SXSW 2025: 'Another Simple Favor' Review

I wasn't a fan of A Simple Favor. Did the long-awaited sequel change my mind about this stylish franchise? My review is up at Screen International.

What's the Greatest Action-Comedy Ever?

And what even is an action-comedy? I answer both questions over at Cracked.

Telling Melissa McCarthy's Story in Only Five Movies

If you only had five films to encapsulate The Little Mermaid star Melissa McCarthy's career, which would you choose? Here are the ones I picked.

'Breakfast All Day': What Went Wrong With 'The School for Good and Evil'?

I was very happy to be on Breakfast All Day with Christy Lemire to talk about Paul Feig's deeply disappointing Netflix fantasy film. You can watch the segment below.

What Paul Feig Pulled Off With 'Bridesmaids'

In light of the release of The School for Good and Evil, I wanted to look back at a much better Paul Feig film, one that helped changed Hollywood. For Cracked, I wrote about the groundbreaking Bridesmaids.

'The School for Good and Evil' Review

Paul Feig has a new movie out today on Netflix. You probably didn't know that. Don't feel bad: It's terrible. For Screen International, I reviewed The School for Good and Evil.

The Grierson & Leitch Podcast: Horror, Christmas and World War II

On this week's episode, we both review Doctor Sleep and Last Christmas. Then Will asks me some questions about Midway. Check out the whole podcast down below.

The Grierson & Leitch Podcast: Predators, 'White Boy Rick' and 'Mandy'

We're back after a week off. We diss The Predator and stick up for White Boy Rick. I talk a little about the Toronto Film Festival and A Simple Favor. And then we delve into Mandy. The whole episode is down below.

'A Simple Favor' Review

I saw A Simple Favor before Toronto. I barely remember it, so thank goodness I wrote my review while it was still fresh in my mind. I know this: The movie isn't good. You can read my thoughts over at Screen International.

The Grierson & Leitch Podcast: Woody Allen and the Lady Ghostbusters

For the latest episode of the Grierson & Leitch podcast, Will and I review Ghostbusters and Cafe Society. (On one of those two movies, we disagree.) And then, for our Reboot segment, we tackle Gattaca. You can check out the whole thing here.

'Ghostbusters' and the Don't-Screw-It-Up Franchise Culture

For The New Republic, I looked at the new Ghostbusters through the perspective of a Hollywood mentality that takes as few risks as possible with remakes/reboots of beloved properties. In such a climate, the closest a filmmaker can get to being daring is, well, switching the genders of the main characters. You can read my piece right here.

'Ghostbusters' Review

It took me about 20 minutes into Ghostbusters until I could finally relax and think, "OK, this is actually good." After months of so-so trailers and sexist online diatribes, this remake is pretty darn delightful -- and surprisingly emotional, to boot. But also just funny. My review is up at Screen International.

Summer 2016: The Must-Sees of the Season

Captain America: Civil War is just around the corner. (I liked it.) So now seems a fine time to preview the summer movie season. For The New Republic, Will and I wrote about 15 films worth putting on your radar. (I'm going to hope for the best with the new Ghostbusters.) Check it out.

'Spy' Review

Spy premiered at SXSW last night, but I was able to catch it here in Los Angeles. And I'm very happy to report that Melissa McCarthy finally gets a starring vehicle where she doesn't have to play the overbearing, bulldozing Melissa McCarthy of her recent starring vehicles. No, Spy is a big, happy, generous comedy, and she's a total hoot in it: sexy and vulnerable and deeply charming. (As for Jason Statham fans, you should also be thrilled: Our guy is great in this.) (And, oh yeah, Jude Law's fun, too.) I reviewed Spy for Screen International.