The Grierson & Leitch Podcast: 'Digger,' 'Verity' and 'Fjord'

We've now entered awards season, so the podcast is gonna be jam-packed with Oscar hopefuls and the occasional fall blockbuster for the next few months. This week, we debate Tom Cruise's risky satire but are much more aligned on the hit thriller Verity and Christian Mungiu's Palme d'Or winner. You can check out the conversation down below. 

'Verity' Review

The twisty, sexy thriller Verity is meant to be silly and trashy. But is it any good? My review is live at Screen International.

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.

'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. 

Cannes 2025: 'Splitsville' Review

I had extremely mixed feelings about The Climb, the debut feature film from director Michael Angelo Covino. Now he's back with Splitsville, which like its predecessor is about male friendships and romantic commitment. I remain pretty indifferent to Covino's approach, which I wrote about for Screen International. 

The Comedies I'm Curious to See in 2025

Celine Song making a James L. Brooks-style romantic comedy? Adam Sandler returning as Happy Gilmore? Here's my preview of 2025's most intriguing comedies for Cracked.

'Moana 2' Review

It's been eight years since Moana. Was the sequel worth the wait? My review is up at Screen International.

The Grierson & Leitch Podcast: Madame Web, Bob Marley, Pat Garrett and Billy the Kid

There's a wide range of characters in the three films we discuss on this week's podcast. You've got a reluctant superhero, a troubled reggae star, a conflicted sheriff and a brash outlaw. (Also, Bob Dylan.) Check out the full episode down below.

Dakota Johnson, the Queen of Memes

Most agree that Madame Web is bad. So why does everyone still love Dakota Johnson? Because she has the superpower of being able to rise above the shoddy film that she's in and be a delightful public presence. For RogerEbert.com, I wrote about how her appeal transcends her movies. (Which is not to say she isn't a good actress, because she is.) Hope you enjoy.

'Madame Web' Review

Is it as bad as the advance buzz suggests? No. Is it actually good? No.

For Screen International, here's my review of Madame Web.

Sundance 2022: 'Am I OK?' Review

Directors and married couple Stephanie Allynne and Tig Notaro make their feature debut with Am I OK?, about best friends (Dakota Johnson, Sonoya Mizuno) who have to contend with the fact that one of them is moving to London -- and the other thinks she's gay. I found the movie sweet but kinda flimsy. My review is live over at Screen International.    

Sundance 2022: 'Cha Cha Real Smooth' Review

Cooper Raiff's sophomore feature was just picked up by Apple TV+ for $15 million. My review for Screen International is, thankfully for you, much cheaper to read.

The Grierson & Leitch Podcast: 'The High Note,' 'The Vast of Night' and 'Andrei Rublev'

Happy to have two new movies to review, although The High Note didn't do much for me. (I liked The Vast of Night far more.) Then, in our Reboot segment, we go long on Andrei Tarkovsky's second film. Hear the whole thing down below.

Sundance 2019: 'Wounds' Review

Me: "I'm reviewing Wounds tonight."

Colleague [who had already seen it]: "Oh, god, good luck."

I didn't go into Wounds with high expectations, but I was still disappointed. How can a movie with Armie Hammer, Dakota Johnson and Zazie Beetz be bad? Read on.

The Grierson & Leitch Podcast: 'Burning,' 'Suspiria,' Notable New Documentaries and 'Primer'

This week's episode is largely devoted to Lee Chang-dong's wondrous Burning. But I also take a little time to talking about Suspiria ... and Shirkers, On Her Shoulders and Monrovia, Indiana. Then, Will and I go back in time to discuss 2004's Primer. That movie gets better each time I watch it. Hear the whole thing down below.

Some Thoughts on 'Suspiria'

You may hate Suspiria. You should see it anyway. I explain why over at MEL. (I also talk about Movie 43, Bob Dylan and Thom Yorke.)

'Bad Times at the El Royale' Review

I really liked The Cabin in the Woods, so I was curious to see what writer-director Drew Goddard would do next. It's Bad Times at the El Royale, a Tarantino-esque look at a group of strangers who descend on an isolated hotel one dark and stormy night. I liked it a little less than The Cabin. My review is up at Screen International.

Venice 2018: 'Suspiria' Review

Dakota Johnson is enigmatic, Tilda Swinton is artsy, Luca Guadagnino is fevered, and the Suspiria remake is half-mad. My review of this flawed but pretty enticing film is up at Screen International.