'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. 

'Press Play With Madeleine Brand': Michael Jackson, 'Blue Heron' and 'I Swear'

I was back on Press Play, this time alongside Christy Lemire, to discuss a variety of new movies. We've got biopics: Michael and I Swear. We've got violent dark comedies: Over Your Dead Body. And we've got the critically acclaimed indie Blue Heron. You can hear our thoughts down below.

Traffic - "Feelin' Alright?"

Joe Cocker made the song a hit. But Traffic recorded the original. Rest in peace, Dave Mason.

The Grierson & Leitch Podcast: 'The Christophers,' Another 'Mummy' and 'Normal'

Susan and I were away this past weekend, but that did not stop Will and me from recording our podcast. (We taped some segments beforehand and some during the trip.) You can hear us discuss Steven Soderbergh's latest, as well as Lee Cronin's The Mummy and Normal, both of which stink. Oh, and I talk about Citizen Kane a little as well. Hope you enjoy.  

'Michael' Review

Sight unseen, there were reasons to dread Michael. And, indeed, the movie is a stinker, both in terms of what it shows and what it leaves out about Michael Jackson's life. My review is up at Screen International.