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: 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 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 …

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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 …

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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

FlixChatter Review: Disney’s SNOW WHITE (2025) – While the lively tunes from Pasek + Paul make it enjoyable, this live-action remake is far from awe-inspiring

I was hesitant to check this out due to all the drama around it, but my curiosity ultimately won out. I’m not going to rehash all of the controversies, there are too many to list here, surely you’ve read about them by now. The live-action remake train has been choo-choo-ing at the Mouse House for …

Continue reading FlixChatter Review: Disney’s SNOW WHITE (2025) – While the lively tunes from Pasek + Paul make it enjoyable, this live-action remake is far from awe-inspiring