The Minnesota Movie Digest: Issue No. 139

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: Another Simple Favor for The Surfer

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

It may have been quiet at The MN Movie Man these past few weeks, but the movie-watching and reviewing hadn’t stopped. This week, the first half of a bundle of new reviews arrived, something for every taste. Check out reviews for: Thunderbolts*, Another Simple Favor, Sinners, Psycho Therapy: The Shallow Tale of a Writer Who Decided to Write About a Serial Killer, A Nice Indian Boy, the remake of The Wedding Banquet, and Death of a Unicorn.

Over at Loud and Clear Reviews, Joe had reviews of The Legend of Ochi and the indie feature The Univited published.

Finally, if you are a planner, keep Wednesday, June 11 on your calendar. The MN Movie Man will be hosting Secret Movie Night at Emagine Willow Creek! More details (but not the movie title!) soon!

Be sure to follow The MN Movie Man on Instagram, Letterboxd, TikTok, and Facebook for his weekly early looks at upcoming films and other updates between newsletters!

Brian Eggert – Deep Focus Review

On Deep Focus Review, Brian reviewed:

Thunderbolts*
- Bonjour Tristesse
- The Surfer

For his Patreon subscribers, Brian wrote a new entry in his essay series, The Definitives, about Andrei Tarkovsky’s Stalker (1979). Check out his Patreon page.

Hunter Friesen – The Cinema Dispatch

At The Cinema Dispatch and Eden Prairie Local News, Hunter reviewed Thunderbolts* and Another Simple Favor.

Kyle Goethe – Goat Film Reviews

Over on the GOAT Film Reviews YouTube Channel, you can find video reviews of a bunch of 2025 releases, now available, including:

There’s also a new Unboxing Video for the recent Criterion Collection release of The Ranown Westerns, the first Criterion Collection 4k exclusive box set!

New episode of Kyle & Nick on Film: The Shrouds

Eric Houston – North Metro TV

Movie Man Eric Houston watched the notorious flop Bonfire of the Vanities… and he loved it!

Catherine Krummey – Veg Out Recipes

Catherine has five new reviews on The Feed: “Another Simple Favor,” “Government Cheese,” “Your Friends & Neighbors,” “The Wedding Banquet” and “Drop.”

She also published a new director list on Letterboxd: The Films of Paul Feig.

Erik Larson – Hamline Oracle

Erik has two new film reviews for this week:

Matthew Liedke – Liedke on Film

At his site, Liedke reviewed several April releases, including “Drop,” “Warfare,” and “The Amateur.” He also wrote a column about the first weekend of May 2015, which featured an interesting cross-section of movies and sports for a major collection of entertainment.

Paul McGuire Grimes – Paul’s Trip to the Movies

Paul has a few new reviews this week!

THUNDERBOLTS* (catch this in theaters!)

THREE CLINT CLASSICS on 4K – New 4K releases of “Dirty Harry,” “The Outlaw Josey Wales,” and “Pale Rider”

And follow Paul across social media @PAULSMOVIETRIP and on Letterboxd

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. 137

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)!

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

Death is but a door; time is but a window; and Movie Man Eric Houston watched Ghostbusters 2
Then it was time for Bruce Campbell, Deborah Foreman, and David Carradine in Sundown: The Vampire in Retreat

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. 135

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)!

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. 132

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)!

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:

Black Bag
- The Fetus
- In the Lost Lands
- Mickey 17
- On Becoming a Guinea Fowl
- The Rule of Jenny Pen
- Seven Veils

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. 130

The Minnesota Movie Digest: The Last Breath for My Dead Friend Zoe

Welcome to The Minnesota Movie Digest, the official newsletter from the Minnesota Film Critics Association (MNFCA)!

Check out the MNFCA Members page to meet our all-star lineup.

And now… The Minnesota Movie Digest.

Joe Botten – The MN Movie Man

Do any of the new releases this week have Oscar potential for next year? Too soon? Never! Check out The MN Movie Man‘s reviews of Last Breath, My Dead Friend Zoe, and Cold Wallet to see how they might hold up a year from now 🙂

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!

Brian Eggert – Deep Focus Review

Brian recently made several pieces on French auteur Bertrand Bonello freely available on Deep Focus Review, removing them from behind the Patreon paywall. These include House of Pleasures (2011), Saint Laurent (2014), Nocturama (2016), and Zombi Child (2019).

Brian also appeared on KARE 11 on Saturday, March 1, to share his Oscar predictions.

On his Patreon, Brian continued his “Filmmaker in Focus” series about Jia Zhangke with a review of The World (2004).

Kyle Goethe – Goat Film Reviews

Over on the GOAT Film Reviews YouTube Channel, you can find unboxings of 2 new Severin Films releases: the brand-new 4k release of the Penne Post-Apocalypse film 2020 Texas Gladiators and also the Blu-Ray set of the best documentary from last year, Scala!!!.

In addition, you can always first reactions to many new releases with this playlist: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLvTWH5vntZpboGauahqdssPBfH90B9-WE

On the GOAT Film Reviews site, you can also find a review of the new film, Last Breath!

New Episode of Kyle & Nick on Film: A History of Violence (2005)

Eric Houston – North Metro TV

Movie Man Eric Houston takes a ride in Larry Cohen’s The Ambulance!

C.B. Jacobson – Picturegoer

In this week’s issue of the “Picturegoer” newsletter, Robert Eggers brings resurrects “Nosferatu”; Sam Peckinpah gets sentimental with “Ballad of Cable Hogue”; F.W. Murnau’s take on “Faust”; Francois Truffaut on “The Man Who Loved Women” (a title that could refer to MANY Truffaut films); Clive Barker’s compromised horror epic “Nightbreed”; and the second episode of “Alfred Hitchcock Presents”. Follow the link.

Matthew Liedke – Liedke on Film

At his site, Liedke reviewed February releases “Heart Eyes” and “Captain America: Brave New World.” He also wrote about the Academy Award nominated animated features and documentaries.

Ruth Maramis – FlixChatter

Ruth over at FlixChatter reviewed two this year’s Oscar Best Picture nominee ANORA, and newly released SUPERBOYS OF MALEGAON. She also wrote a tribute to the late GENE HACKMAN, which included 10 favorite performances of one of cinema’s greats. As this year’s Oscars happens during the start of the month, Ruth combines her 2025 OSCAR Predictions + her FEBRUARY Viewing Recap.

Paul McGuire Grimes – Paul’s Trip to the Movies

Paul McGuire Grimes has reviews to share of three new movies!

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. 128

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)!

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. 124

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)!

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:

Prince of Broadway (2008) review

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!

Wolf Man (2025): [Early Review] Wolf Man (2025)

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

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 Alliance Lately: Issue No. 111

The Alliance Lately: Smile 2 the Woman of the Hour on your way to the Conclave

Welcome to The Alliance Lately, the official newsletter from the Minnesota Film Critics Alliance (MNFCA)!

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)

Joe has been keeping his 31 Days to Scare going and has something for all walks of horror fans. Check it out and bookmark it as we get closer to Halloween.

On The MN Movie Man, Joe has reviews of new releases Smile 2, Woman of the Hour, and MadS. He’s also playing catch-up on titles that have been dropping over the last few weeks: Seeking Mavis Beacon, Will & Harper, Things Will Be Different, The Radleys, The Outrun, It’s What’s Inside, Blink, and Hoard.

Brian Eggert (Deep Focus Review)

Brian covered the new releases Smile 2 and MadS. He also previewed the Twin Cities Film Fest and, from the festival, wrote about On Becoming a Guinea Fowl.

For his Patreon subscribers, Brian continued his month of exclusive horror reviews with his takes on Terrifier 3 and Netflix’s Fear Street Part One: 1994 (2021).

Brian also appeared on KARE 11 on Saturday, October 19, to share some fall movie recommendations and talk about his favorite horror movie.

Hunter Friesen (The Cinema Dispatch)

At The Cinema Dispatch, Hunter posted a review for Smile 2.

Kyle Goethe

Over at the GOAT Film Reviews website, Kyle has a review for the new release Green Night.

In addition, Kyle is continuing his yearly 31 Days of Horror event:

Day 13: The Butterfly Effect (2004)
Day 14: Strange Darling (2023)
Day 15: Beetlejuice Beetlejuice (2024)
Day 16: Unboxing Paramount Scares Volume 1!
Day 17: Smile 2 (2024)
Day 18: The Wait (2023)
Day 19: The Plague of the Zombies (1966)

Kyle Goethe & Nicholas Palodichuk

Zach Hammill

This week, Zach gets caught up with The Substance, and reviews the new film We Live in Time.

Jason Hemming

This week Jason reviewed Smile 2.

Eric Houston

Movie Man Eric released a podcast this week reviewing The Wasp, Inside Out 2, Challengers, and a handful of Universal Monsters movies!

Catherine Krummey

Last week’s Veg Out pairing was 2011’s “Thor” and smørrebrød. Plus, she has two new reviews on The Feed: “Smile 2” and “Magpie.” She also published a preview of the Twin Cities Film Fest. Additionally, she participated in a “Food & Drink Files: Netflix Edition” collab, got 10/10 on an Instagram movie trivia show and the “Demons & Monsters & Creatures, OH MY!” series she is co-hosting continued with more scary season films and shows.

Ruth Maramis

Ruth reviewed Saturday Night and Conclave. She also previewed 10 must-see documentaries as part of her Twin Cities Film Fest countdown.

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

Paul has a variety of new updates this week:

New Reviews of:

Woman of the Hour

The Apprentice

Heartstopper Season 3

Twin Cities Film Fest 2024 Celebrates its 15th Anniversary

A Nightmare On Elm Street celebrates 40th Anniversary with new 4K and Paul interviews Robert Englund and Heather Langenkamp

Twin Cities Live 10/11/24 – Interviews with Ariana DeBose for House of Spoils and Christophe Reeve’s family for Super/Man: The Christopher Reeve Story

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 Alliance! 🎬🍿

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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)!

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! 🎬🍿

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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)!

Check out the MNFCA Members page to meet our all-star lineup.

And now…The Alliance Lately.

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.

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

The Minnesota Movie Digest: Another Simple Favor for The Surfer

Joe Botten – The MN Movie Man

Brian Eggert – Deep Focus Review

Hunter Friesen – The Cinema Dispatch

Kyle Goethe – Goat Film Reviews

Eric Houston – North Metro TV

Catherine Krummey – Veg Out Recipes

Erik Larson – Hamline Oracle

Matthew Liedke – Liedke on Film

Paul McGuire Grimes – Paul’s Trip to the Movies

Mark McPherson – Movies With Mark

Brian Orndorf – Blu-Ray.Com

Follow Us On Social MediaInstagram: @mncriticsTwitter: @MNCritics

The Minnesota Movie Digest: Sinners cloaked in Shrouds at The Wedding Banquet

Eli Brau – Cinephile Corner

Matt Clark – Kino Ventura

Brian Eggert – Deep Focus Review

Hunter Friesen – The Cinema Dispatch

Kyle Goethe – Goat Film Reviews

Eric Houston – North Metro TV

Catherine Krummey – Veg Out Recipes

Erik Larson – Hamline Oracle

Ruth Maramis – FlixChatter

Paul McGuire Grimes – Paul’s Trip to the Movies

Mark McPherson – Movies With Mark

Brian Orndorf – Blu-Ray.Com

Nicholas Palodichuk – St. Paul Filmcast

Follow Us On Social MediaInstagram: @mncriticsTwitter: @MNCritics

The Minnesota Movie Digest: A Freaky Friend for the Minecraft Movie

Eli Brau – Cinephile Corner

Matt Clark – Kino Ventura

Brian Eggert – Deep Focus Review

Hunter Friesen – The Cinema Dispatch

Kyle Goethe – Goat Film Reviews

Jason Hemming – Cinema Recall

Eric Houston – North Metro TV

C.B. Jacobson – Picturegoer

Matthew Liedke – Liedke on Film

Ruth Maramis – FlixChatter

Paul McGuire Grimes – Paul’s Trip to the Movies

Mark McPherson – Movies With Mark

Brian Orndorf – Blu-Ray.Com

Follow Us On Social MediaInstagram: @mncriticsTwitter: @MNCritics

The Minnesota Movie Digest: The Black Bag is in The Electric State

Joe Botten – The MN Movie Man

Eli Brau – Cinephile Corner

Brian Eggert – Deep Focus Review

Hunter Friesen – The Cinema Dispatch

Jay Gabler – Duluth News Tribune

Kyle Goethe – Goat Film Reviews

Eric Houston – North Metro TV

C.B. Jacobson – Picturegoer

Catherine Krummey – Veg Out Recipes

Erik Larson – Hamline Oracle

Ruth Maramis – FlixChatter

Paul McGuire Grimes – Paul’s Trip to the Movies

Mark McPherson – Movies With Mark

Brian Orndorf – Blu-Ray.Com

Nicholas Palodichuk – St. Paul Filmcast

Follow Us On Social MediaInstagram: @mncriticsTwitter: @MNCritics

The Minnesota Movie Digest: The Last Breath for My Dead Friend Zoe

Joe Botten – The MN Movie Man

Brian Eggert – Deep Focus Review

Kyle Goethe – Goat Film Reviews

Eric Houston – North Metro TV

C.B. Jacobson – Picturegoer

Matthew Liedke – Liedke on Film

Ruth Maramis – FlixChatter

Paul McGuire Grimes – Paul’s Trip to the Movies

Mark McPherson – Movies With Mark

Brian Orndorf – Blu-Ray.Com

Follow Us On Social MediaInstagram: @mncriticsTwitter: @MNCritics

The Minnesota Movie Digest: Captain America and Paddington fall into The Gorge

Brian Eggert – Deep Focus Review

Hunter Friesen – The Cinema Dispatch

Kyle Goethe – Goat Film Reviews

Jason Hemming – Cinema Recall

Eric Houston – North Metro TV

C.B. Jacobson – Picturegoer

Chaz Kangas – Bring Me the News

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

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

Follow Us On Social Media
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Twitter: @MNCritics

Follow Us On Social Media
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Twitter: @MNCritics

Follow Us On Social Media
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Twitter: @MNCritics

Follow Us On Social Media
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Twitter: @MNCritics

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

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

Follow Us On Social Media
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Twitter: @MNCritics