Hello Everyone!

We're all going to be on our toes over the next several days.  Greg Sestero will be back in town tonight with Tommy Wiseau's THE ROOM and BIG SHARK, the 20th edition of OUT HERE DAYTON FILM FEST starts tomorrow evening, and the Sundance hit based on the Broadway musical KISS OF THE SPIDER WOMAN starts tomorrow, too.  Then on Wednesday next week, we'll open Edward Berger's new film BALLAD OF A SMALL PLAYER (Berger directed CONCLAVE last year...so I know many of you will be anxious to see what he's done next).

If you still need to see ELEANOR THE GREAT, you'll have a few more chances between now and Tuesday next week.  If you still want to see THE SUMMER BOOK, starring Glenn Close, tomorrow will be its last day.

You're the first to know about our next NEON Nostalgia Night.  Be sure to scroll all the way to the bottom to learn more...there are also details about our next Exhibition On Screen event.

"Open Caption Mondays" are much appreciated by many of our regulars.  On Monday, Oct. 13, our screenings of KISS OF THE SPIDER WOMAN and ELEANOR THE GREAT will be presented with Open Captions (aka - captions presented on the screen). 

Synopsis for KISS OF THE SPIDER WOMAN: From Bill Condon, director of DREAMGIRLS and KINSEY (and writer of the screen adaptation of CHICAGO), comes the Sundance hit based on a beloved Broadway musical. "Valentín, a political prisoner, shares a cell with Molina, a window dresser convicted of public indecency. The two form an unlikely bond as Molina recounts the plot of a Hollywood musical starring his favorite silver screen diva, Ingrid Luna."

We cover a lot of bases at this year's OUT HERE DAYTON FILM FEST, and I hope you'll come and support some of these stories on the big screen.  We still have tickets available for the lovely opening film tomorrow - OUTERLANDS (Oct. 9 at 7:30) as well as WE ARE PAT (the documentary that re-examines the hit SNL sketch IT'S PAT from the 90's - Oct. 11 at 7:00) and all the selections on Sunday.  If you love a comedy/horror film, you'll want to see Tina Romero's QUEENS OF THE DEAD (Oct. 11 at 9:15pm). If you want to engage with working filmmakers, then don't miss Sunday's DOCUMENTING WOMEN collection - we'll have the most filmmakers present at that screening (Oct. 12 at 3:00).  And the closing night film has been getting great reviews from around the world - the romantic comedy #300LETTERS (Oct. 12 at 6:00). Single tickets for any of these screenings are just $10 each, but there's also a scholarship option on the festival website where FREE tickets are available for anyone who applies!

Synopsis for BALLAD OF A SMALL PLAYER: At first glance, it's hard to believe this film is from the director of CONCLAVE...but once it flows over you, there are some similar themes at play.  Macau is visually so exciting, and the performances are excellent. This film is truly meant for the big screen. "A high-stakes gambler decides to lay low in Macau after his past and debts catch up with him. Along the way he encounters a kindred spirit who might just hold the key to his salvation."

THE ROOM & BIG SHARK

TONIGHT! Greg Sestero is coming back to THE NEON...and you're the first to know about it!

See the cult classic THE ROOM with an auditorium full of devotees - with your host, star of the movie and author of THE DISASTER ARTIST - Greg Sestero.  Tickets $22 each.

Later that night, see the recent, final cut of BIG SHARK - Tommy Wiseau's latest action comedy about three firefighters who have to save New Orleans from a giant shark attack - introduced by Sestero. Tickets $20 each.

THE ROOM:
WED, OCT. 8 | 7:30 -  SOLD OUT!
WED, OCT. 8 | 8:30 - TIX AVAIL!
BIG SHARK:
WED, OCT. 8 | 10:00 -  TIX AVAIL!

Crafty Cinema Presents PRACTICAL MAGIC

Get ready for an afternoon of creativity, entertainment, and social activism at Crafty Cinema for a Cause at THE NEON hosted by the Savage Stitcher (Angie). This unique charity event brings together the joy of crafting with the magic of film, all while supporting Planned Parenthood of SW Ohio. Bring your own craft project that you can work on in your seat, such as crochet, knitting, embroidery, cross stitch, etc. and we will all enjoy an afternoon showing of PRACTICAL MAGIC with the lights up so you can work on a project you’ve been putting off, or start something new. This is a free event with a suggested donation of $20 that will be collected at the door and all proceeds will go to our local Planned Parenthood. There are a limited number of seats available for reservation on Eventbrite, and the rest will be offered as first-come-first-serve at the door.

SUN, OCT 19  | 12:30

HORROR MOVIE TRIVIA

Friend of THE NEON, Tracey Obenour, is bringing some fun, horror movie trivia to our patio on Monday, Oct. 20.

"Come for a Horror/Halloween trivia night you’ll wish you could forget! We’re not just digging up useless film facts, we’ll gently haunt the realms of tv, music, books, local lore... and get a little interactive.
What to know:
• Free to play
• Teams up to 6 people, watch for table reservation sign ups
• Costumes encouraged! Prize for best solo or group
• Prizes for each round and overall winner (plus a glowing trophy)
• Arrive early to get settled with drinks and snax, questions START at 7p

MON, OCT 20 | 7:00

Free Flo Box presents CARRIE

This one-night-only screening of Brian De Palma’s  CARRIE (1976) is presented by  The Free Flo Box, a Dayton nonprofit dedicated to fighting period poverty and ending the stigma surrounding menstruation. Chosen for its deep resonance with themes of shame, bodily autonomy, and the policing of young women’s bodies, CARRIE remains one of cinema’s most haunting explorations of the consequences of fear and repression. Adapted from Stephen King’s debut novel, the film follows Carrie White, a shy and ostracized teenager whose telekinetic powers erupt after years of bullying and cruelty—culminating in one of horror’s most iconic climaxes.
Join us at  THE NEON for an unforgettable evening where the horror of stigma—on screen and off—takes center stage. Proceeds from this screening will go directly toward The Free Flo Box, ensuring access to essential products and fighting period poverty in our community.
Tickets $12.50 each.

THU, OCT 23  | 7:30

WELCOME TO RAP CAMPP

"What happens when you throw some of the region’s most hungry emcees and producers into a camp-style grind session for one weekend with one goal: make something dope and do it together? RAP CAMPP is a love letter to hip-hop, community, and the Dayton scene that raised us. This ain’t just about bars. It’s about building something out of nothing, holding the mic for the next voice, and doing it with people who care about the culture. Come see the highs, the laughs, the freestyles, and the real moments that made this weekend unforgettable. Shot by City of Gems. Made by and for the city."
Tickets are $10 each.

TUE, OCT 28 | 8:00

UD SLASHER NIGHT 2025

Slasher Night 4 at THE NEON—hosted by Bryan Bardine and Chris Burnside from the UD English Department returns on Thursday, Oct. 30 at 7:30. This year we open with TUCKER AND DALE VS. EVIL, directed by Eli Craig, starring Alan Tudyk and Tyler Labine. The evening will conclude after a short break with John Carpenter’s classic HALLOWEEN, starring Jamie Lee Curtis in her first major role.  The festivities begin at 7:30 and the cost is $20 for both films, so you get two for the price of one.  This is the first time we have had a horror comedy for Slasher Night, and while it is certainly comedic, Tucker and Dale doesn’t skimp on the gore. It should be a scary good night!

THU, OCT 30 | 7:30

QUO VADIS AIDA?

QUO VADIS, AIDA? is being shown as part of a series of events in advance of the 30th Anniversary of the Dayton Peace Accords, initialed in Dayton in 1995.
Bosnia, July 1995 - Aida is a translator for the UN in the small town of Srebrenica. When the Serbian army takes over the town, her family is among the thousands of citizens looking for shelter in the UN camp. As an insider to the negotiations Aida has access to crucial information that she needs to interpret. What is on the horizon for her family and people - rescue or death? Which move should she take?
A one time screening of this Oscar nominated movie will be will be introduced by a member of the Dayton Peace Accords Anniversary Committee. Tickets are FREE  but must be reserved through the link below.

THU, NOV 6 | 7:30

Neon Nostalgia Night presents CASABLANCA

As an avid reader of our newsletter, you're the first to know that our Fall NEON Nostalgia Night selection will be CASABLANCA...and tickets will go on sale this Friday!

More details about the pre-screening cocktail hour will be coming soon.  We're excited to Megan and her team to bring this film to bring this event to life.  Tickets will be $12.50 each.

THU, NOV 13 | 7:30

Exhibition On Screen: CARAVAGGIO

We're so delighted to once again partner with Dayton Art Institute for another Exhibition On Screen presentation.
"Five years in production, this is the most extensive film ever made about one of the greatest artists of all time – Caravaggio. Featuring masterpiece after masterpiece and with first-hand testimony from the artist himself on the eve of his mysterious disappearance, this beautiful new film reveals Caravaggio as never before. Multi-award-winning filmmakers David Bickerstaff and Phil Grabsky delve into the hidden narratives of Caravaggio’s life, piecing together clues embedded within his incredible art."
This screening will be followed by a presentation from Dr. Jerry Smith from Dayton Art Institute. Sunday, Nov. 16 at 5:00. Tickets are $12.50 each.
Anyone with a DAI membership card gets FREE POPCORN at this screening!

SUN, NOV 16 | 5:00

Thank you for all of your support,
Jonathan

WEDNESDAY, OCT 8 – THURSDAY, OCT 16:

ELEANOR THE GREAT(PG-13) 1 Hr 38 Min
Wednesday & Thursday (Oct 8 & 9): 2:50, 5:00
Friday: 12:30, 2:40, 4:50
Saturday & Sunday: No Screenings
Monday & Tuesday: 2:50, 5:00, 7:15
FINAL DAY – Oct. 14!

THE SUMMER BOOK (NR) 1 Hr 30 Min
Wednesday (Oct 8): 2:00, 4:10, 6:15
Thursday (Oct 9): 3:00, 5:10
FINAL DAY - Oct. 9!

Greg Sestero presents THE ROOM (R) 1 Hr 39 Min
Wednesday (Oct 8): 7:30, 8:30

Greg Sestero presents BIG SHARK (PG-13) 1 Hr 39 Min
Wednesday (Oct 8): 10:00

OUT HERE DAYTON FILM FEST
OUTERLANDS – Thursday (Oct 9) – 7:30
BLUE MOON – Friday (Oct 10) – 7:30
THE LIBRARIANS – Saturday (Oct 11) – Noon
TOP DRAWER SHORTS – Saturday (Oct 11) – 3:00
WE ARE PAT – Saturday (Oct 11) – 7:00
QUEENS OF THE DEAD – Saturday (Oct 11) – 9:15
STATE OF FIRSTS – Sunday (Oct 12) – Noon
DOCUMENTING WOMEN – Sunday (Oct 12) - 3:00
#300LETTERS – Sunday (Oct 12) – 6:00

KISS OF THE SPIDER WOMAN (R) 2 Hrs 8 Min
Thursday (Oct 9): 7:45
Friday (Oct 10): 11:20, 2:00, 4:40, 7:45
Saturday & Sunday (Oct 11 & 12): 11:20, 2:00, 4:40, 7:20
Monday-Wednesday (Oct 13-15): 2:00, 4:40, 7:20
Thursday (Oct 16): 2:00, 4:40

BALLAD OF A SMALL PLAYER (R) 1 Hr 41 Min
Wednesday (Oct 15): 3:00, 5:15, 7:30
Thursday (Oct 16): 3:00, 5:15, 7:45

CULT MOVIE NIGHT DOUBLE FEATURE:
IDLE HANDS(R) 1 Hr 32 Min & GINGER SNAPS (NR) 1 Hr 48 Min
Thursday (Oct 16): 7:30