Dayton937

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

On Screen Dayton

DIOR & I Starts Friday and Partnering with Ghostlight Coffee at THE NEON!

By

DIOR websiteHello Everyone,

We’re adding a new film to the mix this Friday. It’s a rare, inside look into the creation of a couture collection for one of the world’s most luxurious fashion brands – Christian Dior. It’s called DIOR AND I, and it had quite a nice run at film festivals over the past year. In addition, we will hold onto both of our current selections – IRIS (for limited screenings) and FAR FROM THE MADDING CROWD. For this week’s remaining showtimes (they’re different than the upcoming week – which are listed below), please visit our website at www.neonmovies.com

Synopsis for DIOR AND I: “Frederic Tcheng’s solo directorial debut brings the viewer inside the storied world of the Christian Dior fashion house with a privileged, behind-the-scenes look at the creation of Raf Simons’ first haute couture collection as its new artistic director-a true labor of love created by a dedicated group of collaborators. Melding the everyday, pressure-filled components of fashion with mysterious echoes from the iconic brand’s past, the film is also a colorful homage to the seamstresses who serve Simons’ vision.” Click on the image below to visit the film’s official site.

Carol Quinones is bringing a special, one-time screening of TRACE AMOUNTS to town on Wednesday, June 10 at 7:30. Click this LINK to reserve your ticket – they’re $12.50 each. “After recovering from a sickness that would bring him to the edge of despair, Eric Gladen began researching the science behind what had made him so sick. His research led him straight into one of the biggest medical debates of all time, the question of whether or not childhood vaccines are causing Autism. He would end up quitting his career, moving into an RV, and traveling the country interviewing experts and piecing together thousands of studies and leaked documents. But Eric wasn’t focused on the vaccines themselves, he was focused on something that belongs nowhere near vaccines- mercury.”

Don’t miss the chance to see the SXSW hit documentary TAB HUNTER CONFIDENTIAL. This film will only screen one time – Thursday, June 18 at 7:30. Tickets, just $8 each, are available now at THE NEON’s Box Office! “In the 1950s, Tab Hunter is number one at the box office and number one on the music charts. He is Hollywood’s most sought-after star and America’s boy next door. Natalie Wood, Debbie Reynolds and Sophia Loren are just a few of the actresses he is romantically linked to. Nothing, it seems, can damage Tab Hunter’s career. Nothing, that is, except for the fact that Tab Hunter is secretly gay. Now, Tab Hunter’s secret is out. In TAB HUNTER CONFIDENTIAL we will meet, for the first time, the real Tab Hunter as he shares with us the whole story of a happy, healthy survivor of Hollywood’s roller coaster.”

Director Kevin Nam will be debuting his first short film on Monday, June 22. “What if you were given a chance to traverse your own subconscious? Would you be afraid of what you may see? We all have our demons kept at bay buried under the lies we tell ourselves. Keaton, a heartbroken man, is given this chance to reshape and reform his memories. With the help of Dr. Darren Vonnuxley at Entropy’s Enlightenment, Keaton is plunged deep into his own subconscious, where he must confront and conquer his demon, face to face. HOW TO MURDER YOUR MELANCHOLY is a short dark psychological drama with horror elements filmed entirely in the Dayton, Ohio region. This one and only screening of the short film is the directorial debut of local resident Kevin Nam. The director requires a mature audience due to scenes of graphic violence, blood, and gore. The director will also be in attendance for a brief Q & A immediately following the film. Please arrive early, screening will promptly begin at 8 pm. Tickets are on a first-come first-serve basis. Admission is FREE.” (taken from Kevin Nam’s press notes)

Next Friday (June 12), we will open a Brian Wilson (of The Beach Boys) biopic – LOVE & MERCY. Please help us spread the word.  Click HERE to visit the official site.

Ghostlight Coffee is now in the baking business. We currently offer a delicious variety of cookies and biscotti from their brand new kitchen, and we’re so happy that we’re able to partner with another independently owned downtown business. Give them a try the next time you’re in!

Thanks for your continued support.
We hope to see you this weekend!
Jonathan

SHOWTIMES for Friday, June 5 – Thursday, June 11:

DIOR AND I (NR) 1 Hr 30 Min
Friday & Saturday: 3:00, 7:20, 9:20
Sunday: 7:20
Monday & Tuesday: 3:15, 7:30
Wednesday: 3:15
Thursday: 3:15, 7:30

IRIS (PG-13) 1 Hr 23 Min
Friday, Saturday, Sunday: 1:00, 5:15
Monday – Thursday: 5:15

FAR FROM THE MADDING CROWD (PG-13) 1 Hr 59 Min
Friday, Saturday: 11:50, 2:15, 4:45, 7:15, 9:40
Sunday: 11:50, 2:15, 4:45, 7:15
Monday – Thursday: 2:50, 5:20, 7:45

TRACE AMOUNTS (NR) 1 Hr 37 Min
Wednesday: 7:30

COMING SOON:
(All Dates Are Tentative. Dates Often Move And Sometimes Disappear.)
June 12 – LOVE & MERCY
June 19 – I’LL SEE YOU IN MY DREAMS
TBD – SUNSHINE SUPERMAN, LAMBERT & STAMP,
SAINT LAURENT, ALOFT
July 1- ME AND EARL AND THE DYING GIRL
July ? – MR. HOLMES

IRIS Apfel Documentary & Great Crowds for MADDING CROWD at THE NEON!

By

irisHello Everyone,

If you still need to see WHILE WE’RE YOUNG or THE SALT OF THE EARTH, Thursday will be your last chance to catch them at THE NEON. WHILE WE’RE YOUNG has been here for a while, but SALT OF THE EARTH has only been here since Friday. Though attendance was bar bones for this stunning documentary, audiences have been raving – it’s one of the most powerful documentaries to come along for quite some time. FAR FROM THE MADDING CROWD had wonderful crowds over the weekend. Many thanks to those of you who came and made our opening weekend numbers stand out from the crowd (we were way above the national average for this picture). On Friday, we will start a wonderful and lively documentary by the late, great Albert Maysles – IRIS. For this week’s remaining showtimes (they’re different than the upcoming week – which are listed below), please visit our website at www.neonmovies.com

Synopsis for IRIS: Rated 98% FRESH on Rottentomatoes! “IRIS pairs legendary 87-year-old documentarian Albert Maysles with Iris Apfel – the quick-witted, flamboyantly dressed 93-year-old style maven who has had an outsized presence on the New York fashion scene for decades. More than a fashion film, the documentary is a story about creativity and how, even in Iris’ dotage, a soaring free spirit continues to inspire. IRIS portrays a singular woman whose enthusiasm for fashion, art and people are life’s sustenance and reminds us that dressing, and indeed life, is nothing but an experiment. Despite the abundance of glamour in her current life, she continues to embrace the values and work ethic established during a middle-class Queens upbringing during the Great Depression. ‘I feel lucky to be working. If you’re lucky enough to do something you love, everything else follows.'”(Magnolia Pictures) Click this LINK to visit the film’s official site.

Carol Quinones is bringing a special, one-time screening of TRACE AMOUNTS to town on Wednesday, June 10 at 7:30. Click this LINK to reserve your ticket – they’re $12.50 each. “After recovering from a sickness that would bring him to the edge of despair, Eric Gladen began researching the science behind what had made him so sick. His research led him straight into one of the biggest medical debates of all time, the question of whether or not childhood vaccines are causing Autism. He would end up quitting his career, moving into an RV, and traveling the country interviewing experts and piecing together thousands of studies and leaked documents. But Eric wasn’t focused on the vaccines themselves, he was focused on something that belongs nowhere near vaccines- mercury.”

Don’t miss the chance to see the SXSW hit documentary TAB HUNTER CONFIDENTIAL. This film will only screen one time – Thursday, June 18 at 7:30. Tickets, just $8 each, are available now at THE NEON’s Box Office! “In the 1950s, Tab Hunter is number one at the box office and number one on the music charts. He is Hollywood’s most sought-after star and America’s boy next door. Natalie Wood, Debbie Reynolds and Sophia Loren are just a few of the actresses he is romantically linked to. Nothing, it seems, can damage Tab Hunter’s career. Nothing, that is, except for the fact that Tab Hunter is secretly gay. Now, Tab Hunter’s secret is out. In TAB HUNTER CONFIDENTIAL we will meet, for the first time, the real Tab Hunter as he shares with us the whole story of a happy, healthy survivor of Hollywood’s roller coaster.”

Director Kevin Nam will be debuting his first short film on Monday, June 22. “What if you were given a chance to traverse your own subconscious? Would you be afraid of what you may see? We all have our demons kept at bay buried under the lies we tell ourselves. Keaton, a heartbroken man, is given this chance to reshape and reform his memories. With the help of Dr. Darren Vonnuxley at Entropy’s Enlightenment, Keaton is plunged deep into his own subconscious, where he must confront and conquer his demon, face to face. HOW TO MURDER YOUR MELANCHOLY is a short dark psychological drama with horror elements filmed entirely in the Dayton, Ohio region. This one and only screening of the short film is the directorial debut of local resident Kevin Nam. The director requires a mature audience due to scenes of graphic violence, blood, and gore. The director will also be in attendance for a brief Q & A immediately following the film. Please arrive early, screening will promptly begin at 8 pm. Tickets are on a first-come first-serve basis. Admission is FREE.” (taken from Kevin Nam’s press notes

Thanks for your continued support.
We hope to see you this weekend!

Jonathan

SHOWTIMES for Friday, May 29 – Thursday, June 4:

IRIS (PG-13) 1 Hr 23 Min
Friday, Saturday: 1:00, 3:00, 5:15, 7:20, 9:20
Sunday: 1:00, 3:00, 5:15, 7:20
Monday – Thursday: 3:15, 5:15, 7:30

FAR FROM THE MADDING CROWD (PG-13) 1 Hr 59 Min
Friday, Saturday: 11:50, 2:15, 4:45, 7:15, 9:40
Sunday: 11:50, 2:15, 4:45, 7:15
Monday – Thursday: 2:50, 5:20, 7:45

COMING SOON:
(All Dates Are Tentative. Dates Often Move And Sometimes Disappear.)
June 12 – LOVE & MERCY
June 19 – I’LL SEE YOU IN MY DREAMS
TBD – SUNSHINE SUPERMAN, LAMBERT & STAMP,
SAINT LAURENT, ALOFT
July 1- ME AND EARL AND THE DYING GIRL
July ? – MR. HOLMES

GREY GARDENS and New Juliette Binoche Film at THE NEON!

By

MV5BMjAwMTg3MDE0NF5BMl5BanBnXkFtZTgwNjQ1ODQyNTE@._V1_SX214_AL_Hello Everyone,

Over the past 14 years that I’ve been at THE NEON, THE D TRAIN ranks as one of the biggest box office disappointments we’ve ever had. We had to lose it quickly. Today, we opened a new film with Juliette Binoche and Kristen Stewart – CLOUDS OF SILS MARIA. (Stewart became the first American to ever win a Cesar award for her role in this film. The Cesar Awards are France’s equivalent to our Academy Awards.) In addition, we will open the 40th Anniversary Restoration of GREY GARDENS – the documentary that became the basis for numerous books, an HBO narrative film and even a Broadway musical. We will continue our run of WHILE WE’RE YOUNG for one more week. Next week, we’ll open the gorgeous new film FAR FROM THE MADDING CROWD!

Synopsis for CLOUDS OF SILS MARIA: “Maria Enders (Juliette Binoche) is an actress at the peak of her international career who is asked to perform in a revival of the play that made her famous twenty years earlier. Back then she played the role of Sigrid, an alluring young woman who disarms and eventually drives her boss Helena to suicide. Now she is being asked to step into the other role, that of the older Helena. She departs with her assistant (Kristen Stewart) to rehearse in Sils Maria, a remote region of the Alps. A young Hollywood starlet with a penchant for scandal (Chloe Grace Moretz) is to take on the role of Sigrid, and Maria finds herself on the other side of the mirror, face to face with an ambiguously charming woman who is, in essence, an unsettling reflection of herself. (Sundance Selects) Click this LINK to visit the film’s official site.

Synopsis for GREY GARDENS: The original documentary from 1975 has received a 40th Anniversary Restoration! This is one of my favorite movies. In fact, when the musical adaptation premiered (before its move to Broadway), I scurried to NYC to see it. “Meet Big and Little Edie Beale: mother and daughter, high-society dropouts, and reclusive cousins of Jackie Onassis. The two manage to thrive together amid the decay and disorder of their East Hampton, New York, mansion, making for an eerily ramshackle echo of the American Camelot. An impossibly intimate portrait, this 1976 documentary by Albert and David Maysles, codirected by Ellen Hovde and Muffie Meyer, quickly became a cult classic and established Little Edie as a fashion icon and philosopher queen.” (taken from Janus Films) Click this LINK to visit the film’s official site.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ijPIfZt72vc

“Stivers School for the Arts-Film & Animation Studio Presents THE SHOWCASE. This compilation of short films includes live action & animation and ranges from comedy to documentary. Some of these films have already won regional and state awards. Following the show, there will be a Q & A with the student filmmakers. All proceeds go towards updating equipment in the Stivers Film and Animation studio. The Showcase runs one night only – Wednesday, May 20th at 7:30pm. Tickets are$5.00 in advance and $7.00 on the day of the event.. Tickets are now available at THE NEON’s box office and Stivers School for the Arts. Please join us for an evening of entertainment as we celebrate this next generation of filmmakers.” (taken from press release)

On Tuesday, May 26 at 7:30, T.J.’s Place of Hope will host a screening of I AM A GIRL. This film is “an inspirational feature length documentary that paints a clear picture of the reality of what it means to be a girl in the 21st century. Feminism may have promised equality and sought a better and fairer world for women but the reality is that girls make up almost a quarter of the world’s population yet still face the greatest discrimination of any group in the world. Technology and science offer unimaginable potential but we still struggle to ensure men and women are afforded equal opportunities. Yet in spite of these obstacles, girls have found extraordinary ways to persevere and in our documentary we hear their stories of strength, hope, courage and a refusal to be second best.” (taken from Gathr press notes) Advanced tickets are $10 each and must be purchased on Gathr’s website. If tickets remain on the day of the event, they will be available at our box office one hour before the screening.  Click this LINK to visit the site and purchase your ticket.

Carol Quinones is trying to bring a special, one-time screening of TRACE AMOUNTS to town on Wednesday, June 10 at 7:30. That said, 50 tickets need to be reserved by May 30 in order to proceed. Click this LINK to reserve your ticket – they’re $12.50 each. “After recovering from a sickness that would bring him to the edge of despair, Eric Gladen began researching the science behind what had made him so sick. His research led him straight into one of the biggest medical debates of all time, the question of whether or not childhood vaccines are causing Autism. He would end up quitting his career, moving into an RV, and traveling the country interviewing experts and piecing together thousands of studies and leaked documents. But Eric wasn’t focused on the vaccines themselves, he was focused on something that belongs nowhere near vaccines- mercury.”

Mark your calendars now for a special screening of a new, crowd-pleasing documentary – TAB HUNTER CONFIDENTIAL. It will screen Thursday, June 18 at 7:30 (tickets $8 each). I’ll include more details in next week’s newsletter.

Thanks for your continued support.
We hope to see you this weekend!

All the best,
Jonathan

SHOWTIMES for Friday, May 15 – Thursday, May 21:

GREY GARDENS (PG) 1 Hr 37 Min
Friday, Saturday, Sunday: 3:00
Monday: 3:00, 7:40
Tuesday & Wednesday: 3:00
Thursday: 3:00, 7:40

WHILE WE’RE YOUNG (R) 1 Hr 37 Min
Friday, Saturday: 12:40, 5:10, 7:20, 9:30
Sunday: 12:40, 5:10, 7:20
Monday – Thursday: 5:10

CLOUDS OF SILS MARIA (R) 2 Hrs 4 Min
Friday & Saturday: 1:00, 4:00, 7:00, 9:40
Sunday: 1:00, 4:00, 7:00
Monday – Thursday: 2:45, 5:15, 7:50

STIVERS: THE SHOWCASE (NR)
Wednesday: 7:30

COMING SOON:
(All Dates Are Tentative. Dates Often Move And Sometimes Disappear.)
May 22 – FAR FROM THE MADDING CROWD
TBD – IRIS, SUNSHINE SUPERMAN,
SALT OF THE EARTH, LAMBERT & STAMP, SAINT LAURENT, ALOFT
Early July – ME AND EARL AND THE DYING GIRL

Summer Flicks Series Returns to Victoria Theatre

By

cool-firms-series-victoria-theatreVictoria Theatre Association’s annual Cool Films Series is just around the corner bringing back Reel Late at the Vic late night movies and daytime Family Films lineup!  Beginning July 10, VTA will set out the popular FREE popcorn and FREE soda plus some FREE nostalgia with the 2015 Cool Films Series at the historic Victoria Theatre. Passbooks for the series go on sale Monday, May 11 at 10 a.m. at Ticket Center Stage.  Call (937) 228-3630,  or purchase online at www.ticketcenterstage.com.

“We’re always striving for a balance between golden age of Hollywood titles (1935–1955) and newer titles that deserve a big screen revival or just would be fun for new audiences,” says VTA president & CEO Ken Neufeld. “Finding good quality 35mm prints of films for the Victoria’s 35mm projector can be challenging, but it does give you that authentic pre-digital film experience that is so unique. This year we were able to secure every film in 35mm, which is quite a feat. And, we are bringing back last year’s family weekday matinees with some wonderful family films and Reel Late at the Vic channels the nostalgia of the Victoria Theatre’s days as a popular movie house. You don’t want to miss the fun downtown this summer!”

What’s the best part about the 2015 Cool Films Series (besides FREE popcorn and soda)? Tickets are just $6 each ($3 for the Family Matinees) or $35 for a 10-ticket passbook– a great entertainment bargain during a year when a night at the movie theater can cost up to $20 per person! Passes can be used in any combination or across all films!American_graffiti_ver1

AMERICAN GRAFFITI– July 10- 12
(1973). Starring Ron Howard & Richard Dreyfuss and directed by George Lucas

Summer nights, cars, girls, rock ‘n’ roll! This film was one of the first – and probably best – teen-focused films that featured a soundtrack so strong, it was practically another character in the story! The film highlights the fabulous California car culture of the day with surprising supporting roles by a young Harrison Ford and even younger Mackenzie Philips, as well as many others. Rated PG.

THE BIRDCAGE– July 17-19
(1996). Starring Robin Williams & Nathan Lane and directed by Mike Nichols

In tribute to Williams’ passing last summer, here is one of his best film roles. A gay cabaret owner and his drag queen partner agree to pretend they’re straight so their son can introduce them to his fiancée’s conservative parents. What ensues is comic chaos in this remake of the 1978 Franco-Italian original, La Cage aux Folles. Rated R.

JAWS – July 24-262806004-jaws
(1975) Starring Roy Scheider, Robert Shaw & Richard Dreyfuss and directed by Steven Spielberg

It’s the 40th anniversary of the first summer blockbuster that 67 million people saw in its initial release, despite massive production difficulties. Three men band together to capture the great white shark that’s terrorizing the shores of a small beach town. It won three Oscars®, including one for John Williams’ now iconic theme. Spielberg once referred to it as a “the less-you-see-the-more-you-get thriller.” Rated PG.
 
THE PINK PANTHER- July 31- Aug. 2
(1964) Starring Peter Sellers & David Niven and directed by Blake Edwards

Meet the original bumbling Inspector Clouseau in this classic comedy that spawned a genre. A conceited French police inspector tries to catch the Phantom, a daring jewel thief whose identity and features are unknown – and is acting right under his nose. Henry Mancini’s theme and the original animated credits are now a part of pop culture. Not rated.

12 ANGRY MEN– Aug. 7-9
(1957) Starring Henry Fonda and directed by Sidney Lumet

One of the best courtroom dramas ever made. Fonda plays a dissenting juror who slowly manages to convince the others that the case is not as obviously clear as it seemed in court. Nearly all the suspenseful dialogue takes place in the jury room. An absolute classic with a star-studded cast that is as current and pertinent today as it was in 1957. Not rated.

NOTORIOUS- Aug. 14-16
(1946) Starring Cary Grant & Ingrid Bergman and directed by Alfred Hitchcock

One of Hitchcock’s very best with a dark and dangerous relationship played out between Bergman and Grant. A woman of notorious reputation is asked by a government agent to spy on a group of her father’s Nazi friends in South America. How far will she have to go to ingratiate herself with them? Not rated.images-5

AN AMERICAN IN PARIS– Aug. 21-23
(1951) Starring Gene Kelly & Leslie Caron and directed by Vincente Minelli

All Gene Kelly all the time. The film’s incredible music and dancing, including the iconic dream ballet, plus knockout performances (and choreography credits) by Kelly, won the film six Oscars®. Now on Broadway in a gorgeous stage version that was nominated for several Tony Awards®, the classic film version is celebrating 64 years of absolute romance. Not rated.

BACK TO THE FUTURE– Aug. 28-30
(1985) Starring Michael J. Fox & Christopher Lloyd and directed by Robert Zemeckis
Perhaps one of the most popular films of the ‘80s, Fox stars as a high school kid who is accidentally sent 30 years into the past via a time-traveling DeLorean. It won the Oscar® that year for special effects and the hearts of millions with its feel-good vibe. Now celebrating its 20th anniversary. Rated PG.

images-4

FAMILY WEEKDAY MATINEES!
Families, youth groups and day campers will enjoy 4 fun films in July! These films are all rated G and shown each Thursday in July at 10 a.m. Tickets are a steal at $3.

THE GREAT MUPPET CAPER- Thursday, July 9, 10 a.m.
HAPPY FEET- Thursday, July 16, 10 a.m.
E.T.: THE EXTRA-TERRESTRIAL- Thursday, July 23, 10 a.m.
DR. SEUSS’ THE LORAX- Thursday, July 30, 10 a.m.

REEL LATE AT THE VIC

Remember coming to the late show back in the day at the Victory (now Victoria)? Well, whether that’s part of your youth or not, join us for three 10:30 p.m. showings of some great late-night film fare.bladerunner

THE INVASION OF THE BODY SNATCHERS- Saturday, July 18, 10:30 p.m.
MAD MAX- Saturday, August 15, 10:30 p.m.
BLADE RUNNER- Saturday, August 29, 10:30 p.m.

Passbooks are on sale now through Ticket Center Stage. They may be purchased at the Schuster Center Box Office in downtown Dayton, by phone at (937) 228-3630 or toll free (888) 228-3630, or online at www.ticketcenterstage.com – click on Victoria Theatre Association, then Cool Films Series.

Individual tickets are available day-of-show at the Victoria Theatre Box Office, beginning one hour prior to showtime. Films are shown at 7 p.m. on Fridays and Saturdays, and 3 p.m. on Sundays in the air-conditioned comfort of the Victoria Theatre. Recreating the feel of the old-time movie palaces, guests may enjoy free popcorn and soda in the lobby beginning one hour prior to showtime, a Mighty Wurlitzer organ concert beginning 30 minutes prior to showtime, and a classic cartoon just before the movie.

2

Jack Black, James Marsden & Elaine Paige – See New Films at THE NEON

By

The-D-Train-Poster-691x1024-600x889Hello Everyone,

Today we opened the Sundance hit THE D TRAIN – a new comedy starring Jack Black and James Marsden. On Wednesday, May 13, we will have a one-night-only screening of I’M STILL HERE: ELAINE PAIGE.  In addition, this week we’re holding onto my favorite comedy in a long, long time – WHILE WE’RE YOUNG (starring Ben Stiller and Naomi Watts) and got the last two films for this year’s DAYTON JEWISH FILM FESTIVAL. GREY GARDENS (the original) starts next Friday!

Synopsis for THE D TRAIN: “All his life, Dan Landsman (Jack Black) has never been the cool guy. That’s about to change – if he can convince Oliver Lawless (James Marsden), the most popular guy from his high school who’s now the face of a national Banana Boat ad campaign, to show up with him to their class reunion. A man on a mission, Dan travels from Pittsburgh to LA and spins a web of lies to recruit Lawless. But he gets more than he bargains for as the unpredictable Lawless proceeds to take over his home, career, and entire life.” (IFC Films) Click this LINK to visit the film’s official site.

THE DAYTON JEWISH INTERNATIONAL FILM FESTIVAL has a terrific line-up this year, and it is already at the half-way point. Here’s a list of remaining screenings at THE NEON:
Tue, May 12 at 7:15 – FOR A WOMAN
Thu, May 14 at 7:15 – RUN BOY RUN
The official website for the festival has lots more details. You can read about all the films, watch trailers and discover all that the festival has to offer. Check it out by visiting this LINK.

On Wednesday, May 13 at 7:30, we will have a one-time screening of I’M STILL HERE – ELAINE PAIGE AT THE ROYAL ALBERT HALL. Tickets are just now starting to move! “The incomparable Elaine Paige brings her sell-out Farewell Concert from the Royal Albert Hall to the big screen accompanied by a live orchestra featuring special guests. Filmed for cinema, the concert features the BBC Concert Orchestra, with Elaine performing the highlights of her extraordinary 50 year career, including “Memory,” “I Know Him so Well” and “As If We Never Said Goodbye.” The evening will finish with special footage including a Q&A and more intimate performance with special guests recently captured in London.” (taken from press notes) General Admission tickets just $12. Senior tickets just $10. Tickets for this event can be purchased on-line via this LINK. They are also available at our box office (without the surcharge).

“Stivers School for the Arts-Film & Animation Studio Presents THE SHOWCASE. This compilation of short films includes live action & animation and ranges from comedy to documentary. Some of these films have already won regional and state awards. Following the show, there will be a Q & A with the student filmmakers. All proceeds go towards updating equipment in the Stivers Film and Animation studio. The Showcase runs one night only – Wednesday, May 20th at 7:30pm. Tickets are$5.00 in advance and $7.00 on the day of the event.. Tickets are now available at THE NEON’s box office and Stivers School for the Arts. Please join us for an evening of entertainment as we celebrate this next generation of filmmakers.” (taken from press release)

On Tuesday, May 26 at 7:30, T.J.’s Place of Hope will host a screening of I AM A GIRL. This film is “an inspirational feature length documentary that paints a clear picture of the reality of what it means to be a girl in the 21st century. Feminism may have promised equality and sought a better and fairer world for women but the reality is that girls make up almost a quarter of the world’s population yet still face the greatest discrimination of any group in the world. Technology and science offer unimaginable potential but we still struggle to ensure men and women are afforded equal opportunities. Yet in spite of these obstacles, girls have found extraordinary ways to persevere and in our documentary we hear their stories of strength, hope, courage and a refusal to be second best.” (taken from Gathr press notes) Advanced tickets are $10 each and must be purchased on Gathr’s website. If tickets remain on the day of the event, they will be available at our box office one hour before the screening. Click this LINK to visit the site and purchase your ticket.

Next Friday, we will begin limited screenings of the newly restored, 40th Anniversary edition of GREY GARDENS – one of my favorite documentaries of all time. I’ve heard people in our lobby say “I saw that on HBO, why are they playing it?” This isn’t the made for HBO narrative film starring Drew Barrymore & Jessica Lang, this is the original documentary on which that film was based. This film has been the basis for numerous books, the HBO film and even a Broadway musical. You’ll not want to miss the opportunity to see this classic film on a big screen!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ijPIfZt72vc

Thanks for your continued support.
See you soon,
Jonathan

SHOWTIMES for Friday, May 8 – Thursday, May 14:

THE D TRAIN (R) 1 Hr 37 Min
Friday & Saturday: 12:40, 3:00, 5:15, 7:30, 9:45
Sunday: 12:40, 3:00, 5:15, 7:30
Monday – Wednesday: 2:50, 5:10, 7:30
Thursday: 2:50, 5:10

WHILE WE’RE YOUNG (R) 1 Hr 37 Min
Friday, Saturday: 12:00, 2:20, 4:50, 7:20, 9:40
Sunday: 12:00, 2:20, 4:50, 7:20
Monday: 3:00, 5:15, 7:30
Tuesday & Wednesday: 3:00, 5:15
Thursday: 3:00, 5:15, 7:30

DAYTON JEWISH FILM FESTIVAL
(see list above for specific titles)
Tuesday: 7:15
Thursday: 7:15

I’M STILL HERE: ELAINE PAIGE (NR) 2 Hrs
Wednesday: 7:30

COMING SOON:
(All Dates Are Tentative. Dates Often Move And Sometimes Disappear.)
May 15: GREY GARDENS
May 22 – FAR FROM THE MADDING CROWD
TBD – CLOUDS OF SILS MARIA
IRIS
SUNSHINE SUPERMAN
SALT OF THE EARTH
LAMBERT & STAMP
SAINT LAURENT
ALOFT
Early July – ME AND EARL AND THE DYING GIRL

A Fascinating, Little-Known Tale Filled with Heart, Heroism and High-Flying Chutzpah.

By

MV5BMTgxMDcxNDg3Ml5BMl5BanBnXkFtZTgwNDA0NTM1MTE@._V1_SY1200_CR86,0,630,1200_AL_Would you risk everything – your future, your citizenship, even your life – to help a brother in need?

In 1948, just three years after the liberation of Nazi death camps, a group of Jewish American pilots answered a call for help. In secret and at great personal risk, they smuggled planes out of the U.S., trained behind the Iron Curtain in Czechoslovakia and flew for Israel in its War of Independence. As members of Machal – “volunteers from abroad” – this ragtag band of brothers not only turned the tide of the war; they also embarked on personal journeys of discovery and renewed Jewish pride.

ABOVE AND BEYOND is their story.

Showing Thursday night, April 30th 7pm as part of the Jewish Film Festival  at the National Museum of the U.S. Air Force with special guest Producer  for a very special discussion about her personal involvement with the documentary.  Tickets and more info on their website.

The first major feature-length documentary about the foreign airmen in the ’48 War, ABOVE AND BEYOND brings together new interviews with the pilots, as well as stunning aerial footage, to present a fascinating, little-known tale filled with heart, heroism and high-flying chutzpah. The film follows the pilots on their circuitous route from the United States – where they met and trained in secret and struggled to stay two steps ahead of the FBI – to Panama, Italy and Czechoslovakia, where they flew versions of the very Nazi planes they had tried to shoot down in World War II.

 

More than a retelling of the ’48 Arab-Israeli War, ABOVE AND BEYOND examines the motivations of the foreign volunteers – both Jews and non-Jews. It mines the tensions between the Israelis and Machal soldiers. Would the foreign pilots stay in Israel after the war? Were they Americans first or Jews first? The film recounts the personal stories of the young pilots, whose experiences in Israel were life altering. And through their stories, ABOVE AND BEYOND reveals how under-equipped and isolated the Israelis were, how desperately they needed planes and pilots and how critical the actions of these young American men were for the country’s survival.

About the Producer:

An accomplished businesswoman, fundraiser and philanthropist, Nancy Spielberg, Producer, has in recent years turned her energy and talents to producing documentary films. She served as consultant on the Oscar-winning documentary Chernobyl Heart, and is executive producer of Elusive Justice: The Search for Nazi War Criminals, which aired nationally on PBS, and the forthcoming documentary Mimi and Dona.

Spielberg grew up surrounded by the film industry, where she worked on her brother Steven’s early films. She attended Arizona State University and UCLA and, after moving to New York, studied film at Sarah Lawrence College and the New School in New York. She is founder and co-founder of several charities including “A Bid for Charity,” “Children of Chernobyl,” “Project Sunshine” and the American branch of The Jerusalem Academy of Music and Dance.

EX MACHINA Opens Friday & Jewish Film Fest Starts This Weekend at THE NEON!

By

ex-machina-poster-v01Hello Everyone,

If you still need to see WOMAN IN GOLD, a film that many of our regulars are absolutely loving, you only have until Thursday to see it at THE NEON. On Friday, we will open a new sci-fi film about artificial intelligence – one that seems all the more scary after having heard a story about a similar subject on NPR. EX MACHINA has been garnering rave reviews, and it certainly looks sophisticated and thought provoking…it also holds the record for the biggest opening of 2015 in larger markets. We have our fingers crossed that Dayton audiences are interested! TRUE STORY will stick around for another week, and WHILE WE’RE YOUNG will open on May 1. For this week’s remaining showtimes (they’re different than the upcoming week – which are listed below), please visit our website at www.neonmovies.com

Synopsis for EX MACHINA: “Alex Garland, writer of 28 Days Later and Sunshine, makes his directorial debut with the stylish and cerebral thriller, EX MACHINA. Caleb Smith, a programmer at an internet-search giant, wins a competition to spend a week at the private mountain estate of the company’s brilliant and reclusive CEO, Nathan Bateman (Oscar Isaac). Upon his arrival, Caleb learns that Nathan has chosen him to be the human component in a Turing Test-charging him with evaluating the capabilities, and ultimately the consciousness, of Nathan’s latest experiment in artificial intelligence. That experiment is Ava, a breathtaking A.I. whose emotional intelligence proves more sophisticated – and more deceptive – than the two men could have imagined.” (A24) Click this LINK to visit the film’s official site.

THE DAYTON JEWISH INTERNATIONAL FILM FESTIVAL has grown considerably over the years, and the line-up is always terrific. Screenings at THE NEON begin this Sunday:
Sun, April 26 at 3:10 – 70 HESTER STREET & THE STURGEON QUEENS.
Sun, April 26 at 5:00 – ZAYTOUN.
Tue, April 28 at 10am – THE OUTRAGEOUS SOPHIE TUCKER.
Tue, April 28 at 7:15 – 24 DAYS.
Wed, May 6 at 7:15 – DANCING IN JAFFA.
Tue, May 12 at 7:15 – FOR A WOMAN.
Thu, May 14 at 7:15 – RUN BOY RUN.
The official website for the festival is now up and running! You can read about all the films, watch trailers and discover all that the festival has to offer. Check it out by visiting this LINK.

Montgomery County Food Policy Coalition is brining a special screening of GROWING CITIES to town. “Growing Cities is a film about urban farming in America. At a time when so much negative attention is paid to the food system – from mad cows to factory farms – this film tells the inspiring stories of city-dwellers who are transforming their communities one vacant lot, backyard beehive, and rooftop farm at a time. Join the filmmakers on a cross-county road trip, along the way these growers show that the urban farming movement is about a whole lot more than simply food and that everyone can take part in creating a healthier, more just, and sustainable food system.” (taken from press notes) This film will screen on Saturday, May 2 at 3:00. Tickets are free, but reservations must be made by calling or emailing Emily Bradford at (937)225-6470 or [email protected]

On Wednesday, May 13 at 7:30, we will have a one-time screening of I’M STILL HERE – ELAINE PAIGE AT THE ROYAL ALBERT HALL. “The incomparable Elaine Paige brings her sell-out Farewell Concert from the Royal Albert Hall to the big screen accompanied by a live orchestra featuring special guests. Filmed for cinema, the concert features the BBC Concert Orchestra, with Elaine performing the highlights of her extraordinary 50 year career, including “Memory,” “I Know Him so Well” and “As If We Never Said Goodbye.” The evening will finish with special footage including a Q&A and more intimate performance with special guests recently captured in London.” (taken from press notes) General Admission tickets just $12. Senior tickets just $10. Tickets for this event can be purchased on-line via this LINK. They are also available at our box office (without the surcharge).

“Stivers School for the Arts-Film & Animation Studio Presents THE SHOWCASE. This compilation of short films includes live action & animation and ranges from comedy to documentary. Some of these films have already won regional and state awards. Following the show, there will be a Q & A with the student filmmakers. All proceeds go towards updating equipment in the Stivers Film and Animation studio. The Showcase runs one night only – Wednesday, May 20th at 7:30pm. Tickets are$5.00 in advance and $7.00 on the day of the event.. Tickets will soon be available at THE NEON’s box office and Stivers School for the Arts. Please join us for an evening of entertainment as we celebrate this next generation of filmmakers.” (taken from press release)

Thanks for your continued support.

See you soon,

Jonathan

SHOWTIMES for Friday, April 24 – Thursday, April 30:

EX MACHINA (R) 1 Hr 48 Min
Friday, Saturday: 12:10, 2:30, 5:00, 7:30, 9:50
Sunday: 12:10, 2:30, 5:30, 7:30
Monday – Thursday: 2:55, 5:15, 7:40

TRUE STORY (R) 1 Hr 40 Min
Friday, Saturday: 12:00, 2:20, 4:50, 7:20, 9:45
Sunday: 12:00, 7:30
Monday: 2:40, 5:10, 7:30
Tuesday: 2:40, 5:10
Wednesday & Thursday: 2:40, 5:10, 7:30

DAYTON JEWISH FILM FESTIVAL
(see list above for specific titles)
Sunday: 3:10, 5:00
Tuesday: 10am, 7:15

COMING SOON:
(All Dates Are Tentative. Dates Often Move And Sometimes Disappear.)
May 1 – WHILE WE’RE YOUNG
TBD- RED ARMY
TBD – MERCHANTS OF DOUBT
TBD – GREY GARDENS
TBD – ’71
May 22 – FAR FROM THE MADDING CROWD
TBD – ME AND EARL AND THE DYING GIRL

Franco and Hill in TRUE STORY Starts Friday + Elaine Paige News at THE NEON!

By

trueHello Everyone,

If you still need to see THE WRECKING CREW, IT FOLLOWS or WILD TALES, you only have until Thursday (Apr. 16). WOMAN IN GOLD was loved by patrons this weekend, and it will stick around for another week. Many thanks if you hurried out this past weekend to see it! On Friday, we will open a film based on a true story…and guess what, it’s called TRUE STORY – starring Jonah Hill, James Franco and Felicity Jones. For this week’s remaining showtimes (they’re different than the upcoming week – which are listed below), please visit our website at www.neonmovies.com

Synopsis for TRUE STORY: “When disgraced New York Times reporter Michael Finkel (Jonah Hill) meets accused killer Christian Longo (James Franco) – who has taken on Finkel’s identity – his investigation morphs into an unforgettable game of cat and mouse. Based on actual events, Finkel’s relentless pursuit of Longo’s true story encompasses murder, love, deceit, and redemption.” (Fox Searchlight) Click this LINK to visit the film’s official site.

“This Sunday, April 19 at 3:00, join The Dayton International Peace Museum at THE NEON for an upbeat rally to inspire, inform and prepare Team Captains for their essential role in the upcoming May 2 Peace Heroes Walk at RiverScape MetroPark. Featured speaker will be Captain Paul Chappell, author, educator and Peace Leadership Director at the Nuclear Age Peace Foundation. Featured musical entertainment will be Michael and Sandy Bashaw. Artists/musicians Michael and Sandy Bashaw are based in Dayton, Ohio. Michael is a musician, visual artist, and educator. For over 25 years, he has conducted residencies and workshops in hundreds of schools. Sandy began her musical career as a folksinger and recording artist for the Vanguard Recording Society. Both are BMI-affiliated, Emmy-nominated composers. More information about the walk at: PeaceHeroesWalk.org This event is sponsored by the Dayton International Peace Museum and NCCJ of Greater Dayton. It is open to anyone interested in helping organize a team for this year’s Walk.” (taken from The Dayton International Peace Museum press notes)

THE DAYTON JEWISH INTERNATIONAL FILM FESTIVAL has grown considerably over the years, and the line-up is always terrific. The following are films that will screen at THE NEON:
Sun, April 26 at 3:10 – 70 HESTER STREET & THE STURGEON QUEENS.
Sun, April 26 at 5:00 – ZAYTOUN.
Tue, April 28 at 10am – THE OUTRAGEOUS SOPHIE TUCKER.
Tue, April 28 at 7:15 – 24 DAYS.
Wed, May 6 at 7:15 – DANCING IN JAFFA.
Tue, May 12 at 7:15 – FOR A WOMAN.
Thu, May 14 at 7:15 – RUN BOY RUN.
The official website for the festival is now up and running! You can read about all the films, watch trailers and discover all that the festival has to offer. Check it out by visiting this LINK.

Montgomery County Food Policy Coalition is brining a special screening of GROWING CITIES to town. “Growing Cities is a film about urban farming in America. At a time when so much negative attention is paid to the food system – from mad cows to factory farms – this film tells the inspiring stories of city-dwellers who are transforming their communities one vacant lot, backyard beehive, and rooftop farm at a time. Join the filmmakers on a cross-county road trip, along the way these growers show that the urban farming movement is about a whole lot more than simply food and that everyone can take part in creating a healthier, more just, and sustainable food system.” (taken from press notes) This film will screen on Saturday, May 2 at 3:00. Tickets are free, but reservations must be made by call or emailing Emily Bradford at (937)225-6470 or [email protected]

On Wednesday, May 13 at 7:30, we will have a one-time screening of I’M STILL HERE – ELAINE PAIGE AT THE ROYAL ALBERT HALL. “The incomparable Elaine Paige brings her sell-out Farewell Concert from the Royal Albert Hall to the big screen accompanied by a live orchestra featuring special guests. Filmed for cinema, the concert features the BBC Concert Orchestra, with Elaine performing the highlights of her extraordinary 50 year career, including “Memory,” “I Know Him so Well” and “As If We Never Said Goodbye.” The evening will finish with special footage including a Q&A and more intimate performance with special guests recently captured in London.” (taken from press notes) General Admission tickets just $12. Senior tickets just $10. Tickets for this event can be purchased on-line via this LINK. They will also be available at THE NEON’s box office (without the surcharge) beginning 4/15/15.

We have so many one-night-only events on the horizon. In the next couple months, we’ll have Gathr screenings, a Stivers Student Showcase, and a special presentation of TAB HUNTER CONFIDENTIAL. More details coming soon. Stay tuned for the latest!

Thanks for your continued support.

See you soon,
Jonathan

SHOWTIMES for Friday, April 17 – Thursday, April 23:

WOMAN IN GOLD (PG-13) 1 Hr 49 Min
Friday, Saturday: 12:10, 2:30, 5:00, 7:30, 9:50
Sunday: 12:10, 5:15, 7:30
Monday – Thursday: 2:55, 5:15, 7:40

TRUE STORY (R) 1 Hr 40 Min
Friday, Saturday: 12:00, 2:20, 4:50, 7:20, 9:45
Sunday: 12:00, 2:20, 4:50, 7:20
Monday – Thursday: 3:00, 5:30, 7:50

Dayton International Peace Museum’s
PEACE HEROES WALK RALLY (NR)
Sunday: 3:00

COMING SOON:
(All Dates Are Tentative. Dates Often Move And Sometimes Disappear.)
April 24 – WHILE WE’RE YOUNG
TBD- RED ARMY
TBD – MERCHANTS OF DOUBT
TBD – GREY GARDENS
TBD – ’71
May 22 – FAR FROM THE MADDING CROWD
TBD – ME AND EARL AND THE DYING GIRL

WOMAN IN GOLD Opens Friday at THE NEON!

By

woman_in_gold_ver3_xlgHello Everyone,

If you still need to see THE WRECKING CREW, IT FOLLOWS or WILD TALES, you’re in luck. We’re going to hold them for one more week (April 16 will be the last day for all three films). In addition, on Friday, we will open a film many of you have been anxious to see – WOMAN IN GOLD. For this week’s remaining showtimes (they’re different than the upcoming week – which are listed below), please visit our website at www.neonmovies.com

Synopsis for WOMAN IN GOLD: “Sixty years after she fled Vienna during World War II, an elderly Jewish woman, Maria Altmann (Helen Mirren), starts her journey to retrieve family possessions seized by the Nazis, among them Klimt’s famous painting ‘The Lady in Gold.’ Together with her inexperienced but plucky young lawyer Randy Schoenberg (Ryan Reynolds), she embarks upon a major battle which takes them all the way to the heart of the Austrian establishment and the U.S. Supreme Court, and forces her to confront difficult truths about the past along the way.” Click this LINK to visit the film’s official site.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9bx3KTGBEaI

LUNAFEST returns this Sunday! “Established in 2000, LUNAFEST connects women, their stories and their causes through film. This traveling film festival spotlights the work of a diverse array of talented women filmmakers with intelligent, funny and thought-provoking themes. 100 percent of all net proceeds are donated to charity. LUNAFEST’s main beneficiary, the Breast Cancer Fund, is dedicated to eliminating the environmental causes of breast cancer. Through education, policy initiatives and other innovative campaigns, the Breast Cancer Fund mobilizes the public to help stop this devastating epidemic affecting 1 in 8 women.” In addition to the traveling line-up, this special screening will include the short film ESTRAGON’S BOOT by local filmmaker Rani Deighe Crowe. LUNAFEST will be held on Sunday, April 12 at 3:00. Tickets (now available at THE NEON) are $5 for students with valid IDs and $10 for general admission. Dayton’s Lunafest is sponsored by The Dayton Women’s Rights Alliance – a feminist organization whose members work to promote and protect the rights of women of all classes, races and cultures. Money raised from this screening will additionally benefit Planned Parenthood of Southwest Ohio. Click this LINK to find out more about this year’s films.

“On Sunday, April 19 at 3:00, join The Dayton International Peace Museum at THE NEON for an upbeat rally to inspire, inform and prepare Team Captains for their essential role in the upcoming May 2 Peace Heroes Walk at RiverScape MetroPark. Featured speaker will be Captain Paul Chappell, author, educator and Peace Leadership Director at the Nuclear Age Peace Foundation. Featured musical entertainment will be Michael and Sandy Bashaw. Artists/musicians Michael and Sandy Bashaw are based in Dayton, Ohio. Michael is a musician, visual artist, and educator. For over 25 years, he has conducted residencies and workshops in hundreds of schools. Sandy began her musical career as a folksinger and recording artist for the Vanguard Recording Society. Both are BMI-affiliated, Emmy-nominated composers. More information about the walk at: PeaceHeroesWalk.org This event is sponsored by the Dayton International Peace Museum and NCCJ of Greater Dayton. It is open to anyone interested in helping organize a team for this year’s Walk.” (taken from The Dayton International Peace Museum press notes)

THE DAYTON JEWISH INTERNATIONAL FILM FESTIVAL has grown considerably over the years, and the line-up is always terrific. The following are films that will screen at THE NEON:
Sun, April 26 at 3:10 – 70 HESTER STREET & THE STURGEON QUEENS
Sun, April 26 at 5:00 – ZAYTOUN
Tue, April 28 at 10am – THE OUTRAGEOUS SOPHIE TUCKER
Tue, April 28 at 7:15 – 24 DAYS
Wed, May 6 at 7:15 – DANCING IN JAFFA
Tue, May 12 at 7:15 – FOR A WOMAN
Thu, May 14 at 7:15 – RUN BOY RUN

Visit The Jewish Community Center’s Event Page by clicking this LINK. The official website will include all local screenings and events…and it will be up and running soon!

Montgomery County Food Policy Coalition is brining a special screening of GROWING CITIES to town. “Growing Cities is a film about urban farming in America. At a time when so much negative attention is paid to the food system – from mad cows to factory farms – this film tells the inspiring stories of city-dwellers who are transforming their communities one vacant lot, backyard beehive, and rooftop farm at a time. Join the filmmakers on a cross-county road trip, along the way these growers show that the urban farming movement is about a whole lot more than simply food and that everyone can take part in creating a healthier, more just, and sustainable food system.” This film will screen on Saturday, May 2 at 3:00. Tickets are free, but reservations must be made by call or emailing Emily Bradford at (937)225-6470 or [email protected]

In the next couple weeks, we plan to really keep moving with our traditional engagements. On April 17, we will open TRUE STORY – starring Jonah Hill and James Franco. On April 24, we will open one of my favorite comedies of the past few years – WHILE WE’RE YOUNG.

Thanks for your continued support.

See you soon,
Jonathan

SHOWTIMES for Friday, April 10 – Thursday, April 16:

WOMAN IN GOLD (PG-13) 1 Hr 49 Min
Friday, Saturday: 12:10, 2:30, 5:00, 7:30, 9:50
Sunday: 12:10, 2:30, 5:00, 7:30
Monday – Thursday: 2:55, 5:15, 7:40

WILD TALES (R) 2 Hr 2 Min
Friday, Saturday, Sunday: 12:15
Monday – Thursday: 5:20

THE WRECKING CREW (PG) 1 Hr 40 Min
Friday, Saturday: 2:50, 7:20
Sunday: 7:30
Monday – Thursday: 3:00

IT FOLLOWS (R) 1 Hr 40 Min
Friday & Saturday: 5:10, 9:30
Sunday: 5:20
Monday – Thursday: 7:50

LUNAFEST w/ ESTRAGONS BOOT (NR) 2 Hrs
Sunday: 3:00

COMING SOON:
(All Dates Are Tentative. Dates Often Move And Sometimes Disappear.)
April 17 – TRUE STORY
April 24 – WHILE WE’RE YOUNG
TBD – RED ARMY
TBD – MERCHANTS OF DOUBT
TBD – GREY GARDENS
TBD – ’71
May 22 – FAR FROM THE MADDING CROWD

UPDATE – MOMMY and IT FOLLOWS Are Opening at THE NEON!

By

mommy_ver2Hello Everyone,

Earlier today, I made an announcement about WOMAN IN GOLD opening at THE NEON on April 1…that plan has changed.  The Weinstein Company has made big changes to their release strategy for WOMAN IN GOLD.  After confirming April 1 as its opening date for us, they have yanked it away (from us and numerous other cinemas across the country).  At this time, we don’t know if we will be able to play the film when it finally becomes available in our market.  That said, I have made the appropriate changes to this week’s newsletter below.  Thanks for your understanding – this is very frustrating news (not to mention a terrible waste of time, energy and our valuable on-screen marketing).

We are officially overbooked at THE NEON, and we need to get moving with some titles.  Though LEVIATHAN is one of the best reviewed films we’ve played in a long time (and audiences were in awe this weekend), it didn’t perform well for us…so Thursday will be your last chance to catch it at THE NEON.  On Friday, we will open 2 new films.  Xavier Dolan’s MOMMY will screen once a day starting Friday, and IT FOLLOWS will get a full run (we haven’t played a horror film in a long, long time – this one is getting great reviews).  All that said, we’ll keep bothSECOND BEST EXOTIC MARIGOLD HOTEL and WHAT WE DO IN THE SHADOWS for another week.  For this week’s remaining showtimes (they’re different than the upcoming week – which are listed below), please visit our website at www.neonmovies.com

Synopsis for MOMMY: From Wunderkind Xavier Dolan comes this year’s Oscar submission from Canada – MOMMY. Dolan has won numerous awards at Cannes and around the world for his 5 feature-length films, and he just turned 26. “A feisty widowed single mom finds herself burdened with the full-time custody of her rambunctious 15-year-old ADHD son. As they try to make ends meet, Kyla, the peculiar girl across the street, offers her help. Together, they find a new sense of balance, and hope is regained.” (taken from Roadside Attractions) This is a strictly limited engagement with just a handful of screenings, and we’re one of a few cinemas in Ohio to play it. Don’t miss it! Click this LINK to visit the film’s official site.

Synopsis for IT FOLLOWS: It’s been a long time since THE NEON has screened a horror film, and fans on Facebook seem enthusiastic for the engagement of this critically acclaimed film…let’s see if that excitement really translates to solid box office numbers. “For 19-year-old Jay (Maika Monroe), fall should be about school, boys and weekends out at the lake. But after a seemingly innocent sexual encounter, she finds herself plagued by strange visions and the inescapable sense that someone, or something, is following her. Faced with this burden, Jay and her teenage friends must find a way to escape the horrors that seem to be only a few steps behind.” (taken from RADiUS/Weinstein Co.) Click this LINK to visit the film’s official site.

Don’t forget that tomorrow, Wednesday, March 25, The Alumni Chair in Humanities at UD will present special screenings of Stanley Kubrick’s classic film PATHS OF GLORY – starring Kirk Douglas. Dr. Tony Smith will introduce the award-winning film, and the screenings are free for UD faculty, staff and students. Tickets for the general public are available for a suggested donation of $5. Seating will be on a first come, first serve basis. The movie will screen at 7:30 and 9:30. The presentation of this film is part of the World War I cohort project at UD.

LUNAFEST is Back! On Sunday, April 12 at 3:00, The Dayton Women’s Rights Alliance will present the popular touring festival of short films by, for about women! “Established in 2000 by LUNA, the makers of the Whole Nutrition Bar for Women, LUNAFEST connects women, their stories and their causes through film. This traveling film festival spotlights the work of a diverse array of talented women filmmakers with intelligent, funny and thought-provoking themes. Equally important, LUNAFEST can be used as a ‘fundraiser-in-a-box.’ helping hosts raise money for nonprofits in their own communities, as well as the Breast Cancer Fund. 100 percent of all net proceeds are donated to charity. LUNAFEST’s main beneficiary, the Breast Cancer Fund…Tickets are $5 for students with valid IDs and $10 for general admission. Lunafest is sponsored by The Dayton Women’s Rights Alliance – a feminist organization whose members work to promote and protect the rights of women of all classes, races and cultures. We seek to foster education and activism, and we work with community organizations challenging sexism, racism, homophobia, ageism, classism, poverty and other manifestations of injustice.” (taken from DWRA press notes) Click this LINK to read more about the films.

The Dayton Jewish International Film Festival is preparing another incredible slate of films for you. Screenings will kick off later in April, and the official website will be available soon, but if you want to take a peek at some of the titles, visit The Jewish Community Center’s Event Page by clicking this LINK.

Every year when I come back from The Toronto International Film Festival, people ask me how hard it is to get tickets and participate. While anyone can go to TIFF (you don’t have to be an industry insider), so many people don’t realize that there’s a huge, incredible, well-respected film festival just a few hours away. The Cleveland International Film Festival has grown and grown over the years, and I’ll be attending the final 5 days of the festival – staring tomorrow. Check out the official website to see just how impressive it really is.

I hope you’ll help keep THE NEON nice and busy in my absence, and I hope to see you soon when I get back.

Thanks for your continued support.
Jonathan

SHOWTIMES for Friday, Mar. 27 – Thursday, April 2:

THE SECOND BEST EXOTIC MARIGOLD HOTEL (PG) 2 Hr 2 Min
Friday, Saturday, Sunday: 2:10, 7:30
Monday – Thursday: 2:40

WHAT WE DO IN THE SHADOWS (NR) 1 Hr 26 Min
Friday, Saturday: 12:15, 9:50
Sunday: 12:15
Monday – Thursday: 8:00

MOMMY (R) 2 Hr 19 Min
Friday, Saturday, Sunday: 4:40
Monday – Thursday: 5:10

IT FOLLOWS (R) 1 Hr 40 Min
Friday & Saturday: 12:50, 3:00, 5:15, 7:30, 9:45
Sunday: 12:50, 3:00, 5:15, 7:30
Monday – Thursday: 3:10, 5:30, 7:50

COMING SOON:
(All Dates Are Tentative. Dates Often Move And Sometimes Disappear.)

April 3 – WILD TALES

April 10? – WHILE WE’RE YOUNG
April 17 – TRUE STORY
April ? – RED ARMY
TBD – GREY GARDENS
TBD – WILD TALES
TBD – ’71
TBD – FAR FROM THE MADDING CROWD

Golden Globe Winner LEVIATHAN Opens March 20th at THE NEON!

By

leviathan_poster1Hello Everyone,

Even though WHAT WE DO IN THE SHADOWS and THE SECOND BEST EXOTIC MARIGOLD HOTEL are performing well enough to stick around, we’re still going to throw something new into the mix for a handful of screenings. LEVIATHAN is one of the best reviewed films we’ve shown in a long time, and it was the winner of this year’s Golden Globe for “Best Foreign Language Film.” For this week’s remaining showtimes (they’re different than the upcoming week – which are listed below), please visit our website at www.neonmovies.com

 

Synopsis for LEVIATHAN: “Kolia lives in a small town near the Barents Sea in North Russia. He has his own auto-repair shop. His shop stands right next to the house where he lives with his young wife Lilya and his son from a previous marriage. Vadim Shelevyat, the Mayor of the town, wants to take away Kolia’s business, his house and his land. First he tries buying off Kolia, but Kolia cannot stand losing everything he has, not only the land, but also all the beauty that has surrounded him from the day of his birth. So Vadim Shelevyat starts being more aggressive.” (taken from Sony Classics) Click this LINK to visit the film’s official site.

Last weekend’s special screening of TWO HEARTS AS ONE was a huge, sold-out success – puncuated with a big round of applause. Because of the demand for tickets, The Turkish American Society of Dayton has added another screening this Sunday at 3:00. Tickets are $10 each and can be purchased now at our box office. “This powerful film – one of the most expensive productions in Turkish film history – is based on a true story. Starting in 1940’s Soviet Russia, and continuing into 1990’s, this is the story of four hearts which couldn’t be stopped by distances and years. …Presented in Turkish, with English subtitles.” (Taken from press notes) Check out the trailer below. The film is lovely!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=154LpFZZBnI

Don’t forget that THE REEL PADDING FILM FESTIVAL is just a couple days away – this Thursday at 7:30. Click the official link or visit our box office to get your advanced tickets. (And I just got the inside scoop. Attendees over 21 will be treated to a free beer!)

On Wednesday, March 25, The Alumni Chair in Humanities at UD will present special screenings of Stanley Kubrick’s classic film PATHS OF GLORY – starring Kirk Douglas. Dr. Tony Smith will introduce the award-winning film, and the screenings are free for UD faculty, staff and students. Tickets for the general public are available for a suggested donation of $5. Seating will be on a first come, first serve basis. The movie will screen at 7:30 and 9:30. The presentation of this film is part of the World War I cohort project at UD.

Every year when I come back from The Toronto International Film Festival, people ask me how hard it is to get tickets and participate. While anyone can go to TIFF, so many people don’t realize that there’s an incredible, well-respected film festival just a few hours away. The Cleveland International Film Festival has grown and grown over the years, and I’ll be attending the final 5 days of the festival next week. That said, the festival starts tomorrow evening. Check out the official website to see just how impressive it really is.

Thanks for your continued support.
See you soon,

Jonathan

SHOWTIMES for Friday, Mar. 20 – Thursday, Mar. 26:

THE SECOND BEST EXOTIC MARIGOLD HOTEL (PG) 2 Hr 2 Min
Friday, Saturday: 11:10, 1:40, 4:15, 6:50, 9:20
Sunday: 12:15, 5:30, 7:50
Monday & Tuesday: 2:40, 5:10, 7:40
Wednesday: 2:40, 5:10
Thursday: 2:40, 5:10, 7:40

WHAT WE DO IN THE SHADOWS (NR) 1 Hr 26 Min
Friday, Saturday: 12:10, 2:20 7:20, 9:30
Sunday: 12:10, 2:20 7:20
Monday – Thursday: 3:15, 8:00

LEVIATHAN (R) 2 Hr 20 Min
Friday, Saturday, Sunday: 4:30
Monday – Thursday: 5:15

TWO HEARTS AS ONE (NR) 2 Hr 6 Min
Sunday: 3:00

PATHS OF GLORY (NR) 1 Hr 28 Min
Wednesday: 7:30, 9:30

COMING SOON:

(All Dates Are Tentative. Dates Often Move And Sometimes Disappear.)

March 27 – IT FOLLOWS
April 1 – WOMAN IN GOLD
April 10 – WHILE WE’RE YOUNG
April ? – RED ARMY
April ? – MOMMY
April ? – WILD TALES
TBD – GREY GARDENS
TBD – WILD TALES
TBD – ’71
TBD – TRUE STORY
TBD – FAR FROM THE MADDENING CROWD

WHAT WE DO IN THE SHADOWS – From FLIGHT OF CONCHORDS Creators – Opens Friday!

By

What-We-Do-in-the-Shadows-1Hello Everyone,

If you still need to see MR. TURNER or STILL ALICE, you’ll need to hurry. Thursday will be the last chance to catch them at THE NEON. (For this week’s showtimes, please visit our website at www.neonmovies.com.) Of course we’ll certainly be holding onto THE SECOND BEST EXOTIC MARIGOLD HOTEL! Many thanks to all of you who came out to support this film during opening weekend. We had the best results in town, and we couldn’t do it without such a great, loyal following. Thank you!

On Friday, we will open a new comedy that’s in the same “vein” as SPINAL TAP and BEST IN SHOW. It’s an award-winning vampire mockumentary called WHAT WE DO IN THE SHADOWS, and critics and audiences alike have been loving it.

Synopsis for WHAT WE DO IN THE SHADOWS: “WHAT WE DO IN THE SHADOWS chronicles the adventures of four vampire roommates trying to get by in a modern world that’s not always hospitable to the undead. Clement and Waititi, creators of the HBO hit series “Flight of the Conchords,” co-wrote, co-directed, and co-star in this hilarious send-up in which an endearingly unhip quartet of friends reveal to us or, rather, to the documentary crew that’s filming them, the details of their daily-make that nightly-routine. Ranging in age from 183 to 8,000, and in appearance from adorably youthful to Nosferatu-crusty, they squabble over household chores, struggle to keep up with the latest trends in technology and fashion, antagonize the local werewolves, cruise clubs for lovely ladies, and deal with the rigors of living on a very, very strict diet.” (taken from Paladin) Click this LINK to visit the film’s official site.

“This Sunday at 3:00, The Turkish American Society is proud to present a special, one-time screening of director Hasan Kiraç’s TWO HEARTS AS ONE (Birlesen Gönüller). This powerful film – one of the most expensive productions in Turkish film history – is based on a true story. Starting in 1940’s Soviet Russia, and continuing into 1990’s, this is the story of four hearts which couldn’t be stopped by distances and years. Newlyweds Niyaz and Cennet are forced to separate when war rears a violent and chaotic head. Niyaz is taken to Red Army to fight on the Soviet side, while Cennet is sent to a camp when the Nazis took over their village…Woven into the narrative is the story of Yunus and Dilek, a loving couple from Turkey who leave for Almaty, then the capital of Kazakhstan, in the 1990’s. Ambitious Yunus is planning to build a school, but he has no resources at all. His wife Dilek sympathizes and supports him, but their enduring poverty wears her patience and resolve – until a chance encounter provides some much-needed perspective. Tickets for this special event are $10 and are now available at THE NEON’s box office. Presented in Turkish, with English subtitles.” (Taken from press notes) Check out the trailer. It looks lovely! Tickets are going quickly!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=154LpFZZBnI

“Tomfoolery Outdoors and the Massie Creek Paddlers have partnered to bring the best paddling films of the year to Dayton on Thursday, March 19 at 7:30. Tickets are $10 in advance and $15 at the door the day of the screening. Rapid Media’s 10th annual Reel Paddling Film Festival showcases the world’s best paddling films to audiences in Canada, United States and around the world. The festival inspires more people to explore rivers, lakes and oceans, push physical and emotional extremes, embrace the lifestyle and appreciate the heritage of the wild places we paddle. Locally, we are giving a percentage of the proceedsOhio’s Great Corridor Association. Learn how you can love, play and stay on the Great Miami River at www.ohiosgreatcorridor.com. THE REEL PADDING FILM FESTIVAL is a film contest awarding winning films in 10 categories. The winners and other shortlisted films are then toured to more than 100 cities around the world, screening for an audience of more than 30,000 outdoor adventure enthusiasts and their friends and families.” Click the official LINK or visit our box office to get your advanced tickets. Evening sponsors include Mudlick Tap House, Global Water Consortium and City of Dayton Water.

UD NIGHT AT THE NEON! On Wednesday, March 25, The Alumni Chair in Humanities at UD will present special screenings of Stanley Kubrick’s classic film PATHS OF GLORY – starring Kirk Douglas. Dr. Tony Smith will introduce the award-winning film, and the screenings are free for UD faculty, staff and students. Tickets for the general public are available for a suggested donation of $5. Seating will be on a first come, first serve basis. The movie will screen at 7:30 and 9:30. The presentation of this film is part of the World War I cohort project at UD.

Thanks for your continued support.
See you soon,
Jonathan

SHOWTIMES for Friday, Mar. 13 – Thursday, Mar. 19:

THE SECOND BEST EXOTIC MARIGOLD HOTEL (PG) 2 Hr 2 Min
Friday, Saturday: 11:10, 1:40, 4:20, 7:00, 9:30
Sunday: 11:10, 1:40, 4:20, 7:00
Monday – Wednesday: 12:00, 2:30, 5:10, 7:40
Thursday: 12:00, 2:30, 5:10

WHAT WE DO IN THE SHADOWS (NR) 1 Hr 26 Min
Friday, Saturday: 11:10, 1:10, 3:10, 5:20, 7:30, 9:40
Sunday: 11:10, 1:10, 5:30, 7:30
Monday – Thursday: 1:00, 3:10, 5:20, 7:30

TWO HEARTS AS ONE (NR) 2 Hr 6 Min
Sunday: 3:00

REEL PADDLING FILM FESTIVAL (NR) 2 Hr 30 Min
Thursday: 7:30

COMING SOON:

(All Dates Are Tentative. Dates Often Move And Sometimes Disappear.)

March ? – LEVIATHAN
March ? – RED ARMY
April 3 – WOMAN IN GOLD
TBD – MOMMY
March ? – WILD TALES
TBD – GREY GARDENS

MR. TURNER Opens and Fun MARIGOLD HOTEL News at THE NEON!

By

mr-turner-19Hello Everyone,

I’m sad to report that TIMBUKTU did not fare very well for us at THE NEON. Though it was an award winner at Cannes and it nearly swept the Cesar Awards last week (the “French Oscars” – it won 7 awards including “Best Picture”), today (Feb. 25) will be your last chance to catch it at THE NEON. On Friday, we will open a film that many art enthusiasts have been anxious to see – MR. TURNER. We’ll also hold onto the film that just garnered Julianne Moore her first Oscar – STILL ALICE. Remaining showtimes for this week are available on our website – www.neonmovies.com.

Synopsis for MR. TURNER: Given 100% reviews by The Wall Street Journal, NPR, Entertainment Weekly, The New York Times, The Los Angeles Times and many more! “This film explores the last quarter century of the great if eccentric British painter J.M.W. Turner (1775-1851). Profoundly affected by the death of his father, loved by a housekeeper he takes for granted and occasionally exploits sexually, he forms a close relationship with a seaside landlady with whom he eventually lives incognito in Chelsea, where he dies. Throughout this, he travels, paints, stays with the country aristocracy, visits brothels, is a popular if anarchic member of the Royal Academy of Arts, has himself strapped to the mast of a ship so that he can paint a snowstorm, and is both celebrated and reviled by the public and by royalty.” (taken from Metacritic.com) Click this LINK to visit the film’s official site.

“The Junior Leaguers Club of Dayton will sponsor a special screening of DEAR WHITE PEOPLE this Saturday at noon. DEAR WHITE PEOPLE is a 2014 American satirical film written and directed by Justin Simien. The film focuses on African American students who attend a predominately white university. This is the fourth annual movie sponsored by the Junior Leaguers of Dayton as a fundraiser for scholarships. The film will be followed by a community discussion led by Jeannette Taylor, program coordinator for NCCJ. The cost is $30 per ticket which includes the cost of movie, soda, a glass of wine, popcorn and the discussion.” (Taken from event press notes.) Tickets can now be purchased at THE NEON’s box office.

The ReelAbilities Film Festival is happening at numerous venues around Cincinnati, but one special screening is coming to Dayton on Wednesday, March 4 at 7:30 – ON BEAUTY. “Rick Guidotti, who after 15 years of working for clients such as Yves Saint Laurent, Elle, and Harper’s Bazaar, grew tired of seeing the same ideal of beauty ‘spit up at us constantly.’ In a moment of serendipity, Rick walked by a young woman with Albinism at a New York City bus stop, and wondered why she wasn’t considered beautiful in his other world. This exploration resulted in a show-stopping magazine spread for Life Magazine called ‘Redefining Beauty.’ The Cincinnati ReelAbilities Film Festival, organized by LADD and presented by Macy’s, is our region’s largest film festival celebrating the stories, lives and art of people who experience disability; all of the film screenings benefit local nonprofit organizations.” For more information or to order advanced tickets, click this LINK to the official site.

On Sunday, March 8 at 3:00 (Please Note – the date/time in a previous newsletter was incorrect!), Taller Trees Productions will premiere THE FALL LEAGUE – a locally produced documentary about seniors, softball and life. “This heart-warming documentary captures the story of a Dayton senior league (all players are over age 63), but it goes much further, exploring the impact of the sport in regard to family relationships, the bonding and camaraderie between players, and topics of aging that are necessary considerations for active seniors…the movie has been accepted for the Indy Sports Film Fest Experience in Toronto…and Louisvilles’ International Festival of Film.” (taken from press notes) To read more about the film and its production and to view the trailer, visit the film’s official site by clicking this LINK. Tickets, just $7 each, are now available at THE NEON’s box office. Many people involved with the production of the film will attend the screening.

“On Sunday, March 15 at 3:00, The Turkish American Society is proud to present a special, one-time screening of director Hasan Kiraç’s TWO HEARTS AS ONE (Birlesen Gönüller). This powerful film – one of the most expensive productions in Turkish film history – is based on a true story. Starting in 1940’s Soviet Russia, and continuing into 1990’s, this is the story of four hearts which couldn’t be stopped by distances and years. Newlyweds Niyaz and Cennet are forced to separate when war rears a violent and chaotic head. Niyaz is taken to Red Army to fight on the Soviet side, while Cennet is sent to a camp when the Nazis took over their village…Woven into the narrative is the story of Yunus and Dilek, a loving couple from Turkey who leave for Almaty, then the capital of Kazakhstan, in the 1990’s. Ambitious Yunus is planning to build a school, but he has no resources at all. His wife Dilek sympathizes and supports him, but their enduring poverty wears her patience and resolve – until a chance encounter provides some much-needed perspective. Tickets for this special event are $10 and are now available at THE NEON’s box office. Presented in Turkish, with English subtitles.” (Taken from press notes) Check out the trailer – It looks lovely!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=154LpFZZBnI

Save the date for this year’s REEL PADDLING FILM FESTIVAL. It is set for Thursday, March 19 at 7:30. More details will be available soon.

And here’s the fun news! THE SECOND BEST EXOTIC MARIGOLD HOTEL is slated to officially open on March 6. But if you just can’t wait, we’ve managed to get the film a day early. There will be a special screening on Thursday, March 5 at 7:40! Regular ticket prices will apply, but bragging rights are free! (Plus we’ll have some fun prizes!)

Thanks for your continued support.
See you soon,
Jonathan

SHOWTIMES for Friday, Feb. 27 – Thursday, Mar. 5:

MR. TURNER (R) 2 Hr 30 Min
Friday, Saturday, Sunday: 1:00, 4:00, 7:15
Monday – Thursday: 3:00, 7:15

STILL ALICE (PG-13) 1 Hr 41 Min
Friday: 12:40, 3:00, 5:15, 7:30, 9:40
Saturday: 3:00, 5:15, 7:30, 9:40
Sunday: 12:40, 3:00, 5:15, 7:30
Monday – Tuesday: 3:15, 5:30, 7:45
Wednesday & Thursday: 3:15, 5:20

DEAR WHITE PEOPLE (R) 1 Hr 48 Min + Discussion
Saturday: Noon

ON BEAUTY (NR) 32 Minutes + Discussion
Wednesday: 7:30

THE SECOND BEST EXOTIC MARIGOLD HOTEL (PG) 2 Hr 2 Min
Thursday: 7:40

COMING SOON:

(All Dates Are Tentative. Dates Often Move And Sometimes Disappear.)

March 6 – THE SECOND BEST EXOTIC MARIGOLD HOTEL
March ? – WHAT WE DO IN THE SHADOWS
March ? – LEVIATHAN
March ? – RED ARMY
April 3 – WOMAN IN GOLD
TBD – MOMMY
April ? – WILD TALES
April ? – GREY GARDENS

And The Oscar Goes To…

By

The 87137982_0963th annual Academy Awards salutes the best of 2014 cinema tomorrow night at the Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles. Go ahead and anticipate one of the most predictable Oscars in recent memory considering most categories have been cemented since the Golden Globes. However, anything is possible when it comes to the 6,000 members of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences.

Here are my predictions in the top six fields.

BEST PICTURE
American Sniper
Birdman
Boyhood
The Grand Budapest Hotel
The Imitation Game
Selma
The Theory of Everything
Whiplash

Overlooked: A Most Violent Year; Belle; Dear White People; Foxcatcher; Fury; Get On Up; Gone Girl; The Homesman; Ida; Inherent Vice; Interstellar; Into the Woods; Love is Strange; Nightcrawler; Pride; The Skeleton Twins; Snowpiercer; St. Vincent; Two Days, One Night; Unbroken; Under the Skin; The Way He Looks

Should/Will Win: Boyhood

Let’s face it. Selma, the most culturally relevant nominee, has no chance. Sniper, the highest grossing nominee raking in $300 million and counting, has a slight chance. But in the end, this (art house) race is all about a boy and a bird(man). Birdman brilliantly captured the idiosyncrasies of actors (hence its ensemble victory at the Screen Actors Guild Awards), but Boyhood’s groundbreaking, universally engaging portrait of adolescence in all its crazy, confusing and thought-provoking complexity will be rightfully rewarded.

BEST DIRECTOR

Wes Anderson, The Grand Budapest Hotel
Alejandro G. Iñarritu, Birdman
Richard Linklater, Boyhood
Bennett Miller, Foxcatcher
Morten Tyldum, The Imitation Game

Overlooked: Paul Thomas Anderson, Inherent Vice; Damien Chazelle, Whiplash; JC Chandor, A Most Violent Year; Ava DuVernay, Selma; Clint Eastwood, American Sniper; David Fincher, Gone Girl; Dan Gilroy, Nightcrawler; Angelina Jolie, Unbroken; Tommy Lee Jones, The Homesman; Bong Joon-ho, Snowpiercer; James Marsh, The Theory of Everything; Christopher Nolan, Interstellar; Pawel Pawlikowski, Ida; Ira Sachs, Love is Strange; Tate Taylor, Get On Up; Matthew Warchus, Pride

Should Win: Linklater
Will Win: Iñarritu

The sheer originality and artistic perseverance of Linklater spearheading a project for 12 years (with cast incredibly intact!) would be enough in a less competitive year. Still, Iñarritu’s dazzlingly dynamic flair, bolstered by the impressive fluidity of crafting a film as if it were one long tracking shot, is the stronger technical achievement and likely seals the deal.

BEST ACTOR

Steve Carrell, Foxcatcher
Bradley Cooper, American Sniper
Benedict Cumberbatch, The Imitation Game
Michael Keaton, Birdman
Eddie Redmayne, The Theory of Everything

Overlooked: Ben Affleck, Gone Girl; Chad Boseman, Get On Up; Ellar Coltrane, Boyhood; James Corden, Into the Woods; Robert Downey, Jr., The Judge; Chris Evans, Snowpiercer; Ralph Fiennes, The Grand Budapest Hotel; Brendan Gleeson, Calvary; Jake Gyllenhaal, Nightcrawler; Bill Hader, The Skeleton Twins; Tom Hardy, The Drop and Locke; Oscar Isaac, A Most Violent Year; Tommy Lee Jones, The Homesman; Irrfan Khan, The Lunchbox; John Lithgow, Love is Strange; Matthew McConaughey, Interstellar; Alfred Molina, Love is Strange; Bill Murray, St. Vincent; Jack O’Connell, Unbroken; David Oyelowo, Selma; Joaquin Phoenix, Inherent Vice; Miles Teller, Whiplash; Denzel Washington, The Equalizer; Ben Wishaw, Lilting; John Lloyd Young, Jersey Boys

Should Win: Keaton
Will Win: Redmayne

The immense wave of acclaim given to Keaton’s amazing tour-de-force as washed-up action star Riggan Thomson reminds me of Mickey Rourke’s awards season respect for The Wrestler. After all, Hollywood loves a comeback, especially when the actor or actress in question had seemingly disappeared. Keaton was mesmerizing but Redmayne, a Tony Award winner and one of the finest actors of his generation, pulled out the stops in prime Daniel Day-Lewis fashion as physicist Stephen Hawking. Redmayne’s tremendous physicality alone will probably be enough to take the Oscar from Keaton akin to Sean Penn (Milk) edging Rourke in a similarly nail-biting contest six years ago.

BEST ACTRESS

Marion Cotillard, Two Days, One Night
Felicity Jones, The Theory of Everything
Julianne Moore, Still Alice
Rosamund Pike, Gone Girl
Reese Witherspoon, Wild

Overlooked: Jennifer Aniston, Cake; Emily Blunt, Into the Woods; Scarlett Johansson, Under the Skin; Gugu Mbatha-Raw, Belle and Beyond the Lights; Jenny Slate, Obvious Child; Hilary Swank, The Homesman; Agata Trzebuchowska, Ida; Kristen Wigg, The Skeleton Twins

Should/Will Win: Moore

Moore, a four-time nominee, should have reaped Oscar gold in this category for Far From Heaven, but will finally win for her marvelously detailed, poignant and heartbreaking portrayal of a linguistics professor diagnosed with early-onset Alzheimer’s. She’s an absolute shoo-in and deservedly so.

BEST SUPPORTING ACTOR

Robert Duvall, The Judge
Ethan Hawke, Boyhood
Edward Norton, Birdman
Mark Ruffalo, Foxcatcher
J.K. Simmons, Whiplash

Overlooked: Riz Ahmed, Nightcrawler; Alec Baldwin, Still Alice; Albert Brooks, A Most Violent Year; Nelsan Ellis, Get On Up; Zach Galifianakis, Birdman; James Gandolfini, The Drop; Domhnall Gleeson, Unbroken; Neil Patrick Harris, Gone Girl; Bill Nighy, Pride; Logan Lerman, Fury; Tyler Perry, Gone Girl; Tim Roth, Selma; Martin Short, Inherent Vice; Channing Tatum, Foxcatcher; Tom Wilkinson, Selma

Should/Will Win: Simmons

Norton stole the show with brazen finesse and no one oozes compassionate masculinity like Ruffalo, but Simmons, resurrecting the visceral evilness he displayed on HBO’s Oz, will reign for his sensational performance as a music teacher from hell.

BEST SUPPORTING ACTRESS

Patricia Arquette, Boyhood
Laura Dern, Wild
Keira Knightley, The Imitation Game
Emma Stone, Birdman
Meryl Streep, Into the Woods

Overlooked: Jessica Chastain, A Most Violent Year; Carrie Coon, Gone Girl; Carmen Ejogo, Selma; Agata Kulesza, Ida; Sienna Miller, American Sniper; Rene Russo, Nightcrawler; Amy Ryan, Birdman; Imelda Staunton, Pride; Tilda Swinton, Snowpiercer; Tessa Thompson, Dear White People; Katherine Waterston, Inherent Vice; Naomi Watts, Birdman and St. Vincent

Should/Will Win: Arquette

Streep gave a phenomenal Sondheim master class and Stone ignited the screen in her fiery tirade opposite Keaton, but it’s all about Arquette. With beautifully gentle understatement, Arquette, the emotional center of Boyhood, brought anguish, grace and sensitivity to her captivating portrayal of a single mother coping with disappointments, new beginnings and the passage of time.

The 87th annual Academy Awards, hosted by Neil Patrick Harris, will be telecast live Sun. Feb 22 on ABC beginning at 7 p.m. In related news, The Neon Movies, 130 E. Fifth St. in downtown Dayton, and the Little Art Theatre, 247 Xenia Ave. in Yellow Springs, will host Oscar parties. FilmDayton is offering a virtual Oscar party.

Oscar Nominee TIMBUKTU Opens & FREE Oscar Party Details at THE NEON!

By

TIMBUKTU-newposter-Oscarnom_{d5704ff5-075b-e411-9d0b-d4ae527c3b65}_smHello Everyone,

The response to STILL ALICE was really terrific this weekend. Most customers agree that Julianne Moore’s performance is honest and beautifully done…and that she will deserve the Academy Award this Sunday. STILL ALICE will stick around, and on Friday, we will open a contender for this year’s “Best Foreign Film” Oscar – TIMBUKTU – the first time a film from Mauritania has ever received a nomination.  The last day for TWO DAYS, ONE NIGHT will be Thursday, Feb. 19.  MR. TURNER is slated to open on Feb. 27 and THE SECOND BEST EXOTIC MARIGOLD HOTEL is set to open on March 6!

Synopsis for TIMBUKTU: Currently rated 98% Fresh on Rottentomatoes.com, this stunning film is as important as it is beautiful. “Not far from the ancient Malian city of Timbuktu, now ruled by the religious fundamentalists, proud cattle herder Kidane lives peacefully in the dunes with his wife Satima, his daughter Toya, and Issan, their twelve-year-old shepherd. In town, the people suffer, powerless, from the regime of terror imposed by the Jihadists determined to control their faith. Music, laughter, cigarettes, even soccer have been banned. The women have become shadows but resist with dignity. Every day, the new improvised courts issue tragic and absurd sentences. Kidane and his family are being spared the chaos that prevails in Timbuktu. But their destiny changes abruptly in this stunningly rendered film from a master of world cinema.” (taken from Cohen Media) Joe Morgenstern of The Wall Street Journal wrote, “If Timbuktu – a nominee for this year’s foreign-film Oscar – were politically astute and nothing more, it would still serve a valuable purpose. But the film throbs with humanity, and abounds in extraordinary images.” Click this LINK to visit the film’s official site.

Many thanks to the Alzheimer’s Association for their help in spreading the word about our engagement of STILL ALICE. “More than 5 million Americans are living with Alzheimer’s and the the signs of Alzheimer’s are often dismissed as typical aging. Memory loss that disrupts daily life is not normal – it’s one of the 10 warning signs of Alzheimer’s disease. If identified, these signs should be taken seriously and a doctor should be consulted. Early detection is important so that individuals and families can seek possible treatments that may provide relief from symptoms and allow more time to plan for the future. The Alzheimer’s Association Miami Valley Chapter is here to help! You can contact their 24/7 Helpline at 800.272.3900 or alz.org/dayton.” (The Alzheimer’s Association has literature available in THE NEON’s lobby during our run of STILL ALICE.)

“The Junior Leaguers Club of Dayton will sponsor a special screening of DEAR WHITE PEOPLE on Feb. 28, 2015 at noon. DEAR WHITE PEOPLE is a 2014 American satirical film written and directed by Justin Simien. The film focuses on African American students who attend a predominately white university. This is the fourth annual movie sponsored by the Junior Leaguers of Dayton as a fundraiser for scholarships. The film will be followed by a community discussion led by Jeannette Taylor, program coordinator for NCCJ. The cost is $30 per ticket which includes the cost of movie, soda, a glass of wine, popcorn and the discussion.” (Taken from event press notes.) Tickets can now be purchased at THE NEON’s box office.

The Oscars are this Sunday, and you’re invited to our Annual FREE Oscar Party! Oscar ballots and details are now available in our lobby. Many thanks to the folks at ThinkTV for agreeing to help us get a broadcast signal for the event! Additional thanks to our friends at Square One Salon & Spa for donating a special gift for our grand prize of the night!

The ReelAbilities Film Festival is happening at numerous venues around Cincinnati, but one special screening is coming to Dayton on Wednesday, March 4 at 7:30 – ON BEAUTY. “Rick Guidotti, who after 15 years of working for clients such as Yves Saint Laurent, Elle, and Harper’s Bazaar, grew tired of seeing the same ideal of beauty ‘spit up at us constantly.’ In a moment of serendipity, Rick walked by a young woman with Albinism at a New York City bus stop, and wondered why she wasn’t considered beautiful in his other world. This exploration resulted in a show-stopping magazine spread for Life Magazine called ‘Redefining Beauty.’ The Cincinnati ReelAbilities Film Festival, organized by LADD and presented by Macy’s, is our region’s largest film festival celebrating the stories, lives and art of people who experience disability; all of the film screenings benefit local nonprofit organizations.” For more information or to order advanced tickets, click this LINK to the official site.

On Sunday, March 8 at 3:20 (Please Note – the date in last week’s newsletter was incorrect!), Taller Trees Productions will premiere THE FALL LEAGUE – a locally produced documentary about seniors, softball and life. “This heart-warming documentary captures the story of a Dayton senior league (all players are over age 63), but it goes much further, exploring the impact of the sport in regard to family relationships, the bonding and camaraderie between players, and topics of aging that are necessary considerations for active seniors…the movie has been accepted for the Indy Sports Film Fest Experience in Toronto…and Louisvilles’ International Festival of Film.” (taken from press notes) To read more about the film and its production and to view the trailer, visit the film’s official site by clicking this LINK. Tickets, just $7 each, will be available at THE NEON’s box office beginning this weekend. Many people involved with the production of the film will attend the screening.

“On Sunday, March 15 at 3:00, The Turkish American Society is proud to present a special, one-time screening of director Hasan Kiraç’s TWO HEARTS AS ONE (Birlesen Gönüller). This powerful film – one of the most expensive productions in Turkish film history – is based on a true story. Starting in 1940’s Soviet Russia, and continuing into 1990’s, this is the story of four hearts which couldn’t be stopped by distances and years. Newlyweds Niyaz and Cennet are forced to separate when war rears a violent and chaotic head. Niyaz is taken to Red Army to fight on the Soviet side, while Cennet is sent to a camp when the Nazis took over their village…Woven into the narrative is the story of Yunus and Dilek, a loving couple from Turkey who leave for Almaty, then the capital of Kazakhstan, in the 1990’s. Ambitious Yunus is planning to build a school, but he has no resources at all. His wife Dilek sympathizes and supports him, but their enduring poverty wears her patience and resolve – until a chance encounter provides some much-needed perspective. Tickets for this special event are $10 and will be available on the day of the event (to purchase tickets in advance, visit The Turkish American Society – 2601 East Fourth Street). Presented in Turkish, with English subtitles.” (Taken from press notes)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=154LpFZZBnI

Thanks for your continued support.
We hope to see you this weekend – at the movies and our Oscar Party!

Stay warm,
Jonathan

SHOWTIMES for Friday, Feb. 20 – Thursday, Feb. 26:

TIMBUKTU (NR) 1 Hr 37 Min
Friday & Saturday: 12:45, 2:50, 5:00, 7:15, 9:30
Sunday: 12:45, 2:50, 5:00
Monday – Thursday: 3:00, 5:15, 7:30

STILL ALICE (PG-13) 1 Hr 41 Min
Friday, Saturday: 12:40, 3:00, 5:15, 7:30, 9:45
Sunday: 12:40, 3:00, 5:15, 7:30
Monday – Thursday: 3:15, 5:30, 7:45

OSCAR PARTY (NR) Runtime: Who Knows?!
Sunday: Seating begins at approximately 7:00

COMING SOON:

(All Dates Are Tentative. Dates Often Move And Sometimes Disappear.)

Feb. 27 – MR. TURNER
March 6 – THE SECOND BEST EXOTIC MARIGOLD HOTEL
March ? – WHAT WE DO IN THE SHADOWS
March ? – LEVIATHAN
March ? – RED ARMY
April 3 – WOMAN IN GOLD
TBD – MOMMY
March ? – WILD TALES
TBD – GREY GARDENS

FilmDayton Hosts Virtual Oscar Party

By

Oscar-Watch-Party-Film-StripBehind every Oscar winner, there’s a film commission. FilmDayton is a 501c3, non-profit that serves the film industry in the greater Dayton and Miami Valley region. FilmDayton depends on contributions to finance resources and programs to grow our local film industry and attract outside productions to our area.  Money spent on a babysitter, tux or fancy dress for the traditional party would be better utilized in supporting our local film commission. Contributions are tax deductible.

And now, on to the fun……

Going to an Awards party? Staying home in your pj’s to watch? Party with FilmDayton on Awards night wherever you go! This year we are doing a multi-interactive party with loads of fun events and prizes!

Read details below on how you can win a FilmDayton swag bag, 50/50 cash ballot and Marion’s Piazza delivered to your house or party by Jim Bucher during the Academy Awards broadcast!

Highlights of the evening are:
– Raffle for FilmDayton Swag Bag ($300.00 value)
– 50/50 cash Awards ballot entries
– Chances to win Marion’s Piazza delivered to you by Jim “Buch TV Guy” Bucher during the Academy Awards broadcast on 2/22/’15.

Here’s how to enter for the contest portion of the event:

Complete your 50/50 Ballot here ($1.00 per chance; minimum of 10 chances):

Purchase your Raffle Tickets here for the FilmDayton SwagBag ($5.00 per chance):

Links to enter the Marion’s Piazza contest will be posted &  shared via our Facebook and Twitter feeds at 6pm the night of the event. (Feb. 22) The pizza contest will only be held from 6pm to 9pm during the telecast. (see contest rules below)

  Prize Details       imgad

FilmDayton Swag Bag Contents: ($300.00 value)
~ 2 Neon Movie Passes
~ $25.00 Certificate for Olive, An Urban Dive
~ Up to $40.00 of hair services from Salon EXP
~ 1 Year FilmDayton Membership ($40)
~ 1 FilmDayton thermal travel mug
~ 2 FilmDayton tee-shirts (specify size)
~ 1 FilmDayton messenger bag
~ 1 FilmDayton cloth lanyard
~ Collection of cd film soundtracks from Classical 88.1, WDPR
~ “Matrix” screenplay script book
~ “Downton Abbey” teleplay script book

Marion’s Piazza Delivery with Jim Bucher:
This contest is exclusively for participants of the live interactive FilmDayton event on Facebook.com/FilmDayton and Twitter.com/FilmDayton
Enter to win pizza from Dayton’s own “Piazza Of The Stars”, Marion’s Piazza, delivered TO YOU during the Academy Awards broadcast by local personality, “Buch TV Guy”, Jim Bucher! Entries will begin at 6:00pm and end at 9pm (2/22)
$5.00 per chance, enter to win.
There will be two winners chosen for this contest.

Contest rules:
Winning entries for all contests associated with this event will be selected by contest software.

*Marion’s Piazza delivery by Jim Bucher contest:
Delivery address must be within 5 miles of a Dayton Marions Piazza location. (This does not need to be your own home. It can be a party you are attending or even if you are at work! The delivery address MUST be within a 5 mile radius and will only be offered during the televised Academy Awards on 2/22/15.)
Delivery only.
2 pizzas per winner only. (NO ADDITIONAL pizza, beverage or food orders to be added to winning delivery.)
There will only be 2 pizzas per winner. Contest begins at 6PM, ends at 9PM. Marion’s Piazza winners will be drawn randomly via electronic selection.

*50/50 ballot contest:
All 50/50 ballot submissions must be completed before 6PM on 2/22/15 and winners will be drawn randomly via electronic selection after all Oscars have been awarded. (approx. 11:30pm Eastern)

If you would rather receive paper ballots for the 50/50 or paper raffle tickets, please email Shelly Hulce at [email protected].

To make a pledge to FilmDayton, please use PayPal ([email protected]) or send to:
FilmDayton
22 E. 5th. St.
Dayton, Ohio 45402

All products and services used in this event are from local businesses and vendors. All proceeds stay local and also benefit FilmDayton. All contributions to FilmDayton are tax deductible.

Please support the greater Dayton and Miami Valley regional film industry! We are all winners when we support local arts!