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Close Watch with Robert Yaniz Jr.

Close Watch with Robert Yaniz Jr.

Crooked Table Productions

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1 Creator

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5.0

(7)

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1 Creator

On the Crooked Table Podcast, Robert Yaniz Jr. and company celebrate the creative, quirky and downright peculiar parts of the pop culture and, more specifically, the movie industry. Each episode provides in-depth reviews and lively discussions of current releases, lesser-known gems and nostalgic favorites. Pull up a chair and join the conversation... In short, welcome to the Table!
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Top 10 Close Watch with Robert Yaniz Jr. Episodes

Goodpods has curated a list of the 10 best Close Watch with Robert Yaniz Jr. episodes, ranked by the number of listens and likes each episode have garnered from our listeners. If you are listening to Close Watch with Robert Yaniz Jr. for the first time, there's no better place to start than with one of these standout episodes. If you are a fan of the show, vote for your favorite Close Watch with Robert Yaniz Jr. episode by adding your comments to the episode page.

Close Watch with Robert Yaniz Jr. - 'Weird: The Al Yankovic Story' (feat. Lauren Carey of the Beer'd Al Podcast)
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12/23/22 • 68 min

After UHF, "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.

Lauren Carey of the Beer'd Al Podcast joins us to discuss 2022's Weird: The Al Yankovic Story (a movie she and Rob willed into being). 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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Close Watch with Robert Yaniz Jr. - 'Bandits' (feat. The Famous Ashley Grant)

'Bandits' (feat. The Famous Ashley Grant)

Close Watch with Robert Yaniz Jr.

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11/24/22 • 68 min

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.

The Famous Ashley Grant 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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Close Watch with Robert Yaniz Jr. - 'Kiss Kiss Bang Bang' (feat. Thomas Greene of Movies After Work)
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09/29/21 • 80 min

Shane Black is a name that tends to elicit either unbridled enthusiasm or consternation from moviegoers. Black started out as an actor before hitting it big as the legendary screenwriter of Lethal Weapon. Then in 2005, he made the leap to directing his own scripts. And this episode, Thomas Greene of Movies After Work joins us to discuss Black's directorial debut, Kiss Kiss Bang Bang.

Kiss Kiss Bang Bang stars a pre-Iron Man Robert Downey Jr., a post-Batman Val Kilmer, and a star-making turn by Michelle Monaghan. The film's blend of noir subject matter and buddy cop energy turned it into a cult classic for some, despite its box office underperformance. But Thomas and I will 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 Los Angeles scene, why the movie impacted Thomas' own writing, and which of the movie's three lead performances ultimately steals the movie.

SYNOPSIS Two-bit crook Harry Lockhart (Robert Downey Jr.) stumbles into an audition for a mystery film while on the run from the cops. Winning the part, he lands in Hollywood, where he's flung into a tangled, murderous conspiracy with his childhood sweetheart, Harmony Lane (Michelle Monaghan), and hard-boiled private eye Perry van Shrike (Val Kilmer).

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Close Watch with Robert Yaniz Jr. - 'Airplane!' (feat. film critic Albert Lanier)

'Airplane!' (feat. film critic Albert Lanier)

Close Watch with Robert Yaniz Jr.

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07/01/22 • 59 min

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 Albert Lanier 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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Close Watch with Robert Yaniz Jr. - 'The Mummy' (feat. Catherine Gonzales of Latinx Lens)
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12/18/21 • 47 min

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.

On this episode, Catherine Gonzales of Latinx Lens joins the show as we talk about the film's influence on modern blockbusters, its iconic cast of unforgettable characters, and how well it holds up by today's standards.

SYNOPSIS The Mummy is a rousing, suspenseful and horrifying epic about an expedition of treasure-seeking explorers in the Sahara Desert in 1925. Stumbling upon an ancient tomb, the hunters unwittingly set loose a 3,000-year-old legacy of terror, which is embodied in the vengeful reincarnation of an Egyptian priest who had been sentenced to an eternity as one of the living dead.

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Close Watch with Robert Yaniz Jr. - 'Willow' (feat. Jeremiah Stewart of Let's Talk)

'Willow' (feat. Jeremiah Stewart of Let's Talk)

Close Watch with Robert Yaniz Jr.

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09/23/22 • 69 min

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, Jeremiah Stewart of the Let's Talk 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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Close Watch with Robert Yaniz Jr. - 'Little Shop of Horrors' (1986) (feat. film critic Morgan Roberts)
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02/15/23 • 68 min

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 Morgan Roberts 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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Close Watch with Robert Yaniz Jr. - 'Cloud Atlas' (feat. Brian Skutle of the Sonic Cinema Podcast)
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10/26/22 • 95 min

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 Brian Skutle 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 Sonic Cinema Podcast 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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Close Watch with Robert Yaniz Jr. - 'Starman' (featuring JC Screen Fix)

'Starman' (featuring JC Screen Fix)

Close Watch with Robert Yaniz Jr.

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09/23/20 • 72 min

What comes to mind when you think of John Carpenter? Most people probably go straight to classic horror films like Halloween or The Thing. Or perhaps cult sci-fi thrillers such as Escape from New York and They Live. The point is, we're willing to bet few would think Carpenter had a romantic sci-fi drama in him. And yet Starman exists.

Starring Jeff Bridges and Karen Allen -- who we just covered in our Raiders of the Lost Ark episode -- the 1984 release barely broke even at the box office. Yet, it remains critically beloved and, according to this episode's guest, the ultimate comfort movie during the insanity that is 2020.

JC of Screen Fix joins us to discuss why Starman is a forgotten gem of the 1980s. We'll get into where the unlikely film fits in Carpenter's career, the chemistry between Bridges and Allen, and -- of course -- why Starman shines so very bright in today's world.

So join us as we hitch our crooked wagon to Carpenter's Starman.

SYNOPSIS

Answering a NASA message intended, an alien tries to contact mankind, but an American missile grounds his ship. Scrambling, the so-called Starman (Jeff Bridges) inhabits the body of a late Wisconsinite and kidnaps the dead man's widow, Jenny Hayden (Karen Allen). Determined to reunite with a vessel from his home planet at a predetermined site, Starman and Jenny travel to Arizona. Pursued by military officials trying to kill him, Starman forges a lasting bond with Jenny.

SHOW NOTES

Join the Crooked Table Crew by becoming an official patron over at Patreon.com/CrookedTable

Subscribe to the Crooked Table Podcast on Apple Podcasts so that you never miss a moment!

Listen to the Crooked Table Podcast on Spotify!

The Crooked Table Podcast is also on Stitcher!

Reach Robert Yaniz Jr. on Twitter at @crookedtable.

Connect with Crooked Table on social media:

Facebook | Twitter | Instagram | Tumblr

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Close Watch with Robert Yaniz Jr. - 'Darkman' (featuring Kevin Smith)

'Darkman' (featuring Kevin Smith)

Close Watch with Robert Yaniz Jr.

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10/09/20 • 78 min

Long before Liam Neeson let the world know about his "very particular set of skills," he was Darkman. The cult classic from director Sam Raimi even predates Neeson's Star Wars and Batman Begins days. Yet, in many ways, it feels like it belongs to the initial comic book movie boom of the early 2000s.

Kevin Smith joins the show to discuss why Darkman is such a well-kept secret, how it's a critical turning point for Raimi's career, and why Hollywood should dust off the franchise. We'll also cover Oscar winner Frances McDormand, the late great Larry Drake, and that pink elephant.

He's everyone and no one. Everywhere and nowhere. But this episode, you can call him Darkman.

SYNOPSIS

When thugs employed by a crime boss lead a vicious assault on Dr. Peyton Westlake (Liam Neeson), leaving him literally and psychologically scarred, an emergency procedure allows him to survive. Upon his recovery, Westlake can find solace only by returning to his scientific work developing synthetic skin, and seeking revenge against the crime boss. He assumes a phantom avenger persona called Darkman, who -- with malleable facial qualities -- is able to infiltrate and sow terror in the criminal community.

SHOW NOTES

Join the Crooked Table Crew by becoming an official patron over at Patreon.com/CrookedTable

Subscribe to the Crooked Table Podcast on Apple Podcasts so that you never miss a moment!

Listen to the Crooked Table Podcast on Spotify!

The Crooked Table Podcast is also on Stitcher!

Reach Robert Yaniz Jr. on Twitter at @crookedtable.

Connect with Crooked Table on social media:

Facebook | Twitter | Instagram | Tumblr

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FAQ

How many episodes does Close Watch with Robert Yaniz Jr. have?

Close Watch with Robert Yaniz Jr. currently has 216 episodes available.

What topics does Close Watch with Robert Yaniz Jr. cover?

The podcast is about Popculture, Nostalgia, Discussion, Reviews, Film, Movies, Podcasts, Podcast, Film Reviews, Tv & Film, Retro and Cinema.

What is the most popular episode on Close Watch with Robert Yaniz Jr.?

The episode title ''Weird: The Al Yankovic Story' (feat. Lauren Carey of the Beer'd Al Podcast)' is the most popular.

What is the average episode length on Close Watch with Robert Yaniz Jr.?

The average episode length on Close Watch with Robert Yaniz Jr. is 68 minutes.

How often are episodes of Close Watch with Robert Yaniz Jr. released?

Episodes of Close Watch with Robert Yaniz Jr. are typically released every 7 days, 3 hours.

When was the first episode of Close Watch with Robert Yaniz Jr.?

The first episode of Close Watch with Robert Yaniz Jr. was released on Dec 8, 2014.

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