Tag: Movies

The Minnesota Movie Digest: I Know What The Smurfs Did Last Summer in Eddington

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 July heat hasn’t stopped The MN Movie Man from staying on top of his reviews for his site and contributing to Loud & Clear Reviews.  On his page, he has reviews of Superman, Sovereign, Eddington, and the legacy sequel, I Know What You Did Last Summer. 

At Loud and Clear Reviews, there are reviews of two new Netflix series, Lena Dunham’s Too Much and Eric Bana’s Untamed.  Check out the reviews to see which one is worth the binge.  Speaking of Nettflix, Joe’s reviews of The Old Guard 2, new as is a look back at The Wiz, part of Sidney Lumet month to coincide with that 1978 musical’s recent debut in The Criterion Collection on 4K.  There’s also a piece up on David Cronenberg’s Dead Ringers, to close out a month celebrating the Canadian director. Finally, find out if Alicia Silverstone’s new thriller Pretty Thing is a must-see or, like, totally clueless.

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:

Heads of State movie review

Cloud movie review

The Amateur movie review

Brian Eggert – Deep Focus Review

On Deep Focus Review, Brian reviewed Ari Aster’s Eddington and Kiyoshi Kurosawa’s Cloud.

Dallas Fisher – Dallas Goes To The Movies

Over at my website, I reviewed the new dark comedy Oh, Hi!, which is in theaters on July 25th. I also reviewed Eddington and Superman in a short video format after seeing them both in French movie theaters.

Jay Gabler – Duluth News Tribune

Jay reviewed Oh, Hi! for The Tangential.

Jason Hemming – Cinema Recall

The Vern and Ashley give their thoughts on the biggest blockbuster of the summer on this bonus episode of Cinema Recall: James Gunn’s Superman can’t decide the tone it wants

The Vern writes a review of a fun short film with some really good acting: Liquor Bank (short film review)

On this full episode of Cinema Recall.  The Vern brings in guest Robert Yaniz jr of Crooked Table Media to talk about Richard Linklater’s animated feature, Waking Life: Waking Life (2001) w/ Robert Yaniz Jr

C.B. Jacobson – Picturegoer

In this week’s issue of the “Picturegoer” newsletter, thoughts on “Babygirl”; Charlie Chaplin’s “Burlesque on Carmen”; “The Order”; “Play It As It Lays”; “Total Recall”; and “Taxi”.  Follow the link.

Erik Larson – Hamline Oracle

Erik has two new film reviews for this week: Superman & Materialists.

Matthew Liedke – Liedke on Film

At his site, Liedke reviewed a pair of politically charged films, “Sovereign” and “Eddington.”

Ruth Maramis – FlixChatter

Mark McPherson – Movies With Mark

Film Reviews:

I Know What You Did Last Summer

Brian Orndorf – Blu-Ray.Com

Film Reviews:

• Fixed
• I Know What You Did Last Summer
• Eddington
• Smurfs
• Eden
• Saint Clare
• Guns Up

Blu-ray/UHD Reviews:

• St. Elmo’s Fire
• Jade
• Lost Country
• The Monkey

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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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Twitter: @MNCritics

The ever-rising temperatures mean that summer is in full swing. It also signals that we’ve reached the bottom of the hour of 2025. To mark the occasion, several MNFCA members shared their opinions on what they think has been the best of the year so far, as well as their overall thoughts on cinema. Everyone was given free rein with the assignment, so you’ll see different approaches throughout the article. Use these prompts to dig deeper into each member’s work and experience the rest of the year with them!

Dallas Fisher – Dallas Goes To The Movies

Whether or not you think 2025 has been a strong movie year, you can’t deny that it has brought forth what it means to be human in many genres. From a married couple mixed up in a spy drama to brothers fighting their way through racists and vampires, the human spirit prevails through these films. I say all that just to give you my top ten of the year, through June.

10. Materialists
9. Presence
8. The Gorge
7. Bring Them Down
6. Mission: Impossible – The Final Reckoning
5. The Life of Chuck
4. The Assessment
3. Sinners
2. Black Bag
1. Warfare

I’m excited to see what the next six months hold and what changes may happen to this ranking.

Hunter Friesen – The Cinema Dispatch

Normally, my mid-year/end-of-year write-up would consist of a ranking of the ten best films, plus a few honorable mentions. Considering that the first half of 2025 has been a bit of a letdown, I’m only going to talk about one film that stands head and shoulders above the rest: Dea Kulumbegashvili’s April.

April is the cruelest month, and, despite my best efforts, Minnesota audiences had to experience that as this Georgian masterpiece failed to make an appearance in any of our great cinemas. It’s a great shame, because this is a film that demands to be seen within the confines of four darkened walls, not because of extravagant visual effects and booming sound effects, but for the opportunity it gives us to break away from our world and be transported to a different one. Absolute patience and concentration are a prerequisite, with any glances at your phone or minor distractions at home stripping away the spellbinding effect Kulumbegashvili has crafted.

Ia Sukhitashvili reunites with Kulumbegashvili after their 2020 film Beginning, this time playing an OB-GYN named Nina who performs secret abortions for girls who need them. Viewers of Vera Drake back in 2004 may have been able to assuage themselves that the harrowing events took place in the 1950s before The 1967 Act made abortion legally protected in the United Kingdom. No such relief comes from within April, with the hostility towards women being felt in every frame.

The boxed-in and closed-off nature of all these proceedings keeps both us and Nina isolated as to what is fully happening in this part of the world. Between the unsettling abstract visuals at the beginning of the film and the brutal real-life truths about bodily autonomy, this is one of the most bone-chilling films of the year.

My full review of the film can be read at The Cinema Dispatch and the Eden Prairie Local News.

Jay Gabler – Duluth News Tribune

Uncertainty reigns in 2025, as the film industry continues to reel (so to speak) from the recent strikes, with more disruptions to come. What does it even mean to put a “100% tariff” on a movie? Still, there are developments that give hope. Production is recovering here in northern Minnesota, with the potential for cameras to roll soon on the highest-budget film to be made here since North Country (2005).

Nationally, it’s been heartening to see the commercial and critical success of Sinners, Ryan Coogler’s richly atmospheric vampire movie. The fact that Coogler won contract terms that will lead to him ultimately owning the movie is further evidence that not all changes happening in Hollywood are for the worse.

Zach Hammill – Movie Friend

I think 2025 is off to a solid start, and with exciting films from Spike Lee, Paul Thomas Anderson, Guillermo Del Toro, Edgar Wright, Ari Aster, and many more, I think the best is yet to come. Admittedly, I’ve been a bit more selective about what I see than I have been in the past, but the best of what I’ve seen are:

Sinners – Ryan Coogler serves the best of 2025 so far, and the most original film in years, by a mile. The fact that I don’t immediately think of it as a horror film first is a testament to its power.

Friendship – Best comedy in a decade. I’ve seen it three times now, and it gets better with each viewing, peeling back layers that reveal issues such as narcissism and loneliness, cleverly buried in big, stupid laughs and an absolutely bonkers lead performance.

The Phoenician Scheme – Feels like the Wes Anderson who made THE GRAND BUDAPEST HOTEL remaking his own THE ROYAL TENENBAUMS. Exquisite and ornate as usual, but with a pall of death over it that brings about urgency to correct the wrongs of the past, no matter who convoluted the scheme. Many laugh-out-loud scenes.

Black Bag – Steven Soderbergh’s sly spy thriller that’s more interested in the inner workings of relationships, but intimate (like the marriage at the center) and everyday (at the agency). 

Mickey 17 – Bong Joon-Ho’s follow-up to PARASITE is an absolute gas: it’s one part EDGE OF TOMORROW and one part STARSHIP TROOPERS but with a gentle soul, and a very sweet performance by Robert Pattinson.

Materialists – Celine Song’s sly, clinical, pragmatic, and ultimately romantic follow-up to her achingly beautiful debut PAST LIVES is freshly popped popcorn (albeit with more salt) that both bucks and satisfies the trends and tropes of “chick flicks.”

Thunderbolts* – The most exciting Marvel movie in years. Steadfast, clear-headed, impeccably designed, exceedingly well-acted, and deeply moving. I’m not a Marvel diehard… and I loved it.

Erik Larson – Hamline Oracle

The first six months of 2025 have had some great films released, far more so than last year. My top 5 favorite films from the first half of the year are:

1. “The Phonecian Scheme” by Wes Anderson.
2. “Materialists” by Celine Song.
3. “Sinners” by Ryan Coogler.
4. “The Life of Chuck” by Mike Flanagan.
5. “Mickey 17” by Bong Joon-ho.

Ruth Maramis – FlixChatter

Paul McGuire Grimes – Paul’s Trip to the Movies

We’re halfway through 2025, and there have been some terrific movies in theaters. Original stories! Blending genres! Life-changing, inspiring stories! Movies that push the boundaries of filming! Here are Paul’s Top 5 Movies of 2025 (So Far…)

1. SINNERS
2. THE LIFE OF CHUCK
3. MATERIALISTS
4. PRESENCE
5. F1: THE MOVIE

As always, follow me across social media @PAULSMOVIETRIP, follow me on Letterboxd, and check out my website and YouTube channel for more movie reviews and celebrity interviews

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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: Superman Summer

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:

• Final Destination: Bloodlines movie review
• Drop movie review

He also has reviews for a few movies from the past, including:

• Fantastic Four (2005) review
• Fantastic Four: Rise of the Silver Surfer (2007) review
• Barbara (2012) review
• Phoenix (2014) review
• Luca (2021) review

He also ranked the best movies directed by Christian Petzold.

Brian Eggert – Deep Focus Review

On Deep Focus Review, Brian reviewed Superman and the 2005 documentary Commune, which recently returned to theaters for its 20th anniversary.

Brian also appeared in the latest episode of The CineFiles, where the group discussed Superman, Jurassic World Rebirth, and Akira Kurosawa’s High and Low (1963). They also debated who should play the next James Bond and shared their Top 5 Films of 2025 so far.

For his Patreon subscribers, Brian posted a Reader’s Choice review of Thomas Vinterberg’s Oscar-winning film Another Round (2020).

Hunter Friesen – The Cinema Dispatch

At The Cinema Dispatch, Hunter reviewed Superman. He also started his position of Film Critic at Woodbury News Net, and screened The Age of Innocence as part of ‘Secret Movie Night’ at Emagine Willow Creek.

Jay Gabler – Duluth News Tribune

For The Tangential, Jay reviewed Daniela Forever and Hot Spring Shark Attack.

Zach Hammill – Movie Friend

Zach reviewed Superman.

Eric Houston – North Metro TV

Movie Man Eric saw the SNL biopic Saturday Night, a movie with real “in love with my dad’s cool friends” energy.

C.B. Jacobson – Picturegoer

In this week’s issue of the “Picturegoer” newsletter, James Gunn’s “Superman”; Woody Allen’s “Bullets or Ballots”; King Vidor’s “The Crowd”; John Carpenter’s “Halloween”; Lynne Ramsay’s “You Were Never Really Here”; and a continuing series on the original “Star Trek”.  Follow the link.

Matthew Liedke – Liedke on Film

At his site, Liedke reviewed a pair of earlier releases in “Companion” and “My Dead Friend Zoe,” as well as the new blockbuster “Superman.”

Ruth Maramis – FlixChatter

Paul McGuire Grimes – Paul’s Trip to the Movies

It’s been a SUPER week, and Paul has all your Superman coverage with my review and interviews with the cast!

James Gunn Interview

David Corenswet, Rachel Brosnahan, and Nicholas Hoult Interview

Full Cast Interviews

Superman review

Plus, follow Paul across social media, YouTube, and on Letterboxd for more!

Mark McPherson – Movies With Mark

Film Reviews:

• Superman
• Superman (Video Review)
• On Becoming a Guinea Fowl

Brian Orndorf – Blu-Ray.Com

Film Reviews:

• Superman
• Madea’s Destination Wedding
• Sovereign
• Nuked
• Hotspring Sharkattack
• Push
• Don’t Log Off
• Abraham’s Boys
• Bang
• Daniela Forever

Blu-ray/UHD Reviews:

• Dirty Work
• A.A.A. Masseuse, Good-Looking, Offers Her Services
• Reflections in Black
• Rings of Fear

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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 Old Jurassic Guard

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 reviewed Jurassic Park Rebirth and 40 Acres.

He also posted a newly expanded version of his essay about Jurassic Park (1993) in his series of appreciations called The Definitives.

Hunter Friesen – The Cinema Dispatch

At The Cinema Dispatch, Hunter reviewed Jurassic World: Rebirth and The Old Guard 2. He is also hosting the July edition of ‘Secret Movie Night’ at Emagine Willow Creek. Tickets are still on sale for the screening on July 09!

C.B. Jacobson – Picturegoer

In this week’s issue of the “Picturegoer” newsletter, the “Jurassic Park” franchise regenerates itself with “Jurassic World Rebirth”; Sidney Poitier goes behind the camera for “Buck and the Preacher”; Alex Garland on the way we live now in “Civil War”; Guillermo del Toro’s modern fantasy classic “Pan’s Labyrinth”; Mel Gibson, Kurt Russell and Michelle Pfeiffer in “Tequila Sunrise”; and a continuing exploration of “Alfred Hitchcock Presents”.  Follow the link.

Catherine Krummey – Veg Out Recipes

Catherine has a new review on The Feed: “Jurassic World Rebirth.” She also has a new list on Letterboxd: Life Finds a Way (ranking the “Jurassic Park” franchise).

Matthew Liedke – Liedke on Film

At his site, Liedke reviewed recent releases “Elio,” “M3GAN 2.0” and “Jurassic World: Rebirth.”

Ruth Maramis- FlixChatter

Paul McGuire Grimes – Paul’s Trip to the Movies

It’s been a big week, and Paul is here with some new reviews and interviews for this summer’s biggest movies:

JURASSIC WORLD REBIRTH review

THE OLD GUARD 2 review

SUPERMAN Interview with David Corenswet, Rachel Brosnahan, and Nicholas Hoult

James Gunn Interview – Superman and Peacemaker Season 2 Teases

As always, follow me across social media @PAULSMOVIETRIP, follow me on Letterboxd, and check out my website and YouTube channel for more movie reviews and celebrity interviews

Mark McPherson – Movies With Mark

Film Reviews:

• Jurassic World: Rebirth
• Heads of State
• Jurassic World: Rebirth (Video Review)
• M3GAN 2.0 (Video Review)

Brian Orndorf – Blu-Ray.com

Film Reviews:

• Jaws @ 50: The Definitive Story
• The Old Guard 2
• Dora and the Search for Sol Dorado
• Heads of State
• Videoheaven
• Pretty Thing
• 40 Acres

Blu-ray/UHD Reviews:

• Lord of Illusions
• I Used To Be Funny
• The Friend
• The Wedding Banquet

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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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Instagram: @mncritics
Twitter: @MNCritics

The Minnesota Movie Digest: M3GAN: F2.0

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

And just like that…June is gone, and The MN Movie Man is looking at a busy July!  On his site, he has reviews of two under-the-radar horror films, Eye for an Eye and Pins & Needles, plus big-time summer flicks F1: The Movie and M3GAN 2.0.  He also broke down 11 essential Brad Pitt performances every movie fan needs to pay attention to…and you’ll be surprised what’s not on the list.

At Loud and Clear Reviews, Joe delved deeper into Pitt’s career, ranking 30 of his films from worst to best.  

Finally, hold on to your butts because Joe just published his review of Jurassic Park: Rebirth, opening on July 2!

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!

Brian Eggert – Deep Focus Review

On Deep Focus Review, Brian reviewed M3GAN 2.0 and posted a newly expanded essay in The Definitives about Stanley Kubrick’s Paths of Glory (1957).

He also appeared on KARE 11’s new show The CineFiles to discuss F1, Materialists, and 28 Years Later with co-hosts Chris Hrapsky and Jamie Rogers.

And Brian returned to KARE 11 Saturday to discuss F1, Elio, and The Life of Chuck.

For his Patreon subscribers, he posted a new essay in The Definitives about The Sea Wolf (1941).

Dallas Fisher – Dallas Goes To The Movies

Two new movie reviews this week for F1: The Movie and M3GAN 2.0. Reviews for dozens of other 2025 releases can be found at my website.

Hunter Friesen – The Cinema Dispatch

At The Cinema Dispatch, Hunter reviewed Heads of State.

Jay Gabler – Duluth News Tribune

For The Tangential, Jay reviewed Ken Denison’s C.S. Lewis On Stage: Further Up & Further In, a film documenting Max McLean’s one-man show.

Kyle Goethe – Goat Film Reviews

This week, find two new reviews for releases F1 and M3GAN 2.0!

• [Early Review] F1: The Movie (2025)
• [Early Review] M3GAN 2.0 (2025)

C.B. Jacobson – Picturegoer

In this week’s “Picturegoer” newsletter, Pixar’s science fiction adventure “Elio”; the softer side of Clint Eastwood in “Bronco Billy”; Lake Bell makes her directorial debut with “In a World”; Gene Kelly and Judy Garland in “The Pirate”; Roger Corman takes “The Trip”; and a biography of Mel Brooks.  Follow the link.

Catherine Krummey – Veg Out Recipes

Catherine has three new reviews on The Feed: “Hot Milk,” “Heads of State,” and “M3gan 2.0.” She also has a new list on Letterboxd: 21st Century Top 10 (so far).

Erik Larson – Hamline Oracle

Erik has two new film reviews for this week:

• “Good Night, and Good Luck.” from 2005 to 2025: Resistance in the face of tyranny – The Oracle
• “The Life of Chuck” (2024): We all contain multitudes – The Oracle

Matthew Liedke – Liedke on Film

At his site, Liedke published reviews on several June releases, including The Phoenician Scheme, Materialists, How to Train Your Dragon, Ballerina, F1, and 28 Years Later.

Ruth Maramis – FlixChatter

Paul McGuire Grimes – Paul’s Trip to the Movies

Paul is back celebrating the release of M3GAN 2.0

Allison Williams Interview – M3GAN 2.0, Pop Culture Icon, and Drag Race

M3GAN 2.0 review

Twin Cities Live 6/36 – M3GAN 2.0, F1: The Movie, and Overcompensating

You can follow Paul on social media @PAULSMOVIETRIP and on Letterboxd, and go subscribe to his YouTube channel “Paul’s Trip to the Movies” for some exciting new interviews coming SOON!

Brian Orndorf – Blu-Ray.Com

Film Reviews:

• Jurassic World: Rebirth
• Ice Road: Vengeance
• M3GAN 2.0
• The G
• Stealing Pulp Fiction
• Off the Grid
• June and John

Blu-ray/UHD Reviews:

• Heavier Trip
• The Scare Films Archive 2: Danger Stories
• Tapestry of Passion
• All Night Long

Nicholas Palodichuk – St. Paul Filmcast

MEGAN 2.0 – St Paul Filmcast Review

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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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Instagram: @mncritics
Twitter: @MNCritics

The Minnesota Movie Digest: 28 Laps Later

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:

Friendship movie review

F1 movie review

Brian Eggert – Deep Focus Review

On Deep Focus Review, Brian reviewed 28 Years Later, Elio, and F1.

For his Patreon subscribers, he posted a Reader’s Choice review of John Carpenter’s Christine (1983).

Hunter Friesen – The Cinema Dispatch

At The Cinema Dispatch, Hunter reviewed F1: The Movie and 28 Years Later.

Kyle Goethe – Goat Film Reviews

This week, find several reviews for new and upcoming films on the GOAT Film Reviews site, including F1: The Movie!

• [Early Review] 28 Years Later (2025)
• [Early Review] F1: The Movie (2025)
• [Early Review] Materialists (2025)
• [Early Review] How to Train Your Dragon (2025)

Jason Hemming – Cinema Recall

Jason “The Vern” Hemming gives his quick thoughts on new releases on older features with reviews of The Materialists, Bound, F1, and Speed Racer for a new edition of Random Thoughts of a Movie Insomniac.

Eric Houston – North Metro TV

Movie Man Eric Houston watched Fail Safe, the 1966 Henry Fonda thriller based on the same book as Dr. Strangelove. And you know what? It’s a lot like Strangelove.

Catherine Krummey – Veg Out Recipes

Catherine has one new review on The Feed: “Bride Hard.” She also has a new director list on Letterboxd: The Films of Danny Boyle.

Ruth Maramis – FlixChatter

Paul McGuire Grimes – Paul’s Trip to the Movies

Paul’s back with a new review of F1: The Movie!

You can follow Paul on social media @PAULSMOVIETRIP and on Letterboxd, and go subscribe to his YouTube channel “Paul’s Trip to the Movies” for some exciting new interviews coming SOON!

Mark McPherson – Movies With Mark

Film Reviews:

• 28 Years Later
• Elio
• Materialists (Video Review)
• How to Train Your Dragon (Video Review)

Brian Orndorf – Blu-Ray.Com

Film Reviews:

• Elio
• F1: The Movie
• 28 Years Later
• KPop Demon Hunters
• Bride Hard
• Black Creek
• Don’t Tell Larry

Blu-ray/UHD Reviews:

• The Passions of Carol
• Satan Wants You
• William Tell
• Hot Lunch

Nicholas Palodichuk – St. Paul Filmcast

• F1: The Movie – St. Paul Filmcast Review
• 28 Years Later – St. Paul Filmcast Review

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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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Instagram: @mncritics
Twitter: @MNCritics

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