The CineFiles – Ep. 26
By Brian Eggert | May 22, 2026
Dear readers,
On the latest episode of The CineFiles, journalist Chris Hrapsky, critic Jamie Rogers, and I sit down to discuss a new release, as well as our favorite political thrillers of all time.
We begin with our take on Olivier Assayas’ The Wizard of the Kremlin, a new thriller about the political strategist who helped facilitate the rise of Vladimir Putin in Russia. Starring Paul Dano, Jude Law, and Alicia Vikander, the film is now playing in theaters.
Next, we each share our top three favorite political thrillers, with our picks including The Manchurian Candidate (1962), All the President’s Men (1976), and JFK (1991).
For this week’s CineGift, Jamie selected The Greasy Strangler (2016), a pick that led to some interesting reactions.
Watch below on YouTube or by subscribing to the KARE 11+ app (available on Roku, Fire TV, Apple TV, etc.).
On a personal note: This is the final episode of The CineFiles. I will always cherish the last year as a fun learning experience and an incredible opportunity. Thanks to Jamie, Chris, and our director-producer, Dan Crowe, for making this such a rewarding experience.
And with that, enjoy the (final) show!
Brian Eggert
Critic, Essayist, Founder
Deep Focus Review
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Brian Eggert | Critic, Founder
Deep Focus Review
