'Extra Hot Great': Feeling Mixed on 'Furious,' Debating 'Soldier of Illusion'

I always have such fun on the Extra Hot Great podcast. And we had a lot to talk about. First up, we review the acclaimed new Hulu limited series Furious, which I had some reservations about. Then, I put in a plug for the delightful Lonely Island 2019 "visual poem" The Unauthorized Bash Brothers Experience. Finally, we discussed whether or not to add the Documentary Now! episode "Soldier of Illusion' into the Canon. Tara, Sarah and Dave are the best: You can hear our conversation down below.

The Grierson & Leitch Podcast: 'Michael,' 'Mother Mary' and 'Over Your Dead Body'

Two very different musicians are featured in new movies in this week's episode. And we also look at Jorma Taccone's Over Your Dead Body. Which film did we disagree on? You'll have to listen to find out.

'Over Your Dead Body' Review

I am a proud member of Quaid Army. Alas, I did not like Jorma Taccone's dark, gory comedy Over Your Dead Body. My review is up at the Los Angeles Times. 

'Press Play With Madeleine Brand': Michael Jackson, 'Blue Heron' and 'I Swear'

I was back on Press Play, this time alongside Christy Lemire, to discuss a variety of new movies. We've got biopics: Michael and I Swear. We've got violent dark comedies: Over Your Dead Body. And we've got the critically acclaimed indie Blue Heron. You can hear our thoughts down below.

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.

'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. 

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. 

Michael Bolton's Journey From Punchline to Hip Comedy Icon

Everything that once was uncool will eventually become cool. Take Michael Bolton, whose music was initially ridiculed by hipsters. But now? He's buddies with Andy Samberg. I explored that unlikely transformation over at Cracked.

Happy "Motherlover" Day

Every Mother's Day needs a Mother's Night. I wrote about the Lonely Island banger (sorry) for Cracked.

The Lonely Island (featuring Justin Timberlake) - "Dick in a Box"

You know it's Christmas / And my heart is open wide...

'Palm Springs' Review

Andy Samberg is stuck in a day he can't get out of in Palm Springs. Does that sound similar to Groundhog Day? I reviewed the film for MEL.

Cannes 2017: 'Brigsby Bear' Review

Brigsby Bear, which stars Saturday Night Live's Kyle Mooney, premiered at Sundance, but I caught up with it in Cannes. He plays a twentysomething man who doesn't realize (A) he was kidnapped as a baby; (B) he's been living in a bunker with his captors; and (C) his favorite show is actually something his kidnappers made specifically to keep him entertained. When the guy enters the real world, how will he react? My review of this decently funny and thoughtful comedy is up at Screen International.

The Lonely Island's Legacy and 'Popstar'

Over at The New Republic, I thought a little about the Lonely Island and how Popstar both encapsulates their greatness and suggests that they're past their prime. As someone who listens to Incredibad a bunch to this day, I think I'm qualified to render an opinion on such matters -- hopefully you'll agree.

'Popstar: Never Stop Never Stopping' Review

A big Lonely Island fan, I was hopeful that they could pull off Popstar, which is a very silly mockumentary that spoofs the modern pop world. They succeed, for the most part. My review is up at Screen International.

'Party Over Here' Review

Andy Samberg and the rest of the Lonely Island have a new late-night show on Saturdays called Party Over Here. They're not the stars, though: Instead, it's three up-and-coming comics, Nicole Byer, Alison Rich and Jessica McKenna. So far, I'm not too impressed, which you'll be able to gather from my review in The Wrap.

Andy Samberg's Future in Film

Andy Samberg is a mystery to me. I liked him fine on Saturday Night Live, and I really enjoyed (most of) his Digital Shorts. And the first Lonely Island album, Incredibad, is actually quite great. But I don't find myself that interested in his transition to film: I worry there's not enough of a persona there to make me care. For Gawker, I decided to predict what sort of career Samberg is going to have in film. To make it more fun, I compared him to many Saturday Night Live alums to see if any of them might be a good fit. You can read my findings here.