My Interview With Mark Duplass

Mark Duplass has cornered the market on sensitive guys throughout his career. That's true as well with his latest film, Language Lessons. We talked about that, and therapy and co-dependence and a lot of other stuff, for MEL. 

My Tribute to 'Humpday'

I was really sad to hear about the passing of Lynn Shelton. Her Humpday is one of the best movies of the last 15 years, a near-perfect bromance because it's not in any way like so many bromances. I salute the film and the filmmaker over at MEL.

Some Thoughts on 'Avengers: Endgame'

I like Avengers: Endgame, but I don't like how it deals with death. Or, rather, how it doesn't deal with death. I wrote about that for MEL, but I also dig into Marvel's unsuccessful history of approaching some directors, why Endgame doesn't have an intermission, and which people on the internet actually correctly predicted the film's ending. (Spoilers, obviously.) Hope you enjoy.

Some Thoughts on 'Paddleton'

For MEL, I wrote about Paddleton, the modest, touching comedy-drama about two straight male friends (Mark Duplass, Ray Romano) who go on a most unusual road trip. For these guys, it's hard to say what's scarier: death or talking about your feelings. Hope you enjoy.

The Grierson & Leitch Podcast: Talking About the Oscars, 'Fighting With My Family,' 'Paddleton' and 'Badlands'

Lots to cover in this week's episode. At the top, we break down Sunday's Academy Awards. Then, we review Fighting With My Family and Paddleton. Finally, we look back at Badlands, which received a grand total of zero Oscar nominations. Hear the whole show down below.

Toronto 2016: 'Blue Jay' Review

Blue Jay dramatizes a familiar scenario: Two old flames run into each other years later, taking the opportunity to catch up and reminisce. This one stars Mark Duplass and Sarah Paulson, and it's certainly very likeable. But, man oh man, you have seen this movie before in so many ways. I reviewed Blue Jay for Screen International.

'Adult Beginners' Review

Adult Beginners is the type of film I, uncharitably, refer to as "a Sundance movie." A comedy-drama that focuses on the mild dilemmas of white people in their 30s, the movie (which actually didn't debut at Sundance) stars Nick Kroll, Rose Byrne and Bobby Cannavale. It's very likeable. But, sometimes, likeable just ain't enough. I reviewed the film for Paste.

'The Lazarus Effect' Review

You've got a movie that stars Mark Duplass, Olivia Wilde and Donald Glover. So it's a comedy, right? Sadly, no: The Lazarus Effect is a horror movie about some scientists who discover they can bring back the dead. Of course, this turns out to be a bad idea -- for them and for the audience. I reviewed the film for Screen International.

In Praise of 'Do-Deca'

Because the summer tends to focus on big blockbusters and big art-house movies, I wanted to write a little about a tiny indie that started playing in a few theaters last weekend. It's The Do-Deca-Pentathlon from writer-directors Jay and Mark Duplass. For IFC Fix, I tried to explain what makes this comedy so special.

Back Stage: 'The Do-Deca-Pentathlon' Sure Is Fun

It's not a great weekend for movie options. Savages is OK, The Amazing Spider-Man is OK, and The Magic of Belle Isle is positively dreadful. But I heartily recommend The Do-Deca-Pentathlon, which is playing select theaters starting on Friday. It's from the Duplass brothers and is another wry, wise comedy from them about family. My entire Screen Grab column is up live over at Back Stage.

Back Stage: Marina Abramovic, Mark Duplass and Ethan Hawke Await You

Writing projects delayed me, so I'm only now mentioning this week's Screen Grab column for Back Stage. That's unfortunate since there are three movies out this weekend that are absolutely worth your time. You've got the great documentary Marina Abramovic: The Artist Is Present, which I saw at Sundance and definitely provoked the waterworks in your intrepid critic. Then there's Your Sister's Sister, which I've been raving about since Toronto. Lastly, there's the nicely moody The Woman in the Fifth. Kristin Scott Thomas you know is almost always magnificent, but I think the real revelation here is Ethan Hawke, who once again proves how good he can be when he finds the right material. The full column is here.

Back Stage: You Should See 'Safety Not Guaranteed'

Lots to recommend in this week's Screen Grab column at Back Stage. Prometheus and Madagascar 3 are both worthwhile -- although it's hard to imagine the person who wants to see both movies -- and there are two good indies as well, Safety Not Guaranteed and Dark Horse. The latter is the latest from director Todd Solondz; the former stars Mark Duplass and Aubrey Plaza. Oh, and seriously, avoid Peace, Love, & Misunderstanding. You may remember that I saw it back in Toronto. Yeah, it's not so good. Here's this week's complete column, which has reviews of those movies and others.

'Jeff, Who Lives at Home,' the Duplass Brothers, and That Whole Mumblecore Thing

For Gawker, I shared my enthusiasm for Jeff, Who Lives at Home, which really impressed me. I'd heard such mediocre things from friends who'd seen the film at Toronto and Sundance, but I think this is the best film the Duplass brothers have made since their debut, The Puffy Chair. My article touches on what makes Jay and Mark's career so special -- and also why I've never liked that term "mumblecore."

'cyrus' review

The Puffy Chair remains the Duplass brothers' best film, but Cyrus is a fun (and funny) mixture of mumblecore and mainstream sensibilities. Plus, it boasts a great performance from Marisa Tomei.