The Grierson & Leitch Podcast: The 'Wicked' Finale, 'Train Dreams,' 'Sirat'

I am just now realizing that all three movies on this week's episode have trains in them. We lamented Wicked: For Good but praised Train Dreams and Sirat. Check out our conversation down below.

'Wicked: For Good' Review

As a colleague put it, "The good news is we won't have to watch any more Wicked movies now." My review of For Good is available here. 

'Press Play With Madeleine Brand': Previewing the 2025 Movie Year

It's a new year, which means it's time to start thinking about the films worth getting excited about in 2025. I was on Press Play alongside Shawn Edwards to discuss everything from Wicked: For Good to Mission: Impossible – The Final Reckoning to Sentimental Value. Listen below.

The Grierson & Leitch Podcast: 'Queer,' 'Nightbitch' and 'The End'

Listeners tell us they like it when we disagree. Well, they're in luck because we differ on two of the three movies we talk about on this week's episode. Funny enough, they one we agree on is the one I assumed we wouldn't. Check out the conversation below.

My Interview With Joshua Oppenheimer, Director of 'The End'

Nine years ago, I interviewed Joshua Oppenheimer for Rolling Stone to discuss his great documentary The Look of Silence. Recently, I interviewed Joshua Oppenheimer for Rolling Stone again, this time to discuss his great new film, the divisive musical The End. We talked about global warming, doomsday bunkers, Trump, and the right and wrong kinds of hope. You can read my profile here.

The Grierson & Leitch Podcast: 'Wicked' vs. 'Gladiator II'

On this week's podcast, we look at the two big movies that opened over last weekend. (Turns out, we disagree on both of them.) And then we spend a little time with The Piano Lesson. Check out the show down below.

'Press Play With Madeleine Brand': Oz, Rome and 'The Piano Lesson'

It's a big movie weekend. Should you see Wicked? Gladiator II? What about The Piano Lesson? Christy Lemire and I were on KCRW today to offer our thoughts. Check out the segment down below.

Toronto 2024: 'Better Man' Review

At the Toronto premiere of his biopic Better Man, Robbie Williams came out before the movie and cheekily reminded the audience that, in the U.K., he was a pretty big deal. It is amusing that the film is playing here (and, previously, in Telluride) since he was never the sensation in North America that he was in his homeland. Nonetheless, I found plenty to enjoy in this candid, snarky, surprisingly audacious and moving film. My review is up over at Screen International.

Toronto 2024: 'The End' Review

Decorated documentary filmmaker Joshua Oppenheimer has made his first feature. It's a musical about the end of the world. I think it's pretty terrific. Here's my review of The End.

Venice 2024: 'Joker: Folie a Deux' Review

I loved Joker. Sadly, I did not love the sequel. For Screen International, I reviewed Joker: Folie a Deux.

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

I offer a Top 10 here.

On Emma Stone's Incredible 2023

I'm here to talk about Poor Things and The Curse, both of which are remarkable in their own way. But those are only two things that have recently demonstrated Emma Stone's creative dexterity. Read on.

Revisiting Russell Crowe in 'Les Miserables'

Tenet isn't the only major movie getting a re-release this weekend: There's also the Oscar-winning Les Miserables, which co-starred Russell Crowe, who was widely mocked for his singing. Was that fair? I talk about it here.

The Grierson & Leitch Podcast: 'Mean Girls,' Sundance and Our Oscar Nominations

We're back after our holiday break, and we've got a big show for you. First, we review the Mean Girls musical. Then, we do a deep dive on Tina Fey's legacy. I give Will a preview of five films I'm really curious to see at Sundance. And, last but not least, we offer our predictions for who's getting nominated for Oscars on January 23. Check it all out down below.

'Mean Girls' Review

Not the old movie, the new musical. My review is up at Screen International.

What's the Funniest Movie to Win the Golden Globe for Best Musical/Comedy?

I offer my rankings over at Cracked.

'The Color Purple' Review

First it was a novel. Then it was a movie. Then it became a Broadway musical. Now it's a big-screen musical. For Screen International, I reviewed The Color Purple.

'Wonka' Review

A probable holiday hit? I think so. My review of Wonka is here.

My Interview With Larry Charles

He won an Emmy as a writer on Seinfeld. He directed Borat and Bruno (and also Masked and Anonymous). And now he's back with Dicks: The Musical. I spoke to Larry Charles for Cracked.

'Press Play With Madeleine Brand': Exorcisms, Sexual Harassment and 'Cat Person'

Alison Willmore and I joined Madeleine to review four new films: The Exorcist: Believer, Cat Person, The Royal Hotel and Dicks: The Musical. A very fun time, and you can hear the whole thing down below.