MSPIFF 2025 Review: Chinese romance drama BOUND IN HEAVEN

My first film I saw at MSPIFF is this romance drama set in Wuhan, China. One fateful night, a successful, beautiful woman, Xia (Ni Ni), crosses paths with ticket scalper Xu (You Zhou) when she tries to get tickets to her favorite artist, Wong Faye. Sparks fly between them, and they have what seems to …

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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

MSPIFF is back! 2025 MINNEAPOLIS ST. PAUL INTERNATIONAL FILM FESTIVAL lineup + A Conversation with Ang Lee + MSPIFF44’s female-directed films I’m excited about

It's another exciting time for Minnesota cinephiles! MSPIFF is back from April 2-13 at The Main Cinema and various locations across the Twin Cities, including the Capri Theater in North Minneapolis, the Landmark Center in St. Paul, and the Edina Mann Theatre. As the biggest yearly celebration of international films in the area, MSPIFF44 is …

Continue reading MSPIFF is back! 2025 MINNEAPOLIS ST. PAUL INTERNATIONAL FILM FESTIVAL lineup + A Conversation with Ang Lee + MSPIFF44’s female-directed films I’m excited about

FlixChatter Review: Bob Trevino Likes It (2025) – an indie gem about the profound joy of unexpected friendship

This is a movie I immediately gravitated towards based on the title alone. The film draws inspiration from the personal experiences of its writer/director Tracie Laymon. It opens with Lily (Barbie Ferreira) crying over a recent breakup, but her dad (French Stewart) practically ignores her. She turns to Facebook in the hope of connecting with …

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International Women’s Day Special Double Reviews: VERMIGLIO and MAESTRA – two wonderful films directed by women

Happy International Women's Day!!  At FlixChatter, I’m all about celebrating female filmmakers every day, not just on special occasions. But this weekend, as March 8 falls on Saturday, I want to take it up a notch and shine a spotlight on some amazing films created by women from all over the globe for this significant …

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FlixChatter Review: On Becoming A Guinea Fowl (2024) – Family secrets come to light in this unsettling but captivating dark comedy

I saw On Becoming A Guinea Fowl at TCFF last October, and it’s one I kept thinking about even months afterward. I’ve included it in my top 10 fave female-directed movies of 2024  I’ve always loved films that offer a glimpse of a culture I’m not familiar with. Zambian writer/director Rungano Nyoni delivers a raw …

Continue reading FlixChatter Review: On Becoming A Guinea Fowl (2024) – Family secrets come to light in this unsettling but captivating dark comedy

FlixChatter Review: Superboys of Malegaon (2024) – A spirited feel-good movie celebrating friendship and the love of cinema

I saw Superboys of Malegaon last October, a month after its world premiere at TIFF in 2024. It’s finally being released in theaters this weekend and I’m thrilled that audiences will be able to see this fun, uplifting movie based on a true story. Directed by Reema Kagti, the movie focuses on Nasir Shaikh and …

Continue reading FlixChatter Review: Superboys of Malegaon (2024) – A spirited feel-good movie celebrating friendship and the love of cinema