The Grierson & Leitch Podcast: Deadpool and Wolverine, Curtis and Samantha, Mikey and Nicky

Three unforgettable duos are the highlight of this week's podcast. First, we review Deadpool & Wolverine. Then, we dig into two great Reboot suggestions. There's Michael Shannon and Jessica Chastain in Take Shelter. And there's Peter Falk and John Cassavetes in Mikey and Nicky. Check it out down below.

Michael Bolton's Journey From Punchline to Hip Comedy Icon

Everything that once was uncool will eventually become cool. Take Michael Bolton, whose music was initially ridiculed by hipsters. But now? He's buddies with Andy Samberg. I explored that unlikely transformation over at Cracked.

'X-Men Origins: Wolverine' and Hollywood's Spin-Off Era

In 2009, Fox wanted to extend its lucrative X-Men franchise by doing a spin-off film for Wolverine. The resulting movie wasn't that good, but it did help show the studios what they could do with their hit properties, unfortunately. For RogerEbert.com, I wrote about X-Men: Origins: Wolverine's legacy.

My Interview With Michael O'Keefe, Star of 'Caddyshack'

He plays the main character in Caddyshack, not that you necessarily think of Danny as the film's main character. It's been nearly 45 years since that comedy opened in theaters, so how does Michael O'Keefe feel about the movie today? I had a long talk with him about that, and also Buddhism, addiction and learning from your bad career choices. Hope you enjoy.

'Til Tuesday - "Voices Carry"

"'Voices Carry' was like the first or second or third song I ever wrote by myself, except [for] a couple terrible garbage-y things when I was 16." -- Aimee Mann

My 2024 Venice Film Festival Preview

I'll be going to Venice for the first time since 2019. What I'm looking forward to seeing? Here's a look at the 10 most-intriguing films playing the festival.

The Grierson & Leitch Podcast: Tornadoes, Serial Killers and 'Fly Me to the Moon'

After a week off, we're back with reviews of Twisters, Longlegs and Fly Me to the Moon. I only like one of those three movies, but I liked it a lot. (We also talked about the election and the Cardinals.) Hear our whole chat down below.

'The Fabulous Four' Review

Maybe you aren't interested in Deadpool & Wolverine: Is there anything else out at the multiplex for you to see? Well, there's The Fabulous Four, about four lifelong friends who reunite in Florida. But as I explain over at Screen International, I would stay away from this comedy.

'Deadpool & Wolverine' Review

One has claws. One has an attitude. Now, these two Marvel heroes are finally teaming up. For Screen International, I reviewed the much-anticipated Deadpool & Wolverine.

Fantasia 2024: 'Bookworm' Review

In Bookworm, Elijah Wood plays a (not very good) magician who reunites with his estranged daughter (Nell Fisher) to go on a quest to find a rare panther. I reviewed this so-so quirky family film for Screen International.

'Press Play With Madeleine Brand': Riffing on 'Oddity,' 'Crossing' and 'Skywalkers'

During my latest appearance on Press Play, we of course discussed Twisters. But let me draw your attention to the other films we reviewed: an Irish horror film, a tender LGBTQ+ drama and a nerve-wracking documentary. Also, I was in the studio with my friend Monica Castillo, who I had never done the show with before. It was a treat! Hear the whole thing down below.

Bell Biv DeVoe - "Poison"

The high point of new jack swing? Yeah, maybe.

The Best Documentaries About Love

In honor of Skywalkers: A Love Story, I spent a little time thinking about other documentaries focused on relationships and commitment. I picked 10 great films and made the case for each here.

My Interview With Levan Akin, Writer-Director of 'Crossing'

Levan Akin heard a story about a Georgian grandfather who publicly supported his trans grandchild, an uncommon (and, frankly, courageous) act. It made Akin wonder how his own grandparents would have reacted in the same situation. Out of that came his touching new film Crossing. For RogerEbert.com, I talked to the writer-director about researching Istanbul's trans community, his early love of Anne Rice, and that time he almost talked to Madonna. Hope you enjoy.

My Interview With Ibrahim Nash’at, Director of 'Hollywoodgate'

In 2021, when U.S. forces pulled out of Afghanistan, the Taliban assumed control of the country, including taking over a U.S.-run base known as Hollywood Gate. Around that same time, Egyptian journalist Ibrahim Nash’at decided he wanted to see how Afghanistan's new rulers would handle power. The result is the documentary Hollywoodgate. I spoke to him about what he endured, and what he learned, while spending a year with the Taliban. Our conversation is here.

My Interview With Jan de Bont, Director of 'Twister'

Back in 1996, in the wake of his directorial debut Speed, Jan de Bont made a movie about killer tornadoes. With Twisters about to hit theaters, I spoke with de Bont about Twister, love stories in blockbusters, and why he wouldn't be interested in doing modern-day event movies. Hope you enjoy.

Shelley Duvall's Greatest Performances

In honor of her passing, I highlighted five must-see films from Shelley Duvall. You can check out my list here.

Lil Wayne - "A Milli"

"I do what I do / And you do what you can do about it" is one hell of a taunt. (Also: Why does the official Lil Wayne YouTube channel have the censored version of this song up? No idea.)

My Interview With Cara Mones and Caroline Suh, Directors of 'Sorry/Not Sorry'

Sorry/Not Sorry looks back at the fall of Louis C.K. in light of allegations of sexual harassment that he later confirmed. The directors of the documentary are interesting because one of them (Caroline Suh) had been a fan of the comic, while the other (Cara Mones) hadn't been that familiar with his work. (They're also from different generations.) Did making the film change their views on his comedy? I spoke to them for Cracked.

'Breakfast All Day': Lamenting 'Horizon,' Praising 'Longlegs'

I was very happy to be on Breakfast All Day with Christy Lemire to talk about Horizon and Longlegs. (Worth pointing out: When we recorded the Horizon segment, the news hadn't broken yet that the second chapter was being delayed.) You can check out the videos down below.

'Twisters' Review

There's a new tornado film called Twisters. It's in the same universe as Twister, but with all new characters. The first film was very goofy. The new film is very much not goofy. Is that better or worse? My review is live at Screen International.

The Grierson & Leitch Podcast: The Best Films of the First Half of 2024

We're already halfway through the year, which means it's time for each of us to offer up our picks for the best films of 2024 (so far). We also spend a little time reviewing the mediocre Beverly Hills Cop: Axel F. Check it all out below.

On Christina Applegate's Greatness in 'Anchorman'

In honor of the film's 20th anniversary, I decided to pay tribute to Anchorman's underrated MVP. Here's my salute to Christina Applegate.

'Longlegs' Review

A great Nicolas Cage performance. A choking sense of evil filling every frame. For Screen International, I reviewed Longlegs.

Johnny Cash - "Don't Take Your Guns to Town"

Have a good weekend.

Happy 30th Anniversary, 'Forrest Gump' Soundtrack

The blockbuster movie won Best Picture, but the accompanying album was also a sensation, going 12-times platinum. I wrote about the soundtrack's legacy here.

What's the Best Fourth of July Release This Century?

I offer a Top 10 here.

The Grierson & Leitch Podcast: Horror Prequels, Yorgos Lanthimos Triptychs, 'Horizon' and 'Janet Planet'

Yup, this is a rare four-movie episode. But there was a lot to talk about, including the election. Check it out down below.

Raindance 2024: 'National Anthem' Review

A lost young man finds himself while working at a ranch run by a largely queer staff. For Screen International, I reviewed the earnest, touching National Anthem.

The Story Behind "Axel F"

How did an instrumental that was stitched together at the last minute end up being the indelible theme song to Beverly Hills Cop? For Cracked, I wrote about Harold Faltermeyer, synth-pop and "Axel F." Hope you enjoy.