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PODCAST

Franchise Detours

No movie series travels in a straight line. And on Franchise Detours, host Robert Yaniz Jr. tracks the twists and turns of your favorite film series. Whether it’s the manic antics of The Naked Gun, the evolving continuity of X-Men, the horror-comedy balancing act of Child’s Play, or how Rocky transitioned into Creed, each episode digs into how these stories shift, grow, and sometimes completely reinvent themselves.

tv & film film history

All Episodes

84:11

'Superman Returns' (feat. film critic Sara Michelle...

Franchise Detours ·

2025/09/20

Just a year after Batman Begins relaunched the Caped Crusader back into Gotham's crime-ridden streets, Superman Returns flew into theaters, attempting to bridge the gap between Richard Donner’s Superman and the modern superhero era.Starring Brandon Routh as the Man of Steel, the film honors Christopher Reeve’s legacy while paving its own path. Film critic Sara Michelle Fetters joins us to explore its ambitious vision, the risk of its nostalgia-fueled approach, and how it fits within Superman’s

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81:12

'Superman IV: The Quest for Peace' (feat. Dallin...

Franchise Detours ·

2025/09/06

For the penultimate stop on our Superman mega-series, Franchise Detours takes flight with 1987’s Superman IV: The Quest for Peace. Christopher Reeve not only dons the cape once more but also contributes to the story this time around, though the result isn’t exactly what he had in mind. Due largely to Cannon Films’ budget cuts, Reeve’s final flight became one of the most infamous superhero sequels ever made. Now we unpack why this well-intended effort fell so very flat. Dallin Curtis, The Film

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75:33

'Supergirl' (feat. The Vern of Cinema Recall)

Franchise Detours ·

2025/08/23

1984’s Supergirl attempted to expand the Superman cinematic universe with a new hero, fresh mythology, and a bold new direction. But did it live up to its promise? On this episode of Franchise Detours, Robert Yaniz Jr. welcomes The Vern from Cinema Recall to discuss Helen Slater’s debut as Kara Zor-El, the film’s campy villain turn from Faye Dunaway, and where this underrated entry fits into the legacy of superhero cinema.Subscribe to Crooked Table on YouTube:

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80:36

'Superman III' (feat. Sandro Falce of Oldie But a...

Franchise Detours ·

2025/08/23

It’s a bird, it’s a plane… it’s a tonal shift! Robert is joined by Sandro Falce of Oldie But a Goodie to discuss Superman III, the movie that trades high-stakes heroics for slapstick hijinks. From Richard Pryor’s chaotic tech wizardry to Clark Kent’s trip down memory lane, the third Christopher Reeve Superman film is as infamous as it is fascinating. We talk evil Superman, high school reunions, synthetic kryptonite (with… tar?), and why this sequel's weirdest legacy might be inspiring Office

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84:32

'Superman II' (feat. Darin Lundberg of NostalgiaCast)

Franchise Detours ·

2025/08/02

On this episode of Franchise Detours, we continue our deep dive into the original Superman film series with 1980's Superman II — both the theatrical cut and the 2006 Richard Donner Cut.Darin Lundberg of NostalgiaCast and Back To Bluey joins us to explore how the behind-the-scenes turmoil affected the film’s tone and vision, from Richard Lester’s more comedic approach to Donner’s darker, character-driven version. We'll also discuss Superman’s (Christopher Reeve) relationship with Lois Lane (Margot

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82:08

'Superman: The Movie' (feat. Deanna Chapman of The...

Franchise Detours ·

2025/07/11

A new Franchise Detours mega-series takes flight! Deanna Chapman of The Podcast Life joins us to take a fresh look at 1978’s iconic Superman: The Movie just as James Gunn’s 2025 reboot starring David Corenswet, Rachel Brosnahan, and Nicholas Hoult soars into theaters. We’ll discuss Christopher Reeve’s iconic portrayal of the Man of Steel, how the original film set the blueprint for superhero cinema, and the enduring legacy that continues to influence the genre and filmmaking today. We’ll also dive

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70:44

Exit 100: The Road So Far

Franchise Detours ·

2025/07/11

Buckle up — we’re cruising into a major milestone! Four years and 100 episodes later, Franchise Detours is putting the pedal to the metal with a special celebration that takes you on a high-octane journey through the 16 mega-series we’ve covered so far.Past and future guests Lauren Robinson of the Beer’d Al Podcast, Darin Lundberg of NostalgiaCast, Ryan Luis Rodriguez of One Track Mind, filmmaker Jackson Smith, Brian Skutle of the Sonic Cinema Podcast, and David Rosen of Piecing It Together make pit

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105:43

'Before Midnight' (feat. filmmaker Jackson Smith)

Franchise Detours ·

2025/06/28

On this episode of Franchise Detours, we reach the final stop in Richard Linklater’s Before trilogy with 2013’s Before Midnight. Jackson Smith returns to the show to unpack this raw, reflective chapter in the ongoing story of Jesse (Ethan Hawke) and Céline (Julie Delpy). Set nearly two decades after their first meeting, Before Midnight trades youthful idealism for hard-earned honesty as the couple confronts what lasting love really looks like. We’ll discuss how Linklater, Hawke, and Delpy bring a

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90:54

‘Before Sunset’ (feat. Dallin Curtis, The Film Fanatic)

Franchise Detours ·

2025/06/11

On this Franchise Detours, we continue our stroll through Richard Linklater’s Before trilogy with a stop in Paris and the heartbreaking honesty of 2004’s Before Sunset. Dallin Curtis, The Film Fanatic, joins us to unpack the film’s real-time structure, emotional depth, and themes of missed opportunities and second chances. Nine years after their unforgettable night in Vienna, Jesse and Céline reunite for another epic conversation. But was their brief connection just a fleeting moment or the

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62:04

‘Before Sunrise’ (feat. Megan Kearns of Spoilerpiece...

Franchise Detours ·

2025/05/28

On this episode, we’re kicking off a mega-series on the Before trilogy, which quietly redefined what a franchise could be. Megan Kearns of Spoilerpiece Theatre joins us to unpack Richard Linklater’s 1995 romantic drama Before Sunrise, the film that launched one of cinema’s most intimate and epic love stories.Before Sunrise captures a fleeting connection between two strangers, Jesse (Ethan Hawke) and Céline (Julie Delpy), as they wander, talk, and fall in love over the course of a single night in

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65:02

‘Naked Gun 33 1/3: The Final Insult’ (feat. The...

Franchise Detours ·

2025/05/14

Franchise Detours wraps up its wild ride through the Naked Gun trilogy as we welcome The Famous Ashley Grant to take on 1994’s Naked Gun 33 1/3: The Final Insult. As Frank Drebin (Leslie Nielsen) comes out of retirement for one last case, Robert and Ashley break down how this third installment pushes the parody further to deliver a grand finale. Together, we’ll explore the film’s biggest swings — from its over-the-top look at police to that unforgettable Oscars climax — and debate whether the

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53:25

‘The Naked Gun 2 1/2: The Smell of Fear’ (feat. Ryan...

Franchise Detours ·

2025/05/08

The chaos continues on Franchise Detours as Leslie Nielsen’s bumbling Frank Drebin returns for more slapstick mayhem in 1991’s The Naked Gun 2 1/2: The Smell of Fear. Ryan Luis Rodriguez of One Track Mind — inaugural member of the Franchise Detours five-timers club — returns to tackle this comedy sequel. But does director David Zucker retain the deadpan humor that made the first film such a classic? Robert and Ryan explore Drebin’s evolution as a comedic force, the film’s razor-sharp jabs at

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64:19

The Naked Gun (feat. Lauren Robinson of Beer'd Al...

Franchise Detours ·

2025/04/18

Franchise Detours is back on the case with a brand-new mega-series on the hilariously offbeat journey of The Naked Gun trilogy. Of course, we’re starting with the David Zucker-directed 1988 original that turned Leslie Nielsen’s Frank Drebin into a slapstick legend. Lauren Robinson of the Beer’d Al Podcast returns to the show to break down why this deadpan detective remains one of comedy’s greatest characters and how his absurd antics helped shape the comedic sensibilities of a generation. From

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01:32:32

'Elvira: Mistress of the Dark' / 'Elvira's Haunted...

Franchise Detours ·

2024/10/29

Few characters capture the essence of camp and horror quite like Elvira. With her signature style and irreverent humor, Cassandra Peterson's sultry and sarcastic creation has reigned supreme as a perennial fan favorite. This beloved pop culture phenomenon even headlined two movies. As spooky season winds down, Kai Yaniz joins Franchise Detours to discuss 1988's Elvira: Mistress of the Dark and Elvira's Haunted Hills from 2001. We'll discuss how the character evolved from improv comedy into a

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01:26:32

'Creed III' (feat. film critic Kevin the Critic)

Franchise Detours ·

2024/10/20

It all ends here. After nearly five decades and nine films, the world of Rocky Balboa — and, by extension, Adonis Creed — comes to a close. Of course, there's still more in the works from these beloved fighters. But until we learn more about Creed IV's development or whatever Amazon has in store for Rocky fans, this marks the final round of our Rocky/Creed mega-series. Kevin the Critic joins us for our final punch, as we talk 2023's Creed III from star and first-time director Michael B. Jordan

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01:49:11

'Creed II' (feat. Jason of Binge Movies)

Franchise Detours ·

2024/10/11

Congratulations! You've successfully relaunched the Rocky series for a whole new generation, perfectly encapsulating what made the franchise great while updating it for a modern sensibility. So, now what? Where is a sequel to a legacy sequel to go next? That's the task ahead for Creed II. With Steven Caple Jr. stepping in for Ryan Coogler as director, the second film follows Adonis Creed (Michael B. Jordan) as he claims the title, only to find the past creeping its way back. None other than Ivan

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01:03:05

'Creed' (feat. The Lady-Wan of Screen Run)

Franchise Detours ·

2024/10/04

After Rocky Balboa restored the franchise to its former glory — winning back fans and critics who were left cold after Rocky V — it really had seemed like this time the world had seen the last of Sylvester Stallone's iconic character. But that was before director Ryan Coogler got involved. Coogler is now best known for the cultural phenomenon that was Black Panther, but he had made only one feature film when he stepped into the director's chair for 2015's Creed. Moreover, the film was to star

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01:09:59

'Rocky Balboa' (feat. film critic Phoenix Clouden)

Franchise Detours ·

2024/09/27

While the story started by Rocky had seemingly come to a close, Sylvester Stallone's dissatisfaction with the fifth film — and perhaps the declining state of his own career — led him to consider bringing his signature character back for just one more fight. And thus, he returned to write, direct and star in Rocky Balboa, released 30 years after the first film. Film critic Phoenix Clouden joins us to discuss 2006's Rocky Balboa, the film which defied the odds to earn critical acclaim and box

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01:08:14

'Rocky V' (feat. Pete of Middle Class Film Class)

Franchise Detours ·

2024/09/20

With Rocky IV taking the franchise to new commercial heights, the film represented, in some ways, the biggest victory yet for both writer/director/star Sylvester Stallone and his fictional counterpart. However, that success — which saw the scale of the franchise expand to international levels — might have set unfair expectations for the future. Enter Rocky V. On one hand, the return of the original film's director, John G. Avildsen, signaled a return to Rocky's roots as an underdog, as the champ

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01:13:49

'Rocky IV' (feat. Ryan Luis Rodriguez of One Track Mind)

Franchise Detours ·

2024/09/13

If Rocky III marks the promise of how the franchise could grow beyond the championship belt, then the next film arguably shows its limitations. With star Sylvester Stallone again serving as writer and director, Rocky IV sees the iconic cinematic hero facing his most devastating blow yet, sending him all the way to Russia to represent his country on a quest for vengeance. Ryan Luis Rodriguez of One Track Mind joins us to discuss 1985's Rocky IV, a film that remains the biggest worldwide box office

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