Category: Eli Brau

The Alliance Lately: Issue No. 108

Minnesota Film Critics Alliance Newsletter

The Alliance Lately: My Old Wild Megalopolis

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 (The MN Movie Man)

Check out the new releases from The MN Movie Man this week! Just as the 2024 Toronto International Film Festival wraps up, two films from the 2023 festival are getting a wide release, and both are worth your time! Sleep and Lee are in theaters now. Over on Max, the long-awaited update of Salem’s Lot has risen from the grave. Reviews of Amber Alert, Azrael, and My Old Ass are also up!

Make sure to look over Joe’s Instagram for even more coverage of TIFF24 and the recently concluded Fantastic Fest 2024! October’s 31 Days to Scare is right around the corner!

Eli Brau

Eli has a few new pieces this week over on Cinephile Corner. In their movie reviews section, they have reviews for a few new releases, including  Megalopolis, The Wild Robot, Wolfs, Apartment 7A, and Snack Shack.

They also concluded their deep dive of David Lynch movies, including Fire Walk with Me, The Straight Story, and Inland Empire. And then in their rankings section, they have a ranking of David Lynch movies.

Brian Eggert (Deep Focus Review)

On Deep Focus Review, Brian reviewed Azrael, Wolfs, and Megalopolis.

For his essay series The Definitives, he wrote about David Cronenberg’s eXistenZ (1999) exclusively for his Patreon subscribers.

Finally, James Cameron fans will want to check out several new pieces Brian released from his Patreon paywall recently, including essays about The Terminator (1984) and The Abyss (1989), and reviews about Terminator 2: Judgment Day (1991) and True Lies (1994).

Hunter Friesen (The Cinema Dispatch)

At The Cinema Dispatch, Hunter posted a full recap of his time at the Toronto International Film Festival. He also posted a review for the new Apple TV+ film Wolfs.

Kyle Goethe

Kyle Goethe & Nicholas Palodichuk

Barrett Goetz

Zach Hammill

Catherine Krummey

Catherine pairs the underseen 2002 coming-of-age gem Real Women Have Curves with caramel ice cream dessert nachos on Veg Out. Plus, she has two new reviews on The Feed: Megalopolis and Wolfs.

Catherine also participated in a Horror Movie Double Features collab and will be hosting the Secret Movie Night at Emagine Willow Creek on October 9: get tickets here!

Brad Lenz

Ruth Maramis

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

Paul had a busy week of interviews and reviews! Check out his exclusive content:

Mark McPherson (Movies With Mark)

Brian Orndorf (Blu-Ray.Com)

Movies: Megalopolis, The Wild Robot, Salem’s Lot, Wolfs, Amber Alert, Lee, Killer Heat, Azrael, Empire Waist, Paradox Effect

Blu-ray/UHD: Woman in Love: A Story of Madame Bovary, Late Night with the Devil

Tyler Strandberg

Before its premiere, Tyler reviewed the autumnal-themed Disney+ series Agatha All Along.

Tyler also reviewed The Wild Robot, one of his favorite films of the year thus far.

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

The Alliance Lately: Issue No. 107

Minnesota Film Critics Alliance Newsletter

The Alliance Lately: Transformers: Speak No Substance

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 (The MN Movie Man)

Now that Joe is back from his Canadian adventure, he’s back into the swing of reviews. Check out his thoughts on The Substance, Transformers One, Omni Loop, Subservience, and Last Straw.

Brief reviews of the 61 films Joe saw throughout the 2024 Toronto International Film Festival are up over on his Instagram – full details will be up on his website shortly. He’s also begun coverage of Fantastic Fest 2024!

Eli Brau

Eli has a few new pieces this week over on Cinephile Corner. In their movie reviews section, they have reviews for a few new releases, including Kinds of Kindness, MaXXXine, Robot Dreams, Rebel Ridge, Cuckoo, and I Saw the TV Glow.

They have also been deep diving David Lynch movies, including Blue Velvet, Lost Highway, and more.

Lastly, in their rankings section, they have new lists for the best alien movies of all time and the best movies of 1999.

Brian Eggert (Deep Focus Review)

On Deep Focus Review, Brian Eggert reviewed Speak No Evil (2024), The Substance, A Different Man, Bookworm, and Apartment 7A.

Exclusively for his Patreon subscribers, he reviewed The Front Room.

Brian also appeared on KARE 11 Saturday to recommend three 2024 titles for your next movie night at home.

Hunter Friesen (The Cinema Dispatch)

At The Cinema Dispatch, Hunter finalized his coverage for the Toronto International Film Festival, posting full reviews for  Nightbitch,  Conclave,  Queer, Heretic, Babygirl, and The End. He also posted two  dispatches with mini reviews for several other films he saw at the festival.

Barrett Goetz

Matt Hambidge

On the TV front, Matt is back to cover the 47th season of Survivor. He’ll have weekly written recaps on Fandomwire, while also returning for another season of the Talking Llama podcast.

Zach Hammill

Eric Houston

Bad Movie Bros Eric and Chad are back with a look at another bad movie.  This time, Corey Haim and a super smart dog match wits with Michael Ironside in Watchers!

Catherine Krummey (Veg Out Recipes)

Catherine pairs the drama-heavy The Real Housewives of Salt Lake City with a breakfast crunchwrap as part of her continuing Breakfast with Bravo series on Veg Out. Plus, she has five new reviews on The Feed: Speak No Evil, Transformers One, The Substance, My Old Ass and A Different Man.

Catherine also participated in a What Kind of Cinephile Are You? collab and will be hosting the Secret Movie Night at Emagine Willow Creek on October 9: get tickets here!

Ruth Maramis

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

Mark McPherson (Movies With Mark)

Brian Orndorf (Blu-Ray.Com)

Movies: Transformers One, Apartment 7A, His Three Daughters, Never Let Go, The Substance, Omni Loop, Clawfoot, Subservience, Uglies, Hounds of War, My Old Ass

Blu-ray/UHD: Bloodbath at the House of Death, Bad Company, Hell’s Trap, The Stepfather, The Fabulous Four

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

The Alliance Lately: Issue No. 106

Minnesota Film Critics Alliance Newsletter

The Alliance Lately: Beetlejuice Beetlejuice Gray Duck

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 (The MN Movie Man)

Before heading off to 2024 Toronto International Film Festival, Joe filed his reviews for the new releases Beetlejuice Beetlejuice, Don’t Turn Out the Lights, and the UK release, And Mrs.

Keep track of his TIFF reviews on his Instagram – full details will be up on his website when he gets back stateside!

Matt Clark

Best New-to-Me August Roundup

Brian Eggert (Deep Focus Review)

On Deep Focus Review, Brian Eggert reviewed Víctor Erice’s Close Your Eyes, the documentary Look Into My Eyes, and Beetlejuice Beetlejuice.

Hunter Friesen (The Cinema Dispatch)

At The Cinema Dispatch, Hunter wrote reviews for two new movies: Rebel Ridge and Beetlejuice Beetlejuice. He’s also currently attending the Toronto International Film Festival, and has posted reviews for high-profile titles such as William Tell, Presence, The Brutalist, The Room Next Door, and The Life of Chuck.

Kyle Goethe

Unboxing Arrow Video’s Cold War Creatures

Kyle & Nick on Film (Kyle Goethe & Nicholas Palodichuk)

90s w/Kyle: 8mm (1999) | The Last Voyage of the Demeter (2023)

Matt Hambidge

The Perfect Couple

Zach Hammill

Beetlejuice Beetlejuice

Catherine Krummey (Veg Out Recipes)

Catherine pairs the award-winning sitcom Abbott Elementary with rectangular pan pizza for a back-to-school entry on Veg Out. She also has a new review on The Feed of Beetlejuice Beetlejuice.

She will be hosting the Secret Movie Night at Emagine Willow Creek on October 9: get tickets here!

Matthew Liedke

Didi Review | Alien Romulus Review | The Crow Review | Summer Throwback Column | Summer Movie Awards

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

BEETLEJUICE BEETLEJUICE Review | ALIEN ROMULUS Review | AGATHA ALL ALONG Interviews

Mark McPherson (Movies With Mark)

The Deliverance Review | Rebel Ridge Review | BEETLEJUICE BEETLEJUICE Review

Brian Orndorf (Blu-Ray.Com)

Movies:
Beetlejuice Beetlejuice | Rebel Ridge | Casa Bonita Mi Amor | I’ll Be Right There | The Thicket | Afraid | 1992 | Reagan | Gary | You Gotta Believe

Blu-ray/UHD:
Devil Times Five | They Call Her Macho Woman | Way Bad Stone

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

The Alliance Lately: Issue No. 105

Minnesota Film Critics Alliance Newsletter

The Alliance Lately: AfrAId of the Ivory Wasp

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 (The MN Movie Man)

Continuing his trend of covering smaller titles that have emerged in the last few weeks, The MN Movie Man reviewed The Wasp, Slingshot, Merchant Ivory, and Out Come the Wolves.

Stay tuned for a wave of reviews coming out of Canada, where he’ll be reporting from the 2024 Toronto International Film Festival for the next few weeks.

Eli Brau

Eli has a few pieces this week for Cinephile Corner.

Over on their movie reviews section, they have articles for a few new releases, including Horizon: An American Saga – Chapter 1, The Instigators, The Bikeriders, Knox Goes Away, and A Quiet Place: Day One, and a classic review of Eraserhead (1977).

Brian Eggert (Deep Focus Review)

On Deep Focus Review, Brian Eggert reviewed the new Blumhouse release, AfrAId.

For his Patreon subscribers, Brian posted a new entry in his essay series, The Definitives, about Víctor Erice’s The Spirit of the Beehive  (1973). He also shared a Reader’s Choice review of Alfred Hitchcock’s Rope (1948).

Hunter Friesen (The Cinema Dispatch)

At The Cinema Dispatch, Hunter updated his Oscar predictions and detailed what the fall festivals mean for this year’s awards race.

Kyle Goethe

Kyle & Nick on Film (Kyle Goethe & Nicholas Palodichuk)

Eric Houston

Movie Man Eric Houston presents classic educational and industrial shorts on Movie Man Short Shorts. Each installment features two classic shorts and behind-the-scenes info about the people who made the movies. In the latest episode, he presents Command Performance, which looks at how vinyl record albums were made.

Catherine Krummey (Veg Out Recipes)

Catherine pairs the beloved 2005 adaptation of Pride & Prejudice with blueberry lavender ice cream for the final entry in the Summer of Scoops series on Veg Out.

She also has a new review on The Feed of You Gotta Believe and collaborated on a Layered Favorites post, highlighting multifaceted movies and shows on Netflix.

Ruth Maramis

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

It’s a bit of a slow time before the Fall Movie Season kicks into high gear. Paul is using that time to recharge, but here is a review for Lee Daniels’ new film The Deliverance.

Mark McPherson (Movies With Mark)

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

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

The Alliance Lately: Issue No. 101

Minnesota Film Critics Alliance Newsletter

The Alliance Lately: Harold and the Purple Kneecap Trap

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.

Eli Brau

Eli has a few pieces this week for Cinephile Corner.

Over on their movie reviews section, they have articles for a few new releases, including Longlegs, Twisters, The Strangers Chapter 1, In a Violent Nature, and The Last Stop in Yuma County. 

They also have two lists in their rankings section, including the best movies of 2023 so far, and the best serial killer movies ever to coincide with the release of Longlegs.

Kelly Florence & Meg Hafdahl (The Horror Rewind)

Hunter Friesen (The Cinema Dispatch)

At The Cinema Dispatch, Hunter published reviews for Kneecap and The Instigators. He also appeared on the Reel Chronicles Podcast to discuss the 20th anniversary of Entourage.

Kyle Goethe

Kyle & Nick on Film (Kyle Goethe & Nicholas Palodichuk)

Zach Hammill

Catherine Krummey (Veg Out Recipes)

Catherine paired the comedy series “A Black Lady Sketch Show” with cookie butter ice cream sandwiches as part of her continuing Summer of Scoops series on Veg Out. She also published two new reviews on The Feed: Kneecap and Between the Temples. Additionally, Catherine led a collaborative post highlighting back-to-school movies.

Ruth Maramis (FlixChatter)

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

Mark McPherson (Movies With Mark)

Brian Orndorf (Blu-Ray.Com)

Tyler Strandberg

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

The Alliance Lately: Issue No. 93

Minnesota Film Critics Alliance Newsletter

The Alliance Lately: Ride or Die

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 (The MN Movie Man)

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.

Eli Brau (Cinephile Corner)

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

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

Brian Eggert (Deep Focus Review)

On Deep Focus Review, Brian wrote about the new releases Hit Man and The Watchers, along 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. 

Matt Hambidge

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.

Ruth Maramis (FlixChatter)

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.

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

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!

Mark McPherson (Movies With Mark)

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!

Brian Orndorf (Blu-Ray.Com)

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! 🎬🍿

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