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.

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. 

'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. 

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.

'The Fantastic Four: First Steps' Review

First Steps starts off so promisingly. So what happened? My review is up at Screen International. 

The Grierson & Leitch Podcast: The New Avengers, 'Pavements' and My Preview of the 2025 Cannes Film Festival

Long episode this week, for obvious reasons. For one thing, we had a lot to say about both Thunderbolts* and Pavements. Also, I went long offering a list of the films I'm most excited to see at Cannes, including Mirrors No. 3 (pictured above). And then, hey, we're gonna be on a bit of a break while I'm in France, which tends to make it hard for us to wrap up a show in a succinct manner. Enjoy all of it down below.

'Thunderbolts*' Review

How is the new Marvel movie? And why does the title have an asterisk in it? I answer all your questions over at Screen International.

The Grierson & Leitch Podcast: Captain America, Paddington and Bridget Jones Return

On this week's episode, we review new movies from franchises trying to sustain their cultural cachet: Captain America: Brave New World, Paddington in Peru and Bridget Jones: Mad About the Boy. I only liked one of the three. You can hear our discussion down below.

'Captain America: Brave New World' Review

Anthony Mackie is the new Captain America. Can he fill Chris Evans' shoes? For Screen International, I reviewed Brave New World.

My Interview With Adam Pearson and Sebastian Stan, the Stars of 'A Different Man'

A Different Man was one of 2024's best films, something I've felt since seeing the movie ahead of its Sundance premiere. I talked to its stars Sebastian Stan and Adam Pearson about identity, satire and what it's like to have strangers stare at you. My piece is up at the Los Angeles Times. 

(Photo by Sean Dougherty.)

'Breakfast All Day': 'Kraven the Hunter' Feels Like the End of Something

Kraven the Hunter isn't good, but is it also emblematic of something bigger in the world of superhero cinema? My buddy Christy Lemire invited me to guest on her podcast to talk about that and other comic-book-related things.

'Kraven the Hunter' Review

Aaron Taylor-Johnson is Kraven. Who is Kraven? And why did this movie get delayed for so long? I try to answer those questions in my Screen International review.

The Grierson & Leitch Podcast: Deadpool and Wolverine, Curtis and Samantha, Mikey and Nicky

Three unforgettable duos are the highlight of this week's podcast. First, we review Deadpool & Wolverine. Then, we dig into two great Reboot suggestions. There's Michael Shannon and Jessica Chastain in Take Shelter. And there's Peter Falk and John Cassavetes in Mikey and Nicky. Check it out down below.

'Deadpool & Wolverine' Review

One has claws. One has an attitude. Now, these two Marvel heroes are finally teaming up. For Screen International, I reviewed the much-anticipated Deadpool & Wolverine.

What's the Best Fourth of July Release This Century?

I offer a Top 10 here.

What's the Best Film to Launch Its Summer Movie Season This Century?

I provide my rankings here.

My Interview With Karen Gillan, Star of 'Sleeping Dogs'

She's one of the stars of Guardians of the Galaxy and Jumanji. Yet, she's so good at hiding in plain sight, like she does in her new thriller, Sleeping Dogs. I talked to her about growing up as an anxious kid and why she swears she's not a scene-stealer. You can check out our conversation here.

The Comeback of Robert Downey Jr.

For RogerEbert.com, I took a moment to appreciate that, 25 years ago, Robert Downey Jr. was at his lowest point, battling drug addiction and facing a prison sentence. Much has changed since, happily. Hope you enjoy.

The Grierson & Leitch Podcast: Madame Web, Bob Marley, Pat Garrett and Billy the Kid

There's a wide range of characters in the three films we discuss on this week's podcast. You've got a reluctant superhero, a troubled reggae star, a conflicted sheriff and a brash outlaw. (Also, Bob Dylan.) Check out the full episode down below.

Dakota Johnson, the Queen of Memes

Most agree that Madame Web is bad. So why does everyone still love Dakota Johnson? Because she has the superpower of being able to rise above the shoddy film that she's in and be a delightful public presence. For RogerEbert.com, I wrote about how her appeal transcends her movies. (Which is not to say she isn't a good actress, because she is.) Hope you enjoy.