Wednesday, August 05, 2026

My Interview With Lynne Littman and Jane Alexander, the Team Behind 'Testament'


You may remember that, a couple years ago, I wrote a piece about some of the major nuclear-war films of the early 1980s. One of those was Testament, which has meant a lot to me since seeing it as a child. 

Well, that film is now part of the Criterion Collection, a development that thrilled me. To celebrate, I interviewed director Lynne Littman and star Jane Alexander over Zoom, hearing their stories about the film's making. We discussed motherhood, death, bad dreams, Oscar season, and why we're still living on the edge of destruction. You can read my piece over at Film Comment.

'One Night Only' Review


Monica Barbaro is a star, and she deserves better than the disappointing romantic comedy One Night Only, which imagines an alternate America in which single people can only have sex one night out of the year. My review is up at Screen International.  

'Late Fame' Review


Kent Jones' second feature concerns an older man who, long ago, had a little notoriety as a hip New York poet. But that was way back in the late 1970s. Now, though, a group of young admirers want to celebrate his forgotten genius. For the A.V. Club, I reviewed the bittersweet drama Late Fame.

Tuesday, August 04, 2026

The Grierson & Leitch Podcast: 'Spider-Man: Brand New Day' and 'All the President's Men'


Only two movies on this week's episode, but they're both major. First up, we review Spider-Man: Brand New Day, which just made box-office history. Then, we go back to 1976 and revisit All the President's Men, which remains as timely as ever, unfortunately. Check out our conversation down below.

Monday, August 03, 2026

'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.

My Interview With Yahya Abdul-Mateen II, Star of 'Wonder Man'


It's nice to know, after all this time, that you can still experience a first in your work.

A few weeks ago, I interviewed Yahya Abdul-Mateen II, the star of Marvel's superb series Wonder Man. Abdul Mateen had been nominated for an Emmy, and the show was getting close to ramping up for its second season. So there was plenty to discuss. I really enjoyed our chat.

Then, after I sent the story to my editor and it was set to be published, Disney dropped a bombshell: Despite already being renewed for a second season, Wonder Man was canceled without explanation. And with that, my article wasn't the same as it had once been.

You can read my profile here. We chatted about turning 40, starring in a David Fincher movie, and what it's like to play a guy who's a struggling actor. 

Saturday, August 01, 2026

'The Samurai and the Prisoner' Review


Kiyoshi Kurosawa is largely known for horror films and thrillers. So what exactly is he doing making a historical drama set in feudal-era Japan? For the Los Angeles Times, I reviewed The Samurai and the Prisoner

Friday, July 31, 2026

Glen Hansard and Marketa Irglova - "Falling Slowly"

In the 20 years since "Falling Slowly" first debuted, how many people have used it as their first song at their wedding? I haven't seen Once in forever, and so I haven't thought about "Falling Slowly" in quite some time. Yes, it's still deeply affecting. Rest in peace, Glen Hansard

Thursday, July 30, 2026

Fantasia 2026: 'The Leader' Review


In 1997, the Heaven's Gate cult committed mass suicide. A potent new movie reflects on the group's leaders and their disturbing, seductive beliefs. For Screen International, I reviewed The Leader.

'Tony' Review


Anthony Bourdain wasn't always the author and chef beloved by his fans. As Tony explains, he was once just a surly young man searching for a purpose. I reviewed this (mostly) unsentimental biopic for Screen International.

Tuesday, July 28, 2026

'Spider-Man: Brand New Day' Review


Best of the Tom Holland Spider-Man movies? I think so. For Screen International, I reviewed the thrilling, thoughtful Brand New Day