Category: Eli Brau

The Minnesota Movie Digest: Issue No. 137

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: Sinners cloaked in Shrouds at The Wedding Banquet

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 reviewed the following David Cronenberg movies in anticipation of The Shrouds:

Matt Clark – Kino Ventura

The second part of Matt’s MSPIFF coverage features some notable Cannes selections and the best dinner he had at the fest!

Brian Eggert – Deep Focus Review

On Deep Focus Review, Brian reviewed Sinners, The Shrouds, and The Wedding Banquet.

Brian also appeared on KARE 11 on Saturday, April 19, to talk about Black Bag, Sinners, and Friendship.

For his Patreon subscribers, Brian posted a review of Jia Zhangke’s Caught by the Tides.

Hunter Friesen – The Cinema Dispatch

At The Cinema Dispatch, Hunter reviewed Sinners and The Wedding Banquet. He also provided a recap of his time at the 2025 Minneapolis-St. Paul International Film Festival.

Kyle Goethe – Goat Film Reviews

Over at GOAT Film Reviews, you can find new reviews for several recent releases, including Sinners, the new genre film from Ryan Coogler and one of the best films of the year thus far!

More reviews and coverage from MSPIFF continue to drop into this week as well, so keep an eye out for more at GOAT Film Reviews!

Eric Houston – North Metro TV

Catherine Krummey – Veg Out Recipes

Catherine has a new review on The Feed of “A Minecraft Movie.”

She also published a Minneapolis St. Paul International Film Festival recap, a moviegoing PSA, and a new list in honor of “Sinners,” The Films of Ryan Coogler.

Erik Larson – Hamline Oracle

Erik wrote about three different events at MSPIFF44 this week:

Ruth Maramis – FlixChatter

Paul McGuire Grimes – Paul’s Trip to the Movies

Paul McGuire Grimes has some fun new reviews and interviews to share!

And you can 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

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. 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. 135

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: A Freaky Friend for the Minecraft Movie

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 movies released in the last few years:

Lastly, he ranked the best movies of 2025 through the first quarter.

Matt Clark – Kino Ventura

Matt’s March roundup includes chatting with Pat Healy, a 16mm 70s obscurity, and a black & white Italian stunner

Brian Eggert – Deep Focus Review

On Deep Focus Review, Brian reviewed The Friend, Wake Up, and Freaky Tales.

For the MSPIFF44, Brian wrote an introduction to the festival and his first dispatch, including reviews of Free Leonard Peltier, The Trouble with Jessica, and Misericordia.

For his Patreon subscribers, Brian posted a review of Ash Is Purest White (2018) as part of his “Filmmaker in Focus” series about Jia Zhangke. Wrapping up that series, he also posted a piece about Jia’s work overall. Finally, Brian shared a review of Neon’s new slasher throwback, Hell of a Summer.

Hunter Friesen – The Cinema Dispatch

At The Cinema Dispatch, Hunter reviewed A Minecraft Movie and reposted his review of William Tell from TIFF. He also previewed the films he’ll be seeing at the Minneapolis-St. Paul International Film Festival and predicted thirty films that will likely appear in the 2025 Cannes Film Festival program.

Kyle Goethe – Goat Film Reviews

On the GOAT Film Reviews Site, you can find a review of the new release, A Minecraft Movie!

You can also find a new unboxing video over on the GOAT Film Reviews YouTube Channel. This week, we opened up the Paramount Scares: Volume 2 set which contains four more “classic” horror films from the Paramount lineup, and asked why they included Friday the 13th Part Two but ignored the original!

Kyle is also representing GOAT Film Reviews at MSPIFF this week, so look for coverage of the festival dropping in the coming days.

Jason Hemming – Cinema Recall

Eric Houston – North Metro TV

Movie Man Eric checks out the John Frankenheimer neo-noir 52 Pick-Up.

C.B. Jacobson – Picturegoer

In this week’s installment of the “Picturegoer” newsletter, the sports drama “The Fire Inside”; Eddie Murphy in “Beverly Hills Cop”; Andrea Arnold’s raw, heartbreaking “Fish Tank”; the delightful screwball comedy “Midnight”; Stan Laurel and Oliver Hardy in “Twice Two”; and the classic “Star Trek” episode “Journey to Babel”.  Follow the link.

Matthew Liedke – Liedke on Film

At his site, Liedke reviewed March releases Novocaine, Mickey 17, Last Breath, Black Bag, Snow White, and A Working Man.

Ruth Maramis – FlixChatter

On FlixChatter, Ruth wrote about her MARCH 2025 Viewing Recap + Mini Reviews of NOSFERATU & BROKEBACK MOUNTAIN + Movie of the Month (hint: it’s Soderbergh’s spy thriller)

She also wrote reviews of two recently-released movies currently in theaters:

The Friend (2025) – Naomi Watts + the Great Dane keep this tale of friendship engaging, though the movie lingers a bit longer than it needs to be

The Penguin Lessons (2025) – Steve Coogan gains a fresh perspective on life thanks to his scene-stealing avian friend

Paul McGuire Grimes – Paul’s Trip to the Movies

Paul has been busy with a ton of new reviews and interviews for this week!

Mark McPherson – Movies With Mark

Film Reviews:

Essays:

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. 133

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: Snow White’s Secret Mall Apartment

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

Did you get out this weekend to see if Snow White was the fairest of all the Disney live-action remakes, or did you stay in and settle back with The Residence, the fun new whodunit that premiered on Netflix?  Either way, The MN Movie Man enjoyed both and also found time to wrap up his brief coverage of a few SXSW 2025 titles he was able to catch.  

Finally, it was a busy week over at Loud and Clear Reviews, where Joe published reviews of Ash, Locked, Hood Witch, and Secret Mall Apartment.

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:

The Blackcoat’s Daughter (2015) review

The Revenant (2015) review

Brian Eggert – Deep Focus Review

On Deep Focus Review, Brian recently reviewed the new thriller Locked.

Brian also appeared on the Reel Mental podcast with Dr. Marcia Sirota to discuss Mike Leigh’s Hard Truths.  

For his Patreon subscribers, Brian posted a review of A Touch of Sin (2013) for his “Filmmaker in Focus” series about Jia Zhangke.

Hunter Friesen – The Cinema Dispatch

At The Cinema Dispatch, Hunter reviewed Snow White.

Kyle Goethe – Goat Film Reviews

Jason Hemming – Cinema Recall

C.B. Jacobson – Picturegoer

In this week’s issue of the “Picturegoer” newsletter, the clever (for both good and bad) “Companion”; a very sanitized take on American history in “Ben and Me”; Michael Caine and Christopher Reeve play mind games in “Deathtrap”; Brian de Palma gets meta in “Femme Fatale”; the nutty nuns comedy “The Little Hours”; and a book review of “Spike Lee’s Gotta Have It”.  Follow the link: https://picturegoer.substack.com/p/picturegoer-vol-3-issue-8-companion

Catherine Krummey – Veg Out Recipes

Catherine paired the beloved sitcom “Black-ish” with baked mac and cheese and also paired the underrated romcom show “Harlem” with vegan shrimp and grits on Veg Out.

Plus, she has two new reviews on The Feed: “O’Dessa” and “Snow White.”

She also appeared on the Women’s History Month episode of The Revisionist’s Almanac podcast, talking about her favorite Triple F Treasures.

Ruth Maramis – FlixChatter

Ruth over at FlixChatter posted reviews of recent new releases in US + UK cinemas:

  • SNOW WHITE: While the lively tunes from Pasek + Paul make it enjoyable, this live-action remake is far from awe-inspiring
  • BOB TREVINO LIKES IT: an indie gem about the profound joy of unexpected friendship
  • Oh My Goodness (Juste ciel!) – A whimsical French comedy of mischievous bike-racing nuns

She also posted her review of NOSFERATU on Letterboxd | Stunningly beautiful and atmospheric, I’m glad I saw this despite not having the stomach for horror movies.

Paul McGuire Grimes – Paul’s Trip to the Movies

Paul McGuire Grimes has a mix of new reviews this week!

In Theaters: The Rule of Jenny Pen review

Streaming: The Electric State on Netflix

Now on 4K and Blu-Ray: Star Trek: Lower Decks – The Complete Series & Babygirl

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. 132

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 Black Bag is in The Electric State

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

Looking over the latest batch of reviews from The MN Movie Man, it’s a good time to go to the movies!  Here are the reviews of new theatrical releases Black Bag, Novocaine, and Opus.  For streaming horror, consider Control Freak on Hulu.  If you combine the budgets of all four of these films, you’d likely be halfway to the total cost of producing The Electric State on Netflix.  Find out how much that is in Joe’s review.

Finally, Joe published his first review as a new contributor on Loud and Clear Reviews, Borderline.

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, he has a few updated lists in their movie rankings section, including the best Robert Pattinson movies ranked, the best Steven Yeun movies ranked, the best Steven Soderbergh movies ranked, and every Bong Joon-ho movie ranked.

Brian Eggert – Deep Focus Review

On Deep Focus Review, Brian recently reviewed:

Brian also recently appeared on two podcasts as a guest: He joined Film Trace to discuss the 1969 and 2010 versions of True Grit, and then Reel Mental with Dr. Marcia Sirota to talk about Pedro Almodóvar’s The Room Next Door.

On his Patreon, Brian posted a new entry in his essay series, The Definitives, about Fritz Lang’s M (1931)

Last but not least, the Independent Film Critics of America (IFCA) has named Brian Eggert as 2024’s recipient of the Critic of the Year award. Read about the announcement on the IFCA website or Deep Focus Review.

Hunter Friesen – The Cinema Dispatch

At The Cinema Dispatch, Hunter reviewed Black Bag, The Electric State, and Opus.

Jay Gabler – Duluth News Tribune

Jay spoke with Minnesota Film Festival director Vera Bianchini for a Duluth News Tribune preview of this year’s festival, which takes place in Duluth from March 19-23.

Kyle Goethe – Goat Film Reviews

Over on the GOAT Film Reviews Website, you can find reviews of two new releases, Novocaine and Black Bag!

You can also find unboxing videos of two recent Severin home video releases on the GOAT Film Reviews YouTube Channel:

  • Dario Argento’s Deep Cuts is a 4-disc set with a ton of previously unavailable television work from horror maestro Dario Argento!
  • Hard Wood: The Adult Features of Ed Wood is a 3-disc collection of Ed Wood’s risque adult films, made during the end of his career in order to feed his alcohol dependency, these films are certainly what you’d imagine adult films from Ed Wood would be like.

New Episode of Kyle & Nick on Film: Novocaine

Eric Houston – North Metro TV

Movie Man Eric escapes from the Planet of the Apes!

C.B. Jacobson – Picturegoer

This week in the “Picturegoer” newsletter, Mel Gibson and Mark Wahlberg pose a “Flight Risk”; Richard Linklater combines truth and fiction in “Bernie”; the boundaries of bad taste are pushed by John Waters in “Female Trouble” and by Pedro Almodovar in “Matador”; Sam Peckinpah bids farewell to the old west in “Ride the High Country”; and the latest in a series on the classic ’70s sitcom “Taxi”.  Follow the link: https://picturegoer.substack.com/p/picturegoer-vol-3-issue-7-flight

Catherine Krummey – Veg Out Recipes

Catherine paired the underappreciated 2011 romcom “Beginners” with pizza rolls and paired the 2006 unconventional love story “Stranger Than Fiction” with white chocolate walnut cranberry oatmeal cookies as a double feature to celebrate the third anniversary of Veg Out.

Plus, she has four new reviews on The Feed: “Superboys of Malegaon,” “The Monkey,” “The Day the Earth Blew Up: A Looney Tunes Movie” and “Novocaine.”

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

Erik Larson – Hamline Oracle

This is Erik’s first week as a member of the MNFCA, and here are his most recent movie reviews:

Ruth Maramis – FlixChatter

Ruth over at FlixChatter posted a review of the recent Oscar-winning animated film FLOW – a captivating journey of visual storytelling makes this animated movie a timeless classic.

She also reviewed two new releases:

MICKEY 17 (2025) – Robert Pattinson’s comedic flair energizes Bong Joon-ho’s grand but uneven sci-fi satire

BLACK BAG (2025) – Soderbergh’s sleek, sexy spy caper makes the most of its impressive ensemble cast

Paul McGuire Grimes – Paul’s Trip to the Movies

Check out what Paul’s been working on this week!

And follow him 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:

Interview with Kae Dusosky

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. 129

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 Unbreakable Monkey

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

After taking a few weeks off to enjoy the February chill, The MN Movie Man is playing catch-up with reviews!  There’s something for every genre fan this week — take your pick!  Check out reviews for The Monkey, Cleaner, Liza: A Truy Terrific Absolutely True Story, Millers in Marriage, Anacoreta, Ex-Husbands, Grand Theft Hamlet, Inhabitants, The Gorge, Suze, Armand, Paddington in Peru, The Dead Thing, The Quiet Ones, & Bonus Track.  (There is a 10-star review in this batch…can you find it?)

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, he has a few updated lists in their movie rankings section, including the best Miles Teller movies ranked, the best Anya Taylor-Joy movies ranked, and every Marvel MCU movie ranked from worst to best.

Brian Eggert – Deep Focus Review

Brian reviewed the new releases The Monkey and Cleaner, as well as last year’s Vermiglio.

For his Patreon subscribers, he wrote a reader-commissioned piece about Pedro Almodóvar’s All About My Mother (1999) for his essay series, The Definitives.

Hunter Friesen – The Cinema Dispatch

At The Cinema Dispatch, Hunter reviewed The Monkey.

Jay Gabler – Duluth News Tribune

For the Duluth News Tribune, Jay wrote a guide to this year’s Oscar nominees for Best Picture. He also reported on a movie called Murder at the Lighthouse, filmed in northeastern Minnesota and premiering February 23 on Lifetime.

Looking to the future — in two senses — he wrote a feature about a planned movie called The 7th, which may become the first $10+ million production in northern Minnesota since 2005’s North Country.

Kyle Goethe – Goat Film Reviews

Over on the GOAT Film Reviews YouTube Channel, you can find several first reactions to new releases, as well as a brand-new Unboxing Video for Severin’s 4k release of 2020 Texas Gladiators! Look for a Physical Media Review of the set soon!

Unboxing Severin’s 2020 Texas Gladiators (1983)

Kyle & GOAT Film Reviews were also featured in Rent.com this week! You can find more info here: Featured in Rent.com!

New Episode of Kyle & Nick on Film: 3:10 to Yuma (1957)

C.B. Jacobson – Picturegoer

In this week’s “Picturegoer” newsletter, Pamela Anderson as “The Last Showgirl”; the Monty Python gang’s first foray into feature filmmaking, “And Now for Something Completely Different”; Michael Rennie arrives for “The Day the Earth Stood Still”; Samuel L. Jackson and Jurnee Smollett visit “Eve’s Bayou”; Francis Coppola’s epic passion project “One from the Heart”; and the first volume of Simon Callow’s magisterial Orson Welles biography.  Follow the link.

Ruth Maramis – FlixChatter

Ruth over at FlixChatter reviewed two new releases: 

Paddington in Peru: The friendliest talking bear gets a bit lost in the wieldy jungle adventure but still packs a lot of charm

AppleTV+’s The Gorge: This amusingly romantic creature feature can’t sustain the intense build-up

In light of recent news, longtime Bond fan Ruth wrote about (lamented on) the fate of the British spy franchise: 

Shaken AND stirred! Musings on Amazon MGM Studios taking creative control of the JAMES BOND franchise from the Broccolis family business.

Paul McGuire Grimes – Paul’s Trip to the Movies

Paul is celebrating the 50th Anniversary of “Saturday Night Live” Here, he looks back at his interviews with current and past cast members of the legendary late night sketch comedy series.

Looking Back at SNL – Paul Interviews the Cast of Saturday Night Live

Follow Paul on Social Media!

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. 127

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: Love Hurts when you have 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.

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 did a deepdive of 2021 movies, reviewing the following releases from that year:

Lastly, he has reviews for the following classic movies:

Brian Eggert – Deep Focus Review

Brian reviewed the following new releases:

Hunter Friesen – The Cinema Dispatch

At The Cinema Dispatch, Hunter reviewed Love Hurts and Parthenope.

Kyle Goethe – Goat Film Reviews

Genre love is in the air, everywhere we look around! If you’re still looking for the right movie for your V-Day, you can find new reviews of Heart Eyes and Love Hurts, as well as recent streaming release You’re Cordially Invited:

Meanwhile, over on the Kyle & Nick on Film Patreon, patrons will have access to the finale in our series, The Road to De Palma, where we discuss and rank all 28 Brian De Palma films we covered in the series. You can find individual episodes on each film as well by becoming a Patron!

Matt Hambridge – FandomWire

This past week Matt reviewed Heart Eyes for Break Time Reviews and Love Hurts for FandomWire.

Catherine Krummey – Veg Out Recipes

Catherine paired the modern western “The Assassination of Jesse James by the Coward Robert Ford” with verde chicken chili and Steven Soderbergh’s 1998 neo noir stunner “Out of Sight” with spinach artichoke pasta on Veg Out. Plus, she has five new reviews on The Feed: “Inheritance,” “You’re Cordially Invited,” “Dog Man,” “Heart Eyes” and “Love Hurts.” She also continued her FYC Friday series with quick thoughts on “Hit Man,” “The Girl with the Needle” and more, on top of starting a month-long Comfort Collab Instagram series with 28 people pairing beloved baked goods with comfort shows and movies.

Matthew Liedke – Liedke on Film

At his site, Liedke reviewed many 2024 films receiving award-season recognition. They include “The Substance,” “Emilia Perez,” “Sing Sing,” “Nickel Boys,” “The Room Next Door,” “Babygirl,” “The Piano Lesson,” “Oh, Canada,” “Hard Truths” and “Maria.” He also published his Top 10 Movies of 2024 list.

Ruth Maramis – FlixChatter

Ruth over at FlixChatter posted a TV Review of SEVERANCE (Season 1) – a binge-worthy workplace mystery that rewards your patience. She also reviewed the newly-released LOVE HURTS (2025) – Ke Huy Quan is lovable as ever, but this not-so-sweet Valentine thriller is wince-inducing. Meanwhile, Ruth also posted a guest review of Heart Eyes, a Valentine’s Day rom-com slasher for those who want blood + gore for their date night

Ruth would love to connect with fellow MNFCA on Letterboxd, so let’s do so if you haven’t already.

FlixChatter is on Letterboxd > https://letterboxd.com/flixchatter/ 

Paul McGuire Grimes – Paul’s Trip to the Movies

Paul has some new reviews and interviews to share this week and make sure to follow him on social media!

Interview:

Kinda Pregnant Cast Interviews with Amy Schumer, Jillian Bell, Brianne Howey, and Will Forte

New Reviews:

4K/Blu-Ray Reviews:

Follow Paul on Social Media!

Mark McPherson – Movies With Mark

Film Reviews:

Brian Orndorf – Blu-Ray.Com

Film Reviews:

Blue-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. 124

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 Wolf Man is Back in Action

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

Now that we’re halfway through January, The MN Movie Man has finished his year-end wrap up 🙂  Check out the Best, the Worst, and the Special Mentions here!

A variety of new reviews arrived this week as well: Wolf Man, Back in Action, Night Call, Vermiglio, Alarum, & Wish You Were Here.

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 lists for the best movies starring Adam Driver, the best movies starring Timothée Chalamet, and the best movies released in 2013.

Brian Eggert – Deep Focus Review

Brian reviewed the Belgian thriller Night Call, the docu-style horror movie It Doesn’t Get Any Better Than This, and the new remake Wolf Man.

Hunter Friesen (The Cinema Dispatch)

At The Cinema Dispatch, Hunter reviewed Wolf Man.

Kyle Goethe – Goat Film Reviews

This week, you can find a review for the first major horror release of 2025, Wolf Man!

New Episode of Kyle & Nick on Film: Red Rooms (2023)

Jason Hemming – Cinema Recall

Eric Houston – North Metro TV

Movie Man Eric Houston looks back at the career of the great David Lynch.

C.B. Jacobson – Picturegoer

In this week’s issue of the “Picturegoer” newsletter, Barry Jenkins takes a swing at a “Lion King” prequel with “Mufasa”; Edward G. Robinson tries to enter high society in “The Little Giant”; Albert Brooks and Julie Hagerty get “Lost in America”; Tyrone Power leaves “The Mark of Zorro”; James Cameron works out his own marital woes in “True Lies”; and the first volume of “Full Metal Alchemist”.  Follow the link: https://picturegoer.substack.com/p/picturegoer-vol-2-issue-51-mufasa

Catherine Krummey – Veg Out Recipes

Catherine paired the 2023 detective/dark comedy show “Poker Face” with twice-baked potatoes on Veg Out. Plus, she published two new reviews on The Feed: “One of Them Days” and “September 5.” She also continued her FYC Friday series with quick thoughts on a couple 2024 releases and published a new Letterboxd list in honor of the late, great David Lynch.

Ruth Maramis – FlixChatter

FlixChatter Review: The Wild Robot (2024) – A visually stunning animated tale filled with warmth as a robot discovers motherhood

FlixChatter’s 15 Most Anticipated 2025 Movies – 2025’s lineup is already brimming with exciting new projects

FlixChatter’s Top 10 Films of 2024 + 20 Honorable Mentions

Paul McGuire Grimes – Paul’s Trip to the Movies

It’s a new year and Paul is here with reviews of a few new movies hitting theaters and streaming

The Room Next Door

September 5

Unstoppable

Smile 2 – Now on 4K

Mark McPherson – Movies With Mark

Film Reviews:

Brian Orndorf – Blu-Ray.Com

Film Reviews

Blu-ray/UHD Reviews

Nicholas Palodichuk – St. Paul Filmcast

New Episode of Kyle & Nick on Film: Red Rooms (2023)

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. 123

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: Den of The Last Showgirl

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

After a (brief) winter’s nap, The MN Movie Man is back with a sleigh full of reviews of both new and recent films!

If you still have your Christmas Tree up (he does), sit back, pull up the Yule Log on YouTube and enjoy these late presents: Birdeater, Memoir of a Snail, I’m Still Here, A Complete Unknown, The Brutalist, Babygirl, Queer, Hard Truths, Nightbitch, September 5, The Damned, Nosferatu, The Day the Earth Blew Up: A Looney Tunes Movie, Bloody Axe Wound, Mufasa: The Lion King, The Man in the White Van

Be sure to follow The MN Movie Man on Instagram, Letterboxd, and Facebook for his weekly hot takes 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 a couple classic movies:

Lastly, in their movie rankings section, he updated his ranking of every Luca Guadagnino movie and ranked the best movies of 2014.

Brian Eggert – Deep Focus Review

Brian reviewed the second season of the AppleTV+ series, Severance.

He also wrote a new essay about Stanley Kubrick’s Eyes Wide Shut (1999), exclusively for his Patreon subscribers. Readers can purchase access individually or join Deep Focus Review’s Patron community to access it.

Hunter Friesen (The Cinema Dispatch)

At The Cinema Dispatch, Hunter reviewed Den of Thieves 2: Pantera.

Kyle Goethe – Goat Film Reviews

Over on the GOAT Film Reviews YouTube Channel, you can find Video Reviews for Daddy’s Head and Conclave:

On the GOAT Film Reviews Website, you can find an Early Review for the 2025 sequel, Den of Thieves 2: Pantera!

New Episodes of Kyle & Nick on Film:

Matt Hambridge – Break Time Reviews

On his newly revamped website, Break Time Reviews, Matt released his Top 10 Movies of 2024. And for FandomWire, he kicked off 2025 with a review of the heist sequel Den of Thieves 2: Pantera.

C.B. Jacobson – Picturegoer

In this week’s issue of the “Picturegoer” newsletter, thoughts on the coal-in-your-stocking holiday offering “Red One”; Robert Ryan in Robert Wise’s masterful boxing noir “The Set-Up”; the kung fu classic “The 36th Chamber of Shaolin”; Prince’s befuddling, beautiful vanity project “Under the Cherry Moon”; Bill Murray and Richard Dreyfuss bicker in “What About Bob”; and a book of George Lucas interviews. 

Follow the link: https://picturegoer.substack.com/p/picturegoer-vol-2-issue-50-red-one

Catherine Krummey – Veg Out Recipes

Catherine paired the family-friendly favorite “Happy Feet” with penguin popsicles on Veg Out. Plus, she celebrated Letterboxd’s Year in Review release with a reel highlighting her stats. She also continued her FYC Friday series with quick thoughts on documentaries about three iconic women and other 2024 releases.

Ruth Maramis – FlixChatter

Golden Globes 2025 recap – Demi, Stan, Shōgun, The Brutalist, Flow, etc. – winner highlights + favorite moments of the night

FlixChatter Review: The Last Showgirl (2024) – Pamela Anderson proves she’s no fading starlet in Gia Coppola’s poignant yet familiar Vegas drama

Documentary Spotlight – Jimmy Carter: Rock & Roll President (2020)– the soulful ‘entertainer in chief’ who tapped into the unifying power of music

Paul McGuire Grimes – Paul’s Trip to the Movies

Paul has new reviews and interviews for 2025! Plus, a look back at 2024

THE LAST SHOWGIRL review

THE LAST SHOWGIRL interviews with Pamela Anderson, Jamie Lee Curtis, Kiernan Shipka, Brenda Song, and Gia Coppola

SE7EN 4K review

Paul’s Top 10 Movies of 2024

Mark McPherson – Movies With Mark

Film Reviews

Brian Orndorf – Blu-Ray.Com

Film Reviews

Blu-ray/UHD Reviews

Nicholas Palodichuk – St. Paul Filmcast

New Episodes of Kyle & Nick on Film:

Sing Sing (2023)

The Order (2024)

Tyler Strandberg – Cinefied

Over on Cinefied, Tyler wrote about the dystopian game show Beast Games, noting the striking parallels between Survivor and Squid Game, and dived into how these competitions reflect the harsh realities of wealth inequality and human desperation.

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