Tag: reviews

The Minnesota Movie Digest: Issue No. 122

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

The Minnesota Movie Digest: Wallace and Gromit meet The Damned Nosferatu

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:

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

Matt Clark – Kino Ventura

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

Brian Eggert – Deep Focus Review

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

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

Hunter Friesen (The Cinema Dispatch)

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

Kyle Goethe – Goat Film Reviews

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

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

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

Zach Hammill – Movie Friend

C.B. Jacobson – Picturegoer

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

Catherine Krummey – Veg Out Recipes

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

Tim Lammers – Forbes

Matthew Liedke – Liedke on Film

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

Ruth Maramis – FlixChatter

Mark McPherson – Movies With Mark

Film Reviews:

Brian Orndorf – Blu-Ray.Com

2024 Recap

Film Reviews

Blu-ray/UHD Reviews

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

Follow Us On Social Media
Instagram: @mncritics
Twitter: @MNCritics

The Minnesota Movie Digest: Issue No. 120

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.

The Minnesota Movie Digest: What Ever Happened to that Babygirl in The Room Next Door?

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, they have reviews for the following new releases:

Flow review

The Brutalist review

A Complete Unknown review

Babygirl review

Carry-On review

Small Things Like These review

Nightbitch review

The Seed of the Sacred Fig review

Brian Eggert – Deep Focus Review

Brian recently reviewed The Brutalist, Nosferatu, The Room Next Door, and Babygirl.

For his Patreon subscribers, he launched his year-end “My Favorite Things of 2024” series with several lists, including the 25 Best Discs of 2024, the 5 Best Movie-Related Books of 2024, and The Best List—a look at his favorite performances, genre entries, and other categories from the year. Check out his Patreon for more.

Hunter Friesen – The Cinema Dispatch

At The Cinema Dispatch, Hunter reviewed Mufasa: The Lion King and Nosferatu. He also updated his Oscar predictions.

Zach Hammill – Movie Friend

This week, Zach brings you capsule reviews of nine new movies (including three hotly-anticipated Christmas Day releases): NOSFERATU, BABYGIRL, A COMPLETE UNKNOWN, THE LAST SHOWGIRL, REBEL RIDGE, HIS THREE DAUGHTERS, THE PIANO LESSON, HARD TRUTHS, and MY OLD ASS.

C.B. Jacobson – Picturegoer

In this week’s issue of the “Picturegoer” newsletter, reviews of Jesse Eisenberg’s quietly moving “A Real Pain”; the luminous Carol Kane in Joan Micklin Silver’s masterful “Hester Street”; Heath Ledger’s final role in “The Imaginarium of Dr. Parnassus”; famous silent film cowboy William S. Hart’s final starring role in “Tumbleweeds”; and one of the perennial holiday favorites, “White Christmas” — PLUS! a bonus piece on the fourth collected volume of Charles Schultz’s “Peanuts” comic strip. 

Follow the link: https://picturegoer.substack.com/p/picturegoer-vol-2-issue-47-a-real

Ruth Maramis – FlixChatter

Documentary Review: Music By John Williams (2024) – a heartfelt and delightful tribute to the maestro who has composed the soundtrack of our lives

Trailer Spotlight: James Gunn’s SUPERMAN teaser trailer – a battered superhero, dapper Lex Luthor, Krypto the Superdog + more

FlixChatter Review: NICKEL BOYS (2024) – A unique approach to evocative storytelling that packs an emotional wallop

FlixChatter Review: THE BRUTALIST (2024) – Adrien Brody is intense and heartbreaking in Brady Corbet’s sobering cautionary tale of the elusive American Dream

Paul McGuire Grimes – Paul’s Trip to the Movies

There is no shortage of movies playing at your local movie theater! Paul has new reviews of the following:

Queer

The Brutalist

Babygirl

Mufasa: The Lion King

Nosferatu

Plus, Paul shared his review and interviews for A Complete Unknown on Twin Cities Live

And over on Fox9 Good, Paul shares his picks for Christmas movies on Hallmark, Netflix, and contemporary classic like The Holiday and The Family Stone

Mark McPherson – Movies With Mark

Film Reviews:

Brian Orndorf – Blu-Ray.Com

Film Reviews

Blu-ray & UHD Reviews

Tyler Strandberg – Cinefied

On his website Key Frame Reframe, Tyler offers an in-depth look at his December Oscar Predictions, with contenders for Best Picture hopefuls like Wicked and Conclave, and expert insights into the latest industry buzz.

Meanwhile, over at Cinefied, Tyler examines Maria, highlighting Angelina Jolie’s mesmerizing performance and Pablo Larraín’s intimate portrayal of Maria Callas’ final days.


Tyler also takes a closer look at Mufasa: The Lion King, celebrating its visual splendor and Lin-Manuel Miranda’s musical magic, while addressing its storytelling shortcomings.

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

Follow Us On Social Media
Instagram: @mncritics
Twitter: @MNCritics

The Alliance Lately: Issue No. 113

The Alliance Lately: A Memoir of a Snail by Anora and Emilia Pérez

Welcome to The Alliance Lately, the official newsletter from the Minnesota Film Critics Alliance (MNFCA)!

The MNFCA is a collective of individuals dedicated to celebrating and critically examining the art of film. In this recurring publication, we’ll share a selection of insightful film reviews, absorbing essays, and interviews with film professionals.

Each issue of The Alliance Lately features a diverse array of perspectives and content. Our members have shared their most recent work with us, covering the latest releases and revisiting classic films that dissect the craft of filmmaking. Explore the links below and get a front-row seat to critically examine the art of film.

Check out the MNFCA Members page to meet our all-star lineup.

And now…The Alliance Lately.

Joe Botten (The MN Movie Man)

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

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

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

Eli Brau

Eli has a few new pieces this week over on Cinephile Corner. In their movie reviews section, they have reviews for a few new releases, including Anora, The Substance, Blink Twice, Memoir of a Snail, MadS, Between the Temple, and Woman of the Hour. They also have classic reviews for Onibaba (1965), Ring (1998), and Pulse (2001).

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

Hunter Friesen (The Cinema Dispatch)

At The Cinema Dispatch, Hunter reviewed Blitz and Here.

Barrett Goetz

Catherine Krummey

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

Tim Lammers

Over at Forbes, Tim published the following pieces:

Matthew Liedke

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

Ruth Maramis

TCFF Highlights + My interview with Daisy Ridley & Tom Bateman about their thriller MAGPIE

TCFF Review: Unstoppable

October Monthly Watching Recap + Mini Reviews of Arab Blues + All We Carry documentary

Ruth finally saw The Wizard of Oz at Halloween for the first time and here are her quick thoughts on the beloved classic.

Paul McGuire Grimes (Paul’s Trip to the Movies)

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

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

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

Plus reviews of:

“A Real Pain”

“Addams Family Values” on 4K

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

Mark McPherson (Movies With Mark)

Brian Orndorf (Blu-Ray.Com)

Movies

Blu-ray/UHD

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

Follow Us On Social Media
Instagram: @mncritics
Twitter: @MNCritics

The Alliance Lately: Issue No. 111

The Alliance Lately: Smile 2 the Woman of the Hour on your way to the Conclave

Welcome to The Alliance Lately, the official newsletter from the Minnesota Film Critics Alliance (MNFCA)!

The MNFCA is a collective of individuals dedicated to celebrating and critically examining the art of film. In this recurring publication, we’ll share a selection of insightful film reviews, absorbing essays, and interviews with film professionals.

Each issue of The Alliance Lately features a diverse array of perspectives and content. Our members have shared their most recent work with us, covering the latest releases and revisiting classic films that dissect the craft of filmmaking. Explore the links below and get a front-row seat to critically examine the art of film.

Check out the MNFCA Members page to meet our all-star lineup.

And now…The Alliance Lately.

Joe Botten (The MN Movie Man)

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

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

Brian Eggert (Deep Focus Review)

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

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

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

Hunter Friesen (The Cinema Dispatch)

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

Kyle Goethe

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

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

Kyle Goethe & Nicholas Palodichuk

Zach Hammill

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

Jason Hemming

This week Jason reviewed Smile 2.

Eric Houston

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

Catherine Krummey

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

Ruth Maramis

Ruth reviewed Saturday Night and Conclave. She also previewed 10 must-see documentaries as part of her Twin Cities Film Fest countdown.

Paul McGuire Grimes (Paul’s Trip to the Movies)

Paul has a variety of new updates this week:

New Reviews of:

Woman of the Hour

The Apprentice

Heartstopper Season 3

Twin Cities Film Fest 2024 Celebrates its 15th Anniversary

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

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

Mark McPherson (Movies With Mark)

Brian Orndorf (Blu-Ray.Com)

Movies

Blu-ray/UHD

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

Follow Us On Social Media
Instagram: @mncritics
Twitter: @MNCritics

The Alliance Lately: Issue No. 108

Minnesota Film Critics Alliance Newsletter

The Alliance Lately: My Old Wild Megalopolis

Welcome to The Alliance Lately, the official newsletter from the Minnesota Film Critics Alliance (MNFCA)!

The MNFCA is a collective of individuals dedicated to celebrating and critically examining the art of film. In this recurring publication, we’ll share a selection of insightful film reviews, absorbing essays, and interviews with film professionals.

Each issue of The Alliance Lately features a diverse array of perspectives and content. Our members have shared their most recent work with us, covering the latest releases and revisiting classic films that dissect the craft of filmmaking. Explore the links below and get a front-row seat to critically examine the art of film.

Check out the MNFCA Members page to meet our all-star lineup.

And now…The Alliance Lately.

Joe Botten (The MN Movie Man)

Check out the new releases from The MN Movie Man this week! Just as the 2024 Toronto International Film Festival wraps up, two films from the 2023 festival are getting a wide release, and both are worth your time! Sleep and Lee are in theaters now. Over on Max, the long-awaited update of Salem’s Lot has risen from the grave. Reviews of Amber Alert, Azrael, and My Old Ass are also up!

Make sure to look over Joe’s Instagram for even more coverage of TIFF24 and the recently concluded Fantastic Fest 2024! October’s 31 Days to Scare is right around the corner!

Eli Brau

Eli has a few new pieces this week over on Cinephile Corner. In their movie reviews section, they have reviews for a few new releases, including  Megalopolis, The Wild Robot, Wolfs, Apartment 7A, and Snack Shack.

They also concluded their deep dive of David Lynch movies, including Fire Walk with Me, The Straight Story, and Inland Empire. And then in their rankings section, they have a ranking of David Lynch movies.

Brian Eggert (Deep Focus Review)

On Deep Focus Review, Brian reviewed Azrael, Wolfs, and Megalopolis.

For his essay series The Definitives, he wrote about David Cronenberg’s eXistenZ (1999) exclusively for his Patreon subscribers.

Finally, James Cameron fans will want to check out several new pieces Brian released from his Patreon paywall recently, including essays about The Terminator (1984) and The Abyss (1989), and reviews about Terminator 2: Judgment Day (1991) and True Lies (1994).

Hunter Friesen (The Cinema Dispatch)

At The Cinema Dispatch, Hunter posted a full recap of his time at the Toronto International Film Festival. He also posted a review for the new Apple TV+ film Wolfs.

Kyle Goethe

Kyle Goethe & Nicholas Palodichuk

Barrett Goetz

Zach Hammill

Catherine Krummey

Catherine pairs the underseen 2002 coming-of-age gem Real Women Have Curves with caramel ice cream dessert nachos on Veg Out. Plus, she has two new reviews on The Feed: Megalopolis and Wolfs.

Catherine also participated in a Horror Movie Double Features collab and will be hosting the Secret Movie Night at Emagine Willow Creek on October 9: get tickets here!

Brad Lenz

Ruth Maramis

Paul McGuire Grimes (Paul’s Trip to the Movies)

Paul had a busy week of interviews and reviews! Check out his exclusive content:

Mark McPherson (Movies With Mark)

Brian Orndorf (Blu-Ray.Com)

Movies: Megalopolis, The Wild Robot, Salem’s Lot, Wolfs, Amber Alert, Lee, Killer Heat, Azrael, Empire Waist, Paradox Effect

Blu-ray/UHD: Woman in Love: A Story of Madame Bovary, Late Night with the Devil

Tyler Strandberg

Before its premiere, Tyler reviewed the autumnal-themed Disney+ series Agatha All Along.

Tyler also reviewed The Wild Robot, one of his favorite films of the year thus far.

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

Follow Us On Social Media
Instagram: @mncritics
Twitter: @MNCritics

The Alliance Lately: Issue No. 107

Minnesota Film Critics Alliance Newsletter

The Alliance Lately: Transformers: Speak No Substance

Welcome to The Alliance Lately, the official newsletter from the Minnesota Film Critics Alliance (MNFCA)!

The MNFCA is a collective of individuals dedicated to celebrating and critically examining the art of film. In this recurring publication, we’ll share a selection of insightful film reviews, absorbing essays, and interviews with film professionals.

Each issue of The Alliance Lately features a diverse array of perspectives and content. Our members have shared their most recent work with us, covering the latest releases and revisiting classic films that dissect the craft of filmmaking. Explore the links below and get a front-row seat to critically examine the art of film.

Check out the MNFCA Members page to meet our all-star lineup.

And now…The Alliance Lately.

Joe Botten (The MN Movie Man)

Now that Joe is back from his Canadian adventure, he’s back into the swing of reviews. Check out his thoughts on The Substance, Transformers One, Omni Loop, Subservience, and Last Straw.

Brief reviews of the 61 films Joe saw throughout the 2024 Toronto International Film Festival are up over on his Instagram – full details will be up on his website shortly. He’s also begun coverage of Fantastic Fest 2024!

Eli Brau

Eli has a few new pieces this week over on Cinephile Corner. In their movie reviews section, they have reviews for a few new releases, including Kinds of Kindness, MaXXXine, Robot Dreams, Rebel Ridge, Cuckoo, and I Saw the TV Glow.

They have also been deep diving David Lynch movies, including Blue Velvet, Lost Highway, and more.

Lastly, in their rankings section, they have new lists for the best alien movies of all time and the best movies of 1999.

Brian Eggert (Deep Focus Review)

On Deep Focus Review, Brian Eggert reviewed Speak No Evil (2024), The Substance, A Different Man, Bookworm, and Apartment 7A.

Exclusively for his Patreon subscribers, he reviewed The Front Room.

Brian also appeared on KARE 11 Saturday to recommend three 2024 titles for your next movie night at home.

Hunter Friesen (The Cinema Dispatch)

At The Cinema Dispatch, Hunter finalized his coverage for the Toronto International Film Festival, posting full reviews for  Nightbitch,  Conclave,  Queer, Heretic, Babygirl, and The End. He also posted two  dispatches with mini reviews for several other films he saw at the festival.

Barrett Goetz

Matt Hambidge

On the TV front, Matt is back to cover the 47th season of Survivor. He’ll have weekly written recaps on Fandomwire, while also returning for another season of the Talking Llama podcast.

Zach Hammill

Eric Houston

Bad Movie Bros Eric and Chad are back with a look at another bad movie.  This time, Corey Haim and a super smart dog match wits with Michael Ironside in Watchers!

Catherine Krummey (Veg Out Recipes)

Catherine pairs the drama-heavy The Real Housewives of Salt Lake City with a breakfast crunchwrap as part of her continuing Breakfast with Bravo series on Veg Out. Plus, she has five new reviews on The Feed: Speak No Evil, Transformers One, The Substance, My Old Ass and A Different Man.

Catherine also participated in a What Kind of Cinephile Are You? collab and will be hosting the Secret Movie Night at Emagine Willow Creek on October 9: get tickets here!

Ruth Maramis

Paul McGuire Grimes (Paul’s Trip to the Movies)

Mark McPherson (Movies With Mark)

Brian Orndorf (Blu-Ray.Com)

Movies: Transformers One, Apartment 7A, His Three Daughters, Never Let Go, The Substance, Omni Loop, Clawfoot, Subservience, Uglies, Hounds of War, My Old Ass

Blu-ray/UHD: Bloodbath at the House of Death, Bad Company, Hell’s Trap, The Stepfather, The Fabulous Four

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

Follow Us On Social Media
Instagram: @mncritics
Twitter: @MNCritics

The Alliance Lately: Issue No. 106

Minnesota Film Critics Alliance Newsletter

The Alliance Lately: Beetlejuice Beetlejuice Gray Duck

Welcome to The Alliance Lately, the official newsletter from the Minnesota Film Critics Alliance (MNFCA)!

The MNFCA is a collective of individuals dedicated to celebrating and critically examining the art of film. In this recurring publication, we’ll share a selection of insightful film reviews, absorbing essays, and interviews with film professionals.

Each issue of The Alliance Lately features a diverse array of perspectives and content. Our members have shared their most recent work with us, covering the latest releases and revisiting classic films that dissect the craft of filmmaking. Explore the links below and get a front-row seat to critically examine the art of film.

Check out the MNFCA Members page to meet our all-star lineup.

And now…The Alliance Lately.

Joe Botten (The MN Movie Man)

Before heading off to 2024 Toronto International Film Festival, Joe filed his reviews for the new releases Beetlejuice Beetlejuice, Don’t Turn Out the Lights, and the UK release, And Mrs.

Keep track of his TIFF reviews on his Instagram – full details will be up on his website when he gets back stateside!

Matt Clark

Best New-to-Me August Roundup

Brian Eggert (Deep Focus Review)

On Deep Focus Review, Brian Eggert reviewed Víctor Erice’s Close Your Eyes, the documentary Look Into My Eyes, and Beetlejuice Beetlejuice.

Hunter Friesen (The Cinema Dispatch)

At The Cinema Dispatch, Hunter wrote reviews for two new movies: Rebel Ridge and Beetlejuice Beetlejuice. He’s also currently attending the Toronto International Film Festival, and has posted reviews for high-profile titles such as William Tell, Presence, The Brutalist, The Room Next Door, and The Life of Chuck.

Kyle Goethe

Unboxing Arrow Video’s Cold War Creatures

Kyle & Nick on Film (Kyle Goethe & Nicholas Palodichuk)

90s w/Kyle: 8mm (1999) | The Last Voyage of the Demeter (2023)

Matt Hambidge

The Perfect Couple

Zach Hammill

Beetlejuice Beetlejuice

Catherine Krummey (Veg Out Recipes)

Catherine pairs the award-winning sitcom Abbott Elementary with rectangular pan pizza for a back-to-school entry on Veg Out. She also has a new review on The Feed of Beetlejuice Beetlejuice.

She will be hosting the Secret Movie Night at Emagine Willow Creek on October 9: get tickets here!

Matthew Liedke

Didi Review | Alien Romulus Review | The Crow Review | Summer Throwback Column | Summer Movie Awards

Paul McGuire Grimes (Paul’s Trip to the Movies)

BEETLEJUICE BEETLEJUICE Review | ALIEN ROMULUS Review | AGATHA ALL ALONG Interviews

Mark McPherson (Movies With Mark)

The Deliverance Review | Rebel Ridge Review | BEETLEJUICE BEETLEJUICE Review

Brian Orndorf (Blu-Ray.Com)

Movies:
Beetlejuice Beetlejuice | Rebel Ridge | Casa Bonita Mi Amor | I’ll Be Right There | The Thicket | Afraid | 1992 | Reagan | Gary | You Gotta Believe

Blu-ray/UHD:
Devil Times Five | They Call Her Macho Woman | Way Bad Stone

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

Follow Us On Social Media
Instagram: @mncritics
Twitter: @MNCritics

The Alliance Lately: Issue No. 105

Minnesota Film Critics Alliance Newsletter

The Alliance Lately: AfrAId of the Ivory Wasp

Welcome to The Alliance Lately, the official newsletter from the Minnesota Film Critics Alliance (MNFCA)!

The MNFCA is a collective of individuals dedicated to celebrating and critically examining the art of film. In this recurring publication, we’ll share a selection of insightful film reviews, absorbing essays, and interviews with film professionals.

Each issue of The Alliance Lately features a diverse array of perspectives and content. Our members have shared their most recent work with us, covering the latest releases and revisiting classic films that dissect the craft of filmmaking. Explore the links below and get a front-row seat to critically examine the art of film.

Check out the MNFCA Members page to meet our all-star lineup.

And now…The Alliance Lately.

Joe Botten (The MN Movie Man)

Continuing his trend of covering smaller titles that have emerged in the last few weeks, The MN Movie Man reviewed The Wasp, Slingshot, Merchant Ivory, and Out Come the Wolves.

Stay tuned for a wave of reviews coming out of Canada, where he’ll be reporting from the 2024 Toronto International Film Festival for the next few weeks.

Eli Brau

Eli has a few pieces this week for Cinephile Corner.

Over on their movie reviews section, they have articles for a few new releases, including Horizon: An American Saga – Chapter 1, The Instigators, The Bikeriders, Knox Goes Away, and A Quiet Place: Day One, and a classic review of Eraserhead (1977).

Brian Eggert (Deep Focus Review)

On Deep Focus Review, Brian Eggert reviewed the new Blumhouse release, AfrAId.

For his Patreon subscribers, Brian posted a new entry in his essay series, The Definitives, about Víctor Erice’s The Spirit of the Beehive  (1973). He also shared a Reader’s Choice review of Alfred Hitchcock’s Rope (1948).

Hunter Friesen (The Cinema Dispatch)

At The Cinema Dispatch, Hunter updated his Oscar predictions and detailed what the fall festivals mean for this year’s awards race.

Kyle Goethe

Kyle & Nick on Film (Kyle Goethe & Nicholas Palodichuk)

Eric Houston

Movie Man Eric Houston presents classic educational and industrial shorts on Movie Man Short Shorts. Each installment features two classic shorts and behind-the-scenes info about the people who made the movies. In the latest episode, he presents Command Performance, which looks at how vinyl record albums were made.

Catherine Krummey (Veg Out Recipes)

Catherine pairs the beloved 2005 adaptation of Pride & Prejudice with blueberry lavender ice cream for the final entry in the Summer of Scoops series on Veg Out.

She also has a new review on The Feed of You Gotta Believe and collaborated on a Layered Favorites post, highlighting multifaceted movies and shows on Netflix.

Ruth Maramis

Paul McGuire Grimes (Paul’s Trip to the Movies)

It’s a bit of a slow time before the Fall Movie Season kicks into high gear. Paul is using that time to recharge, but here is a review for Lee Daniels’ new film The Deliverance.

Mark McPherson (Movies With Mark)

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

Follow Us On Social Media
Instagram: @mncritics
Twitter: @MNCritics

The Alliance Lately: Issue No. 104

Minnesota Film Critics Alliance Newsletter

The Alliance Lately: The Crow That Blinked Twice Between the Temples

Welcome to The Alliance Lately, the official newsletter from the Minnesota Film Critics Alliance (MNFCA)!

The MNFCA is a collective of individuals dedicated to celebrating and critically examining the art of film. In this recurring publication, we’ll share a selection of insightful film reviews, absorbing essays, and interviews with film professionals.

Each issue of The Alliance Lately features a diverse array of perspectives and content. Our members have shared their most recent work with us, covering the latest releases and revisiting classic films that dissect the craft of filmmaking. Explore the links below and get a front-row seat to critically examine the art of film.

Check out the MNFCA Members page to meet our all-star lineup.

And now…The Alliance Lately.

Joe Botten

With the new release offerings slim this past weekend, The MN Movie Man focused on smaller gems that often slip through the cracks when blockbusters rule the multiplex.  Throughout the past week, he published reviews for Hostile Dimensions, Strange Darling, Hell Hole, Between the Temples, The Secret Art of Human Flight, and Black Dog.

And remember to browse the archive! You can try a random letter and see what reviews pop out at you.  This week, Joe suggests the letter “V”

Eli Brau


Over on the movie reviews section of the Cinephile Corner we have articles for a few new releases, including The People’s Joker, Firebrand, Chime, Janet Planet, Evil Does Not Exist, and The Watchers, and a classic review of Magnolia.

We also have two lists in our rankings section, including Luca Guadagnino’s movies ranked and Paul Thomas Anderson’s movies ranked. 

Matt Clark

Here’s my latest piece on Bronson in Europe that I’m planning to continue in a couple more installments:
Le Sacre Monstre: Charles Bronson in Europe

Brian Eggert

On Deep Focus Review, Brian Eggert reviewed the new releases Blink Twice and Good One.

Hunter Friesen (The Cinema Dispatch)

At The Cinema Dispatch, Hunter published a review for The Deliverance. 

Zach Hammill

Here’s a link to capsule reviews of the last several films I’ve seen, including this week’s new release Between the Temples:
The Last Few Things I Watched and My Brief Thoughts on Them

Chaz Kangas

Two Purple Rain related projects for its 40th anniversary:

Catherine Krummey (Veg Out Recipes)

Catherine pairs the iconically awful 1997 movie Batman & Robin with matcha pandan frozen custard for the penultimate entry in the Summer of Scoops series on Veg Out.

Find her latest reviews and Letterboxd lists on The Feed.

Ruth Maramis

Paul McGuire Grimes (Paul’s Trip to the Movies)

Mark McPherson (Movies With Mark)

Brian Orndorf (Blu-Ray.Com)

Movies
The Crow, Between the Temples, The Killer, Incoming, The Deliverance, Greedy People, The Clean Up Crew, Catching Dust, The Supremes at Earl’s All-You-Can-Eat, Hell Hole

Blu-ray/UHD
Death to Smoochy, The Instructor, Observe and Report

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

Follow Us On Social Media
Instagram: @mncritics
Twitter: @MNCritics

The Alliance Lately: Issue No. 103

Minnesota Film Critics Alliance Newsletter

The Alliance Lately: Alien: Skincare Jackpot!

Welcome to The Alliance Lately, the official newsletter from the Minnesota Film Critics Alliance (MNFCA)!

The MNFCA is a collective of individuals dedicated to celebrating and critically examining the art of film. In this recurring publication, we’ll share a selection of insightful film reviews, absorbing essays, and interviews with film professionals.

Each issue of The Alliance Lately features a diverse array of perspectives and content. Our members have shared their most recent work with us, covering the latest releases and revisiting classic films that dissect the craft of filmmaking. Explore the links below and get a front-row seat to critically examine the art of film.

Check out the MNFCA Members page to meet our all-star lineup.

And now…The Alliance Lately.

Joe Botten

This week, The MN Movie Man had seven reviews for his readers.  Not all of them were magnificent but you’d be lucky to catch a few of them in theaters!  Check out the reviews for Alien: Romulus, The Deliverance, Daughters, Skincare, Consumed, My Penguin Friend, and Close to You.

Brian Eggert

On Deep Focus Review, Brian reviewed the new releases Skincare and Alien: Romulus.

Brian also wrapped up his “Filmmaker in Focus” series about Bertrand Bonello with an essay about 2016’s Nocturama for his Patreon community.

Finally, Brian appeared on KARE 11 Saturday on August 17 to talk briefly about a few hidden gems of summer.  

Read more of Brian’s work at Deep Focus Review.

Hunter Friesen (The Cinema Dispatch)

At The Cinema Dispatch, Hunter published reviews for Alien: Romulus and Blink Twice.

Kyle Goethe

Alien: Romulus (2024)

Kyle & Nick on Film (Kyle Goethe & Nicholas Palodichuk)

Blood Simple (1984) | Alien: Romulus (2024) | Saturday Scares w/Kyle: Woodlands Dark and Days Bewitched (2021)

Matt Hambidge

Jackpot! | The Union

Catherine Krummey (Veg Out Recipes)

Catherine pairs fan-favorite TV show The White Lotus with banana gelato as part of her continuing Summer of Scoops series on Veg Out.

She also published four new reviews on The Feed: Blink Twice, Alien: Romulus, Pachinko (Season 2) and In the Rearview.

Additionally, Catherine wrote a tribute to iconic actress Gena Rowlands and organized a community film post for Animation August.

Paul McGuire Grimes (Paul’s Trip to the Movies)

Paul has a mix of new reviews and interviews this week

Bad Monkey | Interviews with Vince Vaughn and Bill Lawrence – Bad Monkey Interviews

Jackpot! | Interviews with Awkwafina, Paul Feig, and John Cena – Jackpot! Interviews

4K review – Furiosa | 4K review – The Bikeriders

Mark McPherson (Movies With Mark)

Alien: Romulus Review | The Beast (2023) | Saving Bikini Bottom: The Sandy Cheeks Movie Review

Brian Orndorf (Blu-Ray.Com)

Movies
Jackpot | My Penguin Friend | The Good Half | Skincare | Blink Twice | Alien: Romulus | Crescent City | The Union

Blu-ray/UHD
Reptilicus | Ali G Indahouse | Babes | You Can Call Me Bill

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

Follow Us On Social Media
Instagram: @mncritics
Twitter: @MNCritics