Author: hunterjfriesen

The Minnesota Movie Digest: The Smashing Anemone

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.

Brian Eggert – Deep Focus Review

On Deep Focus Review, Brian reviewed the following titles:

• After the Hunt
  • Anemone
  • Coyotes
  • Good Boy
  • The Smashing Machine
  • V/H/S/Halloween

Brian also appeared on the latest episode of The CineFiles on KARE 11+, where he discusses One Battle After Another, Eleanor the Great, and A Big Bold Beautiful Journey.

Additionally, for Spooky Season, Brian began a month-long look at postmodern vampire films, exclusively for his Patreon subscribers. The first entry is Daughters of Darkness (1971).

Dallas Fisher – Dallas Goes To The Movies

Head to my website to find new reviews for:

• The Smashing Machine
• The Lost Bus
• Roofman 

I will have reviews up for After the Hunt, A House of Dynamite, Tron: Ares, and John Candy: I Like Me next week. I’m looking forward to attending TCFF later this month!

Hunter Friesen – The Cinema Dispatch

At The Cinema Dispatch, Hunter published reviews for The Smashing Machine and The Lost Bus.

Kyle Goethe – Goat Film Reviews

This week over at GOAT Film Reviews, you can find reviews on new releases, The Smashing Machine, and Anemone!

• [Early Review] The Smashing Machine (2025)
• [Early Review] Anemone (2025)

This week also marks the start of this year’s 31 Days of Horror!

• [31 Days of Horror XII] Day 1 – [Early Review] Good Boy (2025)
• [31 Days of Horror XII] Day 2 – Innocent Blood (1992)
• [31 Days of Horror XII] Day 3 – M3GAN (2022)
• [31 Days of Horror XII] Day 4 – Trick ‘r Treat (2007)

Eric Houston – North Metro TV

Movie Man Eric likes movies.  And he liked I Like Movies.  How do you like that?

C.B. Jacobson – Picturegoer

In this week’s “Picturegoer” newsletter, thoughts on “One Battle After Another”; Lee Van Cleef in the evocatively titled “Death Rides a Horse”; Stan and Ollie meet for the first time in “The Lucky Dog”; Gene Kelly and Frank Sinatra go “On the Town”; horror-comedy “Y2K”; and the latest episode of “Taxi”.  Follow the link.

Jakob Kolness – JakobTalksFilm

Over at JakobTalksFilm, Jakob reviews Benny Safdie’s The Smashing Machine starring Dwayne Johnson and Emily Blunt!

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

Erik Larson – Hamline Oracle

Erik published one review this week, covering the latest film from Paul Thomas Anderson: “One Battle After Another” (2025).

Ruth Maramis – FlixChatter

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

Paul McGuire Grimes – Paul’s Trip to the Movies

Paul McGuire Grimes is back with some new reviews, interviews, and appearances

ROOFMAN interviews with Channing Tatum and Kirsten Dunst

ROOFMAN review

THE LOST BUS review

THE LIFE OF CHUCK Blu-Ray review

Twin Cities Live 10/3 – Roofman, The Lost Bus

My Talk 107.1 – The Lost Bus, Roofman

Big news, Paul is now on PATREON. If you like his work and want more, show some support by subscribing to one of the three tiers! And don’t forget to follow him across social media @PAULSMOVIETRIP and on Letterboxd.

Mark McPherson – Movies With Mark

Film Reviews:

• The Smashing Machine
• Eleanor the Great
• Him (Video Review)

Brian Orndorf – Blu-Ray.Com

Film Reviews:

• Bone Lake
• The Smashing Machine
• Good Boy
• V/H/S Halloween
• Are We Good?
• Scared Shitless
• Coyotes
• Steve
• Killing Faith
• Shell
• Anemone
• Play Dirty

Blu-ray/UHD Reviews:

• Deathstalker
• Deathstalker II: Duel of the Titans
• The Private Files of J. Edgar Hoover
• Special Effects
• Wicked Stepmother

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

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

The Minnesota Movie Digest: One Winter After Another

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:

• One Battle After Another movie review
• The History of Sound movie review
• Preparation for the Next Life movie review
• Splitsville movie review
• Highest 2 Lowest movie review

He also has classic movie reviews for the following films:

• There Will Be Blood movie review
• Punch-Drunk Love movie review
• Everybody Wants Some!! movie review

Lastly, he updated his ranking of Paul Thomas Anderson’s movies following the release of One Battle After Another.

Brian Eggert – Deep Focus Review

On Deep Focus Review, Brian reviewed One Battle After Another and Eleanor the Great.

Brian also reviewed The Strangers: Chapter 2 exclusively for his Patreon subscribers.

Dallas Fisher – Dallas Goes To The Movies

Three new movies hit theaters this weekend, and I have reviews for all of them.

• One Battle After Another
• Eleanor the Great
• The Strangers: Chapter 2 (Video)

The voting for The Sweet Sixteen in my best movie of 2024 tournament starts today (9/29) on my Instagram

Hunter Friesen – The Cinema Dispatch

At The Cinema Dispatch, Hunter reviewed One Battle After Another. He also updated his Oscar predictions, taking into account all the ups and downs of the fall festivals.

Jay Gabler – Duluth News Tribune

For the Duluth News Tribune, Jay reviewed Dead of Winter. Fun fact: in less than a week, this review racked up five times the traffic of his previously most-read News Tribune story this year!

Kyle Goethe – Goat Film Reviews

Over on the GFR website, you can find a review for one of this year’s best films: [Early Review] One Battle After Another (2025)

Jason Hemming – Cinema Recall

Paul Thomas Anderson’s latest is very good! Check out The Vern’s non-spoiler review of One Battle After Another. Also check out our series on other great movies directed by Paul Thomas Anderson.

We are doing episodes on the films of Sean Baker for the Cinema Recall podcast. Check out the first two episodes in our series so far: The Florida Project and Anora.

Eric Houston – North Metro TV

Movie Man Eric watched the Andy Sidaris magnum opus, Do or Die.

C.B. Jacobson – Picturegoer

TWO new issues of the “Picturegoer” newsletter this week!  Issue #29 covers “Weapons”, “Cat O’Nine Tails”, “Die Hard 2”, “Moonstruck”, “Step Brothers” and “Alfred Hitchcock Presents”; issue #30 covers “Spinal Tap II”, “Crime Wave”, “Dave”, “Mighty Joe Young”, “Working Girl” and “Stark Trek”.

Jakob Kolness – JakobTalksFilm

Over at JakobTalksFilm, Jakob reviews Paul Thomas Anderson’s newest film One Battle After Another! 

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

Erik Larson – Hamline Oracle

Erik published one review this week, covering The Highlights of the 77th Primetime Emmy Awards.

Ruth Maramis – FlixChatter

Paul McGuire Grimes – Paul’s Trip to the Movies

Paul McGuire Grimes is back with some new reviews!

ONE BATTLE AFTER ANOTHER review

SUPERMAN on 4K review

Paul’s Trip to the Movies is now on PATREON! Come subscribe for exclusive content and upcoming newsletters.

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

Mark McPherson – Movies With Mark

Film Reviews:

• One Battle After Another
• One Battle After Another (Video Review)
• Marvel Zombies

Brian Orndorf – Blu-Ray.Com

Film Reviews:

• Roofman
• The Strangers: Chapter 2
• Eleanor the Great
• Adulthood
• One Battle After Another
• Dead of Winter
• The Lost Bus
• Gabby’s Dollhouse: The Movie
• Stolen Girl
• All of You

Blu-ray/UHD Reviews:

• The Nick Millard Action Collection
• They Call Her Death
• The Beyond
• Sharksploitation

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

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

The Minnesota Movie Digest: Eleanor’s Big Bold Beautiful Journey

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

Finally back in MN after a terrific TIFFTY (TIFF50),  The MN Movie Man is publishing capsule reviews of the 40+ films he caught in Toronto on his Instagram, and has full reviews of Wake Up Dead Man: A Knives Out Mystery, Ballad of a Small Player, and The Last Viking over at Loud and Clear Reviews.  Also at Loud and Clear Reviews, check out his reviews of Eden and Downton Abbey: The Grand Finale.

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!

Brian Eggert – Deep Focus Review

On Deep Focus Review, Brian reviewed the following titles: A Big Bold Beautiful Journey, Him, and Swiped.

Brian also released an entry from his essay series, The Definitives, from behind the paywall. His piece about Cabaret (1972) is now available to the public for free.

Dallas Fisher – Dallas Goes To The Movies

Over on my website, I have an early review for Scarlett Johansson’s directorial debut, Eleanor the Great, A Big Bold Beautiful Journey, and my first crack at a TV review for Netflix’s Black Rabbit. 

On my Instagram stories, I have started voting for the 2024 movie tournament. You can watch a breakdown of the bracket in this video.

Hunter Friesen – The Cinema Dispatch

At The Cinema Dispatch, Hunter reviewed A Big Bold Beautiful Journey and Him. He also recapped his time at the 2025 Toronto International Film Festival.

Jay Gabler – Duluth News Tribune

For The Tangential, Jay reviewed My Sunshine and Lego Star Wars: Rebuild the Galaxy – Pieces of the Past.

Kyle Goethe – Goat Film Reviews

We have reviews for three new releases this week over on the website, two now in theaters and one available on Hulu!

• [Early Review] A Big Bold Beautiful Journey (2025)
• [Early Review] Swiped (2025)
• [Early Review] HIM (2025)

You can also find my review of Superman, which is now streaming on HBO Max!

Jakob Kolness – JakobTalksFilm

Over at JakobTalksFilm, Jakob didn’t talk much about film this week. Instead, he has reviews for Season 4 of “The Morning Show” and the upcoming Season 5 of “Slow Horses“, both on Apple+!

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

Erik Larson – Hamline Oracle

Erik published one review this week, covering “Spın̈al Tap II: The End Continues” (2025).

Ruth Maramis – FlixChatter

Paul McGuire Grimes – Paul’s Trip to the Movies

Paul is back with some new reviews and interviews!

THE MORNING SHOW Cast Interviews with Mark Duplass, Billy Crudup, Marion Cotillard, and Jeremy Irons

Ben Wang Interview – THE LONG WALK

THE LONG WALK review

DOWNTON ABBEY Cast Interview with Hugh Bonneville, Allen Leech, Kevin Doyle

DOWNTON ABBEY: THE GRAND FINALE review

MATERIALISTS Blu-Ray review

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

Mark McPherson – Movies With Mark

Film Reviews:

• Him
• Twinless
• Friendship

Brian Orndorf – Blu-Ray.Com

Film Reviews:

• Megadoc
• A Big Bold Beautiful Journey
• Him
• Afterburn
• Chain Reactions
• Waltzing with Brando
• Compulsion
• Swiped
• Xeno
• Doin’ It
• Night of the Reaper
• Prisoner of War
• The Senior
• London Calling
• Just Breathe

Blu-ray/UHD Reviews:

• Mac and Me
• 5 Dead on the Crimson Canvas
• The Maiden
• Take Off

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

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

The Minnesota Movie Digest: The Long Walk to The Baltimorons

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.

Brian Eggert – Deep Focus Review

On Deep Focus Review, Brian reviewed:

• The Baltimorons
  • The History of Sound
  • The Long Walk
  • Lurker
  • Rabbit Trap
  • Spinal Tap II: The End Continues
  • Traumatika

Brian also appeared on the latest episode of The CineFiles on the KARE 11+ app. The crew discussed The Long Walk and The History of Sound, and also looked back at the Safdie brothers’ Good Time (2017). Watch the episode.

And Brian returned to KARE 11 Saturday to recommend Spinal Tap II: The End Continues, The Long Walk, and The Baltimorons.

Finally, on Brian’s Patreon, he wrote exclusive reviews of The Toxic Avenger and The Conjuring: Last Rites.

Hunter Friesen – The Cinema Dispatch

Hunter has returned from the Toronto International Film Festival. He saw a whopping 38 films over the 10 days, an improvement over last year’s total of 37! Here are the full reviews he’s written so far, with many more to come closer to each film’s theatrical release:

• The Wizard of the Kremlin
• No Other Choice
• The Testament of Ann Lee
• Wake Up Dead Man: A Knives Out Mystery
• Rental Family
• Hamnet
• Frankenstein
• Ballad of a Small Player

You can also check out his Letterboxd list to see his full rankings.

Jay Gabler – Duluth News Tribune

For The Tangential, Jay reviewed The Luckiest Man in America, Swiped, and Twinless.

Kyle Goethe – Goat Film Reviews

This week, you can find reviews for two new releases of very different genres. One of them is my favorite movie of the year so far!

[Early Review] The Long Walk (2025)

[Early Review] Downton Abbey: The Grand Finale (2025)

Jakob Kolness – JakobTalksFilm

Over at JakobTalksFilm, Jakob has a review for Spike Lee’s newest, Highest 2 Lowest, as well as the new June Squibb-starring dramedy Eleanor the Great.

On the awards side of things, there are September Oscar Nomination Predictions and  2022 Yearly Restrospective Awards!

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

Erik Larson – Hamline Oracle

Erik has published two reviews for this week:

“KPop Demon Hunters” (2025): An Original Sensation – The Oracle

“Highest 2 Lowest” (2025): A fresh joint rolled from an old classic – The Oracle

Matthew Liedke – Liedke on Film

At his site, Liedke reviewed recent releases “Caught Stealing” and “The Long Walk.” He also released his annual Summer Movie Awards, with “The Phoenician Scheme” winning seven categories.

Ruth Maramis – FlixChatter

Mark McPherson – Movies With Mark

Film Reviews:

• Highest 2 Lowest
• The Long Walk
• The Long Walk (Video Review)
• Vice is Broke

Brian Orndorf – Blu-Ray.Com

Film Reviews:

• Spinal Tap II: The End Continues
• Downton Abbey: The Grand Finale
• Code 3
• Tin Soldier
• Looking Through Water
• The Man in My Basement
• The Conjuring: Last Rites
• The Long Walk
• Twinless
• The Cut
• The Threesome
• Splitsville
• The Baltimorons
• Caught Stealing

Blu-ray/UHD Review:

• Teenage Gang Debs
• Yongary, Monster from the Deep
• The Card Player
• Ace Ventura: Pet Detective
• A New Leaf
• A Girl’s Best Friend

Nicholas Palodichuk – St. Paul Filmcast

• Interview with director/actress/artist Alex Rumsey
• Review: The Long Walk

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

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

The Minnesota Movie Digest: Caught Stealing Roses

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

Before heading out (or is it uuuuut???) to Canada for TIFF, The MN Movie Man published a number of reviews for new releases that you’ll want to check out.  Check out write-ups for Caught Stealing, The Roses, Griffin in Summer, Lurker, Pools, The Toxic Avenger (2023), The Thursday Murder Club, Somnium, and A Little Prayer.  

Keep your eyes out on Loud & Clear Reviews for an early look at Downton Abbey: The Grand Finale, coming on Wednesday 🙂

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!

Brian Eggert – Deep Focus Review

On Deep Focus Review, Brian reviewed The Roses, Caught Stealing, The Balconettes, Row, Honey Don’t, and Eden.

Brian also appeared on the latest episode of The CineFiles on the KARE 11+ app. He and critic Jamie Rogers discuss three films: Highest 2 Lowest, Weapons, and The Great Dictator (1940).

Finally, check out the announcement about Imprint, the physical media label of Via Vision Entertainment, which will be releasing a new 4K edition of Philip Kaufman’s Invasion of the Body Snatchers (1978) in October, featuring Brian’s essay about the film in the booklet.

Dallas Fisher – Dallas Goes To The Movies

Tons of new content on my website from the past few weeks. 

Brand new review of Caught Stealing, which I’ve seen twice already.

Plus, reviews for The Thursday Murder Club, Honey, Don’t!, and The Map That Leads to You. 

You can also read a half dozen or so short reviews in my Cinema Catch-Up Corner for August. 

Follow me on YouTube, where you can watch my newest episode of Tales From the Theater, where I talk about movie-going experiences from my European vacation and beyond.

Jay Gabler – Duluth News Tribune

For The Tangential, Jay reviewed Hot Milk.

Kyle Goethe – Goat Film Reviews

Over at the GOAT Film Reviews site this week, you can find a new review for Jay Roach’s The Roses, now in theaters!

Zach Hammill – Movie Friend

Review for Caught Stealing

Jason Hemming – Cinema Recall

The Vern reviews Caught Stealing.

Nick from The St.Paul Filmcast joins The Vern to discuss The Florida Project in this exclusive sneak peek.  Coming this month, it’s Sean Baker September.

Jaws celebrates its 50th anniversary, so The Vern brings on his friend Robb from Reels of Justice to talk about it.  Stay to the end to hear an audio drama recreation of the famous Quint Speech from the movie.

Eric Houston – North Metro TV

Movie Man Eric is charmed by Uptown Girls!

Jakob Kolness – JakobTalksFilm

Over at JakobTalksFilm, Jakob has a review for A24’s re-release of the Chinese box-office phenomenon Ne Zha 2!

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

Catherine Krummey – Veg Out Recipes

Catherine has 3 new reviews on The Feed: “The Roses,” “Caught Stealing,” and “The Map That Leads to You.” She also has two new auteur lists on Letterboxd: The Films of Darren Aronofsky and The Films of Lasse Hallström.

Ruth Maramis – FlixChatter

Paul McGuire Grimes – Paul’s Trip to the Movies

Paul is back with a few new reviews and interviews for this week!

CAUGHT STEALING review

THE ROSES review

THE ROSES Cast Interviews with Olivia Colman, Benedict Cumberbatch, Andy Samberg, and Kate McKinnon

“Fox9 Good Day” Segment – Movies Made in Minnesota

Follow me across social media @PAULSMOVIETRIP , on Letterboxd, and on YouTube

Mark McPherson – Movies With Mark

Film Reviews:

• Caught Stealing
• Weapons
• KPop Demon Hunters

Brian Orndorf – Blu-Ray.Com

Film Reviews:

• The Toxic Avenger
• A Little Prayer
• The Roses
• American Sweatshop
• Griffin in Summer

Blu-ray/UHD Reviews:

• Slaxx
• The Rage: Carrie 2
• We’re No Angels
• Ash

Nicholas Palodichuk – St. Paul Filmcast

Film Reviews:

• No Tears in Hell
• Queen of Bones
• The Descendent

St. Paul Filmcast interview with actor Jay Kistler

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

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

The Minnesota Movie Digest: Eeny, Meeny, Miny, Honey, Dont!

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 world is about to get TIFF-y for The MN Movie Man, but he’s getting things set to keep the reviews coming while he’s away in Canada.  This week, he has new reviews of Primitive War, Relay, and Eenie Meanie.  He’s also posted reviews for new physical media releases you’ll want to check out: Xanadu, Coneheads, Save the Tiger, Gung Ho, Repossessed, and Saving Face.

At Loud & Clear Reviews, check out his ranking of the 30 Best Movie Scores of All Time and let him know how many of the titles on his 10 Best Movies You’ve Never Seen you’ve already crossed off!

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!

Matt Clark – Kino Ventura

The NYT described one of these new crime films as Weird and Sometimes Cruel and the other as brimming with Cheap Thrills and Tawdry Action. Naturally, Matt reviewed them both. 

Honey Don’t!

Eenie Meanie

Kyle Goethe – Goat Film Reviews

Over at the GOAT Film Reviews site this week, you can find a review for the 5th Highest-Grossing movie of all time, Ne Zha 2, which opened this weekend, courtesy of A24! [Early Review] Ne Zha 2

Eric Houston – North Metro TV

Movie Man Eric Houston rocked out to the Rocky Horror Picture Show semi-sequel Shock Treatment!

Jakob Kolness – JakobTalksFilm

Over at JakobTalksFilm, Jakob has a review for Ethan Coen’s new dark comedy, Honey, Don’t!

Also, with one month to go before the 77th Emmys, he takes a look at every contender in the Comedy, Drama, and Limited Series categories to pick his preferred winner in each category.

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

Matthew Liedke – Liedke on Film

At his site, Liedke reviewed Spike Lee’s new film “Highest 2 Lowest” and the modern indie western “East of Wall.”

Ruth Maramis – FlixChatter

Paul McGuire Grimes – Paul’s Trip to the Movies

Paul’s back with more interviews and reviews!

WEAPONS review

Ashley Cullins Interview – Writing Scream Oral History “Your Favorite Scary Movie”

PLATONIC Season 2 review

Luke Macfarlane Interview – Platonic Season 2

Follow him across social media @PAULSMOVIETRIP, on Letterboxd, and on YouTube

Brian Orndorf – Blu-Ray.Com

Film Reviews:

• Eenie MEanie
• The Thursday Murder Club
• What We Hide
• Pools
• Honey Don’t!

Blu-ray/UHD Reviews:

• Strangers with Candy
• Rust
• Queens of Drama
• Kill the Moonlight

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

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

The Minnesota Movie Digest: Highest “Nobody 2” Lowest

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

You can check out The MN Movie Man‘s new logo when you head over to his main page, but stick around for reviews of Weapons, Freakier Friday, It’s Never Over, Jeff Buckley, and Shaman.  Plus, he’s been doing some catching up on reviews that never quite made it past the finish line — so keep your eyes peeled for a slate of new reviews of titles that have come out in the first half of 2025.

At Loud & Clear Reviews, check out his reviews of the remake of ’80s favorite Witchboard, Sketch, a look back at 1998’s Great Expectations, and a ranking of the Top 10 Horror-Thriller-Suspense films of all time.

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!

Matt Clark – Kino Ventura

Matt reviews the new darkly comedic crime/western – Americana

The guys over at The Trylove Podcast were gracious enough to let Matt nerd out hard over The Rocketeer (1991): Pinecast – Apple – Spotify

Brian Eggert – Deep Focus Review

On Deep Focus Review, Brian reviewed Highest 2 Lowest, Nobody 2, Red Sonja, and Les Musiciens.

For his Patreon subscribers, he posted a new entry in his essay series, The Definitives, about Rob Reiner’s classic mockumentary, This Is Spinal Tap (1984).

Dallas Fisher – Dallas Goes To The Movies

Three new reviews on the website this week:

Highest 2 Lowest from director Spike Lee

Nobody 2, the sequel to 2021’s Nobody, starring Bob Odenkirk 

Night Always Comes, a Netflix vehicle starring Vanessa Kirby 

Hunter Friesen – The Cinema Dispatch

At The Cinema Dispatch, Hunter reviewed Nobody 2 and Highest 2 Lowest.

Kyle Goethe – Goat Film Reviews

This week, you can find an Early Review for Nobody 2, which is now in theaters, over on the website, as well as a review for one of the funniest movies of the decade!

[Early Review] Nobody 2 (2025)

[Early Review] The Naked Gun (2025)

Chaz Kangas – Bring Me the News

“Taking on the Nightmareathon” – a short documentary filmed during the dog days of summer 2024 about an attempt to endure an all-night six movie marathon on Shudder hosted by Joe Bob Briggs

Catherine Krummey – Veg Out Recipes

Catherine has a new review on The Feed: “Highest 2 Lowest.” She also has two new auteur lists on Letterboxd: The Films of Spike Lee and The Films of Akira Kurosawa.

Matthew Liedke – Liedke on Film

At his site, Liedke reviewed several recent releases, including “The Fantastic Four: First Steps,” “The Naked Gun,” “Sorry, Baby,” “Freakier Friday,” “Weapons,” and “Nobody 2.”

Ruth Maramis – FlixChatter

Mark McPherson – Movies With Mark

• Nobody 2
• Nobody 2 (Video Review)
• Fixed
• War of the Worlds (Video Review)

Brian Orndorf – Blu-Ray.Com

Film Reviews:

• Highest 2 Lowest
• Relay
• Nobody 2
• Americana
• Night Always Comes
• Red Sonja
• East of Wall

Blu-ray/UHD Reviews:

• Scarecrow in a Garden of Cucumbers
• The Rule of Jenny Pen
• Abigail
• Charley One Eye

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

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

The Minnesota Movie Digest: Freaky Weapons

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:

• Weapons movie review

He also has classic movie reviews for the following Coen brothers’ movies:

Inside Llewyn Davis movie review

Blood Simple movie review

Raising Arizona movie review

Miller’s Crossing movie review

No Country for Old Men movie review

Brian Eggert – Deep Focus Review

On Deep Focus Review, Brian reviewed Weapons and Suspended Time.

Additionally, he appeared on the latest episode of The CineFiles to recommend Together, The Naked Gun, and The Fantastic Four: First Steps.

Dallas Fisher – Dallas Goes To The Movies

New reviews are up for Freakier Friday and the new Prime Original, The Pickup. As always, these reviews and many others are available on my website.

If you’d like to see my reviews in short video format, you can go to my Instagram or YouTube.

Jason Hemming – Cinema Recall

The Vern reviews two newly released movies:

• Lindsey Lohan and Jamie Lee Curtis return for more body switching fun in Freakier Friday
• A young girl and her estranged father try to survive against vengeful gangsters and corrupt cops in She Rides Shotgun.

Catherine Krummey – Veg Out Recipes

Catherine has three new reviews on The Feed: “Platonic” season two, “The Naked Gun,” and “She Rides Shotgun.” She also has two new franchise ranking lists on Letterboxd: Barenaked (“Naked Gun”) and Let’s Get Freaky (“Freaky Friday”).

Ruth Maramis – FlixChatter

Paul McGuire Grimes – Paul’s Trip to the Movies

Paul is busy catching up on the latest movies and TV series worth watching! Check out some of his latest reviews and interviews:

FREAKIER FRIDAY review

THE PICKUP review

WEDNESDAY Season 2 review

Luke Macfarlane Interview for PLATONIC Season 2

“Fox9 Good Day” segment – Classic Summer Movies

Follow me across social media @PAULSMOVIETRIP, YouTube, and Letterboxd

Mark McPherson – Movies With Mark

Film Reviews:

• War of the Worlds
• She Rides Shotgun

Brian Orndorf – Blu-Ray.Com

Film Reviews:

• Weapons
• Freakier Friday
• Boys Go to Jupiter
• Strange Harvest
• My Mother’s Wedding
• Ebony and Ivory
• The Pickup

Blu-ray/UHD Reviews:

• The Dark Half
• Hell of a Summer
• Let’s Scare Jessica to Death
• Grave of the Fireflies

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

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

The Minnesota Movie Digest: The Naked Shotgun

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

As we welcome the last month of the summer movie season, The MN Movie Man is looking ahead to the fall festival season. He’ll be in Canada for the Toronto International Film Festival’s 50th Anniversary in September.  There’s still a mighty amount of movies to review before then, though, and this week he has reviews of House on Eden, Oh, Hi!, The Fantastic Four: First Steps, She Rides Shotgun, The Naked Gun (2025), and Together (2025).  

At Loud & Clear Reviews, he has reviews of the Pete Davidson horror film The Home and a look at the 30 Best Movie Soundtracks of All Time Ranked, plus a ranking of the Top 10 Horror-Thiller Movies of all time.  Check out his staff writer page on the site for additional coverage this week of the new film Sketch, a look back at 1998’s Great Expectations, and a ranking of the Top 10 Horror-Thriller-Suspense films of all time.

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!

Brian Eggert – Deep Focus Review

On Deep Focus Review, Brian reviewed Together and The Naked Gun.

Additionally, he appeared on KARE 11 Saturday to recommend Together, The Naked Gun, and Kiyoshi Kurosawa’s Cloud.

For his Patreon subscribers, Brian posted a Reader’s Choice review of Kurosawa’s Pulse (2001).

Dallas Fisher – Dallas Goes To The Movies

Over at DallasGoestotheMovies, Dallas has reviews for She Rides Shotgun, The Fantastic Four: First Steps, as well as four short reviews in July’s Cinema Catch-Up Corner.

Hunter Friesen – The Cinema Dispatch

At The Cinema Dispatch, Hunter reviewed The Naked Gun.

Zach Hammill – Movie Friend

Review for The Naked Gun

C.B. Jacobson – Picturegoer

In this week’s issue of the “Picturegoer” newsletter, the new, Liam Neeson-led “Naked Gun”; Laurel and Hardy have the “Battle of the Century”; Kelly Reichardt’s “Certain Women”; Dalton Trumbo’s “Johnny Got His Gun”; Schwarzenegger and Belushi in “Red Heat”; and one of the best episodes of “Alfred Hitchcock Presents”.  Follow the link.

Ruth Maramis – FlixChatter

Paul McGuire Grimes – Paul’s Trip to the Movies

Paul is back with a review and interviews for the new film TOGETHER. It’s one of the best horror movies of the year

TOGETHER Review

TOGETHER Interview with Dave Franco, Alison Brie, and writer/director Michael Shanks

Follow me across social media @PAULSMOVIETRIP, YouTube, and Letterboxd

Mark McPherson – Movies With Mark

Film Reviews:

• The Naked Gun
• The Naked Gun (Video Review)
• The Shrouds (Video Review)

Brian Orndorf – Blu-Ray.Com

Film Reviews:

• Sketch
• The Naked Gun
• The Bad Guys 2
• Trouble Man
• She Rides Shotgun
• Together
• Rich Flu
• War of the Worlds

Blu-ray/UHD Reviews:

• Iron Angels
• Iron Angels II
• Iron Angels III
• Destroy All Neighbors

Nicholas Palodichuk – St. Paul Filmcast

Film Reviews:

• The Naked Gun
• She Rides Shotgun

Actress REHANA POWER on Podbean, check it out!

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

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

The Minnesota Movie Digest: The Fantastic Happy Gilmore

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:

• Happy Gilmore 2 movie review
• Bring Her Back movie review
• How to Train Your Dragon movie review

He also has a classic movie review for Moneyball (2011).

Brian Eggert – Deep Focus Review

On Deep Focus Review, Brian reviewed Sorry, Baby from writer-director Ava Victor, the MCU’s Fantastic Four: First Steps, and the rom-com Oh, Hi!  (as a “Short Take”).

Brian also appeared on The CineFiles for KARE 11, where he joined co-hosts Jamie Rogers and Chris Hrapsky to discuss Eddington and Sorry, Baby.

For his Patreon subscribers, Brian posted an early review of NEON’s Together, starring Allison Brie and Dave Franco.

Hunter Friesen – The Cinema Dispatch

At The Cinema Dispatch, Hunter reviewed Sorry, Baby and The Fantastic Four: First Steps.

Zach Hammill – Movie Friend

Zach’s reviews of EDDINGTON and SORRY, BABY, and a mini-review for THE FANTASTIC FOUR: FIRST STEPS.

Jason Hemming – Cinema Recall

The Vern gives his thoughts on two very different movies: The Fantastic Four: First Steps and Eddington.

On the Cinema Recall Podcast, Jason reposted episodes defending Showgirls & Showgirls 2: Penny’s from Heaven.

Eric Houston – North Metro TV

Movie Man Eric Houston thinks Marvel’s The Fantastic Four: First Steps is simply fantastic.

C.B. Jacobson – Picturegoer

In this week’s issue of the “Picturegoer” newsletter, “Blink Twice”; Mike Nichols’ adaptation of “Catch-22”; a revisionist take on the Gunfight at the OK Corral in “Hour of the Gun”; Ealing’s wicked “Kind Hearts and Coronets”; Nicolas Roeg adapts “The Witches”; and Paul Auster’s “City of Glass”. Follow the link.

Catherine Krummey – Veg Out Recipes

Catherine has three new reviews on The Feed: “Sorry, Baby,” “Oh, Hi!” and “The Fantastic Four: First Steps.” She also has a new list ranking the “Fantastic Four” films on Letterboxd: Fantastic Forays, and she attended the open house for FilmNorth’s new location, highlighting it on the Veg Out Instagram.

Erik Larson – Hamline Oracle

Erik wrote one review this week, covering the final season of Squid Game.

Ruth Maramis – FlixChatter

Paul McGuire Grimes – Paul’s Trip to the Movies

Paul is back with some new reviews and interviews to share!

The Fantastic 4: First Steps review

Star Trek: Strange New World Season 3 Cast Interviews

Final Destination: Bloodlines 4K Review

Warfare 4K review

Sinners 4K review

Don’t forget to follow Paul across social media @PaulsMovieTrip, on YouTube, and check out his profile on Letterboxd

Mark McPherson – Movies With Mark

Film Reviews:

• The Fantastic Four: First Steps
• The Fantastic Four: First Steps (Video Review)
• Sorry, Baby

Brian Orndorf – Blu-Ray.Com

Film Reviews:

• Happy Gilmore 2
• The Fantastic Four: First Steps
• Oh, Hi!
• Monster Island
• The Home
• Osiris

Blu-ray/UHD Reviews:

• The Golden Child
• Swimming to Cambodia
• The Devil at Your Heels
• Breathless

Nicholas Palodichuk – St. Paul Filmcast

Film Reviews:

• The Fantastic Four: First Steps
• Eddington
• Oh, Hi!

Interview with writer/film director JONATHAN ROGERS (THE MIRROR OF AMUM-RA) on Podbean, check it out!

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

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