The Minnesota Movie Digest: The Normal Christophers
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’s coverage of MSPIFF45 included the following posts, capsule-review dispatches, and full-length reviews:
- MSPIFF45 Introduction
- Dispatch 1 (Erupcja, Eagles of the Republic, Marama)
- Dispatch 2 (Two Prosecutors, The Travel Companion, Living the Land)
- Dispatch 3 (The Last Viking, Young Mothers, Late Fame)
- Blue Heron
- The Christophers
- Exit 8
- Late Shift
- Normal
- Paralyzed by Hope: The Maria Bamford Story
- The Stranger
For his Patreon subscribers, Brian posted a lengthy review of Silent Friend, another film screened at MSPIFF.
Show your support and check out more of Brian’s work by joining his Patreon community.
Dallas Fisher – Dallas Goes To The Movies
Dallas is here with a few more things to read and watch, all coming from the last week or so at MSPIFF:
You can also check out a short video showing off a day at the festival here.
If you’re reading this, come to Emagine Willow Creek for the second round of movie trivia hosted by Dallas on May 20th!
Hunter Friesen – The Cinema Dispatch
At The Cinema Dispatch, Hunter reviewed Normal. That review can also be read at the Eden Prairie Local News and Woodbury News Net.
Jason Hemming – Cinema Recall
- The Vern reviews The Travel Companion, a new movie currently playing at MSPIFF
- Over on Cinema Recall Podcast, The Vern and Robert of Franchise Detours look back on Spy Kids for the Robert Rodriguez series
- Over on YouTube, The Vern has major issues with A24 stealing the likeness of another band for their upcoming feature, Mother Mary
Ruth Maramis – FlixChatter
Don’t Call Me Mama (2026)—A tense, atmospheric Norwegian forbidden romance that’ll leave you shaken
The Christophers (2026) – Ian McKellen + Michaela Cole form an unlikely bond in Soderbergh’s witty dark comedy
Documentary Double Reviews: ‘The Chaplain & The Doctor’ and ‘The Cycle of Love’
HONEYJOON (2025) – A breezy, delightful mother-daughter comedy about navigating grief, set in the Azores
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Mark McPherson – Movies With Mark
Film Reviews:
Brian Orndorf – Blu-Ray.Com
Film Reviews:
Blu-ray/UHD Reviews:
Keep your eyes peeled for the latest film critiques, reviews, and news from the Minnesota Film Critics Association! 🎬🍿
Minnesota Film Critics Association 