The Alliance Lately: Issue No. 104

Minnesota Film Critics Alliance Newsletter

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.

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 DimensionsStrange DarlingHell HoleBetween the TemplesThe 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”


Over on the movie reviews section of the Cinephile Corner we have articles for a few new releases, including The People’s JokerFirebrandChimeJanet PlanetEvil 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

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

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

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

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

Two Purple Rain related projects for its 40th anniversary:

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.

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! 🎬🍿


The Alliance Lately: Issue No. 103

Minnesota Film Critics Alliance Newsletter

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.

This week, The MN Movie Man had seven reviews for his readers.  Not all of them were magnificent but you’d be lucky to catch a few of them in theaters!  Check out the reviews for Alien: Romulus, The Deliverance, Daughters, Skincare, Consumed, My Penguin Friend, and Close to You.

On Deep Focus Review, Brian reviewed the new releases Skincare and Alien: Romulus.

Brian also wrapped up his “Filmmaker in Focus” series about Bertrand Bonello with an essay about 2016’s Nocturama for his Patreon community.

Finally, Brian appeared on KARE 11 Saturday on August 17 to talk briefly about a few hidden gems of summer.  

Read more of Brian’s work at Deep Focus Review.

At The Cinema Dispatch, Hunter published reviews for Alien: Romulus and Blink Twice.

Alien: Romulus (2024)

Blood Simple (1984) | Alien: Romulus (2024) | Saturday Scares w/Kyle: Woodlands Dark and Days Bewitched (2021)

Jackpot! | The Union

Catherine pairs fan-favorite TV show The White Lotus with banana gelato as part of her continuing Summer of Scoops series on Veg Out.

She also published four new reviews on The Feed: Blink Twice, Alien: Romulus, Pachinko (Season 2) and In the Rearview.

Additionally, Catherine wrote a tribute to iconic actress Gena Rowlands and organized a community film post for Animation August.

Paul has a mix of new reviews and interviews this week

Bad Monkey | Interviews with Vince Vaughn and Bill Lawrence – Bad Monkey Interviews

Jackpot! | Interviews with Awkwafina, Paul Feig, and John Cena – Jackpot! Interviews

4K review – Furiosa | 4K review – The Bikeriders

Alien: Romulus Review | The Beast (2023) | Saving Bikini Bottom: The Sandy Cheeks Movie Review

Movies
Jackpot | My Penguin Friend | The Good Half | Skincare | Blink Twice | Alien: Romulus | Crescent City | The Union

Blu-ray/UHD
Reptilicus | Ali G Indahouse | Babes | You Can Call Me Bill


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


The Alliance Lately: Issue No. 102

Minnesota Film Critics Alliance Newsletter

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.

At The MN Movie Man, Joe reviewed new releases It Ends with Us, Dance First, and Peak Season. He also expanded on his original review of NEON’s newest thriller, Cuckoo, after seeing it in May at the Chicago Critics Film Festival.

This week, horror aficionados Kelly Florence and Meg Hafdahl invite you to watch their review of I Saw The TV Glow and more here.

On Deep Focus Review, Brian Eggert reviewed several new releases:

Brian also continued his “Filmmaker in Focus” series about Bertrand Bonello by reviewing 2011’s House of Pleasures for his Patreon community.

Read more of Brian’s work at Deep Focus Review.

At The Cinema Dispatch, Hunter published a review for It Ends with Us.

Kyle and Nick bring you two fresh takes on the latest thrillers, plus Kyle goes solo for a classic from the silent era.

Zach has two reviews for you this week!

Catherine paired the beloved 1990s chick flick Fried Green Tomatoes with fried tomato basil sorbet balls as part of her continuing Summer of Scoops series on Veg Out. She also published four new reviews on The Feed: Dìdi, The Supremes at Earl’s All-You-Can-Eat, Sing Sing and The Instigators. Additionally, Catherine collaborated on two film and TV posts: Must Watch with Chocolate and Childhood Favorites.

At FlixChatter, Ruth covers a wide array of cinematic experiences this week, from Indigenous stories to the Taiwanese-American experience:

More reviews and an interview came out of Paul’s Trip to the Movies this week!

Mark has a little bit of everything this week, covering classic cinema to modern animated series:

This week, Brian has a variety of films and Blu-ray releases to talk about, offering his thoughts on everything from romantic dramas to cult classics.

For Cinefied, Strandberg wrote a review for the new M. Night Shyamalan film Trap.

On his personal website, Strandberg published his predictions for the Lead Acting and Supporting Acting categories for the 2024 Oscar Season


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


The Alliance Lately: Issue No. 101

Minnesota Film Critics Alliance Newsletter

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 has a few pieces this week for Cinephile Corner.

Over on their movie reviews section, they have articles for a few new releases, including LonglegsTwistersThe Strangers Chapter 1In 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.

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.

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.


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


The Alliance Lately: Issue No. 100

Minnesota Film Critics Alliance Newsletter

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.

It was a week full of new releases, and The MN Movie Man had a lot of ground to cover!

On Deep Focus Review, Brian Eggert reviewed the new releases Deadpool & Wolverine and Starve Acre.

Brian also reviewed this year’s La chimera for his Patreon community, after members selected the film in a Reader’s Choice poll.

Read more of Brian’s work at Deep Focus Review.

At The Cinema Dispatch, Hunter published a review for Deadpool & Wolverine and did a deep dive into what the fall festival lineups mean for this year’s Oscar race. He also appeared on the Reel Chronicles Podcast to discuss the 60th anniversary of Mary Poppins.

Kyle & Nick on Film:

GOAT Film Reviews:

Catherine paired the underrated 2022 romcom Fire Island with limoncello gelato as part of her continuing Summer of Scoops series on Veg Out. She also published four new reviews on The Feed: Deadpool & Wolverine, Time Bandits, Sleep No More and Mapantsula.

Additionally, Catherine was the featured guest on last week’s episode of the St. Paul Filmcast, and she highlighted movies with Vegan Vibes as part of a collaborative post.


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


The Alliance Lately: Issue No. 99

Minnesota Film Critics Alliance Newsletter

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.

In addition to reporting on the biggest release of the past weekend, Twisters, The MN Movie Man also featured reviews of Oddity, My Spy The Eternal City, Clear Cut, and The Abandon.

This week on Deep Focus Review, Brian Eggert reviewed Twisters.

For his Patreon subscribers, Brian continued his “Filmmaker in Focus” series about Bertrand Bonello with a review of Saint Laurent (2014) and also wrote an exclusive review of the original Twister (1996).

At The Cinema Dispatch, Hunter published a review for Twisters. He also appeared on the Reel Chronicles Podcast to discuss the 85th anniversary of The Wizard of Oz.

Making his debut in The Alliance Lately is longtime MNFCA-er, Jay Gabler with a review of Young Woman and the Sea.

Double the Trouble (and reviews) with Twisters!

Catherine paired the 2009 romcom “(500) Days of Summer” with a cookies and ice cream pie as part of her continuing Summer of Scoops series on Veg Out.

She also published two new reviews on The Feed: “Scala!!!” and “Lady in the Lake.”

Additionally, Catherine was part of an AFI 3.0 collaboration on Letterboxd to rethink the top 100 American films of all time and published her reactions to the 2024 Emmy nominations. Plus she highlighted Summer Getaways-themed movies as part of another collab.

Matthew shares his thoughts on the highly anticipated sequel:

Ruth has been busy this week with her insightful reviews and commentary:

Paul offers a mix of reviews and interviews:

Mark delves into a mix of animation, action, and more:

Brian brings a comprehensive list of movie and Blu-ray reviews:


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


The Alliance Lately: Issue No. 98

Minnesota Film Critics Alliance Newsletter

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.

This week, The MN Movie Man reported on four new films, giving a rare zero-star review to one of them.  Check them out to discover which one it is!  Fly Me to the MoonDandelionLonglegs, and Lumina.  

On Deep Focus Review, Brian Eggert reviewed the new releases Sing SingLonglegs, and The Inheritance.

For his Patreon subscribers, he continued his “Filmmaker in Focus” series about French director Bertrand Bonello with an analysis of 2014’s Saint Laurent.

Read more of Brian’s work at Deep Focus Review.

At The Cinema Dispatch, Hunter published reviews for Fly Me to the Moon and Longlegs.

Kyle & Nick on Film:

Catherine paired last year’s mega hit Barbie with raspberry bubble gum ice cream as part of her continuing Summer of Scoops series on Veg Out. She also published three new reviews on The Feed: Fly Me to the Moon, Sunny and Sisi & I.

Additionally, Catherine wrote a tribute to one of her biggest idols, the late, great Shelley Duvall, and she also highlighted foodie films and shows available to stream on Netflix.

This week, Matthew dives into a mix of new releases. Check out his detailed reviews:

Mark brings us a variety of reviews this week. Check out his latest takes:

Movies: Girl You Know It’s True, Sorry/Not Sorry, Faye, Fly Me to the Moon, Divorce in the Black, Longlegs, Sing Sing

Blu-ray: Sitcom, Criminal Lovers, Water Drops on Burning Rocks, Origin, The Sadness


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


The Alliance Lately: Issue No. 97

Minnesota Film Critics Alliance Newsletter

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.

On Deep Focus Review, Brian Eggert wrote reviews of the new releases Mother, Couch and MaXXXine.

Brian also posted an essay that explores the brief history of the mumblegore sub-subgenre, called The Scrappy Independents of Mumblegore. He accompanied this with new and expanded reviews of several mumblegore titles, including:

Finally, Brian posted a new entry in his essay series, The Definitives, about Akira Kurosawa’s Kagemusha (1980), exclusively for his Patreon audience.

Read more of Brian’s work at Deep Focus Review.

At The Cinema Dispatch, Hunter published his rankings for the best movies of the year so far; as well as reviews for Beverly Hills Cop: Axel F and Mother, Couch. He also appeared on the Reel Chronicles Podcast to discuss the 35th anniversary of Back to the Future Part II.

GOAT Film Reviews:

Kyle & Nick on Film:

Podcast Appearance:

To continue the Veg Out Summer of Scoops, Catherine paired the iconic 1996 film “Independence Day” with a vanilla milkshake.

Movies: Sound of Hope: The Story of Possum Trot, Boneyard, Space Cadet, Mother, Couch, Beverly Hills Cop: Axel F, Despicable Me 4

Blu-ray: Who’s That Girl, Mars Express, Strangers Kiss, Tramps!, David “The Rock” Nelson Collection: Volume 1, The Plot Against Harry


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


The Alliance Lately: Issue No. 96

Minnesota Film Critics Alliance Newsletter

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 wrapped up June with a series of new reviews.
Check out his thoughts on these latest releases:

On Deep Focus Review, Brian Eggert wrote a short take on Daddio and full-length reviews of Annie Baker’s debut Janet Planet, the prequel A Quiet Place: Day One, and Yorgos Lanthimos’ anthology Kinds of Kindness.

Read more of Brian’s work at Deep Focus Review.

At The Cinema Dispatch, Hunter published reviews for A Quiet Place: Day OneA Family Affair, and Horizon: An American Saga – Chapter 1.

He also appeared on the Reel Chronicles Podcast to discuss the 35th anniversary of Batman.

Kyle & Nick on Film have new episodes covering a range of films:

Matt reviewed Daddio on FandomWire. Read the full review here.

Zach Hammill has posted several new reviews on his site:

To wrap up Pride Month, Catherine paired the 2022 coming-of-age rom-com Crush with crushed pineapple sorbet as part of her continuing Summer of Scoops series. She also published two new reviews on The Feed: Kinds of Kindness and Daddio.

Ruth has shared several new reviews, as well as older reviews from films making their streaming debut on Netflix:

Paul has a mix of reviews, interviews, and a local TV appearance for you this week!

Mark reviews this week include:

It was another busy week for Brian over on Blu-ray.com!


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


The Alliance Lately: Issue No. 95

Minnesota Film Critics Alliance Newsletter

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 had two new reviews this week (and continued to encourage his readers to see Ghostlight (2024))

This week, Brian Eggert reviewed two new releases, Jeff Nichols’ The Bikeriders and Québécoise director Ariane Louis-Seize’s debut Humanist Vampire Seeking Consenting Suicidal Person.

He also wrote about 2023’s Marry My Dead Body, a Reader’s Choice selection for a member of his Patreon community.

Read more of Brian’s work at Deep Focus Review.

At The Cinema Dispatch, Hunter published a review for The Bikeriders and readjusted his early Oscar predictions.

Making his Alliance Lately debut, here are the links Kyle was working with this week (both for his GOAT reviews and his collaboration with fellow MNFCA critic Nick Palodichuk for Kyle & Nick on film)

GOAT Film Reviews:
The Bikeriders (2023)
Spoiler Discussion for Star Wars: The Acolyte – Episode 4

Kyle & Nick on Film:
Tuesday (2023)
Ex Machina (2015)
90s w/Nick: The Fantastic Four (1994)

The Screen Mash makes its first appearance in The Alliance Lately, with Barrett submitting two of their recent Instgram posts/reels that have generated buzz. Give them a look/follow!

La La Land – Alternate Casting

Catch Up on Last Week’s Blockbuster News

Continuing her Pride celebrations and Summer of Scoops, Catherine spotlights the underseen 2018 gem “Hearts Beat Loud,” pairing it with homemade strawberry beet ice cream. Read her film essay at vegoutrecipes.com/hearts-beet-loud.

She also added a new hub for her film content and more to her website called “The Feed.” Check it out at vegoutrecipes.com/the-feed.

Here are the latest flicks Ruth has been talking about!

And for THELMA opening this past weekend:

Check out the latest from Paul’s Trip to the Movies:

South Park and Team America Get the Ultra HD Treatment
BRATS
Twin Cities Live – 6/14 – Presumed Innocent & Inside Out

Here’s the latest batch from Mark!

Brian has been busy reviewing a variety of Blu-rays and UHD releases. Here are some of his latest reviews:

Movie Reviews

Blu-ray & UHD Reviews Brian also reviewed a variety of Blu-rays and UHD releases. Here are some of his recent reviews:

Tyler reviewed the first episode of HBO’s popular series House of the Dragon’s sophomore season. Check out his review at Cinefied here.


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