Hello Everyone.

There are two films that so many people have been talking & asking about, and this Friday marks the opening of the first – Darren Aronofsky’s BLACK SWAN, starring Natalie Portman. (The other film – THE KING’S SPEECH – is right around the corner…with 7 Golden Globe Nominations.)
If you still need to see 127 HOURS, you only have until Thursday to see it at THE NEON. (All these films are certain to be Oscar contenders in a couple months…so don’t miss seeing them on the big screen.)

On Friday, in addition to BLACK SWAN, we will open a much smaller film directed by one of my favorite directors – Stephen Frears. TAMARA DREWE, based on a graphic novel that was in turn based on a Thomas Hardy novel – FAR FROM THE MADDING CROWD – will play for one week only. (On a similar note, THE GIRL WHO KICKED THE HORNET’S NEST will only play for one more week.)

Synopsis for BLACK SWAN: “New York City ballet dancer Nina (Natalie Portman) enters into an intense battle of wills with a talented and ambitious new arrival (Mila Kunis) who seems intent on edging her out of the spotlight in this supernatural-flavored psychological thriller from director Darren Aronofsky.” (Jason Buchanon, All Movie Guide) **Nominated for 4 Golden Globe Awards Including Best Picture** For the official site, visit – http://www.ijustwanttobeperfect.com/

Synopsis for TAMARA DREWE: “Tamara Drewe (Gemma Arterton) was born and raised in Ewedown, a quiet community on the outskirts of London dominated by a writer’s colony run by Nicholas Hardiment (Roger Allam), a best-selling novelist who specializes in crime fiction, and his wife Beth (Tamsin Greig). When Tamara left Ewedown, she was a plain and awkward teenager, but when she returns home for the first time in years, the locals are surprised to discover that time (and a nose job) have turned her into an attractive and alluring woman, and she’Tamara Drewe was adapted from the graphic novel of the same name by Posy Simmonds, which was in turn inspired by Thomas Hardy’s novel Far From the Madding Crowd.” (Mark Deming, All Movie Guide) For the official site, visit – http://sonyclassics.com/tamaradrewe/

The Children’s Holiday Film Series is about to wrap up! Films are FREE for children 12 and under…and only $2 for adults. This week’s selection is based on the classic book by Dr. Seuss!
Dec. 18 at Noon – THE GRINCH (starring Jim Carrey)

We have a special treat for those of you looking to give NEON gift certificates this holiday season. For every $50 of gift certificates you purchase, you will receive a free bag of Candy Cane Granola. This delicious, locally made snack was recently sampled by the staff…and quickly became a favorite. Loaded with peppermint schnapps, white chocolate, dried cranberries and almonds, you might end up keeping this treat for yourself.

Lastly, I want to remind you about 2011 calendars from The Rubi Girls. Calendars are available in our lobby for $20 each – 100% of which goes to local charities. If you’d like to see a little video I put together about the calendar, click on this LINK . If you want to know more about The Rubi Girls, visit www.rubigirls.com.

We hope to see you very soon.

Take care,
Jonathan

SHOWTIMES for December 17 – December 23:

BLACK SWAN (R) 1 Hr 48 Min
Friday, Saturday, Sunday: 12:30, 2:50, 5:00, 7:20, 9:40
Monday – Thursday: 2:50, 5:00, 7:20, 9:40

THE GIRL WHO KICKED THE HORNET’S NEST (R) 2 Hr 27 Min
Friday – Thursday: 4:15, 7:00

TAMARA DREWE (R) 1 Hr 51 Min
Friday – Thursday: 2:00, 9:45

THE GRINCH (PG) 1 Hr 37 Min
Saturday: 12:00 (noon)

COMING SOON:
As always, all dates are tentative. Some of these dates will change.

Dec. 25 THE KING’S SPEECH
Jan. 14 MADE IN DAGENHAM
Feb. 4 THE ILLUSIONIST & ANOTHER YEAR
TBD: RABBIT HOLE & SOMEWHERE