Ruth Maramis
Tomatometer-approved critic
Ruth is an Indonesian-born, Twin Cities-based film enthusiast. She's the founder of FlixChatter blog which covers film reviews, commentaries and interviews with filmmakers/talents from all over the world. She's the official blogger of the Twin Cities Film Fest (TCFF) for the past decade. She's also a writer/producer... her award-winning short film HEARTS WANT is now available on Amazon Prime and she's currently working on developing the feature version.
Films: Sense & Sensibility, Ben-Hur, Captain America: The Winter Soldier, Roman Holiday, The Insider... TV Shows: Frasier, Medici: The Magnificent, Call My Agent (Dix Pour Cent), The Expanse, The White Queen miniseries
Twin Cities, MN
Movies reviews only
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The Lost King (2022) |
Sally Hawkins charms in this uplifting feel-good movie as Richard III's superfan. The fantasy bit involving his ghost provides comic relief as well as a manifestation of Langley's affection for the last Plantagenet king. - FlixChatter Film Blog
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| Posted Mar 26, 2023
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John Wick: Chapter 4 (2023) |
Stahelski, Reeves and co. upped the ante of the action in an epic way that I often go ‘how did they pull THAT off?’ Pure adrenaline actioner that’s wickedly Reeve-ting. - FlixChatter Film Blog
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| Posted Mar 24, 2023
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Shazam! Fury of the Gods (2023) |
This sequel is not as satisfying a crowd-pleaser as the original but still delivers enough fun & laughs to make it worth seeing on the big screen. - FlixChatter Film Blog
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| Posted Mar 21, 2023
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65 (2023) |
A terribly underwhelming, suspense-free sci-fi, but still watchable thanks to Adam Driver’s commanding presence. - FlixChatter Film Blog
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| Posted Mar 16, 2023
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Emily (2022) |
A well-researched & atmospheric speculative biopic of Emily Brontë with the exquisite Emma Mackey in the title role. There's certainly an eerie gothic touch that's in line with 'Wuthering Heights.' - FlixChatter Film Blog
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| Posted Mar 07, 2023
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San Andreas (2015) |
Everything about this is so clichéd and simply ludicrous it’s not even worth watching on a plane. It’s another drivel featuring Dwayne Johnson as another stolid, banal hero. - FlixChatter Film Blog
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| Posted Mar 03, 2023
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Corsage (2022) |
Vicky Krieps shines in this fictionalized account of a rebellious, defiant Austrian Empress. The anachronistic elements are amusing but never take away from the protagonist's struggle under the stifling patriarchy of the time. - FlixChatter Film Blog
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| Posted Mar 03, 2023
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Luxor (2020) |
The reunion story set in the ancient Egyptian city is promising, alas Andrea Riseborough's immense talent is pretty much wasted in this meandering and tedious movie. - FlixChatter Film Blog
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| Posted Mar 03, 2023
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The Phantom of the Open (2021) |
A delightful and thoroughly enjoyable golf Cinderella story. The ever-so-versatile Mark Rylance's portrayal of Maurice is instantly likable, it was effortless to be fully invested in his journey. - FlixChatter Film Blog
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| Posted Feb 26, 2023
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Birds of Paradise (2021) |
The visual flair + bizarre dance sequences are quite fun to watch, and the two young leads are terrific, but the film further perpetuates the notion that ballet is creepy and filled with terror. - FlixChatter Film Blog
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| Posted Feb 23, 2023
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Ant-Man and The Wasp: Quantumania (2023) |
Despite strong performances from the cast, 'Quantumania' is dull and exhausting to sit through. Marvel’s glory days might be behind us and I’m really not looking forward to the rest of Phase Five. - FlixChatter Film Blog
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| Posted Feb 18, 2023
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India Sweets and Spices (2021) |
Headlined by the spirited Sophia Ali, this vibrant romance/family drama has a lively pacing. There are unexpected twists thrown in that made this one quite memorable. - FlixChatter Film Blog
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| Posted Feb 14, 2023
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Sophie and the Rising Sun (2016) |
A beautifully-acted love story during wartime that goes beyond romance. It's also a tale of friendship and overcoming the bigotry and racism of the time. - FlixChatter Film Blog
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| Posted Feb 14, 2023
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Triangle of Sadness (2022) |
Watching this brazen satire is quite a singular experience. Hilarious and well-acted but also overlong and as indulgent as the filthy rich aboard the yacht. - FlixChatter Film Blog
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| Posted Feb 11, 2023
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She Is Love (2022) |
For a title as enchanting as She Is Love, I expected to be swept off my feet by a love story. Alas, it was not to be, everything feels too random and aimless despite the actors’ best efforts. - FlixChatter Film Blog
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| Posted Feb 09, 2023
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A Man Called Ove (2015) |
What a funny and heartwarming story! Rolf Lassgård is immediately likable despite his gruff exterior. Such a beautiful celebration of life and friendship, but glad that it doesn’t shy away from showing the darker moments in Ove’s life. - FlixChatter Film Blog
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| Posted Feb 03, 2023
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All the Beauty and the Bloodshed (2022) |
The most intriguing aspect of the film is when it focuses on the pharmaceutical dynasty that’s greatly responsible for the devastating opioid epidemic. - FlixChatter Film Blog
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| Posted Feb 03, 2023
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Decision to Leave (2022) |
It’s got everything one would want in a neo-noir… gloriously-shot, stylish, romantic, and mysterious, with a shocking finale I didn’t see coming. Certainly one of the best of 2022. - FlixChatter Film Blog
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| Posted Feb 01, 2023
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Living (2022) |
There’s a refined elegance about Nighy’s performance here, peppered by his amusing frankness and sense of humor. Living proves not every remake is bad, on the contrary, this one is exquisite. - FlixChatter Film Blog
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| Posted Jan 23, 2023
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Saint Omer (2022) |
An absorbing and beautifully-poignant legal drama that's hard to shake thanks to Alice Diop's restrained, no-frills approach. - FlixChatter Film Blog
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| Posted Jan 17, 2023
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Plane (2023) |
Plane swoops in to deliver a surprisingly enjoyable ride for a January release. Butler + Colter combo makes for a fun action duo and at just 1 hr and 47 minutes, it’s as efficient as it is thrilling. - FlixChatter Film Blog
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| Posted Jan 14, 2023
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Women Talking (2022) |
The special effects of Sarah Polley's drama are the shrewd script and tremendous ensemble performances. There’s something magnetic in the power of dialog, delivered with such honesty and emotional convictions. - FlixChatter Film Blog
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| Posted Jan 07, 2023
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Babylon (2022) |
Bloated with extraneous scenes that double down on the debauchery shock and awe instead of giving the characters more depth. It's too bad as the talented cast is committed and did their best to keep it engaging. - FlixChatter Film Blog
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| Posted Dec 27, 2022
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Spirited (2022) |
A big-hearted albeit goofy reimagining of Charles Dickens's Christmas classic, filled with lively and entertaining musical numbers. - FlixChatter Film Blog
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| Posted Dec 26, 2022
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Glass Onion: A Knives Out Mystery (2022) |
Rian Johnson takes jabs at excess wealth + toxic influencer culture while keeping the tone facetious and lively. The script fires on all cylinders, delivering a fun whodunit as shrewd as the first movie. - FlixChatter Film Blog
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| Posted Dec 23, 2022
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Avatar: The Way of Water (2022) |
Visually even more glorious than the first Avatar movie, but not much improvement narratively. The underwater scenes are so amazing it’s worth putting up with those pesky 3D glasses once again. - FlixChatter Film Blog
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| Posted Dec 19, 2022
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Empire of Light (2022) |
Well-acted with gorgeous visuals, but no amount of beauty shots can camouflage an unwieldy and clichéd-ridden script. Sam Mendes' 'power of cinema' theme just feels artificial. - FlixChatter Film Blog
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| Posted Dec 12, 2022
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Causeway (2022) |
Lawrence and Henry are excellent and the tentative friendship feels believable. Alas, the script is not gripping enough to make the slow pace thoroughly engaging. - FlixChatter Film Blog
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| Posted Dec 08, 2022
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Lady Chatterley's Lover (2022) |
A handsomely mounted period piece with a committed cast. The leads have feverish chemistry and the copious amount of sex scenes doesn't feel sleazy thanks to the sensitive female lens from director Laure de Clermont-Tonnerre. - FlixChatter Film Blog
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| Posted Dec 06, 2022
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Father of the Bride (2022) |
Seeing this story from a Latin perspective offers a fresh spin on a well-worn story. Andy Garcia is perfect as the uptight dad and the pairing with Gloria Estefan is more than amusing. - FlixChatter Film Blog
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| Posted Dec 05, 2022
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Confess, Fletch (2022) |
Not familiar with the previous Chevy Chase Fletch movie, but Jon Hamm is a hoot as a hapless, wisecracking investigator. - FlixChatter Film Blog
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| Posted Dec 05, 2022
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Guillermo del Toro's Pinocchio (2022) |
Guillermo del Toro's animated masterpiece is visually resplendent but much more than a technical marvel. Dark, haunting, soulful as well as comical, thanks to Ewan McGregor's amusing take as Pinocchio's friend and guide. - FlixChatter Film Blog
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| Posted Dec 02, 2022
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The Fabelmans (2022) |
While it's wonderful to get a glimpse of Spielberg's journey to become a master storyteller, his earnest origin story lacks a certain kind of magic. Still, it's enjoyable and essential viewing for fans of his work. - FlixChatter Film Blog
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| Posted Nov 28, 2022
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Good Night Oppy (2022) |
I didn't expect to tear up watching this but I did. Good Night Oppy is a rare scientific documentary that's as heartfelt and uplifting as it is insightful. - FlixChatter Film Blog
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| Posted Nov 25, 2022
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Don't Make Me Go (2022) |
A solid and well-acted father-daughter road trip drama. Nice to see John Cho showcasing his dramatic as well as comic side. The ending throws a curveball I did not see coming, a rare feat for a drama. - FlixChatter Film Blog
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| Posted Nov 22, 2022
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She Said (2022) |
An engrossing journalism drama that’s handled with care and sensitivity. Mulligan and Kazan's roles aren't flashy but they deliver solid committed performances. - FlixChatter Film Blog
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| Posted Nov 18, 2022
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The Banshees of Inisherin (2022) |
Beautifully shot & superbly acted but the film emanates such bleakness that’s hard to shake. Ultimately I come away not being as enamored with it as I thought I would. It’s a film I appreciate, even admire, but not love. - FlixChatter Film Blog
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| Posted Nov 15, 2022
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Black Panther: Wakanda Forever (2022) |
Wakanda Forever doesn't reach the first Black Panther's greatness but it succeeds as a beautiful, emotional tribute to Chadwick Boseman, while honoring the powerful women of Wakanda. - FlixChatter Film Blog
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| Posted Nov 12, 2022
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Rosaline (2022) |
A fun spoof and homage to Shakespeare's oft-told tragic romance. Kaitlyn Dever is immensely watchable as a spunky heroine and Minnie Driver is quite hilarious! - FlixChatter Film Blog
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| Posted Nov 10, 2022
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A Chance Encounter (2022) |
Enchanting premise but the interaction between the two leads lack sparks and warmth. In the end, the Sicilian town of Taormina remains the best thing about this movie. - FlixChatter Film Blog
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| Posted Nov 10, 2022
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Minions: The Rise of Gru (2022) |
While the pill-shaped yellow minions still generate some laughs, the novelty’s quickly wearing thin. Overall it’s just sensory overload with too much bombastic animated action. - FlixChatter Film Blog
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| Posted Nov 03, 2022
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The Greatest Beer Run Ever (2022) |
What an unbelievable story, but truth can sometimes be stranger than fiction. Efron displays such an earnest quality that makes the character’s inherent foolishness endearing. - FlixChatter Film Blog
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| Posted Nov 03, 2022
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Ticket to Paradise (2022) |
Overly reliant on the charm of the lead stars, this rom-com is frothy and frivolous but completely devoid of any narrative substance. - FlixChatter Film Blog
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| Posted Nov 01, 2022
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Tár (2022) |
Tár is equally beguiling and frustrating at times, but Cate Blanchett's exquisite performance is simply flawless and utterly captivating. A showpiece among her acting repertoire. - FlixChatter Film Blog
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| Posted Oct 20, 2022
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Marcel the Shell with Shoes On (2021) |
Love Jenny Slate’s raspy voice that gives the animated character its soul. What Marcel lacks in body mass, he more than makes up for it in irresistible charm and spunk. - FlixChatter Film Blog
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| Posted Oct 11, 2022
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Amsterdam (2022) |
Perhaps O. Russell should start resharpening his storytelling craft instead of just casting big stars. At the end of the day, it's the story that ought to be the star of the movie. - FlixChatter Film Blog
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| Posted Oct 07, 2022
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The Infernal Machine (2022) |
An intriguing slo-burn psychological thriller with multi-layered narrative. A must-see for Guy Pearce’s fans and anyone up for a thought-provoking mystery. - FlixChatter Film Blog
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| Posted Oct 05, 2022
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The 355 (2022) |
The 355 could've been a much better spy thriller under a more capable director, but the kick-ass, highly-capable female cast saves the movie and made this an enjoyable action movie. - FlixChatter Film Blog
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| Posted Oct 03, 2022
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See How They Run (2022) |
A farcical whodunit that doesn’t take itself too seriously, boosted by the delightful pairing of Rockwell and Ronan. Saoirse Ronan is particularly fun to watch in a rare comic role. - FlixChatter Film Blog
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| Posted Sep 29, 2022
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Greenland (2020) |
A surprisingly grounded disaster movie featuring Gerard Butler’s best performance in years. The thought-provoking premise and emotional focus elevate this above other movies in this popular subgenre. - FlixChatter Film Blog
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| Posted Sep 27, 2022
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