Cube Critics

Things get busy in the Cube, both because it's member drive at MPR (have you signed up yet?) and because the fall season is upon us. MPR Cube Critics Stephanie Curtis and Euan Kerr check out "The Accountant," "A Stray," and "Blood Stripe."

Listen in to a conversation between Cube Critics Stephanie Curtis and Euan Kerr as they are joined by Erika Howard of Women Make Movies, and Gil Robertson, President of the African American Film Critics Association as they examine portrayals of African Americans in the movies today. This was originally broadcast live on MPR News.

Two highly anticipated releases this week: "Birth of a Nation," and "The Girl on the Train." MPR Cube Critics Euan Kerr and Stephanie Curtis voice their views.

Sometimes you just have to say you enjoyed movies that many other people just hated. MPR Cube Critic Stephanie Curtis steps up for "Complete Unknown" even though she is one of the few people who loved it, and Euan Kerr vouches for "Swiss Army Man" which received either one star or five star reviews, with little in between.

There is something for everyone at the theaters this week: Tim Burton brings his sensibilities to "Miss Peregrine's Home for Peculiar Children," Australian film makers produce an island Romeo and Juliet story using actors who have never seen a movie, and "A Man Called Ove" gives curmudgeons their moment in the spotlight. MPR Cube Critics Stephanie Curtis and Euan Kerr give their thoughts. Oh, and Stephanie takes responsibility for the Jolie-Pitt split.

Whenever there is a new remake of a classic film in theaters, there is an inevitable mixture of expectation and "what were they thinking?" in the air. As Antoine Fuqua's much anticipated "The Magnificent Seven" thunders across Cineplex screens this week, Cube Critics Euan Kerr and Stephanie Curtis explore why remakes succeed, why they fail, and recommend some good ones to check out.

The Antoine Fuqua remake of "The Magnificent Seven" rides into theaters this weekend, just as the animated feature "Storks" flies in too. Cube Critics Euan Kerr and Tracy Mumford wish they hadn't.

Setting aside the weighty issues of the silver screen, Cube Critics Euan Kerr and Stephanie Curtis talk about their current favorite streamable series.

Things come in threes this week in the theaters. Two 'threequels' and a trio of adult sisters are grist for Cube Critic's Stephanie Curtis and Euan Kerr's mill.

With the arrival of "Sully" in theaters this week, it's a chance to chat about the career of Clint Eastwood. MPR Cube Critic Stephanie Curtis wants to talk about his directing, but across the newsroom cube wall Euan Kerr looks for ways to slip in mentions of his favorite Eastwood roles as an actor.