As 2025 comes to a close, this week’s Out & About features Hunter Friesen’s look at the films that defined the year. We also round up New Year’s Eve events across Woodbury and the east metro, offering plenty of ways to welcome 2026, whether with kids, family or a traditional late-night celebration.

Thank you for reading along with us this year and see you next year!

Editor: Theo Franz
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Friesen's 10 Best Movies of 2025

By: Hunter Friesen

When reviewing this annual list in its final form, I’m always amazed at how disparate each entry appears on the surface. In one corner is a wistful comedy about an aging movie star, while the other features a reexamination of history’s most famous monster.

The connection between each film lies in its uncanny ability to tell a story that is both specific and universal, crafted by an artist working at the height of their powers.

You may not be able to physically take the film home with you once you leave the theater, but a piece of it does become a part of you for the rest of time. And in a moment where the price of everything continues to climb, I’d say that’s money well spent.

Fun & Games

Fun Fact

Effective Jan. 1, 2026, Minnesota workers will be allowed “a rest break of at least 15 minutes or enough time to utilize the nearest convenient restroom, whichever is longer, within each four consecutive hours of work.” Current law says “adequate time.”