The Essential Rob Reiner Films

For Rolling Stone, I helped contribute to a list of the late, great Rob Reiner's best films. I tackled his two Aaron Sorkin collaborations: A Few Good Men and The American President. You can read the whole list here. 

A History of the Joker Being Funny (or Not)

In honor of Joker: Folie à Deux, I wrote a little something for Cracked about the Clown Prince of Crime. Specifically, I tried to answer this question: Is the Joker actually a funny supervillain? 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.

What Are the Best Films of the 1970s?

Rolling Stone asked me and others to send in ballots for the best 1970s movies. Then, the editors put together a list of the top 100 and had us write up capsules. You can read me on Harlan County U.S.A., Carnal Knowledge, A Woman Under the Influence, Stalker, Scenes From a Marriage, The Last Waltz and The Godfather here.

'About Schmidt' at 20

I saw Alexander Payne's third film on opening day. I still think it's great. For Cracked, I wrote about Jack Nicholson's terrific performance on the occasion of the movie's 20th anniversary. Hope you enjoy.

Skip 'Flag Day.' See 'The Pledge.'

Sean Penn's latest directorial effort is bad. For MEL, I suggest seeing another of his movies instead, one that does everything right that Flag Day does wrong. (Also, it's got a terrific Jack Nicholson performance in it.) Here's my salute to The Pledge.