Television producer Matt Olien doubles as Prairie Public's resident movie critic, and uses his background in film studies and extensive knowledge of movie history to review a current film. Stay tuned until the end, where he's quizzed with obscure Oscar trivia.
Matt Olien reveals his top 10 all-time favorite films—expect classics, surprises, and bold picks sure to spark debate among movie lovers.
Film buff alert! Matt Olien counts down picks #20 through #11 from his all-time favorite films - expect bold choices, hidden gems, and maybe a hot take or two.
Matt Olien reviews "Clown In A Cornfield" where a group of teenagers in a small town becomes the target of a masked killer dressed as a clown.
Matt Olien reviews Thunderbolts, where misfit antiheroes team up to save the world — but can they save themselves?
Matt Olien reviews "Sinners," Ryan Coogler's Southern Gothic epic where Michael B. Jordan plays twins in a world of jazz, vampires, and racial terror.
Matt loves The Ballad of Wallis Island, where a cartographer sent to update maps uncovers secrets, a tight-knit community, and truths that challenge his past. "It sticks the landing."
Film critic Matt Olien reviews Bob Trevino Likes It, a poignant 2024 comedy-drama
Matt reviews Disney's 2025 "Snow White," where Rachel Zegler's Snow White, aided by bandit Jonathan, battles the Evil Queen (Gal Gadot) to reclaim her kingdom.
Matt reviews Black Bag, where agent George Woodhouse must choose between loyalty to his country or his wife, who's suspected of being a traitor.
Matt reviews the movie Nickel Boys, reviews the Fargo Film Festival, and previews his upcoming Brando! Film Festival.
Matt Olien reviews Bong Joon-ho's "Mickey 17," starring Robert Pattinson, and previews highlights from the 25th annual Fargo Film Festival.
Matt Olien reviews Captain America: Brave New World, where Sam Wilson uncovers a conspiracy involving President Ross and a powerful new metal in a high-stakes battle.
Matt reviews "The Apprentice," It is a biopic on Donald Trump's rise in 1970s-'80s NYC real estate and stars Sebastian Stan, Jeremy Strong. Also, Matt makes Oscar picks.
The Substance (2024) stars Demi Moore as an aging actress who takes a drug to restore her youth, sparking a horrific battle for control. A bold satire on beauty obsession.
Matt Olien reviews The Room Next Door, Pedro Almodóvar's first English film, starring Tilda Swinton and Julianne Moore in a moving tale of friendship and euthanasia.
Matt Olien reviews Sing Sing, a film on prison theater's power to heal. Starring Colman Domingo, it follows inmates finding purpose through acting and redemption.
Matt Olien reviews "Babygirl" and shares insights on its story and performances, plus his take on Oscar nominations, surprises, snubs, and frontrunners.
Matt Olien reviews Queer, starring Daniel Craig, a tale of identity and longing in post-war Mexico City. He also honors the late David Lynch's cinematic legacy.
Prairie Public's movie reviewer extraordinaire Matt Olien reviews "The Brutalist."
Prairie Public's movie reviewer extraordinaire Matt Olien reviews "Nosferatu." He called the film one of the darkest movies of the year.
Main Street's film critic, Matt Olien, takes a look back at the highlights and trends in cinema throughout 2024.
Matt reviews the blockbuster hit "Deadpool & Wolverine" and also reviews "Música."
"Longlegs" is a chilling slasher blending "Silence of the Lambs" and satanic cult themes. Matt says Nicolas Cage's terrifying performance as the elusive killer is Oscar-worthy.
Matt Olien is Prairie Public's movie critic. He reviews "MaXXXine."
Matt Olien reviews "Kinds of Kindness" and finds it less than impressive.
"Horizon: An American Saga Chapter One" is a Western drama by Kevin Costner, chronicling settlers' challenges during the American frontier expansion. Matt didn't like the movie.
"The Bike Riders" is a gritty 1960s drama about a Midwestern motorcycle club's rise, exploring themes of brotherhood, rebellion, and loyalty through its members' perspectives.
Matt Olien is Prairie Public's movie critic. Today he reviews "Songs of Earth."