That Vanilla Ice Song in 'The Secret of the Ooze'

There's a certain type of Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles fan who has a soft spot for Vanilla Ice. Why? For Cracked, I wrote about the infamous "Ninja Rap."

Fantasia 2023: 'What You Wish For' Review

In What You Wish For, Nick Stahl plays a chef tasked with an unusual assignment. I won't reveal the twist, but my review of this dark comedic thriller is here.

Fantasia 2023: 'Empire V' Review

The vampire film Empire V was banned in Russia for its critique of the nation's corruption. Does that mean you should see it? My review is over at Screen International.

'Press Play With Madeleine Brand': Reviewing 'Haunted Mansion,' 'Talk to Me,' 'War Pony' and 'Sympathy for the Devil'

Katie Walsh and I were on KCRW Thursday to discuss this weekend's new releases. It's always fun being on with her. You can hear our conversation down below. 

On Zach Galifianakis in 'The Beanie Bubble'

Sometimes, a movie isn't so good, but there's a performance in it so interesting that it's still worth writing about. Such is the case with The Beanie Bubble, which features a clean-shaven Zach Galifianakis. I explain what makes the role so intriguing, beyond the lack of beard, right here.

'Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Mutant Mayhem' Review

The best Turtles movie ever? You bet. Here's my review of Mutant Mayhem.

Sinead O'Connor - "Thank You for Hearing Me"

This one's gonna take a while to get over.

The Grierson & Leitch Podcast: 'Oppenheimer,' 'Barbie' and the New 'Mission: Impossible'

We were off last week, so there's a lot to discuss in our latest episode. Three big movies, and we tackle them all in depth. Have a listen.

'Haunted Mansion' Review

Barbenheimer created such good vibes that it's a bummer that the big release this weekend won't be able to sustain that momentum. For Screen International, I reviewed Haunted Mansion.

Fantasia 2023: 'Sympathy for the Devil' Review

Joel Kinnaman plays a man driving to the hospital to see his pregnant wife. But when he gets there, a menacing figure (Nicolas Cage) gets into his car, pulls out a gun, and tells him to drive. Where are they headed? For Screen International, I reviewed Sympathy for the Devil.

Let's Talk About That "Push" Joke in 'Barbie'

For Cracked, I went long digging into the history of the Matchbox Twenty song that's integral to one of Barbie's best jokes. Hope you enjoy.

'Barbie,' 'Popeye' and the Challenges of Adapting Beloved Characters for the Big Screen

Recently, director Greta Gerwig unveiled a list of movies that inspired her Barbie. One she didn't mention, though, was Popeye. For Cracked, I explained how that Robert Altman film's DNA is embedded in her movie. Hope you enjoy.

Dua Lipa - "Dance the Night"

Happy Barbenheimer, everybody.

'Oppenheimer' Review

See it as big as you can. For Screen International, I reviewed Oppenheimer. 

'Mission: Impossible,' 'Jerry Maguire' and Tom Cruise at the Crossroads

In 1996, Tom Cruise put out two movies that suggested different career trajectories he could follow. For Cracked, I wrote about where he went from there.

Herb Alpert & the Tijuana Brass - "A Taste of Honey"

I forget which one, but some radio station used this song when it was doing its "community calendar" segment. So now when I hear "A Taste of Honey," I always mentally prepare to hear what's going on at the arts and crafts fair this weekend.

What's the Greatest Sex Comedy Ever?

I tried to answer that question for Cracked.

My Interview With Christian Petzold, Director of 'Afire'

Afire is really good, but the big news is that German auteur Christian Petzold, for once, has made a comedy. I talked to him about that for the Los Angeles Times.

The Grierson & Leitch Podcast: The Best Films of the First Half of 2023

It's that time of year: On the podcast, we look back at the movies we liked from the first half of the year. Check it out. 

My Interview With Sam Richardson

Sam Richardson has been in everything lately, including returning for the new season of The Afterparty. I had a long talk with him about Veep, Detroiters and code-switching. Hope you enjoy.

The Legacy of George Michael's "Faith" Video

George Michael wanted to change his image. Dana Carvey thought the "Faith" video was funny. For Cracked, I wrote about the long cultural shadow of the musician's butt-shaking clip.

What 'Girls Trip' Did for Tiffany Haddish

Before 2017, she was a relative unknown. But after Girls Trip, the world knew Tiffany Haddish. You can read my latest for Cracked here.

Depeche Mode - "Never Let Me Down Again"

I'm fairly certain it's Friday. Weird week.

'Mission: Impossible - Dead Reckoning Part One' Review

He's back: For Screen International, I reviewed the latest film in the Ethan Hunt saga.

The Grierson & Leitch Podcast: Indy, Jennifer Lawrence and 'Reality'

Happy Fourth. We reviewed Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny, No Hard Feelings and Reality. Next week, we'll be looking at the best films from the first half of 2023. Enjoy!

'Press Play With Madeleine Brand': Reviews of 'Dial of Destiny,' 'Ruby Gillman,' 'Every Body' and 'Prisoner's Daughter'

What should you see this Independence Day weekend? And what should you skip? Katie Walsh and I were on KCRW to give you some guidance.

What's the Funniest Movie to Open Over Fourth of July?

This time of year, the multiplex is ruled by action movies. But every once in a while, we get a great comedy. I looked back at a few for Cracked.