American French Film Festival 2025: 'Guru' Review

First, real fast: The festival that was long known as COLCOA (for City of Lights, City of Angels) recently changed its name to the American French Film Festival. Which makes some sense.

Okay, with that out of the way, I reviewed this year's closing-night film, a drama about a popular self-help guru who finds his livelihood under attack by the French government. His response is pretty ill-advised. I reviewed Guru for Screen International.

'Predator: Badlands' Review

Is Predator: Badlands my favorite Predator movie? Honestly, I think so. I raved over at Screen International. 

Neil Diamond - "Dry Your Eyes" (from 'The Last Waltz')

Sadly, Song Sung Blue doesn't feature this Neil Diamond stomper.

2025 Gotham Awards Nominees

It's always a delight to be asked to be part of the Gotham nominating committees, but this year I took part in the deliberations for two brand-new categories: adapted and original screenplay. Just as fun was the fact that my fellow committee members were all friends: Carlos Aguilar, Monica Castillo, Jon Frosch and Esther Zuckerman. I'm pretty darn pleased with our picks, which included Eva Victor for her fine script for Sorry, Baby. You can see our nominations here, along with those for all the other categories.

'Song Sung Blue' Review

Song Sung Blue tells the true story of a Neil Diamond tribute band fronted by a married couple who would experience their share of trials and tribulations. The musical performances are really fun. As for the rest ... well, you can check out my Screen International review. 

The Grierson & Leitch Podcast: Checking Into 'A House of Dynamite'

Another larger-than-usual episode, in which we review four new movies. We disagree about Frankenstein, dive into Springsteen: Deliver Me From Nowhere, praise It Was Just an Accident and dissect A House of Dynamite. Really good stuff here, which you can hear down below.

'Breakfast All Day': Reviewing 'Bugonia'

Bugonia is the fourth film from Yorgos Lanthimos and Emma Stone. I was tickled to be asked to join Christy on Breakfast All Day to talk about it. You can watch our conversation down below.

Ace Frehley - "New York Groove"

It's true: I've never been much of a Kiss guy. But if I had to pick a favorite song of theirs, I'd probably go with this Ace Frehley solo joint. Rest in peace, sir.

The Grierson & Leitch Podcast: Rose Byrne, Ethan Hawke, 'The Perfect Neighbor' and 'After the Hunt'

Two phenomenal performances lead this week's podcast. First up, we look at If I Had Legs I'd Kick You, starring Rose Byrne. Then we have Blue Moon, with Ethan Hawke. Later, we sing the praises of The Perfect Neighbor and debate After the Hunt. Really good episode, which you can listen to below.