Tag: Film

The Minnesota Movie Digest: The Ballad of Bugonia

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.

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:

HIM movie review

Ballad of a Small Player movie review

Blue Moon movie review

Hedda movie review

The Elixir movie review

The Hand That Rocks the Cradle movie review

Brian Eggert – Deep Focus Review

On Deep Focus Review, Brian reviewed the following titles:

• Ballad of a Small Player
  • Blue Moon
  • Bugonia
  • Hamnet
  • The Hand That Rocks the Cradle
  • Hedda
  • If I Had Legs I’d Kick You
  • It Was Just an Accident
  • Queens of the Dead

Additionally, Brian continued his month-long look at postmodern vampire films, exclusively for his Patreon subscribers. He concluded the series with a review of Ridley Scott’s The Hunger (1983) and a new entry in his essay series, The Definitives, about Neil Jordan’s Interview with the Vampire (1994).

Brian also appeared on KARE 11 on October 18 to recommend Black Phone 2, Frankenstein, and The Mastermind.

Hunter Friesen – The Cinema Dispatch

At The Cinema Dispatch, Hunter reviewed Is This Thing On?, It Was Just an Accident, Bugonia, Ballad of a Small Player, and Nouvelle Vague.

Kyle Goethe – Goat Film Reviews

We closed out Halloween in style over at GOAT Film Reviews, with the remaining days of this year’s 31 Days of Horror!

• [31 Days of Horror XII] Day 24 – Unboxing Severin’s Danza Macabra Volume One: The Italian Gothic Collection!
• [31 Days of Horror XII] Day 25 – [Early Review] Bugonia (2025)
• [31 Days of Horror XII] Day 26 – Witchboard 2: The Devil’s Doorway (1993)
• [31 Days of Horror XII] Day 27 – The Haunted World of El Superbeasto (2009)
• [31 Days of Horror XII] Day 28 – The Human Centipede 3 (Final Sequence) (2015)
• [31 Days of Horror XII] Day 29 – Day of the Dead (2008)
• [31 Days of Horror XII] Day 30 – Unboxing Arrow Video’s Herschell Gordon Lewis Collection!
• [31 Days of Horror XII] Day 31 – Halloween (2018)

You can catch all 31 Days of Horror over at the site right now!

Jason Hemming – Cinema Recall

• Sydney Sweeney does a great job in her performance as the first professional female boxer, but does the rest of it have a fighting chance? Video review of Christy.
• Guillermo del Toro loves his monsters, and there is a lot to love about his adaptation of Frankenstein, but like the famous monster.  This one could use a few more stitches. Written review of Frankenstein.
• I was a recent guest on the Collateral Cinema podcast to discuss The Evil Dead with Beau, Ashley, and Robbie.
• The horror comedy Happy Death Day gets covered time loop by time loop on It’s Time to Rewind, and here is one of my three guest appearances on that podcast.
• Follow Cinema Recall on these <a href="https://linktr.ee/CinemaRecall?utm_source=linktree_profile_shareplatforms

Catherine Krummey – Veg Out Recipes

Catherine has a new review on The Feed: “One Battle After Another.” She also started this year’s FYC Friday series with quick thoughts on movies including “Sinners,” “Sorry, Baby,” “Come See Me in the Good Light,” and more (including a lot of 2025’s buzziest horror films). To celebrate Noirvember, she also finished her Noirvember Forever Letterboxd list, featuring all 450+ noir and neo-noir films she’s seen, ranked.

Erik Larson – Hamline Oracle

Erik published two film reviews this week:

“Hamnet” (2025) at TCFF 16: “Something that moves you.” – The Oracle

“Perfect Blue” (1997): A horrifying debut for the ages – The Oracle

Ruth Maramis – FlixChatter

Paul McGuire Grimes – Paul’s Trip to the Movies

Paul is back with some new reviews and interviews!

SCREAM 7 – Trailer Reaction

Paul Visits SCREAM filming locations

BALLAD OF A SMALL PLAYER interviews with Colin Farrell, Fala Chen, Edward Berger

The X Trilogy – Blu-Ray Review

Fox9 GOOD DAY Segment – Spooky Movies

KSTP TWIN CITIES LIVE Segment – Animated Halloween Movies

As always, you can follow Paul on social media @PAULSMOVIETRIP, Letterboxd, and Patreon! 

Mark McPherson – Movies With Mark

Film Reviews:

• Anniversary (2025)
• Ballad of a Small Player
• The Hand That Rocks the Cradle (2025)
• New Horror Films For Halloween
• If I Had Legs I’d Kick You (Video Review)
• A House of Dynamite (Video Review)
• Bugonia (Video Review)

Brian Orndorf – Blu-Ray.Com

Film Reviews:

• Anniversary
• Violent Ends
• No Other Choice
• Hallow Road
• Bugonia
• The Wrecker
• Self-Help

Blu-ray/UHD Reviews:

• Gang Related
• The Strange Affair
• The Life of Chuck
• Watch the Skies

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

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

The Minnesota Movie Digest: Regretting Springsteen

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

One review floated to the top at The MN Movie Man this week, and it was an early look at the first five episodes of IT: Welcome to Derry.  No spoilers here, folks, but if you’ve been eagerly anticipating this, I think you’re going to enjoy your trip back to Maine.

On his site, 31 Days to Scare is almost wrapping up — hope you have a great Halloween!

Also at Loud and Clear Reviews, check out his feature on Best Halloween Movies for a Family Movie Night, plus his tribute to Diane Keaton with Diane Keaton’s 10 Best Films Ranked. 

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! 

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:

• A House of Dynamite movie review
• The Mastermind movie review
• The Perfect Neighbor movie review
• It Was Just an Accident movie review
• The Twits movie review
• Steve movie review

He also has reviews for the following horror movies to coincide with the Halloween season:

Bug movie review

Hunter Friesen – The Cinema Dispatch

At The Cinema Dispatch, Hunter reviewed Hedda and The Mastermind.

Kyle Goethe – Goat Film Reviews

This week, the 31 Days of Horror continues at GOAT Film Reviews!

• [31 Days of Horror XII] Day 18 – The Psychic (1977)
• [31 Days of Horror XII] Day 19 – The Bees (1978)
• [31 Days of Horror XII] Day 20 – Hell Night (1981)
• [31 Days of Horror XII] Day 21 – You Are Not Alone (2024)
• [31 Days of Horror XII] Day 22 – Possibly in Michigan (1983)
• [31 Days of Horror XII] Day 23 – Dr. Terror’s House of Horrors (1965)
• [31 Days of Horror XII] Day 24 – Unboxing Severin’s Danza Macabra Volume One: The Italian Gothic Collection!

You Are Not Alone played at the Twin Cities Film Festival. Look for more reviews from the festival next week!

C.B. Jacobson – Picturegoer

This week, two new issues of the “Picturegoer” newsletter!  Issue #33 (link) includes reviews of “Roofman”, “Cool Hand Luke”, “Prairie Home Companion”, “Trouble Man”, “Wicked Little Letters” and “Alfred Hitchcock Presents”; issue #34 (link) has reviews of Guillermo del Toro’s new rendition of “Frankenstein”, “Cooley High”, “History of the World: Part I”, “A Matter of Loaf and Death”, “3 Bad Men” and “Star Trek”.

Chaz Kangas – Bring Me the News

Hey, here’s a lost piece of media I found when going through old VHS tapes. For Halloween 1997, Viewers Choice was offering a special all-day Halloween marathon of current hits (‘Scream’ and ‘The Relic’), “classic chills” (‘Halloween 4’ and ‘Halloween 5′), and rasslin’ (WCW Halloween Havoc), so for those feeling nostalgic as they hand out treats, here it is.

Jakob Kolness – JakobTalksFilm

It’s a stacked week over at JakobTalksFilm, with reviews for Jafar Panahi’s brilliant “It Was Just An Accident“, “Hedda” starring Tessa Thompson, and a Netflix Round-up of Mini-Reviews for Kathryn Bigelow’s “A House of Dynamite”, Edward Berger’s “Ballad of a Small Player”, and Guillermo del Toro’s much anticipated Frankenstein!

Be sure to follow him on Twitter, BluSky, and Letterboxd!

Paul McGuire Grimes – Paul’s Trip to the Movies

Paul is here with some new reviews and interviews for the week. Hope everyone had a GREAT time at the Twin Cities Film Fest. It was another strong year of programming.

Santino Fontana Interview – LOST & FOUND IN CLEVELAND, FROZEN, The Guthrie Theater

SPRINGSTEEN: DELIVER ME FROM NOWHERE review

IT: WELCOME TO DERRY review

JOHN CANDY: I LIKE ME review

THE LONG WALK 4K Announcement

Paul’s Streaming Newsletter – Horror Edition – October 24, 2025

Come subscribe to Paul’s new Patreon site

Mark McPherson – Movies With Mark

Film Reviews:

• Christy
• A House of Dynamite
• Bugonia
• If I Had Legs I’d Kick You
• I Wish You All The Best

Brian Orndorf – Blu-Ray.Com

Film Reviews:

• The Hand That Rocks the Cradle
• Stitch Head
• Shelby Oaks
• Ballad of a Small Player
• Springsteen: Deliver Me from Nowhere
• Regretting You
• Blue Moon
• Stiller & Meara: Nothing is Lost
• A House of Dynamite
• This Too Shall Pass

Blu-ray/UHD Reviews:

• Castle of Evil
• Mixed Blood
• Commando Ninja 2: Invasion America
• The Woman Chaser

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

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

The Minnesota Movie Digest: If I Had Legs I’d Grab You

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’s been a minute since you heard from The MN Movie Man, but the reviews haven’t stopped!

In Theaters/Streaming:

Frankenstein (2025)
Black Phone 2
If I Had Legs I’d Kick You
Other (2025)
TRON: Ares
Kiss of the Spider Woman
John Candy: I Like Me
A House of Dynamite
Are We Good?
The Smashing Machine
Good Boy
Bone Lake
Coyotes
Strange Journey: The Story of Rocky Horror
The Baltimorons
V/H/S/Halloween
One Battle After Another
Dead of Winter (2025)
Night of the Reaper
Chain Reactions
Twinless
The Threesome
Plainclothes

Physical Media:

The Bone Collector 4k
Radioland Murders
Airplane II: The Sequel – 4K
Frankenstein’s Bloody Terror
Father Brown, Detective
Dan Curtis’ Late Night Mysteries
Flow – Criterion 4K
Devil Fetus
The Cat
Come Drink with Me (1966) 4K
Scum (1979) 4K
The Cannibal Man (1972)
Neither the Sea nor the Sand (1972)
Rats: Night of Terror (1984) 4K
I Am Frigid…Why? (1972)

On his site, 31 Days to Scare is halfway done — how many of his choices have you seen?

Also at Loud and Clear Reviews, check out his features on 10 Final Girls Who Absolutely Deserved to Die First and Horror Movie Villains: Who’d be the worst roommate?

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 the following titles:

• The Mastermind
  • Frankenstein
  • Black Phone 2
  • A House of Dynamite
  • John Candy: I Like Me
  • The Smashing Machine
  • Anemone

Brian also appeared on the latest episode of The CineFiles on KARE 11+, where he discusses If I Had Legs I’d Kick You, After the Hunt, and A House of Dynamite.

Additionally, for the Halloween season, Brian continued his month-long look at postmodern vampire films, exclusively for his Patreon subscribers. He reviewed Spike Lee’s Da Sweet Blood of Jesus (2015) and Ana Lily Amirpour’s A Girl Walks Home Alone at Night (2014).

Dallas Fisher – Dallas Goes To The Movies

TCFF is here, and I started out slow by only seeing two films the first weekend. Here is my recap of day 1, which includes my thoughts on Hamnet. I will have a full recap of the rest of the fest and reviews for every film I saw in next week’s digest. 

I also have my thoughts on Luca Guadagnino’s newest film, After the Hunt

Most Importantly! I am excited to tell everyone that Emagine Willow Creek is showing One Battle After Another in 70mm for a limited time. You can get tickets here! I was lucky enough to get a behind the scenes look at the print for it as well. 

Hunter Friesen – The Cinema Dispatch

At The Cinema Dispatch, Hunter reviewed Good Fortune, Blue Moon, Black Phone 2, and If I Had Legs I’d Kick You. He also previewed the 2025 Twin Cities Film Fest, where he’ll be seeing Bugonia and Is This Thing On?.

Kyle Goethe – Goat Film Reviews

The 31 Days of Horror event continues over at GOAT Film Reviews!

• [31 Days of Horror XII] Day 10 – The Manster (1959)
• [31 Days of Horror XII] Day 11 – 28 Days Later (2002)
• [31 Days of Horror XII] Day 12 – Werewolf Woman (1976)
• [31 Days of Horror XII] Day 13 – Weapons (2025)
• [31 Days of Horror XII] Day 14 – Blood Sabbath (1972)
• [31 Days of Horror XII] Day 15 – [Early Review] Black Phone 2 (2025)
• [31 Days of Horror XII] Day 16 – [Early Review] Frankenstein (2025)
• [31 Days of Horror XII] Day 17 – Unboxing Arrow Video’s Hellraiser: Quartet of Torment!
• [31 Days of Horror XII] Day 18 – The Psychic (1977)

You can also find a review for the new release, After the Hun,t on the site now: [Early Review] After the Hunt (2025)

Barrett Goetz – The Screen Mash

Barrett’s Review of Good Fortune.

Eric Houston – North Metro TV

Movie Man Eric reviews Marishka Hargitay’s intimate documentary My Mom Jayne.

Chaz Kangas – Bring Me the News

With producer Sam Sherman’s passing recently, Chaz helped assemble this collection of loooooong out-of-print DVD intros he did for his films a quarter-century ago, including ‘Dracula vs Frankenstein,’ ‘Blood of Ghastly Horror,’ ‘Satan’s Sadists,’ ‘Angel’s Wild Women,’ and ‘I Spit On Your Corpse.’

Jakob Kolness – JakobTalksFilm

Over at JakobTalksFilm, Jakob has an early review of Chloe Zhao’s incredible Hamnet as well as new October Oscar Predictions!

Be sure to follow him on Twitter, BluSky, and Letterboxd!

Erik Larson – Hamline Oracle

Erik published one review this week, covering Season 1 of HBO Max’s “The Pitt” (2025).

Brad Lenz – The Screen Mash

Brad’s Review of Hamnet.

Ruth Maramis – FlixChatter

Mark McPherson – Movies With Mark

Film Reviews:

• John Candy: I Like Me
• Stich Head
• A Culinary Uprising: The Story of Bloodrot
• V/H/S/Halloween (Video Review)

Brian Orndorf – Blu-Ray.Com

Film Reviews:

• If I Had Legs I’d Kick You
• Frankenstein 
• Good Fortune
• The Twits
• Black Phone 2
• The Astronaut
• Other
• The Mastermind

Blu-ray/UHD Reviews:

• Sgt. Kabukiman N.Y.P.D.
• Robo Warriors
• So Unreal
• The Ritual

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

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

The Minnesota Movie Digest: After the Tron

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.

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:

• Ick movie review
• V/H/S/Halloween movie review

He also has reviews for the following horror movies to coincide with the Halloween season:

• Ghosts of Mars movie review
• The ‘Burbs movie review
• Blade movie review
• Hereditary movie review

Dallas Fisher – Dallas Goes To The Movies

It’s been a great week for new releases on the big screen and at home.

I have plenty to read and watch from said week, including;

• Tron: Ares Video Review
• Roofman Video Review
• A House of Dynamite Video Review
• Written reviews for A House of Dynamite and John Candy: I Like Me

Hunter Friesen – The Cinema Dispatch

At The Cinema Dispatch, Hunter reviewed Roofman, After the Hunt, A House of Dynamite, Tron: Ares, and The Woman in Cabin 10.

Jay Gabler – Duluth News Tribune

For the Duluth News Tribune, Jay reviewed Tron: Ares.

Jason Hemming – Cinema Recall

The Vern gives a non-spoiler review of Tron: Ares in under 5 minutes. Follow Cinema Recall on all these platforms.

C.B. Jacobson – Picturegoer

In this week’s issue of the “Picturegoer” newsletter, thoughts on “Megadoc”, “Cotton Comes to Harlem”, “Dune”, “The Piano”, Chaplin’s “Sunnyside”, and William Peter Blatty’s “Legion”.  Follow the link. 

Jakob Kolness – JakobTalksFilm

Over at JakobTalksFilm, Jakob reviews James Vanderbilt’s starry historical drama Nuremberg and one of the year’s very best films, Richard Linklater’s Blue Moon, starring Ethan Hawke.

Be sure to follow him on Twitter, BluSky, and Letterboxd!

Erik Larson – Hamline Oracle

Erik published one review this week, covering  “The Smashing Machine” (2025).

Ruth Maramis – FlixChatter

Paul McGuire Grimes – Paul’s Trip to the Movies

Paul is back with some new reviews and interviews

• KISS OF THE SPIDER WOMAN Interview with Bill Condon and Tonatiuh
• KISS OF THE SPIDER WOMAN review
• STRANGE JOURNEY: THE STORY OF ROCKY HORROR review
• A NIGHTMARE ON ELM STREET 7K Collection – 4K review
• Paul’s Streaming Newsletter – Exclusive on Patreon!

Follow Paul across social media @PAULSMOVIETRIP, on Letterboxd, YouTube, and Patreon

Mark McPherson – Movies With Mark

Film Reviews:

• Roofman
• Play Dirty
• V/H/S Halloween
• Roofman (Video Review)

Brian Orndorf – Blu-Ray.Com

Film Reviews:

• Tron: Ares
• Deathstalker
• John Candy: I Like Me
• Kiss of the Spider Woman
• The Woman in Cabin 10
• Maintenance Required
• Love of an Icon: The Legend of Crocodile Dundee
• Vicious
• After the Hunt

Blu-ray/UHD Reviews:

• Av Evening with Rodney Ascher
• Samurai Priest: Vampire Hunter
• Revealer
• Clown in a Cornfield

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

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

The Minnesota Movie Digest: The Smashing Anemone

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.

Brian Eggert – Deep Focus Review

On Deep Focus Review, Brian reviewed the following titles:

• After the Hunt
  • Anemone
  • Coyotes
  • Good Boy
  • The Smashing Machine
  • V/H/S/Halloween

Brian also appeared on the latest episode of The CineFiles on KARE 11+, where he discusses One Battle After Another, Eleanor the Great, and A Big Bold Beautiful Journey.

Additionally, for Spooky Season, Brian began a month-long look at postmodern vampire films, exclusively for his Patreon subscribers. The first entry is Daughters of Darkness (1971).

Dallas Fisher – Dallas Goes To The Movies

Head to my website to find new reviews for:

• The Smashing Machine
• The Lost Bus
• Roofman 

I will have reviews up for After the Hunt, A House of Dynamite, Tron: Ares, and John Candy: I Like Me next week. I’m looking forward to attending TCFF later this month!

Hunter Friesen – The Cinema Dispatch

At The Cinema Dispatch, Hunter published reviews for The Smashing Machine and The Lost Bus.

Kyle Goethe – Goat Film Reviews

This week over at GOAT Film Reviews, you can find reviews on new releases, The Smashing Machine, and Anemone!

• [Early Review] The Smashing Machine (2025)
• [Early Review] Anemone (2025)

This week also marks the start of this year’s 31 Days of Horror!

• [31 Days of Horror XII] Day 1 – [Early Review] Good Boy (2025)
• [31 Days of Horror XII] Day 2 – Innocent Blood (1992)
• [31 Days of Horror XII] Day 3 – M3GAN (2022)
• [31 Days of Horror XII] Day 4 – Trick ‘r Treat (2007)

Eric Houston – North Metro TV

Movie Man Eric likes movies.  And he liked I Like Movies.  How do you like that?

C.B. Jacobson – Picturegoer

In this week’s “Picturegoer” newsletter, thoughts on “One Battle After Another”; Lee Van Cleef in the evocatively titled “Death Rides a Horse”; Stan and Ollie meet for the first time in “The Lucky Dog”; Gene Kelly and Frank Sinatra go “On the Town”; horror-comedy “Y2K”; and the latest episode of “Taxi”.  Follow the link.

Jakob Kolness – JakobTalksFilm

Over at JakobTalksFilm, Jakob reviews Benny Safdie’s The Smashing Machine starring Dwayne Johnson and Emily Blunt!

Be sure to follow him on Twitter, BluSky, and Letterboxd!

Erik Larson – Hamline Oracle

Erik published one review this week, covering the latest film from Paul Thomas Anderson: “One Battle After Another” (2025).

Ruth Maramis – FlixChatter

Connect with FlixChatter on Letterboxd and social media » Instagram | Twitter | Bluesky

Paul McGuire Grimes – Paul’s Trip to the Movies

Paul McGuire Grimes is back with some new reviews, interviews, and appearances

ROOFMAN interviews with Channing Tatum and Kirsten Dunst

ROOFMAN review

THE LOST BUS review

THE LIFE OF CHUCK Blu-Ray review

Twin Cities Live 10/3 – Roofman, The Lost Bus

My Talk 107.1 – The Lost Bus, Roofman

Big news, Paul is now on PATREON. If you like his work and want more, show some support by subscribing to one of the three tiers! And don’t forget to follow him across social media @PAULSMOVIETRIP and on Letterboxd.

Mark McPherson – Movies With Mark

Film Reviews:

• The Smashing Machine
• Eleanor the Great
• Him (Video Review)

Brian Orndorf – Blu-Ray.Com

Film Reviews:

• Bone Lake
• The Smashing Machine
• Good Boy
• V/H/S Halloween
• Are We Good?
• Scared Shitless
• Coyotes
• Steve
• Killing Faith
• Shell
• Anemone
• Play Dirty

Blu-ray/UHD Reviews:

• Deathstalker
• Deathstalker II: Duel of the Titans
• The Private Files of J. Edgar Hoover
• Special Effects
• Wicked Stepmother

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

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

The Minnesota Movie Digest: One Winter After Another

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.

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:

• One Battle After Another movie review
• The History of Sound movie review
• Preparation for the Next Life movie review
• Splitsville movie review
• Highest 2 Lowest movie review

He also has classic movie reviews for the following films:

• There Will Be Blood movie review
• Punch-Drunk Love movie review
• Everybody Wants Some!! movie review

Lastly, he updated his ranking of Paul Thomas Anderson’s movies following the release of One Battle After Another.

Brian Eggert – Deep Focus Review

On Deep Focus Review, Brian reviewed One Battle After Another and Eleanor the Great.

Brian also reviewed The Strangers: Chapter 2 exclusively for his Patreon subscribers.

Dallas Fisher – Dallas Goes To The Movies

Three new movies hit theaters this weekend, and I have reviews for all of them.

• One Battle After Another
• Eleanor the Great
• The Strangers: Chapter 2 (Video)

The voting for The Sweet Sixteen in my best movie of 2024 tournament starts today (9/29) on my Instagram

Hunter Friesen – The Cinema Dispatch

At The Cinema Dispatch, Hunter reviewed One Battle After Another. He also updated his Oscar predictions, taking into account all the ups and downs of the fall festivals.

Jay Gabler – Duluth News Tribune

For the Duluth News Tribune, Jay reviewed Dead of Winter. Fun fact: in less than a week, this review racked up five times the traffic of his previously most-read News Tribune story this year!

Kyle Goethe – Goat Film Reviews

Over on the GFR website, you can find a review for one of this year’s best films: [Early Review] One Battle After Another (2025)

Jason Hemming – Cinema Recall

Paul Thomas Anderson’s latest is very good! Check out The Vern’s non-spoiler review of One Battle After Another. Also check out our series on other great movies directed by Paul Thomas Anderson.

We are doing episodes on the films of Sean Baker for the Cinema Recall podcast. Check out the first two episodes in our series so far: The Florida Project and Anora.

Eric Houston – North Metro TV

Movie Man Eric watched the Andy Sidaris magnum opus, Do or Die.

C.B. Jacobson – Picturegoer

TWO new issues of the “Picturegoer” newsletter this week!  Issue #29 covers “Weapons”, “Cat O’Nine Tails”, “Die Hard 2”, “Moonstruck”, “Step Brothers” and “Alfred Hitchcock Presents”; issue #30 covers “Spinal Tap II”, “Crime Wave”, “Dave”, “Mighty Joe Young”, “Working Girl” and “Stark Trek”.

Jakob Kolness – JakobTalksFilm

Over at JakobTalksFilm, Jakob reviews Paul Thomas Anderson’s newest film One Battle After Another! 

Be sure to follow him on Twitter, BluSky, and Letterboxd!

Erik Larson – Hamline Oracle

Erik published one review this week, covering The Highlights of the 77th Primetime Emmy Awards.

Ruth Maramis – FlixChatter

Paul McGuire Grimes – Paul’s Trip to the Movies

Paul McGuire Grimes is back with some new reviews!

ONE BATTLE AFTER ANOTHER review

SUPERMAN on 4K review

Paul’s Trip to the Movies is now on PATREON! Come subscribe for exclusive content and upcoming newsletters.

Follow Paul on social media @PAULSMOVIETRIP, on YouTube, and on Letterboxd

Mark McPherson – Movies With Mark

Film Reviews:

• One Battle After Another
• One Battle After Another (Video Review)
• Marvel Zombies

Brian Orndorf – Blu-Ray.Com

Film Reviews:

• Roofman
• The Strangers: Chapter 2
• Eleanor the Great
• Adulthood
• One Battle After Another
• Dead of Winter
• The Lost Bus
• Gabby’s Dollhouse: The Movie
• Stolen Girl
• All of You

Blu-ray/UHD Reviews:

• The Nick Millard Action Collection
• They Call Her Death
• The Beyond
• Sharksploitation

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

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Instagram: @mncritics
Twitter: @MNCritics

The Minnesota Movie Digest: Eleanor’s Big Bold Beautiful Journey

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

Finally back in MN after a terrific TIFFTY (TIFF50),  The MN Movie Man is publishing capsule reviews of the 40+ films he caught in Toronto on his Instagram, and has full reviews of Wake Up Dead Man: A Knives Out Mystery, Ballad of a Small Player, and The Last Viking over at Loud and Clear Reviews.  Also at Loud and Clear Reviews, check out his reviews of Eden and Downton Abbey: The Grand Finale.

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 the following titles: A Big Bold Beautiful Journey, Him, and Swiped.

Brian also released an entry from his essay series, The Definitives, from behind the paywall. His piece about Cabaret (1972) is now available to the public for free.

Dallas Fisher – Dallas Goes To The Movies

Over on my website, I have an early review for Scarlett Johansson’s directorial debut, Eleanor the Great, A Big Bold Beautiful Journey, and my first crack at a TV review for Netflix’s Black Rabbit. 

On my Instagram stories, I have started voting for the 2024 movie tournament. You can watch a breakdown of the bracket in this video.

Hunter Friesen – The Cinema Dispatch

At The Cinema Dispatch, Hunter reviewed A Big Bold Beautiful Journey and Him. He also recapped his time at the 2025 Toronto International Film Festival.

Jay Gabler – Duluth News Tribune

For The Tangential, Jay reviewed My Sunshine and Lego Star Wars: Rebuild the Galaxy – Pieces of the Past.

Kyle Goethe – Goat Film Reviews

We have reviews for three new releases this week over on the website, two now in theaters and one available on Hulu!

• [Early Review] A Big Bold Beautiful Journey (2025)
• [Early Review] Swiped (2025)
• [Early Review] HIM (2025)

You can also find my review of Superman, which is now streaming on HBO Max!

Jakob Kolness – JakobTalksFilm

Over at JakobTalksFilm, Jakob didn’t talk much about film this week. Instead, he has reviews for Season 4 of “The Morning Show” and the upcoming Season 5 of “Slow Horses“, both on Apple+!

Be sure to follow him on Twitter, BluSky, and Letterboxd!

Erik Larson – Hamline Oracle

Erik published one review this week, covering “Spın̈al Tap II: The End Continues” (2025).

Ruth Maramis – FlixChatter

Paul McGuire Grimes – Paul’s Trip to the Movies

Paul is back with some new reviews and interviews!

THE MORNING SHOW Cast Interviews with Mark Duplass, Billy Crudup, Marion Cotillard, and Jeremy Irons

Ben Wang Interview – THE LONG WALK

THE LONG WALK review

DOWNTON ABBEY Cast Interview with Hugh Bonneville, Allen Leech, Kevin Doyle

DOWNTON ABBEY: THE GRAND FINALE review

MATERIALISTS Blu-Ray review

Follow Paul on social media @PAULSMOVIETRIP, on YouTube, and on Letterboxd

Mark McPherson – Movies With Mark

Film Reviews:

• Him
• Twinless
• Friendship

Brian Orndorf – Blu-Ray.Com

Film Reviews:

• Megadoc
• A Big Bold Beautiful Journey
• Him
• Afterburn
• Chain Reactions
• Waltzing with Brando
• Compulsion
• Swiped
• Xeno
• Doin’ It
• Night of the Reaper
• Prisoner of War
• The Senior
• London Calling
• Just Breathe

Blu-ray/UHD Reviews:

• Mac and Me
• 5 Dead on the Crimson Canvas
• The Maiden
• Take Off

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

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

The Minnesota Movie Digest: The Long Walk to The Baltimorons

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.

Brian Eggert – Deep Focus Review

On Deep Focus Review, Brian reviewed:

• The Baltimorons
  • The History of Sound
  • The Long Walk
  • Lurker
  • Rabbit Trap
  • Spinal Tap II: The End Continues
  • Traumatika

Brian also appeared on the latest episode of The CineFiles on the KARE 11+ app. The crew discussed The Long Walk and The History of Sound, and also looked back at the Safdie brothers’ Good Time (2017). Watch the episode.

And Brian returned to KARE 11 Saturday to recommend Spinal Tap II: The End Continues, The Long Walk, and The Baltimorons.

Finally, on Brian’s Patreon, he wrote exclusive reviews of The Toxic Avenger and The Conjuring: Last Rites.

Hunter Friesen – The Cinema Dispatch

Hunter has returned from the Toronto International Film Festival. He saw a whopping 38 films over the 10 days, an improvement over last year’s total of 37! Here are the full reviews he’s written so far, with many more to come closer to each film’s theatrical release:

• The Wizard of the Kremlin
• No Other Choice
• The Testament of Ann Lee
• Wake Up Dead Man: A Knives Out Mystery
• Rental Family
• Hamnet
• Frankenstein
• Ballad of a Small Player

You can also check out his Letterboxd list to see his full rankings.

Jay Gabler – Duluth News Tribune

For The Tangential, Jay reviewed The Luckiest Man in America, Swiped, and Twinless.

Kyle Goethe – Goat Film Reviews

This week, you can find reviews for two new releases of very different genres. One of them is my favorite movie of the year so far!

[Early Review] The Long Walk (2025)

[Early Review] Downton Abbey: The Grand Finale (2025)

Jakob Kolness – JakobTalksFilm

Over at JakobTalksFilm, Jakob has a review for Spike Lee’s newest, Highest 2 Lowest, as well as the new June Squibb-starring dramedy Eleanor the Great.

On the awards side of things, there are September Oscar Nomination Predictions and  2022 Yearly Restrospective Awards!

Be sure to follow him on Twitter, BluSky, and Letterboxd!

Erik Larson – Hamline Oracle

Erik has published two reviews for this week:

“KPop Demon Hunters” (2025): An Original Sensation – The Oracle

“Highest 2 Lowest” (2025): A fresh joint rolled from an old classic – The Oracle

Matthew Liedke – Liedke on Film

At his site, Liedke reviewed recent releases “Caught Stealing” and “The Long Walk.” He also released his annual Summer Movie Awards, with “The Phoenician Scheme” winning seven categories.

Ruth Maramis – FlixChatter

Mark McPherson – Movies With Mark

Film Reviews:

• Highest 2 Lowest
• The Long Walk
• The Long Walk (Video Review)
• Vice is Broke

Brian Orndorf – Blu-Ray.Com

Film Reviews:

• Spinal Tap II: The End Continues
• Downton Abbey: The Grand Finale
• Code 3
• Tin Soldier
• Looking Through Water
• The Man in My Basement
• The Conjuring: Last Rites
• The Long Walk
• Twinless
• The Cut
• The Threesome
• Splitsville
• The Baltimorons
• Caught Stealing

Blu-ray/UHD Review:

• Teenage Gang Debs
• Yongary, Monster from the Deep
• The Card Player
• Ace Ventura: Pet Detective
• A New Leaf
• A Girl’s Best Friend

Nicholas Palodichuk – St. Paul Filmcast

• Interview with director/actress/artist Alex Rumsey
• Review: The Long Walk

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

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

The Minnesota Movie Digest: Caught Stealing Roses

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

Before heading out (or is it uuuuut???) to Canada for TIFF, The MN Movie Man published a number of reviews for new releases that you’ll want to check out.  Check out write-ups for Caught Stealing, The Roses, Griffin in Summer, Lurker, Pools, The Toxic Avenger (2023), The Thursday Murder Club, Somnium, and A Little Prayer.  

Keep your eyes out on Loud & Clear Reviews for an early look at Downton Abbey: The Grand Finale, coming on Wednesday 🙂

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 The Roses, Caught Stealing, The Balconettes, Row, Honey Don’t, and Eden.

Brian also appeared on the latest episode of The CineFiles on the KARE 11+ app. He and critic Jamie Rogers discuss three films: Highest 2 Lowest, Weapons, and The Great Dictator (1940).

Finally, check out the announcement about Imprint, the physical media label of Via Vision Entertainment, which will be releasing a new 4K edition of Philip Kaufman’s Invasion of the Body Snatchers (1978) in October, featuring Brian’s essay about the film in the booklet.

Dallas Fisher – Dallas Goes To The Movies

Tons of new content on my website from the past few weeks. 

Brand new review of Caught Stealing, which I’ve seen twice already.

Plus, reviews for The Thursday Murder Club, Honey, Don’t!, and The Map That Leads to You. 

You can also read a half dozen or so short reviews in my Cinema Catch-Up Corner for August. 

Follow me on YouTube, where you can watch my newest episode of Tales From the Theater, where I talk about movie-going experiences from my European vacation and beyond.

Jay Gabler – Duluth News Tribune

For The Tangential, Jay reviewed Hot Milk.

Kyle Goethe – Goat Film Reviews

Over at the GOAT Film Reviews site this week, you can find a new review for Jay Roach’s The Roses, now in theaters!

Zach Hammill – Movie Friend

Review for Caught Stealing

Jason Hemming – Cinema Recall

The Vern reviews Caught Stealing.

Nick from The St.Paul Filmcast joins The Vern to discuss The Florida Project in this exclusive sneak peek.  Coming this month, it’s Sean Baker September.

Jaws celebrates its 50th anniversary, so The Vern brings on his friend Robb from Reels of Justice to talk about it.  Stay to the end to hear an audio drama recreation of the famous Quint Speech from the movie.

Eric Houston – North Metro TV

Movie Man Eric is charmed by Uptown Girls!

Jakob Kolness – JakobTalksFilm

Over at JakobTalksFilm, Jakob has a review for A24’s re-release of the Chinese box-office phenomenon Ne Zha 2!

Be sure to follow him on Twitter, BluSky, and Letterboxd!

Catherine Krummey – Veg Out Recipes

Catherine has 3 new reviews on The Feed: “The Roses,” “Caught Stealing,” and “The Map That Leads to You.” She also has two new auteur lists on Letterboxd: The Films of Darren Aronofsky and The Films of Lasse Hallström.

Ruth Maramis – FlixChatter

Paul McGuire Grimes – Paul’s Trip to the Movies

Paul is back with a few new reviews and interviews for this week!

CAUGHT STEALING review

THE ROSES review

THE ROSES Cast Interviews with Olivia Colman, Benedict Cumberbatch, Andy Samberg, and Kate McKinnon

“Fox9 Good Day” Segment – Movies Made in Minnesota

Follow me across social media @PAULSMOVIETRIP , on Letterboxd, and on YouTube

Mark McPherson – Movies With Mark

Film Reviews:

• Caught Stealing
• Weapons
• KPop Demon Hunters

Brian Orndorf – Blu-Ray.Com

Film Reviews:

• The Toxic Avenger
• A Little Prayer
• The Roses
• American Sweatshop
• Griffin in Summer

Blu-ray/UHD Reviews:

• Slaxx
• The Rage: Carrie 2
• We’re No Angels
• Ash

Nicholas Palodichuk – St. Paul Filmcast

Film Reviews:

• No Tears in Hell
• Queen of Bones
• The Descendent

St. Paul Filmcast interview with actor Jay Kistler

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

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

The Minnesota Movie Digest: Eeny, Meeny, Miny, Honey, Dont!

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 world is about to get TIFF-y for The MN Movie Man, but he’s getting things set to keep the reviews coming while he’s away in Canada.  This week, he has new reviews of Primitive War, Relay, and Eenie Meanie.  He’s also posted reviews for new physical media releases you’ll want to check out: Xanadu, Coneheads, Save the Tiger, Gung Ho, Repossessed, and Saving Face.

At Loud & Clear Reviews, check out his ranking of the 30 Best Movie Scores of All Time and let him know how many of the titles on his 10 Best Movies You’ve Never Seen you’ve already crossed off!

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!

Matt Clark – Kino Ventura

The NYT described one of these new crime films as Weird and Sometimes Cruel and the other as brimming with Cheap Thrills and Tawdry Action. Naturally, Matt reviewed them both. 

Honey Don’t!

Eenie Meanie

Kyle Goethe – Goat Film Reviews

Over at the GOAT Film Reviews site this week, you can find a review for the 5th Highest-Grossing movie of all time, Ne Zha 2, which opened this weekend, courtesy of A24! [Early Review] Ne Zha 2

Eric Houston – North Metro TV

Movie Man Eric Houston rocked out to the Rocky Horror Picture Show semi-sequel Shock Treatment!

Jakob Kolness – JakobTalksFilm

Over at JakobTalksFilm, Jakob has a review for Ethan Coen’s new dark comedy, Honey, Don’t!

Also, with one month to go before the 77th Emmys, he takes a look at every contender in the Comedy, Drama, and Limited Series categories to pick his preferred winner in each category.

Be sure to follow him on Twitter, BluSky, and Letterboxd!

Matthew Liedke – Liedke on Film

At his site, Liedke reviewed Spike Lee’s new film “Highest 2 Lowest” and the modern indie western “East of Wall.”

Ruth Maramis – FlixChatter

Paul McGuire Grimes – Paul’s Trip to the Movies

Paul’s back with more interviews and reviews!

WEAPONS review

Ashley Cullins Interview – Writing Scream Oral History “Your Favorite Scary Movie”

PLATONIC Season 2 review

Luke Macfarlane Interview – Platonic Season 2

Follow him across social media @PAULSMOVIETRIP, on Letterboxd, and on YouTube

Brian Orndorf – Blu-Ray.Com

Film Reviews:

• Eenie MEanie
• The Thursday Murder Club
• What We Hide
• Pools
• Honey Don’t!

Blu-ray/UHD Reviews:

• Strangers with Candy
• Rust
• Queens of Drama
• Kill the Moonlight

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

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Instagram: @mncritics
Twitter: @MNCritics