'Press Play With Madeleine Brand': Wile E. Coyote, Ridley Scott, 'Idiots' and 'Buddy'

I was on KCRW this week, alongside Shawn Edwards, to discuss this weekend's big releases. That includes Coyote vs. Acme and The Dog Stars, but also the indies Idiots and Buddy (pictured above). You can hear our thoughts down below.

Tool - "Sober"

Between this video and The Nightmare Before Christmas, the mid-1990s were a great time for stop-motion animation.

'The Dog Stars' Review

I get the sense that a lot of my colleagues are down on Ridley Scott's latest. I have mixed feelings about The Dog Stars, but I ultimately found it pretty moving. I get into why over at Screen International. 

'American Doctor' Review

 

Poh Si Teng's documentary chronicles three U.S. physicians who volunteer in Gaza hospitals, operating on Palestinians attacked by the Israeli military. But Teng never turns her subjects into heroes or saints. I reviewed American Doctor for the Los Angeles Times. 

'Insidious: Out of the Further' Review

Most of the principal characters from the original Insidious are no longer with us in this sixth installment of the franchise. That's just one of the problems with Out of the Further, which I rip into over at the Los Angeles Times. 

World News - "Everything Is Coming up Roses"

"Everything Is Coming up Roses" sounds a little Band of Horses. It sounds a little Quivers. Those chiming guitars and the deceptively openhearted vocals -- which are singing some fairly downbeat lyrics, if you pay attention -- get me every time.

'Mutiny' Review

Generally speaking, I'm down for a Jason Statham action-thriller. They're often duds, but hey: I enjoy the guy. With that in mind, let me express my disdain for Mutiny, which introduces a plot twist that I am getting increasingly sick of. I talk about that in my Screen International review. 

The Grierson & Leitch Podcast: 'The End of Oak Street,' 'Amziah King' and 'Union County'

Listeners sometimes complain that Will and I agree too often. Well, those who feel that way will be pleased with this week's episode, where we really disagree on the dinosaur thriller The End of Oak Street. We are more aligned, however, on The Rivals of Amziah King and Union County. Hear us debate down below.

Edinburgh 2026: 'Capsized' Review

In Capsized, a dysfunctional family, led by Rhys Ifans, heads off on a vacation. But what they don't know is that Dad hasn't been paying the mortgage, and when they return home, they may be evicted. For Screen International, I reviewed this well-observed drama. 

'The Rivals of Amziah King' Review

Many people will go to Andrew Patterson's new film, which was a hit at SXSW back in 2025, because it stars Matthew McConaughey. But Angelina LookingGlass is the movie's secret weapon. Here's my review of The Rivals of Amziah King.

Grace Ives - "Neither You Nor I"

Grace Ives has released several singles off her recent album Girlfriend. But this is the song I find myself returning to. (Maybe it's because of the track's low-key Bjork vibes.)

How to Get Your Kids Into 'Jackass'

Over at Vulture, we offered up 10 great bits from the Jackass films that kids are gonna love. Of course, don't try any of these at home. But do read our article. 

'The Wrong Girls' Review

I don't love stoner comedies. But I was charmed by The Wrong Girls, which finds Kristen Stewart and Alia Shawkat playing best friends and utter idiots. My review is here.

'Coyote vs. Acme' Review

After years of sitting on the shelf, Coyote vs. Acme is finally hitting theaters. Was it worth the wait? My review is up at Screen International.