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PINA Starts Friday + New Oscar Party News!

February 22, 2012 By Jonathan McNeal Leave a Comment

Hello Everyone,

We think that ALBERT NOBBS still has a little business in it, but we really need to get moving. Therefore, we will hold ALBERT for one screening a day through Sunday…but Sunday will be the film’s last day. Now that we’re exclusive on THE ARTIST, our ticket sales flew back up this weekend…so we’re going to continue hodling it steady. On Friday, we open one of my absolute favorite films of the past few years – PINA. PINA is stunning and lovely, and it’s also Oscar-nominated. We hope you’ll hurry to see it before our Oscar Party on Sunday night. (PINA will be presented at THE NEON via traditional 35mm, 2D projection.)

Synopsis for PINA: “In his exhilarating new film, German master Wim Wenders (WINGS OF DESIRE, THE BUENA VISTA SOCIAL CLUB) captures the brilliantly inventive dance world of legendary choreographer Pina Bausch. Wenders had conceived with Bausch a dance film like none seen before, one which would put the viewer deep inside Bausch’s playful, thrillingly unpredictable pieces. After her untimely death in 2009, Wenders continued with the project, turning it into the most exciting tribute he could imagine. Sensual and visually stunning, PINA takes the audience into Bausch’s work in her imaginative sets (a gliding monorail, a bare stage covered with chairs, a towering man-made waterfall) and powerfully rendering the beauty and sheer physicality of the dances and dancers of her Tanztheater Wuppertal ensemble.” (Taken from Sundance Selects)

[yframe url=’http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CNuQVS7q7-A’]

On Saturday, The Junior Leaguers Club, Inc. will host a benefit screening of THUNDER SOUL. “THUNDER SOUL follows the extraordinary alumni from Houston’s storied Kashmere High School Stage Band, who return home after 35 years to play a tribute concert for the 92-year-old “Prof,” their beloved band leader who broke the color barrier and transformed the school’s struggling jazz band into a world-class funk powerhouse in the early 1970s.” (taken from press notes) Adult tickets (which include a glass of wine as well as soda & popcorn) are $30 each. Student tickets (which include soda and popcorn) are $15 each. For more information, please call (937)219-7501. Proceeds from this event will go to The Junior Leaguers Scholarship Fund. To check out more about THUNDER SOUL, visit the official site.

In regards to the Oscars, we’re getting set for our annual party this Sunday! Once again, our friends at ThinkTV will help us to get a strong signal for the broadcast, and our friends at Square One Salon & Spa will give us a nice gift basket for our grand prize. In addition, we’ll be giving out dvds, screenplays and soundtracks throughout the evening for randomly drawn correct guesses. You must be present to win any prizes, and seating will begin at approximately 7pm – admission is FREE! Ballots are already available in our lobby. Here’s the new twist: At any time on Sunday, you can personally drop off your ballot at THE NEON (you can’t drop off ballots for numerous people – only one per person). Your ballot will be numbered in the order in which it is collected (ON SUNDAY). When we begin seating at approximately 7:00pm, we will begin seating in numerical order.

Green Earth Outdoors has rented our space for a special screening of GREEN FIRE on Thursday, March 1 at 7:30. “GREEN FIRE explores the life and legacy of famed conservationist Aldo Leopold and the many ways his land ethic philosophy lives on in the work of people and organizations all over the country today. The film shares highlights from Leopold’s life and extraordinary career, explaining how he shaped conservation and the modern environmental movement. It also illustrates Leopold’s continuing influence, exploring current projects that connect people and land at the local level. Green Fire proceeds will support Five Rivers MetroParks ‘Leaf’ a Legacy Reforestation program that aids in the protection of native trees and local forest ecosystems damaged by non-native invasive species.” (description taken from press release) Tickets are $5 each and are currently available on the official site or by calling (502)558-8970. Remaining tickets will be available at THE NEON’s box office on the night of the event.

Last week, I announced that we would start selling biscotti again at THE NEON – this time from a local baker, Thistle Confections by Hilary. I’m now pleased to announce that customers are loving it! We ordered twice as much this week, so we hope you’ll keep ordering it!

For remaining showtimes for this week, please visit www.neonmovies.com.

Thanks for your continued support.

We hope to see you soon,

Jonathan

P.S. We now have TWITTER. If you use this application, we hope you’ll follow us @neonmovies

SHOWTIMES for Fri. February 24 – Thur. March 1:

ALBERT NOBBS (R) 1 Hrs 53 Min

Friday, Saturday, Sunday: 12:20

PINA (PG) 1 Hr 43 Min

Friday, Saturday, Sunday: 2:45, 5:00, 7:20, 9:30

Mon – Thur: 2:45, 5:00, 7:20

THE ARTIST (PG-13) 1 Hr 40 Min

Friday: 12:40, 2:50, 5:10, 7:30, 9:30

Saturday: 2:50, 5:10, 7:30, 9:30

Sunday: 12:40, 2:50, 5:10

Monday – Wednesday: 2:50, 5:10, 7:30

Thursday: 2:50, 5:10

COMING SOON:

As always, all dates are tentative. Many of these dates will change.

In some rare cases, titles may disappear.

TBD THE HEDGEHOG

TBD SHAME

TBD PARIAH

March 9 A SEPARATION

March 23 IN DARKNESS

March ? WE NEED TO TALK ABOUT KEVIN

April ? FOOTNOTE

Audiences Are Loving ALBERT NOBBS!

February 15, 2012 By Jonathan McNeal Leave a Comment

Hello Everyone,

We’re holding steady this week with THE ARTIST and ALBERT NOBBS. Despite mixed response from the critics, audiences are loving ALBERT. That said, one of our current titles will more than likely leave next week…as we hope/plan to open PINA on Feb. 24. PINA is stunning and lovely – one of my absolute favorite films of the past few years. I hope you’ll make plans to come and see it. (PINA will be presented at THE NEON via traditional 35mm, 2D projection.)

THE ARTIST – official site.

[yframe url=’http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OK7pfLlsUQM’]

ALBERT NOBBS – official site.

[yframe url=’http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ini59bYhaUY’]

PINA – official site.

[yframe url=’http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LGKzXUWAjnI’]

On Saturday, February 25 at noon, The Junior Leaguers Club, Inc. will host a benefit screening of THUNDER SOUL. “THUNDER SOUL follows the extraordinary alumni from Houston’s storied Kashmere High School Stage Band, who return home after 35 years to play a tribute concert for the 92-year-old “Prof,” their beloved band leader who broke the color barrier and transformed the school’s struggling jazz band into a world-class funk powerhouse in the early 1970s.” (taken from press notes) Adult tickets (which include a glass of wine as well as soda & popcorn) are $30 each. Student tickets (which include soda and popcorn) are $15 each. For more information, please call (937)219-7501. Proceeds from this event will go to The Junior Leaguers Scholarship Fund. To check out more about THUNDER SOUL, visit the official site.

In regards to the Oscars, we’re getting set for our annual party on Sunday, February 26! Once again, our friends at ThinkTV will help us to get a strong signal for the broadcast, and our friends at Square One Salon & Spa will give us a nice gift basket for our grand prize. In addition, we’ll be giving out dvds, screenplays and soundtracks throughout the evening for randomly drawn correct guesses. You must be present to win any prizes, and seating will begin at approximately 7pm – admission is FREE! Ballots are already available in our lobby.

Green Earth Outdoors has rented our space for a special screening of GREEN FIRE on Thursday, March 1 at 7:30. “GREEN FIRE explores the life and legacy of famed conservationist Aldo Leopold and the many ways his land ethic philosophy lives on in the work of people and organizations all over the country today. The film shares highlights from Leopold’s life and extraordinary career, explaining how he shaped conservation and the modern environmental movement. It also illustrates Leopold’s continuing influence, exploring current projects that connect people and land at the local level. Green Fire proceeds will support Five Rivers MetroParks ‘Leaf’ a Legacy Reforestation program that aids in the protection of native trees and local forest ecosystems damaged by non-native invasive species.” (description taken from press release) Tickets are $5 each and are currently available on the official site or by calling (502)558-8970. Tickets will also be available soon at THE NEON box office.

For all of you who used to like getting coffee and a biscotti at THE NEON, I’m pleased to announce that we now have biscotti again. This time, we’re going with a local baker – Thistle Confections by Hilary…and they’re absolutely delicious!

For remaining showtimes for this week, visit our official site.

Thanks for your continued support.

We hope to see you soon,

Jonathan

SHOWTIMES for Fri. February 17 – Thur. February 23:

ALBERT NOBBS (R) 1 Hrs 53 Min

Friday, Saturday, Sunday: 12:15, 2:40, 5:00, 7:20, 9:40

Monday – Thursday: 2:40, 5:00, 7:20

THE ARTIST (PG-13) 1 Hr 40 Min

Friday, Saturday, Sunday: 12:40, 2:50, 5:10, 7:30, 9:30

Monday – Thursday: 2:50, 5:10, 7:30

COMING SOON:

As always, all dates are tentative. Many of these dates will change.

In some rare cases, titles may disappear.

Feb. 24 PINA

TBD THE HEDGEHOG

TBD SHAME

TBD PARIAH

March 9 A SEPARATION

March 23 IN DARKNESS

March ? WE NEED TO TALK ABOUT KEVIN

April ? FOOTNOTE

Oscar Nominee ALBERT NOBBS Starts Friday at THE NEON

February 8, 2012 By Jonathan McNeal Leave a Comment

Hello Everyone,

We’re moving forward this weekend with the new film starring Glenn Close –ALBERT NOBBS – nominated for 3 Oscars. If you still need to see A DANGEROUS METHOD, you only have until Thursday to see it at THE NEON. That said, we will continue to hold THE ARTIST – which has now become a “certified hit” at THE NEON.

Synopsis for ALBERT NOBBS: “Albert Nobbs is a woman passing as a man in order to work and survive in 19th century Ireland. Some thirty years after donning men’s clothing, she finds herself trapped in a prison of her own making.” Nominated for 3 Oscars – including Glenn Close for Best Actress. Visit the official site.

[yframe url=’http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iGX_JKjG1dM’]

I’m delighted to announce that PINA is now officially on our schedule. One of my absolute favorite films from 2011, this rich documentary about Pina Bausch, directed by Wim Wenders, will wow you – whether you’re familiar with Pina’s gorgeous choreography or not. We may open this film as soon as February 24…so stay tuned! (PINA will be presented at THE NEON via traditional 35mm, 2D projection.)

[yframe url=’http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CNuQVS7q7-A’]

For remaining showtimes for this week (including Thursday’s special screening of RACE TO NOWHERE, presented by The Miami Valley School), visit www.neonmovies.com.

Thanks for your continued support.

We hope to see you soon,

Jonathan

SHOWTIMES for Fri. February 10 – Thur. February 16:

ALBERT NOBBS (R) 1 Hrs 53 Min

Friday, Saturday, Sunday: 12:15, 2:40, 5:00, 7:20, 9:45

Monday – Thursday: 2:40, 5:00, 7:20

THE ARTIST (PG-13) 1 Hr 40 Min

Friday, Saturday, Sunday: 12:40, 2:50, 5:10, 7:30, 9:30

Monday – Thursday: 2:50, 5:10, 7:30

COMING SOON:

As always, all dates are tentative. Many of these dates will change.In some cases, titles may disappear.

Feb. 24 PINA

TBD THE HEDGEHOG

TBD SHAME

TBD PARIAH

March 9 A SEPARATION

March 23 IN DARKNESS

March ? WE NEED TO TALK ABOUT KEVIN

April ? FOOTNOTE

A DANGEROUS METHOD Opens Friday at THE NEON!

January 25, 2012 By Jonathan McNeal Leave a Comment

Hello Everyone,

I had an absolutely wonderful time in Utah. The conference (The Art House Convergence) was full of great networking and lots of invaluable information. After the conference, I managed to see a handful of films at The Sundance Film Festival and a collection of shorts at The Slamdance Film Festival (which included a short film from one of our previous employees – Liz Cambron…congrats to Liz for a great, sold-out screening!!).

If you still need to see TINKER TAILOR SOLDIER SPY (nominated for 3 Oscars), you only have until Thursday to see it at THE NEON. We will certainly hold onto THE ARTIST – nominated for 10 Oscars (including “Best Picture”). Audiences are loving this film.

On Friday, we will open a film that has been requested by several of you (and snubbed by the Academy) – A DANGEROUS METHOD. Directed by David Cronenberg and starring Michael Fassbender (FISH TANK, JANE EYRE and upcoming SHAME), Viggo Mortensen (A HISTORY OF VIOLENCE, THE ROAD) and Keira Knightley (ATONEMENT, NEVER LET ME GO), this is the story of Jung and Freud and the woman who came between them.

Synopsis for A DANGEROUS METHOD: “On the eve of World War I, Zurich and Vienna are the setting for a dark tale of sexual and intellectual discovery. Drawn from true-life events, A Dangerous Method takes a glimpse into the turbulent relationships between fledgling psychiatrist Carl Jung, his mentor Sigmund Freud and Sabina Spielrein, the troubled but beautiful young woman who comes between them. Into the mix comes Otto Gross, a debauched patient who is determined to push the boundaries. In this exploration of sensuality, ambition and deceit set the scene for the pivotal moment when Jung, Freud and Sabina come together and split apart, forever changing the face of modern thought” (taken from Sony Classics)

Visit the official website by clicking this LINK.

[yframe url=’http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pjyP9DjUdVk’]

“The Miami Valley School, Dayton’s only independent, college-preparatory school is proud to present a special one-time only screening of RACE TO NOWHERE on Thursday, Feb. 9, 2012. Considered to be the counter film to Waiting for Superman, RACE TO NOWHERE addresses the academic pressures facing students today and what we can do about it. Featuring heartbreaking stories of young people who have been pushed to the brink, educators who are burned out and worried that students are not developing the skills they need, and parents who are trying to do what’s best for their kids, RACE TO NOWHERE points to the silent epidemic in our school: Students are pressured to perform and not necessarily to learn critical thinking skills…To see the trailer, please go to www.racetonowhere.com. This is a free event and all are welcome! Thursday, February 9, 2012 – Reception at 6:30 pm and screening begins at 7:30 pm, followed with Q & A session.” (taken from Miami Valley School press release)

[yframe url=’http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Uem73imvn9Y’]

On Saturday, February 25 at noon, The Junior Leaguers Club, Inc. will host a benefit screening of THUNDER SOUL. “THUNDER SOUL follows the extraordinary alumni from Houston’s storied Kashmere High School Stage Band, who return home after 35 years to play a tribute concert for the 92-year-old “Prof,” their beloved band leader who broke the color barrier and transformed the school’s struggling jazz band into a world-class funk powerhouse in the early 1970s.” (taken from press notes) Adult tickets (which include a glass of wine as well as soda & popcorn) are $30 each. Student tickets (which include soda and popcorn) are $15 each. For more information, please call (937)219-7501. Proceeds from this event will go to The Junior Leaguers Scholarship Fund. To check out more about THUNDER SOUL, visit the official site.

[yframe url=’http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hiodQURIe0M’]

See you soon,

Jonathan

SHOWTIMES for Fri. January 27 – Thur. February 2:

A DANGEROUS METHOD (R) 1 Hrs 39 Min

Friday, Saturday, Sunday: 12:50, 3:00, 5:15, 7:30, 9:40

Monday – Thursday: 3:00, 5:15, 7:30

THE ARTIST (PG-13) 1 Hr 40 Min

Friday: 12:30, 2:45, 5:00, 7:20, 9:30

Saturday: 12:30, 5:20, 7:20, 9:30

Sunday: 12:30, 2:45, 5:00, 7:20, 9:30

Monday – Thursday: 2:45, 5:00, 7:20

CALL OF THE SCENIC RIVER: AN OHIO JOURNEY

Saturday: 3:00 – This Screening Has SOLD OUT!

COMING SOON:

As always, all dates are tentative. Many of these dates will change.

In some cases, titles may disappear.

Feb. ? ALBERT NOBBS

TBD THE HEDGEHOG

TBD SHAME

TBD A SEPARATION

March 16 WE NEED TO TALK ABOUT KEVIN

Toronto – THE FILMS – Day # 5

September 13, 2011 By Jonathan McNeal 1 Comment

We’ll soon see if I can get 5 hours of sleep tonight instead of the 3-4 hours I’ve had over the past couple nights.

I saw 4 films again…which makes a grand total of 20 so far!!

First I saw SALMON FISHING IN THE YEMEN with Ewan McGregor, Emily Blunt and Kristin Scott Thomas. A woman beside me loved it. Another woman at a different screening later in the day started gushing about it. So perhaps this film was specifically made for a female audience age 45-60. I certainly did not like it!! Though it had a couple moments that reeled me in, it’s ultimately the most uneven and slight film I’ve seen so far. It’s a romantic comedy & ecologically/socially conscious (though full of negative stereotypes), terrorist thriller…about salmon being introduced into the Yeman. Cutesy one minute – terrorists the next. AKA – A Gigantic Mess, in my opinion. Below is a clip.

[yframe url=’http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XanH9wjBAD0′]

Next off, I saw ALBERT NOBBS – starring the absolutely incredible Glenn Close. This film was a little more whimsical than I suspected. That said, the film does tackle some interesting ideas – and all the more interesting is the fact that the film is based on a short story from the early 1900’s. It’s about a woman who presents herself as a man in order to gain employment as a butler in the late 1800’s. The film reminded me, in tone, of CRANFORD or MRS. HENDERSON PRESENTS. Relatively jovial (at first) – but with big undercurrents of sadness and yearning. The set design, costumes and score are marvelous…and I should hope that Ms. Close gets an Oscar nomination (though some of the other performances are also quite wonderful). Below is a clip.

[yframe url=’http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TG2YL7Nm_Jo’]

MONSIEUR LAHZAR was the next film I saw. I saw this film because it was directed by the same man who did IT WASN’T ME, I SWEAR (which I saw a few years ago and loved) – Philippe Falardeau. This French Canadian film is about a man who comes to teach in a classroom in which the former teacher had committed suicide. He’s got his own baggage…but lots is gained from both students and teacher alike. The frustrations of dealing with parents and administration will certainly be empathized by many of you who have taught in the public school system. The film is very good. The trailer below is not yet available with subtitles…as it has not yet found a distributor in The States.

[yframe url=’http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xpi0LzyU0BQ’]

Lastly, I saw Christophe Honore’s new film – BELOVED – starring Chiara Mastroianni, Ludivine Sagnier, Catherine Deneuve, Louis Garrel, and a handful of other familiar faces. First off, the film is much too long. That said, I still loved so much about it. If you’re familiar with Honore’s earlier film LOVE SONGS, this is similar (meaning there are several musical numbers – but almost presented as dialog (if you think, “Sounds like UMBRELLAS OF CHERBOURG” – we’re on the same page.). The film spans several decades and is a candid and emotional look at contemporary sexual politics. The opening scenes in the 60’s are delightful…and get heavier (though still with some moments of great joy) as the film progresses. Because the film was in a smaller venue tonight, I decided to pack light and not take my camera with me. I was surprised (but bummed that I didn’t have my camera) to find out that Honore and Garrel were present for an introduction and Q&A. (I did manage to get a cell phone pic after the screening in a better lit space…though not a great picture, I have posted it at the end of this post.) Below is a trailer.

[yframe url=’http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SMmyWfjdrbA’]

More soon!!

(I didn’t make it. Already after 1:00am…need to be up by 6:00. Oh well. I’ll sleep in October.)