The Minnesota Movie Digest: Issue No. 176

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:

He is also reviewing a different Hong Kong action movie every Sunday for the first half of 2026. This week, he wrote about John Woo’s 1987 film A Better Tomorrow II.

On Deep Focus Review, Brian reviewed the following titles:

For his Patreon community, Brian posted a new entry in his essay series, The Definitives, about John Sturges’ Bad Day at Black Rock (1955).

Finally, Brian appeared on the latest episode of The CineFiles. He and Chris Hrapsky discuss Good Luck, Have Fun, Don’t Die, Nirvanna the Band the Show the MoviePillion, and Magnolia (1999).

At The Cinema Dispatch, Hunter reviewed Pillion and Crime 101. He commenced his series on the 50 best films of the 2020s on his Instagram page.

Jason “The Vern” Hemming releases another episode of Random Thoughts of a Movie Insomniac, with short reviews of: The Running Man (2025), Marty Supreme, The King of Comedy, The Testament of Ann Lee, and more.

On Cinema Recall’s website, you can read his review of the Oscar nominated Documentary, Mr. Nobody Against Putin.

Over on Rabbit Hole Podcasts, check out a new episode of The Rotten Truth, a podcast that looks at low scores on Rotten Tomatoes to see how bad they really are. On this edition, Donnie Roberts and The Vern watch the feature film debut of controversial comedian Andrew “Dice” Clay, and his feature, The Adventures of Ford Fairlane.

Over at JakobTalksFilm, Jakob reviews Gore Verbinski’s wild Good Luck, Have Fun, Dont Die, the Sam Riley-starring resort-set thriller Islands, and continues to catch up on Sundance reviews with Rock Springs!

Be sure to follow him on TwitterBluSky, and Letterboxd!

Erik hosted the February edition of the Secret Movie Night at Emagine Willow Creek and selected “Ace in the Hole” (1951). Thank you to everyone who showed up!

Review: SCARLET (2025) – A medieval princess on a vengeful quest in this Hamlet-inspired action fantasy anime feature

Review: Good Luck, Have Fun, Don’t Die – Sam Rockwell lets it rip in this wild, wacky, chaotic anti-AI sci-fi satire

Review: CRIME 101 (2026) – Hemsworth & Ruffalo reunite in this stylish, moody Michael Mann-esque heist flick

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

Paul is here with new reviews, articles, and a fun interview to share!

Good Luck, Have Fun, Don’t Die – Review

Crime 101 – review

Chris Hemsworth and Halle Berry Interview – Crime 101

Paul’s Weekly Newsletter – Remembering James Van Der Beek

Book Review – The Last Kings of Hollywood by Paul Fischer

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

Film Reviews:

Film Reviews:

Blue-ray/UHD Reviews:

Film Reviews:

Podcast interview with actress Gael Palen

Tyler’s latest on Cinefied dives into pop chaos with The Moment and rides into Westeros lore with A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms, two very different worlds united by sharp storytelling and big swings.


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


The Minnesota Movie Digest: Issue No. 175

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 past/classic releases:

He is also reviewing a different Hong Kong action movie every Sunday for the first half of 2026. This week, he wrote about John Woo’s 1986 film A Better Tomorrow.

On Deep Focus Review, Brian reviewed the following titles:

For his community on Patreon, Brian posted an exclusive review of The Strangers: Chapter 3.

Dallas has two new reviews over at his website that are actually for movies released last weekend, but they’re still playing in theaters:

You can also see some video reviews for a few newer releases on his Instagram:

At The Cinema Dispatch, Hunter reviewed Josephine out of the Sundance Film Festival. He also has an early review for Good Luck, Have Fun, Don’t Die.

He also made a list of predictions of who will be the jury president of this year’s Cannes Film Festival.

Over at JakobTalksFilm, Jakob catches up on Sundance reviews for Chasing Summer, Union County, and the Audience and Dramatic Prize winner Josephine!

Be sure to follow him on TwitterBluSky, and Letterboxd!

Erik published two new film reviews this week:

He has also been invited by Emagine Willow Creek to host the February 11th edition of their Secret Movie Night series. Tickets are still available!

At his site, Liedke reviewed recent releases “Mercy,” “Shelter,” and “Send Help.”

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

Paul is back with some new reviews and interviews

You can find Paul on social media @PAULSMOVIETRIP, Letterboxd, YouTube, and Patreon

Film Reviews:

Blu-ray/UHD Reviews:

Film Reviews:

Interview with writer/illustrator Dennis Vogen


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


The Individual Top Tens of 2025

The recent MNFCA Awards delivered a composite consensus for what our members deemed the best films of the year. But how would things look if we broke it down to an individual level? Well, that’s exactly what we’ve done with this article!

Each member of the MNFCA was asked to submit their individual film lists. We encourage you to use these lists as a jumping-off point for discovering some great films that came out in 2025, and appreciate the great work that all of our members do!

  1. Train Dreams
  2. The Testament of Ann Lee
  3. Frankenstein
  4. Sinners
  5. Song Sung Blue
  6. Sentimental Value
  7. Sirât
  8. Weapons
  9. A Nice Indian Boy
  10. Friendship
  1. One Battle After Another
  2. The Phoenician Scheme
  3. Eddington
  4. Cloud
  5. Wake Up Dead Man: A Knives Out Mystery
  6. Marty Supreme
  7. Weapons
  8. Final Destination Bloodlines
  9. Wick Is Pain
  10. Mission: Impossible – The Final Reckoning
  1. One Battle After Another
  2. Marty Supreme
  3. Sentimental Value
  4. The Mastermind
  5. Mickey 17
  6. If I Had Legs I’d Kick You
  7. The Long Walk
  8. Sinners
  9. The Shrounds
  10. The Life of Chuck
  1. Black Bag
  2. Train Dreams
  3. Warfare
  4. One Battle After Another
  5. Caught Stealing
  6. Freaky Tales
  7. Sinners
  8. The Life of Chuck
  9. Marty Supreme
  10. Twinless
  1. Hamnet
  2. April
  3. Marty Supreme
  4. Frankenstein
  5. Sentimental Value
  6. Train Dreams
  7. Resurrection
  8. Is This Thing On?
  9. No Other Choice
  10. Jay Kelly
  1. The Long Walk
  2. One Battle After Another
  3. Friendship
  4. Sinners
  5. 28 Years Later
  6. The Testament of Ann Lee
  7. Wake Up Dead Man: A Knives Out Mystery
  8. It Was Just an Accident
  9. Bad Shabbos
  10. Marty Supreme
  1. One Battle After Another
  2. Sinners
  3. Marty Supreme
  4. Weapons
  5. Frankenstein
  6. Train Dreams
  7. Hamnet
  8. It Was Just an Accident
  9. Zootopia 2
  10. Superman
  1. Marty Supreme
  2. Sinners
  3. Black Bag
  4. Sentimental Value
  5. Is This Thing On?
  6. No Other Choice
  7. Sketch
  8. Splitsville
  9. It Was Just an Accident
  10. Weapons
  1. One Battle After Another
  2. Friendship
  3. Sentimental Value
  4. Sinners
  5. Sorry, Baby
  6. Weapons
  7. Superman
  8. It Was Just an Accident
  9. Die My Love
  10. KPop Demon Hunters
  1. One Battle After Another
  2. Sentimental Value
  3. Weapons
  4. Bugonia
  5. The Naked Gun
  6. The Housemaid
  7. Eddington
  8. Nouvelle Vague
  9. The Toxic Avenger
  10. F1
  1. One Battle After Another
  2. Marty Supreme
  3. Sentimental Value
  4. 28 Years Later
  5. The Secret Agent
  6. Sinners
  7. Hamnet
  8. Weapons
  9. Black Bag
  10. Blue Moon
  1. Hamnet
  2. One Battle After Another
  3. Sinners
  4. Bob Trevino Likes It
  5. Sorry, Baby
  6. Come See Me in the Good Light
  7. All That’s Left of You
  8. One of Them Days
  9. Jay Kelly
  10. The Testament of Ann Lee

Insert text here

  1. No Other Choice
  2. It Was Just an Accident
  3. One Battle After Another
  4. Sentimental Value
  5. Rental Family
  6. KPop Demon Hunters
  7. Sinners
  8. Hamnet
  9. Superman
  10. Song Sung Blue
  1. Sinners
  2. It Was Just an Accident
  3. Twinless
  4. Train Dreams
  5. Weapons
  6. Sentimental Value
  7. Hamnet
  8. Marty Supreme
  9. Bring Her Back
  10. One Battle After Another
  1. No Other Choice
  2. Bugonia
  3. Sentimental Value
  4. Blue Moon
  5. Frankenstein
  6. The Phoenician Scheme
  7. Wake Up Dead Man
  8. Rental Family
  9. Sorry, Baby
  10. Rosemead
  1. Hamnet
  2. Sentimental Value
  3. Train Dreams
  4. Frankenstein
  5. The Secret Agent
  6. One Battle After Another
  7. Black Bag
  8. Sinners
  9. Rental Family
  10. Checkpoint Zoo
  1. One Battle After Another
  2. Sinners
  3. The Life of Chuck
  4. Hamnet
  5. Weapons
  6. Marty Supreme
  7. Jay Kelly
  8. Wicked: For Good
  9. Train Dreams
  10. Is This Thing On?
  1. Resurrection
  2. The Secret Agent
  3. One Battle After Another
  4. Sinners
  5. Frankenstein
  6. Marty Supreme
  7. Sentimental Value
  8. If I Had Legs I’d Kick You
  9. It Was Just an Accident
  10. The Long Walk

Unranked:

  • The Ugly Stepsister
  • If I Had Legs I’d Kick You
  • Predator: Killer of Killers
  • Sovereign
  • Highest 2 Lowest
  • A Little Prayer
  • Twinless
  • Rebuilding
  • The Rule of Jenny Pen
  • Roofman
  1. Hamnet
  2. Sinners
  3. Marty Supreme
  4. Weapons
  5. One Battle After Another
  6. Frankenstein
  7. Train Dreams
  8. Sentimental Value
  9. Nouvelle Vague
  10. Eephus
  1. Jay Kelly
  2. Thunderbolts*
  3. Materialists
  4. Twinless
  5. If I Had Legs I’d Kick You
  6. KPop Demon Hunter
  7. Hamnet
  8. Elio
  9. Frankenstein
  10. The Fantastic 4: First Steps

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


The Minnesota Movie Digest: No. 174

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:

He is also reviewing a different Hong Kong action movie every Sunday for the first half of 2026. This week, he wrote about John Woo’s 1979 film Last Hurrah for Chivalry.

On Deep Focus Review, Brian reviewed Send Help and Shelter.

He also posted an expanded version of his essay in The Definitives about Jules Dassin’s Brute Force (1947).

For more of Brian’s exclusive reviews and essays, please consider joining DFR’s community on Patreon.

Brian also appeared opposite Chris Hrapsky on the latest episode of The CineFiles, where they discussed Send HelpThe Rip, and Mercy.

At The Cinema Dispatch, Hunter reviewed Shelter and The Wrecking Crew. He also previewed all the films he planned on seeing at the (virtual) Sundance Film Festival.

GOAT Film Reviews has reviews for two new releases this week!

In this week’s “Picturegoer” newsletter, thoughts on “Mercy”, “The Amazing Dr. Clitterhouse”, “Evil of Frankenstein”, “Strike”, “There Will Be Blood”, and “Dropsie Avenue”.  Follow the link.

Over at JakobTalksFilm, Jakob reviews Sam Raimi’s return to horror, Send Help, and shares his Personal Awards for the films of 2025!

Be sure to follow him on TwitterBluSky, and Letterboxd!

Erik has one new film review this week, covering “Avatar: Fire and Ash” (2025).

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

Film Reviews:

Film Reviews:

Blu-ray/UHD Reviews:

Film 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. 173

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 MN Movie Man has just returned from Las Vegas, where he sought out every movie-themed slot machine to play (pro-tip: go for the Willy Wonka one for max enjoyment) and caught the stunning new release of The Wizard of Oz at Sphere.

Despite much internal struggle, he’s finalized his annual wrap-up of 2025 with his list of the Best, Worst, and Surprises of the year.

2026 is off to a smashing start at his site, and if you’ve been waiting to catch up — now is the time. In addition to new reviews of The RipPrimate, and People We Meet on Vacation, you can plan your next binge with reviews of Season 2 of HBO’s blockbuster hit The Pitt and the new Netflix mystery His & Hers. A number of new ‘old’ reviews will be coming in the next week, and if you haven’t yet signed up to receive notifications, you can do that here!

Over at  Loud and Clear Reviews, check out his review of Agatha Christie’s Seven Dials as well as Sleepwalker.

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!

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:

Matt took a look at two crime films this week: Ben Affleck and Matt Damon’s Netflix release, as well as a Belgian film from 2024 that just dropped onto VOD:

On Deep Focus Review, Brian reviewed the following titles:

Brian also appeared on “Gorman in the Morning” on KQRS (92.5 FM) to discuss several new releases in theaters right now.

On the latest episode of the streaming show The CineFiles, Brian and co-hosts Chris Hrapsky and Jamie Rogers discuss No Other ChoiceIs This Thing On?and 28 Years Later: The Bone Temple.

Finally, on Brian’s Patreon, he posted a new entry in his essay series, The Definitives, about The Battle of Algiers (1966).

Over at Dallas Goes to the Movies this week, Dallas has three new movie reviews:

There are also two new video reviews for you to enjoy!

Looking forward to a great 2026 at the movies!

At The Cinema Dispatch, Hunter reviewed 28 Years Later: The Bone Temple, Dead Man’s Wire, and The Rip.

Over on GOAT Film Reviews, you can find reviews for two new releases:

You can also find a new Dispatch, another set of mini-reviews for Reflection in a Dead Diamond, Springsteen: Deliver Me from Nowhere, Predator: Killer of Killers, The Plague, and The Luckiest Man in America: Dispatches from 2025!

If you missed my Top Ten Films of 2025 or my Most Anticipated Films of 2026, you can find those as well!

Two new “issues” of the Picturegoer newsletter this week!  Issue 45 covers “28 Years Later”, “Dumb and Dumber”, “It’s Christmastime Again, Charlie Brown”, “Love in the Afternoon” and “Stir Crazy”; issue 46 covers “The Bone Temple”, “The Blue Angel”, “Chi-Raq”, “The Mouse That Roared” and “Spaceballs”.  Follow the links!

Over at JakobTalksFilm, Jakob reviews 28 Years Later: The Bone Temple and presents his FINAL 2026 Oscar Nomination Predictions before Thursday’s big announcement. 

Be sure to follow him on TwitterBluSky, and Letterboxd!

Catherine has one new review on The Feed: “28 Years Later: The Bone Temple.” Additionally, she appeared on The Revisionist’s Almanac podcast for a special 2025 Year-End Collaboration.

At his site, Liedke has been busy reviewing award contenders and other movies from the film fest circuit. Recently, he’s reviewed “Arco,” “Die My Love,” “Frankenstein,” “Hamnet,” “Hedda,” “If I Had Legs I’d Kick You,” “Jay Kelly,” “Kiss of the Spider Woman,” “Marty Supreme,” “No Other Choice,” “Nouvelle Vague,” “Rental Family,” “Rosemead,” “The Secret Agent,” “Sentimental Value,” “Song Sung Blue,” “The Testament of Ann Lee,” “Train Dreams” and “Wake Up Dead Man.”

Film Reviews:

Film Reviews: 

Blu-ray/UHD Reviews:

Podcast 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. 172

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:

He also updated his ranking of Edgar Wright’s movies following the release of The Running Man and his ranking of Avatar movies following the release of Fire and Ash. Lastly, he listed the 50 best movies of 2025

Matt kicked off 2026 with both his annual Year in Review, discussing some of his favorite theatrical experiences, as well as a Newsletter where he goes into detail on three recent film adaptations of Donald E. Westlake novels (Play DirtyThe Actor, and No Other Choice)

Additionally, he knocked out a pair of reviews for two indie crime films that had been kicking around the festival circuit:

On Deep Focus Review, Brian reviewed the following titles:

Brian also appeared as a guest on two podcasts: First, he discussed Rental Family with Dr. Marcia Sirota on the Reel Mental podcast. Then, he appeared on the Movie of the Year podcast to discuss Ken Russell’s The Devils (1971).

For the streaming show The CineFiles, Brian and co-hosts Chris Hrapsky and Jamie Rogers shared their Top 10 Movies of 2025.

On January 10, Brian returned to KARE 11 Saturday to discuss two new releases in theaters: Is This Thing On? and Father Mother Sister Brother.

On Brian’s Patreon, he posted the following:

At The Cinema Dispatch, Hunter reviewed The Chronology of Water. He also published his Top 10 Films of 2025 at the Eden Prairie Local News and the Woodbury News Net.

For The Tangential, Jay reviewed Sentimental Value and Train Dreams. And then at the Duluth News Tribune, he reviewed Marty Supreme and The Hockey Mom’s Revenge.

Better late than never.  Over on The Cinema Recall podcast. It’s The Vern’s Top 10 Movies of 2025 and his 5 worst.

In this week’s “Picturegoer” newsletter, Sydney Sweeney and Amanda Seyfried in “The Housemaid”; the horror anthology “Dr. Terror’s House of Horrors”; David Bowie in Jim Henson’s “Labyrinth”; James Cagney and Olivia de Havilland in “The Strawberry Blonde”; the silent classic “Waxworks”; and Peter Biskind’s Warren Beatty biography “Star”.  Follow the link.

Over at JakobTalksFilm, Jakob reviews Song Sung Blue and announces his picks for the Top 10 TV Series of 2025 and his Most Anticipated Films of 2026!

Be sure to follow him on TwitterBluSky, and Letterboxd!

Catherine shared her Best of 2025 lists: Movies Part One | Movies Part Two | Television

You can also check out her Letterboxd year in review. She watched nearly 500 films!

She finally finished a years-long project of adding the nearly 9,000 films she’s seen to genre listscentury listsdecade lists, and year lists.

Additionally, Catherine continued this year’s FYC Friday series with quick thoughts on some notable 2025 releases, including “Deaf President Now,” “The Voice of Hind Rajab,” and more. Her Wayback Wednesday series returned last week with a look back at 1926.

Paul McGuire Grimes is back with some new interviews, interviews, and media appearances this week!

Jon Bernthal & Tessa Thompson Interview – HIS & HERS

THE HOUSEMAID – review

Catch Me If You Can & Minority Report – 4K Reviews

A Spotlight on Rob Reiner – My Weekly Patreon Newsletter

The 2025 Actor Awards The Nominees Are… – Patreon

One Battle After Another – Oscar Frontrunner – My rundown of the CCA and MNFCA Winners – Patreon

Film Reviews:

End of Year:

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. 171

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:

He also updated his rankings of Noah Baumbach’s best movies following the release of Jay Kelly and Paul Mescal’s best movies following the release of Hamnet, and ranked every Knives Out movie from worst to best.

On Deep Focus Review, Brian reviewed:

In addition, he posted his Top 10 Films of 2025 list.

Brian also appeared on the latest episode of The CineFiles, discussing Marty SupremeElla McCay, and the Warner Bros. acquisition drama.

On Brian’s Patreon, he shared a series of year-end lists with his subscribers, including the Top 25 Films of 2025, Brian’s “Favorite Things” (a list of the year’s best performances, technical craft, genre entries, etc.), the Top 25 Discs of 2025, and the Top 10 Movie-Related Books of 2025.

I can’t believe it’s already the end of the year, but that means I have basically wrapped up my watching of 2025 movies.

I have two new things to read on my website this week:

1. My third and final FYC Cinema Catch-up Corner is here. 

2. Some of those movies might have even made my Top Ten Movies of 2025.

I also put up my Avatar: Fire and Ash on all my social pages!

After watching over one hundred films throughout the year, Hunter finally unveiled his Top 10 of 2025. He also updated his Oscar predictions.

For The Tangential, Jay reviewed Hamnet.

Over at GOAT Film Reviews, we have several new releases and awards contenders, including:

Over at JakobTalksFilm, Jakob reviews James Cameron’s epic threequel, Avatar: Fire & Ash, and at last, presents his Top 10 Films of 2025!

Be sure to follow him on TwitterBluSky, and Letterboxd!

Catherine has a new December release review compilation on The Feed that covers “The Testament of Ann Lee,” “Is This Thing On,” “The Housemaid,” “Marty Supreme,” and “Goodbye June.”

She also continued this year’s FYC Friday series with quick thoughts on some notable 2025 releases, including “Springsteen: Deliver Me from Nowhere,” “Spinal Tap II: The End Continues,” “28 Years Later,” and more.

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

Paul is back with some new reviews and media appearances this week:

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

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. 170

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.

On Deep Focus Review, Brian reviewed the new Silent Night, Deadly Night. He also reviewed Sirāt exclusively for his Patreon subscribers.

At The Cinema Dispatch, Hunter reviewed Song Sung Blue. His review for Marty Supreme was published at the Eden Prairie Local News and the Woodbury News Net.

For the Duluth News Tribune, Jay reviewed Stone Creek Killer (a movie filmed on the Iron Range) and rounded up some classic holiday movies returning to Duluth theaters this month.

For The Tangential, Jay reviewed Little Trouble Girls.

This week, there are reviews for two new and upcoming releases:

In addition, the new Benoit Blanc mystery, Wake Up Dead Man, has hit Netflix. Check out this early review from its theatrical release.

  • This week on Random Thoughts of a Movie Insomniac, Jason “The Vern” Hemming reviews these five movies: Hamnet, It Was Just an Accident, The Smashing Machine, Eternity, and Kill Bill: The Whole Bloody Affair.
  • We are two episodes in our series on Brian De Palma for De Palma December with Body Double and Dressed to Kill. More to come soon
  • I was a recent guest on The St. Paul Filmcast with fellow MNFCA member Nick Paldodichuck.
  • Over on Rabbit Hole Podcasts, I joined host Jason Soto to discuss the controversial movie, Kids from 1995.

Over at JakobTalksFilm, Jakob reviews Ella McCay, The Secret Agent, and gives his December Nomination Predictions for the 99th Oscars!

Be sure to follow him on TwitterBluSky, and Letterboxd!

Catherine continued this year’s FYC Friday series with quick thoughts on movies including “Lilith Fair: Building a Mystery,” “The Secret Agent,” “Palestine 36,” and more.

She also participated in a “Some Kind of December” series, with her post highlighting the beloved 2006 Christmas romcom “The Holiday.”

Erik published a 50 year retrospective on the Best Picture nominees from 1975, with reviews for “Dog Day Afternoon,” “Barry Lyndon,” “One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest,” “Jaws,” and “Nashville.”

I’d like to share news that I’ve exceeded my #52FilmsByWomen challenge goal with 59 films #directedbywomen so far this year, though still short of last year’s tally of 63. I logged them on this Letterboxd list.

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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. 169

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.

Matt has assembled a Top 10 Hardboiled Crime List for 2025. A selection of his favorite and somewhat underseen hustles, heists, and hits for the year.

On Deep Focus Review, Brian reviewed Marty Supreme and 100 Nights of Hero. And he reviewed No Other Choice exclusively for his Patreon subscribers.

Brian also made a few appearances on local radio, TV, and streaming platforms this week:

Not a whole lot to report this week, but I do want to share my thoughts on Marty Supreme now that the embargo has been lifted.

You can read my thoughts here.

Or watch them here.

Plenty more end-of-year lists and FYC coverage to come before year’s end, so keep an eye out!

At The Cinema Dispatch, Hunter reviewed Marty Supreme, Fackham Hall, and La Grazia. His review for Jay Kelly was published in the Eden Prairie Local News and Woodbury News Net.

He also posted his predictions for who will be nominated for the 83rd Golden Globe Awards.

Over at JakobTalksFilm, it’s a Netflix Review Round-Up with takes on Clint Bentley’s “Train Dreams”, Rian Johnson’s third Knives Out entry “Wake Up Dead Man”, Noah Baumbach’s “Jay Kelly”, and Shih-Ching Tsou’s directorial debut “Left-Handed Girl”!

Be sure to follow him on TwitterBluSky, and Letterboxd! @jakobkolness

Catherine has one new review on The Feed“Loot” (Season 3).

She also continued this year’s FYC Friday series with quick thoughts on movies including “Hamnet,” “All That’s Left of You,” “No Other Choice,” and more.

She also published a FYC Friday 2025 list on Letterboxd to track all of the movies she’s covered so far this awards season.

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

Paul is back with some new reviews and interviews as we are fully into the end-of-the-year award season!

Follow Paul on Social Media @PAULSMOVIETRIP, Letterboxd, and Patreon

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. 168

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:

On Deep Focus Review, Brian reviewed the following titles:

He also reviewed The Testament of Ann Lee exclusively for his Patreon subscribers.

A few new posts are up over at Dallas Goes to the Movies.

  • Eternity Review
  • FYC Coverage Part 2 – Includes reviews for It Was Just an Accident, Sentimental Value, The Mastermind, Wake Up Dead Man: A Knives Out Mystery, and more!

There are also two new reviews up over on my Instagram and YouTube:

Thanks for reading and watching!

At The Cinema Dispatch, Hunter reviewed Eternity and updated his Oscar predictions.

He also republished his TIFF review for Hamnet at the Eden Prairie Local News and Woodbury News Net.

Over at GOAT Film Reviews, we have three new reviews of recent and upcoming releases!

A Tale of Two Mommies Scorned – Written reviews of Die My Love and If I Had Legs I’d Kick You

Random Thoughts of a Movie Insomniac – Video review for Sentimental Value, Alpha, After the Hunt, Anemone, and Kiss of the Spider Woman

Over at JakobTalksFilm, Jakob takes a look ahead at everyone’s favorite problematic awards show! It’s time for the final 83rd Golden Globe Awards Nomination Predictions!

Be sure to follow him on TwitterBluSky, and Letterboxd!

Catherine has three new reviews on The Feed: “Hamnet,” “Eternity,” and “Wake Up Dead Man.”

She also continued this year’s FYC Friday series with quick thoughts on movies, including “It Was Just an Accident,” “Sentimental Value,” and more.

To celebrate the release of “Hamnet,” she published a Shakespeare on film list. Additionally, she published two new director ranking lists on LetterboxdChloé Zhao and Rian Johnson.

Erik published one review this week, covering  “Wicked: For Good” (2025).

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

Paul McGuire Grimes is back with new reviews!

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

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! 🎬🍿