The Alliance Lately: Issue No. 94

Minnesota Film Critics Alliance Newsletter

Welcome to The Alliance Lately, the official newsletter from the Minnesota Film Critics Alliance (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 Alliance Lately 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 Alliance Lately.

Joe, aka The MN Movie Man, has been busy watching and reviewing the latest films. Here are some of his recent reviews:

This week, Brian Eggert wrote about a few releases, including A24’s fantastical tearjerker Tuesday, Pixar’s Inside Out 2, and the Malaysian coming-of-age horror movie Tiger Stripes.

Read more of Brian’s work at Deep Focus Review.

At The Cinema Dispatch, Hunter published full reviews for Cannes titles The SubstanceEmilia Perez, and Anora. He also did a roundup of short reviews for several other films he saw within the lineup. And then he reviewed the new release of Tuesday.He also appeared on the Reel Chronicles Podcast to discuss the 40th anniversary of Ghostbusters.

Here’s what Matt Hambridge was watching this week:

Here are Zach’s latest submissions:

To celebrate Pride, Catherine Krummey paired Cheryl Dunye’s 1996 New Queer Cinema classic The Watermelon Woman with a summer-ready recipe for watermelon sorbet. Read her essay on the film here.

Dive into Matthew’s recent film adventures:

Here are the latest flicks Ruth has been talking about!

Here are Paul’s latest submissions:

Mark has been writing up reviews for some fascinating films recently:

Brian has been busy reviewing a variety of Blu-rays and UHD releases. Here are some of his latest reviews:

Brian’s Movie Reviews

Brian’s Blu-ray & UHD Reviews Brian also reviewed a variety of Blu-rays and UHD releases. Here are some of his recent reviews:

For more detailed reviews and insights, check out Brian Orndorf’s website at brianorndorf.com.


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


The Alliance Lately: Issue No. 93

Minnesota Film Critics Alliance Newsletter

Welcome to The Alliance Lately, the official newsletter from the Minnesota Film Critics Alliance (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 Alliance Lately 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 Alliance Lately.

Find out if shark cinema lover Joe thought a new Netflix flick was smooth sailing or chum in the water as well as reviews of two more new releases in theaters.

Over on the reviews section of Eli’s site, there are articles for several new releases, including Hit ManFuriosaStopmotion, and Love Lies Bleeding, as well as a throwback review for Nebraska (2013).

Don’t be nervous to explore around this (Cinephile) corner!

On Deep Focus Review, Brian wrote about the new releases Hit Man and The Watchersalong with a short take on this year’s Night Shift

Brian also posted a new entry in his essay series, The Definitives, about Steven Soderbergh’s Contagion from 2011. 

Additionally, Brian continued his “Filmmaker in Focus” series about Bertrand Bonello with a review of 2019’s Zombi Child for his Patreon community. He also appeared on The LAMBcast podcast to talk about movies from 1998. 

This week, Matt analyzes a long-awaited sequel that performed impressively at the box office and a thrilling crime comedy that captivated audiences at fall festivals. Check out his in-depth critiques:

For more detailed reviews and insights, dive into Matt’s perspectives on FandomWire and News from the Couch.

Looking for some movie recommendations? Check out these reviews on FlixChatter:

And Ruth doesn’t want you to miss this wonderful indie film, perfect for Father’s Day:
Nowhere Special: James Norton is exceptional in this beautifully poignant father-son drama.

Don’t miss out on these movie and TV reviews, and then head over to Paul’s Trip to the Movies to share your thoughts!

This week, Mark delves into a beloved animated revival, an action-packed sequel, and a thought-provoking piece on gender identity through the lens of media nostalgia. Check out his latest reviews:

For more detailed reviews and insights, visit Mark McPherson’s website!

Making his Alliance Lately debut, Brian examines a variety of films, from intense thrillers to heartfelt dramas, as well as some intriguing Blu-ray and UHD releases.

Movies

Blu-ray/UHD

For more detailed reviews and insights, check out Brian Orndorf’s website at brianorndorf.com.


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


The Alliance Lately: Issue No. 92

Minnesota Film Critics Alliance Newsletter

Welcome back to The Alliance Lately, the official newsletter from the Minnesota Film Critics Alliance (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 Alliance Lately 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.

Thanks for hopping aboard our movie magic carpet ride. Stay tuned for more reel love in The Alliance Lately.

  • The Mattachine Family: Review available here.
  • Summer Camp: Read the review here.
  • Young Woman and the Sea: Review available here.
  • In a Violent Nature: Check out the review here.
  • The Beach Boys: Read the review here.
  • Furiosa: A Mad Max Saga: Review available here.
  • Babes: Check out the review here.

Exciting news: Joe has overhauled his archive of 2400+ reviews for easier navigation. Explore it here.

Additionally, Joe wrapped up his coverage of the Chicago Critics Film Festival, which he attended in early May. Read all about it here.

Over at Deep Focus Review, Brian covered several new releases, including Young Woman and the Sea, The Dead Don’t Hurt, In a Violent Nature, Handling the Undead, and Furiosa: A Mad Max Saga.

Brian also appeared on KARE 11 on May 25 to discuss Furiosa and some upcoming summer releases. And for his Patreon subscribers, he wrote a Reader’s Choice review about Christopher Nolan’s The Prestige from 2006.

Read more of Brian’s latest at Deep Focus Review.

Zach has posted new reviews on his blog! Check out his thoughts on Furiosa: A Mad Max Saga here, I Saw the TV Glow here, and Civil War here.

Cat’s Pairing of the Week:
Fallen Angels + Hong Kong Noodles https://vegoutrecipes.com/fallen-angel-hair/

Ruth has been active with new reviews and articles! Discover her review of the documentary The Last Daughter here, her Memorial Day special on The Blue Angels here, and her thoughts on Furiosa: A Mad Max Saga here. Additionally, check out her review of The Dead Don’t Hurt here and her Cannes film festival preview here.

Paul has been churning out new reviews and interviews! Check out his latest content:

  • Ezra: Review available here and interviews with Tony Goldwyn, Rose Byrne, and Bobby Cannavale here.
  • Young Woman and the Sea: Read the review here.
  • Hit Man: Review available here.
  • Atlas: Check out the review here.
  • Babes: Read the review here.

Additionally, you can catch his reviews of Furiosa, Challengers, and The Fall Guy on Twin Cities Live here.

Mark has been busy with new reviews! Check out his take on Young Woman and the Sea here, his candid thoughts on Jerry Seinfeld’s Unfrosted here and here, and his review of Furiosa: A Mad Max Saga here. Plus, read his article on Furiosa at Twin Cities Geek here.


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


The Alliance Lately: Issue No. 91

The Academy Award nominations are out and the Minnesota Film Critics Alliance had some thoughts.

In addition to members continuing to publish reviews about nominated films, there were also several pieces dedicated to the biggest winners in the announcement and what pictures were snubbed. The coverage wasn’t limited to just Oscar flicks, though, with several other films reviewed.

Here’s what the alliance has been up to lately.

Continue reading “The Alliance Lately: Issue No. 91”

The Alliance Lately: Issue No. 90

Films from 2023 are still making their way into theaters as 2024 gets underway.

That means MNFCA members have been busy reviewing award contenders from last year while also covering the new releases. As usual, along with keeping an eye on new films, plenty of Minnesota film critics also reviewed several classic movies, too.

Check out what the Alliance has been up to lately.

Continue reading “The Alliance Lately: Issue No. 90”

The Alliance Lately: Issue No. 89

The final weeks of 2023 offered a plethora of releases, from blockbusters to arthouse award contenders.

As usual, the MNFCA was there to cover these new films and many more. Several also published pieces about holiday movies and community filmmaking, as well as ranking the works of various actors and directors.

Before we get into what the Alliance has been up to lately, small side note. A separate post will be published featuring end of year recaps and top 10 of 2023 lists once all members have released theirs!

Continue reading “The Alliance Lately: Issue No. 89”

The Alliance Lately: Issue No. 88

The Golden Globe nominations were announced this week and several of the contenders were reviewed recently by the MNFCA.

From “Poor Things” to the animated feature “The Boy and the Heron,” Minnesota critics are all over the award season flicks. They’ve reviewed much more than those, though, also covering new releases such as “Saltburn” and “Wonka.”

Check out what the Alliance has been up to lately.

Continue reading “The Alliance Lately: Issue No. 88”

The Alliance Lately: Issue No. 87

The Gotham Awards took place Monday, Nov. 27, meaning award season is underway.

Members of the MNFCA are certainly ready for the season, already having reviewed potential contenders “Saltburn,” “May December” and “Maestro. Plenty more was released in the month of November, though, from a “Hunger Games” prequel to a new Disney animated feature.

Those and more were reviewed by Minnesota critics. See below what the Alliance has been up to lately.

Continue reading “The Alliance Lately: Issue No. 87”

The Alliance Lately: Issue No. 86

November is in full swing and that means a mix of major releases and award contenders are coming out in theaters.

Some examples include the drama “Priscilla” and the new Marvel Cinematic Universe picture “The Marvels.” Both those films and many more recent releases have been reviewed by MNFCA members.

Minnesota critics also wrapped up Halloween with some horror reviews and recapped what they saw at the Twin Cities Film Festival.

Here’s what the Alliance has been up to lately.

Continue reading “The Alliance Lately: Issue No. 86”

The Alliance Lately: Issue No. 85

It’s late October and that means two things: the Twin Cities Film Festival is taking place and horror movies are being watched.

Both have been a focal point for MNFCA members, who’ve reviewed films shown at TCFF, such as “The Holdovers,” and have written about horror flicks new and old. They’ve also been keeping up with the latest releases.

Check out what the Alliance has been up to lately.

Continue reading “The Alliance Lately: Issue No. 85”