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PODCAST

Close Watch with Robert Yaniz Jr.

Blending pop culture with personal storytelling, Close Watch gives host Robert Yaniz Jr. the chance to get to know guests through the movies they love. From emotional favorites like Field of Dreams and The Crow to beloved cult hits like The Wicker Man, Kiss Kiss Bang Bang, and The Big Lebowski, each episode offers a thoughtful deep dive discussion into how films both shape who we are and reflect who we’ve become.

tv & film film reviews

All Episodes

57:33

Kai Yaniz / Clueless

Close Watch with Robert Yaniz Jr. ·

2018/12/10

In Episode 91 of the Crooked Table Podcast, Robert Yaniz Jr. turns the attention over to returning guest Kai Yaniz, who has chosen to discuss 1995 teen comedy Clueless. Starring Alicia Silverstone and written and directed by Amy Heckerling, the film was a landmark of 1990s cinema and remains one of the most beloved films of its kind this side of John Hughes. With a remake apparently on the horizon, we take a look at how Heckerling's film serves as a time capsule of its time, creating a unique

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46:08

Robert Yaniz Jr. / Ace Ventura: Pet Detective

Close Watch with Robert Yaniz Jr. ·

2018/12/03

In Episode 90 of the Crooked Table Podcast, Robert Yaniz Jr. ushers in a new era of the show (check out episode 88 for more details on the updated premise). With the help of wife/frequent podcast guest Kai Yaniz, Rob looks back on the now-problematic 1994 Jim Carrey comedy Ace Ventura: Pet Detective. The film may not have aged particularly well (which Kai and Rob most definitely will get into), but nonetheless, Rob harbors a long-held affection for Carrey's brand of rubber-faced wackiness, complete

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37:29

Flipping the Script with Filmmaker Jeff Witzeman

Close Watch with Robert Yaniz Jr. ·

2018/10/15

In Episode 89 of the Crooked Table Podcast, Robert Yaniz Jr. goes in-depth with independent filmmaker Jeff Witzeman, director of the powerful new documentary, Flipping the Script: When Parents Fight Back (read our review of the film). During the conversation, Jeff reveals what inspired him to make a film that sheds such startling light on the reality of healthcare in the United States. In the case of children battling cancer, the traditional medical protocol in this country may actually be doing

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14:25

Where We're Going...

Close Watch with Robert Yaniz Jr. ·

2018/09/30

In Episode 88 of the Crooked Table Podcast, Robert Yaniz Jr. returns after a two-month "Crooked Hiatus" to commemorate International Podcast Day by unveiling plans for the upcoming next phase of Crooked Table Podcast. Rather than focusing strictly on new releases or relying on a regular co-host, the Crooked Table Podcast version 2.0 will feature new guests each episode, who will join us for in-depth discussions of films of their choice. The show's goal is to highlight the subjective nature of

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21:44

Dirty Computer, I'll Love You in This Space and Time

Close Watch with Robert Yaniz Jr. ·

2018/07/24

In Episode 87 of the Crooked Table Podcast, Robert Yaniz Jr. takes another detour from the world of movies to lavish praise on Dirty Computer, the third studio album by Janelle Monáe. Released back in April, this latest work is a concept album — complete with a 49-minute "emotion picture" — celebrating individuality, free expression and being true to who you are. For Monáe, Dirty Computer represents her most ambitious project to date, as the music reflects her own journey to embrace her sexuality

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25:33

Sorry to Bother You, But We're Living in a Golden Age...

Close Watch with Robert Yaniz Jr. ·

2018/07/16

In Episode 86 of the Crooked Table Podcast, Robert Yaniz Jr. shares his thoughts on the bonkers absurdism of Sorry to Bother You, the feature debut for writer/director Boots Riley, and why the film represents a natural extension of the growing trend of satirical films tackling issues like race, class and conformity in increasingly over-the-top ways. Amid the current social and political landscape, a new string of fresh voices is rising to stir discussion of the many topics making headlines and

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02:00:12

Because I'm in Lesbians with You (Crooked Commentary #3)

Close Watch with Robert Yaniz Jr. ·

2018/07/09

In Episode 85 of the Crooked Table Podcast, Robert Yaniz Jr. and Kai Yaniz strap in for our third Crooked Commentary. After years of wishful thinking, we finally rewatched Edgar Wright's 2010 flop-turned-cult-classic Scott Pilgrim vs. the World. Based on the comics by Bryan Lee O'Malley, the film stars Michael Cera as a bassist in Canadian indie rock band Sex Bob-Omb who just so happens to be an immature 22-year-old leaving a path of destructive behavior in his wake. But when he falls for the

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01:04:20

Our Top 5 Movies of 1998

Close Watch with Robert Yaniz Jr. ·

2018/07/02

In Episode 84 of the Crooked Table Podcast, Robert Yaniz Jr. and Kai Yaniz hop a ride on the nostalgia wave as the journey back 20 years (!) to the year 1998. It was a simpler time, when our distinguished hosts were mere high school students, and the world had yet to be conquered by perpetual lists and rankings of the so-called "good ol' days." In that spirit, join us as we discuss the theatrical releases turning 20 years old this year that have stuck with us the most. And, if you're among

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01:11:50

Jurassic World: Fallen Kingdom Marks the End of an Era

Close Watch with Robert Yaniz Jr. ·

2018/06/23

In Episode 83 of the Crooked Table Podcast, Robert Yaniz Jr. is joined by Adam Barnard of Screen Fever for an in-depth review of Jurassic World: Fallen Kingdom, the fifth entry in Universal's Jurassic Park franchise. The series has come a long way since Steven Spielberg's 1993 original film, but even with its legacy intact following two less-than-stellar sequels, no one expected the sequel/reboot that was 2015's Jurassic World to connect with audiences to the tune of $1.7 billion worldwide. Now

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35:39

Incredibles 2 and the Magic of Pixar Animation Studios

Close Watch with Robert Yaniz Jr. ·

2018/06/18

In Episode 82 of the Crooked Table Podcast, Robert Yaniz Jr. shares his thoughts on Incredibles 2, the Disney and Pixar sequel the world was waited 14 years for. Then, he opens it up into a broader analysis of Pixar's filmography, the highs and lows of the studio's history and what being a Pixar film means to him. Ever since audiences first burst into Andy's room, the creative team at Pixar has created some of the most beloved animated releases of all time. Let's dive deep into the studio's

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43:30

Ocean's 8, Toxic Fandom and the Battle for Diversity...

Close Watch with Robert Yaniz Jr. ·

2018/06/11

In Episode 81 of the Crooked Table Podcast, Robert Yaniz Jr. and Kai Yaniz tie up some loose Riverdale ends with their brief review of the 2001 cult comedy Josie and the Pussycats, based on the Archie Comics title. Then it's into more serious matters, as they address the disparity in the audience and critical response to women and POC in studio films. From Ocean's 8 to Ghostbusters, female-led releases in particular have proved divisive among some moviegoers. In fact, actresses like Ghostbusters'

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01:09:19

A Visit to Riverdale AKA How I Joined Team Bughead

Close Watch with Robert Yaniz Jr. ·

2018/06/04

In Episode 80 of the Crooked Table Podcast, Robert Yaniz Jr. and Kai Yaniz take a detour from the world of film to address their recent trip down the Riverdale rabbit hole. The CW transformed the Archie Comics gang into its latest page-to-screen smash in 2017, turning "The Town with Pep" into a dark teen soap opera set in an all-too-seedy small town. Murder mysteries, love triangles, gangland wars and more shenanigans make the show — and its cast full of scene-stealers — the perfect show to binge

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26:41

Star Wars Zone: Solo Review and Boba Fett Movie...

Close Watch with Robert Yaniz Jr. ·

2018/05/28

In Episode 79 of the Crooked Table Podcast, Robert Yaniz Jr. shares his thoughts on director Ron Howard's Solo: A Star Wars Story, which sees Alden Ehrenreich slip into Harrison Ford's iconic vest. The film — which features an ensemble supporting cast led by Emilia Clark, Woody Harrelson, Donald Glover and Paul Bettany — is the only the second Star Wars anthology film but indicates that fans might expect more solo films (pun intended) featuring their favorite characters. Case in point, James Mangold

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27:48

Is Deadpool the Key to Rebooting the X-Men Franchise?

Close Watch with Robert Yaniz Jr. ·

2018/05/21

In Episode 78 of the Crooked Table Podcast, Robert Yaniz Jr. takes a long, hard look at Deadpool 2 and whether the Merc with the Mouth actually serves as the perfect opportunity for Fox, Marvel or both (depending on how Disney's acquisition of Fox turns out) to finally launch into the long-rumored top-to-bottom reboot of the convoluted and splintered X-Men film franchise. After all, Ryan Reynolds' anti-hero is already the biggest audience draw within the X-verse. So it stands to reason that he would

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24:48

It's Time for Another 'Evil Dead 2'

Close Watch with Robert Yaniz Jr. ·

2018/05/13

In Episode 77 of the Crooked Table Podcast, Robert Yaniz Jr. considers why director Fede Alvarez and star Jane Levy should reunite for Evil Dead 2, the sequel to their 2013 reboot of the classic horror franchise. With Ash vs. Evil Dead canceled by Starz and the fanbase hungry for more, could Alvarez's follow-up bridge the gap between Bruce Campbell-led TV series and the most recent big-screen installment in the iconic horror/comedy saga? We’re excited to hear your feedback as the Crooked Table

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01:57:29

Avengers: Earth's Mightiest Heroes Go To 'Infinity...

Close Watch with Robert Yaniz Jr. ·

2018/04/30

In Episode 76 of the Crooked Table Podcast, Robert Yaniz Jr. and Kai Yaniz take the time to discuss Avengers: Infinity War, the 19th installment in the Marvel Cinematic Universe. But this isn't just any Marvel film. Finally, Earth's Mightiest Heroes from across the MCU unite to face the tyrannical power of Thanos. With an epic battle extending into space and beyond, Iron Man, Captain America, Thor, Doctor Strange, Spider-Man, Black Panther, the Guardians of the Galaxy and others must fight to save

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01:07:32

'Black Panther' Finally Takes Marvel Studios to Wakanda

Close Watch with Robert Yaniz Jr. ·

2018/02/20

In Episode 75 of the Crooked Table Podcast, Robert Yaniz Jr. and Kai Yaniz devote an entire SPOILER-filled episode to review Black Panther, the 18th entry in the Marvel Cinematic Universe and the final one to hit theaters before Avengers: Infinity War changes the MCU forever. The film marks the first Marvel Studios film featuring an African-American actor in the lead and is poised to shift the movie business itself with a cultural phenomenon of Wonder Woman proportions. But does director Ryan

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01:14:52

The Cloverfield Franchise Roars Back to Life

Close Watch with Robert Yaniz Jr. ·

2018/02/14

In Episode 74 of the Crooked Table Podcast, Robert Yaniz Jr. and Freddy Yaniz pop into the world of Netflix for a discussion of what they've been watching on the ubiquitous streaming service, including principally an in-depth review of surprise sequel The Cloverfield Paradox. Ten years after the franchise started with a found-footage monster movie, the J.J. Abrams-produced space horror show makes it way into subscribers' homes immediately following the conclusion of the Big Game. But is the

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37:57

Let's Discuss Those 2018 Oscar Nominations

Close Watch with Robert Yaniz Jr. ·

2018/01/24

In Episode 73 of the Crooked Table Podcast, Robert Yaniz Jr. unpacks the 2018 Academy Award nominations. Will Meryl Streep (The Post) and/or Daniel Day-Lewis (Phantom Thread) snag a fourth statuette? Will beloved newcomers like Jordan Peele (Get Out) and Greta Gerwig (Lady Bird) win big? And will Guillermo del Toro's The Shape of Water be able to fend off Martin McDonagh's Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri to take it all? Let's take a closer look at this year's crop of nominees and prepare

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22:14

How I Rate Movies

Close Watch with Robert Yaniz Jr. ·

2018/01/24

In Episode 72 of the Crooked Table Podcast, Robert Yaniz Jr. reveals his approach to film criticism, detailing the various criteria that he considers when giving a film a rating of one to five stars. That's right, folks! It's another edition of Let's Talk About SIX! We’re excited to hear your feedback as the Crooked Table Podcast continues to evolve. As usual, the show does feature explicit language and, as such, is best considered NSFW. Thanks for listening! SHOW NOTES Previously on the Crooked

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