Remember When Everybody Thought Keanu Reeves Was a Bad Actor?

Not that long ago, that was the prevailing thought: This Ted guy is kind of a lightweight. But, somewhere along the way, the world came to appreciate Keanu Reeves. How did it happen? I did a little digging for MEL.

Why I Didn't Like 'The Matrix Resurrections'

For MEL, I got into my chief issue with the new Matrix movie: namely, that I think it focuses on worldbuilding to the detriment of the love story it's trying to tell. My essay is here.

'The Matrix Resurrections' Review

I dunno, folks, I just couldn't get into the new Matrix. My review is up at Screen International.

Tom Hanks Just Really Loves 'Cloud Atlas'

This past week, the Oscar-winner reconfirmed his love for the sci-fi film that was a commercial disaster (and not all that beloved by critics). For MEL, I wrote about why Hanks is still fond of the movie, which I'm fond of, too.

The World That 'The Matrix' Made

For "This Week in Genre History," I went back to 1999, when a movie called The Matrix changed, well, everything. I still remember seeing this film during its opening weekend. For SyFy, I look back at what the Wachowskis wrought.

This Week in Genre History: 'The Matrix Reloaded' Tries to Live Up to 'The Matrix'

On May 15, 2003, The Matrix Reloaded opened, having to contend with the expectations of folks like me who had loved the 1999 movie. Was it a catastrophe? Or just a mild step down from the original? I dig into those questions over at SyFy.

The Grierson & Leitch Podcast: 'Stalag 17,' 'Big Night' and Looking Back at 1999

This week on the podcast, I lead the discussion about movie year 1999, which was awash in films bracing for this exciting/scary new century. Then, in our Reboot section, we dig into an underrated Billy Wilder gem and the debut directorial effort from actors Stanley Tucci and Campbell Scott. Hope you enjoy.

Some Thoughts on 'Gemini Man'

Why is Gemini Man an apt metaphor for Will Smith's recent career crossroads?

When will he stop talking about the fact that he turned down The Matrix?

And have you ever seen his video for "A Nightmare on My Street"?

I answer those questions, and more, over at MEL.

The Wachowskis' Best Films (Once You've Seen 'The Matrix')

For Debate Club, we dove into Lana and Lilly Wachowski's oeuvre, skipping over the Matrix trilogy. Is it spotty? Absolutely.