MSPIFF 2025 Week 1 Recap – Films that I saw + A conversation with Oscar-winning filmmaker Ang Lee

We were blessed with 'mostly' fantastic weather last week and a gloriously sunny weekend as I attended MSPIFF! Thank God for that, as there have been years where I had to cancel screening plans due to a snowstorm in April. My hubby and I even took a stroll by the Mississippi River in between screenings. …

Continue reading MSPIFF 2025 Week 1 Recap – Films that I saw + A conversation with Oscar-winning filmmaker Ang Lee

FlixChatter Review: A MINECRAFT MOVIE (2025) – Jack Black’s jolt of energy makes it entertaining but this video game adaptation is largely forgettable

Directed by Jared HessStarring: Jack Black, Jason Momoa, Danielle Brooks, Emma Myers, Sebastian Hansen I’ve played Minecraft once in my life (Boomer vibes?), but I’ve watched my kids play it over the years; it is integral to their childhood – much like Atari was to mine. But I do see the beauty in it and …

Continue reading FlixChatter Review: A MINECRAFT MOVIE (2025) – Jack Black’s jolt of energy makes it entertaining but this video game adaptation is largely forgettable

FlixChatter Review: The Friend (2025) – Naomi Watts + the Great Dane keep this tale of friendship engaging, though the movie lingers a bit longer than it needs to be

  It must be challenging for actors working with animals, not because the animals are hard to handle—thanks to the trainers on set—but because they probably end up being overshadowed by their four-legged co-stars. That is the case with Naomi Watts here who plays a writing teacher named Iris whose peaceful, solitary life in New …

Continue reading FlixChatter Review: The Friend (2025) – Naomi Watts + the Great Dane keep this tale of friendship engaging, though the movie lingers a bit longer than it needs to be

FlixChatter Review: The Penguin Lessons (2025) – Steve Coogan gains a fresh perspective on life thanks to his scene-stealing avian friend

I love penguins, so the fact that there is a penguin in this film is the main draw for me. Based on Tom Michell’s memoir of the same name, it recounts his tale as an English teacher (played by Steve Coogan) who takes a job at a posh all-boys boarding school in Argentina just as …

Continue reading FlixChatter Review: The Penguin Lessons (2025) – Steve Coogan gains a fresh perspective on life thanks to his scene-stealing avian friend

FlixChatter’s MARCH 2025 Viewing Recap + Mini Reviews of NOSFERATU & BROKEBACK MOUNTAIN + Movie of the Month

So March did NOT go out like a lamb here in Minnesota. We actually got a bit of a snowstorm on Monday, though fortunately they're gone by yesterday afternoon and it was sunny and warmer enough that I went for a brief walk before dinner last night. Fingers crossed for nice weather in April as …

Continue reading FlixChatter’s MARCH 2025 Viewing Recap + Mini Reviews of NOSFERATU & BROKEBACK MOUNTAIN + Movie of the Month

FlixChatter’s Appreciation Post: 10 GENE HACKMAN’s Lesser-Known Film Roles

The late great actor Gene Hackman passed away last month, and since he’s one of my top favorite actors, the news hit me harder than other celebrities’ deaths. I’m sure many fans of his work have listed their favorite roles that Hackman has portrayed. Little Bill or Popeye Doyle will likely make most people’s list …

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FlixChatter Review: HOLLAND (2025) – Nicole Kidman leads an excellent cast, alas, all that buildup fails to deliver a satisfying ending

When I saw the trailer for this, I was immediately intrigued, as my husband and I went to Holland, Michigan, a few years ago to look at their famous tulips. This quaint Dutch town really comes alive in May during Tulip Time Festival, and this event is actually featured in the movie. Set in the …

Continue reading FlixChatter Review: HOLLAND (2025) – Nicole Kidman leads an excellent cast, alas, all that buildup fails to deliver a satisfying ending