The Grierson & Leitch Podcast: The Best Films of 2026 (So Far)

We've reached the halfway point of the year. So it's time for Will and me to each reveal our picks for the six best films of 2026 so far. My list includes a big studio movie, a three-hour road trip shot on a crappy old smartphone, a semi-autobiographical drama a Kafkaesque nightmare, a satire about the Israel/Palestine conflict, and a ghostly tale about a missing boat that returns. Check out our choices down below.

Vince Staples - "Only in America"

America the beautiful, I'd like to take a look at you. 

'Romeria' Review

Lots of folks will be seeing Minions & Monsters this holiday weekend. If you're in more of an arthouse mood, why not check out Romeria? For the Los Angeles Times, I reviewed Carla Simon's latest autobiographical tale, which concerns a teenager searching for answers about her long-dead parents. Check it out here.

My Interview With Jeff Tremaine, Director of 'Jackass: Best and Last'

Jeff Tremaine is one of the chief architects behind Jackass. So why doesn't he get any respect? For Filmmaker, I had a long talk with the auteur -- god, he would hate being called that -- about the long-running series, fighting with the MPAA, kidnapping Brad Pitt, and never growing up. Hope you enjoy. 

'Press Play With Madeleine Brand': Happy 100th Birthday, Mel Brooks

I was very happy to be on KCRW yesterday to talk to Madeleine about Mel Brooks' birthday, and why he's the embodiment of American comedy for the last 75 years. You can hear my segment below.

The Grierson & Leitch Podcast: Supergirls, Jackasses and the 'Obsession'/'Backrooms' Phenomenon

On this week's episode, we review two franchises that didn't have a great showing at the box office. First up is the disappointing Supergirl. Then we giggle over Jackass: Best and Last. Finally, since we never had a conversation about the unexpected twin horror hits Obsession and Backrooms, we talked about what their success means. I really enjoyed this episode, and I hope you do, too.

'Couture' Review

More than a decade ago, Angelina Jolie underwent a double mastectomy out of concern that she had a likelihood of developing cancer. In her new film Couture, she plays a filmmaker facing a cancer diagnosis. The real-world parallels add poignancy to this Fashion Week drama. But is that enough to recommend the film? My review is up at the Los Angeles Times.  

Muna (featuring Phoebe Bridgers) - "Silk Chiffon"

Let's end the week with a love song.