Tag: Movies

The Minnesota Movie Digest: Her Private Dink

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 recently reviewed:

• The Dink
• Her Private Hell
• Sheep in the Box

For his Patreon subscribers, Brian posted a new entry in his essay series, The Definitives, about Alfred Hitchcock’s Rear Window (1954).

Get more of Brian’s work by joining his Patreon community.

Jason Hemming – Cinema Recall

New episode of Random Thoughts of a Movie Insomniac has The Vern give his reviews on Supergirl (2026), The Invite, and The Odyssey. Along with recent physical media pickups

Nicholas Winding Refn’s new film, Her Private Hell, has been very divisive amongst critics, but more importantly, what did The Vern think of it?

Eric Houston – North Metro TV

Eric Houston presses play on some 50s sci-fi classics.

Jakob Kolness – JakobTalksFilm

Over at JakobTalksFilm, Jakob reveals his First Oscar Predictions of the Year (July Edition)! 

And over on Best Animated Podcast, Jakob (and guest host Jessi Armstrong) discuss the 2002 Oscar-nominated Animated Feature nominee Ice Age!

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

Be sure to follow Best Animated Podcast on Twitter, BluSky, and Instagram

Erik Larson – Hamline Oracle

Erik published one review this week, for Christopher Nolan’s ”The Odyssey” (2026).

He also appeared as a guest on the most recent episode of the St. Paul Filmcast with fellow MNFCA member Nick Palodichuk. You can listen to it on all podcast platforms, including Spotify and Apple Podcasts.

Matthew Liedke – Liedke on Film

At his site, Liedke reviewed a pair of films now available via streaming. The mystery drama “A Private Life” and the animated adventure “Avatar Aang: The Last Airbender.”

Paul McGuire Grimes – Paul’s Trip to the Movies

Paul is back with new reviews and a fun interview!

Paul’s Top 5 Movies of 2026…So Far

Voicemails for Isabelle – review

Juliette Lewis Interview – Cape Fear, Martin Scorsese, Christmas Vacation

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

Brian Orndorf – Blu-Ray.Com

Film Reviews:

• Her Private Hell
• 72 Hours
• Motor City
• The Dink
• Kill Code

Blu-ray/UHD Reviews: 

• The Boys in the Band
• Blackberry
• The Novice
• Holler
• Biosphere

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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: Evil Moana Burn

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 recently reviewed:

• Gail Daughty and the Celebrity Sex Pass
• In the Hands of Dante
• The Invite
• Romería
• Sender
• Supergirl

Brian also made two recent guest appearances: He returned to KARE 11 Saturday to discuss Disclosure Day and The Invite, and he returned to KQRS to talk movies with the “Gorman in the Morning” crew.

For his Patreon subscribers, Brian reviewed a Reader’s Choice selection: The Innocents (2021). He also posted a new entry in his essay series, The Definitives, about Rainer Werner Fassbinder’s Ali: Fear Eats the Soul (1974). And finally, he reviewed Evil Dead Burn.

Get more of Brian’s work by joining his Patreon community.

Dallas Fisher – Dallas Goes To The Movies

Of the four releases this past weekend, Dallas covered two. One is one of the best movies of the year, and the other is certainly a movie:

• The Invite
• Gail Daughtry and the Celebrity Sex Pass

Don’t forget to check out the Ranking of Twin Cities Movie Theaters as well!

Kyle Goethe – Goat Film Reviews

This week, you can find two new reviews for Disney’s “live-action” Moana and The Invite, which continues to expand to a wider market!

• [Early Review] The Invite (2026)
• [Early Review] Moana (2026)

Jason Hemming – Cinema Recall

Guess Who’s Coming for Dessert – A Written Review of The Invite (2026)

Are you a fan of David Lynch or just want to talk about his movies and decipher their meaning? The Lair of Lynch is a new podcast starting up, and we are looking for collaborators!

C.B. Jacobson – Picturegoer

This week in the “Picturegoer” newsletter, thoughts on “Supergirl” (the new one), “Eaten Alive”, “Nothing Sacred”, “Shaun of the Dead”, “The Trial” and “Alfred Hitchcock Presents”.  Follow the link.

Matthew Liedke – Liedke on Film

At his site, Liedke reviewed the indie coming-of-age picture “An Autumn Summer” and the new dramatic comedy “The Invite.”

Ruth Maramis – FlixChatter

Connect with FlixChatter on Letterboxd and social media » X | Bluesky

Mark McPherson – Movies With Mark

Film Reviews:

• Moana
• Romeria
• Night Nurse
• Citizen Vigilante
• Moana (Video Review)
• Citizen Vigilante (Video Review)
• She’s The He (Video Review)

Brian Orndorf – Blu-Ray.Com

Film Reviews:

• Evil Dead Burn
• Moana
• Mockbuster
• Black Box
• Night Nurse
• The Outer Threat
• Reading Lolita in Tehran
• The Isolate Thief
• Glenrothan
• California Schemin’
• Enola Holmes 3
• Gail Daughtry and the Celebrity Sex Pass
• The Invite
• Minions & Monsters
• Lockbox

Blu-ray/UHD Reviews:

• Arco
• Pools
• Murder in Blue Light
• Bugie Rosse
• Madness

Nicholas Palodichuk – St. Paul Filmcast

Film Reviews:

• Affection
• Evil Dead Burn
  
  Interview with horror film enthusiast and artist/writer James Bezecy, “Pure Venom Comics”

Niles Schwartz – Insula Barataria

Speaking with T.D. Mischke on his podcast about “Disclosure Day” (and other film-related subjects).

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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 Death of Toys

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

Plenty to dig into this week! Two new releases that opened this past weekend get the full review treatment: The Death of Robin Hood and the queer horror outing Leviticus. The MN Movie Man also caught up with the blazingly good action flick The Furious — a real hammer-down good time that more than lives up to its early buzz.

And while he won’t be reviewing the new Supergirl, he’s pointing his cape backward instead with a retro look at the 1984 original — Supergirl, a film that deserves a fresh set of eyes.

Over at Loud and Clear Reviews, there’s a review of the latest trip to the toy box: Toy Story 5.

As always, be sure to follow The MN Movie Man on Instagram, Letterboxd, TikTok, Bluesky, and Facebook for weekly early looks at upcoming films, physical media updates, and other news 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 films:

• Kontinental ’25
• Obsession
• Mother Mary

Brian Eggert – Deep Focus Review

On Deep Focus Review, Brian recently reviewed:

• The Death of Robin Hood
• Disclosure Day
• Forastera
• Leviticus
• Toy Story 5

Brian also recently posted an appreciation of John Carpenter’s Christine (1983).

Get more of Brian’s work by joining his Patreon community.

Dallas Fisher – Dallas Goes To The Movies

There are two ways to consume reviews from Dallas this week!

One new review can be read over on his website:  The Death of Robin Hood

Two “new” reviews can be watched on his Instagram:  Toy Story 5 and  Disclosure Day

Hunter Friesen – The Cinema Dispatch

At The Cinema Dispatch, Hunter reviewed Toy Story 5 and The Death of Robin Hood. The former review can also be read at the Eden Prairie Local News

Kyle Goethe – Goat Film Reviews

This week, we have four reviews for new and upcoming releases!

• [MSPIFF 2026] Rose of Nevada (2025)
• [Early Review] Toy Story 5 (2026)
• [Early Review] The Death of Robin Hood (2026)
• [MSPIFF 2026] We Are Pat (2025)

Zach Hammill – Movie Friend

Review for Toy Story 5

Jason Hemming – Cinema Recall

On the podcast of Cinema Recall, The Vern shares a sneak peek of his guest spot on Franchise Detours, talking about the original Supergirl from 1984 before the new one comes out next week.

Over on YouTube, The Vern gives his thoughts on new movies currently in theaters, Disclosure Day, and Toy Story.

C.B. Jacobson – Picturegoer

New issue of the “Picturegoer” newsletter this week, headlined by thoughts on Olivia Wilde’s “The Invite” — happy reading!

Chaz Kangas – Bring Me the News

Chaz Kangas speaks with director and film preservationist Nicholas McCarthy on his work to find and restore the thought-destroyed 80s cult classic ‘Student Confidential’ from auteur Richard Horian (starring Michael’s brother Eric Douglas, Michael’s brother Marlon Jackson, and Nashville’s Ronee Blakley)

Matthew Liedke – Liedke on Film

At his site, Liedke reviewed recent releases “Toy Story 5,” “The Death of Robin Hood,” “Girls Like Girls,” “The Furious,” and “Leviticus.”

Ruth Maramis – FlixChatter

Connect with FlixChatter on Letterboxd and social media » X | Bluesky

Paul McGuire Grimes – Paul’s Trip to the Movies

Paul is back with some new reviews and interviews!

• Toy Story 5 review
• Disclosure Day review
• Stop! That! Train! movie review
• Milly Alcock and Director Craig Gillespie interview – Supergirl
• Patreon Newsletter – The Heights Theater Spotlight

Follow Paul on social media, Letterboxd, Patreon, and YouTube

Mark McPherson – Movies With Mark

Film Reviews:

• Toy Story 5
• She’s the He
• Toy Story 5 (Video Review)
• Disclosure Day (Video Review)
• Backrooms (Video Review)

Brian Orndorf – Blu-Ray.Com

Film Reviews:

• Toy Story 5
• Maddie’s Secret
• The Death of Robin Hood
• Voicemails for Isabelle
• Chapter 51
• The Voices of Our Mother
• Finnegan’s Foursome
• Leviticus

Blu-ray/UHD Reviews:

• Escape from Death
• Wildwood, New Jersey
• The Warrior and the Sorceress
• Nirvanna the Band the Show the Movie
• Cold Storage

Nicholas Palodichuk – St. Paul Filmcast

Film Reviews:

• The Death of Robin Hood
• Leviticus

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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: Disclose That Furious Train!

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

A quick roundup this week! New reviews are up for Steven Spielberg’s latest, Disclosure Day, and, arriving just in time for Pride Month, RuPaul’s Stop! That! Train!. On the physical media front, two new releases got the full treatment: Difficult People: The Complete Series and the freshly restored Private Benjamin.

The MN Movie Man has also been busy screening films for the Tribeca Film Festival, currently underway in New York City. Now in its 25th year, the festival is serving up another strong slate — so stay tuned over the next few weeks for mini reviews on Instagram, giving you a peek at which titles to keep an eye out for.

As always, be sure to follow The MN Movie Man on Instagram, Letterboxd, TikTok, and Facebook for weekly early looks at upcoming films, physical media updates, and other news between newsletters.

Hunter Friesen – The Cinema Dispatch

At The Cinema Dispatch, Hunter reviewed Disclosure Day. His review was also published at the Eden Prairie Local News and the Woodbury News Net.

Kyle Goethe – Goat Film Reviews

This week, you can find a review for Steven Spielberg’s new sci-fi spectacle: [Early Review] Disclosure Day (2026) 

Zach Hammill – Movie Friend

Review for Disclosure Day

Jason Hemming – Cinema Recall

Over on The Cinema Recall website, The Vern has written a review of a new psychedelic jungle thriller called Wetiko and an interview with the film’s director, Kerry Mondragon.

You can also read The Vern’s review of Wet Paper Bag, a new dramatic thriller that was filmed in Minnesota. Directors Jud Nichols, Adam Burke, and actor Carter Monahan join The Vern to discuss their feature on this episode of Cinema Recall.

On the podcast, The Vern is joined by Scott K of The Church of Tarantino podcast to discuss “The Misbehaviors” section in the anthology feature, Four Rooms.

Over on our YouTube Channel, it’s a new episode of Random Thoughts of a Movie Insomniac where The Vern gives you bite-sized reviews of Obsession, Backrooms, I Love Boosters, Scary Movie 6, Over Your Dead Body & Billie Eilish: Hit Me Hard and Soft.

Eric Houston – North Metro TV

Eric Houston presses play on the Cinematrix, the popular movie grid game from Vulture.

C.B. Jacobson – Picturegoer

TWO new issues of the “Picturegoer” newsletter this week!  Issue 16 covers Steven Spielberg’s “Disclosure Day”, “Gold Diggers of 1935”, “Roadgames”, “Spook Who Sat By the Door” and “This is the End”; issue 17 covers “Mandalorian and Grogu”, “Charley Varrick”, “Monsieur Beaucaire”, “Secret Honor” and “Two for the Road”.  Happy reading!

Matthew Liedke – Liedke on Film

At his site, Liedke reviewed releases from the last few weeks, including “Obsession,” “In the Grey,” “The Sheep Detectives,” “Is God Is,” “I Love Boosters,” “Pressure,” “Tuner,” “Masters of the Universe,” “Backrooms,” and “Disclosure Day.”

Paul McGuire Grimes – Paul’s Trip to the Movies

Paul is back with some new reviews!

Cape Fear review

Office Romance review

Steven Spielberg: The Spotlight Collection 4K review

Mark McPherson – Movies With Mark

Film Reviews:

• Disclosure Day
• Backrooms
• Pressure (Video Review)
• Power Ballad (Video Review)
• Masters of the Universe (Video Review)

Brian Orndorf – Blu-Ray.Com

Film Reviews: 

• Stop! That! Train!
• The Furious
• Never Change
• Find Your Friends
• Disclosure Day
• Honeyjoon
• This Tempting Madness
• Kraken
• I Am Frankelda

Blu-ray/UHD Reviews:

• Office Killer
• Liebestraum
• The Spine of Night
• Micro Budget

Nicholas Palodichuk – St. Paul Filmcast

Film Reviews:

• The Furious
• Disclosure Day
• Masters of the Universe

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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 Remarkable Fighting Sheep Detectives

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 recently reviewed:

• Animal Farm
• Hokum
• Silent Friend

Brian also appeared on KARE 11 on Saturday, April 25, to discuss Michael, Hokum, and The Christophers.

On The CineFiles, Brian and co-hosts Jamie Rogers and Chris Hrapsky appeared on two recent episodes: Episode 24, about the best of MSPIFF45, and Episode 25, featuring reviews of Animal Farm, Apex, and Michael.

For his Patreon subscribers, Brian posted exclusive reviews of Apex and Obsession.

Get more of Brian’s work by joining his Patreon community.

Hunter Friesen – The Cinema Dispatch

At The Cinema Dispatch, Hunter reviewed The Sheep Detectives and Mortal Kombat II. The former review can also be read at the Eden Prairie Local News and Woodbury News Net.

Kyle Goethe – Goat Film Reviews

This week, you can find reviews for two new releases, and more pieces from MSPIFF have appeared:

• Mortal Kombat II
• Billie Eilish: Hit Me Hard and Soft
• MSPIFF Reviews

Jason Hemming – Cinema Recall

“Get Over Here” & watch Mortal Kombat II

The Ballads of Billie Eilish: A Review of Billie Eilish: Hit Me Hard and Soft.

C.B. Jacobson – Picturegoer

Two new issues of the “Picturegoer” newsletter this week!  Vol. 4 Issue 11 covers “Shelter”, “Purple Rain”, “Ride in the Whirlwind”, “She’s Funny That Way”, “Uncivil Warriors” and “Taxi”; vol. 4 issue 12 covers “Mother Mary”, “Precious”, “Raising Cain”, “Symbol of the Unconcquered”, “Whip and the Body” and “Mr. Strangelove”.  Happy reading!

Matthew Liedke – Liedke on Film

At his site, Liedke reviewed recent May releases “The Devil Wears Prada 2,” “Deep Water” and “Mortal Kombat II.”

Follow Liedke on Facebook, Bluesky, Threads, Instagram, LinkedIn, TikTok, and Letterboxd.

Ruth Maramis – FlixChatter

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

Mark McPherson – Movies With Mark

Film Reviews:

• Blue Heron
• Blue Heron (Video Review)
• Mortal Kombat II
• Mortal Kombat II (Video Review)
• Atropia

Brian Orndorf – Blu-Ray.Com

Film Reviews:

• Remarkably Bright Creatures
• Mortal Kombat II
• The Wizard of the Kremlin
• Couples Weekend
• The Sheep Detectives
• Affection

Blu-ray/UHD Reviews:

• Hearts of Darkness: The Making of The Final Friday
• V/H/S/Halloween
• Out Come the Wolves
• Embalmer

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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 Devil Says Hokum

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.

Jay Gabler – Duluth News Tribune

For the Duluth News Tribune, Jay previewed the Zeitgeist Minnesota Film Festival and filed a report from opening night.

Kyle Goethe – Goat Film Reviews

This week, you can find a review for the new Damian McCarthy-directed horror film Hokum, which I saw at MSPIFF!

In case you missed it, you can also find a review for Michael, the biopic that is lighting up the box office!

Jason Hemming – Cinema Recall

The Vern writes a non-spoiler review of The Drama and says it is much more heartwarming than you might think.

Over on Cinema Recall, we are continuing our series on the films of Robert Rodriguez. Aaron Neuwirth of Out Now with Aaron and Abe joins The Vern to discuss From Dusk til Dawn.

Heading back to PTA Meetings ( our series on Oscar-winning director Paul Thomas Anderson), David Rosen of Piecing it Together Podcast & Vern discuss his somewhat controversial film, Licorice Pizza.

Over on our YouTube channel, The Vern presents a new episode of Random Thoughts of a Movie Insomniac.

Eric Houston – North Metro TV

Eric Houston presses play on Ally McBeal’s final season to talk surprise children, Lucy Liu, and the James Marsden of it all.

Jakob Kolness – JakobTalksFilm

Over at JakobTalksFilm, Jakob reviews the much-anticipated sequel, The Devil Wears Prada 2!

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

Erik Larson – Hamline Oracle

Erik published two pieces of coverage this week:

• A conversation with cinematographer Dean Cundey at MSPIFF 45 – The Oracle
• “Jurassic Park” (1993) at MSPIFF 45: “Fool people into believing the impossible” – The Oracle

Ruth Maramis – FlixChatter

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

Brian Orndorf – Blu-Ray.Com

Film Reviews:

• Swapped
• Hokum
• The Devil Wears Prada 2
• Deep Water
• The Last Viking
• One Spoon of Chocolate

Blu-ray/UHD Reviews:

• Frankenhooker
• The Mysterious Gaze of the Flamingo
• Rebuilding
• Unspeakable: Beyond the Wall of Sleep
• Good Boy

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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