Close Watch with Robert Yaniz Jr.
What do the movies we love say about us? At Close Watch with Robert Yaniz Jr. -- formerly the Crooked Table Podcast -- that's what we do. Every episode, we're joined by a different guest to discuss their personal history with a current or classic release. And in doing so, we aim to get to know them through the movies they love.
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'West Side Story' (1961/2021) (feat. Darin Lundberg of NostalgiaCast)
10/19/2023
'West Side Story' (1961/2021) (feat. Darin Lundberg of NostalgiaCast)
In a harmonious double feature, Close Watch continues venturing through the world of movie musicals with an in-depth breakdown of both the 1961 classic West Side Story and Steven Spielberg's 2021 remake. Does the Oscar-winning original still hold up, and was its update worth the creative risk? of joins us in this melodic journey through two versions of Maria and Tony's love story. We'll explore the rich history of the original film and how it laid the foundation for modern musicals. Then, we'll dive into the reimagined 2021 adaptation and how it measures up. These two films have left an indelible mark on the musical genre, and in a conversation nearly as long as the movies themselves, we discuss their impact on the genre, the timeless themes of love and conflict, and how they've resonated with audiences over the decades. LISTEN on , , , and other podcatchers! #Podcasts #NewEpisode
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'An American in Paris' (feat. Philip Boone of Ultimate Gilmore Girls Movie Night)
06/07/2023
'An American in Paris' (feat. Philip Boone of Ultimate Gilmore Girls Movie Night)
Every episode, Close Watch gives us the chance to get to know our guest through the movie they love. But more recently, the show has sharpened its focus on the wide world of movie musicals. And after the man-eating plant of and the cultural celebration of , musical icon Gene Kelly has officially entered the chat. of the podcast joins us to discuss 1951's An American in Paris. We'll discuss where it fits into Kelly's filmography, how it compares to fellow classics Singin' in the Rain and On the Town, and why -- despite winning six Academy Awards, including Best Picture -- An American in Paris remains underrated. | |
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'In the Heights' (feat. The Lady-Wan from Screen Run)
04/05/2023
'In the Heights' (feat. The Lady-Wan from Screen Run)
Way back in 2020, a few hardcore Hamilfans -- including this episode's guest -- united for the to talk up the Disney+ release of Lin-Manuel Miranda's Tony-winning musical Hamilton. Now, at last, loyal listeners get the long-awaited spiritual sequel to that discussion. On this episode, Close Watch continues its year-long analysis of movie musicals as of joins us to talk 2021's In the Heights. Based on Miranda's other Tony-winning musical, the film follows a group of largely Latinx characters in New York's Washington Heights. We'll discuss why In the Heights underperformed at the box office, how it thematically matches up with Hamilton, and why director Jon M. Chu's film deserved better. Plus, we'll count down our favorite In the Heights songs in a brand-new edition of Let's Talk About SIX! | |
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'Little Shop of Horrors' (1986) (feat. film critic Morgan Roberts)
02/15/2023
'Little Shop of Horrors' (1986) (feat. film critic Morgan Roberts)
It's 2023, and Close Watch has a song in its heart this year. For the next year, we're dedicating this podcast to movie musicals. Every month, the show will feature at least one episode in which Rob and a guest go in-depth on a beloved movie musical. And what better way to celebrate one of cinema's most beloved genres than with a man-eating plant from outer space?! Film critic joins the show to discuss 1986's Little Shop of Horrors starring Rick Moranis, Ellen Greene, and Steve Martin. We'll discuss the elite group of movie musicals the Frank Oz-directed film belongs to, the staggering puppetry that brings Audrey II to life, and explore why some of our favorite movie musicals go to some very dark places. So shimmy downtown to the little flower shop on the corner for a glimpse at the strange and unusual plant in the window. Just don't feed the plants! | |
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'Weird: The Al Yankovic Story' (feat. Lauren Carey of the Beer'd Al Podcast)
12/23/2022
'Weird: The Al Yankovic Story' (feat. Lauren Carey of the Beer'd Al Podcast)
After , "Weird Al" Yankovic fans faced a wait of more than three decades for another movie featuring the musical icon. And finally, along comes Weird: The Al Yankovic Story. Starring Daniel Radcliffe as "The Weird One" himself, the movie pokes fun at Yankovic's life and career as well as the very notion that someone would make a biopic about him. of the joins us to discuss 2022's Weird: The Al Yankovic Story (). We'll cover whether The Roku Channel original movie met our expectations, how it connects back to the criminally under-seen 1985 mockumentary The Compleat Al, and what we want Yankovic to do next in a post-Weird world. | |
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'Bandits' (feat. The Famous Ashley Grant)
11/24/2022
'Bandits' (feat. The Famous Ashley Grant)
Cate Blanchett might be poised to win a third Academy Award for her performance in Tár. But more than two decades ago, the actor -- who was already well on her way to becoming one of the best actors of her generation -- co-starred with Bruce Willis and Billy Bob Thornton in an under-seen crime comedy-drama. And unsurprisingly, she steals the film. joins us to discuss 2001's Bandits from director Barry Levinson. We'll talk about Blanchett's mesmerizing turn as the hostage who comes in between two bank robbers (Willis, Thornton), how the movie's treatment of romance is so progressive, and we'll name-check our favorite Willis movies in a new edition of Let's Talk About SIX. | |
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'Cloud Atlas' (feat. Brian Skutle of the Sonic Cinema Podcast)
10/26/2022
'Cloud Atlas' (feat. Brian Skutle of the Sonic Cinema Podcast)
Some movies are too big to cover in a single conversation. Cloud Atlas -- the 2012 epic directed by the Wachowskis and Tom Tykwer -- is definitely such a movie. So to celebrate the film's tenth anniversary, we invited of the Sonic Cinema Podcast to help us dig into the movie and its ensemble cast, which includes Tom Hanks, Halle Berry, and Jim Broadbent. In this first half of a massive two-part crossover event, Brian joins us to discuss the audacious production that was Cloud Atlas, its controversial casting choices, its six interwoven stories, and its grand themes. Plus, the thrilling return of Let's Talk About SIX sees Rob and Brian rank their six favorite Wachowski-led projects, from Bound to The Matrix Resurrections! Stay tuned to the for Part 2 of our Cloud Atlas chat, as Rob swings by to discuss how Tykwer, Johnny Klimek, and Reinhold Heil's score informs the movie's story. | |
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'Willow' (feat. Jeremiah Stewart of Let's Talk)
09/23/2022
'Willow' (feat. Jeremiah Stewart of Let's Talk)
Unless superheroes, hobbits, or boy wizards are involved, fantasy films are all too rare these days. But in the 1980s, the genre was thriving on the big screen. Filmmakers coupled state-of-the-art visual effects with puppetry, make-up, and good ol' movie magic to create worlds fans could previously only imagine. Director Ron Howard's 1988 film Willow is one such film. Featuring a story by George Lucas, Willow was the filmmaker's blatant attempt to tell a story like The Lord of the Rings. And with the new Disney+ sequel series right around the corner, of the YouTube channel joins the show to remind listeners why they should revisit Willow. We'll discuss how the movie inspired Jeremiah's own interest, the greatness of star Warwick Davis, and what we want out of the new show. | |
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'Willow' (feat. Jeremiah Stewart of Let's Talk)
09/23/2022
'Willow' (feat. Jeremiah Stewart of Let's Talk)
Unless superheroes, hobbits, or boy wizards are involved, fantasy films are all too rare these days. But in the 1980s, the genre was thriving on the big screen. Filmmakers coupled state-of-the-art visual effects with puppetry, make-up, and good ol' movie magic to create worlds fans could previously only imagine. Director Ron Howard's 1988 film Willow is one such film. Featuring a story by George Lucas, Willow was the filmmaker's blatant attempt to tell a story like The Lord of the Rings. And with the new Disney+ sequel series right around the corner, of the YouTube channel joins the show to remind listeners why they should revisit Willow. We'll discuss how the movie inspired Jeremiah's own interest, the greatness of star Warwick Davis, and what we want out of the new show. | |
/episode/index/show/crookedtable/id/24446256
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'Willow' (feat. Jeremiah Stewart of Let's Talk)
09/23/2022
'Willow' (feat. Jeremiah Stewart of Let's Talk)
Unless superheroes, hobbits, or boy wizards are involved, fantasy films are all too rare these days. But in the 1980s, the genre was thriving on the big screen. Filmmakers coupled state-of-the-art visual effects with puppetry, make-up, and good ol' movie magic to create worlds fans could previously only imagine. Director Ron Howard's 1988 film Willow is one such film. Featuring a story by George Lucas, Willow was the filmmaker's blatant attempt to tell a story like The Lord of the Rings. And with the new Disney+ sequel series right around the corner, of the YouTube channel joins the show to remind listeners why they should revisit Willow. We'll discuss how the movie inspired Jeremiah's own interest, the greatness of star Warwick Davis, and what we want out of the new show. | |
/episode/index/show/crookedtable/id/24446259
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'Willow' (feat. Jeremiah Stewart of Let's Talk)
09/23/2022
'Willow' (feat. Jeremiah Stewart of Let's Talk)
Unless superheroes, hobbits, or boy wizards are involved, fantasy films are all too rare these days. But in the 1980s, the genre was thriving on the big screen. Filmmakers coupled state-of-the-art visual effects with puppetry, make-up, and good ol' movie magic to create worlds fans could previously only imagine. Director Ron Howard's 1988 film Willow is one such film. Featuring a story by George Lucas, Willow was the filmmaker's blatant attempt to tell a story like The Lord of the Rings. And with the new Disney+ sequel series right around the corner, of the YouTube channel joins the show to remind listeners why they should revisit Willow. We'll discuss how the movie inspired Jeremiah's own interest, the greatness of star Warwick Davis, and what we want out of the new show. | |
/episode/index/show/crookedtable/id/24446262
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'Willow' (feat. Jeremiah Stewart of Let's Talk)
09/23/2022
'Willow' (feat. Jeremiah Stewart of Let's Talk)
Unless superheroes, hobbits, or boy wizards are involved, fantasy films are all too rare these days. But in the 1980s, the genre was thriving on the big screen. Filmmakers coupled state-of-the-art visual effects with puppetry, make-up, and good ol' movie magic to create worlds fans could previously only imagine. Director Ron Howard's 1988 film Willow is one such film. Featuring a story by George Lucas, Willow was the filmmaker's blatant attempt to tell a story like The Lord of the Rings. And with the new Disney+ sequel series right around the corner, of the YouTube channel joins the show to remind listeners why they should revisit Willow. We'll discuss how the movie inspired Jeremiah's own interest, the greatness of star Warwick Davis, and what we want out of the new show. | |
/episode/index/show/crookedtable/id/24446265
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'Airplane!' (feat. film critic Albert Lanier)
07/01/2022
'Airplane!' (feat. film critic Albert Lanier)
Cinema -- like all art forms -- is wholly subjective. And within that, comedy is perhaps most subjective of all. That being said, 1980's Airplane! remains widely considered one of the funniest movies of all time. So as Close Watch emerges from a lengthy hiatus, we'll take to the skies for an in-depth chat. On this episode, film critic returns to break down how Airplane! works not only as a comedy parodying the disaster films of the 1970s but also as an adaptation of the 1957 film Zero Hour. We'll discuss the most unforgettable jokes and most iconic performances, and answer once and for all whether Airplane! is indeed the funniest movie ever made. | |
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'Beetlejuice' (feat. Bri Azmoudeh of Killer Waffles)
01/05/2022
'Beetlejuice' (feat. Bri Azmoudeh of Killer Waffles)
It's showtime. Close Watch kicks off a new year with the "ghost with the most" himself. Tim Burton's 1988 comedy Beetlejuice made mega-stars out of both Burton and Michael Keaton ahead of their next film, Batman.
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'The Mummy' (feat. Catherine Gonzales of Latinx Lens)
12/18/2021
'The Mummy' (feat. Catherine Gonzales of Latinx Lens)
The Dark Universe might have been dead on arrival, but 1999's The Mummy remains just as beloved as ever. More than two decades later, fans continue to revisit Brendan Fraser and Rachel Weisz's sweeping adventure.
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'The Big Lebowski' (feat. Kerri Jones)
12/17/2021
'The Big Lebowski' (feat. Kerri Jones)
Call him The Dude, His Dudeness, El Duder, or even El Duderino (if you're not into the whole brevity thing). Whatever you call Jeff Bridge's loveable hipster hero in The Big Lebowski, he's certainly become a cinematic icon.
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'Time Bandits' (feat. JC from Screen Fix)
12/16/2021
'Time Bandits' (feat. JC from Screen Fix)
Who needs parents when there's adventure? That seemed to be the philosophy of fantasy films in the 1980s. And as it turns out, 1981's Time Bandits might be the granddaddy of all those fan-favorite cult classics.
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'Do the Right Thing' (feat. David Snyder)
12/15/2021
'Do the Right Thing' (feat. David Snyder)
Spike Lee is without a doubt one of the most essential filmmakers of his generation. And 1989's Do the Right Thing is widely considered his masterpiece. So this episode, we're giving this indelible classic its due.
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'The Wicker Man' (1973) (feat. Amy Otero)
12/14/2021
'The Wicker Man' (1973) (feat. Amy Otero)
The Wicker Man has gotten a bad rap in recent years, thanks to the widely ridiculed 2006 remake starring Nicolas Cage. But this episode, we're setting aside the "not the bees!" jokes for a closer look at the original 1973 classic.
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'The First Wives Club' (feat. Phoenix Clouden of the Film Code Podcast)
10/21/2021
'The First Wives Club' (feat. Phoenix Clouden of the Film Code Podcast)
Considering The First Wives Club earned $100 million in 1996, it's remarkable how little people seem to discuss it. This episode, Phoenix Clouden of the Film Code Podcast helps us fix that. As the movie celebrates its 25th anniversary, now is the perfect time to celebrate the iconic performances from Goldie Hawn, Bette Midler, and Diane Keaton. We'll discuss why the film is deeper than it seems, which of the three leading ladies we relate to, and whether we'd want to see a sequel all these years later.
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'The Crow' (feat. Brian Skutle of Sonic Cinema Podcast)
10/06/2021
'The Crow' (feat. Brian Skutle of Sonic Cinema Podcast)
General audiences might remember Alex Proyas' 1994 movie The Crow for the tragic on-set death of star Brandon Lee. Yet, despite that infamous incident -- or, perhaps, in part because of it -- the film -- based on the comics by James O'Barr -- inspired a cult following that endures today. And this episode, Brian Skutle of the Sonic Cinema Podcast helps us discuss why.
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'Kiss Kiss Bang Bang' (feat. Thomas Greene of Movies After Work)
09/29/2021
'Kiss Kiss Bang Bang' (feat. Thomas Greene of Movies After Work)
This episode, Thomas Greene of Movies After Work joins us to discuss Shane Black's directorial debut, 2005's Kiss Kiss Bang Bang. The movie stars a pre-Iron Man Robert Downey Jr., a post-Batman Val Kilmer, and a star-making turn by Michelle Monaghan. Thomas and I delve into how it was a pivotal movie for not only those involved but him as well. We'll discuss how accurately Black captures the LA scene, why the movie impacted Thomas' own writing, and which of the movie's leads ultimately steals the movie.
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'Your Name' (feat. Rachel Wagner of Rachel's Reviews)
08/13/2021
'Your Name' (feat. Rachel Wagner of Rachel's Reviews)
Rachel Wagner of Rachel's Reviews stopped by the show to discuss Makoto Shinkai's 2016 film Your Name. The movie blends comedy, fantasy, romance, sci-fi, and drama into one distinctive subversion of the body-swap concept.
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'Field of Dreams' (feat. Darin Lundberg of NostalgiaCast)
08/02/2021
'Field of Dreams' (feat. Darin Lundberg of NostalgiaCast)
"If you build it, he will come." But is the same true if you podcast about it? Darin Lundberg of NostalgiaCast helps us test that theory with an in-depth chat about 1989's 'Field of Dreams' starring Kevin Costner. Listen in as Darin shares the personal story behind his love for the movie. We'll discuss why he watches it annually, how it's not really a baseball movie, and why James Horner deserves so much credit for the film's success. So lace up and join us as we run onto the Field of Dreams.
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'Goodfellas' (featuring Jason from Binge Movies)
06/29/2021
'Goodfellas' (featuring Jason from Binge Movies)
The era of the Crooked Table Podcast ends with a bang as we discuss Martin Scorsese's 1990 crime drama Goodfellas. Jason from Binge Movies joins the show as we break down the film's legacy, its place in Scorsese's legendary filmography, and Goodfellas' Best Picture loss to Dances with Wolves.
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'Rudy' (feat. Philip Boone of Sports Flix, Just Give Us Clix)
06/07/2021
'Rudy' (feat. Philip Boone of Sports Flix, Just Give Us Clix)
Over the years, cinema and sports have crossed paths countless times. And for an entire generation, Rudy represents the ultimate underdog story. Starring Sean Astin (The Lord of the Rings), the film tells the inspiring true story of Daniel "Rudy" Ruettiger.
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'Howard the Duck' (feat. Jamie Williams)
05/31/2021
'Howard the Duck' (feat. Jamie Williams)
This episode, we tap into the red-headed step-child of Marvel Comics movies: 1986's Howard the Duck. The first full-length movie based on a Marvel character, the movie was a box office and critical disaster. But have its feathers been unjustly ruffled?
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INTERVIEW with CinemaSins' Jeremy Scott
05/17/2021
INTERVIEW with CinemaSins' Jeremy Scott
For years, CinemaSins has cheekily tackled "everything wrong with" the movies. Now Jeremy Scott -- co-founder and the "voice of CinemaSins" -- joins us to talk about his new book, Original Sin: From Preacher’s Kid to the Creator of CinemaSins.
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'Mulholland Drive' (feat. Albert Lanier)
02/09/2021
'Mulholland Drive' (feat. Albert Lanier)
Few films released in the 21st century have as universal a reputation as David Lynch's 2001 thriller Mulholland Drive. Returning guest Albert Lanier lays out what he believes to be the "Lynch pin" to understanding the film. We'll discuss our interpretations of the film's final act, address its origin as a TV pilot, and attempt to decipher one of cinema's most inscrutable minds.
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'UHF' (feat. Lauren Carey of the Beer'd Al Podcast)
02/01/2021
'UHF' (feat. Lauren Carey of the Beer'd Al Podcast)
Come one, come Al! After 2020, things were bound to get weird. So we kick off 2021 with the only logical episode: "Weird Al" Yankovic's one and only big-screen starring role, 1989's cult comedy UHF. Lauren Carey of the Beer'd Al Podcast joins the show to talk about the film's legacy, its impact on Al's career, and whether UHF is an effective entry point for new fans.
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