Close Watch with Robert Yaniz Jr. - 'Kiss Kiss Bang Bang' (feat. Thomas Greene of Movies After Work)

'Kiss Kiss Bang Bang' (feat. Thomas Greene of Movies After Work)

09/29/21 • 80 min

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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). Connect with Crooked Table Productions on social media: Facebook | Twitter | Instagram

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'Your Name' (feat. Rachel Wagner of Rachel's Reviews)

Even some fans of animated films need to brush up on their anime. Such was the case when Rachel Wagner of Rachel's Reviews stopped by the show. A self-professed ambassador of Makoto Shinkai's 2016 film Your Name, Rachel joined us to discuss the film. And the conversation -- just like Your Name itself -- went some unexpected places along the way. Your Name blends comedy, fantasy, romance, sci-fi, and drama into one distinctive subversion of the body-swap concept. Listen in as Rachel and I discuss what the movie says about spirituality, connection, and gender identity. We'll even discuss the in-development live-action remake and the state of animated films in Hollywood. By the end, you'll know Your Name. Connect with Crooked Table Productions on social media: Facebook | Twitter | Instagram

Next Episode

'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. Normally, The Crow would have been a contender for our sister podcast, Franchise Detours. However, Proyas' film tells a standalone story. And besides, Brian's love for this film certainly merits the Close Watch treatment. We'll discuss what The Crow means to him, how its genre-blending tone sets it apart, and what most people misunderstand about it. Join us as we journey back to the alternative music, goth aesthetic, and pre-MCU comic book movies of the 1990s as we take flight with The Crow. SYNOPSIS
The night before his wedding, musician Eric Draven (Brandon Lee) and his fiancée are brutally murdered by gang members. On the anniversary of their death, Eric rises from the grave and becomes a supernatural avenger. Tracking down the thugs responsible for the crimes and mercilessly murdering them, Eric eventually confronts head gangster Top Dollar (Michael Wincott) to complete his macabre mission. Connect with Crooked Table Productions on social media: Facebook | Twitter | Instagram