The Minnesota Movie Digest: Issue No. 177

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: How to Make a Psycho Killer

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.

Eli Brau – Cinephile Corner

Eli has a few new pieces this week over on Cinephile Corner. In their movie reviews section, he has reviews for the following films:

He is also reviewing a different Hong Kong action movie every Sunday for the first half of 2026. This week, he wrote about Tsui Hark’s 1989 film A Better Tomorrow III: Love and Death in Saigon.

Brian Eggert – Deep Focus Review

On Deep Focus Review, Brian reviewed the following titles:

For his Patreon community, he posted an exclusive review of “Wuthering Heights”.

Finally, Brian appeared on KARE 11 to recommend three movies about the Olympics.

Dallas Fisher – Dallas Goes To The Movies

Over on his website, Dallas reviewed two new releases: Pillion and How to Make a Killing

You can also check out two video reviews over on his Instagram: Wuthering Heights and Crime 101

Hunter Friesen – The Cinema Dispatch

At The Cinema Dispatch, Hunter reviewed How to Make a Killing. He also published his extensive list of the Top 50 Films of the 2020s.

Kyle Goethe – Goat Film Reviews

This week, there are several new release reviews available and a necessary Oscar-nominated documentary.

Jason Hemming – Cinema Recall

On this latest episode of Random Thoughts of a Movie Insomniac for Cinema Recall, The Vern reviews these movies: Send Help, How to Make a Killing, Sirat, Mr. Nobody Against Putin, Wuthering Heights, and The Moment.

C.B. Jacobson – Picturegoer

In this week’s issue of the “Picturegoer” newsletter, thoughts on Sam Raimi’s “Send Help”, Federico Fellini’s “8 1/2”, Robert Mitchum as Philip Marlowe in “Farewell, My Lovely”, Charlie Chaplin in “A Night in the Show”, Lon Chaney Jr. as the “Son of Dracula”, and an episode of “Alfred Hitchcock Presents”.  Follow the link.

Jakob Kolness – JakobTalksFilm

Over at JakobTalksFilm, Jakob finally finishes his Sundance Festival coverage with reviews for Rachel Lambert’s Carousel and NB Mager’s Run Amok! Also up on the site are his Final Winner Predictions for BAFTA (which will have already been announced by the time of this posting), PGA, WGA, and SAG (Actor Awards)!

Be sure to follow him on Twitter, BluSky, and Letterboxd!

Erik Larson – Hamline Oracle

Erik has one new film review this week, covering Kon Ichikawa’s sports documentary masterpiece,  “Tokyo Olympiad” (1965).

Paul McGuire Grimes – Paul’s Trip to the Movies

Check out what Paul has been working on!

Baz Luhrmann Interview – EPiC ELVIS PRESLEY IN CONCERT

WUTHERING HEIGHTS – review

Fox9 Good Day – Your Next TV Binge

Follow Paul across social media @PAULSMOVIETRIP, on Letterboxd, on YouTube, and Patreon.

Mark McPherson – Movies With Mark

Film Reviews:

Brian Orndorf – Blu-Ray.Com

Film Reviews: 

Blu-ray/UHD Reviews: 

Nicholas Palodichuk – St. Paul Filmcast

Film Reviews:

Interview with writer/director Wesley Johnson

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

Follow Us On Social Media
Instagram: @mncritics
Twitter: @MNCritics

The Minnesota Movie Digest: Issue No. 176

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: Nirvanna Heights

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.

Eli Brau – Cinephile Corner

Eli has a few new pieces this week over on Cinephile Corner. In their movie reviews section, he has reviews for the following new releases:

He is also reviewing a different Hong Kong action movie every Sunday for the first half of 2026. This week, he wrote about John Woo’s 1987 film A Better Tomorrow II.

Brian Eggert – Deep Focus Review

On Deep Focus Review, Brian reviewed the following titles:

For his Patreon community, Brian posted a new entry in his essay series, The Definitives, about John Sturges’ Bad Day at Black Rock (1955).

Finally, Brian appeared on the latest episode of The CineFiles. He and Chris Hrapsky discuss Good Luck, Have Fun, Don’t Die, Nirvanna the Band the Show the Movie, Pillion, and Magnolia (1999).

Hunter Friesen – The Cinema Dispatch

At The Cinema Dispatch, Hunter reviewed Pillion and Crime 101. He commenced his series on the 50 best films of the 2020s on his Instagram page.

Jason Hemming – Cinema Recall

Jason “The Vern” Hemming releases another episode of Random Thoughts of a Movie Insomniac, with short reviews of: The Running Man (2025), Marty Supreme, The King of Comedy, The Testament of Ann Lee, and more.

On Cinema Recall’s website, you can read his review of the Oscar nominated Documentary, Mr. Nobody Against Putin.

Over on Rabbit Hole Podcasts, check out a new episode of The Rotten Truth, a podcast that looks at low scores on Rotten Tomatoes to see how bad they really are. On this edition, Donnie Roberts and The Vern watch the feature film debut of controversial comedian Andrew “Dice” Clay, and his feature, The Adventures of Ford Fairlane.

Jakob Kolness – JakobTalksFilm

Over at JakobTalksFilm, Jakob reviews Gore Verbinski’s wild Good Luck, Have Fun, Dont Die, the Sam Riley-starring resort-set thriller Islands, and continues to catch up on Sundance reviews with Rock Springs!

Be sure to follow him on Twitter, BluSky, and Letterboxd!

Erik Larson – Hamline Oracle

Erik hosted the February edition of the Secret Movie Night at Emagine Willow Creek and selected “Ace in the Hole” (1951). Thank you to everyone who showed up!

Ruth Maramis – FlixChatter

Review: SCARLET (2025) – A medieval princess on a vengeful quest in this Hamlet-inspired action fantasy anime feature

Review: Good Luck, Have Fun, Don’t Die – Sam Rockwell lets it rip in this wild, wacky, chaotic anti-AI sci-fi satire

Review: CRIME 101 (2026) – Hemsworth & Ruffalo reunite in this stylish, moody Michael Mann-esque heist flick

Connect with FlixChatter on Letterboxd and social media » Instagram | Twitter | Bluesky

Paul McGuire Grimes – Paul’s Trip to the Movies

Paul is here with new reviews, articles, and a fun interview to share!

Good Luck, Have Fun, Don’t Die – Review

Crime 101 – review

Chris Hemsworth and Halle Berry Interview – Crime 101

Paul’s Weekly Newsletter – Remembering James Van Der Beek

Book Review – The Last Kings of Hollywood by Paul Fischer

Follow Paul across social media @PAULSMOVIETRIP, on Letterboxd, on YouTube, and Patreon.

Mark McPherson – Movies With Mark

Film Reviews:

Brian Orndorf – Blu-Ray.Com

Film Reviews:

Blue-ray/UHD Reviews:

Nicholas Palodichuk – St. Paul Filmcast

Film Reviews:

Podcast interview with actress Gael Palen

Tyler Strandberg – Cinefied

Tyler’s latest on Cinefied dives into pop chaos with The Moment and rides into Westeros lore with A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms, two very different worlds united by sharp storytelling and big swings.

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

Follow Us On Social Media
Instagram: @mncritics
Twitter: @MNCritics

The Minnesota Movie Digest: Issue No. 175

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: Good Luck, Kill Dracula, Don’t Whistle

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.

Eli Brau – Cinephile Corner

Eli has a few new pieces this week over on Cinephile Corner. In their movie reviews section, he has reviews for the following past/classic releases:

He is also reviewing a different Hong Kong action movie every Sunday for the first half of 2026. This week, he wrote about John Woo’s 1986 film A Better Tomorrow.

Brian Eggert – Deep Focus Review

On Deep Focus Review, Brian reviewed the following titles:

For his community on Patreon, Brian posted an exclusive review of The Strangers: Chapter 3.

Dallas Fisher – Dallas Goes To The Movies

Dallas has two new reviews over at his website that are actually for movies released last weekend, but they’re still playing in theaters:

You can also see some video reviews for a few newer releases on his Instagram:

Hunter Friesen – The Cinema Dispatch

At The Cinema Dispatch, Hunter reviewed Josephine out of the Sundance Film Festival. He also has an early review for Good Luck, Have Fun, Don’t Die.

He also made a list of predictions of who will be the jury president of this year’s Cannes Film Festival.

Jakob Kolness – JakobTalksFilm

Over at JakobTalksFilm, Jakob catches up on Sundance reviews for Chasing Summer, Union County, and the Audience and Dramatic Prize winner Josephine!

Be sure to follow him on Twitter, BluSky, and Letterboxd!

Erik Larson – Hamline Oracle

Erik published two new film reviews this week:

He has also been invited by Emagine Willow Creek to host the February 11th edition of their Secret Movie Night series. Tickets are still available!

Matthew Liedke – Liedke on Film

At his site, Liedke reviewed recent releases “Mercy,” “Shelter,” and “Send Help.”

Ruth Maramis – FlixChatter

Connect with FlixChatter on Letterboxd and social media » Instagram | Twitter | Bluesky

Paul McGuire Grimes – Paul’s Trip to the Movies

Paul is back with some new reviews and interviews

You can find Paul on social media @PAULSMOVIETRIP, Letterboxd, YouTube, and Patreon

Brian Orndorf – Blu-Ray.Com

Film Reviews:

Blu-ray/UHD Reviews:

Nicholas Palodichuk – St. Paul Filmcast

Film Reviews:

Interview with writer/illustrator Dennis Vogen

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

Follow Us On Social Media
Instagram: @mncritics
Twitter: @MNCritics

The Individual Top Tens of 2025

The recent MNFCA Awards delivered a composite consensus for what our members deemed the best films of the year. But how would things look if we broke it down to an individual level? Well, that’s exactly what we’ve done with this article!

Each member of the MNFCA was asked to submit their individual film lists. We encourage you to use these lists as a jumping-off point for discovering some great films that came out in 2025, and appreciate the great work that all of our members do!

Joe Botten – The MN Movie Man

  1. Train Dreams
  2. The Testament of Ann Lee
  3. Frankenstein
  4. Sinners
  5. Song Sung Blue
  6. Sentimental Value
  7. Sirât
  8. Weapons
  9. A Nice Indian Boy
  10. Friendship

Eli Brau – Cinephile Corner

  1. One Battle After Another
  2. The Phoenician Scheme
  3. Eddington
  4. Cloud
  5. Wake Up Dead Man: A Knives Out Mystery
  6. Marty Supreme
  7. Weapons
  8. Final Destination Bloodlines
  9. Wick Is Pain
  10. Mission: Impossible – The Final Reckoning

Brian Eggert – Deep Focus Review

  1. One Battle After Another
  2. Marty Supreme
  3. Sentimental Value
  4. The Mastermind
  5. Mickey 17
  6. If I Had Legs I’d Kick You
  7. The Long Walk
  8. Sinners
  9. The Shrounds
  10. The Life of Chuck

Dallas Fisher – Dallas Goes To The Movies

  1. Black Bag
  2. Train Dreams
  3. Warfare
  4. One Battle After Another
  5. Caught Stealing
  6. Freaky Tales
  7. Sinners
  8. The Life of Chuck
  9. Marty Supreme
  10. Twinless

Hunter Friesen – The Cinema Dispatch

  1. Hamnet
  2. April
  3. Marty Supreme
  4. Frankenstein
  5. Sentimental Value
  6. Train Dreams
  7. Resurrection
  8. Is This Thing On?
  9. No Other Choice
  10. Jay Kelly

Kyle Goethe – Goat Film Reviews

  1. The Long Walk
  2. One Battle After Another
  3. Friendship
  4. Sinners
  5. 28 Years Later
  6. The Testament of Ann Lee
  7. Wake Up Dead Man: A Knives Out Mystery
  8. It Was Just an Accident
  9. Bad Shabbos
  10. Marty Supreme

Barrett Goetz – The Screen Mash

  1. One Battle After Another
  2. Sinners
  3. Marty Supreme
  4. Weapons
  5. Frankenstein
  6. Train Dreams
  7. Hamnet
  8. It Was Just an Accident
  9. Zootopia 2
  10. Superman

Matt Hambidge – FandomWire

  1. Marty Supreme
  2. Sinners
  3. Black Bag
  4. Sentimental Value
  5. Is This Thing On?
  6. No Other Choice
  7. Sketch
  8. Splitsville
  9. It Was Just an Accident
  10. Weapons

Zach Hammill – Movie Friend

  1. One Battle After Another
  2. Friendship
  3. Sentimental Value
  4. Sinners
  5. Sorry, Baby
  6. Weapons
  7. Superman
  8. It Was Just an Accident
  9. Die My Love
  10. KPop Demon Hunters

Jason Hemming – Cinema Recall

  1. One Battle After Another
  2. Sentimental Value
  3. Weapons
  4. Bugonia
  5. The Naked Gun
  6. The Housemaid
  7. Eddington
  8. Nouvelle Vague
  9. The Toxic Avenger
  10. F1

Jakob Kolness – JakobTalksFilm

  1. One Battle After Another
  2. Marty Supreme
  3. Sentimental Value
  4. 28 Years Later
  5. The Secret Agent
  6. Sinners
  7. Hamnet
  8. Weapons
  9. Black Bag
  10. Blue Moon

Catherine Krummey – Veg Out Recipes

  1. Hamnet
  2. One Battle After Another
  3. Sinners
  4. Bob Trevino Likes It
  5. Sorry, Baby
  6. Come See Me in the Good Light
  7. All That’s Left of You
  8. One of Them Days
  9. Jay Kelly
  10. The Testament of Ann Lee

Tim Lammers – Forbes

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Erik Larson – Hamline Oracle

  1. No Other Choice
  2. It Was Just an Accident
  3. One Battle After Another
  4. Sentimental Value
  5. Rental Family
  6. KPop Demon Hunters
  7. Sinners
  8. Hamnet
  9. Superman
  10. Song Sung Blue

Brad Lenz – The Screen Mash

  1. Sinners
  2. It Was Just an Accident
  3. Twinless
  4. Train Dreams
  5. Weapons
  6. Sentimental Value
  7. Hamnet
  8. Marty Supreme
  9. Bring Her Back
  10. One Battle After Another

Matthew Liedke – Liedke on Film

  1. No Other Choice
  2. Bugonia
  3. Sentimental Value
  4. Blue Moon
  5. Frankenstein
  6. The Phoenician Scheme
  7. Wake Up Dead Man
  8. Rental Family
  9. Sorry, Baby
  10. Rosemead

Ruth Maramis – FlixChatter

  1. Hamnet
  2. Sentimental Value
  3. Train Dreams
  4. Frankenstein
  5. The Secret Agent
  6. One Battle After Another
  7. Black Bag
  8. Sinners
  9. Rental Family
  10. Checkpoint Zoo

Paul McGuire Grimes – Paul’s Trip to the Movies

  1. One Battle After Another
  2. Sinners
  3. The Life of Chuck
  4. Hamnet
  5. Weapons
  6. Marty Supreme
  7. Jay Kelly
  8. Wicked: For Good
  9. Train Dreams
  10. Is This Thing On?

Mark McPherson – Movies With Mark

  1. Resurrection
  2. The Secret Agent
  3. One Battle After Another
  4. Sinners
  5. Frankenstein
  6. Marty Supreme
  7. Sentimental Value
  8. If I Had Legs I’d Kick You
  9. It Was Just an Accident
  10. The Long Walk

Brian Orndorf – Blu-Ray.Com

Unranked:

  • The Ugly Stepsister
  • If I Had Legs I’d Kick You
  • Predator: Killer of Killers
  • Sovereign
  • Highest 2 Lowest
  • A Little Prayer
  • Twinless
  • Rebuilding
  • The Rule of Jenny Pen
  • Roofman

Nicholas Palodichuk – St. Paul Filmcast

  1. Hamnet
  2. Sinners
  3. Marty Supreme
  4. Weapons
  5. One Battle After Another
  6. Frankenstein
  7. Train Dreams
  8. Sentimental Value
  9. Nouvelle Vague
  10. Eephus

Tyler Strandberg – Cinefied

  1. Jay Kelly
  2. Thunderbolts*
  3. Materialists
  4. Twinless
  5. If I Had Legs I’d Kick You
  6. KPop Demon Hunter
  7. Hamnet
  8. Elio
  9. Frankenstein
  10. The Fantastic 4: First Steps

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

Follow Us On Social Media
Instagram: @mncritics
Twitter: @MNCritics

The Minnesota Movie Digest: No. 174

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: Send Shelter

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.

Eli Brau – Cinephile Corner

Eli has a few new pieces this week over on Cinephile Corner. In their movie reviews section, he has reviews for the following new releases:

He is also reviewing a different Hong Kong action movie every Sunday for the first half of 2026. This week, he wrote about John Woo’s 1979 film Last Hurrah for Chivalry.

Brian Eggert – Deep Focus Review

On Deep Focus Review, Brian reviewed Send Help and Shelter.

He also posted an expanded version of his essay in The Definitives about Jules Dassin’s Brute Force (1947).

For more of Brian’s exclusive reviews and essays, please consider joining DFR’s community on Patreon.

Brian also appeared opposite Chris Hrapsky on the latest episode of The CineFiles, where they discussed Send Help, The Rip, and Mercy.

Hunter Friesen – The Cinema Dispatch

At The Cinema Dispatch, Hunter reviewed Shelter and The Wrecking Crew. He also previewed all the films he planned on seeing at the (virtual) Sundance Film Festival.

Kyle Goethe – Goat Film Reviews

GOAT Film Reviews has reviews for two new releases this week!

C.B. Jacobson – Picturegoer

In this week’s “Picturegoer” newsletter, thoughts on “Mercy”, “The Amazing Dr. Clitterhouse”, “Evil of Frankenstein”, “Strike”, “There Will Be Blood”, and “Dropsie Avenue”.  Follow the link.

Jakob Kolness – JakobTalksFilm

Over at JakobTalksFilm, Jakob reviews Sam Raimi’s return to horror, Send Help, and shares his Personal Awards for the films of 2025!

Be sure to follow him on Twitter, BluSky, and Letterboxd!

Erik Larson – Hamline Oracle

Erik has one new film review this week, covering “Avatar: Fire and Ash” (2025).

Ruth Maramis – FlixChatter

Connect with FlixChatter on Letterboxd and social media » Instagram | Twitter | Bluesky

Mark McPherson – Movies With Mark

Film Reviews:

Brian Orndorf – Blu-Ray.Com

Film Reviews:

Blu-ray/UHD Reviews:

Nicholas Palodichuk – St. Paul Filmcast

Film Reviews:

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

Follow Us On Social Media
Instagram: @mncritics
Twitter: @MNCritics

The Minnesota Movie Digest: Issue No. 173

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: 28 Rips Later

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

The MN Movie Man has just returned from Las Vegas, where he sought out every movie-themed slot machine to play (pro-tip: go for the Willy Wonka one for max enjoyment) and caught the stunning new release of The Wizard of Oz at Sphere.

Despite much internal struggle, he’s finalized his annual wrap-up of 2025 with his list of the Best, Worst, and Surprises of the year.

2026 is off to a smashing start at his site, and if you’ve been waiting to catch up — now is the time. In addition to new reviews of The Rip, Primate, and People We Meet on Vacation, you can plan your next binge with reviews of Season 2 of HBO’s blockbuster hit The Pitt and the new Netflix mystery His & Hers. A number of new ‘old’ reviews will be coming in the next week, and if you haven’t yet signed up to receive notifications, you can do that here!

Over at  Loud and Clear Reviews, check out his review of Agatha Christie’s Seven Dials as well as Sleepwalker.

Be sure to follow The MN Movie Man on Instagram, Letterboxd, TikTok, and Facebook for his weekly early looks at upcoming films and other updates between newsletters!

Eli Brau – Cinephile Corner

Eli has a few new pieces this week over on Cinephile Corner. In their movie reviews section, he has reviews for the following new releases:

Matt Clark – Kino Ventura

Matt took a look at two crime films this week: Ben Affleck and Matt Damon’s Netflix release, as well as a Belgian film from 2024 that just dropped onto VOD:

Brian Eggert – Deep Focus Review

On Deep Focus Review, Brian reviewed the following titles:

Brian also appeared on “Gorman in the Morning” on KQRS (92.5 FM) to discuss several new releases in theaters right now.

On the latest episode of the streaming show The CineFiles, Brian and co-hosts Chris Hrapsky and Jamie Rogers discuss No Other Choice, Is This Thing On?, and 28 Years Later: The Bone Temple.

Finally, on Brian’s Patreon, he posted a new entry in his essay series, The Definitives, about The Battle of Algiers (1966).

Dallas Fisher – Dallas Goes To The Movies

Over at Dallas Goes to the Movies this week, Dallas has three new movie reviews:

There are also two new video reviews for you to enjoy!

Looking forward to a great 2026 at the movies!

Hunter Friesen – The Cinema Dispatch

At The Cinema Dispatch, Hunter reviewed 28 Years Later: The Bone Temple, Dead Man’s Wire, and The Rip.

Kyle Goethe – Goat Film Reviews

Over on GOAT Film Reviews, you can find reviews for two new releases:

You can also find a new Dispatch, another set of mini-reviews for Reflection in a Dead Diamond, Springsteen: Deliver Me from Nowhere, Predator: Killer of Killers, The Plague, and The Luckiest Man in America: Dispatches from 2025!

If you missed my Top Ten Films of 2025 or my Most Anticipated Films of 2026, you can find those as well!

C.B. Jacobson – Picturegoer

Two new “issues” of the Picturegoer newsletter this week!  Issue 45 covers “28 Years Later”, “Dumb and Dumber”, “It’s Christmastime Again, Charlie Brown”, “Love in the Afternoon” and “Stir Crazy”; issue 46 covers “The Bone Temple”, “The Blue Angel”, “Chi-Raq”, “The Mouse That Roared” and “Spaceballs”.  Follow the links!

Jakob Kolness – JakobTalksFilm

Over at JakobTalksFilm, Jakob reviews 28 Years Later: The Bone Temple and presents his FINAL 2026 Oscar Nomination Predictions before Thursday’s big announcement. 

Be sure to follow him on Twitter, BluSky, and Letterboxd!

Catherine Krummey – Veg Out Recipes

Catherine has one new review on The Feed: “28 Years Later: The Bone Temple.” Additionally, she appeared on The Revisionist’s Almanac podcast for a special 2025 Year-End Collaboration.

Matthew Liedke – Liedke on Film

At his site, Liedke has been busy reviewing award contenders and other movies from the film fest circuit. Recently, he’s reviewed “Arco,” “Die My Love,” “Frankenstein,” “Hamnet,” “Hedda,” “If I Had Legs I’d Kick You,” “Jay Kelly,” “Kiss of the Spider Woman,” “Marty Supreme,” “No Other Choice,” “Nouvelle Vague,” “Rental Family,” “Rosemead,” “The Secret Agent,” “Sentimental Value,” “Song Sung Blue,” “The Testament of Ann Lee,” “Train Dreams” and “Wake Up Dead Man.”

Mark McPherson – Movies With Mark

Film Reviews:

Brian Orndorf – Blu-Ray.Com

Film Reviews: 

Blu-ray/UHD Reviews:

Nicholas Palodichuk – St. Paul Filmcast

Podcast Reviews:

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

Follow Us On Social Media
Instagram: @mncritics
Twitter: @MNCritics

The Minnesota Movie Digest: Issue No. 172

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: Dead Man’s Migration

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.

Eli Brau – Cinephile Corner

Eli has a few new pieces this week over on Cinephile Corner. In their movie reviews section, he has reviews for the following new releases:

He also updated his ranking of Edgar Wright’s movies following the release of The Running Man and his ranking of Avatar movies following the release of Fire and Ash. Lastly, he listed the 50 best movies of 2025

Matt Clark – Kino Ventura

Matt kicked off 2026 with both his annual Year in Review, discussing some of his favorite theatrical experiences, as well as a Newsletter where he goes into detail on three recent film adaptations of Donald E. Westlake novels (Play Dirty, The Actor, and No Other Choice)

Additionally, he knocked out a pair of reviews for two indie crime films that had been kicking around the festival circuit:

Brian Eggert – Deep Focus Review

On Deep Focus Review, Brian reviewed the following titles:

Brian also appeared as a guest on two podcasts: First, he discussed Rental Family with Dr. Marcia Sirota on the Reel Mental podcast. Then, he appeared on the Movie of the Year podcast to discuss Ken Russell’s The Devils (1971).

For the streaming show The CineFiles, Brian and co-hosts Chris Hrapsky and Jamie Rogers shared their Top 10 Movies of 2025.

On January 10, Brian returned to KARE 11 Saturday to discuss two new releases in theaters: Is This Thing On? and Father Mother Sister Brother.

On Brian’s Patreon, he posted the following:

Hunter Friesen – The Cinema Dispatch

At The Cinema Dispatch, Hunter reviewed The Chronology of Water. He also published his Top 10 Films of 2025 at the Eden Prairie Local News and the Woodbury News Net.

Jay Gabler – Duluth News Tribune

For The Tangential, Jay reviewed Sentimental Value and Train Dreams. And then at the Duluth News Tribune, he reviewed Marty Supreme and The Hockey Mom’s Revenge.

Jason Hemming – Cinema Recall

Better late than never.  Over on The Cinema Recall podcast. It’s The Vern’s Top 10 Movies of 2025 and his 5 worst.

C.B. Jacobson – Picturegoer

In this week’s “Picturegoer” newsletter, Sydney Sweeney and Amanda Seyfried in “The Housemaid”; the horror anthology “Dr. Terror’s House of Horrors”; David Bowie in Jim Henson’s “Labyrinth”; James Cagney and Olivia de Havilland in “The Strawberry Blonde”; the silent classic “Waxworks”; and Peter Biskind’s Warren Beatty biography “Star”.  Follow the link.

Jakob Kolness – JakobTalksFilm

Over at JakobTalksFilm, Jakob reviews Song Sung Blue and announces his picks for the Top 10 TV Series of 2025 and his Most Anticipated Films of 2026!

Be sure to follow him on Twitter, BluSky, and Letterboxd!

Catherine Krummey – Veg Out Recipes

Catherine shared her Best of 2025 lists: Movies Part One | Movies Part Two | Television

You can also check out her Letterboxd year in review. She watched nearly 500 films!

She finally finished a years-long project of adding the nearly 9,000 films she’s seen to genre lists, century lists, decade lists, and year lists.

Additionally, Catherine continued this year’s FYC Friday series with quick thoughts on some notable 2025 releases, including “Deaf President Now,” “The Voice of Hind Rajab,” and more. Her Wayback Wednesday series returned last week with a look back at 1926.

Ruth Maramis – FlixChatter

Review: The Secret Agent (2025) – A tense, vivid and surreal journey during Brazil’s ‘time of mischief’ with the magnetic Wagner Moura

FlixChatter’s 10 Favorite Music Scores + Soundtracks of 2025

Review: Father Mother Sister Brother (2025) – Jim Jarmusch’s droll, eccentric, dysfunctional-family triptych with a stellar cast

Double Reviews: featuring directorial debuts of Kristen Stewart – ‘The Chronology of Water’ & Kate Winslet – ‘Goodbye June’

Review: GREENLAND 2: MIGRATION (2025) – a drab and dull sequel desperately looking for vibrant new signs of life

I finally posted my Top 10 Movies of 2025 + Honorable Mentions 

Paul McGuire Grimes – Paul’s Trip to the Movies

Paul McGuire Grimes is back with some new interviews, interviews, and media appearances this week!

Jon Bernthal & Tessa Thompson Interview – HIS & HERS

THE HOUSEMAID – review

Catch Me If You Can & Minority Report – 4K Reviews

A Spotlight on Rob Reiner – My Weekly Patreon Newsletter

The 2025 Actor Awards The Nominees Are… – Patreon

One Battle After Another – Oscar Frontrunner – My rundown of the CCA and MNFCA Winners – Patreon

Mark McPherson – Movies With Mark

Film Reviews:

Brian Orndorf – Blu-Ray.Com

End of Year:

Film Reviews: 

Blu-ray/UHD Reviews:

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

Follow Us On Social Media
Instagram: @mncritics
Twitter: @MNCritics

MNFCA Awards 2025

The Minnesota Film Critics Association (MNFCA) is proud to announce the winners of their 2025 annual Film Awards. This year, One Battle After Another claimed the top honor of Best Picture and received a total of four awards, the most of any nominated film.

Best Picture

  • WINNER: One Battle After Another
  • Hamnet
  • Marty Supreme
  • Sentimental Value
  • Sinners

Best Director

  • WINNER: Paul Thomas Anderson – One Battle After Another
  • Ryan Coogler – Sinners
  • Josh Safdie – Marty Supreme
  • Joachim Trier – Sentimental Value
  • Chloé Zhao – Hamnet

Best Lead Actor

  • WINNER: Timotheé Chalamet – Marty Supreme
  • Leonardo DiCaprio – One Battle After Another
  • Joel Edgerton – Train Dreams
  • Ethan Hawke – Blue Moon
  • Michael B. Jordan – Sinners

Best Lead Actress

  • WINNER: Jessie Buckley – Hamnet
  • Rose Byrne – If I Had Legs I’d Kick You
  • Chase Infiniti – One Battle After Another
  • Renate Reinsve – Sentimental Value
  • Amanda Seyfried – The Testament of Ann Lee

Best Supporting Actor

  • WINNER: Stellan Skarsgård – Sentimental Value
  • Benicio del Toro – One Battle After Another
  • Jacob Elordi – Frankenstein
  • Paul Mescal – Hamnet
  • Sean Penn – One Battle After Another

Best Supporting Actress

  • WINNER: Amy Madigan – Weapons
  • Elle Fanning – Sentimental Value
  • Inga Ibsdotter Lilleaas – Sentimental Value
  • Wunmi Mosaku – Sinners
  • Teyana Taylor – One Battle After Another

Best Ensemble

  • WINNER: One Battle After Another
  • Marty Supreme
  • Sentimental Value
  • Sinners
  • Wake Up Dead Man

Best Adapted Screenplay

  • WINNER: One Battle After Another– Paul Thomas Anderson
  • Frankenstein – Guillermo del Toro
  • Hamnet – Chloé Zhao, Maggie O’Farrell
  • No Other Choice – Lee Ja-hye, Lee Kyoung-mi, Don McKellar, Park Chan-wook
  • Wake Up Dead Man – Rian Johnson

Best Original Screenplay

  • WINNER: Sinners – Ryan Coogler
  • It Was Just an Accident – Jafar Panahi
  • Marty Supreme – Ronald Bronstein, Josh Safdie
  • Sentimental Value – Joachim Trier, Eskil Vogt
  • Weapons – Zach Cregger

Best Film Editing

  • WINNER: Marty Supreme
  • F1
  • One Battle After Another
  • Sinners
  • Weapons

Best Cinematography

  • WINNER: Sinners
  • Frankenstein
  • Hamnet
  • One Battle After Another
  • Train Dreams

Best Music

  • WINNER: Sinners
  • Hamnet
  • KPop Demon Hunters
  • Marty Supreme
  • One Battle After Another

Best Costume Design

  • WINNER: Frankenstein
  • Hamnet
  • Marty Supreme
  • Sinners
  • Wicked: For Good

Best Makeup and Hairstyling

  • WINNER: Frankenstein
  • Marty Supreme
  • Sinners
  • The Smashing Machine
  • Wicked: For Good

Best Production Design

  • WINNER: Frankenstein
  • Hamnet
  • Marty Supreme
  • Sinners
  • Wicked: For Good

Best Sound

  • WINNER: F1
  • Mission: Impossible – The Final Reckoning
  • One Battle After Another
  • Sinners
  • Warfare

Best Special Effects

  • WINNER: Avatar: Fire and Ash
  • Frankenstein
  • Sinners
  • Superman
  • Tron: Ares

Best Stunt Choreography

  • WINNER: Mission: Impossible – The Final Reckoning
  • Ballerina
  • F1
  • One Battle After Another
  • Sinners

Best International Feature

  • WINNER: Sentimental Value– Denmark, France, Germany, Norway, Sweden, United Kingdom
  • It Was Just an Accident – France, Iran, Luxembourg
  • No Other Choice – South Korea
  • The Secret Agent – Brazil, France, Germany, Netherlands
  • The Ugly Stepsister – Denmark, Norway, Poland, Sweden

Best Animated Feature

  • WINNER: KPop Demon Hunters
  • Arco
  • Dog Man
  • Elio
  • Zootopia 2

Films with Multiple Nominations

NominationsFilm
15Sinners
14One Battle After Another
10Marty Supreme
9Sentimental Value
8Hamnet
7Frankenstein
3F1
Weapons
Wicked: For Good
2It Was Just an Accident
KPop Demon Hunters
Mission: Impossible – The Final Reckoning
No Other Choice
Train Dreams
Wake Up Dead Man

Films with Multiple Wins

WinsFilm
4One Battle After Another
3Sinners
Frankenstein
2Marty Supreme
Sentimental Value

MNFCA Awards 2025 – Nominations

The Minnesota Film Critics Association (MNFCA) is proud to announce the nominees for their 2025 annual Film Awards. This year, the MNFCA nominated 31 different films, with Sinners and One Battle After Another leading the nominations. Below is the full list of nominees. Winners will be announced on January 02.

Best Picture

  • Hamnet
  • Marty Supreme
  • One Battle After Another
  • Sentimental Value
  • Sinners

Best Director

  • Paul Thomas Anderson – One Battle After Another
  • Ryan Coogler – Sinners
  • Josh Safdie – Marty Supreme
  • Joachim Trier – Sentimental Value
  • Chloé Zhao – Hamnet

Best Lead Actor

  • Timotheé Chalamet – Marty Supreme
  • Leonardo DiCaprio – One Battle After Another
  • Joel Edgerton – Train Dreams
  • Ethan Hawke – Blue Moon
  • Michael B. Jordan – Sinners

Best Lead Actress

  • Jessie Buckley – Hamnet
  • Rose Byrne – If I Had Legs I’d Kick You
  • Chase Infiniti – One Battle After Another
  • Renate Reinsve – Sentimental Value
  • Amanda Seyfried – The Testament of Ann Lee

Best Supporting Actor

  • Benicio del Toro – One Battle After Another
  • Jacob Elordi – Frankenstein
  • Paul Mescal – Hamnet
  • Sean Penn – One Battle After Another
  • Stellan Skarsgård – Sentimental Value

Best Supporting Actress

  • Elle Fanning – Sentimental Value
  • Inga Ibsdotter Lilleaas – Sentimental Value
  • Amy Madigan – Weapons
  • Wunmi Mosaku – Sinners
  • Teyana Taylor – One Battle After Another

Best Ensemble

  • Marty Supreme
  • One Battle After Another
  • Sentimental Value
  • Sinners
  • Wake Up Dead Man

Best Adapted Screenplay

  • Frankenstein – Guillermo del Toro
  • Hamnet – Chloé Zhao, Maggie O’Farrell
  • No Other Choice – Lee Ja-hye, Lee Kyoung-mi, Don McKellar, Park Chan-wook
  • One Battle After Another – Paul Thomas Anderson
  • Wake Up Dead Man – Rian Johnson

Best Original Screenplay

  • It Was Just an Accident – Jafar Panahi
  • Marty Supreme – Ronald Bronstein, Josh Safdie
  • Sentimental Value – Joachim Trier, Eskil Vogt
  • Sinners – Ryan Coogler
  • Weapons – Zach Cregger

Best Film Editing

  • F1
  • Marty Supreme
  • One Battle After Another
  • Sinners
  • Weapons

Best Cinematography

  • Frankenstein
  • Hamnet
  • One Battle After Another
  • Sinners
  • Train Dreams

Best Music

  • Hamnet
  • KPop Demon Hunters
  • Marty Supreme
  • One Battle After Another
  • Sinners

Best Costume Design

  • Frankenstein
  • Hamnet
  • Marty Supreme
  • Sinners
  • Wicked: For Good

Best Makeup & Hairstyling

  • Frankenstein
  • Marty Supreme
  • Sinners
  • The Smashing Machine
  • Wicked: For Good

Best Production Design

  • Frankenstein
  • Hamnet
  • Marty Supreme
  • Sinners
  • Wicked: For Good

Best Sound

  • F1
  • Mission: Impossible – The Final Reckoning
  • One Battle After Another
  • Sinners
  • Warfare

Best Special Effects

  • Avatar: Fire and Ash
  • Frankenstein
  • Sinners
  • Superman
  • Tron: Ares

Best Stunt Choreography

  • Ballerina
  • F1
  • Mission: Impossible – The Final Reckoning
  • One Battle After Another
  • Sinners

Best International Feature

  • It Was Just an Accident – France, Iran, Luxembourg
  • No Other Choice – South Korea
  • The Secret Agent – Brazil, France, Germany, Netherlands
  • Sentimental Value – Denmark, France, Germany, Norway, Sweden, United Kingdom
  • The Ugly Stepsister – Denmark, Norway, Poland, Sweden

Best Animated Feature

  • Arco
  • Dog Man
  • Elio
  • KPop Demon Hunters
  • Zootopia 2

Films with Multiple Nominations

NominationsFilm
15Sinners
14One Battle After Another
10Marty Supreme
9Sentimental Value
8Hamnet
7Frankenstein
3F1
Weapons
Wicked: For Good
2It Was Just an Accident
KPop Demon Hunters
Mission: Impossible – The Final Reckoning
No Other Choice
Train Dreams
Wake Up Dead Man

The Minnesota Movie Digest: Issue No. 171

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: Avatar: The Search for Squarepants

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.

Eli Brau – Cinephile Corner

Eli has a few new pieces this week over on Cinephile Corner. In their movie reviews section, he has reviews for the following new releases:

He also updated his rankings of Noah Baumbach’s best movies following the release of Jay Kelly and Paul Mescal’s best movies following the release of Hamnet, and ranked every Knives Out movie from worst to best.

Brian Eggert – Deep Focus Review

On Deep Focus Review, Brian reviewed:

In addition, he posted his Top 10 Films of 2025 list.

Brian also appeared on the latest episode of The CineFiles, discussing Marty Supreme, Ella McCay, and the Warner Bros. acquisition drama.

On Brian’s Patreon, he shared a series of year-end lists with his subscribers, including the Top 25 Films of 2025, Brian’s “Favorite Things” (a list of the year’s best performances, technical craft, genre entries, etc.), the Top 25 Discs of 2025, and the Top 10 Movie-Related Books of 2025.

Dallas Fisher – Dallas Goes To The Movies

I can’t believe it’s already the end of the year, but that means I have basically wrapped up my watching of 2025 movies.

I have two new things to read on my website this week:

1. My third and final FYC Cinema Catch-up Corner is here. 

2. Some of those movies might have even made my Top Ten Movies of 2025.

I also put up my Avatar: Fire and Ash on all my social pages!

Hunter Friesen – The Cinema Dispatch

After watching over one hundred films throughout the year, Hunter finally unveiled his Top 10 of 2025. He also updated his Oscar predictions.

Jay Gabler – Duluth News Tribune

For The Tangential, Jay reviewed Hamnet.

Kyle Goethe – Goat Film Reviews

Over at GOAT Film Reviews, we have several new releases and awards contenders, including:

Jakob Kolness – JakobTalksFilm

Over at JakobTalksFilm, Jakob reviews James Cameron’s epic threequel, Avatar: Fire & Ash, and at last, presents his Top 10 Films of 2025!

Be sure to follow him on Twitter, BluSky, and Letterboxd!

Catherine Krummey – Veg Out Recipes

Catherine has a new December release review compilation on The Feed that covers “The Testament of Ann Lee,” “Is This Thing On,” “The Housemaid,” “Marty Supreme,” and “Goodbye June.”

She also continued this year’s FYC Friday series with quick thoughts on some notable 2025 releases, including “Springsteen: Deliver Me from Nowhere,” “Spinal Tap II: The End Continues,” “28 Years Later,” and more.

Ruth Maramis – FlixChatter

Connect with FlixChatter on Letterboxd and social media » Instagram | Twitter | Bluesky

Paul McGuire Grimes – Paul’s Trip to the Movies

Paul is back with some new reviews and media appearances this week:

Follow Paul on social media @PAULSMOVIETRIP, Letterboxd, and Patreon

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! 🎬🍿

Follow Us On Social Media
Instagram: @mncritics
Twitter: @MNCritics