'The Little Sister' Review

For the Los Angeles Times, I reviewed The Little Sister, which won Best Actress and the Queer Palm at last year's Cannes. It stars newcomer Nadia Melliti as a Muslim teen living in France who realizes she's attracted to women. How will that affect her close relationship with her family? You can read my thoughts on this graceful drama here. 

Queen - "Radio Ga Ga"

Growing up in the Midwest, I must have heard Queen hits like "Bohemian Rhapsody" and "We Will Rock You" approximately 10 million times. But "Radio Ga Ga," which itself was a hit, came to me later in life. And because it doesn't feel overplayed, it retains its charm, funkiness and heart. Also, dig that Metropolis-inspired music video. 

'The Death of Robin Hood' Review

After making Pig and A Quiet Place: Day One, writer-director Michael Sarnoski returns with a dark take on Robin Hood. For Screen International, I reviewed The Death of Robin Hood. 

The Grierson & Leitch Podcast: 'Scary Movie,' 'Masters of the Universe' and 'Power Ballad'

Folks, I'm not gonna soft-pedal it: We review three duds on this week's episode. Hey, it happens. You can hear the full episode down below.

'Renoir' Review

Lots of worthwhile arthouse movies out right now. But one that hasn't gotten enough love is Renoir, the second film from Chie Hayakawa. I had liked her first film, Plan 75, and her follow-up also deals with death in an interesting way. A year after its debut at Cannes, Renoir is finally hitting U.S. theaters. I make my case for it over at the Los Angeles Times.

'Press Play With Madeleine Brand': He-Man, Horror Spoofs, 'Carolina Caroline' and 'The Currents'

The two big movies this weekend are pretty meh. So, instead, let me direct your attention to the other two films Alison Willmore and I discussed on KCRW: the period romantic crime thriller Carolina Caroline and the Argentine drama The Currents (pictured above). Those are far more interesting. Check out our reviews down below. 

k.d. lang - "Constant Craving"

Recently, inspired by a colleague getting ready to celebrate his 50th high school reunion, I started thinking about the songs that defined my high school years. Not the best songs, but the songs that left an impression. Somewhere in the mix has to be this k.d. lang track, which probably remains her most enduring. I haven't listened to it in forever, but when I popped it on right now, it still soared.

'The Screen Podcast': Praising Cannes' Hidden Gems

I was back on Screen International's podcast, hosted by the delightful Wendy Mitchell, to discuss three movies that I feel were overlooked at Cannes. (In a separate segment, my colleague Wendy Ide offers three different picks from the festival.) You can check out our recommendations below.

'Masters of the Universe' Review

I wouldn't go so far as to say that I liked Masters of the Universe. But I do think it's trying to do some interesting things, and I appreciated the effort. My review is up at Screen International.