The Minnesota Movie Digest: Issue No. 189

The Minnesota Movie Digest, from the Minnesota Film Critics Association, showcases film reviews, essays, and interviews, highlighting latest releases and classic films. Stay updated with film critiques through their social media channels.

The Minnesota Movie Digest: Masters of the Backrooms

Welcome to The Minnesota Movie Digest, the official newsletter from the Minnesota Film Critics Association (MNFCA)!

The MNFCA is a collective of individuals dedicated to celebrating and critically examining the art of film. In this recurring publication, we’ll share a selection of insightful film reviews, absorbing essays, and interviews with film professionals.

Each issue of The Minnesota Movie Digest features a diverse array of perspectives and content. Our members have shared their most recent work with us, covering the latest releases and revisiting classic films that dissect the craft of filmmaking. Explore the links below and get a front-row seat to critically examine the art of film.

Check out the MNFCA Members page to meet our all-star lineup.

And now… The Minnesota Movie Digest.

Joe Botten – The MN Movie Man

Since the last update, The MN Movie Man has logged a lot of miles and even more movies — including a stretch out in Los Angeles that turned into a full-on repertory pilgrimage. Rather than chase the newest releases, he spent the trip hopping between the city’s legendary big-screen institutions: Terminator 2: Judgment Day and Gentlemen Prefer Blondes at the Academy Museum’s David Geffen Theater, a back-to-back of Romy & Michele’s High School Reunion and The Wedding Singer at the Aero, the gloriously over-the-top Cutthroat Island at the Vista, Cinderella at Tarantino’s New Beverly, The Rocketeer‘s 35th Anniversary screening at the El Capitan, and Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone reimagined in immersive dome form at COSM. He also squeezed in new releases, Backrooms, and Masters of the Universe while in town. Keep an eye on Instagram for the full trip diary and which screenings were worth the airfare.

Back home, the review pile has grown considerably. New write-ups are up for Carolina Caroline, Hungry, Chum, Pitfall, Office Romance, Affection, I Love Boosters, Remarkably Bright Creatures, the Cape Fear remake, and the documentary The Thing Expanded — plus earlier additions like Michael, Hokum, and a fresh look at the 1985 ensemble classic Clue.

On the physical media side, there’s a healthy stack of 4K reviews, including catalog favorites Robin Hood: Prince of Thieves, Red Sonja, Soldier, Innerspace, Blue Thunder, and John Carpenter’s Vampires, plus a horror double feature of The Eye and The Birthday.

Over at Loud and Clear Reviews, recent contributions include Mother Mary, Power Ballad, Obsession, the Polish drama Erupcja starring Charli XCX, and Stolen Kingdom — plus, for anyone still recovering from The Devil Wears Prada 2, a fun rundown of Miranda Priestly’s favorite movies.

As always, be sure to follow The MN Movie Man on Instagram, Letterboxd, TikTok, and Facebook for weekly early looks at upcoming films, physical media updates, and other news between newsletters.

Brian Eggert – Deep Focus Review

On Deep Focus Review, Brian recently reviewed:

Brian appeared on KARE 11 Saturday to talk about I Love Boosters and Power Ballad.

He also published a collection of his reviews on the website about Classical Hollywood Cinema.

For his Patreon subscribers, Brian posted a new entry to The Definitives: The Philadelphia Story (1940). Get more of Brian’s work by joining his Patreon community.

Dallas Fisher – Dallas Goes To The Movies

Dallas has a few recent reviews up on his website. If you don’t feel like searching or guessing, you can click below to read specific reviews:

Hunter Friesen – The Cinema Dispatch

At The Cinema Dispatch, Hunter reviewed Masters of the Universe. That review can also be read at the Eden Prairie Local News and the Woodbury News Net.

Kyle Goethe – Goat Film Reviews

This week, I’ve got three new release reviews for a big blockbuster and a few smaller festival hits!

Chaz Kangas – Bring Me the News

For Pride Month, Chaz Kangas speaks with director Jake West on the new Severin restored edition of his late 90s vampire classic ‘Razor Blade Smile’ and how it reflects the late 90s vampire sceneers

Ruth Maramis – FlixChatter

  • Review: Forastera (2025) – A beguiling, haunting tale of familial loss set in Mallorca
  • Review: RENOIR (2025) – 1980s Tokyo seen through the eyes of a precocious, imaginative young girl
  • MAY 2026 Viewing Recap + Mini Review of Spider-Noir TV Series – one of Nic Cage’s best performances
  • Review: TUNER (2026) – Leo Woodall hits all the right notes in this music-themed heist thriller
  • Review: Masters of the Universe (2026) – This toy-based fantasy movie embraces its silly nature and delivers a goofy good time

Paul McGuire Grimes – Paul’s Trip to the Movies

Paul is back with some FUN interviews and reviews.

Don’t forget to follow Paul on social media @PAULSMOVIETRIP, on Letterboxd,  Patreon, and YouTube

Mark McPherson – Movies With Mark

Film Reviews:

Brian Orndorf – Blu-Ray.Com

Film Reviews: 

Blu-ray/UHD Reviews:

Keep your eyes peeled for the latest film critiques, reviews, and news from the Minnesota Film Critics Association! 🎬🍿

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