That’s not to suggest that the other actors don’t bring their best to their roles as much it is to say what they were given to work with is b-movie pulp at best and sometimes, not in the best way. The film is far better, however, than the first installment in the Coen/Cooke three-pack, the long-forgotten, ostensibly goofy Drive-Away Dolls, but it’s staying power – outside of those who long to stare at star actors naked and/or REALLY enjoy ALL Coen brothers films (not just the hits) – is minor. Charlie Day adds a few laughs as a clueless detective, there are the standard schlubby/mysterious foreign Coen characters and quirky violence leading to a climax … But Bound, this is not.
So, if you’re wondering if you should put HONEY DON’T on your honey-do list, the answer is … Maybe – if you have 90 minutes to kill or just want to see an actress make honey out of a rather spent hive of a story that could have delivered so much more.
 

RATING (OUT OF FOUR BUCKETS OF POPCORN): 2 1/2 of 4

 

 

 

McCoy on Movies: Highest 2 Lowest

By

Denzel Washington takes a musical journey to explore a man’s
morality, legacy in Spike Lee’s latest

Don’t have time to read a full, detailed movie review? Been meaning to talk about a movie for a while but just haven’t gotten around to telling a friend? Have no fear – get caught up with Quick Hits!

 
HIGHEST 2 LOWEST 
 
“I’ll just throw on a Yankees cap and no one will know I’m Denzel Washington … At best,
they’ll think I’m just Mariano Rivera …”  David King (Denzel Washington) takes a
very compromising ride in a scene from Spike Lee’s HIGHEST 2 LOWEST. © 2025 A24.

All Rights Reserved.

 

 
What is the price of fame and success? Can you retain the love of what brought you fame when the demands of your industry make it so much easier to copy and paste what’s popular versus striving for something original and true? What is the common thread between someone who wants to achieve the high life and someone who simply needs the opportunity to achieve it? 
 
While these are the central themes in Spike Lee’s modern take of the 1963 Akira Kurosawa film High and Low, the only question a potential movie goer needs to ask is the following: How much do you feel like diving into a tale as old as time that featuring a fresh coat of digital paint for the modern world? As music mogul David King, the man with “the best ears in the business,” Denzel Washington still knows how to take command of a scene, even when it may not be that compelling. 
 
Then again, Spike Lee throws in all his trademark love letter to New York elements well to advance the story of King, forced to decide between his money and saving the life of Kyle (Elijah Wright), the son of his chauffeur, Alan (Jeffrey Wright). The film’s best sequences occur hen using music – the famed Puerto Rican Day parade accentuated by the sounds of the Eddie Palmieri Salsa Orchestra as a backdrop for a key sequence, an intense lyrical back-and-forth between King and aspiring rapper Yung Felon (A$AP Rocky) – sticking with the film’s exploration of what type of a man King is: Will he be one that that values money and his legacy more than doing what is right .. Or can he do what is right at the risk of everything he has worked so hard to achieve going up in flames? While not exactly a perfect journey, it is one audiences (especially longstanding Washington fans) are more likely to enjoy than not.
 
RATING (OUT OF FOUR BUCKETS OF POPCORN):
 

 

Shakespeare in South Park

By

The 16th annual Shakespeare in South Park presents “The Merry Wives of Windsor”
August 15, 16, and 17th at 8 pm
Come enjoy this famous work of humor and poetry! Open to the public and free (donations gratefully accepted).
Bring a lawn chair or blanket to South Park Green (Hickory at James).
If it rains, the performance will take place at Veritas Church, 500 Hickory.

McCoy on Movies: Weapons

By

Weapons delivers imaginative, twisty suspense in market lacking such

“Hello, I’m a creepy child with a smile to match … What could go wrong?!” Alex Lilly (Cary Christopher) in a scene from writer/director Zach Creeger’s WEAPONS. © 2025 Warner Bros. Entertainment. All Rights Reserved.

WATCH THE TRAILER HERE:

 

CAST: 

Julia Garner (Justine Gandy)

Josh Brolin (Archer)

Alden Ehrenreich (Paul)

Benedict Wong (Andrew)

Amy Madigan (Gladys)

Austin Abrams (James)

Cary Christopher (Alex Lilly)

Toby Huss (The Captain)

 

WRITER /DIRECTOR: Zach Cregger

THE PLOT: WEAPONS introduces us to Justine Gandy (Julia Garner), a third grade teacher in the suburbs of Pennsylvania (or at least, one can assume that based on the colors on the license plate on her Toyota RAV4). Justine is not having a good day … And neither are the parents of the 17 children in her classroom that all have suddenly gone missing after running out of the front doors of their homes at exactly 2:17 a.m. Alex Lilly (Cary Christopher), however, seems to be just fine since he was the only one that showed up to her room the next day. 

 

While parents such as Archer (Josh Brolin) are calling for Justine’s head as he is convinced she knows more than what she’s telling, her principal Andrew (Benedict Wong) and her police officer ex-flame Paul (Alden Enrenreich) believe she’s telling the truth. But given the fact that Justine (A) has what could be perceived as a problem with alcohol and (B) was let go from her previous school, you can (C) see why more people in town are not convinced she’s as innocent as she says. 

 

But as all their stories begin to intersect, it becomes clear something evil is afoot … And this small town may never be the same ever again. 

THE REVIEW: “Well … that was … different.”

If you’ve seen one and/or both of the trailers for WEAPONS, you already know that seeing scores of people running in a trance-like state at full speed would be cause for concern in the real world … So it might come as a bit of a surprise that the film is a MUCH slower burn than you might originally believe. Likewise, whereas there is some definite gore and violence, WEAPONS is much more story driven than it is by the former, so those coming a typical hack-and-slash might need to pump the brakes on that expectation.

 

There are some issues with WEAPONS that keep it from being as great as it could be. There’s some foreshadowing that can be hard to ignore, the characters – Garner’s in particular – utilize logic that at times seems to show the absence of any and the ending may leave some desiring a bit more answers since some open-ended questions definitely remain. What the film has going for it, however, is a bit of unexpectedness to it that makes up for it that, for the average person, is enough to keep them intrigued until the film’s final act pieces everything together as to why what is happening is happening (for the most part).

In an era where most horror movies are really just psychological thrillers with a lot of cursing and jump scare scenes, WEAPONS manages to come armed with enough tension and surprise to make most moviegoers not wanting to draw one demanding a refund. Just know that whatever you think you’re getting, you likely are not … Even if you jump ahead and start to figure things out before Justine and Archer do.

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

 

 

Dayton Porchfest is back on August 16th

By

Dayton Porchfest. Photo by Libby Ballengee

Getting that sinking feeling that the summer is over? Not so fast! We have one of the biggest music festival events of the year happening on Saturday, August 16th: Dayton Porchfest.

“Dayton Porchfest celebrates the breadth and depth of the Dayton music scene, while the porch and backyard venues allow the performers and the audience to deeply engage,” organizer Peter Benkendorf shared with us. “The diversity of the line-up means there is something for everyone. Throw in some food trucks, a beer garden and a family-friendly environment, all wrapped up in the charm of the St. Anne’s Hill Historic District, and you have all the makings for one of Dayton’s most popular summer events.”

Dayton Porchfest was founded in 2017, inspired by the original Porchfest, which was started in 2007 in Ithaca, NY and Larchmere Porchfest in Cleveland, which began in 2009. Today there are over 200 Porchfests throughout the United States and Canada, with Dayton being the 94th to join this growing movement.

Dayton has a rich musical history and active music scene that continues today. Dayton Porchfest is committed to reflecting that diversity in its selection of musical artists, from funk and blues to indie rock and jazz, classical and country, to bluegrass and old-timey music with deep Appalachian traditions here. The festival also celebrates the ethnic diversity of the region, a reflection of our “Welcome Dayton” spirit that has contributed to a significant influx of immigrants and refugees over the past decade.

Dayton Porchfest is an initiative of The Collaboratory, a civic innovation lab that moves ideas to action. The Collaboratory provides infrastructure for people and organizations to collaboratively develop community initiatives that generate new economic, civic and creative opportunities and value. The result is a healthier, more thriving region. All proceeds from Dayton Porchfest go to support the work of The Collaboratory.

Event Details:

When: Saturday, August 16, 2025, 12:15 – 6:45 PM
Where: St. Anne’s Hill Historic District, Dayton, Ohio
Cost: Free and family-friendly

Schedule:

  • 12:15 – 12:45 PM: Pre-Porch Kick-Off with T.R.S.S. Drum Corps
  • 1:00 – 6:45 PM: Main event – “If this porch is rockin’ then please come a knockin'”
  • 7:00 – 9:00 PM: Afterfest at Levitt Pavilion Dayton
  • 7:00 – 10:00 PM: Music at Fifth Street Brewpub

Tips for attending:

  • Bring water and stay hydrated
  • While the streets are tree-lined, you can bring shade with you with a hat and/or sunglasses
  • This is a walking event, so please wear comfortable shoes
  • Please bring cash to tip the performers

For more information and to view the interactive map of participating porches, visit www.daytonporchfest.org.

Dayton Poetry Slam

By

Dayton’s longest running poetry show is celebrating it’s 24th year.  Open mics, competitions, and featured poets await you twice a month, on the 1st and 3rd Sunday of each month, at Yellow Cab Tavern.  The show is open to all ages and poetic styles.  Great food, wonderful poetry, and a great environment make this the perfect show for you to get out and enjoy the words of others all for only $3.  More information on our website daytonpoetryslam.com and on all social media platforms.

McCoy on Movies: FANTASTIC FOUR: FIRST STEPS

By

Ben Grimm (Ebon Moss-Bachrach), Sue Storm (Vanessa
Kirby), Reed Richard (Pedro Pascal) and Johnny Storm
(Joseph Quinn) prepare for the moment in
FANTASTIC FOUR: FIRST STEPS.
© 2025 Disney. All Rights Reserved.

FANTASTIC FOUR: FIRST STEPS

You have to give Marvel Studios credit. For with there already being four – yes, FOUR – Fantastic Four films in existence (in case you didn’t know, there’s a 1994 B-movie that predates all the turn of the century versions and it’s … yeah), bringing Marvel’s first family to life has never been an easy challenge. This isn’t even factoring in supposed “super hero fatigue” coupled with the rise in Internet chatter about “woke” superheroes. (While the film mostly avoided the latter, some were miffed that Pedro ‘I’m now starring in EVERYTHING’ Pascal is taking up the mantle of Reed Richards, a.k.a. Mr. Fantastic.)
 
In the case of FANTASTIC FOUR: FIRST STEPS, director Matt Shakman has delivered what is easily the best take on the heroic quartet – in this case, taking place on Earth 818 and not the main 616 where we “live” in the Marvel Cinematic Universe. Whereas Pascal is able to capture the genius-yet-socially-awkward-but-underlying-caring nature of Richards greatly, Kirby makes Sue Storm’s dedication to both Reed and the concept of family integral to both the team and the overall story. Quinn captures Storm’s hotheaded (pun intended) nature, but balances it with an intelligence previous versions haven’t often shown. The most intriguing individual may be Ebon Moss-Bachrach’s portrayal of Ben Grimm a.k.a. The Thing, which focuses on all the elements of humanity his character tries to maintain despite his physical stature.
 
Now, how this iteration of the Four eventually make their collective way to Earth 616 remains a mystery, one which is only intensified by one of the two post-credit scenes following the film’s conclusion. But in the meantime, FIRST STEPS takes significant ones at re-establish the importance of the Fantastic Four along with their potential for the next phase of the MCU.
 
For longstanding fans of the comic book quartet, that’s a fantastic prospect to look forward to in the future.
RATING:

 

 

Gotha Handbell Choir Concert

By

The Handbell Choir of St. Augustine Lutheran Church in Gotha, Germany embarks on its sixth tour in Ohio, ending with a concert at Epiphany on SATURDAY, AUGUST 2, at 7 p.m. in the Far Hills Sanctuary.

This ensemble was founded in 1987 through the efforts of Epiphany Lutheran in Dayton and Pastor Larry Hoffsis and his wife Cindy, who travelled to West Germany and brought sets of bells through the Iron Curtain. The current choir consists of 15 youth and adults, ringing five+ octaves of handbells.

This concert is free and open to the public with a free-will offering accepted. Invite your friends and family!