Tag: International Falls

The End of the Beginning: My hometown theater, Cine 5, closes

UPDATE: Since the closure, Cine 5 has reopened and is back in operation. I’m so thankful for that development. I plan to keep this piece up as a tribute to the theater and as a reminder of the importance of theaters in smaller communities.

For a film buff, living near a movie theater is a great bit of geographic luck.

That’s what I had growing up in International Falls, Minn. From when I was born until I moved away for college, I never lived more than a block or two away from the local theater, the Cine 5.

Sadly, like I’ve done twice already on this site, I’m having to write a farewell piece to place I spent countless hours and created numerous memories. The Cine 5 closed recently, marking the end of another theater that I attended.

Continue reading “The End of the Beginning: My hometown theater, Cine 5, closes”

REVIEW: ‘International Falls’ is a strong, amusing look at a stark situation

This small Minnesota city on the Canadian border has a few claims to fame. It was the inspiration for Frostbite Falls in Rocky and Bullwinkle, it’s officially known as the Icebox of the Nation for its cold temperatures, the high school hockey team has a rich history winning seven state titles and it was the home of National Football League legend Bronko Nagurski.

I can’t say I was ever really expecting my hometown to be the setting for a motion picture, though. Yes, before leaving for college, the setting of this dramatic comedy was where I was born and raised.

Continue reading “REVIEW: ‘International Falls’ is a strong, amusing look at a stark situation”