The Minnesota Movie Digest: M3GAN: F2.0
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
And just like that…June is gone, and The MN Movie Man is looking at a busy July! On his site, he has reviews of two under-the-radar horror films, Eye for an Eye and Pins & Needles, plus big-time summer flicks F1: The Movie and M3GAN 2.0. He also broke down 11 essential Brad Pitt performances every movie fan needs to pay attention to…and you’ll be surprised what’s not on the list.
At Loud and Clear Reviews, Joe delved deeper into Pitt’s career, ranking 30 of his films from worst to best.
Finally, hold on to your butts because Joe just published his review of Jurassic Park: Rebirth, opening on July 2!
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 M3GAN 2.0 and posted a newly expanded essay in The Definitives about Stanley Kubrick’s Paths of Glory (1957).
He also appeared on KARE 11’s new show The CineFiles to discuss F1, Materialists, and 28 Years Later with co-hosts Chris Hrapsky and Jamie Rogers.
And Brian returned to KARE 11 Saturday to discuss F1, Elio, and The Life of Chuck.
For his Patreon subscribers, he posted a new essay in The Definitives about The Sea Wolf (1941).
Dallas Fisher – Dallas Goes To The Movies
Two new movie reviews this week for F1: The Movie and M3GAN 2.0. Reviews for dozens of other 2025 releases can be found at my website.
Hunter Friesen – The Cinema Dispatch
At The Cinema Dispatch, Hunter reviewed Heads of State.
Jay Gabler – Duluth News Tribune
For The Tangential, Jay reviewed Ken Denison’s C.S. Lewis On Stage: Further Up & Further In, a film documenting Max McLean’s one-man show.
Kyle Goethe – Goat Film Reviews
This week, find two new reviews for releases F1 and M3GAN 2.0!
C.B. Jacobson – Picturegoer
In this week’s “Picturegoer” newsletter, Pixar’s science fiction adventure “Elio”; the softer side of Clint Eastwood in “Bronco Billy”; Lake Bell makes her directorial debut with “In a World”; Gene Kelly and Judy Garland in “The Pirate”; Roger Corman takes “The Trip”; and a biography of Mel Brooks. Follow the link.
Catherine Krummey – Veg Out Recipes
Catherine has three new reviews on The Feed: “Hot Milk,” “Heads of State,” and “M3gan 2.0.” She also has a new list on Letterboxd: 21st Century Top 10 (so far).
Erik Larson – Hamline Oracle
Erik has two new film reviews for this week:
- “Good Night, and Good Luck.” from 2005 to 2025: Resistance in the face of tyranny – The Oracle
- “The Life of Chuck” (2024): We all contain multitudes – The Oracle
Matthew Liedke – Liedke on Film
At his site, Liedke published reviews on several June releases, including The Phoenician Scheme, Materialists, How to Train Your Dragon, Ballerina, F1, and 28 Years Later.
Ruth Maramis – FlixChatter
Big 007 News! Musings on Denis Villeneuve directing the next JAMES BOND movie for Amazon MGM Studios
I’m also sharing my blog contributor Ted S’s TV review of MobLand on Paramount+ – This mobster drama doesn’t break new ground, but it’s worth a watch for the three leads: Mirren, Brosnan + Hardy
Paul McGuire Grimes – Paul’s Trip to the Movies
Paul is back celebrating the release of M3GAN 2.0
Allison Williams Interview – M3GAN 2.0, Pop Culture Icon, and Drag Race
Twin Cities Live 6/36 – M3GAN 2.0, F1: The Movie, and Overcompensating
You can follow Paul on social media @PAULSMOVIETRIP and on Letterboxd, and go subscribe to his YouTube channel “Paul’s Trip to the Movies” for some exciting new interviews coming SOON!
Brian Orndorf – Blu-Ray.Com
Film Reviews:
- Jurassic World: Rebirth
- Ice Road: Vengeance
- M3GAN 2.0
- The G
- Stealing Pulp Fiction
- Off the Grid
- June and John
Blu-ray/UHD Reviews:
Nicholas Palodichuk – St. Paul Filmcast
MEGAN 2.0 – St Paul Filmcast Review
Keep your eyes peeled for the latest film critiques, reviews, and news from the Minnesota Film Critics Association! 🎬🍿