8 new movies Jonathan McNeal of the Neon says you'd be foolish to miss
Staff Writer
Jonathan McNeal doesn't like movies.
The manager of the Neon movie theater, 130 E 5th St. in downtown Dayton, loves them.
With the holidays and award season coming up, we thought it would be the perfect time to ask Dayton's resident movie guru about his favorite movies that will likely soon hit this area. Fingers crossed.
Jonathan was glad to share his list. He saw most of the films below at the Toronto International Film Festival. Some, but not all, will be shown at the Neon. Note: all images from official film Facebook pages except image from The Lady in the Van from Sony Classics.
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1. Room
From the movie's description: After 5-year-old Hack and his Ma escape from the enclosed surroundings that Jack has known his entire life, the boy makes a thrilling "discovery" the outside world. As he expereinces all the joy, excitment and fear that this new adventure brings, he holds tight to the one thing that matters most of all: his special bond with his loving and devoted Ma."
Why Jonathan says you should see it: "It is like a blind person getting his vision. It is sensory overload," Jonathan said. "It is one of the most emotionally raw experiences I have seen at the cinema in a long time."
NEON screening date: To be determined.
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2. Brooklyn
From the movie's description: "Brooklyn tells the profoundly moving story of Eilis Lacey (Saoirse Ronan), a young Irish immigrant navigating her way through 1950s Brooklyn. Lured by the promise of America, Eilis departs Ireland and the comfort of her mother’s home for the shores of New York City."
Why Jonathan says you should see it: "The young actress (Ronan) in it is so good," he said. "The way she blossoms on screen into a young woman is awesome. The cinematography is really wonderful."
NEON screening date: Nov. 25
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3. Spotlight
From the movie's description: "Spotlight tells the riveting true story behind the Pulitzer Prize-winning Boston Globe investigation
that would rock the city and cause a crisis in one of the world’s oldest and most trusted institutions (the Catholic Church)."
Why Jonathan says you should see it: "It is kind of leading the way for (Academy Award) best picture," he said. "It has a great cast, and it is an intense newsroom piece."
NEON screening date: Nov. 20
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4. Carol
From the movie's description: "In an adaptation of Patricia Highsmith’s seminal novel The Price of Salt, CAROL follows two women from very different backgrounds who find themselves in an unexpected love affair in 1950s New York. As conventional norms of the time challenge their undeniable attraction, an honest story emerges to reveal the resilience of the heart in the face of change."
Note: Jonathan, a fan of the story before the movie was made, and several other local people were extras in "Carol," which was filmed in Cincinnati spring of 2014. He has not seen "Carol" yet, but like many others in the region, is excited.
Why Jonathan says you should see it: "The buzz is so good (about it)," he said. "Everyone I have spoken to has loved it."
NEON screening date: To be determined.
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5. The Danish Girl
From the movie's description: "The remarkable love story inspired by the lives of artists Lili Elbe and Gerda Wegener (portrayed by Academy Award winner Eddie Redmayne [“The Theory of Everything”] and Alicia Vikander [“Ex Machina”]), directed by Academy Award winner Tom Hooper (“The King’s Speech,” “Les Misérables”). Lili and Gerda’s marriage and work evolve as they navigate Lili’s groundbreaking journey as a transgender pioneer."
Why Jonathan says you should see it: "It is a lovely film," Jonathan said. He noted that the story will spark discussion, and Alicia Vikander's performance is impressive.
NEON screening date: Not currently listed
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6. Anomalisa
From the stop action movie's description: "Michael Stone, husband, father and respected author of 'How May I Help You Help Them?' is a man crippled by the mundanity of his life. On a business trip to Cincinnati, where he's scheduled to speak at a convention of customer service professionals, he checks into the Fregoli Hotel. There, he is amazed to discover a possible escape from his desperation in the form of an unassuming Akron baked goods sales rep, Lisa, who may or may not be the love of his life."
Why Jonathan says you should see it: "Everybody is going to be talking about it for a lot of the wrong reasons... It (has) one of the most honest sex scenes you will see," Jonathan said. "They are not trying to hide that it is stop action. It is really organic in a way that is refreshing."
NEON screening date: Not currently listed
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7. Youth
From the movie's decription: "Starring Michael Caine as Fred and Harvey Keitel as Mick, 'YOUTH' explores the lifelong bond between two friends vacationing in a luxury Swiss Alps lodge as they ponder retirement. While Fred has no plans to resume his musical career despite the urging of his loving daughter Lena, Mick is intent on finishing a screenplay in what may be his last important film for his muse Brenda."
Why Jonathan says you should see it: "Maggie Smith is in it," he said. "Our audience is going to just eat it up."
NEON screening date: Not currently listed.
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8. The Lady in the Van
From the movie's description: "Alan Bennett's story is based on the true story of Miss Shepherd (played by a magnificent Maggie Smith), a woman of uncertain origins who "temporarily" parked her van in Bennett's London driveway and proceeded to live there for 15 years."
Why Jonathan says you should see it: "Maggie Smith is in it," he said. "Our audience is going to just eat it up."
NEON screening date : Late winter.
