my week with marilyn

TINKER TAILOR SOLDIER SPY Opens Friday at THE NEON!

January 3, 2012 By Jonathan McNeal Leave a Comment

Hello Everyone,

It’s time to say farewell to THE DESCENDANTS – one of our big hits from 2011. If you haven’t seen the film yet (or need to see it again), you only have through Thursday to see it at THE NEON. On Friday, we will open a film that has been long-awaited by several of you and a “Top 10” for numerous critics – TINKER TAILOR SOLDIER SPY. For our other screen, MY WEEK WITH MARILYN will hold for another week.

I just found out that we will not be exclusive on TINKER TAILOR. Though this is a big disappointment, I hope you’ll help us by telling your friends & family to please support this film at THE NEON. Having a great opening weekend will help send the message to distributors that THE NEON is where people want to see smart, thought-provoking cinema.

Synopsis for TINKER TAILOR SOLDIER SPY: “The time is 1973. The Cold War of the mid-20th Century continues to damage international relations. Britain’s Secret Intelligence Service (SIS), a.k.a. MI6 and code-named the Circus, is striving to keep pace with other countries’ espionage efforts and to keep the U.K. secure. When things go awry, it’s up to top lieutenant, George Smiley, a career spy with razor-sharp senses, to get things back on track.” (Taken from Focus Features) Based on the 1974 novel by John le Carre that “redefined the spy thriller,” the new film stars Gary Oldman, John Hurt, Toby Jones, Colin Firth, Tom Hardy and Mark Strong.

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

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We have several organizations renting our space for special events in the coming weeks…so I’ll hopefully have more details for you by next week’s newsletter.

We hope to see you this weekend at THE NEON,

Jonathan

SHOWTIMES for Friday Jan 6 – Thursday Jan 12:

TINKER TAILOR SOLDIER SPY (R) 2 Hrs 07 Min

Friday, Saturday, Sunday: 1:00, 4:15, 7:15, 9:45

Monday – Thursday: 2:30, 5:15, 8:00

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. 13 CARNAGE

Jan. 20 THE ARTIST

TBD THE HEDGEHOG

TBD SHAME

TBD A DANGEROUS METHOD

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

MY WEEK WITH MARILYN at THE NEON!

December 22, 2011 By Jonathan McNeal Leave a Comment

Hello Everyone,

If you still need to see WEEKEND or MELANCHOLIA, you only have today (Dec. 22) to see them at THE NEON. Even though I was a bit disappointed at the turn-out for WEEKEND, I’m so glad we brought it to THE NEON for a week. It helps us maintain our status as a true arthouse cinema when we can bring films of this caliber that don’t have much of a marketing budget (meaning it’s a hard-to-find gem that didn’t get much play in the Midwest). Just after I sent out last week’s newsletter, A.O. Scott of The New York Times listed WEEKEND as one of the best films of the year…and I’m in agreement. For remaining showtimes for this week, please visit our official NEON site – www.neonmovies.com

Tomorrow (Dec. 23), we will open MY WEEK WITH MARILYN. This is a film that was supposed to open several weeks ago…but the distributor decided to delay rolling it out into smaller markets in hopes of garnering award season buzz. And that’s what has happened. The movie has been nominated for 3 Golden Globes – “Best Picture: Comedy or Musical,” “Best Actress – Michelle Williams,” and “Best Supporting Actor – Kenneth Branagh.” And don’t forget that the cast also includes Judi Dench (a favorite of NEON regulars) and Emma Watson (from the Harry Potter franchise).

Synopsis for MY WEEK WITH MARILYN: ” In the early summer of 1956, 23 year-old Colin Clark, just down from Oxford and determined to make his way in the film business, worked as a lowly assistant on the set of ‘The Prince and the Showgirl’. The film that famously united Sir Laurence Olivier and Marilyn Monroe, who was also on honeymoon with her new husband, the playwright Aurthur Miller. Nearly 40 years on, his diary account The Prince, the Showgirl and Me was published, but one week was missing and this was published some years later as My Week with Marilyn – this is the story of that week. When Arthur Miller leaves England, the coast is clear for Colin to introduce Marilyn to some of the pleasures of British life; an idyllic week in which he escorted a Monroe desperate to get away from her retinue of Hollywood hangers-on and the pressures of work.” (The Weinstein Company) This film received an “R” rating due only to adult language…so we’re hoping the rating doesn’t hold back families with teens from coming over the holidays. Visit the Official Website.

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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.

AIDS Resource Center Ohio has asked us to help them sell raffle tickets for their upcoming RED event (Reach, Empower & Dream of a world without HIV/AIDS) in the Spring. First place is a trip to Paris. Second place is a trip to stay in the Paris Hotel in Las Vegas. Tickets are $25 each or $100 for six. We currently have these for sale at our box office…and they make a nice, last-minute gift. I plan to buy a handful and tell people, “I’ve made a donation to ARC Ohio, and you might win a trip to Paris.”

Opening dates for our upcoming titles continue to move around. As of right now, our next big film will be TINKER TAILOR SOLDIER SPY starring Gary Oldman on Jan. 6.

We hope to see you soon at THE NEON,

Jonathan

SHOWTIMES for

Fri. December 23 – Thur. December 29:

THE DESCENDANTS (R) 1 Hrs 55 Min

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

Saturday: 12:15, 2:40, 5:00, 7:20

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

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

MY WEEK WITH MARILYN (R) 1 Hr 39 Min

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

Saturday: 12:50, 3:00, 5:10, 7:20

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

Monday – Thursday: 3:00, 5:10, 7:20, 9:30

COMING SOON:

As always, all dates are tentative.

Many of these dates will change.

In some cases, titles may disappear.

TBD THE HEDGEHOG

Jan. 6 TINKER TAILOR SOLDIER SPY

Jan. 13 CARNAGE

Jan. 20 THE ARTIST

Jan. 20 SHAME

Jan. 20 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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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