Commentary: Great Movies Featured In 2025’s Wisconsin Film Festival

The 27th annual Wisconsin Film Festival is in the books and this year’s offerings did not disappoint: New unreleased films, a great showcasing of Wisconsin filmmakers, restored classics, insightful Q&A sessions following the movies.

In addition to the aforementioned offerings, enhancing the movie-going experience are state-of-the-art, charming and/or historic venues. Every year, there is a little something for everyone at what is the largest university-sponsored film festival in the world.

I’ve been attending the festival for years now representing PBS Wisconsin, and have enjoyed hosting Q&As, introducing films and just chatting with festival employees as well as fellow filmmakers. This year, I can say I batted a thousand when it came to viewing. In addition to introducing films and asking questions about their process and experiences in the film world, I try to take in as many films as I can that don’t conflict with my hosting schedule.

This year, I got to see two romantic comedies with Wisconsin ties. “For Worse” was a film by Madison’s own Amy Landecker, who not only wrote the script but played the lead character: a divorced woman. Her love interest was played by her real life husband and fellow Wisconsinite, Bradley Woodford. Landecker was very entertaining during the Q&A. The crowd was so into it that it seemed like the Barrymore Theater was packed with everyone she’d met over the course of her life.

The next day, also at the Barrymore, I saw a film called “The Threesome.” This is quite possibly the best romantic comedy I’ve ever seen. The film stars Zoey Deutch, who is quickly establishing herself as one of Hollywood’s fastest-rising stars. The film is incredibly and thoughtfully well written by Ethan Ogilby, acted and directed and kept viewers guessing with a couple of great twists that no one saw coming. Based on the response of the 800 people in the crowd, I would not be surprised if “The Threesome” ends up in a wider release in theaters before it’s available to stream.

Earlier that day, I introduced and hosted the Q&A for Greg Gliena’s film “‘Meet The Parents.” This is the film that was the inspiration for Universal’s “Meet The Parents” films, and in my opinion, even funnier and darker. “Meet The Parents has become one of the highest grossing, live action franchises ever.

Greg and I wrote together for years and have sold screenplays to studios. During the Q&A he and his producing partner, Jim Vincent, talked about how much easier it is to make films independently without studio interference, but unfortunately, also without studio money.

Later that night, also at the Barrymore, I got to watch an obscure print of a Rolling Stones film. Again the place was packed! The crowd at times, sang and danced along with concert footage and enjoyed watching the behind the scenes activities of one of the world’s most famous rock bands. The name of the film can’t be accurately printed in this article so I will do my best to spell it out for you without spelling it out for you:  “^&*$ sucker Blues.”

Once the weekend winds down, the event moves out to Flix Brewhouse in East Towne Mall, the state-of-the-art theater with great food and tons of beer options. This year, brewmaster Dave Hanson created a “Nite Lite with Pete Schwaba”-inspired beer called “Hazed on Radio” that was a big hit for moviegoers. For a guy who doesn’t know a ton about beer, I thought it was incredibly tasty and cannot thank Dave enough!

Before leaving town and heading back up north, I got to watch most of my first Russ Meyer movie. He is famous for making campy, sex-driven films with very little plot and terrible acting.

“Erica” was the name of the film and it could’ve almost been considered a porn film if the acting was a little better. It’s the kind of film that is considered a novelty to experience, especially with a crowd. The novelty wore off quickly, and I left after about 45 minutes feeling like I got the gist of it.

One film in particular I was hoping to see with a crowd was called “A Road at Night” by Madison-based filmmaker and co-writer of “The Straight Story,” John Roach. “A Road at Night” is a documentary about former University of Wisconsin basketball player and coach Howard Moore, who was involved in a terrible car accident in 2019 that took the lives of his wife and daughter. I’ve seen the film after John shared a link before he joined me on the radio to talk to discuss the upcoming screening.

The collective movie watching experience at the Barrymore Theater last Sunday night sounded incredible as former players and Howard’s family were there, including his son, who survived the accident and is now an absolute rockstar at 18. I highly recommend this film as it will make you so proud to be associated with UW-Madison or Wisconsin. 

If you haven’t been to this amazing festival, do yourself a favor and catch the 28th annual next spring. Until next year, Madison! On Wisconsin!