'Press Play With Madeleine Brand': Odysseus, Ross McElwee, 'Reading Lolita in Tehran' and 'Horsegirls'

I was on KCRW this week with fellow critic Angelica Jade Bastién to talk about the weekend's big releases. That means The Odyssey, of course, but also Remake, Reading Lolita in Tehran (pictured above) and Horsegirls. You can hear our segment down below.

My Review of David Thomson's Terrific Book 'A Sudden Flicker of Light'

For the A.V. Club, I wrote about film historian David Thomson's bracing A Sudden Flicker of Light, in which he argues that movies may have done more harm to us than we're willing to acknowledge. You can read my thoughts here.

'Remake' Review

Ross McElwee has devoted his life to making documentaries about the world around him, resulting in a series of highly personal films. His latest questions whether that approach contributed to the rift that developed between himself and his late son. For the Los Angeles Times, I reviewed the devastating Remake. 

Genesis Owusu - "Pirate Radio"

Kofi Owusu-Ansah has had it with Elon Musk, incels, Kanye fans, you name it. And he's got something to say about it.

'The Odyssey' Review

The wait is over: Here's my review of Christopher Nolan's The Odyssey for Screen International. 

The Grierson & Leitch Podcast: 'Evil Dead Burn,' 'The Invite' and 'Gail Daughtry and the Celebrity Sex Pass'

On this week's episode, it's the calm before the storm that is The Odyssey. We review one studio movie and check out two specialty offerings. The film I liked the most of the bunch might not be the one you're expecting. Hear our thoughts and lively banter down below.

Sugar - "Believe What You’re Saying"

Sugar are going back on tour after decades of inactivity. So let's celebrate with a song from File Under: Easy Listening that always got to me.

'Moana' (Live-Action) Review

Moana came out 10 years ago. Now, there's a new Moana, the live-action version. For my Screen International review, I drilled down on exactly why these Disney remakes sap my soul. Hope you enjoy. 

The Grierson & Leitch Podcast: The Best Films of 2026 (So Far)

We've reached the halfway point of the year. So it's time for Will and me to each reveal our picks for the six best films of 2026 so far. My list includes a big studio movie, a three-hour road trip shot on a crappy old smartphone, a semi-autobiographical drama a Kafkaesque nightmare, a satire about the Israel/Palestine conflict, and a ghostly tale about a missing boat that returns. Check out our choices down below.

Vince Staples - "Only in America"

America the beautiful, I'd like to take a look at you. 

'Romeria' Review

Lots of folks will be seeing Minions & Monsters this holiday weekend. If you're in more of an arthouse mood, why not check out Romeria? For the Los Angeles Times, I reviewed Carla Simon's latest autobiographical tale, which concerns a teenager searching for answers about her long-dead parents. Check it out here.

My Interview With Jeff Tremaine, Director of 'Jackass: Best and Last'

Jeff Tremaine is one of the chief architects behind Jackass. So why doesn't he get any respect? For Filmmaker, I had a long talk with the auteur -- god, he would hate being called that -- about the long-running series, fighting with the MPAA, kidnapping Brad Pitt, and never growing up. Hope you enjoy. 

'Press Play With Madeleine Brand': Happy 100th Birthday, Mel Brooks

I was very happy to be on KCRW yesterday to talk to Madeleine about Mel Brooks' birthday, and why he's the embodiment of American comedy for the last 75 years. You can hear my segment below.

The Grierson & Leitch Podcast: Supergirls, Jackasses and the 'Obsession'/'Backrooms' Phenomenon

On this week's episode, we review two franchises that didn't have a great showing at the box office. First up is the disappointing Supergirl. Then we giggle over Jackass: Best and Last. Finally, since we never had a conversation about the unexpected twin horror hits Obsession and Backrooms, we talked about what their success means. I really enjoyed this episode, and I hope you do, too.

'Couture' Review

More than a decade ago, Angelina Jolie underwent a double mastectomy out of concern that she had a likelihood of developing cancer. In her new film Couture, she plays a filmmaker facing a cancer diagnosis. The real-world parallels add poignancy to this Fashion Week drama. But is that enough to recommend the film? My review is up at the Los Angeles Times.  

Muna (featuring Phoebe Bridgers) - "Silk Chiffon"

Let's end the week with a love song.

'Jackass: Best and Last' Review

Those lovable idiots are back, thank goodness. For Screen International, I reviewed Jackass: Best and Last. 

'Supergirl' Review

We met Milly Alcock's Supergirl in last year's Superman. Now she has her own movie. Does the character have a future? I have some thoughts over at Screen International. 

The Grierson & Leitch Podcast: 'Toy Story 5,' 'The Death of Robin Hood' and 'The Last Temptation of Christ'

Animation and death run rampant on this week's episode. Will and I compare notes on Toy Story 5 while wondering what went wrong with Hugh Jackman's dark take on Robin Hood. Then, in our Reboot segment, we go back to 1988 to discuss Martin Scorsese's controversial The Last Temptation of Christ. Lots of good stuff here, which you can hear down below.

Transilvania 2026: 'Lionel' Review

Lionel just won the top prize at the Transilvania Film Festival. It has a fetching premise, telling the story of a father and son who don't see eye to eye, starring an actual father and son who don't see eye to eye. My review is now live at Screen International.