Category: Chaz Kangas

The Minnesota Movie Digest: Issue No. 136

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: The Amateur is going to Sacramento

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 has reviews for the following classic movies:

Lastly, he ranked the best A24 horror movies of all time and the best animated movies of the 2020s so far.

Matt Clark – Kino Ventura

Part one of Matt’s MSPIFF coverage!

Brian Eggert – Deep Focus Review

On Deep Focus Review, Brian reviewed The Amateur, Drop, and Warfare.

Writing from the MSPIFF44, Brian posted his second dispatch, including reviews of Quisling: The Final Days and LUZ.

In his essay series The Definitives, he published a new essay about The Spirit of the Beehive (1973).

For his Patreon subscribers, Brian posted an early review of A24’s Friendship.

Hunter Friesen – The Cinema Dispatch

At The Cinema Dispatch, Hunter reviewed The Ballad of Wallis Island and The Amateur.

Jason Hemming – Cinema Recall

The Vern reviews four features from the Minneapolis St Paul International Film Festival ( MSPIFF):

Chaz Kangas – Bring Me the News

With WWE Raw at the Target Center last Monday, I got to speak with WWE Superstar and horror enthusiast Otis about his love for ‘Halloween 2‘

Erik Larson – Hamline Oracle

Erik has three new film reviews for this week.

Ruth Maramis – FlixChatter

Ruth from FlixChatter has been busy covering MSPIFF 2025. Here are her film festival coverage links:

She also reviewed the newly released thriller:

THE AMATEUR: Rami Malek effectively leads a vengeance thriller where the nerdy underdog gets the last laugh

Paul McGuire Grimes – Paul’s Trip to the Movies

It’s been a big week here in Minnesota as we welcome all the excitement around the Minneapolis St. Paul International Film Festival. 

Ang Lee Introduction of “Brokeback Mountain” – Paul got to introduce Ang Lee before this very special screening

Plus, Paul has a new review of the cute rom-com A Nice Indian Boy

Follow Paul across social media: @PAULSMOVIETRIP

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:

St. Paul Filmcast interview with actor Develle Grier.

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. 128

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: Captain America and Paddington fall into The Gorge

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

Brian reviewed the new releases Captain America: Brave New World and The Gorge.

For his Patreon subscribers, he wrote about the Swedish sci-fi film Aniara (2018).

Hunter Friesen – The Cinema Dispatch

At The Cinema Dispatch, Hunter reviewed Captain America: Brave New World and The Gorge.

Kyle Goethe – Goat Film Reviews

Over on the GOAT Film Reviews Website, you can find a review of the latest MCU installment, Captain America: Brave New World!

New Episodes of Kyle & Nick on Film:

Jason Hemming – Cinema Recall

Eric Houston – North Metro TV

Movie Man Eric hated Star Trek: Section 31.

C.B. Jacobson – Picturegoer

In this week’s issue of the “Picturegoer” newsletter, thoughts on Brady Corbet’s monumental “The Brutalist”; the fractious Paddy Chayefsky/Ken Russell collaboration “Altered States”; Bernardo Bertolucci’s chilling, masterful “The Conformist”; the complicated women of “Lovely & Amazing”; Michael Keaton in “Multiplicity”; and the latest in a series of pieces reviewing episodes of the classic ’70s sitcom “Taxi”.  Follow the link: https://picturegoer.substack.com/p/picturegoer-vol-3-issue-3-the-brutalist

Chaz Kangas – Bring Me the News

Interview with the director of the recently discovered lost Prince concert film ‘Prince Live at Glam Slam’ Scott McCullough

Catherine Krummey – Veg Out Recipes

Catherine paired the criminally underseen 2023 romcom “Rye Lane” with spicy burritos and paired the seasonally appropriate show “With Love” with burgers and crinkle cut fries on Veg Out.

Plus, she has three new reviews on The Feed: “Captain America: Brave New World,” “Paddington in Peru” and “La Dolce Villa.”

She also continued her month-long Comfort Collab Instagram series with 28 people pairing beloved baked goods with comfort shows and movies.

Tim Lammers – Forbes

Tim interviewed “Wallace & Gromit: Vengeance Most Fowl” directors Nick Park and Merlin Crossingham over at Forbes.

Ruth Maramis – FlixChatter

Ruth over at FlixChatter has been making various list posts, she wrote about 5 Memorable American Football Scenes in Movies in honor of this year’s Super Bowl. For her 50th virtual birthday bash, she highlighted 50 Favorite Cinematic Moments, Quotes, Scenes + Music in two parts: PART I and PART 2.

She also posted her review of Captain America: Brave New World, which is neither daring nor fresh with flat and drab visuals.

Paul McGuire Grimes – Paul’s Trip to the Movies

Paul’s review of Captain America: Brave New World

The Critics Choice Award WINNERS!

Paul stopped by Fox9 Good Day with his movie recommendations for Valentine’s Day

And check out Paul on the Be Our Geek podcast with Miss Shannan Paul and Jatin Setia

Follow Paul on Social Media!

Mark McPherson – Movies With Mark

Film Reviews

Video 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

The Minnesota Movie Digest: Issue No. 126

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: That Dog Man is giving me Heart Eyes

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

Last week, The MN Movie Man mentioned that January was a quieter month…well, the seven reviews published this week would beg to differ.  Check out his early look at the new Valentine’s Day slasher Heart Eyes as well as Companion, You’re Cordially Invited, Dark Match, Rose, Green and Gold, and Time Passages.

Be sure to follow The MN Movie Man on Instagram, Letterboxd, 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:

He also has reviews for the following classic movies:

Lastly, in their movie rankings section, he has updated the following lists:

The Best Movies of 2021

Every Marvel MCU Movie Ranked

The Best Movies of 2018

The Best Movies of 2019

The Best Movies of 2020

Brian Eggert – Deep Focus Review

Brian reviewed the new releases Presence, Companion, and You’re Cordially Invited.

For his Patreon subscribers, he began a “Filmmaker in Focus” series about Jia Zhangke, starting with an essay in The Definitives about Xiao Wu (1997).

Also, Brian appeared on KARE 11 Saturday to recommend Presence, All We Imagine as Light, and A Different Man.

Hunter Friesen – The Cinema Dispatch

At The Cinema Dispatch, Hunter previewed his 25 Most Anticipated Films of 2025.

Kyle Goethe – Goat Film Reviews

Over on the GOAT Film Reviews site, you can find a few of my end-of-year lists:

Kyle’s Top Ten Films of 2024!

Kyle’s Most Anticipated Movies of 2025!

You can also find early reviews of several new releases!

[Early Review] You’re Cordially Invited (2025)

[Early Review] Dog Man (2025)

[Early Review] Heart Eyes (2025)

Dog Man is now in theaters, while You’re Cordially Invited is streaming on Prime Video. Heart Eyes hits theaters this Friday!

New Episode of Kyle & Nick on Film: The Girl with the Needle (2024)

C.B. Jacobson – Picturegoer

The third year of the “Picturegoer” newsletter kicks off with reviews of the Bob Dylan biopic “A Complete Unknown”; Michael Caine as the womanizing “Alfie”; the stop motion adventure “Coraline”; Michael York and Jenny Agutter in a dystopian in “Logan’s Run”; Will Forte as “Macgruber”; and the pilot episode of “Alfred Hitchcock Presents”.  Follow the link.

Chaz Kangas – Bring Me the News

Hot off the presses, here’s my interview with Severin’s David Gregory on the restoration and recent re-release of Russ Meyer’s ‘Vixen’ trilogy!

Ruth Maramis – FlixChatter

Ruth over at FlixChatter posted a classic review of The Elephant Man (1980) – An appreciation for David Lynch’s heartbreaking and hauntingly beautiful biographical drama.

She also reviewed an Indian drama currently playing in select theaters, All We Imagine as Light (2024) – Payal Kapadia’s understated tribute to the working-class women of Mumbai.

Ruth also posted FlixChatter’s JANUARY 2025 Viewing Recap + Movie of the Month, including mini-reviews of:

Wallace & Gromit: Vengeance Most Fowl | Kneecap | My Old Ass | Jamie Fox: What Had Happened Was | Back in Action | In the Land of Saints and Sinners | Goodrich

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

The Minnesota Movie Digest: Issue No. 117

The Minnesota Movie Digest, from the Minnesota Film Critics Association, showcases film reviews, essays, and interviews, highlighting latest releases and classic films. Contributions from members offer diverse insights, covering films like Maria, Moana 2, and Dear Santa. Stay updated with film critiques through their social media channels.

The Minnesota Movie Digest: Maria and Moana’s letter to Santa

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 three new reviews this week as he recovers from the post-Thanksgiving movie madness.  Check out the latest, spoiler-free reviews for Maria, Moana 2, and the new Lindsay Lohan Netflix Holiday Film, Our Little Secret.

Be sure to follow The MN Movie Man on Instagram and Facebook for his weekly hot takes and other updates between newsletters!

Brian Eggert (Deep Focus Review)

Brian recently reviewed several new releases, including Moana 2, Maria, Memoir of a Snail, The Piano Lesson, Wicked, and Juror #2.

As part of his essay series, The Definitives, Brian wrote about Bob Fosse’s Cabaret (1972) for his Patreon subscribers. He posted an early review of Brady Corbet’s The Brutalist on Patreon as well.

Finally, Brian appeared on KARE 11 on November 30 to discuss three major movies in theaters over Thanksgiving weekend.

Hunter Friesen (The Cinema Dispatch)

At The Cinema Dispatch, Hunter reviewed Maria.

Matt Hambidge

For FandomWire, Matt reviewed the new Disney animated musical Moana 2 as well as the upcoming Netflix spy thriller series Black Doves.

Chaz Kangas

Here’s a special introduction that the President of Troma Studios and Creator of the Toxic Avenger, Lloyd Kaufman did for The Main Cinema’s Midnight Mayhem screening of ‘Cannibal! The Musical’ in November as we dedicated the night to celebrating 50 years of Troma. Our next event is December 7 for our Midnight Mayhem holiday show celebrating 40 years of Gremlins!

Catherine Krummey

Catherine paired the beloved Christmas movie “Home Alone” with a holiday leftovers pizza on Veg Out. Plus, she has one new review on The Feed: “Moana 2.” She also kicked off a collaborative In Memoriam series with her post on Shelley Duvall, and she continued her FYC Friday series with quick thoughts on “I Saw the TV Glow,” “Babes” and more.

Matthew Liedke

At his site, Liedke reviewed a number of films released over the last several weeks, including Smile 2, Venom: The Last Dance, Anora, Heretic, A Real Pain, and Gladiator II.

Ruth Maramis

JUROR #2 (2024) review – Clint Eastwood’s engrossing courtroom drama has me feeling torn in all the best ways.

Thanksgiving Special: Musings on the dysfunctional family dramedy HOME FOR THE HOLIDAYS (1995) – directed by Jodie Foster

MOANA 2 (2024) review – this frenetically paced sequel is a rehash of the original with less catchy songs

Paul McGuire Grimes (Paul’s Trip to the Movies)

There are so many great movies in theaters and streaming right now. I hope you took advantage over Thanksgiving weekend.  Paul has some new reviews for you:

Beatles ’64 (Disney+)

Moana 2 (in theaters)

Juror #2 (in theaters)

Plus, Paul interviewed Colman Domingo for his new Netflix series “The Madness”: Colman Domingo Interview

Follow Paul on TikTok/Instagram/Threads: @PAULSMOVIETRIP 

Mark McPherson (Movies With Mark)

Brian Orndorf (Blu-Ray.Com)

Movies

Blu-ray/UHD

Tyler Strandberg

Over on Cinefied, Tyler reviewed the Disney Animated sequel Moana 2.

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. 116

The Minnesota Movie Digest, from the Minnesota Film Critics Association, showcases film reviews, essays, and interviews, highlighting latest releases and classic films. Contributions from members offer diverse insights, covering films like Wicked, Gladiator II, and The Piano Lesson. Stay updated with film critiques through their social media channels.

The Minnesota Movie Digest: Here’s Glicked!

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 hopes you all had a happy Glicked weekend!  This past week, he featured reviews of Wicked and new Netflix films The Merry Gentlemen and Spellbound.  For action fans, Sylvester Stallone’s action flick Armor is in theaters and on demand.  Finally, it’s not out until January 2025, but an early review of Wallace & Gromit: Vengeance Most Fowl is available!

Be sure to follow The MN Movie Man on Instagram and Facebook for his weekly hot takes and other updates between newsletters!

Eli Brau

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

In their classic reviews section, they also have a new review of Inside Llewyn Davis (2013).

Kyle Goethe

Over on the GOAT Film Reviews Website, you can find a new review for The Piano Lesson, now streaming on Netflix!

[Early Review] The Piano Lesson (2024)

On the GOAT Film Reviews YouTube Channel, you can find video reviews for the following 2024 films:

–My Old Ass (2024): Video Review 

–Megalopolis (2024): Video Review 

–Monster Summer (2024): Video Review 

Kyle Goethe & Nicholas Palodichuk

New episode for Gladiator II

Barrett Goetz

Zach Hammill

Zach catches up and shares his thoughts on new and new-ish releases: THE WILD ROBOT, EMILIA PEREZ, CONCLAVE, SATURDAY NIGHT, HERETIC, ANORA, and WICKED.

Jason Hemming

Review of Wicked: People who are familiar with and love the staged musical will absolutely love this filmed adaptation.  Those unfamiliar with the source material will find it to be just ok to good.

Reservoir Dogs: The Audio Drama: Adapting Quentin Tarantino’s debut film to audio format but with a twist.  All of the iconic male characters( Mr. Pink, Mr. Blonde, Mr White, ect) will be performed by women.

Chaz Kangas

Interview with director and writers of the new “Don’t Tell Mom the Babysitter’s Dead”: Wade Allain-Marcus and Chuck Hayward

Catherine Krummey

Catherine paired the 2022 “Predator” prequel “Prey” with basil mint mushroom jerky on Veg Out. Plus, she has four new reviews on The Feed: “The World According to Allee Willis,” “Blitz,” “Wicked” and “Maria.” She was also added to the roster of female film and TV critics on The Cherry Picks, and she continued her FYC Friday series with quick thoughts on “Love Lies Bleeding,” “The Wild Robot” and more.

Tim Lammers

Time reviewed Gladiator II and Wicked on WCCO-AM’s “Paul & Jordana” show and The Tom Barnard Show. He also interviewed Danny DeVito about his cameo on Beetlejuice Beetlejuice. He also interviewed the film’s Visual Effects Supervisor Angus Bickerton and Stop-Motion Supervisor Ian Mackinnon. Finally, he spoke to Danny Elfman about the 25th anniversary of the release of Sleepy Hallow and 35th anniversary of Batman.

Ruth Maramis

Small Things Like These (2024) – Cillian Murphy brings a subtle intensity to this slow yet absorbing historical drama

WICKED (2024) – Cynthia Erivo & Ariana Grande are wicked good in Jon M. Chu’s vivid, dazzling, and surprisingly heartfelt movie musical

And in honor of the star of Small Things Like These, Ruth also wanted to share this oldie-but-goodie tribute post she made for Cillian Murphy – 35 reasons I’m a fan of the Irish actor

Paul McGuire Grimes (Paul’s Trip to the Movies)

It’s a BIG week at the movies whether you’re headed to the theaters or want something that’s streaming:

Paul has reviews of five new movies:

Wicked

Gladiator II

The Piano Lesson

Blitz

Anora

Paul sits down with Michelle Yeoh to talk about all “Wicked”

Plus, here’s his latest segment on “Twin Cities Live” with reviews of “Gladiator II” “Emilia Perez” and “Heretic”

Follow him on TikTok/Instagram/Threads @PAULSMOVIETRIP

Mark McPherson (Movies With Mark)

Brian Orndorf (Blu-Ray.Com)

Movies

Blu-ray/UHD

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 Alliance Lately: Issue No. 104

Minnesota Film Critics Alliance Newsletter

The Alliance Lately: The Crow That Blinked Twice Between the Temples

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 Botten

With the new release offerings slim this past weekend, The MN Movie Man focused on smaller gems that often slip through the cracks when blockbusters rule the multiplex.  Throughout the past week, he published reviews for Hostile Dimensions, Strange Darling, Hell Hole, Between the Temples, The Secret Art of Human Flight, and Black Dog.

And remember to browse the archive! You can try a random letter and see what reviews pop out at you.  This week, Joe suggests the letter “V”

Eli Brau


Over on the movie reviews section of the Cinephile Corner we have articles for a few new releases, including The People’s Joker, Firebrand, Chime, Janet Planet, Evil Does Not Exist, and The Watchers, and a classic review of Magnolia.

We also have two lists in our rankings section, including Luca Guadagnino’s movies ranked and Paul Thomas Anderson’s movies ranked. 

Matt Clark

Here’s my latest piece on Bronson in Europe that I’m planning to continue in a couple more installments:
Le Sacre Monstre: Charles Bronson in Europe

Brian Eggert

On Deep Focus Review, Brian Eggert reviewed the new releases Blink Twice and Good One.

Hunter Friesen (The Cinema Dispatch)

At The Cinema Dispatch, Hunter published a review for The Deliverance. 

Zach Hammill

Here’s a link to capsule reviews of the last several films I’ve seen, including this week’s new release Between the Temples:
The Last Few Things I Watched and My Brief Thoughts on Them

Chaz Kangas

Two Purple Rain related projects for its 40th anniversary:

Catherine Krummey (Veg Out Recipes)

Catherine pairs the iconically awful 1997 movie Batman & Robin with matcha pandan frozen custard for the penultimate entry in the Summer of Scoops series on Veg Out.

Find her latest reviews and Letterboxd lists on The Feed.

Ruth Maramis

Paul McGuire Grimes (Paul’s Trip to the Movies)

Mark McPherson (Movies With Mark)

Brian Orndorf (Blu-Ray.Com)

Movies
The Crow, Between the Temples, The Killer, Incoming, The Deliverance, Greedy People, The Clean Up Crew, Catching Dust, The Supremes at Earl’s All-You-Can-Eat, Hell Hole

Blu-ray/UHD
Death to Smoochy, The Instructor, Observe and Report

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

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