The Grierson & Leitch Podcast: 'The Devil Wears Prada 2,' 'Hokum' and 'Animal Farm'

As luck would have it, I didn't actually write about any of the three films we reviewed this week on the podcast. So you can hear me express my disappointment in the Devil Wears Prada sequel, praise Adam Scott in Hokum and shake my head at the animated Animal Farm. The full episode is below:

'Power Ballad' Review

John Carney is the man behind music-related movies like Once and Sing Street. His latest involves a wedding singer (Paul Rudd) and a faded pop star (Nick Jonas) who cross paths, changing each other in the process. Here's my review of the so-so Power Ballad. 

'One Spoon of Chocolate' Review

RZA is one of music's all-time greats. But he occasionally directs as well. His fourth feature, One Spoon of Chocolate, stars Shameik Moore as an Iraq War veteran and ex-convict who visits his cousin in a small Ohio town, discovering some dastardly doings in the community. My review of this action-thriller is up at the Los Angeles Times. 

Everything but the Girl - "Each and Every One"

I'm delighted that, after all this time, I still discover songs and albums Susan loved before we were dating. Everything but the Girl's first record, 1984's Eden, was a big one for her at a certain time in her life. The opening track, and fairly big single, "Each and Every One" sounds like a breakup song. But Tracey Thorn revealed in 2023 that it was about something else:

I’d been in the Marine Girls. We were three naive school girls making indie music, and we got a bit more attention than we might have expected. We got written about in the music press, but often in a patronizing tone of voice. When I got a year or so older, I looked at it and thought, “I used to think that was a compliment, but actually it’s quite patronizing.” I expressed those feelings in a slightly coded way in “Each and Every One,” so people have always interpreted it as a love song. It sounds like I’m singing to an annoying boyfriend or something. And it doesn’t matter, in a way—what comes through is a sentiment of, “I don’t like being told what to do. I don’t like to be put in my place.” 

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.

'Mother Mary' and Male Filmmakers' Fascination With Female Pop Stars

David Lowery's Mother Mary is just the latest film about a female superstar in peril. Why do male directors love making these movies? I have some theories.

Why Audiences (Still) Love Seeing Movies on Film

So, this was fun. For Screen International's "The Future of Film" issue, I suggested we reach out to theaters that show movies on celluloid. They still exist! And, in fact, they're thriving. I was very happy to interview the fine folks at BFI, the Music Box and the American Cinematheque to get a sense of why audiences are excited to see film prints, even when those prints are no longer sparkling and new. Hope you enjoy. 

'The Sheep Detectives' Review

The Sheep Detectives comes out on Mother's Day weekend, and it's an ideal film to see with your mom and/or family. Sweet and silly, it's a whodunit featuring talking sheep and dimwitted humans (and also Hugh Jackman). But the film's highlight is a great Julia Louis-Dreyfus performance as a sleuthing ewe. My review is here.

'Wasteman' Review

David Jonsson is becoming one of those actors who makes everything he's in better. For the Los Angeles Times, I reviewed Wasteman, a prison drama elevated by his presence. You can read my thoughts here. 

'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.