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On Screen Dayton
WSU Motion Picture Junior’s Present annual DOC NIGHT
Juniors in Wright State University’s acclaimed Motion Pictures program will premiere short documentary films during the annual DOC NIGHT. This year DOC NIGHT will feature 17 short documentary films screened over two hours with an intermission.
A questions-and-answer session with the students will be held after the screening. Many documentaries screened at past DOC NIGHTs have gone onto play at film festivals around the country.
“Motion Pictures juniors in the Theatre, Dance and Motion Pictures Department have spent the past semester creating a collection of short documentary films exploring stories that make an impact in our community and beyond”; said Kyle Wilkinson, Visiting Assistant Professor in the Tom Hanks Center for Motion Pictures. Wilkinson is the lead advisor and instructor for these projects and is himself a graduate of Wright State’s Motion Pictures program.
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Department Chair, Joe Deer, said “These short films often tell deeply human stories about people in our community that many of us may have encountered, or whose amazing stories come as a complete surprise. The evening offers a wide range of voices – from deeply personal and thought provoking to humorous and quirky, and they’re always very well-crafted. DOC NIGHT is one of the two annual events that give Dayton audiences a chance to celebrate the work of these emerging filmmakers. This year, it’ll be online and available to everyone at home.” Past DOC NIGHT filmmakers have gone on to win Emmy and Academy Awards. So, this may be your chance to see future award winners.
This is a free screening and takes place on Friday, Dec. 4, 6:30-9:00 pm with an encore showing on Thursday Dec. 10th from 6:30-9:00pm. The films will stream live on Twitch at https://www.twitch.tv/wsudocnight2020 . Simply click on the link and you will be directed to the screening. No signing-up required.
THE CLIMB & More NEON News!
Audiences have been loving HILLBILLY ELEGY, and it will stick around for another week. We’ve heard numerous rave reviews from audiences exiting the cinema as well as via social media…and we’re glad that people are connecting to it. AMMONITE, a gorgeous film that would normally be a big hit, didn’t perform so well…but we’re going to keep it for one show a day over the weekend – so you’ll still have a few chances to see it. Tomorrow, we will open a critically-acclaimed comedy about a toxic male friendship – THE CLIMB.
In our Virtual Cinema, we have 2 new offerings this week. The beautiful film MONSOON just opened yesterday, and the contemporary Jane Austen romantic comedy MODERN PERSUASION (co-directed by one of our previous festival guests Jonathan Lisecki) opens tomorrow.
NEW FILM FOR IN-PERSON SCREENINGS
Synopsis for THE CLIMB: “Kyle and Mike are best friends who share a close bond — until Mike sleeps with Kyle’s fiancée. THE CLIMB is about a tumultuous but enduring relationship between two men across many years of laughter, heartbreak and rage. It is also the story of real-life best friends who turn their profound connection into a rich, humane and frequently uproarious film about the boundaries (or lack thereof) in all close friendships.” (Sony Classics) Click the image below to visit the film’s site and watch the trailer.
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NEW FILMS IN OUR VIRTUAL CINEMASynopsis for MONSOON: Available Now! “Kit (Henry Golding from CRAZY RICH ASIANS) returns to Ho Chi Minh City for the first time since he was six years old when his family fled the country in the aftermath of the Vietnam-American war. There he meets Lee, his estranged second cousin, Linh, a young Vietnamese student, and arranges an online date that turns into something more with Lewis (Parker Sawyers from SOUTHSIDE WITH YOU), an American clothing designer. Struggling to make sense of himself in a city he’s no longer familiar with, he embarks on a personal journey across the country that opens up the possibility for friendship, love and happiness.” This film can be watched on your computer or mobile device or via your Roku or AppleTV. For additional information regarding accessibility of the film, please visit this Eventive HELP page. Click the image below to watch the trailer and purchase 72 hour access to this film for $12.
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Synopsis for MODERN PERSUASION: Available starting Nov. 20! We’re delighted to bring this romantic comedy with a stellar cast (they had us at Bebe Neuwirth and Jenn Harris) and directed by Jonathan Lisecki and Alex Appel to our Virtual Cinema. Jonathan Lisecki was a special guest several years ago at The Dayton LGBT Film Festival with his hit comedy GAYBY. “A modern telling of Jane Austen’s PERSUASION. Wren Cosgrove is a happy, single, and self-confessed workaholic who, after rising to the top of the corporate ladder, finds herself coming home every night to her cat. When her firm is hired by Owen Jasper, “the man who got away,” long-lost feelings are stirred, giving Wren a second chance at true love.” This film can be watched on your computer or mobile device as well as via Chromecast or via an HDMI cable attached to your television. For additional notes regarding connectivity, you can visit Samuel Goldwyn’s Help page HERE. Click the image below to watch the trailer and purchase 72 hour access to this film for $12.
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Synopsis for RECON: Based on the novel PEACE by Richard Bausch. “RECON tells the story of four American soldiers in WW2, who after they witness a vicious murder of an innocent civilian at the hands of their platoon Sergeant, are sent on a reconnaissance/suicide mission lead by a local partisan, an elderly man whose indeterminate loyalties add to the terror and confusion that engulfs the Americans as they are hunted by an unseen enemy. As they struggle to make it off the mountain alive, these American soldiers face the worst that war can offer men…. and through this each finds their own peace.” (Brainstorm Media) This film can be watched on your computer or mobile device or via your Roku or AppleTV.
For additional information regarding accessibility of the film, please visit this Eventive HELP page. Click the image below to watch the trailer and purchase 72 hour access to this film for $12. Many thanks to our friends at The Dayton Literary Peace Prize for working with us to bring this film to you.
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Synopsis for CHUCK LEAVELL: THE TREE MAN: Directed by Daytonian Allen Farst. “Filmed in four countries with more than 80 interviews from artists with a combined 58 Grammy Awards by the artist included, CHUCK LEAVELL: THE TREE MAN is the cinematic documentary that shines a light on one of the greatest rock’n roll pianists and keyboardists over the last 40 years. Not just known for his musical influence, Leavell is also one of the biggest names in environmental forestry and was selected the National Tree Farmer of the Year in the United States.” (Niche Productions) This film can be watched on your computer or mobile device or via your Roku or AppleTV. For additional information regarding accessibility of the film, please visit this Eventive HELP page. Click the image below to watch the trailer and purchase 72 hour access to this film for $12.
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To read more about all the films that are still available in our Virtual Cinema, please visit our WEBSITE. We’ll continue to offer crowd-pleasing films like RADIUM GIRLS and THE DONUT KING through Thanksgiving. Here’s a LINK with a video I made about how Virtual Cinema works.
Wanna know what titles we’re planning in our virtual cinema? (Click any title to watch that film’s trailer.) On Nov. 25, we’ll open WBCN AND THE AMERICAN REVOLUTION – a film about a radical underground radio station set against the social, political and cultural changes during the late 60’s and early 70’s. On Dec. 4, we’ll open two new films – the first is ENDING DISEASE – a documentary that looks at advancements in stem cell therapies and curing the incurable. One subject of the film is Ryan Custer, a former Wright State basketball player who suffered a neck injury; the second is ANOTHER ROUND – Denmark’s highest grossing film in several years starring Mads Mikkelsen. On Dec. 9, we’ll open a documentary about the very first days of the COVID outbreak – 76 DAYS (there’s no trailer yet for 76 DAYS, but here’s a CLIP). More titles are on the way…stay tuned!
In the coming weeks, we will have a nice mix of stunning Oscar contenders and fun, escapist fare. We’re planning to open MANK next Wednesday – it’s David Fincher’s new film about Mankiewicz rushing to finish the screenplay for CITIZEN KANE…but we need to wait a few more days before we put tickets on sale. In the last 24 hours, we just added THE PROM. Based on the beloved Broadway musical, THE PROM opens Dec. 4 for one week…and the cast is stellar – Nicole Kidman, Meryl Streep, Keegan-Michael Key, Kerry Washington, James Cordon and more! In addition to all that, dates keep changing…MA RAINEY’S BLACK BOTTOM is now set for Dec. 11.
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We hope to see you soon!
Be safe & well.
My best,
Jonathan
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HILLBILLY ELEGY and AMMONITE News From The Neon
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Chuck Leavell, A Call to Spy & Hillbilly Elegy News From The Neon
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Sundance Hit THE FORTY-YEAR-OLD VERSION Starts Friday at The Neon
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This Week at The Neon & The Dayton LGBT Film Fest starts Friday
Two new films that are already hot with Oscar buzz open this Friday at THE NEON. If you need to see THE WAY I SEE IT (which received rounds of applause this weekend), SAVE YOURSELVES! (the sci-fi/comedy with lots to say about today’s social media obsessed culture), or KAJILLIONAIRE (Miranda July’s latest Sundance hit), you only have until Thursday. ON THE ROCKS and THE TRIAL OF THE CHICAGO 7 open on Friday!
In our Virtual Cinema, we have two new films. SAUL AND RUBY’S HOLOCAUST SURVIVOR BAND opened today, and AGGIE (about Agnes Gund) opens Friday. More about both of those below.
On top of all that, The 15th Annual Dayton LGBT Film Fest starts Friday! Though most films are virtual, there is also one package of terrific short films that will be offered 4 times in-person at THE NEON. If you’re not interested in a pass that gets you everything…and you just want to support a film or two…I highly recommend the documentaries KEYBOARD FANTASIES (I just bought Beverly Glenn-Copeland’s new album) and AHEAD OF THE CURVE. If you’re more interested in a narrative, fiction film, TWILIGHT’S KISS is one that our regulars would love, and SHIVA BABY is the edgy comedy that has been a big hit on the festival circuit. BREAKING FAST is labeled as “A Ramadan Rom-Com” – and it’s the charming, feel-good film that we’ve chosen to open our festival. If you need a tutorial about how to access films and purchase tickets for the festival, this LINKwill take you to a video I made. Click on the image below to go right to the festival’s official site.
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Local Filmmaker to make “Triangle Park” Feature Film on the NFL’s First-Ever Game
Allen Farst, founder of Niche Productions, is ecstatic to announce today that work has begun on his new project, “Triangle Park,” an upcoming feature film that celebrates the centennial of the National Football League’s first-ever game, played in Dayton, Ohio.
The film will send spectators back in time to experience October 3, 1920, when the hometown Dayton Triangles kicked off league history with a 14-0 victory over the Columbus Panhandles. The contest was played in front of 5,000 fans at Dayton’s now-historic Triangle Park.
Farst plans to shed a light on the largely unknown story of how Dayton emerged as one of the 13 original NFL teams. It’s an enthralling journey that showcases how the city overcame the Great Dayton Flood and experienced an industrial boom just prior to the league getting under way. Football fan or not, moviegoers will be treated to a fascinating piece of Gem City history.
This is one of the greatest stories that needs to be told from the Dayton area. I’m excited to write and direct something that will represent the community the way it should be,” Farst said
Fans can go to triangleparkmovie.com and support the film. “We are hoping to be the All-time highest-funded project in Kickstarter history!” Farst said. “Hopefully, people will help us support Triangle Park in a big way.”
Triangle Park will be Licensing exclusive photos, programs, documents and film from the Pro Football Hall of Fame and archival footage from NFL Films.
Production will begin in 2021, with the movie scheduled to be released sometime in 2022. A kickstarter campaign to help fund the film will be launched laster this week. Join the email list for more info.
ABOUT DIRECTOR ALLEN FARST – NICHE PRODUCTIONS
Farst is an acclaimed director, filmmaker and photographer who recently completed “Chuck Leavell: The Tree Man,” an award winning documentary on the keyboardist for the Rolling Stones. His work has been featured by Panasonic, Maxim Magazine, USA Today, Drone360 and Nikon Cinema. His still photography is syndicated via Contour by Getty Images.
McCoy on Movies: Kajillionaire
Kajillionaire will prove quirky fun for some, but will just be different for others
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| “Now, just remember, if anyone asks, we went grocery shopping BEFORE it was mandated you had to wear a mask in public!” (Gina Rodriguez) and Old Dolio Dyne (Evan Rachel Wood) go out for a non-grifting grocery trip in a scene from writer/director Miranda July’s KAJILLIONAIRE. Credit: Matt Kennedy / Focus Features © Focus Features. All rights reserved. |
WATCH THE TRAILER(S) HERE:
DIRECTOR: Miranda July
KEY CAST MEMBERS: Evan Rachel Wood, Gina Rodriguez, Richard Jenkins and Debra Winger
THE BACK STORY: Old Dolio Dyne (Evan Rachel Wood) is a 26 year-old Los Angeles resident. Her home, however, is unconventional as it is an office space next to some sort of industrial park where a pink liquid oozes into the room. Joining her in this most unconventional of living spaces are her parents Theresa (Debra Winger) and Robert (Richard Jenkins), grifters by trade who are always on the lookout for their next scheme or heist. It’s not a good life, but it’s the only one Old Dolio knows.
Then Melanie (Gina Rodriguez) comes into the picture.
Meeting her by chance on a flight as part of their latest scheme, Melanie seems excited at the prospect of getting into a new line of work and comes up with a plan of her own to pull off a new heist. But, as Melanie’s love of life – and other circumstances – start to open up her mind to other aspects of the human experience, Old Dolio starts to question her current existence and what could lie ahead in the future.
Who knows – becoming rich in her own spirit might be the most rewarding prize of all.
THE REVIEW: “Quirky.” “Abstract.” “Weird.”
Sometimes you watch a film and appreciate it for what it is, even if it’s not something you really enjoyed, so to speak, yourself. In the case of Kajillionaire, you likely will find yourself wrestling with that same emotion due to the committed performance of Wood against a story that essentially can be viewed in one of two ways: (1) This is a (insert one of the three adjectives above) story about broken people and someone trying to find what many of us inherently do (or at least, believe we should enjoy) or (2) This is a (insert one of the three adjectives above) that is just (insert one of the other two remaining adjectives above).
Earlier this month, Wood gave a rather revealing interview to The New York Times in which it was revealed she uses many of her roles to heal herself from past trauma. That in turn should help explain her (1) connection to Old Dolio and (2) portrayal of the character, a woman who has never felt any real (or, if you prefer, “normal”) emotions to or from anyone, including her parents. She is essentially – like many of the personalities on her HBO series Westworld – a near-robotic humanoid life form who knows her role and her function in the functioning disfunction that is her family’s business. You get to watch a young person (Wood may be 33, but she pulls off 26 with a way that makes her character feel even younger) coming to grips with her concept of the world around her and trying to deal with deprogramming herself in the process. Whereas as Rodriguez gets to play an upbeat, bouncy young woman who seems very eager to get involved in something she sees as exciting, Wood’s character is a solitary, introverted one growing desperate to escape her reality.
If you enjoy the films of Wes Anderson, you’ll likely like Kajillionaire, which are the first type of things that come to mind in terms of the humor (which is SPARSE). If you simply enjoy a deep dive into a character (even if the others aren’t characters aren’t explored enough as you’d hope), you’ll probably enjoy Kajillionaire.
Then again, if watching people who are essentially without redeeming qualities do nothing to change your opinion of them over the course of 100 minutes, are weird seemingly for the sake of it and/or are the type of people you’d see in Walmart, report to an employee and then leave, this is not the movie for you. What will find intriguingly unconventional, others will find annoying. Whereas some will be drawn to Wood’s performance of a shy, sheltered introvert, others will see the weirdo in their high school class they one day figured would end up on the local news for less than stellar reasons. If you start to watch the movie, you’ll likely watch it to the end to see what will happen, only to probably be either elated or deflated by what happens.
In much the same fashion that very few are destined to become millionaires and billionaires, Kajillionaire is likely only for the select few. But those select few will really enjoy it no matter what the rest of us see.
OVERALL RATING (OUT OF FOUR POSSIBLE BUCKETS OF POPCORN):
KAJILLIONAIRE Opens, Honoring RBG, and Big Titles Coming To The Neon
We’ve lost an amazing woman and a marvelous judge on the Supreme Court, and we want to honor her achievements by bringing back the hit documentary RBG to the big screen for a handful of special screenings. This return engagement will start Friday!
Additionally, we will open Miranda July’s new film – KAJILLIONAIRE – starring Evan Rachel Wood, Debra Winger, Richard Jenkins and Gina Rodriguez. The pictures below are a couple photos that I quickly snapped while at Sundance in January. Miranda has a unique and fascinating voice as a filmmaker and storyteller, and this quirky film is full of surprises. If you’re a person who still listens to and loves vinyl, you can enter our contest to win a lovely vinyl soundtrack from this film by posting a picture of your favorite soundtrack on your facebook or instagram page and tagging @neonmovies.
Lastly, in our Virtual Cinema, we just added the wonderful documentary OLIVER SACKS: HIS OWN LIFE, and on Friday, we’ll add a touchingly beautiful film THE ARTIST’S WIFE starring Lena Olin and Bruce Dern.
I’ve got some fun news about what’s coming down the road for in-person engagements. Next Friday, we will open SAVE YOURSELVES! – a hit from this year’s Sundance. On Oct. 9, we’ll open both ON THE ROCKS from Sofia Coppola (with Bill Murray!) and THE TRIAL OF THE CHICAGO 7 from Aaron Sorkin!
As a reminder…tickets for STEVIE NICKS 24 KARAT GOLD THE CONCERT are on sale now. Current scheduled shows are for Wednesday, Oct. 21 at 7:00 and Sunday, Oct. 25 at 1:00 and 7:00.
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New Bookings for In-Person Screenings:
Synopsis for KAJILLIONAIRE: “From acclaimed writer/director Miranda July comes a profoundly moving and wildly original comedy. Con-artists Theresa (Debra Winger) and Robert (Richard Jenkins) have spent 26 years training their only daughter, Old Dolio (Evan Rachel Wood), to swindle, scam, and steal at every opportunity. During a desperate, hastily conceived heist, they charm a stranger (Gina Rodriguez) into joining their next scam, only to have their entire world turned upside down.” (Focus Features) Click the image below to visit the film’s official site.
Synopsis for RBG: We’ve lost a true American hero, and we’re celebrating her life by bringing back the fantastic documentary about her life! “At the age of 85, U.S. Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg had developed a lengthy legal legacy while becoming an unexpected pop culture icon. But the unique personal journey of her rise to the nation’s highest court has been largely unknown, even to some of her biggest fans – until now. RBG explores Ginsburg’s life and career.” (Magnolia Pictures) Click the image below to watch the film’s trailer.
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New in our Virtual Cinema:
Synopsis for OLIVER SACKS: HIS OWN LIFE: “This wonderful documentary explores the life and work of the legendary neurologist and storyteller, as he shares intimate details of his battles with drug addiction, homophobia, and a medical establishment that accepted his work only decades after the fact. Sacks was a fearless explorer of unknown mental worlds who helped redefine our understanding of the brain and mind, the diversity of the human experience, and our shared humanity.” (Zeitgeist Films) VARIETY wrote, “A portrait of the poetic neurologist of AWAKENINGS, shot at the end of his life, [which] takes a tender and thrilling look at the sacred demons that drove him.” Click the image below to watch the trailer and gain 72 hour access for $12.
Synopsis for THE ARTIST’S WIFE: Available starting September 25! “Claire (Lena Olin) lives a domestic life in the Hamptons as the wife of celebrated artist Richard Smythson (Bruce Dern). Once a promising painter herself, Claire now lives in the shadow of her husband’s illustrious career. While preparing work for his final show, Richard’s moods become increasingly erratic, and he is diagnosed with dementia. As his memory and behavior deteriorate, she shields his condition from the art community while trying to reconnect him with his estranged daughter and grandson from a previous marriage. Challenged by the loss of her world as she knew it, Claire must now decide whether to stand with Richard on the sidelines or step into the spotlight herself.” Click the image below to pre-order 72 hour access to the film for $12. You can watch the trailer HERE.
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Continuing in our Virtual Cinema:
Synopsis for BLACKBIRD: Susan Sarandon, Kate Winslet, Sam Neill, Mia Wasikowska, Rainn Wilson and Lindsay Duncan star in this festival favorite! “Unresolved feelings surface when a mother summons her family for one final reunion as she looks to end her battle with a terminal illness.” Click on the image below to view the trailer and order access to the film.
Synopsis for ETERNAL BEAUTY: “When Jane (Sally Hawkins) is dumped at the altar she has a breakdown and spirals into a chaotic world, where love (both real and imagined) and family relationships collide with both touching and humorous consequences.” Click the image below to order access to the film.
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Wanna know what’s coming down the road in our virtual cinema? (Click any title to watch that film’s trailer.) On October 2, we’ll open the award-winning coming-of-age film ONCE UPON A RIVER as well as a new documentary with Ohio connections – THE DISRUPTED. A really wonderful documentary – SAUL AND RUBY’S HOLOCAUST SURVIVOR BAND will open on Oct. 7, and on Oct. 9, we’ll have a film that art lovers will adore – AGGIE – a film about philanthropist Agnes Gund. On Oct 14, we’ll begin a film called MY NAME IS PEDRO – an inspiring documentary about a teacher and how transformative a teacher can be to the community at large. More to come!
Next Saturday, Oct. 3 from 11:00am until 4:00pm, many businesses in downtown Dayton will have a Sidewalk Sale. We decided to join in this time with the help of some friends. We’ll have our popcorn available for folks who would rather not come inside…and we’ve invited Pink Moon Goods to come set up shop for the afternoon. Pink Moon Goods is an exciting new retail business in Dayton. Their selection of home goods is curated and includes items that combine skill, intelligence, and virtue for ethical living. If you are looking for new ways to reduce waste at home, support small businesses who value and respect protecting the environment, or some good old fashion socially conscious retail therapy there is sure to be something at Pink Moon Goods for you. You can check them out on Instagram – @pinkmoongoods.
“All Access” passes and single “tickets” for all virtual presentations of The 15th Annual Dayton LGBT Film Festival are now on sale. We had to make a major pivot this year to make the festival happen – so about 90% of it will take place virtually. A $50 pass will get you access to all 6 virtual screenings (5 features and a package of shorts) as well as 2 tickets to our one in-person package – TOP DRAWER SHORTS VOL #2. The line-up is strong, and we’re still ironing out lots of details (virtual filmmaker Q&A’s, video work with our sponsors, etc.). Click the image below to check out all of our selections. The festival is set for Oct. 9-15. Virtual components will be accessible to anyone in Ohio…so please help spread the word. If you need a little help figuring it all out, I’ve created a tutorial video that is viewable HERE. (The image below is from the short film THE SHAWL– playing in TOP DRAWER SHORTS VOL #2.)
We hope to see you soon!
Be safe & well.
My best,
Jonathan
McCoy on Movies: The Broken Hearts Gallery
A romantic comedy for the woke generation hits the big screen with The Broken Hearts Gallery
| “Girl … You just know anyone who owns a MAGA hat is not going to enjoy this movie!” Lucy (Geraldine Viswanathan, center) hangs with her friends Amanda (Molly Gordon, right, in nurse outfit) and Nadine (Phillipa Soo, left) in a scene from writer/director Natalie Krinsky’s romantic comedy THE BROKEN HEARTS GALLERY. Credit: George Kraychyk © 2020 Columbia TriStar Marketing Group, Inc. All rights reserved. |
WATCH THE TRAILER(S) HERE:
DIRECTOR: Natalie Krinsky
KEY CAST MEMBERS: Geraldine Viswanathan, Darce Montgomery, Molly Gordon, Utkarsh Ambudkar, Phillipa Soo, Arturo Castro, Suki Waterhouse, Nathan Dales, Ego Nwodim, Tattiawana Jones and Bernadette Peters
WEB SITE: https://www.brokenheartsgallery.movie/
THE BACK STORY: Lucy (Geraldine Viswanathan) shares an apartment in New York City with her longstanding friends Amanda (Molly Gordon) and Nadine (Phillipa Soo). While Amanda has found her niche with her silent boyfriend Jeff (Nathan Dales) and Nadine dumps her suitors before she can barely learn their names, Lucy doesn’t do well with breakups, which is why she keeps mementos from all of her past relationships in her room. Thus, when she sees her boyfriend/co-worker Max (Utkarsh Ambudkar) a little too close to an old flame (Tattiawana Jones) during an event at the art gallery owned by Eva Woolfe (Bernadette Peters) where they both work, the alcohol and insecurity mix to cause an incident.
This leads to her inadvertently meeting Nick (Darce Montgomery), an aspiring niche hotel designer she mistakes for her Uber (or is it Lyft? We may never know …) driver. But as fate would have it, this chance encounter could end changing both of their lives – and countless others struggling to get over their old flames – forever.
THE REVIEW: A film that has to be the early contender for the most woke mainstream romantic comedy released by a major Hollywood studio during a pandemic thus far, The Broken Hearts Gallery is a predictable yet enjoyable romantic comedy that gives hope to hopeless romantics everywhere.
A romantic comedy for millennials that makes sure to check (nearly) every box on the inclusion checklist, The Broken Hearts Gallery works well enough largely due to the hot-mess-that-you-still-root-for performance of Viswanathan. Sure, there are times when she and her cohorts’ behaviors make you question whether or not they are parodying millennials or portraying them with annoying accuracy, but the overall charm of the characters makes you want to see them reach their eventual destiny.
Again, this isn’t meant as a diss to the film; there’s just nothing happening here that really hasn’t been seen before. Girl loses boy. Girl acts out. New boy shows up. Audience can tell they should be together long before either of them realizes it. Comedy ensues. Dramatic moment ensues. You get it; it’s the heart of the characters and interplay between them that makes it entertaining.
When so many of us are feeling brokenhearted over the world at large, The Broken Hearts Gallery should provide some lighthearted, carefree relief – and that in of itself makes it worthy of a watch (save for anyone who can’t deal with a strong LGTBQ+ presence/minority/female presence).
OVERALL RATING (OUT OF FOUR POSSIBLE BUCKETS OF POPCORN):
At The Neon: 9 New Engagements This Week!
Jonathan McNeal
This week, we have two new films and three retrospective films for in-person screenings…and we’re adding 3 new films to our Virtual Cinema. On top of that, we’ve got a new film starting next Wednesday – so we’ve got a lot of ground to cover.
Starting today, we have the new powerful documentary that The Hollywood Reporter calls “An exemplary civics lesson” – ALL IN: THE FIGHT FOR DEMOCRACY. And starting Friday, we’ll open John Leguizamo’s cinematic directorial debut – CRITICAL THINKING. In addition, we’re going to bring a trilogy of cult favorites throughout the week – the British comedies SHAUN OF THE DEAD, HOT FUZZ and THE WORLD’S END (each film will only screen a couple times…so we suggest getting your tickets early). On Wednesday next week, we will open a new period thriller – THE SECRETS WE KEEP – starring Noomi Rapace (the star of all the original Dragon Tattoo films).
In our Virtual Cinema, we introduce three new films. Starting today, we have JIMMY CARTER: ROCK AND ROLL PRESIDENT. On Friday, we’ll have the highly anticipated MEETING THE BEATLES IN INDIA as well as the gorgeous doc OUR TIME MACHINE.
Before I get too much further, I want to mention a big change that’s happening at THE NEON. Shortly after Labor Day in 2001, I sat down and interviewed Diana Cordero for a management position at THE NEON. I knew immediately that I wanted her on the team as we prepared to reopen after major renovations (THE NEON was transforming from one screen to two). After 19 years in management with us, Diana will be leaving her role as “Assistant Manager” after this Thursday. She’ll be sticking around as our bookkeeper (a few hours a week), but you won’t be seeing her with any regularity. This will be quite a change for me and the business as a whole. THE NEON owes a lot to Diana for her dedicated time and talents over the years. I know all of you are joining me in wishing Diana the very best as she pursues other endeavors…she’ll be greatly missed!
On a related note, we have two promotions to celebrate. Many of you know Ian Bonnett – he’s been with us for several years. Ian started as a part-timer and was promoted to “Third Keyholder” four years ago. He has been promoted to “Assistant Manager.” Jessica Walker, a recent addition to THE NEON’s team, has been promoted to “Third Keyholder.” Please join me in congratulating both of them!
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New Bookings for In-Person Screenings:
Synopsis for ALL IN: THE FIGHT FOR DEMOCRACY: “ALL IN: THE FIGHT FOR DEMOCRACY examines the often overlooked, yet insidious issue of voter suppression in the United States. The film interweaves personal experiences with current activism and historical insight to expose a problem that has corrupted our democracy from the very beginning. With the perspective and expertise of Stacey Abrams, the former Minority Leader of the Georgia House of Representatives, the documentary offers an insider’s look into laws and barriers to voting that most people don’t even know is a threat to their basic rights as citizens of the United States.” (Amazon) Click the image below to watch the trailer.
Synopsis for CRITICAL THINKING: “It’s 1998 in Miami. Rampant poverty, broken families, and a prejudiced system push underprivileged youth to the fringes of society. But for a magnetic group of teens, there’s a reprieve. A game where it’s not about where you come from, but how you play. That equalizer is chess. Mr. ‘T’ Martinez, a chess militant and passionate coach, leads them to a completely foreign field of battle: the National Chess Championship. With an underfunded school district, Martinez and his team can’t just waltz into the arena. They have to fight for it. Chess runs parallel to their own experiences as Martinez teaches them that the power of Critical Thinking can not only save their kings, but also their lives.” THE SAN FRANCISCO EXAMINER writes that Leguizamo’s film “features lively interactions, embraceable characters and credibly depicted struggles. The tournament scenes contain sports-movie adrenaline.” We’re excited to share this film with you! Click on the image below to watch the film’s trailer.
We’ve had some recent success with cult favorites…from the Coen Brothers to Wes Anderson. And because we’ve got a little extra room this weekend, we’ve added Edgar Wright’s “The Three Flavours Cornetto Trilogy” to the mix – each an irreverent blend of comedy and different genres. SHAUN OF THE DEAD, HOT FUZZ and THE WORLD’S END will all be back on the big screen, and we know Edgar Wright has a lot of fans! Tickets are available now on our website. (Click the image below to watch the trailer for SHAUN OF THE DEAD.)
Synopsis for THE SECRETS WE KEEP: “In a small U.S. town, far from the horrors of the Nazi labor camp where Maja (Noomi Rapace) was held with other Romani prisoners, she and her American husband Lewis (Chris Messina) have built a cozy life. But as she runs errands along the main street of her small town, Maja glimpses a stranger (Joel Kinnaman) whistling a nightmarishly familiar tune. Spiraling back to a night she has tried to forget, she fears he is the German soldier named Karl who brutalized her and murdered her younger sister. But after 15 years,can she be sure? Fearful that her tragic past has come back to haunt her, she begins to stalk the man,hoping to convince herself she is wrong.” (Bleecker Street) Click the image below to watch the film’s trailer.
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New in our Virtual Cinema:
Synopsis for JIMMY CARTER: ROCK AND ROLL PRESIDENT: “If it hadn’t been for a bottle of scotch and a late-night visit from musician Gregg Allman, Jimmy Carter might never have been elected the 39th President of the United States. JIMMY CARTER, ROCK & ROLL PRESIDENT charts the mostly forgotten story of how Carter, a lover of all types of music, forged a tight bond with musicians Willie Nelson, the Allman Brothers, Bob Dylan and others. Low on campaign funds and lacking in name recognition, Carter relied on support from these artists to give him a crucial boost in the Democratic primaries. Once Carter was elected, the musicians became frequent guests in the White House. The surprisingly significant role that music played throughout Carter’s life and in his work becomes a thread in this engaging portrait of one of the most enigmatic Presidents in American history.” Click the image below to watch the trailer and pre-order access to the film.
Synopsis for OUR TIME MACHINE: Rated 100% Fresh, this film will become available in our Virtual Cinema on Sept. 11. “Shaken by the news of his father’s dementia, artist Maleonn creates “Papa’s Time Machine,” a wondrous time-travel adventure performed on stage with life-size mechanical puppets. Through the play’s production, he confronts his own mortality. Maleonn finds grace and unexpected joy in this moving meditation on art, the agonies of love and loss, and the circle of life.” VARIETY calls it “Moving… Compelling… A thoughtful, sensitive, brilliant subject.” SCREEN DAILY says, “An uplifting celebration of the love between a son and his father.” Click the image below to watch the trailer and pre-order access to the film for $12!
Synopsis for MEETING THE BEATLES IN INDIA: Starts Sept. 11 in our Virtual Cinema! “In 1968, with the eyes of the world upon them, The Beatles traveled to Rishikesh, India, to study transcendental meditation with Maharishi Mahesh Yogi. In one of the most anticipated Beatles documentaries, Filmmaker Paul Saltzman, retraces his journey of 50 years ago when he spent a life-changing time with John, Paul, George and Ringo. Fifty years later he reveals previously unknown details of this pivotal moment in the Beatles’ career and the inner workings of the masterful White Album. Starting with ‘Bungalow Bill’ in Hawaii; connects with David Lynch about his own inner journey; as well as preeminent Beatles historian, Mark Lewisohn; Academy Award nominated film composer, Laurence Rosenthal.: and Pattie and Jenny Boyd. And much of this is due to Saltzman’s own daughter, Devyani, reminding him that he had put away and forgotten these remarkably intimate photographs of that time in 1968.” Click the image below
To find out about all the films that we’re offering virtually, please visit our Virtual Cinema page on our official site. Here’s the LINK.
Last night, I had a fun chat with a couple former NEON employees about the film VINYL NATION – a documentary we are offering in our Virtual Cinema. Tomiwa works in L.A. with film and television music and Luke is the owner of Skeleton Dust Records in downtown Dayton. I greatly appreciate them taking time to share their responses to the film. If you weren’t able to join us on-line, you can check out a recording of that discussion HERE.
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Wanna know what’s coming down the road in our virtual cinema? (Click any title to watch that film’s trailer.) On September 18, we’ll bring the film festival hit BLACKBIRD – starring Susan Sarandon, Kate Winslet and Sam Neill. And then on September 23, we’ll start the touching and inspiring documentary OLIVER SACKS: HIS OWN LIFE. And finally, on September 25, we’ll start THE ARTIST’S WIFE – featuring incredible performances from Lena Olin and Bruce Dern. On October 2, we’ll open the award-winning coming-of-age film ONCE UPON A RIVER. More to come!
“All Access” passes for The 15th Annual Dayton LGBT Film Festival are now on sale. We had to make a major pivot this year to make the festival happen – so about 90% of it will take place virtually. A $50 pass will get you access to all 6 virtual screenings (5 features and a package of shorts) as well as a ticket to our one in-person package – TOP DRAWER SHORTS VOL #2. The line-up is strong, and we’re still ironing out lots of details (virtual filmmaker Q&A’s, video work with our sponsors, etc.). Click the image below to check out all that we have posted so far…and get your pass ASAP. The festival is set for Oct. 9-15. Virtual components will be accessible to anyone in Ohio…so please help spread the word. (The image below is from the incredible documentary AHEAD OF THE CURVE.)
Did you know that THE NEON is included in the new downtown DORA program? DORA stands for “Designated Outdoor Refreshment Area.” If you’re out and about in the Oregon District, you can swing by THE NEON and get a beer or cocktail to go. We’ll pour it in a special cup, and you can walk through the Oregon District while you enjoy your beverage. This policy is good daily from Noon until 10:00…but on weekends for the next few weeks, 5th Street will be blocked off in the Oregon District – so you can socialize and grab dinner while maintaining lots of outdoor distance.
We hope to see you soon!
Be safe & well.
My best,
Jonathan
The Latest from The Neon: ALL IN News + 2 New Virtual Films!
Hello Neon Fans,
We’ve got some good news. This past weekend’s films performed well enough to stick around! We’re going to keep both FATIMA and THE PERSONAL HISTORY OF DAVID COPPERFIELD until we open the new, powerful film about voter suppression next Wednesday – ALL IN: THE FIGHT FOR DEMOCRACY – featuring Stacey Abrams.
This Friday, in our Virtual Cinema, we will introduce two new films – CRITICAL THINKING with John Leguizamo and a documentary about the resurgence of records – VINYL NATION. (And just wait until you see other Virtual Cinema titles coming down the road…from Jimmy Carter to Susan Sarandon to The Beatles!)
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Continued In-Person Screenings:
THE PERSONAL HISTORY OF DAVID COPPERFIELD – In-Person Engagement: Click the image below to watch the trailer.
FATIMA – In-Person Engagement: Click the image below to watch the trailer.
Starting Next Wednesday – In-Person Screenings:
Synopsis for ALL IN: THE FIGHT FOR DEMOCRACY: Opening Sept. 9! “ALL IN: THE FIGHT FOR DEMOCRACY examines the often overlooked, yet insidious issue of voter suppression in the United States. The film interweaves personal experiences with current activism and historical insight to expose a problem that has corrupted our democracy from the very beginning. With the perspective and expertise of Stacey Abrams, the former Minority Leader of the Georgia House of Representatives, the documentary offers an insider’s look into laws and barriers to voting that most people don’t even know is a threat to their basic rights as citizens of the United States.” (Amazon) Click the image below to watch the trailer.
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New in our Virtual Cinema:
Synopsis for CRITICAL THINKING: Available September 4th! “It’s 1998 in Miami. Rampant poverty, broken families, and a prejudiced system push underprivileged youth to the fringes of society. But for a magnetic group of teens, there’s a reprieve. A game where it’s not about where you come from, but how you play. That equalizer is chess. Mr. ‘T’ Martinez, a chess militant and passionate coach, leads them to a completely foreign field of battle: the National Chess Championship. With an underfunded school district, Martinez and his team can’t just waltz into the arena. They have to fight for it. Chess runs parallel to their own experiences as Martinez teaches them that the power of Critical Thinking can not only save their kings, but also their lives.” Click the image below to watch the trailer and pre-order 72 hour access for $6.99
Synopsis for VINYL NATION: “The vinyl record renaissance over the past decade has brought new fans to a classic format and transformed our idea of a record collector: younger, both male and female, multicultural. This same revival has made buying music more expensive, benefited established bands over independent artists and muddled the question of whether vinyl actually sounds better than other formats. VINYL NATION digs into the crates of the record resurgence in search of truths set in deep wax: Has the return of vinyl made music fandom more inclusive or divided? What does vinyl say about our past here in the present? How has the second life of vinyl changed how we hear music and how we listen to each other?” Click image below to watch the trailer and gain 72 hour access for $12. On Tuesday, September 8 at 7:00, you can join our Facebook Live event – where we will discuss the film with special guests. Two of our guests will be former NEON employees who now work in different aspects of the music business – Luke Tandy owns Skeleton Dust Records and Tomiwa Balogun lives in L.A. and works for Warner Music. Stay tuned to our Facebook Page for more details!
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Continuing in our Virtual Cinema:
Synopsis for MR. SOUL – Virtual Cinema: “Before Oprah, before Arsenio, there was MR. SOUL! Ellis Haizlip ensures the Revolution will be televised, with “SOUL!,” America’s first ‘Black Tonight Show.’ …Featuring rare live performances and interviews from the legendary Al Green, heavyweight champion Muhammad Ali, Sidney Poitier, Cicely Tyson, James Baldwin, Nikki Giovanni, The Last Poets, Gladys Knight, Stevie Wonder, Earth Wind & Fire, Ashford & Simpson, Harold Melvin and the Bluenotes, Billy Preston, Black Ivory, The Delfonics, Bill Withers, Sonia Sanchez, Wilson Pickett, Odetta, Merry Clayton, Mandrill, Kool & the Gang, Toni Morrison, Kathleen Cleaver, Betty Shabazz, Stokely Carmichael, Mrs. Georgia Jackson, George Faison, Patti LaBelle, Rahsaan Roland Kirk and many more.” Click the image below to watch the trailer and pre-order 72 hour access for $12.
Synopsis for MADE IN BANGLADESH – Virtual Cinema: Rated “100% FRESH!” “Shimu, 23, works in a clothing factory in Dhaka, Bangladesh. Faced with difficult conditions at work, she decides to start a union with her co-workers. Despite threats from the management and disapproval of her husband, Shimu is determined to go on.” Click the image below to watch the trailer and pre-order 48 access to the film for $10.
Synopsis for HOUSE OF CARDIN – Virtual Cinema: Rated “100% FRESH!” “A rare peek into the mind of a genius, an authorized feature documentary chronicling the life and design of Pierre Cardin.” This film will open in our Virtual Cinema on Friday, Aug. 28 for $10…but accessing it is a little different. Click the image below to watch the trailer, and if you want to proceed, click on pre-order the film. You will have to create an account with your email address and credit car. And upon checking out, be sure to use the code “neon” to get a $2 discount (this will also let the site know that we sent you here – thus giving THE NEON credit).
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Wanna know what’s coming down the road in our virtual cinema? (Click any title to watch that film’s trailer.) On September 9, we will open JIMMY CARTER: ROCK&ROLL PRESIDENT. On September 11, we’ll open two new films – first is a lovely film about a family dealing with Alzheimer’s and a autobiographical stage play they produce before memories are lost forever – OUR TIME MACHINE – second is the highly anticipated documentary MEETING THE BEATLES IN INDIA. On September 18, we’ll bring the film festival hit BLACKBIRD – starring Susan Sarandon, Kate Winslet and Sam Neill. And then on September 23, we’ll start the touching and inspiring documentary OLIVER SACKS: HIS OWN LIFE. And finally, on September 25, we’ll start THE ARTIST’S WIFE – featuring incredible performances from Lena Olin and Bruce Dern. More to come!
We hope to see you soon!
Be safe & well.
My best,
Jonathan
At the Neon: Ethan Hawke in TESLA and Jacki Weaver in STAGE MOTHER
Hello NEON Fans!
We’re bringing new films in across the board this week – both in-person and virtually. That said, we’re keeping a couple too. We thought we were done with MADE IN ITALY…but it performed better than anticipated and merits a few more screenings – so we’re bringing it back for the weekend. If you haven’t had a chance to see HOW TO BUILD A GIRL, FARGO or THE BIG LEBOWSKI, Thursday will be your last chance. On Friday, we’ll start a period drama about the scientist Nikola Tesla starring Ethan Hawke – TESLA. We will also open a funny and touching film about a deeply religious woman who inherits her son’s gay bar – STAGE MOTHER – starring the incredible, Oscar-nominated Jacki Weaver. And BURNT ORANGE HERESY will stick around for one show per day for one more week.
In our virtual cinema, today marks the start of a new documentary that uncovers some dark secrets in American history – COUP 53. On Friday, we’ll virtually start Barbara Kopple’s thrilling new doc DESERT ONE.
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New In-Person Screenings:
Synopsis for TESLA – In-Person Engagement: “”Brilliant, visionary Nikola Tesla (Ethan Hawke) fights an uphill battle to bring his revolutionary electrical system to fruition, then faces thornier challenges with his new system for worldwide wireless energy. The film tracks Tesla’s uneasy interactions with his fellow inventor Thomas Edison (Kyle MacLachlan) and his patron George Westinghouse (Jim Gaffigan). Another thread traces Tesla’s sidewinding courtship of financial titan J.P. Morgan (Donnie Keshawarz), whose daughter Anne (Eve Hewson) takes a more than casual interest in the inventor. Anne analyzes and presents the story as it unfolds, offering a distinctly modern voice to this scientific period drama which, like its subject, defies convention.” (IFC Films) Click the image below to watch the trailer.
Synopsis for STAGE MOTHER – In-Person Engagement: “When conservative, Texas church-choir director Maybelline inherits her recently deceased son’s drag club, she surprises her closed-minded husband and everyone else she knows by moving alone to San Francisco to save the club from bankruptcy. In this raucous, racy new environment, she begins to open up and find new meaning for her life, even becoming a mother-figure to the club’s flamboyant performers… until a surprise visit threatens to upend her new life.” (Momentum Pictures) Click the image below to watch the trailer.
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New to our Virtual Cinema:
Synopsis for COUP 53: Allen Hunter of SCREEN DAILY says the film is “as compelling as a John Le Carre novel or a Costa-Gavras classic.” THE HOLLYWOOD REPORTER raves, “Passionate, Fearless and Jaw-Dropping.” And VARIETY says this doc is full of “Spine-Tingling Revelations.” And in addition to the documentary, you’ll get bonus footage starting tomorrow, August 20 – an exclusive live Q&A with Ralph Feines, the editor Walter Murch and director Taghi Amirani! “The story of the 1953 Anglo – American coup in Iran that overthrew the democratically elected Prime Minister Mossadegh and reinstalled the Shah. Featuring never seen before archive which had been hidden for decades. While making a documentary about the Anglo – American coup in Iran in 1953, Iranian director Taghi Amirani and editor Walter Murch (Apocalypse Now, The Conversation, The English Patient) discover extraordinary never seen before archive material hidden for decades. The 16mm footage and documents not only allow the filmmakers to tell the story of the overthrow of the Iranian government in unprecedented detail, but also lead to explosive revelations about dark secrets buried for 67 years. What begins as a history documentary about 4 days in August 1953 turns into a live investigation, taking the filmmakers into uncharted cinematic waters. The roots of Iran’s volatile relationship with Britain and America has never been so forensically and dramatically exposed.” Click the picture below to gain access to the film for $12. (Once you start watching, you’ll have 24 hours to complete watching.)
Synopsis for DESERT ONE: Opens Virtually Aug.21! Master filmmaker Barbara Kopple has crafted a new documentary that plays like a thriller. “Using new archival sources and unprecedented access to key players on both sides, master documentarian Barbara Kopple (Harlan County, USA) reveals the true story behind one of the most daring rescues in modern US history: a secret mission to free hostages captured during the 1979 Iranian revolution.” Click the image below to watch the trailer and pre-order access to the film for $12.
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Continuing in our Virtual Cinema:
Synopsis for CREEM – Virtual Cinema: “Capturing the messy upheaval of the ’70s just as rock was re-inventing itself, CREEM: AMERICA’S ONLY ROCK ‘N’ ROLL MAGAZINE explores CREEM Magazine’s humble beginnings in post-riot Detroit, follows its upward trajectory from underground paper to national powerhouse…” Click the image below to watch the trailer and gain 72 hour access to the film for $9.99.
Synopsis for JAZZ ON A SUMMER’S DAY – Virtual Cinema: “Filmed at the 1958 Newport Jazz Festival in Rhode Island and directed by world-renowned photographer, Bert Stern. JAZZ ON A SUMMER’S DAY features intimate performances by an all-star line-up of musical legends including Louis Armstrong, Thelonius Monk, Gerry Mulligan…This 1959 classic is considered one of the most extraordinary and possibly the first concert film ever made.” (Kino Lorber) Click on the image below to visit the site where you can watch the trailer and gain 5 day access to the film for $10.
Synopsis for REPRESENT – Virtual Cinema: “Equal parts personal and political, REPRESENT follows three women on both sides of the aisle who share the singular goal of improving their community through public service.” (Music Box Films) Click the image below to watch the trailer and pre-order 72 hour access to the film for $12. (This film will be available starting Friday.)
Check out all the titles we’re currently offering in our Virtual Cinema HERE.
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Wanna know what’s coming down the road in our virtual cinema? (Click any title to watch that film’s trailer.) On Aug 28, we’ll open an award-winning, crowd-favorite narrative MADE IN BANGLADESH as well as an award-winning, fascinating doc MR. SOUL! Also on Aug. 28, we’ll open a fascinating fashion doc – HOUSE OF CARDIN. On Sept 4, we’ll open a doc about the growing love of records – VINYL NATION as well as an inspiring film about underprivileged students learning chess starring John Leguizamo – CRITICAL THINKING. On September 11, we’ll open a lovely film about a family dealing with Alzheimer’s and a autobiographical stage play they produce before memories are lost forever – OUR TIME MACHINE. More to come!
We hope to see you soon!
Be safe & well.
My best,
Jonathan
Lebowski, Fargo & How To Build A Girl!
Hello NEON Fans!We’ve got to keep moving. This Friday, we’re bringing 3 films for in-person screenings – one is a new movie that I loved at last year’s Toronto International Film Fesitval and 2 are contemporary classics. In addition, we’ve got some new selections in our Virtual Cinema! If you still need to see MADE IN ITALY, it will screen for one show per day this weekend, and BURNT ORANGE HERESY will stick around for one more week.
Regarding new films, Beanie Feldstein is quite spectacular in HOW TO BUILD A GIRL (if you haven’t seen her in last year’s BOOKSMART, I highly recommend it – perhaps the best teenage comedy of the last decade). HOW TO BUILD A GIRL is a great coming-of-age story that’s funny, heartbreaking and quite a trip. It’s based on the much-loved, semi-autobiographical novel by Caitlin Moran. In addition, we’re bringing 2 Coen Brothers films that audiences adore – THE BIG LEBOWSKIand FARGO. Our virtual cinema just added 2 new offerings – the rock ‘n’ roll magazine documentary CREEM and the recently restored classic doc JAZZ ON A SUMMER’S DAY. On Friday, we’ll virtually open an inspiring new documentary about three women running for office – REPRESENT.
Almost everyone who has attended an in-person screening at THE NEON over the past 5 weeks has expressed how safe they have felt coming into our lobby and auditoriums. We appreciate that, but we know that so many people still aren’t comfortable coming out to public spaces yet. Please remember that when you watch one of the films that we’re offering virtually, you’re still supporting THE NEON…and that helps so much. If you haven’t watched any of our films virtually yet, please give them a try. Do you need a little tutorial regarding how you can access films on our virtual cinema? Here’s a LINK for a brand new video I just shot with our new website features. You can easily watch any of our virtual offerings on your computer or laptop…but it only takes a couple more steps to watch via Roku, AppleTV or even via an HDMI cable.
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New In-Person Screenings:
Synopsis for HOW TO BUILD A GIRL – In-Person Engagement: “Johanna Morrigan (Beanie Feldstein) is a bright, quirky, 16-year-old who uses her colorful imagination to regularly escape her humdrum life in Wolverhampton. Desperate to break free from the overcrowded flat she shares with her four brothers and eccentric parents, she submits an earnestly penned and off-beat music review to a group of self-important indie rock critics at a weekly magazine. Despite being brushed off initially, Johanna clamors to the top of the 90s rock music scene by reinventing herself as Dolly Wilde – a venerable, impossible-to-please music critic with an insatiable lust for fame, fortune, and men. It isn’t long before the rapid pace at which Johanna’s life is changing becomes overwhelming. Co-starring Alfie Allen, Paddy Consindine, Chris O’Dowd, and Emma Thompson.” (IFC Films) Click the image below to watch the trailer.
Synopsis for FARGO – In-Person Engagement: “Jerry Lundegaard is a car salesman in Minneapolis who has landed himself deep into debt. Desperate for money, he hires two inept crooks to kidnap his own wife in the hope that her wealthy father will pay the ransom, giving him enough cash to pay off his associates and clear his debts. But Jerry’s plan goes horribly wrong when the thugs kill a highway patrolman and two innocent bystanders, and the murders fall under the jurisdiction of Marge Gunderson; a pregnant but persistent police chief in rural Minnesota who starts to unravel the deadly scheme.” (Park Circus) Click the image below to watch the “vintage” trailer.
Synopsis for THE BIG LEBOWSKI – In-Person Engagement: “‘The Dude,’ Jeff Lebowski is unemployed and as laid-back as they come. That is until he becomes a victim of mistaken identity, and two thugs break into his apartment with the errant belief that they’re strong-arming Jeff Lebowski – the Pasadena millionaire. In the hope of getting a replacement for his soiled carpet, ‘the Dude’ pays a visit to his wealthy namesake…” (Universal Pictures) Click the image below to watch the trailer.
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New to our Virtual Cinema:
Synopsis for CREEM – Virtual Cinema: “Capturing the messy upheaval of the ’70s just as rock was re-inventing itself, CREEM: AMERICA’S ONLY ROCK ‘N’ ROLL MAGAZINE explores CREEM Magazine’s humble beginnings in post-riot Detroit, follows its upward trajectory from underground paper to national powerhouse, then bears witness to its imminent demise following the tragic and untimely deaths of its visionary publisher, Barry Kramer, and its most famous alum and genius clown prince, Lester Bangs, a year later. Fifty years after publishing its first issue, “America’s Only Rock ‘n’ Roll Magazine” remains a seditious spirit in music and culture.” Click the image below to watch the trailer and gain 72 hour access to the film for $9.99.
Synopsis for JAZZ ON A SUMMER’S DAY – Virtual Cinema: “Filmed at the 1958 Newport Jazz Festival in Rhode Island and directed by world-renowned photographer, Bert Stern. JAZZ ON A SUMMER’S DAY features intimate performances by an all-star line-up of musical legends including Louis Armstrong, Thelonius Monk, Gerry Mulligan, Anita O’Day, Chuck Berry, Dinah Washington, and closes with a beautiful rendition of ‘The Lord’s Prayer’ by Mahalia Jackson at midnight to usher in Sunday morning. This 1959 classic is considered one of the most extraordinary and possibly the first concert film ever made. Its sparkling new restoration by IndieCollect, recently premiered at the 57th New York Film Festival. The film was named to the National Film Registry in 1999, and its restoration was funded by the National Film Preservation Board of the Library of Congress in time to celebrate the film’s 60th Anniversary.” (Kino Lorber) Click on the image below to visit the site where you can watch the trailer and gain 5 day access to the film for $10.
Synopsis for REPRESENT – Virtual Cinema: “Equal parts personal and political, REPRESENT follows three women on both sides of the aisle who share the singular goal of improving their community through public service. Myya attempts to spark a youth movement and unseat the incumbent mayor of Detroit; Bryn, a farmer and working mother in Granville, OH, runs for township trustee; and Julie walks a tightrope between her identities as a Korean immigrant and Republican candidate for State Representative in a liberal Chicago suburb.” (Music Box Films) Click the image below to watch the trailer and pre-order 72 hour access to the film for $12. (This film will be available starting Friday.)
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Continuing in our Virtual Cinema:
Synopsis for OUT STEALING HORSES – Virtual Cinema: “Adapted from the bestselling novel, OUT STEALING HORSES follows 67-year-old Trond (Stellan Skarsgård) in the winter of 1999, still grieving the death of his wife as he retires to a solitary life in the Norwegian woods. Trond prepares to welcome the new millennium alone, until a chance encounter with his only neighbor, Lars, rekindles dormant memories from the summer of 1948-the summer Trond grew up.” (Magnolia Pictures) Click the image below to watch the trailer and pre-order 72 hour access to the film for $12. The film will be available starting this Friday! Immediately following the film there ix a pre-recorded discussion between Stellan Skarsgård and filmmaker Hans Petter Moland. This conversation is exclusive to in-person & virtual cinemas!
Synopsis for GORDON LIGHTFOOT: IF YOU COULD READ MY MIND – Virtual Cinema: When in-person screenings end on Thursday, our virtual engagement of this film will start Friday. “An exploration into the career, music and influence of the iconic musician. With unprecedented access to the artist and featuring interviews with Sarah McLachlan, Alec Baldwin and more, this intimate documentary follows Lightfoot’s evolution from choirboy in rural Canada to troubled troubadour.” (Greenwich Entertainment) Click the image below to watch the film’s trailer and pre-order 72 hour access to the film for $12.
Check out all the titles we’re currently offering in our Virtual Cinema HERE.
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Wanna know what’s coming down the road in our virtual cinema? (Click any title to watch that film’s trailer.) On August 21, we’ll open the new film from master-documentarian Barbara Kopple – DESERT ONE. On Aug 28, we’ll open an award-winning, crowd-favorite narrative MADE IN BANGLADESH as well as an award-winning doc MR. SOUL! Also on Aug 28, we’ll open a doc about the growing love of records – VINYL NATION. On September 11, we’ll open a lovely film about a family dealing with Alzheimer’s and a autobiographical stage play they produce before memories are lost forever – OUR TIME MACHINE. More to come!
We hope to see you soon!
Be safe & well.
My best,
Jonathan
IN-PERSON SHOWTIMES for Wednesday, Aug 12 – Thursday, Aug 20:
BURNT ORANGE HERESY (R) 1 Hr 39 Min
Wednesday-Thursday (Aug 12 & 13): 3:30, 7:20
Fri, Sat, Sun (Aug 14-16): 1:20, 7:00
Monday & Tuesday (Aug 17 & 18): 3:15
Wednesday & Thursday (Aug 19 & 20): 7:00
MADE IN ITALY (R) 2 Hrs
Wednesday-Thursday (Aug 12 & 13): 3:15, 7:00
Fri, Sat, Sun (Aug 14-16): 4:00
FINAL DAY – Aug. 16!
FARGO (R) 1 Hr 43 Min
Fri, Sat, Sun (Aug 14-16): 4:30
Monday & Tuesday (Aug 17 & 18): 3:30
Wednesday & Thursday (Aug 19 & 20): 7:20
THE BIG LEBOWSKI (R) 1 Hr 57 Min
Fri, Sat, Sun (Aug 14-16): 7:20
Monday & Tuesday (Aug 17 & 18): 7:20
Wednesday & Thursday (Aug 19 & 20): 3:30
HOW TO BUILD A GIRL (R) 1 Hr 42 Min
Fri, Sat, Sun (Aug 14-16): 1:45
Monday & Tuesday (Aug 17 & 18): 7:00
Wednesday & Thursday (Aug 19 & 20): 3:15
COMING SOON – In-Person Screenings:
(All Dates Are Tentative. Dates Often Move And Sometimes Disappear)
Aug 21 – TESLA
Aug 21 – STAGE MOTHER
Aug 28 – FATIMA
Sept 18 – THE NEST
TBD – THE CLIMB
THE PERSONAL HISTORY OF DAVID COPPERFIELD
Ohio-born filmmakers come together to Make ‘The Big Ugly,’ starring Ron Perlman, Malcolm McDowell
Directed, written and produced by Ohio native Scott Wiper, The Big Ugly makes its big screen debut this weekend at the Dixie Drive-In , followed by video on demand screenings next week.
The story of the film: Neeyln (Vinnie Jones) has always been the loyal enforcer for crime boss Harris (Malcolm McDowell) back in London, taking care of problems and people that disrupt his illicit business. When Harris strikes a deal with an old friend – American oilman Preston (Ron Perlman) – they find themselves in the wild hills of West Virginia. Contracts are signed and the whiskey flows in celebration, but overnight Neelyn’s girlfriend disappears, last seen with Preston’s wayward son Junior. Lines are drawn between family and friends, but nothing will stop Neelyn from getting answers — and retribution.
Photos courtesy of 4G VISION
Dayton’s own Karri O’Reilly, who served as a producer on The Big Ugly, befriended Wiper working with him on his early films in the ’90s, also said she had hoped to film the project in Ohio near her home in Dayton.
Karri O’Reilly
“I’m from Ohio, I love to work here. Scott’s from Ohio, he really wanted to do another movie here. Part of it was our bad, because we didn’t get in line(for the Ohio Film Tax Rebate), but it just shows why the tax incentive is such a critical piece to attracting projects, even homegrown projects,” O’Reilly said. “There’s nothing like making a movie at home.” The movie ended up being filmed in Morehead, Kentucky in six weeks over the summer of 2018.
Wiper and O’Reilly pulled from their Ohio networks to put together a cast and crew that drew in film industry workers from the state. That included Anne Taylor and Jaclyn Laravie doing makeup, Kevin Martt as best boy grip, Jane Streeter on locations, Mike Salamone as Grip, Jessalyn Lauree was an Asst to Malcolm McDowell, David Gewertz as background BG Wrangler, and many more. Wiper estimated that about 75% of the film’s crew is from Ohio.
Many of the local film crew will meet up this Sunday at the Dixie Drive-In to see the film on the big screen. Gates open at 8pm, the film will begin at 9:30pm. There will be a brief Q & A before the screening.
