Monday, August 03, 2026

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

Friday, July 24, 2026

'Sheep in the Box' Review


Even the greats stumble from time to time. For the Los Angeles Times, I reviewed Hirokazu Kore-eda's disappointing look at grief and AI, Sheep in the Box

Fantasia 2026: 'Rubberhead: The Life & Monsters of Steve Johnson' Review

Anyone who came of age loving practical effects will probably dig Rubberhead, a documentary about makeup effects artist Steve Johnson who was the mastermind behind films like Ghostbusters during his heyday in the 1980s and early 1990s. Eventually, though, the industry changed and he faced some personal issues. The movie goes into all of that. My review is here

Lola Young - "Messy"

Men are truly the worst.

Monday, July 20, 2026

The Grierson & Leitch Podcast: Let's Talk About 'The Odyssey' (and 'Office Space')


Will and I go long on Christopher Nolan's epic film. And then we go back to 1999 to revisit Mike Judge's Office Space. You can hear our discussion down below.