'Spenser Confidential' Review

Mark Wahlberg's latest collaboration with director Peter Berg is a Netflix action-thriller. Have you seen a Mark Wahlberg movie directed by Peter Berg? Then you've seen Spenser Confidential, which is entirely Netflix's strategy. I review the algorithm, I mean movie, for MEL.

The Grierson & Leitch Podcast: Wahlberg, Singapore, 'Juliet, Naked' and 'Back to the Future'

Busy week on the podcast. First up, we review Crazy Rich Asians and Mile 22. Then, Will asks me some questions about Juliet, Naked. Finally, in our Reboot segment, we look back at Back to the Future. We've disparaged a lot of '80s movies on the podcast; I'm happy to say this one holds up. You can hear the whole show below.

Some Thoughts on 'Mile 22'

Is snapping rubber bands a good way to slow down your brain?

Why haven't you heard of Iko Uwais?

And why does Mark Wahlberg keep casting himself as self-pitying heroes?

I answer those questions, and more, after watching Mile 22. It's over at MEL.

'Mile 22' Review

I remain fascinated by Peter Berg's style of action filmmaking. Lately, though, that fascination doesn't translate to actual good films. For Screen International, I reviewed Mile 22.

AFI Fest 2016: 'Patriots Day' Review

Mark Wahlberg and director Peter Berg hook up for a third time (after Lone Survivor and Deepwater Horizon) to tell the story of the 2013 Boston Marathon bombing and its aftermath. Patriots Day again proves that Berg is one hell of an action filmmaker. But I'm starting to get tired of the formula around his true-life dramas. My Screen International review is right here.

C'mon, 'Battleship' Is Fun

At least that's the argument I make over at IFC Fix. The film hits DVD tomorrow, and I think it deserves a second chance. It's funny: I reviewed the movie in May at Deadspin, and for months after, Will's and my reviews would be greeted by one commenter who said that he/she couldn't believe a word we said after giving a thumbs-up to Battleship. Such is life.

'Battleship' Review

About 10 minutes into Battleship, I was pretty sure I was going to like it. Two hours later, I was right. Well-made blockbuster junk, the movie is no work of art, and thank god for that. My review is up over at Deadspin.