The Grierson & Leitch Podcast: 'The Drama,' 'Outcome' and 'Exit 8'

After a week off, we're back! And we're here to talk about how terrible Outcome is. Also, we differ on The Drama and get lost in Exit 8. You can hear all our thoughts down below.

'Press Play With Madeleine Brand': Mario & Luigi & Zendaya & Robert Pattinson & 'Yes' & 'Kontinental '25'

Provocateurs dominate my segment of Press Play, where Shawn Edwards and I reviewed the button-pushing The Drama, Yes and Kontinental '25. As for The Super Mario Galaxy Movie, it mostly provoked me to despair for society at large. You can hear our conversation down below.

My Interview With Shira Small

This article is a long time coming. In fact, I didn't know if it would ever happen. Four years ago, I devoted a Friday Video to an artist I had just discovered: Shira Small. As I explained back then, I had recently stumbled upon her song "My Life's All Right" while going through Spotify's Discover Weekly playlist. The track bewitched me, even more so when I realized it was from 1974. How had I never heard it before? Soon, I was digging into the album that included the song, The Line of Time and the Plane of Now. I instantly became a fan.

Then, a funny thing happened, Small's sister Beverly reached out after seeing my post. Would I want to write an article about Shira? I was very intrigued. She was only a teenager when she made her album, and then never recorded another. But I didn't have a good hook for the piece. Still, I never stopped thinking about The Line of Time and the Plane of Now, which I listen to constantly.

Cut to March 2026. I'm at a screening of The Drama. Early on in the film, Zendaya and Robert Pattinson's characters are practicing their first dance for their wedding. Suddenly, a song comes on that knocks me sideways. It's "I Want to Lay With You," from The Line of Time and the Plane of Now. I thought I was one of the few people who had heard the record. How did this A24 movie find it? At last, I had the hook I'd been looking for.

With much thanks to my Los Angeles Times editor Josh Rothkopf, who loved the idea instantly, I reached out to Small, who turns 70 in June, to interview her about her short-lived music career and learn what she's been up to since. It was a pleasure to finally meet her and talk about an album that means a lot to me. (I also spoke to, among others, The Drama's music supervisor, who was also a fan of Small.) 

Sometimes, you have ideas that just sit inside you for years. You think they'll be something you never get to write. I am so very glad this dream piece finally happened.

You can read my profile of Shira Small here. I hope you enjoy. 

'The Drama' Review

It's the buzziest film of the year so far. So what did I think of The Drama? You can read my thoughts here. (And fear not: There are no spoilers.)

The Grierson & Leitch Podcast: The Best Films of the First Half of 2024

We're already halfway through the year, which means it's time for each of us to offer up our picks for the best films of 2024 (so far). We also spend a little time reviewing the mediocre Beverly Hills Cop: Axel F. Check it all out below.

The Grierson & Leitch Podcast: Raving About 'Challengers' and 'The Feeling That the Time for Doing Something Has Passed'

I was in Toronto last weekend, but we still managed to record an episode of the podcast while I was away. Only two reviews this time, though -- and they're two darn good movies. Check it out below.

I Love Luca Guadagnino

Luca Guadagnino's latest is one of his best. In honor of the imminent release of Challengers, I wrote about the filmmaker's consuming commitment to chronicling love in all its forms. Hope you enjoy.

'Challengers' Review

Challengers is Luca Guadagnino's best film since Call Me by Your Name. My review is up at Screen International.

The Grierson & Leitch Podcast: The New 'Dune,' 'Spaceman' and Our Oscar Predictions

Two outer-space films are reviewed on this week's podcast. But the real excitement comes during our deep dive into the Oscars, where we make our picks in all the major categories. Hope you enjoy.

'Press Play With Madeleine Brand': Talking About 'Dune: Part Two,' 'Shayda' and 'Problemista'

Very happy to be back on KCRW talking new movies. I was joined by Alison Willmore to review the Dune sequel, Adam Sandler's sci-fi drama Spaceman, the underwhelming Problemista and the moving Shayda. Hear our segment down below.

'Dune: Part Two' Review

I'm not sure I love Part Two as much as I loved Part One. But the new Dune is sure something. My review is up at Screen International.

'Spider-Man: No Way Home' Review

It's a low bar, I realize, but Spider-Man: No Way Home is the best Marvel movie since Avengers: Endgame. My review is up at Screen International.

'Malcolm & Marie' Review

Zendaya and John David Washington spend a night in a house fighting. Who'd want to watch that? For MEL, I stick up for the divisive Malcolm & Marie.