Venice 2025: 'Jay Kelly' Review

With Jay Kelly, Noah Baumbach suggests that movie stars are people, too. That's a potentially banal observation, but when you have George Clooney playing the movie star, things get interesting. My review is live over at Screen International.  

The Grierson & Leitch Podcast: Previewing Fall Festival Season and 'Paris, Texas'

Greetings from Venice. Before I left for the festival, Will and I recorded an episode looking at the movies we're most intrigued by that will be premiering here, Telluride or Toronto. Lots of good stuff there. Then, we go back to 1984's Paris, Texas, which I now really need to see on the big screen. Check out our conversation down below. 

The Grierson & Leitch Podcast: Marvel's First Family, 'Happy Gilmore 2' and 'Tampopo'

Great episode, but not necessarily because of the new movies we reviewed. We start by discussing The Fantastic Four: First Steps and Happy Gilmore 2. But the real fun comes during our Reboot segment, when we look back at 1985's Tampopo, which is a wonderful film. Check it out down below.

What's Adam Sandler's Best Film?

The gang at Rolling Stone asked me to write some of the capsules for its big ranking of every Adam Sandler movie. As always, here's this caveat: I had no say over how the list played out. But if you want to read me on Uncut Gems, Punch-Drunk Love and others, check it out here. 

A Salute to the Sports Comedy

In honor of Happy Gilmore 2, Vulture asked us to pick 25 great sports comedies, which was a pleasure. You can check out our list here. 

The Best Movies of the 21st Century (So Far)

Rolling Stone asked a bunch of its contributors to work on a massive list of the best films of the 21st century. Remarkably, we're already 25 years into this new century, which means a lot of good movies. As always, I didn't have any say in the final rankings, but I did some of the write-ups, including Y Tu Mama Tambien, Inside Llewyn Davis, Dogville, Burning, Uncut Gems, I Am Not Your Negro, The Souvenir and others. Dive in. 

The Comedies I'm Curious to See in 2025

Celine Song making a James L. Brooks-style romantic comedy? Adam Sandler returning as Happy Gilmore? Here's my preview of 2025's most intriguing comedies for Cracked.

The Grierson & Leitch Podcast: The New 'Dune,' 'Spaceman' and Our Oscar Predictions

Two outer-space films are reviewed on this week's podcast. But the real excitement comes during our deep dive into the Oscars, where we make our picks in all the major categories. Hope you enjoy.

'Press Play With Madeleine Brand': Talking About 'Dune: Part Two,' 'Shayda' and 'Problemista'

Very happy to be back on KCRW talking new movies. I was joined by Alison Willmore to review the Dune sequel, Adam Sandler's sci-fi drama Spaceman, the underwhelming Problemista and the moving Shayda. Hear our segment down below.

Max Richter (featuring Sparks) - "Don't Go Away"

Here's a pair-up I wasn't expecting.

What's the Best Sports Comedy?

As I'm sure you know, this weekend is the Super Bowl. For Cracked, I did a deep dive into sports comedies, selecting the 40 best. Hope you enjoy.

What's the Best Comedy of the 1990s?

I provide the answer over at Cracked.

On Adam Sandler and 'Leo'

Adam Sandler has made his share of animated kids' movies in his career. He returns with Leo, which is deeply weird in a way only his films are. Is that a good or bad thing? I wrote about it for Cracked.

When 'Saturday Night Live' Stars Get Serious

For Cracked, I picked the finest dramatic work from several high-profile SNL cast members. I imagine some will disagree with my choices, but that's part of the fun, right? Hope you enjoy.

Happy 20th Anniversary, 'Punch-Drunk Love'

I saw Punch-Drunk Love opening night, if I recall. Certainly opening weekend. I was blown away. I still am. For Cracked, I wrote about the significance of the film, which celebrated its 20th anniversary this week.

The Grierson & Leitch Podcast: Dinosaurs, Adam Sandler and 'M'

In this week's episode, we agree that Jurassic World Dominion isn't good, but just how bad is it? Then, we differ on Hustle. Finally, in our Reboot segment, we go back to 1931, looking at Fritz Lang's M. Lots of good stuff, and you can hear it all down below.

Tribeca 2022: 'Somewhere in Queens' Review

Funny enough, Adam Sandler isn't the only veteran comic out with a drama about basketball. Ray Romano's feature directorial debut just premiered at Tribeca, focusing on a father who's trying to ensure that his teenage son can pursue his hoop dreams. For Screen International, I reviewed Somewhere in Queens.

'Hustle' Review

Two things I knew going into Hustle: Adam Sandler is a good actor when he chooses to be, and he's a huge basketball fan. So I wasn't surprised that he'd make an inspirational sports drama, and that he'd be compelling in it. Unfortunately, I think this film is nonetheless pretty flawed, which I talked about over at Screen International.

The Weeknd, the Super Bowl Halftime Show and 'Uncut Gems'

Happy Super Bowl Weekend. Never forget how good Abel Tesfaye is in Uncut Gems.

The Grierson & Leitch Podcast: 'Little Women,' 'Just Mercy' and Our Lightning Round of December Releases

This week, we celebrate our 200th episode. Thanks to all who have listened and enjoyed what they heard. We go through five films in quick fashion: Uncut Gems, Little Women, Richard Jewell, Bombshell and Just Mercy. Hear the whole thing down below.