The Minnesota Movie Digest: Going on a Blitz to see Gladiator II
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)
As The MN Movie Man eagerly anticipates the upcoming Glicked weekend (be sure to read his early review of Gladiator II!), he has several films to recommend.
On Netflix, get ready for holiday fun with Hot Frosty and the timely Joy, which explores the birth of IVF. For those missing summer road trips, check out For When You Get Lost – just be prepared for some unresolved daddy/sister/IPA issues along the way.
The true gem of the week is The World According to Allee Willis, a brilliantly crafted documentary that takes you into the life of a legendary songwriter. This one earns The MN Movie Man’s highest recommendation and rating.
Be sure to follow The MN Movie Man on Instagram and Facebook for his weekly hot takes and other updates between newsletters
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 The Order, Juror #2, Speak No Evil, and Sometimes I Think About Dying.
Brian Eggert (Deep Focus Review)
Brian reviewed Ridley Scott’s Gladiator II and Andrea Arnold’s latest, Bird.
For his Patreon subscribers, he reviewed Steve McQueen’s Blitz.
Finally, as part of his essay series, The Definitives, he moved his piece about Lars von Trier’s Melancholia (2011) from behind his Patreon paywall to Deep Focus Review. Happy reading!
Hunter Friesen (The Cinema Dispatch)
At The Cinema Dispatch, Hunter published reviews for Gladiator II and Red One.
Kyle Goethe
Over at GOAT Film Reviews, Kyle has his early reviews of Gladiator II, Emilia Pérez, and Red One. And on the GOAT Film Reviews YouTube Channel, you can find First Reactions to a number of new releases and a Video Review for Transformers One (2024).
Kyle Goethe & Nicholas Palodichuk
New episodes for Booger and Emilia Pérez.
Catherine Krummey
Catherine paired the underrated 2016 pulpy neo-noir “The Nice Guys” with apple pie on Veg Out. Plus, she has two new reviews on The Feed: “Gladiator II” and “A Real Pain.” She also helped to organize a collaborative film bro satire post and continued her FYC Friday series with quick thoughts on “Memoirs of a Snail,” “Wicked Little Letters” and more.
Ruth Maramis
A REAL PAIN (2024) – Jesse Eisenberg + Kieran Culkin’s bittersweet buddy dramedy is a real delight
GLADIATOR II (2024) – The cast brings their A-game but this sequel is heavy on CGI spectacle, light on logic + emotional resonance
7 Favorite Scenes from the Roman Epic GLADIATOR – Ridley Scott simply can’t top the original.
Paul McGuire Grimes (Paul’s Trip to the Movies)
Paul has new reviews and interviews to share this week!
WICKED Interview with Michelle Yeoh
COBRA KAI Interviews with the Creators and Stars Ralph Macchio and Williams Zabka
Plus, Paul has new reviews of:
Follow him on TikTok/Instagram/Threads @PAULSMOVIETRIP
Mark McPherson (Movies With Mark)
- The Day The Earth Blew Up
- Poolman
- The Substance
- Apocalypse Z: The Beginning of the End
- Music By John Williams
Brian Orndorf (Blu-Ray.Com)
Movies
Blu-ray/UHD
- Howling II: Your Sister is a Werewolf
- Power of Grayskull: The Definitive History of He-Man and the Masters of the Universe
Tyler Strandberg
Over on Cinefied, Tyler wrote reviews for the film Blitz, and the upcoming film Gladiator II.
He also interviewed actress Maddie Hasson, as well as director George Nolfi (and surprise guest Morena Baccarin) for the film Elevation.
On his own website Key Frame Reframe, Tyler published his November Oscar Predictions.
Keep your eyes peeled for the latest film critiques, reviews, and news from the Minnesota Film Critics Association! 🎬🍿
Minnesota Film Critics Association 