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Archives for September 2025

TIFF Day #6 – 2025

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Hello Dayton937 & NEON Friends!

As we get into day 6 & 7, some things slow down a bit.  Many folks in the industry are heading home, some special press & industry programs are wrapping up, and tickets are slightly easier to acquire.  But that doesn’t mean there aren’t sill a lot of films to see.  I’m here through Friday (Day #9) for screenings…so there’s still plenty to see (but I’ll be heading out for a concert on Thursday night – so a fun shift of focus while I’m here).

Last night, I got home very late and wrapped up my blog without mentioning what a terrific evening I had.  Between my 3rd and 4th screenings, I met up with Susan Strong again (our former Board member who now lives in Minneapolis) along with her husband and two friends from Springboro.  It was fun to recount what I’ve seen and hear about the films that had made impressions on them.  They’re all on their way home today after having seen 10 films over the course of 4 days.  Here’s a picture of us together:

It was really hard to get out of bed this morning, but I made it to my first film – COUTURE (dir: Alice Winocour – USA, France) “Anchored by a memorable performance from Oscar winner Angelina Jolie, this compelling new film from Alice Winocour (TIFF ’22’s Paris Memories), set in the Parisian fashion industry, weaves multiple threads of women and girls from Ukraine, France, and Sudan, in the lead up to a fashion show.”  This story of a few different women who all cross paths during a few days preparing for a big fashion event has its moments of intrigue (I mostly liked watching the clothes being made)…but the stories never felt deep enough (a rather weak screenplay doesn’t help matters) and/or the performances didn’t really feel honest enough.  The subject matter was primed for good drama, but I never felt invested.  At the end of the day, I feel like there’s material here for a solid short film – but as it stands, it didn’t work for me.
There’s no trailer for the film yet, but here’s a still photo:

My next film is a story that’s based on only a couple known facts from a director I admire (though I haven’t seen more than a few titles from him) – THE CAPTIVE (dir: Alejandro Amenábar – Spain, Italy) “In 1575 Algiers, a young soldier named Miguel de Cervantes is held for ransom — unaware he’s on the path to becoming one of history’s greatest storytellers. This bold, visually stunning film is a reimagining of the true story behind Cervantes’ transformation.” (Amenábar did films like THE OTHERS and THE SEA INSIDE…so I was all the more intrigued to see this film.) Before writing DON QUIXOTE, Cervantes was a prison…and that is one of the facts that we know – but not much else.  In this film, Amenábar tells us that Cervantes told stories to boost morale to other prisoners…and his stories became noticed from the Bajá of Algiers.  The production design is lovely, and the story is brutal, sexy and full of sadness & despair – but also hope.  It was a nice surprise.
This film doesn’t have a trailer yet, but here’s a clip:

Next up was the 2nd film of Richard Linklater’s at the festival – but this one in French – NOUVELLE VAGUE (dir: Richard Linklater – France) “The latest from Oscar-nominated indie auteur Richard Linklater is an effervescent, meticulous recreation of the making of Jean-Luc Godard’s legendary 1960 feature debut Breathless, the film that heralded the arrival of the French New Wave.” (TIFF catalog). A charming love letter to the French New Wave, this film pays homage in numerous ways – in technique, casting, design and more. Though I think being familiar with the players helps a lot in understanding the film (and even I felt like I needed a major history brush-up while watching), this film does work without knowing a whole lot about the era.  That said, it did make me want to run home and re-watch BREATHLESS with a new set of eyes…so it certainly worked on that level.

My last film of the night was a big winner at Cannes this year – IT WAS JUST AN ACCIDENT (dir: Jafar Panahi – Iran, France, Luxembourg) “Winner of this year’s Palme d’Or at Cannes, the latest from Iranian auteur Jafar Panahi — his first following his most recent prison sentence — follows a group of citizens pondering revenge against a man they believe was their torturer.” (TIFF catalog) This film reveals itself and its motivations in really interesting ways…and how it speaks to global politics is really frightening (like the reason these people had been taken as prisoners was because they were protesting their rights).  What’s really fascinating about this film is that it’s a thriller/political thriller…and a comedy.  Huh?  It doesn’t seem possible, but there are moments that are completely zany…but the last 15 minutes are incredibly intense.  Panahi was in attendance, and he spoke so eloquently of being held prisoner, making films under underground, and wishing for the complete fall of the regime in Iran  – it was inspiring.  What an incredible way to see this film.  Many thanks to my friend from Cinetic for securing me the incredible ticket.

I’ve got another full day tomorrow…then I start to slow down a bit. Thanks so much for reading!

Jonathan

Little Debbie® Introduces New Single Serving Treats

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If you’ve ever craved a Little Debbie’s creme pie or pound cake while out and about, then you’ll enjoy the brand’s latest endeavor. Little Debbie is changing snack time by introducing six single-serve, grab-and-go baked goods to satisfy your sweet tooth—anytime, anywhere.

The new lineup offers a fresh twist on the brand’s most popular treats, allowing us to enjoy them on the go, whether in the car, on a walk, or packed into a lunch box. Here’s a look at the new items:

    • Nutty Buddy Cakes: Little Debbie’s latest snack offering made its debut earlier this spring. Now, the fan-favorite Nutty Buddy Cakes, layered with peanut butter filling and silky chocolate, will be available in packs of three for quick and convenient snacking.
    • Deluxe Cinnamon Roll: A generously sized, individually wrapped cinnamon bun filled with all the cozy, warm spices we love from the breakfast staple, topped with a sweet icing.
    • Cheese Danish: A sweet pastry topped with creamy cheese and a drizzle of icing.
    • Cream Cheese Streusel Cakes: Two soft vanilla cakes topped with cream cheese and a crunchy streusel crumble for added flavor and texture.
    • Pound Cakes: A classic take on a treat you can’t go wrong with. The package includes two vanilla square cakes that are moist, dense, and melt-in-your-mouth delicious.
    • Cinnamon Streusel Cakes: These tender coffee cakes are topped with Little Debbie’s signature cinnamon crumb and a blend of cinnamon and brown sugar flavors.

“These new enticing treats are crafted to satisfy the growing demand for premium, individually-wrapped snacks,” said Chuck Clevenger, associate brand manager at McKee Foods. “Whether for a quick breakfast, an afternoon treat or a sweet finish to the day, these selections are sure to appeal to a wide variety of consumers.”

The Single Serve format continues to win with shoppers who crave both convenience and variety, offering a larger, ready-to-eat way to enjoy Little Debbie snacks. With generous portions, and big, unforgettable flavor, we designed these new snacks to satisfy every craving.

Volunteeers Needed For Feast of Giving to Return

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The Feast of Giving, Dayton’s beloved Thanksgiving dinner, will return to the Dayton Convention Center on Thursday, November 27, 2025, from 11:00 AM to 2:00 PM. Organizers are calling for up to 400 volunteers to help revive this cherished tradition and serve thousands in the Dayton community.

For 50 years beginning in 1969, the Feast of Giving provided warm Thanksgiving meals and fellowship to residents across the region. After a pause in 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the event is being brought back by local leaders Jason Woodard and Shane Connor, handpicked by long-time stewards Dr. Steve Levitt and Dr. Tom Olsen.

A dedicated working group has been planning the event for over nine months, but many more hands are needed—both on Thanksgiving Day and in the days leading up to it. Michelle Steinbrugge, Volunteer Committee Lead, shared:

“One of the best things about the Feast of Giving is how it brings people from across the community together. We’re excited to welcome both past volunteers and new faces to the next chapter of this unique Dayton tradition.”

Those interested in volunteering can sign up at feastofgiving.org. Shifts will be assigned on a first-come, first-served basis, with notifications beginning in early October.

The Feast of Giving is a component fund of The Dayton Foundation. Businesses or individuals wishing to support the event—either financially or through in-kind donations—are encouraged to reach out via email at [email protected] or visit the website

TIFF Day #5 – 2025

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Hello Dayton937 & NEON Fans,

I saw four films today, and they were quite spread out…as today (errr, yesterday) was my first Midnight Movie of the festival.  I can already tell it’s gonna be rough waking up in about 4 hours.

My first movie of the day was a hot ticket – THE TESTAMENT OF ANN LEE (dir: Mona Fastvold – United Kingdom) “Mona Fastvold, co-writer of The Brutalist, examines the life and beliefs of Ann Lee, one of pre-Revolutionary America’s most seminal religious figures, in The Testament of Ann Lee — with Amanda Seyfried as Lee and a stellar cast including Tim Blake Nelson.” (TIFF catalog) It’s been a long time since I sat through a long film that I really disliked.  Going into this, I knew it was a musical.  Going into this, I knew it was about religion.  Going into this, I knew it was 2 hrs & 17 min.  I’m not opposed to any of those things, but boy, oh boy, this film did not work for me.  There were historical elements that I found intriguing here – like certain aspects of the Shaker religion that are intriguing – like their pacifism, their belief in equal rights and anti-racist ideals…but I could learn these things without this film.  Though some musical numbers were intriguing and certainly seemed necessary (the Shakers were essentially referred to as “shaking Quakers”), the introduction of electric guitars to the music in later scenes made me dislike the film even more.  All that said, I’m glad I stayed until the end – as the last 15 minutes painted a very interesting picture.
There is no trailer yet for this film, but here’s a still photo:

My next film had hints of  early Michel Gondry-like whimsy – ETERNITY (dir: David Freyne – USA) “Set in the afterlife, this stirring drama from director David Freyne (TIFF ’17’s The Cured) features Elizabeth Olsen (TIFF ’24’s The Assessment) and Miles Teller (Whiplash) as souls in transit — and a troubled love triangle.” (TIFF catalog). This film was an escapist treat, and it even got a round of applause from the industry folks (a rarity for Press & Industry screenings).  This colorful, escapist film was tender and full of laughs, and Da’Vine Joy Randolph steals a lot of scenes, but everybody is terrific. I smile-cried on-and-off throughout. (This is one of those movies where I will want to pause scenes just to appreciate the set pieces and props.  Everything about creating this world is thoughtful and fun.)

My next film of the night was a Canadian film made with indigenous people – BLOOD LINES (dir: Gail Maurice – Canada) “The second feature from director Gail Maurice (ROSIE, TIFF ’22) is a singular film: a Métis same-sex romance led by actor Dana Solomon, who is a revelation.” (TIFF catalog). This film’s strength is in its photography and it representation.  It was made so much stronger by a lovely Q&A with the director and several people from the cast.  Sadly, I felt the screenplay rushed some of the story/development…but was too slow at other moments.  What was so fresh about the material was that the lesbian pairing was unflinching…being gay was at no point scorned or even questioned…and that was refreshing.  I don’t think a little film like this will find distribution, but I’m glad it’s out in the world.
There is no trailer yet for this film, but here’s a still photo:

My last film of the day was visually dazzling – DUST BUNNY (dir: Bryan Fuller – USA) “A 10-year-old girl procures the services of a hit man (Mads Mikkelsen) to kill the monster under her bed in this whimsically macabre feature debut from acclaimed television showrunner Bryan Fuller (Pushing Daisies, Hannibal).” (TIFF catalog) This was a true Midnight Movie (I’ve seen films from this category before, but never actually at midnight…and I wasn’t alone – it was Sigourney Weaver’s first Midnight Movie, too…and it was so fun to see her in person).  The design of this film was so polished and hyper-stylized, there were times I couldn’t tell if the entire set was CGI or if the practicals were just enhanced.  The script was great, Mads and Sigourney were fantastic, and the little girl – Sophie Sloan – was absolutely incredible.  Between the elevated production design and fun childlike playfulness of it all, it felt like a horror version of AMELIE.  There were moments I had no idea what was going on…and I don’t know if it was because I was so tired or because the overall production was simply too stimulating.  This film will find a dedicated cult audience for sure.

 

I’m not sure if I’ll get four films in tomorrow, but I’m pretty certain I’ll see at least a couple winners.

Thanks 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

Day 2 post

Day 3 post

Day 4 post

Red Lobster’s New Shrimp Deal Delivers Big Value

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Red Lobster, great value never comes at the expense of an exceptional dining experience. Ultimate SpendLESS Shrimp is the kind of value that only Red Lobster can deliver with quality seafood you trust and flavors that you love.

“Since stepping into this role, I’ve gotten questions about Endless Shrimp – ‘Is it coming back? ‘What really happened with the promotion?’ ‘How much shrimp is too much shrimp?’ And it’s time we officially turn the tides,” said Damola Adamolekun, Chief Executive Officer of Red Lobster. “We’re starting a new chapter here at Red Lobster, one that’s smarter, more sustainable and still packed with the unbeatable value and delicious flavors our guests have come to expect. Ultimate SpendLESS Shrimp is a celebration and I’m looking forward to our diners enjoying great shrimp dishes this season for a great price. It may not be endless, but you’ll definitely spend less.”

That’s not all guests can expect this fall. As the world’s largest and most-loved seafood restaurant company, Red Lobster is serving up even more reasons to celebrate by officially adding its fan-favorite line up of Seafood Boils to the permanent menu for consistently bold flavors and an unforgettable experiential dining experience.

Additionally, Red Lobster is introducing a limited-time lineup of fall-inspired cocktails perfect for pairing with your favorite dish or enjoying for happy hour this season:

  • Caramel Dream – Absolut Vodka, butterscotch, caramel and cream, garnished with a sea salt chocolate caramel
  • Apple Harvest Punch – Captain Morgan Spiced Rum, cranberry, lemon and apple juice, topped with an apple slice and cinnamon stick
  • Gold Rush – Maker’s Mark Bourbon, honey, and sparkling gold shimmer, garnished with fresh mint

To view the complete menu or find a restaurant location, visit Red Lobster’s website.

Area Red Lobster Locations:

8200 N Springboro Pike
Miamisburg, OH 45342

6500 Miller LN
Dayton, OH 45414

2803 N. Fairfield Road
Beavercreek, OH 45431

Dairy Queen Brings Back 85¢ Blizzards

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As part of their 85th birthday celebration Dairy Queens 85¢ Blizzards are returning for a limited time.

Dayton at Work and Play: La Poblanita

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La Poblanita (470 N Springboro Pike)
I was running errands near the Dayton Mall and decided to stop for lunch at La Poblanita, a restaurant in the rear of this grocery store. I had some questions about the menu, and my waitress asked Ismael, one of the owners, to help me out.
I learned that La Poblanita is a family business, run by Ismael, his brother, his sister and her husband. A few months ago, they started this grocery store and the attached restaurant. If you’ve ever been involved with starting a business, you’d know what a monumental undertaking that is – starting two very different businesses – a grocery store and a restaurant – at the same time.
Ismael told me that they wanted the restaurant to offer authentic food from Mexico, and a few items from Ecuador and Venezuela – the type of food they cook for themselves at home. “Try this salsa” he said. “Taste the roasted peppers and tomatoes. It’s a salsa like we have at home.”
I ordered a light lunch – volcanes, a corn tortilla toasted on the grill with cheese, chicken and guacamole. Then Ismael brought me three small glasses of his Aguas Frescas, which he said they make from scratch. One was horchata, a sweet drink made from rice and cinnamon. One was Hibiscus water. The third was tamarind water. I especially like horchata.
When my wife and I visited the restaurant for dinner recently I skipped the horchata and tried one of their Mexican beers instead. I had a very large sandwich called torta. It was stuffed with marinated pork, beans, cheese onions, pineapple and a few other things. Served with jalapenos and two of their homemade sauces.
My wife had pollo con mole – chicken topped with a delicious mole sauce.
Prices are reasonable, so it’s a good place to try some new types of dishes without wrecking the budget. We’ll be back.

TIFF Day #4 – 2025

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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

SushiNero Haunted Dinner Club

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Join P3 Paranormal for a hauntingly delicious evening at SushiNero—the newest, most talked-about dining experience in Miamisburg. Known for its innovative blend of Japanese and Spanish cuisine, SushiNero offers a one-of-a-kind menu that’s as bold and unforgettable as the stories we’ll be sharing.

Before it became SushiNero, the space was home to Watermark, the very first restaurant P3 Paranormal ever investigated—and it did not disappoint. From the polite spirit Jonathan, with his distinctive southern drawl, to the enigmatic Lady of the Night (who had a well-documented crush on the former owner Eric), the energy here has always been active. We’ve had spirits asking for gin, unexplained cold spots, and sudden floral scents that filled the room without warning. Former employees shared countless stories of strange occurrences—and we’re certain the walls still whisper.

Please note, dinner is not complimentary.

Guests will order and pay directly with SushiNero.

Their daring fusion of sushi classics and Spanish-inspired dishes is sure to impress—even the spirits.

TIFF Day #3 – 2025

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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

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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?

Free Yoga with Aleasha

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Yoga with Aleasha will lead you in an all-levels yoga flow. If you’re a beginner, she will guide you through modifications to ensure you are comfortable to help you to become more familiar with poses. If you’re experienced, she will help grow your current practice. This class is truly for everyone!

TIFF Day #1 – 2025

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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

McCoy on Movies: THE LONG WALK

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Stephen King’s first novel hits the big screen in all its dystopian, depressing glory

“Roads? Where we’re going, we’re definitely going to need roads.” Ray Garrity (Cooper Hoffman, center, with arms folded in white t-shirt) makes the endless trek until one man remains standing alongside his fellow contestants. (Pictured from left to right): Barkovitch (Charlie Plummer), Stebbins (Garret Wareing), Hoffman, Peter McVries (David Jonnson), Art Baker (Tut Nyuot) and Parker (Joshua Odjick).

CAST:
Cooper Hoffman (Ray Garrity)
David Jonnson (Peter McVries)
Tut Nyuot (Art Baker)
Ben Wang (Olson)
Garrett Wareing (Stebbins)
Joshua Odjick (Parker)
Charlie Plummer (Barkovitch)
Judy Greer (Ginny Garraty)
Mark Hamill (The Major)

WRITER: JT Mollner (screenplay by); based on the novel by Stephen King

DIRECTOR: Francis Lawrence

THE PLOT: Based on the first book Stephen King ever wrote and later published under his Richard Bachmann pseudonym, THE LONG WALK is set in a dystopian world of the 1950s/60s where, after a war, America now hosts an annual competition. The premise? Fifty boys – one from each state – compete to see who can walk the longest. The winner receives a prize of riches beyond their wildest dreams. Seems simple right? Not quite.

there are several stipulations. First, each walker must maintain a speed of 3 miles per hour. Second, they cannot leave the confines of the road. Third and most importantly, if they stop walking and/or fall under the required speed, they will receive a warning. Then a second warning. And then a third and final warning.

If they don’t start walking again within 10 seconds of that third and final warning, they have “their ticket punched” – a.k.a. they are shot to death right on the road. That means no sleep, no bathroom breaks. Nothing – just walking on the open road until their is only one last man standing.

The Long Walk has brought out many contestants this year. Among them are Art Baker (Tut Nyuot), a religious teen who wears a cross around his neck, Stebbins (Garrett Wareing), a seemingly perfect rabbit built for the long haul and Olson (Ben Wang), a wisecracking kid with a New England accent. There’s also Barkovitch (Charlie Plummer), who’s always got a foul wise crack ready and the silent and strong Parker (Joshua Odjick). But one young man, Ray Garrity (Cooper Hoffman) has a very specific reason to join The Long Walk, one that not even his loving mother Ginny (Judy Greer) knows, which is why she can’t talk him out of joining the contest. Also joining the contest is Peter McVries (David Jonsson), a young man with a very noticeable scar on his face that wants to win to change the world for the better.

 

But as the contest drags on, Ray and the rest of his fellow competitors will be tested in ways they never could have imagined … And the road is unrelenting, unforgiving and most of all, uncaring on THE LONG WALK.

 

THE REVIEW: A long time ago – college for me, specifically – I sat down with a group of friends to watch Darren Aronofsky’s Requiem for a Dream. The story of four drug addicts living in 1990s New York City, it was gripping, unrelenting in its deep dive into the psychosis of each of its lead characters and easily one of the best done films I had seen of its type at that point in time. It struck such a nerve with me that any hint of ever wanting to do drugs, casually or other-wise, faded away much like the Sara Golfarb’s grip on reality in the film. The film was so well done, in fact, that a friend of mine dubbed it “the feel bad movie of the year,” a quote I revisit often and have previously in this very blog.

Given the captivating performances delivered by the film’s cast, Hoffman and especially Jonsson in particular, the unflinching violence executed throughout the film’s 108 minute runtime and themes explored – death, authoritarianism, vengeance, the good dying young, etc. – I may now have to update my reference. For THE LONG WALK, even in a form greatly altered from the source material, is everything Requeim was in 2000: Excellently directed, acted … And a film you’ll likely never want to watch more than once.

The novelization of THE LONG WALK was the first book Stephen King ever wrote. Having that reality sink in makes the story that plays out hit even harder in watching young men endure what they do onscreen, director Francis Lawrence drawing you into each of their worlds in excruciating fashion.

In one moment, you get to watch some of the boys enjoy true friendship, encouraging each other to stick together and survive a test with no cheat code. The next, you’re watching their worlds shatter as another one goes down, bringing them back to the reality of the inhumane task at hand. As the world watches them continue to trek the blacktop, it almost serves as a reminder for what often feels like modern life: No matter a person’s character, desires, intentions or will, all that awaits them all is death, save for one lucky one who gets to revel in the spoils of their fallen fellow man.

For those who enjoy acting, the art of bringing a character to life and the interplay between them, THE LONG WALK succeeds at every step. You will undoubtedly pick your favorites, be moved by their recklessness, their camaraderie and their desires … Only to time and time again be distraught by what unfolds. The ending may also leave those unfamiliar with the book a bit unenthused as Lawrence’s one mistake may be in not letting the symbolism be more blatant, especially after putting the audience through a grueling journey with his characters.

In short, if you are able to stomach the violence and hopelessness to enjoy the dynamic performances, THE LONG WALK is likely to captivate your attention … And make you say you can never sit through it again. If not, well, THE LONG WALK will feel like an even longer watch where, much like each contestant, the pain of the journey was not worth signing up for in the first place, no matter what the supposed prize may be.

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

 

 

 

 

 

 

Milano’s Now Serving Up Oktoberfest Menu

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Oktoberfest has arrived at Milano’s🍺🥨
The Brown Street location will tap the Weihenstephaner Festbier keg at 5pm today!  All Milano’s location are now serving a German-inspired Oktoberfest menu through October 31.

German Beer on tap include:

Weihenstephaner Hefeweizen – golden yellow wheat beer
Weihenstephaner Dunkelweisse – dark wheat beer
Weihenstephaner Helles – made from aroma hops Saphir and Select
Great Lakes Oktoberfest – Marzen Style Lager

Miami Valley Milano’s Restaurants

Location Restaurant Hours Delivery Hours Phone Number
University of Dayton
1834 Brown Street
Dayton, OH 45409		 Sun: 11a-midnight
M-W: 11a-1a
Th-Sat: 11a-2:30a		 Sun-Thurs 11a-midnight
Fri-Sat 11a-1a		 937-222-7072
Miami Township
9572 Springboro Pike
Miami Township, Ohio 45342		 Mon-Thurs 11a-11p
Fri-Sat 11a-12a
Sun 11a-10p		 Mon-Thurs 11a-11p
Fri-Sat 11a-12a
Sun 11a-10p		 937-434-7827
Beavercreek
2260 N. Fairfield Rd
Beavercreek, Ohio 45431		 Mon-Thurs 11a-11p
Fri-Sat 11a-12a
Sun 11a-10p		 Mon-Thurs 11a-11p
Fri-Sat 11a-12a
Sun 11a-10p		 937-427-7827