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Strengthening the Bonds of Community. One story at a time.

Woodbury News Net

Strengthening the Bonds of Community. One story at a time.

Woodbury News Net

Strengthening the Bonds of Community. One story at a time.

Woodbury News Net

Strengthening the Bonds of Community. One story at a time.

Movies

Emma Stone, Aidan Delbis, and Jesse Plemons in "Bugonia." Photo courtesy of Focus Features.

‘Bugonia’ Confronts Society’s Bald Misdeeds

by Hunter Friesen
Published October 27, 2025

Oh, when will they ever learn? It’s a question that director Yorgos Lanthimos continually asks of his characters, and, by extension, the human species as a whole.  Lanthimos’s distinctly macabre...

Oscar Isaac in "Frankenstein." Photo courtesy of Netflix

Guillermo Del Toro Finds The Heart And Soul Of ‘Frankenstein’

by Hunter Friesen
Published October 21, 2025

Guillermo del Toro, the filmmaker most in love with monsters, finally gets the chance to adapt the story of the most famous one of all. It’s been a dream project for him, entwined in his DNA and influencing...

Image courtesy of Twin Cities Film Fest

Twin Cities Film Fest Brings Hollywood To Minnesota

by Hunter Friesen
Published October 14, 2025

From late August through mid-September, the fall film festival season reaches its apex of influence with the overlapping of the Venice International Film Festival, Telluride Film Festival and Toronto International...

Channing Tatum in 'Roofman"

‘Roofman’ Charms As A Tragic Comedy About Living in a Toys ‘R’ Us

by Hunter Friesen
Published October 7, 2025

How many McDonald’s do you think you’d have to rob to afford a nice house, birthday presents for your kids, and a tidy nest egg for the future? Luckily, you don’t have to answer that, because...

Dwayne Johnson in "The Smashing Machine."

Dwayne Johnson Gets Serious In ‘The Smashing Machine.

by Hunter Friesen
Published October 1, 2025

“The Smashing Machine” could have had it all. It’s got an interesting premise about the life story of Mark Kerr, the former UFC Heavyweight Champion, whose blood, sweat, and tears laid the groundwork...

Toronto, 2025: How I Watched 38 Films In 10 Days

Toronto, 2025: How I Watched 38 Films In 10 Days

by Hunter Friesen
Published September 23, 2025

For 10 days at the beginning of September, the laws of time and space cease to exist. Days turn to night in an instant; getting three hours of sleep per night becomes a normal practice; and diets consist...

Colin Farrel and Margot Robbie in "A Big Bold Beautiful Journey.

‘A Big Bold Beautiful Journey’ Masks Ugliness With Beauty

by Hunter Friesen
Published September 17, 2025

True to its title, “A Big Bold Beautiful Journey” is big and bold.  Colin Farrell and Margot Robbie embark on a journey through space and time, weaving in and out of their respective past and present...

Retired 3M chemist Jim McDonell with a display of his Sun Seed Soap products at a local coffee shop last week.

Trailblazing Soap Inventor Makes Every Move Count

by Chuck Nowlen
Published September 17, 2025

A retired 3M chemist and longtime Woodbury resident believes he's found a link to a better future, thanks to a household item he’s been a world-class expert on for the last four decades. Soap. “All...

Josh O'Connor, left, and Daniel Craig in "Wake Up Dead Man: A Knives Out Mystery." Photo courtesy of Netflix.

‘Wake Up Dead Man:’ A Puzzle You Can’t Put Down

by Hunter Friesen
Published September 9, 2025

Everything comes in threes for the “Knives Out” films. Three entries, three years between each of them, three central murders to solve, and three identical births on the first Saturday of the Toronto...

From Star Power To Indie At The 2025 Toronto International Film Festival

From Star Power To Indie At The 2025 Toronto International Film Festival

by Hunter Friesen
Published September 2, 2025

In the realm of cinema, nothing is quite as exciting as a film festival. It’s a place where a buffet of high-quality entertainment is laid out, each piece begging for your attention. Titles can range...

Denzel Washington stars in "Highest 2 Lowest." Photo: Apple TV+.

Review: Mo Money Mo Problems in ‘Highest 2 Lowest’

by Hunter Friesen
Published August 26, 2025

Matter cannot be created or destroyed. To receive something, you must be willing to give something up. For record mogul David King (Denzel Washington), a man dubbed to have “the best ears in the business”...

Riz Ahmed stars in "Relay." Photo: Bleecker Street.

Review: Riz Ahmed Boldly Leads Taut Thriller ‘Relay’

by Hunter Friesen
Published August 18, 2025

Except for its horrendous opening scene conversation between whistleblower Matthew Maher and CEO Victor Garber (going uncredited for his brief cameo), “Relay” consistently punches way above its weight...