The Minnesota Movie Digest: Issue No. 142

The Minnesota Movie Digest, from the Minnesota Film Critics Association, showcases film reviews, essays, and interviews, highlighting latest releases and classic films. Stay updated with film critiques through their social media channels.

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.

The summer movie season has officially kicked off and The MN Movie Man has several new and upcoming reviews for you this week.  Out now are Fear Street: Prom Queen and Restless, while May 30 will see the release of the queasy new horror film Bring Her Back.

At Loud and Clear Reviews, Joe’s reviews of the live-action remake of Lilo & Stich was published as well as Wes Anderson’s new comedy, The Phoenician Scheme.

A reminder that The MN Movie Man will be hosting Secret Movie Night at Emagine Willow Creek on Wednesday, June 11 at 7pm.  Don’t delay!  Get those tickets today.  One theater is nearly full, and the “Movie Only” theater (for overflow) is starting to sell.  Hope to see you there!

Be sure to follow The MN Movie Man on InstagramLetterboxdTikTok, and Facebook for his weekly early looks at upcoming films and other updates between newsletters!

Matt joined Harry and Cody on the Trylove Podcast to discuss The Friends of Eddie Coyle, which played as part of the Trylon’s “Cantankerous Peter Boyle” series.

On Deep Focus Review, Brian covered:

He also returned to KARE 11 to share his movie recommendations for Memorial Day weekend. And in case you missed it, check out the first episode of The CineFiles, a new movie-themed show on KARE 11+ starring Brian alongside anchor Chris Hrapsky and film journalist Jamie Rogers.

At The Cinema Dispatch, Hunter reviewed Fountain of Youth.

Film Reviews:

In this week’s issue of the “Picturegoer” newsletter, thoughts on “A Minecraft Movie”; changing American sexual mores in “Bob & Carol & Ted & Alice”; Marilyn Monroe and Jane Russell in “Gentlemen Prefer Blondes”; Dustin Hoffman and Laurence Olivier in “Marathon Man”; Rudolph Valentino as “The Sheik”; and the third volume of Moore and O’Neill’s “League of Extraordinary Gentlemen”.  Follow the link: https://picturegoer.substack.com/p/picturegoer-vol-3-issue-16-a-minecraft-468

Catherine has two new reviews on The Feed: “Jane Austen Wrecked My Life” and “Lilo & Stitch.” She also published a new list on LetterboxdJane Austen Joints, which ranks the movie adaptations she’s seen of the beloved author’s work.

Paul has some new reviews and interviews to share!

Find Paul on social media @PAULSMOVIETRIP and on Letterboxd

Film Reviews:

Film Reviews:

Blu-ray/UHD Reviews:


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


The Minnesota Movie Digest: Issue No. 124

The Minnesota Movie Digest, from the Minnesota Film Critics Association, showcases film reviews, essays, and interviews, highlighting latest releases and classic films. Stay updated with film critiques through their social media channels.

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.

Now that we’re halfway through January, The MN Movie Man has finished his year-end wrap up 🙂  Check out the Best, the Worst, and the Special Mentions here!

A variety of new reviews arrived this week as well: Wolf ManBack in ActionNight CallVermiglio, Alarum, & Wish You Were Here.

Be sure to follow The MN Movie Man on InstagramLetterboxd, and Facebook for his weekly early looks at upcoming films and other updates between newsletters!

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:

He also has reviews for the following classic movies:

Lastly, in their movie rankings section, he has updated lists for the best movies starring Adam Driver, the best movies starring Timothée Chalamet, and the best movies released in 2013.

Brian reviewed the Belgian thriller Night Call, the docu-style horror movie It Doesn’t Get Any Better Than This, and the new remake Wolf Man.

At The Cinema Dispatch, Hunter reviewed Wolf Man.

This week, you can find a review for the first major horror release of 2025, Wolf Man!

New Episode of Kyle & Nick on Film: Red Rooms (2023)

Movie Man Eric Houston looks back at the career of the great David Lynch.

In this week’s issue of the “Picturegoer” newsletter, Barry Jenkins takes a swing at a “Lion King” prequel with “Mufasa”; Edward G. Robinson tries to enter high society in “The Little Giant”; Albert Brooks and Julie Hagerty get “Lost in America”; Tyrone Power leaves “The Mark of Zorro”; James Cameron works out his own marital woes in “True Lies”; and the first volume of “Full Metal Alchemist”.  Follow the link: https://picturegoer.substack.com/p/picturegoer-vol-2-issue-51-mufasa

Catherine paired the 2023 detective/dark comedy show “Poker Face” with twice-baked potatoes on Veg Out. Plus, she published two new reviews on The Feed: “One of Them Days” and “September 5.” She also continued her FYC Friday series with quick thoughts on a couple 2024 releases and published a new Letterboxd list in honor of the late, great David Lynch.

It’s a new year and Paul is here with reviews of a few new movies hitting theaters and streaming

The Room Next Door

September 5

Unstoppable

Smile 2 – Now on 4K

Film Reviews:

Film Reviews

Blu-ray/UHD Reviews

New Episode of Kyle & Nick on Film: Red Rooms (2023)


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


The Minnesota Movie Digest: Issue No. 122

The Minnesota Movie Digest, from the Minnesota Film Critics Association, showcases film reviews, essays, and interviews, highlighting latest releases and classic films. Stay updated with film critiques through their social media channels.

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 has a few new pieces this week over on Cinephile Corner. In their movie reviews section, he has reviews for the following new releases:

In their movie rankings section, he also released his first edition of the best movies of all time, which he plans to update annually moving forward.

In his annual review, Matt recounts some of his favorite cinema-related activities, watching trends, as well as his top theatrical experiences from 2024.

Brian reviewed the Wallace & Gromit: Vengeance Most Fowl and The Damned.

Brian also appeared on KARE 11 Saturday on December 28 to discuss A Complete UnknownNosferatu, and The Brutalist

At The Cinema Dispatch, Hunter reviewed Unstoppable. He also posted his predictions for the 2025 Golden Globe Awards.

Over on the GOAT Film Reviews site, you can find Kyle’s Early Review of Better Man, the Robbie Williams musical biopic with a twist!

On the GOAT Film Reviews YouTube Channel, you can find a Video Review for the 2023 film The Wait!

New Episodes of Kyle & Nick on Film: Anora (2024) and The Brutalist (2024).

In this week’s installment of the “Picturegoer” newsletter, Steve McQueen’s World War 2 drama “Blitz”; the stars and director of “The Big Heat” re-unite for “Human Desire”; Orson Welles works in color for the first time with “The Immortal Story”; Ernst Lubitsch and George Cukor fight for control of “One Hour With You”; Jackie Chan ups the ante in “Police Story 2”; and “The Monster Show”, a cultural history of the horror film by the late David Skal. Follow the link

Catherine paired the first “Bridget Jones’s Diary” movie with dark chocolate sorbet and Veganuary favorite “Okja” with jambalaya on Veg Out. Plus, she published her best of 2024 series: Top 10 PairingsTelevisionMovies Part One and Movies Part Two. She also continued her FYC Friday series with quick thoughts on “Touch,” “Lee” and more, and released a trailer for all of her 2025 pairings.

Liedke reviewed several award contenders at his site in recent weeks, including “The Last Showgirl,” “Nightbitch,” “Queer,” “Nosferatu,” “A Complete Unknown” and “The Brutalist.”

Film Reviews:

2024 Recap

Film Reviews

Blu-ray/UHD Reviews


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


The Alliance Lately: Issue No. 113

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 book of Halloween 2024 closed, The MN Movie Man‘s 31 Days to Scare is also complete.  Check out all of the fright-delights here!

On the new release front, two films Joe first saw at the Toronto Film Festival arrived in theaters, and both will factor into the end-of-year awards talk! Get ready to meet two fascinating women: Emilia Pérez and Anora. The other new release for the week is a YA horror for Netflix, Time Cut.

Reviews of Bob Trevino Likes It, winner of the MNFCA Prize at the Twin Cities Film Fest, and more are also on The MN Movie Man’s Instagram and Facebook for weekly hot takes and other updates between newsletters!

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 AnoraThe SubstanceBlink TwiceMemoir of a SnailMadSBetween the Temple, and Woman of the Hour. They also have classic reviews for Onibaba (1965)Ring (1998), and Pulse (2001).

And then in their rankings section, they have lists for the best horror movies of all timethe best horror movies of the 2020s so far, and the best Stephen King movie adaptations.

At The Cinema Dispatch, Hunter reviewed Blitz and Here.

Catherine paired the hit TV show “Wednesday” with fudge on Veg Out. Plus, she has three new reviews on The Feed: “Shrinking” (Season Two), “Before” (Season One) and “Emilia Perez.” She also asked a question in the “My Old Ass” virtual press conference, published an appreciation post for the 1983 vampire film “The Hunger” and started her FYC Friday series with microreviews of “Ghostlight,” “Late Night with the Devil” and more. Additionally, the “Demons & Monsters & Creatures, OH MY!” series she co-hosted wrapped up with more scary season films and shows, on top of being featured in other Halloween-themed community posts on Instagram.

Over at Forbes, Tim published the following pieces:

At his site, Liedke reviewed Conclave and Saturday Night. He also published his annual Adventures in B-Movie Horror article.

Paul has some new reviews and interviews to share this week! Follow him on social media @PAULSMOVIETRIP to share your new hot takes

Paul interviews Rosie Perez and Jacobi Jupe for the new AppleTV+ series “Before”

Paul sits down with the cast of “A Real Pain” with Jesse Eisenberg, Jennifer Grey, and Will Sharpe

Plus reviews of:

“A Real Pain”

“Addams Family Values” on 4K

And check out my recent segment on “Twin Cities Live” with reviews and interviews for “Disclaimer” and “Before”

Movies

Blu-ray/UHD


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


The Alliance Lately: Issue No. 111

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 has been keeping his 31 Days to Scare going and has something for all walks of horror fans.  Check it out and bookmark it as we get closer to Halloween.

On The MN Movie Man, Joe has reviews of new releases Smile 2, Woman of the Hour, and MadS.  He’s also playing catch-up on titles that have been dropping over the last few weeks: Seeking Mavis Beacon, Will & Harper, Things Will Be Different, The Radleys, The Outrun, It’s What’s Inside, Blink, and Hoard.

Brian covered the new releases Smile 2 and MadS. He also previewed the Twin Cities Film Fest and, from the festival, wrote about On Becoming a Guinea Fowl.

For his Patreon subscribers, Brian continued his month of exclusive horror reviews with his takes on Terrifier 3 and Netflix’s Fear Street Part One: 1994 (2021).

Brian also appeared on KARE 11 on Saturday, October 19, to share some fall movie recommendations and talk about his favorite horror movie.

At The Cinema Dispatch, Hunter posted a review for Smile 2.

Over at the GOAT Film Reviews website, Kyle has a review for the new release Green Night.

In addition, Kyle is continuing his yearly 31 Days of Horror event:

This week, Zach gets caught up with The Substance, and reviews the new film We Live in Time.

This week Jason reviewed Smile 2.

Movie Man Eric released a podcast this week reviewing The Wasp, Inside Out 2, Challengers, and a handful of Universal Monsters movies!

Last week’s Veg Out pairing was 2011’s “Thor” and smørrebrød. Plus, she has two new reviews on The Feed: “Smile 2” and “Magpie.” She also published a preview of the Twin Cities Film Fest. Additionally, she participated in a “Food & Drink Files: Netflix Edition” collab, got 10/10 on an Instagram movie trivia show and the “Demons & Monsters & Creatures, OH MY!” series she is co-hosting continued with more scary season films and shows.

Paul has a variety of new updates this week:

Twin Cities Film Fest 2024 Celebrates its 15th Anniversary

A Nightmare On Elm Street celebrates 40th Anniversary with new 4K and Paul interviews Robert Englund and Heather Langenkamp

Twin Cities Live 10/11/24 – Interviews with Ariana DeBose for House of Spoils and Christophe Reeve’s family for Super/Man: The Christopher Reeve Story

Movies

Blu-ray/UHD


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


Better Know the Alliance: Halloween Horror Questionnaire Part 3

Halloween is here and that means it’s time to wrap up this Better Know the Alliance segment dedicated to horror movies.

In this final piece, critics Paul McGuire Grimes, Meg Hafdahl, Matt Hambidge, Frank Lee, Matthew Liedke, Ruth Maramis, Mark McPherson, Nicholas Palodichuk, Frank Stanko and Tyler Strandberg share their memories and thoughts on the genre.

For Part 1 in this segment, Click Here, and for part 2, Click Here.

Continue reading “Better Know the Alliance: Halloween Horror Questionnaire Part 3”

Better Know the Alliance: Halloween Horror Questionnaire Part 2

Halloween is tomorrow and in the Land of 10,000 Lakes, it’s shaping up to be a good one, with a great weather forecast.

However, plenty of members of the MNFCA will be inside watching horror movies. In this segment, some of those critics, including Hunter Friesen, Joseph Froemming, Jay Gabler and Kyle Goethe, share their views on how they entered the genre and personal favorites.

This is the second of three posts in this segment, with the final to be posted tomorrow. Click Here for the first part.

Continue reading “Better Know the Alliance: Halloween Horror Questionnaire Part 2”

Better Know the Alliance: Halloween Horror Questionnaire Part 1

As film critics, we very much appreciate all film genres and during this time of year, many of us enjoy pictures in the horror genre.

In this Better Know the Alliance segment, to be released in three parts leading up to Halloween, Minnesota film critics will share their horror film memories and opinions on the genre full of scary flicks.

In this edition, find out what critics Sean Blanford, Joe Botten, Brian Eggert and Kelly Florence think about the genre.
Continue reading “Better Know the Alliance: Halloween Horror Questionnaire Part 1”

The Alliance Lately: Issue No. 15

Halloween is right around the corner and that meant more horror movies to be reviewed by the MNFCA. New releases such as the  “Borat” movie were also discussed.

Here’s what the Alliance has been up to lately.

Continue reading “The Alliance Lately: Issue No. 15”