marilyn monroe

Toronto Film Fest – Day #8

September 14, 2012 By Jonathan McNeal Leave a Comment

Hello Everyone,

I only saw two film in their entirety today…I started a third, but I due to not connecting with the characters, I decided that a nap was in my best interest.

First off, I saw LOVE, MARILYN -a documentary about Marilyn Monroe – based on personal journals and personal letters that were recently discovered in storage (in addition to writings and interviews from friends and colleagues). Big stars – like Glenn Close, Ellen Burstyn, Hope Davis, Viola Davis, Ben Foster and Lindsay Lohan – read the letters. The movie reveals a tormented, insightful star who seemed to know exactly what was happening around her. That said, the performances of the readings were distracting. Instead of voice-over, the actors perform the pieces via green screen – and their images are transposed over backdrops, archival footage, etc. I found it to be rather annoying. However, the archival material and interviews seemed more organic and worth the ride.

PASSION, the latest film from Brian De Palma, is a laughable thriller based on the French film LOVE CRIME. The movie stars Rachel McAdams and Noomi Rapace, and it starts out very confusing. The two lead actresses look to be the same age – though one is the corporate boss and the other is an assistant. The chemistry between these two is rather flat, and the tone changes to camp rather quickly. The music cues and other cheap devices used to confuse the audience are abysmal. The movie is about how Rapace’s character plots revenge on her boss after she stole one of her ideas in order to advance with the company. In a word, this film is bad.

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In the evening, I went to see Madonna’s latest show at the Air Canada Center. It was a complete blast – and quite a brilliant display of cutting-edge stage craft and lighting.

2 more films tomorrow…and I’m looking forward to both!

Thanks for reading!

Jonathan

Holding Steady and New News at THE NEON

January 11, 2012 By Jonathan McNeal Leave a Comment

Hello Everyone,

We had a very solid opening for TINKER TAILOR SOLDIER SPY, and I want to thank all of you who came out to support opening weekend at The Neon! TTSS will stick around, and we are going to hold MY WEEK WITH MARILYN for one more week (Jan. 19 will be MARILYN’s final day). Unfortunately, I have to report that we needed to move the opening date of CARNAGE, but the distributor didn’t want to wait for us…so we have to pass on playing it. That said, the road will be clear for us to open THE ARTIST on January 20 as planned.

Click HERE for TINKER TAILOR’s official site.

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On Saturday, January 28 at 3:00, our large auditorium has been rented to screen CALL OF THE SCENIC RIVER: AN OHIO JOURNEY. “This film is the story of Ohio’s most natural waterways. Although few people realize that Ohio was the first state to declare a Scenic Rivers Program in March of 1968, Ohio’s program continues to lead river conservation because of it’s respect of private property, it’s commitment to designating the most ecologically intact systems, and it’s popular volunteer opportunities. Filmed by Ohio cinematographers, Mike King and Adam White, with underwater footage by Tom Mayor, – alumni of Wright State University’s Motion Picture Program – the film captures the stunning and natural beauty of these watershed eco-systems. A portion of the proceeds will benefit Rivers Unlimited, the nation’s oldest river conservation organization. RSVP and tickets ($10/ticket) may be purchased from the film’s website – CLICK LINK.” (taken from press notes)

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.

On Sunday morning, I’ll be heading to a conference for operators and owners of arthouse cinemas from across the country. The conference is in Utah, so I’ll stick around for the first couple days of the Sundance Film Festival, too. Please keep the staff nice and busy while I’m gone.

See you soon,

Jonathan

SHOWTIMES for

Fri. January 13 – Thur. January 19:

TINKER TAILOR SOLDIER SPY (R) 2 Hrs 07 Min

Friday, Saturday, Sunday: 1:15, 4:15, 7:15, 9:45

Monday: 3:30, 5:45, 8:15

Tuesday – Thursday: 2:30, 5:15, 8:00

MY WEEK WITH MARILYN (R) 1 Hr 39 Min

Friday: 12:50, 3:00, 5:10, 7:20, 9:30

Saturday: 12:50, 5:10, 7:20, 9:30

Sunday: 12:50, 3:00, 5:10, 7:20, 9:30

Monday: 3:30, 5:45, 8:00

Tuesday – Thursday: 3:00, 5:10, 7:20

COMING SOON:

As always, all dates are tentative.

Many of these dates will change.

In some cases, titles may disappear.

Jan. 20 THE ARTIST

TBD THE HEDGEHOG

TBD SHAME

TBD A DANGEROUS METHOD

TBD A SEPARATION

THE NEON is Going Strong!

December 27, 2011 By Jonathan McNeal Leave a Comment

Hello Everyone,

Things are really hoppin’ at THE NEON. Yesterday (Monday) was busier than any day over the holiday weekend…and we have more than 60 people in the auditorium for MY WEEK WITH MARILYN as I write this note (for a Tuesday afternoon, that’s incredible).

As it stands, we’re going to hold steady next week with THE DESCENDANTS and MY WEEK WITH MARILYN. On January 6, we plan to open TINKER TAILOR SOLDIER SPY. (Click each title to visit that film’s official site…and watch the trailers below.)

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As we head into 2012, I’d like to thank you so much for your constant support of THE NEON. We will end 2011 in the black, and it’s quite possible that it will be our best year ever (we didn’t think 2010 could be beat)…I’ll keep you posted. Without your patronage and your positive word-of-mouth, we wouldn’t still be here. Thank you so much!!

Wishing you a wonderful, fun & safe New Year’s!

We hope to see you soon at THE NEON,

Jonathan

SHOWTIMES for Fri. December 30 – Thur. January 5:

THE DESCENDANTS (R) 1 Hrs 55 Min

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

Monday – Thursday: 2:40, 5:00, 7:20

MY WEEK WITH MARILYN (R) 1 Hr 39 Min

Friday, Saturday, Sunday: 12:50, 3:00, 5:10, 7:20, 9:30

Monday – Thursday: 3:00, 5:10, 7:20

COMING SOON:

As always, all dates are tentative.

Many of these dates will change. In some cases, titles may disappear.

Jan. 6 TINKER TAILOR SOLDIER SPY

Jan. 13 CARNAGE

Jan. 20 THE ARTIST

TBD THE HEDGEHOG

TBD SHAME

TBD A DANGEROUS METHOD

WEEKEND This Weekend at THE NEON

December 13, 2011 By Jonathan McNeal Leave a Comment

Hello Everyone,

Even though we’re going to hold both of our current attractions – THE DESCENDANTS and MELANCHOLIA – we are going to open a new film on Friday. WEEKEND – which was the sold-out, closing film of this year’s Downtown Dayton LGBT Film Festival – has been winning awards around the world. In addition, it’s one of my favorite films of the year. Eric Hynes of the The Village Voice wrote, “Naturalistic without being ineloquent, heartfelt yet unsentimental, WEEKEND is the rarest of birds: a movie romance that rings true.” David Edelstein of New York Magazine wrote, “I hate to damage so fragile a work with overpraise, but, gay or straight, if you don’t see yourself in this movie, you need to get a life.” This film has not screened much in Ohio…we’re hoping you’ll help support one of the small, true indie gems of the year.

Synopsis for WEEKEND: “After meeting one lonely Friday night at a bar, Russell and Glen find themselves caught up in an lost weekend full of sex, drugs, and intimate conversation. Although they have conflicting ideas of what it is they want from life and certainly how to get it, they form a startling emotional connection that will resonate throughout their lives.” (Sundance Selects)

Click this link to visit the film’s official website.

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I’m delighted to announce that MY WEEK WITH MARILYN has now been set to open on December 23. It seems like the date might really stick this time (but I’ll keep you posted regardless). Just remember that we’re open 365 days a year…so we hope to be part of your plans during the holidays.

This Saturday marks the last of The Holiday Family Movie Series…sponsored by The Downtown Dayton Partnership, DP&L and THE NEON. The film begins at noon and is free for children 12 and under; other tickets are only $2 each. This Saturday’s movie is A CHRISTMAS STORY. Last week’s screening was a huge success…so come early for a good seat (doors open at 11:30). (presented via digital video projection)

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Have you tried one of our new wines? In addition to the Woodbridge Merlot and Chardonnay, we are trying Carernet Sauvignon and Moscato. If you want to make certain that we keep these two wines in the mix, please order a glass during your next visit.

When shopping for the holidays, don’t forget that NEON Gift Certificates are a perfect gift for film lovers…and for people who still need to be introduced to us. For every $50 worth of gift certificates you purchase, we’ll give you a hearty-sized bag of Candy Cane Granola…making your gift all the sweeter.

NYC was a blast. Thanks to all of you who sent well-wishes!

See you soon at THE NEON,

Jonathan

SHOWTIMES for Fri. December 16 – Thur. December 22:

THE DESCENDANTS (R) 1 Hrs 55 Min

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

Monday – Thursday: 2:40, 5:00, 7:20

MELANCHOLIA (R) 2 Hr 16 Min

Friday: 1:00, 4:00, 9:30

Saturday: 4:00, 9:30

Sunday: 1:00, 4:00, 9:30

Monday – Thursday: 2:30, 5:15

WEEKEND (NR) 1 Hr 37 Min

Friday, Saturday, Sunday: 7:15

Mon-Thur: 8:00

A CHRISTMAS STORY (PG) 1 Hr 40 Min

Saturday: 12:00 (Noon)

COMING SOON:

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

In some cases, titles may disappear.

Dec. 23 MY WEEK WITH MARILYN

TBD THE HEDGEHOG

TBD THE ARTIST

Jan. 13 TINKER TAILOR SOLDIER SPY

Jan. 20 SHAME

Jan. 20 CARNAGE

Jan. 27 A DANGEROUS METHOD

WEEKEND – One week only! Starts Friday!

MY WEEK WITH MARILYN…Opening Next week!

MELANCHOLIA Opens Friday at THE NEON!

December 7, 2011 By Jonathan McNeal Leave a Comment

Hello Everyone,

I’m sad to report it, but THE SKIN I LIVE IN did not perform well enough to stick around for a 2nd week. If you still need to see the latest from master filmmaker Pedro Almodovar, Thursday will be your last chance to see it at THE NEON.

On Friday, we will begin the latest film from Lars von Trier (director of BREAKING THE WAVES, DANCER IN THE DARK and DOGVILLE). MELANCHOLIA has received a 100% rating from numerous sources including Entertainment Weekly, Variety, The Los Angeles Times, and the cast includes Kirsten Dunst, Charlotte Gainsbourg, Kiefer Sutherland, and Charlotte Rampling. (Dunst won “Best Actress” for this part at this year’s Cannes Film Festival.)

Synopsis for MELANCHOLIA: “In this beautiful movie about the end of the world, Justine and Michael are celebrating their marriage at a sumptuous party in the home of her sister Claire, and brother-in-law John. Despite Claire’s best efforts, the wedding is a fiasco, with family tensions mounting and relationships fraying. Meanwhile, a planet called Melancholia is heading directly towards Earth.” (Magnolia Pictures) Click the link to visit the film’s official website.

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I’m certain that some of you will be happy to know that we’re trying out a couple new wines. In addition to the Woodbridge Merlot and Chardonnay, we are trying Carernet Sauvignon and Moscato. If you want to make certain that we keep these two wines in the mix, please order a glass during your next visit.

Current opening dates are moving all around. We don’t know when MY WEEK WITH MARILYN will be available in our market, and we’re disappointed that THE ARTIST has been bumped to sometime in January (which is going to be a very busy time for specialty cinemas). I’ll keep you up-to-date as best I can…that said, this e-mail is the best place for the latest details.

This Saturday marks the 2nd film in The Holiday Family Movie Series…sponsored by The Downtown Dayton Partnership, DP&L and THE NEON. Movies begin at noon and are free for children 12 and under; other tickets are only $2 each. This Saturday will be – THE POLAR EXPRESS. And next week, on December 17, we will play A CHRISTMAS STORY. All of these movies will be presented via digital video projection.

Last week, I mentioned a list of some of our friends and partners in the area, and I’d like to continue that list by thanking 2 additional businesses for their continued help and willingness to spread the word about what’s happening at THE NEON. Omega Music and MJ’s Cafe & Dance Bar always allow me to hang up posters. Without grassroots marketing, positive word-of-mouth and community support, we’d be long gone by now. Thank you!

I’m heading to NYC for a long weekend on Thursday morning. I’m terribly excited to go, and I hope you’ll keep the staff plenty busy while I’m gone.

See you soon,

Jonathan

SHOWTIMES for Fri. December 9 – Thur. December 15:

THE DESCENDANTS (R) 1 Hrs 55 Min

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

Monday – Thursday: 2:40, 5:00, 7:20, 9:45

MELANCHOLIA (R) 2 Hr 16 Min

Friday: 1:00, 4:00, 7:00, 9:45

Saturday: 4:00, 7:00, 9:45

Sunday: 1:00, 4:00, 7:00, 9:45

Monday – Thursday: 2:30, 5:15, 8:00

THE POLAR EXPRESS (PG) 1 Hr 40 Min

Saturday: 12:00 (Noon)

COMING SOON:

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

In some cases, titles may disappear.

??? MY WEEK WITH MARILYN

TBD WEEKEND

TBD THE HEDGEHOG

TBD THE ARTIST

Jan. 13 TINKER TAILOR SOLDIER SPY

Jan. 20 SHAME

Jan. 20 CARNAGE

Jan. 27 A DANGEROUS METHOD

Don’t Miss THE DESCENDANTS at THE NEON!

November 22, 2011 By Jonathan McNeal Leave a Comment

Hello Everyone,

If you still need to catch TAKE SHELTER or MARGIN CALL, tomorrow (11/22) will be your last chance to see them at THE NEON. On Wednesday, we open my favorite American film of the year – THE DESCENDANTS – directed by Alexander Payne and starring George Clooney. I fell in love with this film at The Toronto International Film Festival, and it has nothing to do with the fact that George Clooney was three feet away from me at the after-party. As funny as it is touching, this film has been given a 100% review from The Wall Street Journal, The New York Times, The Chicago-Sun Times, USA Today, Entertainment Weekly, Rolling Stone, The Hollywood Reporter and many more. I think it’s a shoe-in to be nominated for “Best Picture” this year.

Synopsis for THE DESCENDANTS: “Matt King is an indifferent husband and father of two girls, who is forced to re-examine his past and embrace his future when his wife suffers a boating accident off of Waikiki. The event leads to a rapprochement with his young daughters while Matt wrestles with a decision to sell the family’s land handed down from Hawaiian royalty and missionaries.” (Fox Searchlight) Click HERE to visit the film’s official website.

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Upcoming dates are changing all around, and it’s quite possible that The Weinstein Company may give us MY WEEK WITH MARILYN on December 2…but we’ll have to wait and see.

And don’t forget that we’ll be hosting holiday films on Saturdays in December…sponsored by The Downtown Dayton Partnership, DP&L and THE NEON. The movies begin at noon and are free for children 12 and under; other tickets are only $2 each. On December 3, we will play MIRACLE ON 34th STREET (original 1947 version). On December 10 – POLAR EXPRESS. And lastly, on December 17, we will play A CHRISTMAS STORY. All of these movies will be presented via digital video projection.

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

Wishing you a wonderful Thanksgiving.

Hope to see you very soon,

Jonathan

SHOWTIMES forWed. November 23 – Thur. December 1:

THE DESCENDANTS (R) 1 Hrs 55 Min

Wednesday & Thursday: 2:40, 5:00, 7:20, 9:45

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

Monday – Thursday: 2:40, 5:00, 7:20, 9:45

MARTHA MARCY MAY MARLENE (R) 1 Hr 42 Min

Wednesday & Thursday: 3:00, 5:15, 7:30, 9:50

Friday,Saturday, Sunday: 12:45, 3:00, 5:15, 7:30, 9:50