My Interview With Spinal Tap

They're back, and they're louder and dumber than ever. For the Los Angeles Times, I sat down with Spinal Tap to talk about politics, doves and their new movie, Spinal Tap II: The End Continues. Check it out. 

(Photo by Jason Armond.) 

'Devo' Review

I saw Devo at Sundance in 2024. At long last, the film is now available to watch for everybody else. My review is up at the A.V. Club.

Edinburgh 2025: 'Concessions' Review

Concessions is a mix of Clerks and Eephus, looking at an independent movie theater on its final day of operation. I dug its elegiac tone, but I wish the story had more to say. My review is here. 

A Tribe Called Red (featuring Northern Voice) - "Sisters"

Last week, as part of Susan's days-long birthday celebration, we and some friends went to Jeffrey Gibson: the space in which to place me, which was a treat. As part of the exhibit, there was a video installation featuring this song. I've been listening to it for days.

My Interview With Julia Loktev, Director of 'My Undesirable Friends: Part I — Last Air in Moscow'

At the end of last year, I caught My Undesirable Friends: Part I, which premiered at the New York Film Festival. Spanning five-and-a-half hours, the documentary chronicles about four months in Moscow, from October 2021 to February 2022, as director Julia Loktev follows a group of independent Russian journalists facing the threat of imprisonment by Putin. The movie was shattering, gripping and stunning, and this Friday, it opens in New York. My Undesirable Friends feels like an alarm bell for Americans in the midst of Trump's authoritarian takeover. For Rolling Stone, I spoke to Loktev about her essential film and the lessons we should take from it. Hope you enjoy.

'Fixed' Review

What if dogs were secretly horny and foul-mouthed? That's the not-very-clever idea behind Fixed, Genndy Tartakovsky's R-rated animated comedy. Here's my review.

'Nobody 2' Review

I liked Nobody fine. But, man, I think this new one really stretches the thin premise beyond its breaking point. My Nobody 2 review is right here. 

The Grierson & Leitch Podcast: Loving 'Weapons,' Debating 'The Naked Gun' and 'Together'

On this week's episode, we're in agreement about Zach Cregger's superb new horror movie. But we don't see eye to eye on the other two films we discuss on the podcast. Check out our thoughts and witty banter down below.

'Americana' Review

In 2023, Americana premiered at SXSW to rave reviews. At long last, the movie finally comes to theaters this Friday. I caught up with it last week. I was underwhelmed. My review is live at Screen International. 

George Harrison - "Beware of Darkness"

I first became aware of this song thanks to Concert for George, the 2003 concert film in tribute to George Harrison. His old pal Eric Clapton did a lovely version of "Beware of Darkness," which was one of the movie's highlights. The original is integral to a film coming out this weekend. I may have swooned.

Martin Scorsese, Actor

This year, for the first time, Martin Scorsese received a major nomination for acting. In honor of his guest stint on the Emmy favorite The Studio, I looked at the great director's finest performances, exploring how persona and performance intertwine. Hope you enjoy.

'Freakier Friday' Review

I have a fond memory of seeing the 2003 Freaky Friday at a drive-in, which was kind of the perfect way to experience that film. I will always remember coming away from the movie convinced Lindsay Lohan was going to be a huge star. Things happened after that, of course, but it's nice to see her back for the sequel. And, hey, she's the best part of Freakier Friday. But I have issues elsewhere with the movie. My review is up at Screen International. 

'Weapons' Review

I really liked Barbarian. But I absolutely flipped for writer-director Zach Cregger's follow-up. Here's my review of Weapons. 

'Breakfast All Day': Talking About 'Together'

Christy Lemire invited me back on Breakfast All Day so we could discuss the horror movie/love story Together, starring Alison Brie and Dave Franco. I had lots of thoughts.

supermodel* - "I used to live in england"

Geography's not that hard
Just look at a map
Sometimes Americans are dumb

The Grierson & Leitch Podcast: Marvel's First Family, 'Happy Gilmore 2' and 'Tampopo'

Great episode, but not necessarily because of the new movies we reviewed. We start by discussing The Fantastic Four: First Steps and Happy Gilmore 2. But the real fun comes during our Reboot segment, when we look back at 1985's Tampopo, which is a wonderful film. Check it out down below.

'The Naked Gun' Review

Liam Neeson is no Leslie Nielsen. But I found the new Naked Gun to be pretty darn enjoyable. My review is up at Screen International. 

What's Adam Sandler's Best Film?

The gang at Rolling Stone asked me to write some of the capsules for its big ranking of every Adam Sandler movie. As always, here's this caveat: I had no say over how the list played out. But if you want to read me on Uncut Gems, Punch-Drunk Love and others, check it out here. 

A Salute to the Sports Comedy

In honor of Happy Gilmore 2, Vulture asked us to pick 25 great sports comedies, which was a pleasure. You can check out our list here. 

Ozzy Osbourne - "No More Tears"

Growing up in the Midwest at the time I did, it was impossible not to be aware of Black Sabbath and Ozzy Osbourne. I can't pretend Ozzy's work with his iconic band or as a solo artist was foundational for me. (Wasn't the whole point of Nirvana that it was an antidote to that sort of theatricality in hard rock?) But the orchestral bombast, killer riffs and suite-like sweep of "No More Tears" remains as cheesy/silly good as ever. Rest in peace to an artist who impacted so many lives. Also, this is worth remembering: 

If you’re looking for hope in the world, just remember that Jimmy Swaggart died a disgrace while Ozzy Osbourne died universally beloved.

— Ponsonby Britt (@hockeenight.bsky.social) Jul 23, 2025 at 6:35 PM

'Oh, Hi!' Review

In Oh, Hi!, Molly Gordon plays a woman who really digs her new boyfriend (Logan Lerman), until he shocks her during a weekend getaway by admitting he doesn't want a serious relationship. She does not take the news too well, resulting in this dark romantic comedy. There are great ideas in here, but I don't think the movie entirely works. My review is up at the A.V. Club. 

The Grierson & Leitch Podcast: Ari Aster, Eva Victor and 'The Muppet Movie'

Will was in town but we did not record this episode in person. We talked about that, as well as reviewed two A24 films: Eddington and Sorry, Baby. Then, in our Reboot segment, we looked back at 1979's The Muppet Movie. Check it out down below.

'The Fantastic Four: First Steps' Review

First Steps starts off so promisingly. So what happened? My review is up at Screen International. 

Fantasia 2025: 'Terrestrial' Review

In Terrestrial, a struggling screenwriter (Jermaine Fowler) is visited by his college buddies, who discover that he's now a hotshot Hollywood mover-and-shaker. What's he hiding? My review of this dark comedy is here. 

'Press Play With Madeleine Brand': Lamenting 'Smurfs,' Debating 'Eddington'

Katie Walsh and I were at the KCRW studios yesterday to talk about this weekend's major movie releases. My big takeaway? Lots of stinkers! 

You can hear our reviews of Eddington, Smurfs and I Know What You Did Last Summer down below. (We also discuss an upcoming 70mm screening of 1984's Streets of Fire.)

Lord Huron (featuring Kristen Stewart) - "Who Laughs Last"

After not loving Kristen Stewart's directorial debut or Love Lies Bleeding, it's very nice to report that she absolutely slays in this Lord Huron song. Video's cool, too.

'I Know What You Did Last Summer' Review

The 1997 movie is not good. Is the 2025 sequel any better? My review is up at Screen International. 

The Grierson & Leitch Podcast: James Gunn's 'Superman' and Mailbag Questions

On this week's episode, we go long on Superman. Then, we dive into our listeners' questions, which covered theater etiquette, unlikely trilogies, seeing movies twice in the span of 24 hours, Woody Allen and more. Give it a listen.

My Review of Paul Simon's 'A Quiet Celebration' Tour

The first concert I ever attended was for Paul Simon. On Saturday, I saw him for the fourth time, and perhaps the last time. Over at InsideHook, I wrote about an emotional evening filled with thoughts about death, God and the afterlife. (It also gave me a chance to muse on his 2023 album Seven Psalms.) Hope you enjoy. 

Galway 2025: 'The Negotiator' Review

George Mitchell has had a long life in public service, but the documentary The Negotiator mostly focuses on his work bringing peace to Northern Ireland. I reviewed this admiring (if a bit shallow) film for Screen International.

Cerrone - "Supernature (Instrumental 'Climax' Edit)"

There are several versions of this 1977 disco track floating around. But I chose the one used in Gaspar Noe's Climax. (Thanks to Christine and the Queens for reminding me of it.)

My Interview With Embeth Davidtz, Director of 'Don't Let's Go to the Dogs Tonight'

Embeth Davidtz has been acting in movies since the late 1980s. (Of all her great work, I'll always be partial to her in Junebug.) But until she read Alexandra Fuller's memoir of growing up in what is now Zimbabwe, she had never thought about directing. Why did the book resonate with Davidtz so much? Because it stirred up unresolved feelings about her fraught childhood in South Africa and the racism she encountered there. 

She invited me into her home to talk about her film, Don't Let's Go to the Dogs Tonight, which opens Friday. Hope you enjoy.

(Photo by Matt Seidel.) 

'Superman' Review

I was very curious what James Gunn would do with Superman. Now we know: My review is up at Screen International. 

The Grierson & Leitch Podcast: 'Jurassic World Rebirth' and the Best Films of 2025 (So Far)

Welcome to the end of the first half of the movie year. On this episode, Will and I both reveal our favorite six films so far in 2025. Oh, and we also rip on Jurassic World Rebirth. Check it out below.

The Tubs - "One More Day"

When I first heard the Tubs, I thought, "Wait, is this Bob Mould's new solo album?" Owen Williams does sound a little like the former Husker Du frontman, but the more I listened to Cotton Crown, the more this Welsh band started to establish its own personality. Any similarities to the college rock you loved in your younger years is, I'm sure, purely coincidental.

 

'Heads of State' Review

John Cena plays the U.S. president. Idris Elba is the U.K. prime minister. Together, they barely survive an assassination attempt and then have to go on the run. Does hilarity ensue? You can read my review here.

What's the Funniest Moment in 'This Is Spinal Tap'?

This Is Spinal Tap returns to theaters this weekend in a remastered, restored version. For Cracked, I ranked this all-time comedy's 50 best moments. Enjoy! 

The Best Movies of the 21st Century (So Far)

Rolling Stone asked a bunch of its contributors to work on a massive list of the best films of the 21st century. Remarkably, we're already 25 years into this new century, which means a lot of good movies. As always, I didn't have any say in the final rankings, but I did some of the write-ups, including Y Tu Mama Tambien, Inside Llewyn Davis, Dogville, Burning, Uncut Gems, I Am Not Your Negro, The Souvenir and others. Dive in. 

The Grierson & Leitch Podcast: Two Very Different Sports Movies and 'M3GAN 2.0'

On the podcast, we review F1 and M3GAN 2.0. (We disagree about one of them.) Then, in our Reboot segment, we look back at 1978's Heaven Can Wait. You can check out the episode down below. (And next episode, Will and I will reveal our best films from the first half of this year.)

'Jurassic World Rebirth' Review

The latest Jurassic picture has Scarlett Johansson and Mahershala Ali in it. And it's still bad bad bad. My review of Rebirth is up at Screen International. 

'Press Play With Madeleine Brand': Raving About 'Sorry, Baby' and 'Familiar Touch'

Christy Lemire and I were on KCRW this week to talk about new movies. We reviewed F1 and M3GAN 2.0, but the more interesting conversations regard the Sundance hit Sorry, Baby and the touching drama Familiar Touch. You can hear our segment down below.

'Marlee Matlin: Not Alone Anymore' Review

 

Celebrity documentaries can be fawning puff pieces. But that's not the case with the affectionate, probing Marlee Matlin: Not Alone Anymore, which is candid about her struggles with addiction and sexual abuse. Of course, the film also talks about her deafness, and how she became a trailblazer for a community that still struggles for visibility. My review is up at the Los Angeles Times.

HAIM - "Relationships"

This song has been out for months, but it sounds so much better now that it's summer.

The Grierson & Leitch Podcast: '28 Years Later' and 'The Life of Chuck'

Because we unexpectedly weren't able to do an episode last week, this episode is super-sized, featuring reviews of four new movies. Going into the show, I wondered how many of the films we'd disagree on, and it turns out we saw two of them very differently. You can check out our thoughts on 28 Years Later, Materialists, Elio and The Life of Chuck down below.

What Is Danny Boyle's Best Film?

For the fine folks at Vulture, Will and I put together our ranking of all of Danny Boyle's films, including 28 Years Later. You can check them out here. 

'Caught by the Tides' Review

I'm not claiming it's any kind of blockbuster, but the fact that Jia Zhangke’s Caught by the Tides is still playing in and around Los Angeles more than a month after it opened is damn heartening. For the Los Angeles Times, I extol its virtues, and explain why it's actually a decent primer for someone just getting into Jia. Hope you enjoy. 

The Clash - "I'm So Bored With the U.S.A."

I hadn't heard this in a while. Brought a smile to my face.

My Interview With Rowan Haber and Julia Sweeney for 'We Are Pat'

Perhaps you remember "It's Pat," a series of popular Saturday Night Live sketches Julia Sweeney did back in the early 1990s, in which she played the androgynous, awkward Pat, who constantly provoked confusion: Was Pat a he or a she?  

We Are Pat is a new documentary that examines the character's legacy, and how Pat has impacted the LGBTQ+ community. For Cracked, I had a long conversation with We Are Pat director Rowan Haber (as well as Sweeney) as we discussed "problematic" comedy, trans humor, and Sweeney's SNL memories. We got into a lot of topics: Hope you enjoy.

'The Damned' Review

Roberto Minervini's The Other Side remains one of the great pre-MAGA artifacts of our time. But with The Damned, the nonfiction filmmaker tries his hand at narrative. Sorta. I reviewed this muted, mysterious antiwar movie for the Los Angeles Times. 

My Interview With Jonathan Gould, Author of 'Burning Down the House'

Burning Down the House: Talking Heads and the New York Scene That Transformed Rock is an exhaustive biography of the seminal band and the city that shaped them. For Paste, I talked to author Jonathan Gould (himself a musician) to discuss many things: David Byrne's autism, Stop Making Sense's greatness, and why the band is never ever getting back together. You can read my Q&A here.

'F1' Review

Brad Pitt plays an over-the-hill race car driver looking for a shot at redemption in F1, which is incredible on the track but a lot messier when no one's behind the wheel. You can read my review here. 

'Elio' Review

Elio is one of several recent Pixar films that's not part of the studio's big franchises. I'm glad the company keeps making original movies. I just wish they were better. Here's my review for Screen International. 

The Beach Boys - "In My Room"

When Susan was a kid, she fell in love with "In My Room." She still loves it. In honor of Brian Wilson's passing, let's give it a listen.

The Grierson & Leitch Podcast: 'The Phoenician Scheme,' 'Ballerina' and 'All That Money Can Buy'

On this week's episode, well, we're a little let down by both of the new movies we review. So it's good we went back to 1941's All That Money Can Buy, which is probably better known as The Devil and Daniel Webster. Check out all our wise insights down below.

'Materialists' Review

Past Lives was one of the best films of 2023. Celine Song returns with Materialists. How does it stack up? My review is live at Screen International. 

'Dangerous Animals' Review

I quite liked Sean Byrne's first two films, The Loved Ones and The Devil's Candy. But his first movie in 10 years, Dangerous Animals, left me underwhelmed. I explain why over at the Los Angeles Times. 

The Folk Implosion - "Nothing Gonna Stop"

Let's just ride that groove for four minutes, OK?

What Makes an HBO Documentary Film an HBO Documentary Film?

To get the answer, I spoke separately to five directors who have recently worked with the studio: Nanette Burstein (Elizabeth Taylor: The Lost Tapes), Alex Gibney (Wise Guy: David Chase and the Sopranos), Eric Goode (Chimp Crazy), Lance Oppenheim (Ren Faire) and Matt Wolf (Pee-wee as Himself). These are very different kinds of documentaries, all under the same roof. The results of my conversations can be read over at the Los Angeles Times.

The Grierson & Leitch Podcast: Evil Foster Moms and Tech Bros, and 'Pi'

Two reviews of new movies in this episode. We got creeped out, in different ways, from watching Bring Her Back and Mountainhead. Then, in our Reboot segment, we revisit Darren Aronofsky's 1998 debut. Check it all out down below.

'Ballerina' Review

Ballerina convinced me Ana de Armas has the goods as an action star. I just wish she was in a better movie. My review is up at Screen International.

What 'Dogma' Did to Kevin Smith

Kevin Smith's controversial 1999 comedy Dogma returns to theaters tomorrow. For Cracked, I looked back at the film's legacy, and why he never made as interesting a movie afterward. Hope you enjoy.

My Interview With the Cast of 'Severance'

This was fun. For the Los Angeles Times, I chatted with seven members of the Severance ensemble. (From left to right, that's Zach Cherry, Britt Lower, John Turturro, Adam Scott, Dichen Lachman, Tramell Tillman and Patricia Arquette.) The interesting wrinkle? I talked to them all separately and at different times over the span of a few weeks. What this created was a fascinating experiment in seeing how each of them, on their own, reacted to the challenges of living up to the show's first season. I found them to be candid, even confessional, about the anxieties and issues they faced while filming Season Two. The result is this very satisfying piece, which I hope you enjoy.

(Photos by Jason Armond.)