
From Minnesota Public Radio News, MPR News producers Samantha Matsumoto and Aron Woldeslassie share a passion for movies. Each week, they take a break from their day jobs to talk about what they've seen lately.
| Publishes | Weekly | Episodes | 61 | Founded | 14 years ago |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Categories | After ShowsTV & Film | ||||

Cube Critics Jacob Aloi and Max Sparber discuss a a movie about an opera soprano at the end of her life and a movie about an entire genre of music at the end of its life.
‘Maria’
Angelina Jolie delivers a compelling performance in “Maria,” a biopic ... more
Cube Critics got Glicked this week, catching “Wicked” and “Gladiator II.”
“Wicked” is the winter blockbuster everyone’s been anticipating. It’s a vibrant adaptation of the Broadway musical (itself loosely based on a book), telling the story of a you... more
“Emilia Pérez” is a French film set in Mexico, shot largely on soundstages in France, blending elements of noir, musicals and occasional winking comedy.
The story follows a Mexican cartel boss (Karla Sofía Gascón) who transitions to living as a woma... more
“Conclave” is a gripping political thriller set in the Vatican, centered on the high-stakes election of a new pope.
Ralph Fiennes stars as Cardinal Lawrence, the meticulous and morally driven Dean of the College of Cardinals, overseeing a process w... more
“What We Do in the Shadows” is a vampire mockumentary series airing on FX, based on the 2014 film of the same name by Jemaine Clement and Taika Waititi. The show hilariously explores the mundane and supernatural challenges faced by a group of vampire... more
“Slow Horses” returns with a fourth season that intertwines espionage thrills with sharp British humor. The series continues to follow a team of disgraced British spies relegated to Slough House, a dumping ground for MI5’s misfits.
Leading this motl... more
Click here.
“Rumours” is a Canadian dark comedy horror film directed by Guy Maddin, alongside frequent collaborators Evan Johnson and Galen Johnson. Set during the G7 Summit in Germany, the film satirizes political incompetence as leaders from Canad... more
Adapted from the beloved graphic novel series of the same name by Alice Oseman, “Heartstopper” follows British high schoolers Nick Nelson and Charlie Spring on their journey of self-discovery and young love. The show also features the lives of their ... more
Listening to thoughtful, considered reviews from an adult perspective is much appreciated. These two make a good pair, yet don’t always agree, like regular folks. The theme music is g-awful, annoying, grating. Wrong notes and all…
it’s gotta go. So do I.
Very brief, conversational discussion of movies new and old. Helpful ideas without a lot of analysis.
I don't get out to see movies as much as I'd like, so when I do go, I don't want it to be a waste of time. The Cube Critics have always provided smart and humorous reviews. And, it's great that there is now two podcasts per week. I like the quick Friday review and also enjoy the longer Monday podcast!
Cube Critics are the Minnesota Nice equivalent of Siskel and Ebert: two movie buffs / film critics discussing and debating film over the cubicle wall. The beauty of the Cube Critics is you will love the opinions of one and love to hate the opinions of the other. Bite sized movie snack.
I have been listening to the Cube Critics for a while, it's always very interesting, but I sometimes wish it could last longer than just 4-5 min. That said, they alway manage to give the movies they review some depth beyond merely stating that it is good or bad.
Must listen to every week to find out what's coming to the theaters and what I should catch up on at home.
As a former Minnesotan, now living in LA, it's great to still hear MPR's film reviews via podcast. Nice, enjoyable cinema banter on the latest films playing in the Twin Cities.
OK, so it probably is scripted - but it really does come off as a couple of movie buffs chatting over the cube wall. Always interesting. Not a lot of depth ( it is usually 5m or less ) but I usually come away with at least one movie to check out.
I've listened for a while and still don't know what this show is supposed to be about except it centers around movies in some way. I end up deleting it often within the first minute.
Key themes from listener reviews, highlighting what works and what could be improved about the show.
How this podcast ranks in the Apple Podcasts, Spotify and YouTube charts.
Apple Podcasts | #5 | |
Apple Podcasts | #48 |







Listeners, social reach, demographics and more for this podcast.
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This podcast provides a lively and informative exploration of both new and classic films through engaging discussions among its hosts. The episodes typically blend humor with thoughtful insights, covering a range of genres and noteworthy performances from various actors. Notable themes include the impact of storytelling techniques, character development, and current cinematic trends, with an emphasis on inclusivity in representation, especially regarding LGBTQ+ narratives. The dynamic between the hosts contributes to an entertaining listening experience, making it particularly enjoyable for movie buffs and casual viewers alike. Furthermore, the regular release of episodes creates an up-to-date film review platform, ideal for those looking t... more
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Cube Critics launched 14 years ago and published 61 episodes to date. You can find more information about this podcast including rankings, audience demographics and engagement in our podcast database.
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Recent guests on Cube Critics include:
1. Caitlyn Speier
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