Matt Hambidge’s approach to reviewing movies is two-fold.
In addition to writing reviews for his site News From the Couch, he’s also a co-host on the Cinema Stubs podcast. He’s been putting out reviews since 2017.
Here’s more about Hambidge in his own words.
How long have you been producing content about movies?
I’ve been doing written reviews since late 2017, and co-created a review podcast which launched in January 2022.
Where do you live and/or produce content about movies?
Edina, Minn.
What type of content do you produce about movies?
For my website, it’s mostly written reviews. But I try to find other forms of coverage as well. An Oscars gambling preview, my obsession with the Christmas universe Netflix is building, fun pieces like that.
The podcast is industry news and movie reviews, but we also include special episodes such as movie drafts.
What motivated you to create content about movies?
I originally started my website so I could blog about “Survivor,” one of my favorite TV shows. Once I saw how much I enjoyed that, it was a natural pivot to writing about movies as well.
Additionally, none of my closest friends share the same level of passion about movies as I do, so I don’t always have others to discuss the latest movies with. I needed some kind of outlet to scratch that itch.
What inspired your love of movies?
Some of my earliest movie memories are rotating weekends between renting “Robin Hood: Men in Tights” and “Spaceballs.” I loved that something I had seen so many times, and knew so well, could still be that funny every time I watched it.
But most of the credit probably has to go to James Bond. I grew up in the Brosnan era, watched and rewatched his outings as 007, played countless hours of “Goldeneye” on the Nintendo 64.
It completely blew my mind as a 10-year-old when I learned there were 16 more movies of this character I loved so much. It never occurred to me that movies could do something like that. I’ve been in love with movies ever since.
What do you enjoy most about living in Minnesota?
I’ve lived in the Twin Cities metro area my whole life, and most of my family and friends are still here. It’s hard to imagine being anywhere else. But I’d be lying if I said I didn’t second guess living here at least once every winter!
What is your favorite movie theater in Minnesota?
AMC Southdale, hard to beat something within walking distance. And their Dolby screen makes for an incredible, immersive movie-going experience.
What are some of your favorite movies from the past year (2021)?
“Belfast,” “The Worst Person in the World,” “Mass,” “Nine Days,” and “Spencer” were my top 5 movies from 2021. “CODA,” “No Time To Die,” and “Riders of Justice” were a few of my other favorites.
What are your favorite movies set in Minnesota?
“Fargo,” “Miracle” (only partially in Minnesota, but I couldn’t leave it out), the “Mighty Ducks” trilogy, “Clouds,” “Little Big League” (a childhood favorite!).
Where can people find your work?
News From The Couch for written reviews, Cinema Stubs for podcast reviews.
What are your Social Media accounts?
@MattHambidge on both Instagram and Twitter.
The Minnesota Film Critics Alliance 