Grierson & Leitch
390 episodes - English - Latest episode: 12 months ago - ★★★★★ - 468 ratingsTim Grierson and Will Leitch are lifelong best friends who have been writing and talking about the movies for 25 years. Grierson is vice president of the Los Angeles Film Critics Association. Leitch is doing his absolutely best to pretend. Read their work everywhere. But listen to this show for the pure juice, straight on tap.
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Episodes
"Moonlight," "Jack Reacher: Never Go Back," "American Pastoral" and "Weekend at Bernie's"
October 25, 2016 12:08 - 1 hourBarry Jenkins' "Moonlight" is one of the best movies of the year, and we have a fantastic time discussing it this week. We also try to figure out what Tom Cruise is trying to do with his "Jack Reacher" franchise and break down the sisyphean task Ewan McGregor gave himself by trying to adapt a Philip Roth novel. But mostly we talk about "Moonlight." Then, in our reboot section, we discuss a movie that might be the polar opposite of "Moonlight:" It's 1989's "Weekend at Bernie's." He's dead ... ...
"The Accountant," "Certain Women," "Christine" and "Pink Floyd: The Wall"
October 18, 2016 00:35 - 1 hourYour accountant might not have "high-functioning autism," he might not be able to take out cantaloupes with anti-aircraft weaponry from a mile out and he might not be able to take out an entire squadron of assassins while never dropping his pocket protector. (Your accountant also might not look like Ben Affleck.) This is why they don't make movies about your accountant. They do make movies about "The Accountant," and that's our primary review this week. Grierson also talks about Kelly Reichar...
"The Birth of a Nation," "The Girl on the Train," "Newtown" and "L.A. Confidential"
October 11, 2016 12:38 - 1 hourOne of the most controversial, and widely discussed (for a wide variety of reasons), movies of 2016 is Nate Parker's "The Birth of a Nation," so we dig in deep into that one. Then, we try to make heads or tails of Tate Taylor's "The Girl on the Train." Grierson hasn't seen "Newtown," but Leitch has, so he gives us the lowdown on the Sandy Hook documentary. Then, in our Reboot section, we discuss "L.A. Confidential." Director Curtis Hanson passed away away last month, so revisit and reflect up...
"American Honey," "Deepwater Horizon," "Crisis in Six Scenes" and "Barry Lyndon"
October 04, 2016 04:07 - 1 hourIt's a busy movie week, and we're just getting warmed up: The Fall Movie Season is upon us, and there are big releases one right after another. And we kick off our podcast with "American Honey," which Tim says is one of the best movies of the year. (Will hasn't seen it, embarrassingly.) Then we dig into Peter Berg's "Deepwater Horizon," and, dabbling briefly in TV land, Woody Allen's "Crisis in Six Scenes." Then, in our reboot section, we talk in depth about one of Tim's favorite movies of al...
"The Magnificent Seven," "Who Framed Roger Rabbit?" and "Shakes the Clown"
September 27, 2016 04:09 - 1 hourDenzel Washington is one of the most charismatic actors on the planet. But in the new "Magnificent Seven" remake, he looks extremely bored. It's a problem! Our keynote review this week is Antoine Fuqua's uninspired "The Magnificent Seven." Then, in our reboot section, we look at two movies about alcoholic children's performers. Exciting, right? First, we look at Robert Zemeckis' "Who Framed Roger Rabbit?" Then, to double down, we explore Bobcat Goldthwait's "Shakes the Clown." Anything to ser...
"Snowden," "Blair Witch" and "Bullitt"
September 20, 2016 04:10 - 1 hourHey, look, Oliver Stone has a movie about nefarious deeds from the American government, and there's a found footage horror film about the Blair Witch. It’s a very ‘90s episode of the Grierson & Leitch podcast as Will and Tim discuss the two big releases of the week: “Snowden,” starring Joseph Gordon-Levitt and Shailene Woodley, and “Blair Witch,” Adam Wingard’s sequel to the 1999 film. They also discuss what Grierson thought of the Toronto Film Festival. Then, in our Reboot section, Will and ...
"Sully," "Body Heat" and "Teen Witch"
September 13, 2016 11:56 - 1 hour"Sully" is not an "Angry Birds" sequel. It is about Sully Sullenberger: Airport Pilot. This week on the Grierson & Leitch podcast, Will and Tim discuss Clint Eastwood's "Sully," and whether you can make a movie about a flight that lasts 208 seconds. Then, in our Reboot section, we take a look at two hits from the '80s. First, from 1981, Lawrence Kasdan's "Body Heat," starring William Hurt, Kathleen Turner, Mickey Rourke and a fantastic Ted Danson. Then we dig deep into '80s teen comedies by d...
Toronto Film Festival Preview, "12 Monkeys" and "Escape From New York"
September 06, 2016 04:04 - 1 hourThe surest sign that the summer movie season is over and that Movies Are About To Get Serious is the Toronto Film Festival, the biggest American film festival and the unofficial start of the Oscar season. Grierson is about to leave for his ninth straight festival, so he talks to Will about the festival's strengths and weaknesses, the best films he's seen at the festival and what he's looking forward to this year. But that's not all! In their Reboot section, they look at sci-fi futuristic thri...
Summer Movie Wrapup, "Almost Famous" and "Garden State"
August 30, 2016 02:57 - 1 hourWas this the worst summer movie season of the last decade, or longer? Signs point to yes! Will and Tim attempt to make sense of a dreary few months of movies with their End of Summer podcast, talking about their most and least favorite movies, their favorite performances, their biggest surprises and the great indies you missed. They also look forward to next summer, which ... might be better? Then, in their Reboot section, they look at two movies you loved when you were young: 2000's "Almost ...
"War Dogs," "Lo and Behold, Reveries of the Connected World" and "Breaking Away"
August 23, 2016 03:54 - 1 hourAfter last week's mad dash of seven movies, we settle down a bit with just three. Will and Tim discuss Todd Phillips' "War Dogs" and debate Werner Herzog's "Lo and Behold, Reveries of the Connected World." Turns out: They disagree on both! Then, in their Reboot section, they dig into 1979 Midwestern cycling movie "Breaking Away." And they end up having an oddly incisive conversation about their shared hometown of Mattoon, Illinois. Movie Timestamps: 4:55 "War Dogs" 24:25 "Lo and Behold, Rever...
"Pete's Dragon," "Sausage Party," "Hell or High Water," "Rear Window" and a Bunch of Other Movies
August 16, 2016 03:08 - 1 hourHey, it's Will and Tim! They are from Mattoon, Illinois, but only originally. Holy cow there were a LOT of noteworthy releases this past weekend: Six, in fact. There are only two, actually, that both Grierson and Leitch have seen, so they discuss "Pete's Dragon" and "Sausage Party." Grierson goes solo on Meryl Streep's "Florence Foster Jenkins," Jeff Bridges' "Hell or High Water" and Mel Gibson's "Blood Father," and Leitch does the same on baseball movie "Spaceman" but insists on pronouncing ...
"Suicide Squad," "Shallow Grave" and "Brick"
August 09, 2016 00:30 - 1 hourHey, it's Will and Tim! They write and talk about movies! This week: Are Will and Tim among those evil, paid-off-by-Marvel critics who think "Suicide Squad" is terrible? What'd they think when they revisited Danny Boyle's "Shallow Grave?" And if you're excited about the next "Star Wars" movie, it's the perfect time to revisit writer-director's Rian Johnson's first film "Brick." Movie Timestamps: 4:50 "Suicide Squad" 32:00 "Shallow Grave" 45:50 "Brick" Let us know what you think @griersonleitc...
"Jason Bourne," "Quiz Show" and "Fletch"
August 02, 2016 01:47 - 1 hourThis week, Tim and Will tackle Paul Greengrass' and Matt Damon's return to the world of Jason Bourne with, well, "Jason Bourne." Also, in their Reboot section, they discuss Robert Redford's "Quiz Show" and both watch Chevy Chase's "Fletch" for the first time since its release 31 (!) years ago. Let us know what you think @griersonleitch on Twitter, or [email protected]. As always, give us a review on iTunes with the name of a movie you'd like us to review, and we'll discuss it on ...
"Star Trek Beyond," "Don't Think Twice" and "The Proposition"
July 26, 2016 04:01 - 54 minutesWill Leitch and Tim Grierson discuss "Star Trek Beyond," Justin Lin's take on the Trekkie universe, as well as Mike Birbiglia's improv comedy "Don't Think Twice." Also, in our reboot segment, we discuss John Hillcoat's "The Proposition," where Grierson finally comes to terms with his Danny Huston anger. Leitch got a little creative with the production of this one, which means both Lonely Island and Modest Mouse make cameos. Email us [email protected]. We love you.
"Ghostbusters," "Cafe Society" and "Gattaca"
July 22, 2016 13:40 - 1 hourTim Grierson and Will Leitch discuss the big "Ghostbusters" movie everyone is talking about, as well as Woody Allen's "Cafe Society" and, in their Reboot section, Andrew Niccol's 1997 film "Gattaca." Also, Will makes an adjustment to his "best six films of the first half of 2016" list. Also, Will produced this podcast himself, so bear with him.
"The Secret Life of Pets" and "The BFG"
July 13, 2016 13:52 - 48 minutesThis week, Grierson and Leitch discuss two family-friendly new releases: "The BFG" and "The Secret Life of Pets." For the Reboot: the early Coen brothers' "Miller’s Crossing," John Woo’s "Face/Off," and the baffling martial arts (and gymnastics?) cult hit, "Gymkata."
The Best Movies of 2016, So Far
July 06, 2016 01:46 - 44 minutes2016 is already halfway over, and chances are, you didn’t get to see all the movies you wanted. Tim and Will discuss their favorite 6 movies from the first 6 months of this year, so you know what to go searching for later on. The guys will be back next week with their regular slate of new movie reviews and Reboot discussions of old film classics.
"Independence Day," "The Neon Demon, "The Shallows," and More
June 29, 2016 03:59 - 49 minutesThis week is chock full of new releases, including "Independence Day: Resurgence," "The Neon Demon," "The Shallows," "Free State of Jones," and "Swiss Army Man." For the Reboot: "The Rocketeer," a 1991 superhero film from Disney that recreates the Hollywood of the 1930’s.
"Finding Dory,” “Armageddon,” and "Road to Perdition”
June 21, 2016 23:09 - 44 minutesPixar's sequel to its 2003 hit "Finding Nemo," starring Ellen DeGeneres as the eponymous blue tang. For the week Reboot: the 1998 Michael Bay blockbuster starring Ben Affleck as Oil Driller #2, Liv Tyler as Worry, and Murderous Asteroid as Itself; plus a 2002 crime drama starring Tom Hanks as Dark Tom Hanks.
“Warcraft," "Menace II Society," and "Being John Malkovich”
June 14, 2016 19:05 - 46 minutesThe new summer movie inspired by a popular video game (spoiler: Will calls it “utter nonsense”), plus two Reboot reviews: the 1993 Hughes brothers story of the L.A. streets, and the 1999 surrealist comedy written by Charlie Kaufman.
"O.J.: Made in America,” “Popstar," and "John Wick”
June 07, 2016 22:15 - 51 minutesEzra Edelman’s masterful 30 for 30 documentary on O.J. Simpson, The Lonely Island’s pop music mockumentary, and, for the weekly Reboot, a 2014 neo-noir cult action film starring Keanu Reeves.
"X-Men: Apocalypse," "Alice Through the Looking Glass," and "Midnight Run"
June 02, 2016 04:33 - 45 minutesTim Grierson and Will Leitch battle it out over the latest X-Men installment, but they both agree that "Alice Through the Looking Glass" is truly a sequel that nobody asked for. The classic movie Reboot segment is back this week with Robert De Niro's comedic turn in "Midnight Run."
Cannes Recap, "Nice Guys,” and "Neighbors 2”
May 25, 2016 01:43 - 42 minutesTim Grierson shares his best-and-worst list from the Cannes Film Festival; discussion of a feminist-y but ultimately uninspiring new Seth Rogen/Rose Byrne sequel, and a buddy cop film starring Russell Crowe and Ryan Gosling. The classic movie Reboot segment will be back in action next week.
"The Lobster," "Weiner," "Money Monster," and "The King of Comedy"
May 17, 2016 21:59 - 43 minutesAn indie starring Colin Farrell as a man who must find a mate within 45 days or be transformed into an animal; a documentary on disgraced former Congressman Anthony Weiner’s run for the New York City mayorship; and a thriller directed by Jodie Foster and featuring a packed cast, including George Clooney and Julia Roberts. Weekly Reboot: one listener calls it "Scorsese’s most underrated film,” but the guys say they’ll be the judge of that. To hear your name on the show, leave a review on iTune...
Cannes Film Festival, “Married to the Mob,” and “Casino Royale”
May 10, 2016 23:14 - 49 minutesTim Grierson—along with a bevy of directors, models, movie stars, and critics—heads to the Cannes Film Festival in France this week. He and Will discuss the movies and roles they’re most excited to see, and what might win this year's Palme d’Or. Weekly Reboot: a 1988 gangster flick with a young Alec Baldwin, and the 2006 Bond movie starring Daniel Craig in his first turn as 007. If you want a movie you love to be selected for a reboot, leave a review on iTunes and include the name of that mov...
"Captain America: Civil War," "Keanu," and a Summer Movie Preview
May 03, 2016 22:57 - 51 minutesThe new Marvel movie starring Chris Evans as the eponymous captain; the affable action-comedy from Keegan-Michael Key and Jordan Peele, and talk of the summer's big films. Highlights include: Donald Trump’s opposition to the all-women remake of Ghostbusters, Woody Allen’s movie-naming strategy, and a certain fish-finding flick that both kids and adults won’t want to miss.
“Elvis & Nixon,” “A Hologram for the King” "The Huntsman: Winter's War" and More
April 26, 2016 18:06 - 44 minutesA new release based on the famous 1970 meeting of Richard Nixon and Elvis Presley; Tom Hanks in the film adaptation of a Dave Eggers novel; and a Snow White sequel/prequel with Chris Hemsworth. In the weekly Reboot segment: a 1974 thriller starring Warren Beatty, and a 2011 hit directed by the nearly-flawless David Fincher.
"The Jungle Book," "Sing Street," "Green Room," and "Shawshank Redemption”
April 20, 2016 04:07 - 46 minutesA new take on Disney’s animated classic, an homage to British ‘80s music from the director of “Once,” and a punks v. neo-Nazis thriller. Then, for the weekly reboot: the 1994 “macho man-cry” that is “Shawshank Redemption."
"The Boss," "Hardcore Henry," "Louder Than Bombs," and "Stranger Than Paradise"
April 13, 2016 02:57 - 45 minutesMelissa McCarthy’s new comedy, a movie shot like a first-person video game, and an intimate drama from director Joachim Trier. Plus, for the weekly reboot, it's a 1984 absurdist film that's a perfect introduction to the world of independent cinema.
"Everybody Wants Some," "Shotgun Stories," and "Shattered Glass"
April 05, 2016 20:22 - 53 minutesTim Grierson goes solo this week and reviews Richard Linklater's "Everybody Wants Some." Plus, the guys look back at 2007's "Shotgun Stories," and an old favorite, "Shattered Glass."
"Batman v Superman," "Election," and "Field of Dreams"
March 29, 2016 02:34 - 44 minutesThe guys review the new Batman/Superman movie, a.k.a. the "joyless slog," as Tim Grierson calls it. Plus, a special look back at Reese Witherspoon and Ferris Bueller—er, Matthew Broderick—in 1999's "Election," and Kevin Costner in one of the most beloved sports movies of all time (just in time for baseball season).
“Midnight Special,” Batman/Superman Rankings, and “Frank”
March 22, 2016 21:39 - 58 minutesA review of director Jeff Nichols' new movie starring Michael Shannon, a semi-definitive ranking of all the Batman and Superman movies, and a look at "Frank," the 2014 indie flick about a troubled musician wearing an enormous fake head.
"10 Cloverfield Lane" and "The Brothers Grimsby”
March 15, 2016 03:10 - 40 minutesThe claustrophobia-inducing thriller starring Mary Elizabeth Winstead and John Goodman, and Sacha Baron Cohen’s new action-comedy. Plus, a trip back to 1991, and the strange career of Kenneth Branagh.
"Knight of Cups," "Whiskey, Tango, Foxtrot," "London Has Fallen," and Film Fest Favorites
March 08, 2016 23:57 - 40 minutesA dispatch from Missouri's True/False Film Fest, and discussion of Terrence Malick’s latest, the new Tina Fey movie, and a thriller/sequel starring Gerard Butler. Plus, a revisit to listener-suggested horror flick "Goodnight Mommy."
Oscars Recap, "Triple 9," and "Gods of Egypt”
March 02, 2016 05:02 - 37 minutesThe highs and lows of the Academy Awards, reviews of Casey Affleck's new action movie and the comically awful "Gods of Egypt," and listener-suggested revisits to two classic films: "Goodfellas" and "Mean Girls."
'The Witch' and the Oscars
February 24, 2016 03:22 - 37 minutesA debate about the new horror film directed by Robert Eggers, and a conversation on the upcoming Academy Awards. Who will win? Will there be an upset for Best Picture? How will everyone address #OscarsSoWhite? And why do the Oscars still matter so much to us?
'Deadpool,' 'Zoolander 2,' and 'Where to Invade Next'
February 18, 2016 04:32 - 41 minutesThe not-your-grandpa’s-comic-book-film starring Ryan Reynolds; the much-anticipated comedy sequel; and Michael Moore’s new take on the U.S.’s shortcomings.
'Hail Caesar!' and 'Pride and Prejudice and Zombies'
February 10, 2016 16:57 - 42 minutesThe guys discuss the Coen brothers' new movie, as well as the film adaptation of a popular zombie fiction book.
The Best of Sundance
February 03, 2016 17:04 - 44 minutesThe best movies from Sundance, the big project everyone is talking about, and why two films about the same tragedy are coming out this year.
The Importance of Being Michael Bay
January 20, 2016 05:02 - 1 hourThe premiere episode looks at the merits of “13 Hours” and the fallout from the Oscar nominations.