Venice 2026: 'Possible Love' Review

Lee Chang-dong's Possible Love has some spiritual connections to his last film, the incredible Burning. But it's very much its own astounding creation. My review is live over at Screen International. 

Venice 2026: 'Father Joe' Review

I'll say this about Father Joe: It sure ain't boring. In this 1990s action-thriller, Kiefer Sutherland plays a humble priest who wants to end New York's drug problem by killing the dealers. Trying to stop him is Al Pacino as a very hammy mob boss. Written by Luc Besson, the movie is decidedly bonkers. My review is up at Screen International.  

Venice 2026: 'Oasis: Don't Look Back in Anger' Review

Don't Look Back in Anger isn't a straightforward concert film. Instead, it combines live footage with a meditation on the beloved 1990s band's legacy. Would I have preferred that Oasis just play the hits? My review is up at Screen International. 

Telluride 2026: 'The Idiot(s)' Review

Anna and Fyodor Dostoevsky's marriage sure seemed complicated. In The Idiot(s), the couple are on their honeymoon and flat broke. Maybe if Fyodor works on his next book, called The Idiot, perhaps their fortunes will change? This is not a conventional biopic, and my review is here. 

Venice 2026: 'My Undesirable Friends: Part II — Exile' Review

I think I made it pretty clear how much I loved My Undesirable Friends: Part I — Last Air in Moscow. Now comes its superb sequel. For Screen International, I reviewed Part II — Exile.

RJD2 & Supastition - "Back Talk"

Old-school hip-hop, complete with a glorious amount of scratching and hard beats. Hell yeah. Happy Labor Day.

Venice 2026: 'Too Much Sugar' Review

Robert Greene makes nonfiction films in which he collaborates with his subjects on the final product, which often has a therapeutic element to it. Too Much Sugar is his latest documentary, and one of his strongest. My review is live over at Screen International. 

Venice 2026: 'Bucking Fastard' Review

Werner Herzog tells the story of two unusually close sisters in Bucking Fastard, which stars real-life sisters Rooney and Kate Mara. The movie doesn't always make narrative sense, but its emotional logic is unimpeachable. My review is up at Screen International. 

Venice 2026: 'Ink' Review

The 83rd installment of the Venice Film Festival kicked off with Danny Boyle's Ink, which looks at the rise of The Sun, the notorious English tabloid. Jack O'Connell, Guy Pearce and Claire Foy are all in fine form. My review is here. 

The Grierson & Leitch Podcast: Previewing Venice, Telluride and Toronto 2026

Greetings from Venice. The screenings started today, so for a fun bonus episode of the podcast, I picked five films I'm most curious to see at the fall festivals. Then, we look at the big movies coming out later in 2026. Folks, it's officially awards season. You can listen to our conversation down below.

Let's Rank Ridley Scott's Movies

For the fine folks at Rolling Stone, I helped contribute write-ups for the site's ranking of every Ridley Scott film. As always, I have to remind you that I had no say in the overall rankings, so don't yell at me. But if you'd like to hear my thoughts on Legend, Napoleon and other films, go here. 

The Grierson & Leitch Podcast: 'Coyote vs. Acme,' 'The Dog Stars' and 'Tony'

After a week off, we're back. You can hear us talk about Looney Tunes, Will Forte, the Roadrunner, Ridley Scott, Jacob Elordi, Anthony Bourdain, Dominic Sessa, Matt Johnson and the WNBA down below.

'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. 

The Grierson & Leitch Podcast: 'Teenage Sex and Death,' 'One Night Only,' 'The Last House'

One good movie, two not very good movies are featured on this week's podcast. We both have plenty of nice things to say about Jane Schoenbrun's third feature. But we're not sure what to make of One Night Only or The Last House. Listen to us work through our feelings down below.

Donna Lewis - "I Love You Always Forever"

After this weekend, expect a lot of new YouTube comments for this video to say things like "Who else is here after seeing Teenage Sex and Death in Camp Miasma?"

My Interview With Lynne Littman and Jane Alexander, the Team Behind 'Testament'

You may remember that, a couple years ago, I wrote a piece about some of the major nuclear-war films of the early 1980s. One of those was Testament, which has meant a lot to me since seeing it as a child. 

Well, that film is now part of the Criterion Collection, a development that thrilled me. To celebrate, I interviewed director Lynne Littman and star Jane Alexander over Zoom, hearing their stories about the film's making. We discussed motherhood, death, bad dreams, Oscar season, and why we're still living on the edge of destruction. You can read my piece over at Film Comment.

'One Night Only' Review

Monica Barbaro is a star, and she deserves better than the disappointing romantic comedy One Night Only, which imagines an alternate America in which single people can only have sex one night out of the year. My review is up at Screen International.  

'Late Fame' Review

Kent Jones' second feature concerns an older man who, long ago, had a little notoriety as a hip New York poet. But that was way back in the late 1970s. Now, though, a group of young admirers want to celebrate his forgotten genius. For the A.V. Club, I reviewed the bittersweet drama Late Fame.

The Grierson & Leitch Podcast: 'Spider-Man: Brand New Day' and 'All the President's Men'

Only two movies on this week's episode, but they're both major. First up, we review Spider-Man: Brand New Day, which just made box-office history. Then, we go back to 1976 and revisit All the President's Men, which remains as timely as ever, unfortunately. Check out our conversation down below.

'Extra Hot Great': Feeling Mixed on 'Furious,' Debating 'Soldier of Illusion'

I always have such fun on the Extra Hot Great podcast. And we had a lot to talk about. First up, we review the acclaimed new Hulu limited series Furious, which I had some reservations about. Then, I put in a plug for the delightful Lonely Island 2019 "visual poem" The Unauthorized Bash Brothers Experience. Finally, we discussed whether or not to add the Documentary Now! episode "Soldier of Illusion' into the Canon. Tara, Sarah and Dave are the best: You can hear our conversation down below.

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. 

'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. 

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. 

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.

'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. 

'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.

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.

'Press Play With Madeleine Brand': Odysseus, Ross McElwee, 'Reading Lolita in Tehran' and 'Horsegirls'

I was on KCRW this week with fellow critic Angelica Jade Bastién to talk about the weekend's big releases. That means The Odyssey, of course, but also Remake, Reading Lolita in Tehran (pictured above) and Horsegirls. You can hear our segment down below.

My Review of David Thomson's Terrific Book 'A Sudden Flicker of Light'

For the A.V. Club, I wrote about film historian David Thomson's bracing A Sudden Flicker of Light, in which he argues that movies may have done more harm to us than we're willing to acknowledge. You can read my thoughts here.

'Remake' Review

Ross McElwee has devoted his life to making documentaries about the world around him, resulting in a series of highly personal films. His latest questions whether that approach contributed to the rift that developed between himself and his late son. For the Los Angeles Times, I reviewed the devastating Remake. 

Genesis Owusu - "Pirate Radio"

Kofi Owusu-Ansah has had it with Elon Musk, incels, Kanye fans, you name it. And he's got something to say about it.

'The Odyssey' Review

The wait is over: Here's my review of Christopher Nolan's The Odyssey for Screen International. 

The Grierson & Leitch Podcast: 'Evil Dead Burn,' 'The Invite' and 'Gail Daughtry and the Celebrity Sex Pass'

On this week's episode, it's the calm before the storm that is The Odyssey. We review one studio movie and check out two specialty offerings. The film I liked the most of the bunch might not be the one you're expecting. Hear our thoughts and lively banter down below.

Sugar - "Believe What You’re Saying"

Sugar are going back on tour after decades of inactivity. So let's celebrate with a song from File Under: Easy Listening that always got to me.

'Moana' (Live-Action) Review

Moana came out 10 years ago. Now, there's a new Moana, the live-action version. For my Screen International review, I drilled down on exactly why these Disney remakes sap my soul. Hope you enjoy. 

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.

'Jackass: Best and Last' Review

Those lovable idiots are back, thank goodness. For Screen International, I reviewed Jackass: Best and Last. 

'Supergirl' Review

We met Milly Alcock's Supergirl in last year's Superman. Now she has her own movie. Does the character have a future? I have some thoughts over at Screen International.