Tag: Minnesota Film Critics Alliance

The Minnesota Movie Digest: How to Train Your Materialist Dragon

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:

• Materialists movie review
• The Phoenician Scheme movie review
• Warfare movie review

He also reviewed the following movies for their classic reviews section:

Fantastic Mr. Fox movie review

Brian Eggert – Deep Focus Review

On Deep Focus Review, Brian reviewed The Life of Chuck and Materialists.  

He also re-posted his 2019 essay in The Definitives about 28 Days Later (2002), in anticipation of the sequel, 28 Years Later, opening on June 20.

Lastly, Brian appeared on a new episode of the KARE 11+ show, The CineFiles, where he talked with host Chris Hrapsky and film journalist Jamie Rogers about The Life of Chuck, The Phoenician Scheme, and A Silent Voice (2016). 

Dallas Fisher – Dallas Goes To The Movies

Materialists Review on Dallas Goes to the Movies

Bing Interview – Interview with The Friend star, Bing the Great Dane. Bing and his owner, Bev, are from my hometown of Newton, Iowa. I saw the movie before I knew this information, and had to make this happen as soon as I found out. 

Hunter Friesen – The Cinema Dispatch

At The Cinema Dispatch, Hunter reviewed Materialists and Echo Valley. He also (foolishly) published his first Oscar predictions of the season, which will surely all be wrong by the end of the year.

Jason Hemming – Cinema Recall

Ashley and The Vern give their review of the latest from Oscar nominee, Celine Song, with The Materialists.  Plus, Vern praises Sally Hawkins’ performance in Bring Her Back in this short video review of Cinema Recall.

Catherine Krummey – Veg Out Recipes

Catherine has two new posts on The Feed: a full review of “Materialists” and a compilation of spring 2025 capsule reviews that includes “How to Train Your Dragon,” “The Buccaneers” (Season 2), “Echo Valley,” “Stick” (Season 1), “Tornado,” “The Amateur,” “The Luckiest Man in America” and “Freaky Tales.” She also published a Pride Month post celebrating the 2018 underrated gem “Hearts Beat Loud.”

Erik Larson – Hamline Oracle

Erik wrote one review this week, for Wes Anderson’s newest film: “The Phoenician Scheme.”

Ruth Maramis – FlixChatter

Paul McGuire Grimes – Paul’s Trip to the Movies

Paul is here with some new reviews and interviews!

• “Materialists” review
• “Predator: Killer of Killers” review
• “The Phoenician Scheme” review
• “The Life of Chuck” review
• “The Life of Chuck” Cast Interviews with Mike Flanagan, Mark Hamill, Matthew Lillard, and more!

You can follow Paul on social media @PAULSMOVIETRIP and on Letterboxd

Mark McPherson – Movies With Mark

Film Reviews:

• How to Train Your Dragon (2025)
• Materialists
• The Phoenician Scheme (Video Review)
• Ballerina (Video Review)
• Pee-Wee As Himself (Video Review)

Brian Orndorf – Blu-Ray.Com

Film Reviews:

• How to Train Your Dragon
• Deep Cover
• Materialists
• The Unholy Trinity
• Diablo
• Echo Valley
• Killing Mary Sue

Blu-ray/UHD Reviews

• Falling in Love
• 38 Especial
• Daddy Dearest & Juice
• Presence
• Alexandra

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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 Life of Ballerina: Killer of Predators

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 crazy weather in MN has brought a diverse selection of movies with it, and at The MN Movie Man, there are three new reviews this week: Ballerina, Barron’s Cove, and I Don’t Understand You.

At Loud and Clear Reviews, Joe reviewed the terrific television series Overcompensating and the animated Predator film, Predator: Killer of Killers.

A final reminder that The MN Movie Man is hosting Secret Movie Night at Emagine Willow Creek this Wednesday, June 11, at 7 pm.  Theater 1 has ONE seat left, and Theater 2, the “Movie Only” theater (for overflow), is nearly at capacity!  Come see the movie, the event organizer said they think will “play like gangbusters”.

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:

• Predator: Killer of Killers movie review
• Dangerous Animals movie review
• Echo Valley movie review
• Mountainhead movie review
• Fountain of Youth movie review
• Dog Man movie review
• The Alto Knights movie review
• A Minecraft Movie review

He also reviewed the following Wes Anderson movies in anticipation of The Phoenician Scheme:

• The Darjeeling Limited movie review
• Bottle Rocket movie review
• The Life Aquatic with Steve Zissou movie review

Brian Eggert – Deep Focus Review

On Deep Focus Review, Brian reviewed:

• Ballerina
  • Dangerous Animals
  • Emmanuelle
  • The Phoenician Scheme
  • Predator: Killer of Killers

Exclusively for his Patreon subscribers, Brian reviewed Danny and Michael Philippou’s latest, Bring Her Back.

Hunter Friesen – The Cinema Dispatch

At The Cinema Dispatch, Hunter reviewed Ballerina and republished his TIFF24 review of The Life of Chuck in time for its theatrical release.

Kyle Goethe – Goat Film Reviews

Over on the GOAT Film Reviews Website, you can find an early review for the newest film in the John Wick franchise, Ballerina!

For physical media fans, there’s a complete review of Severin’s Blu-Ray for Scala!!!, one of my favorite films from last year!

Over on the GOAT Film Reviews YouTube Channel, there are several new unboxing videos!

• Arrow Video’s J-Horror Rising
• Radiance’s Daiei Gothic Collection
• Severin’s The Eurocrypt of Christopher Lee

Also on the Channel, you can find a Video Review of the recent release, Last Breath, now available to stream on Peacock!

New Episode of Kyle & Nick on Film: Henry V (1989).

Jason Hemming – Cinema Recall

Jason”The Vern ” Hemming writes a review on Kevin Smith’s Dogma being re-released back to theaters for its 25th anniversary.

Ruth Maramis – FlixChatter

Mark McPherson – Movies With Mark

Film Reviews:

• Ballerina
• Predator: Killer of Killers
• The Phoenician Scheme

Brian Orndorf – Blu-Ray.Com

Film Reviews:

• Predator: Killer of Killers
• Ballerina
• Tyler Perry’s Straw
• Dangerous Animals
• The Life of Chuck
• Emmanuelle
• I Don’t Understand You
• Sunlight
• Barron’s Cove
• The Ritual
• A Rad Documentary

Blu-ray/UHD Reviews:

• The Nesting
• Tasty
• Neither the Sea Nor the Sand
• The End

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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 Fountain of Karate

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

June is busting out all over at The MN Movie Man, and as preparations for a busy month get underway, check out the new review this week for Karate Kid: Legends.

At Loud and Clear Reviews, Joe looked back at the stormy history of Wes Craven’s werewolf film Cursed and laid out the 12 can’t-miss movies for June.

Another reminder about The MN Movie Man hosting Secret Movie Night at Emagine Willow Creek on Wednesday, June 11 at 7 pm.  Theater 1 has two seats remaining, and Theater 2, the “Movie Only” theater (for overflow), is filling up quickly!  Hope to see you there!

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 from these past few weeks over on Cinephile Corner. In their movie reviews section, he has reviews for the following new releases:

• Nonnas movie review
• Death of a Unicorn movie review
• The Woman in the Yard movie review
• Novocaine movie review
• A Working Man movie review
• The Surfer movie review
• Thunderbolts* movie review

He also reviewed the following Wes Anderson movies in anticipation of The Phoenician Scheme:

• Asteroid City movie review
• Bottle Rocket movie review
• Rushmore movie review
• The Royal Tenenbaums movie review
• The Life Aquatic with Steve Zissou movie review
• Moonrise Kingdom movie review
• The French Dispatch movie review

Brian Eggert – Deep Focus Review

On Deep Focus Review, Brian reviewed Tornado.

For his Patreon subscribers, he reviewed William A. Wellman’s 1943 comic whodunit, Lady of Burlesque (1943), starring Barbara Stanwyck.

Finally, Brian appeared on the second episode of his new movie-themed show on the KARE 11+ app, The CineFiles, alongside host and anchor Chris Hrapsky and film journalist Jamie Rogers. They discuss Deaf President Now and Fountain of Youth, both on Apple TV+, and Jane Austen Wrecked My Life. They also rank the Mission: Impossible franchise and discuss last week’s “CineGift,” North by Northwest (1959).

Hunter Friesen – The Cinema Dispatch

At The Cinema Dispatch, Hunter reviewed The Phoenician Scheme.

Jason Hemming – Cinema Recall

The Vern reviews Wes Anderson’s latest, The Phoenician Scheme.

C.B. Jacobson – Picturegoer

In this week’s issue of the “Picturegoer” newsletter, Neal McDonough in “The Last Rodeo”; Sylvester Stallone in “Cliffhanger”; Tom Hanks and Michael Clarke Duncan on “The Green Mile”; Clark Gable and Charles Laughton in “Mutiny on the Bounty”; Rachel Zegler in Disney’s new version of “Snow White”; and another episode of “Alfred Hitchcock Presents”.  Follow the link.

Catherine Krummey – Veg Out Recipes

Catherine shared an appreciation post for Werner Herzog’s 1979 film “Nosferatu the Vampyre” as part of Revamped, a series spotlighting underrated horror remakes and sequels. She also published a new list on Letterboxd: Wax On, Wax Off (a ranking of the “Karate Kid” movies).

Erik Larson – Hamline Oracle

Erik wrote one review this week, for the first season of the 2025 Apple TV+ show “The Studio.”

Matthew Liedke – Liedke on Film

At his site, Liedke reviewed multiple major film releases from the last several weeks, including “Sinners,” “Thunderbolts,” “Mission: Impossible – The Final Reckoning,” and “Karate Kid Legends.”

Ruth Maramis – FlixChatter

Paul McGuire Grimes – Paul’s Trip to the Movies

Paul has some new reviews to share!

The Life of Chuck

Karate Kid Legends

Re-Animator – 40th Anniversary 4K

Follow Paul on social media @PAULSMOVIETRIP, and he’s on Letterboxd!

Mark McPherson – Movies With Mark

Film Reviews:

• Pee-wee as Himself
• Fear Street: Prom Queen

Brian Orndorf – Blu-Ray.Com

Film Reviews:

• Karate Kid: Legends 
• Mountainhead
• Bono: Stories of Surrender
• Gonz0 Girl
• Tim Travers and the Time Traveler’s Paradox

Blu-ray/UHD Reviews:

• The Possession of Joel Delaney
• Murder Rock
• Cora Bora
• Hookers on Davie
• Igor and the Lunatics

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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: Mission: Impossible – Bloodlines

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

May is flying by and at The MN Movie Man there are new reviews to check out: Mission: Impossible – The Final Reckoning, Final Destination: Bloodlines, I Know Catherine, The Log Lady, Friendship, The Ugly Stepsister, A Desert, Clown in a Cornfield, Fight or Flight, & finally the true tragedy that was Juliet & Romeo.

At Loud and Clear Reviews, Joe’s reviews of Nonnas and Watch the Skies went up and stay tuned for more feature writing coming up later in May and early June.

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 Instagram, Letterboxd, TikTok, and Facebook for his weekly early looks at upcoming films and other updates between newsletters!

Matt Clark – Kino Ventura

Matt wrote about the gritty, working-class underworld of Peter Yates’s The Friends of Eddie Coyle for Perisphere.

Brian Eggert – Deep Focus Review

On Deep Focus Review, Brian reviewed Mission: Impossible – The Final Reckoning and The Old Woman with the Knife.

For his Patreon subscribers, he wrote a new Reader’s Choice review about Sidney Lumet’s Deathtrap (1982). Read the full review on his Patreon page.

Also, Brian announced his role on a new show for the KARE 11+ app, The CineFiles. Brian joins KARE 11 anchor and host Chris Hrapsky and film journalist Jamie Rogers on the show, which is about all things movie-related. The first episode dropped on May 15. Look for new episodes every other week on the app. Read the full announcement.

Hunter Friesen – The Cinema Dispatch

At The Cinema Dispatch, Hunter reviewed Mission: Impossible – The Final Reckoning.

Jason Hemming – Cinema Recall

The Vern reviews Mission Impossible: The Final Reckoning in under 10 minutes (Non-Spoilers)

Eric Houston – North Metro TV

Movie Man Eric Houston watched the hilarious thriller Fear (1996).

C.B. Jacobson – Picturegoer

This week in the “Picturegoer” newsletter: Tom Cruise’s final (is it…?) reckoning with “Mission: Impossible”; Cate Blanchett in “Blue Jasmine”; Ben Kingsley as the famous painter in “Daliland”; Vincent Price in “The Fly”; Lois Weber’s silent classic “Hypocrites”; and an episode of the classic ’70s sitcom “Taxi”.  Follow the link: https://picturegoer.substack.com/p/picturegoer-vol-3-issue-15-mission

Catherine Krummey – Veg Out Recipes

Catherine has a new review on The Feed: “Mission: Impossible – The Final Reckoning.” She also published a new franchise list on Letterboxd: Impossibilities.

Erik Larson – Hamline Oracle

Erik published one movie review this week, a review of Joachim Trier’s 2021 film The Worst Person in the World, in anticipation of the premiere of his next movie at the Cannes Film Festival.

Ruth Maramis – FlixChatter

Paul McGuire Grimes – Paul’s Trip to the Movies

Paul has new reviews and interviews to share for some movies you can check out in theaters or at home on Blu-Ray and 4K

• Mission: Impossible – The Final Reckoning – review
• Mission: Impossible – The Final Reckoning – Cast Interviews with Simon Pegg, Angela Bassett, Hayley Atwell, Pom Klementieff & Greg Tarzan Davis
• Final Destination: Bloodlines – review
• Mickey 17 – 4K review
• Black Bag – 4K review

You can find Paul across social media @PaulsMovieTrip and on Letterboxd

Mark McPherson – Movies With Mark

Film Reviews:

• Final Destination Bloodlines
• Mission: Impossible – The Final Reckoning
• Havoc

Brian Orndorf – Blu-Ray.Com

Film Reviews:

• Mission: Impossible – The Final Reckoning
• Final Destination Bloodlines
• Hurry Up Tomorrow
• A Breed Apart
• Long Distance
• Friendship

Blu-ray/UHD Reviews:

• Drop Zone
• Last of the Red Hot Lovers
• Baby It’s You
• Brimstone & Treacle

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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: Nonnas Fight a Clown in a Cornfield

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:

• Sinners movie review
• Fight or Flight movie review
• Another Simple Favor movie review
• The Monkey movie review
• Heart Eyes movie review
• The Actor movie review
• Wolf Man movie review

He also reviewed the following Mission: Impossible movies in anticipation of The Final Reckoning:

• Mission: Impossible – Ghost Protocol movie review
• Mission: Impossible movie review
• Mission: Impossible II movie review
• Mission: Impossible III movie review

Brian Eggert – Deep Focus Review

On Deep Focus Review, Brian reviewed:

• Fight or Flight
  • Clown in a Cornfield
  • Henry Johnson
  • Friendship
  • Caught by the Tides

For his Patreon subscribers, he wrote a new Reader’s Choice review about Paul Thomas Anderson’s Hard Eight (1986). Check out his Patreon page.

C.B. Jacobson – Picturegoer

In this week’s issue of the “Picturegoer” newsletter, Marvel attempts a reinvention with “Thunderbolts*”; James Coburn and Nick Nolte as broken, bottled up father and son in “Affliction”; Tyrone Power in “The Black Swan” (no, not that one); Peter Falk and John Cassavetes are “Mikey and Nicky”; John Barrymore as “Svengali”; and another episode of ’60s “Star Trek”.  Follow the link: https://picturegoer.substack.com/p/picturegoer-vol-3-issue-14-thunderbolts

Catherine Krummey – Veg Out Recipes

Catherine has a new review on The Feed: “Fight or Flight.” She also published a new franchise list on Letterboxd: Predatory Practices.

Erik Larson – Hamline Oracle

Erik published one movie review this week, a review of Akira Kurosawa’s classic 1963 film “High and Low,” in anticipation of Spike Lee’s upcoming remake later this summer.

Ruth Maramis – FlixChatter

Paul McGuire Grimes – Paul’s Trip to the Movies

Paul’s back with some new reviews and interviews!

Flight or Flight Review

Josh Hartnett Interview – Fight or Flight

Clown in a Cornfield review

And follow Paul across social media @PaulsMovieTrip and on Letterboxd

Mark McPherson – Movies With Mark

Film Reviews:

• Thunderbolts*
• Sinners
• The Wedding Banquet
• Frankie Freako

Brian Orndorf – Blu-Ray.Com

Film Reviews:

• Wick is Pain
• Nonnas
• Shadow Force
• Unit 234
• Clown in a Cornfield
• Summer of 69
• Sharp Corner
• Watch the Skies
• Absolute Dominion

Blu-ray/UHD Reviews:

• Assault of the Party Nerds
• Assault of the Party Nerds 2
• Cannibal Girls

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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