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.