My Interview With Jeff Tremaine, Director of 'Jackass: Best and Last'

Jeff Tremaine is one of the chief architects behind Jackass. So why doesn't he get any respect? For Filmmaker, I had a long talk with the auteur -- god, he would hate being called that -- about the long-running series, fighting with the MPAA, kidnapping Brad Pitt, and never growing up. Hope you enjoy. 

'Press Play With Madeleine Brand': Happy 100th Birthday, Mel Brooks

I was very happy to be on KCRW yesterday to talk to Madeleine about Mel Brooks' birthday, and why he's the embodiment of American comedy for the last 75 years. You can hear my segment below.

The Grierson & Leitch Podcast: Supergirls, Jackasses and the 'Obsession'/'Backrooms' Phenomenon

On this week's episode, we review two franchises that didn't have a great showing at the box office. First up is the disappointing Supergirl. Then we giggle over Jackass: Best and Last. Finally, since we never had a conversation about the unexpected twin horror hits Obsession and Backrooms, we talked about what their success means. I really enjoyed this episode, and I hope you do, too.

'Couture' Review

More than a decade ago, Angelina Jolie underwent a double mastectomy out of concern that she had a likelihood of developing cancer. In her new film Couture, she plays a filmmaker facing a cancer diagnosis. The real-world parallels add poignancy to this Fashion Week drama. But is that enough to recommend the film? My review is up at the Los Angeles Times.  

Muna (featuring Phoebe Bridgers) - "Silk Chiffon"

Let's end the week with a love song.

'Jackass: Best and Last' Review

Those lovable idiots are back, thank goodness. For Screen International, I reviewed Jackass: Best and Last. 

'Supergirl' Review

We met Milly Alcock's Supergirl in last year's Superman. Now she has her own movie. Does the character have a future? I have some thoughts over at Screen International. 

The Grierson & Leitch Podcast: 'Toy Story 5,' 'The Death of Robin Hood' and 'The Last Temptation of Christ'

Animation and death run rampant on this week's episode. Will and I compare notes on Toy Story 5 while wondering what went wrong with Hugh Jackman's dark take on Robin Hood. Then, in our Reboot segment, we go back to 1988 to discuss Martin Scorsese's controversial The Last Temptation of Christ. Lots of good stuff here, which you can hear down below.

Transilvania 2026: 'Lionel' Review

Lionel just won the top prize at the Transilvania Film Festival. It has a fetching premise, telling the story of a father and son who don't see eye to eye, starring an actual father and son who don't see eye to eye. My review is now live at Screen International.

'Rose of Nevada' Review

Mark Jenkin's Rose of Nevada is a stunner. My review is up at the Los Angeles Times. 

Perfume Genius - "It's a Mirror"

I'll be out of town this weekend. Hopefully nothing that occurs in this video will happen to me while I'm gone.

'Toy Story 5' Review

Pixar's best franchise is now five-for-five. For Screen International, I reviewed the delightful, moving Toy Story 5. 

The Grierson & Leitch Podcast: 'Disclosure Day' and 'Dazed and Confused'

We only cover two movies in this episode, but they're both pretty meaty. First up is Steven Spielberg's Disclosure Day. Then, in our Reboot segment, we revisit Richard Linklater's Dazed and Confused, which I haven't seen since its opening weekend back in 1993. Hear our thoughts down below. 

'The Little Sister' Review

For the Los Angeles Times, I reviewed The Little Sister, which won Best Actress and the Queer Palm at last year's Cannes. It stars newcomer Nadia Melliti as a Muslim teen living in France who realizes she's attracted to women. How will that affect her close relationship with her family? You can read my thoughts on this graceful drama here. 

Queen - "Radio Ga Ga"

Growing up in the Midwest, I must have heard Queen hits like "Bohemian Rhapsody" and "We Will Rock You" approximately 10 million times. But "Radio Ga Ga," which itself was a hit, came to me later in life. And because it doesn't feel overplayed, it retains its charm, funkiness and heart. Also, dig that Metropolis-inspired music video. 

'The Death of Robin Hood' Review

After making Pig and A Quiet Place: Day One, writer-director Michael Sarnoski returns with a dark take on Robin Hood. For Screen International, I reviewed The Death of Robin Hood. 

The Grierson & Leitch Podcast: 'Scary Movie,' 'Masters of the Universe' and 'Power Ballad'

Folks, I'm not gonna soft-pedal it: We review three duds on this week's episode. Hey, it happens. You can hear the full episode down below.

'Renoir' Review

Lots of worthwhile arthouse movies out right now. But one that hasn't gotten enough love is Renoir, the second film from Chie Hayakawa. I had liked her first film, Plan 75, and her follow-up also deals with death in an interesting way. A year after its debut at Cannes, Renoir is finally hitting U.S. theaters. I make my case for it over at the Los Angeles Times.

'Press Play With Madeleine Brand': He-Man, Horror Spoofs, 'Carolina Caroline' and 'The Currents'

The two big movies this weekend are pretty meh. So, instead, let me direct your attention to the other two films Alison Willmore and I discussed on KCRW: the period romantic crime thriller Carolina Caroline and the Argentine drama The Currents (pictured above). Those are far more interesting. Check out our reviews down below. 

k.d. lang - "Constant Craving"

Recently, inspired by a colleague getting ready to celebrate his 50th high school reunion, I started thinking about the songs that defined my high school years. Not the best songs, but the songs that left an impression. Somewhere in the mix has to be this k.d. lang track, which probably remains her most enduring. I haven't listened to it in forever, but when I popped it on right now, it still soared.

'The Screen Podcast': Praising Cannes' Hidden Gems

I was back on Screen International's podcast, hosted by the delightful Wendy Mitchell, to discuss three movies that I feel were overlooked at Cannes. (In a separate segment, my colleague Wendy Ide offers three different picks from the festival.) You can check out our recommendations below.

'Masters of the Universe' Review

I wouldn't go so far as to say that I liked Masters of the Universe. But I do think it's trying to do some interesting things, and I appreciated the effort. My review is up at Screen International. 

The Grierson & Leitch Podcast: 'Backrooms,' 'The Breadwinner' and 'Exotica'

I return home from Cannes and immediately watch the worst movie of the year. On the podcast, we talk about The Breadwinner and dig deep into the A24 horror sensation Backrooms. Then, we go back to 1994 to reconsider Exotica and the once-promising career of Atom Egoyan. Check out the latest episode down below.