The Minnesota Movie Digest: Maria and Moana’s letter to Santa
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)
The MN Movie Man has three new reviews this week as he recovers from the post-Thanksgiving movie madness. Check out the latest, spoiler-free reviews for Maria, Moana 2, and the new Lindsay Lohan Netflix Holiday Film, Our Little Secret.
Be sure to follow The MN Movie Man on Instagram and Facebook for his weekly hot takes and other updates between newsletters!
Brian Eggert (Deep Focus Review)
Brian recently reviewed several new releases, including Moana 2, Maria, Memoir of a Snail, The Piano Lesson, Wicked, and Juror #2.
As part of his essay series, The Definitives, Brian wrote about Bob Fosse’s Cabaret (1972) for his Patreon subscribers. He posted an early review of Brady Corbet’s The Brutalist on Patreon as well.
Finally, Brian appeared on KARE 11 on November 30 to discuss three major movies in theaters over Thanksgiving weekend.
Hunter Friesen (The Cinema Dispatch)
At The Cinema Dispatch, Hunter reviewed Maria.
Matt Hambidge
For FandomWire, Matt reviewed the new Disney animated musical Moana 2 as well as the upcoming Netflix spy thriller series Black Doves.
Chaz Kangas
Here’s a special introduction that the President of Troma Studios and Creator of the Toxic Avenger, Lloyd Kaufman did for The Main Cinema’s Midnight Mayhem screening of ‘Cannibal! The Musical’ in November as we dedicated the night to celebrating 50 years of Troma. Our next event is December 7 for our Midnight Mayhem holiday show celebrating 40 years of Gremlins!
Catherine Krummey
Catherine paired the beloved Christmas movie “Home Alone” with a holiday leftovers pizza on Veg Out. Plus, she has one new review on The Feed: “Moana 2.” She also kicked off a collaborative In Memoriam series with her post on Shelley Duvall, and she continued her FYC Friday series with quick thoughts on “I Saw the TV Glow,” “Babes” and more.
Matthew Liedke
At his site, Liedke reviewed a number of films released over the last several weeks, including Smile 2, Venom: The Last Dance, Anora, Heretic, A Real Pain, and Gladiator II.
Ruth Maramis
JUROR #2 (2024) review – Clint Eastwood’s engrossing courtroom drama has me feeling torn in all the best ways.
Thanksgiving Special: Musings on the dysfunctional family dramedy HOME FOR THE HOLIDAYS (1995) – directed by Jodie Foster
MOANA 2 (2024) review – this frenetically paced sequel is a rehash of the original with less catchy songs
Paul McGuire Grimes (Paul’s Trip to the Movies)
There are so many great movies in theaters and streaming right now. I hope you took advantage over Thanksgiving weekend. Paul has some new reviews for you:
Plus, Paul interviewed Colman Domingo for his new Netflix series “The Madness”: Colman Domingo Interview
Follow Paul on TikTok/Instagram/Threads: @PAULSMOVIETRIP
Mark McPherson (Movies With Mark)
Brian Orndorf (Blu-Ray.Com)
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Tyler Strandberg
Over on Cinefied, Tyler reviewed the Disney Animated sequel Moana 2.
Keep your eyes peeled for the latest film critiques, reviews, and news from the Minnesota Film Critics Association! 🎬🍿
Minnesota Film Critics Association 