Cube Critics

MPR News Cube Critics Jacob Aloi and Alex V. Cipolle both review ‘Beetlejuice Beetlejuice,” the sequel to the beloved 1988 film by Tim Burton about a troublesome trickster ghost.

‘Beetlejuice Beetlejuice’ — Alex V. Cipolle review

“Beetlejuice Beetlejuice” brings back several stars, including Winona Ryder, Catherine O’Hara, and, of course, Michael Keaton reprising his iconic role as Beetlejuice.

Having been obsessed with the original movie since I was a child, I found the film to be a visual delight with plenty of great performances. But it doesn’t quite ca...

MPR News Cube Critics Jacob Aloi and Max Sparber discuss a biopic about an American president and another horror movie that Max is going to compare to David Lynch.

‘Reagan’

“Reagan,” a biopic about former U.S. President Ronald Reagan starring Dennis Quaid, presents an interesting mix of production values — sometimes it feels like a high-budget biopic from the 2000s, such as “W” or “Vice.” At other times, it resembles a Lifetime movie.

Quaid’s performance, while strong, is hindered by slightly distracting makeup and a voice that doesn’t quite nail Reagan’s di...

Cube Critics Jacob Aloi and Melissa Olson discuss a movie about a corporation that has taken over the world and a movie from a galaxy, far far away — but in a language much closer to home.

‘Alien: Romlulus’

"Alien: Romulus" marks the latest entry in the "Aliens" franchise. As someone new to the franchise, I approached the film with fresh eyes — it’s like a classic slasher film but with a Xenomorph in place of the traditional masked antagonist. The setup involves young adults being pursued through close quarters, a formula th...

Cube Critics Jacob Aloi and Aron Woldeslassie discuss an animated version of the Man of Steel and a new Batman series in a superhero-themed episode of Cube Critics. Up, up and away!

‘My Adventures With Superman’

This week, I dove into the first two episodes of the new season of “My Adventures with Superman,” an animated series that explores Superman’s early days as a budding journalist and an emerging superhero.

Season two builds on the foundations laid in the first season, with Clark Kent already donning his iconic suit and dating...

Cube Critics Jacob Aloi and Max Sparber discuss a mediocre adaptation of a video game and a horror film about aliens who don’t like city noises. They’re just like Max!

‘Borderlands’

“Borderlands,” adapted from the popular dystopian video game series, transitions to the big screen with mixed results. Cate Blanchett stars as Lilith, delivering a standout performance that showcases her formidable presence and action chops.

Blanchett’s portrayal is a high point in the film, offering a refreshing look at a woman over 40 leading a scien...

Cube Critics Jacob Aloi and Max Sparber discuss a gay dating show from Japan and a horror film about the trans experience.

The following are capsule reviews edited from the audio heard using the player above.

‘The Boyfriend’

“The Boyfriend” on Netflix offers a delightful slice of queer joy through its reality TV format, featuring queer, gay and bisexual Japanese men operating a coffee truck while living together in a shared house.

“The Boyfriend” shows us the day-to-day dynamics of friendship and romance among...

Cube Critics Jacob Aloi and Regina Medina discuss a comic book movie that is by fans for fans and super insider and a noir-ish mystery comedy.

The following are capsule reviews edited from the audio heard using the player above.

‘Deadpool and Wolverine’

“Deadpool and Wolverine” marks a notable entry in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, being both the third installment in the Deadpool series and also its debut within the MCU following Disney’s acquisition of 20th Century Fox.

This brings Deadpool (Ryan Reyno...

Cube Critics Jacob Aloi and Mandy Thalhuber discuss a historical fiction that was confusing and a movie about weather-obsessed individuals doing anything they possibly could to die.

The following are capsule reviews edited from the audio heard using the player above.

‘Fly Me to the Moon’

“Fly Me to the Moon,” a romantic comedy set against the backdrop of the Apollo 11 mission, stars Scarlett Johansson and Channing Tatum as a NASA public relations specialist and a scientist.

The film attempts to weave historic...

Cube Critics Alex V. Cipolle and Max Sparber discuss two serial killer movies set in the ’80s and ’90s and featuring women haunted by their pasts.

The following are capsule reviews edited from the audio heard using the player above.

‘MaXXXine’

“MaXXXine” marks the third installment in director Ti West’s X series, following “X” and its prequel “Pearl.” Set in 1980s Los Angeles, the film sees the return of Mia Goth as the ambitious adult film star Maxine Minx, who is on the brink of mainstream success...

Cube Critics Max Sparber and Aron Woldeslassie discuss a 1996 film shot in California but set in Minnesota and season four of “The Boys.”

The following are capsule reviews edited from the audio heard using the player above.

‘Mary Jane’s Not a Virgin Anymore’

“Mary Jane’s Not a Virgin Anymore,” a poignant film by the late Minnesota filmmaker Sarah Jacobson, is a rare gem from 1996 that occasionally surfaces in screenings.

Though shot in California, the film is set in an independent movie theater in...