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It’s a rather cruel indulgence to base a film on a childhood game that tends to revolve around abusing a shy classmate with glasses—but there’s no denying that often, that’s just the kind of thing moviegoers are ravenous for. Underdog owner of the Average Joe gym (Vince Vaughn) faces foreclosure unless he can raise fifty … Read more

To hell with exploitative kitsch-mongers and the mean folk who like to point out that he died on the toilet: We still have a soft spot for the King. We remember that he not only had a truly dreamy voice and an electrifying stage presence—he was also a real actor. At least he wanted to … Read more

Wim Wenders’ cult classic follows the slow unfolding of a damaged man as he literally comes in from the desert and learns to talk again, with the aid of his seven-year-old son. Artful and anti-Hollywood, the film, with its lush cinematography and a haunting soundtrack by slide guitarist Ry Cooder, makes the story stick in … Read more

The person who has nothing—there’s one in all our lives. Perhaps they’re bereft of worldly possessions by divine will or karmic revelation, or maybe they’ve simply “downshifted” into intentional thinglessness. Either way, these folks can stump even the most discerning gift giver! Our “Aught for Naught” gift basket is the perfect answer. Also a good … Read more

With everything an Italian trattoria should have—inventive pizzas and pastas, an approachable wine list, and a dessert menu supercharged with chocolate—Biella is our favorite among the west suburban ventures of Mark Nazigian. You could call it the sophisticated sister to Ravello in Long Lake, as both restaurants hold their charm in intimate surroundings and with … Read more

For some, indulgence comes in the form of manicures and hand massages. For others, it involves tucking into some great nosh with an expertly mixed cocktail at hand. Both camps may self-indulge freely at Mell’s Beauty Bar, a dark little boîte tucked amid Minneapolis’ hulking warehouses. During the cocktail hour, a manicurist is available to … Read more

Knollwood Mall has been in a continual state of either death or revival for the last twenty years. It’s hard to tell which way it’s going right now, but the presence of an authentic, family-owned Mexican restaurant on the strip side of the mall is a definite score for the revival side. El Gordo makes … Read more

Burnt Sugar is a big musical mixing bowl spilling over with jazz, funk, blues, hip hop, and rock. Add some African beats and a little contemporary classical composition, and you’ve got what could be the world’s most eclectic jazz ensemble, one whose inspiration comes from such diverse sources as Miles Davis, Metallica, and Mobb Deep. … Read more

Despite her gritty alto, the Chicago-based Edith Frost seems convinced that God intended her to use her vocals as a pretty pop instrument. This peculiar voice, which she subdues until the most poignant moments, brings a sense of understatement to the waves of catchy melodies put forth by her back-ups. Frost’s compositions tend toward introspection … Read more

Nothing warms up a grubby Minneapolis bar like a few hours of honkytonk Christmas carols. For the eleventh year, Trailer Trash reprises its beloved holiday shows at Lee’s. Nate Dungan’s band has earned a reputation for rocking so enthusiastically about the season that many an anti-Christmas stoic considers this event their token holiday outing. Half … Read more