Great short Bonus Show for all our loyal podcast fans. This week a tremendous comedy team shares comedy and music...it's "Mack & Jamie" , stars of TV's "Comedy Break"; sharing loads of musical humor. Enjoy!
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
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
Murder, media, and musical numbers—oh my! On this episode of Close Watch with Robert Yaniz Jr., we take center stage with The Famous Ashley Grant to explore the razzle-dazzle of the 2002 film Chicago , the Oscar-winning musical that brought Broadway’s show-stopping energy to the silver screen. Directed by Rob Marshall and starring Renée Zellweger, Catherine Zeta-Jones, and Richard Gere, Chicago masterfully blends crime, corruption, and the power of the press into a dazzling spectacle of music and mayhem that also deftly satirizes the media circus. With her background in media, The Famous Ashley Grant brings a unique perspective to this particular musical classic. We’ll dive into the movie’s themes of sensationalism, publicity, and the court of public opinion. After all, Chicago is all about “the old razzle-dazzle.” Of course, we will rank our top songs from its iconic soundtrack, which features unforgettable tunes like “Cell Block Tango” and “All That Jazz.” Plus, we discuss standout performances, choreography, and how Chicago set the stage for modern movie musicals. So, was Chicago guilty of stealing our hearts, or is it all just a smoke-and-mirrors act? Hit play and find out! 5-6-7-8… Subscribe to Crooked Table on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@crookedtable Follow Crooked Table on Social Media: https://linktr.ee/crookedtable…
The hills are alive with the sound of podcasting! On this episode of Close Watch with Robert Yaniz Jr., we celebrate one of the most beloved musicals in cinematic history, 1965’s The Sound of Music . Directed by Robert Wise and starring Julie Andrews and Christopher Plummer, this Rodgers and Hammerstein adaptation became an instant classic, winning five Academy Awards (including Best Picture). Robert is joined by Phoenix Clouden of Curtain To Curtain to explore why this iconic film has remained one of the best movie musicals. We discuss Julie Andrews’ unforgettable portrayal of Maria von Trapp and compare it to her other legendary role in Mary Poppins , which was released just the previous year. Robert and Phoenix also break down the film’s enduring themes of family, resilience, and standing up against oppression, which still feel strikingly relevant in today’s world. And, of course, no discussion about The Sound of Music would be complete without the music! We each rank our top six songs from the film’s legendary soundtrack, which includes timeless classics like “Do-Re-Mi,” “My Favorite Things,” “Edelweiss,” and the title track. Which of the movie’s beloved tracks will soar its way onto our list? What makes The Sound of Music such an enduring treasure? Tune in as we revisit this cinematic masterpiece and unpack why it continues to “climb every mountain” in pop culture six decades since its release. Follow Crooked Table on Social Media: https://linktr.ee/crookedtable…
For this episode of Close Watch with Robert Yaniz Jr., we raise a glass—L’Chaim!—to one of the most celebrated musicals of all time. Robert is joined by Pete Abeyta of Middle Class Film Class to dive into 1971’s Fiddler on the Roof , Norman Jewison’s sweeping adaptation of the beloved Broadway show. With Topol’s unforgettable performance as Tevye and a soundtrack full of iconic songs, the film captures a family, a village, and an entire way of life on the brink of change. We explore Fiddler on the Roof ’s enduring cultural impact, its powerful themes of tradition versus progress, and how its story still resonates decades later. And, of course, we each rank our top six songs from the film because what’s a discussion about Fiddler on the Roof without a little “Tradition”? Is there an ultimate Fiddler anthem? Does Fiddler on the Roof strike a chord with modern audiences? Join us as we unpack this iconic film because “there is no other hand.” Follow Crooked Table on Social Media: https://linktr.ee/crookedtable…
Rejoicify! Close Watch is back with the first Crooked Table podcast of 2025. As we continue talking movie musicals, we’re off to see the wizard with the highest-grossing Broadway adaptation of all time. Lauren Knight of That Movie Is Fine joins us to discuss Wicked: Part I (2024), the first of Jon M. Chu's ambitious two-part adaptation of the beloved Broadway musical. This long-awaited cinematic spectacle brings the untold story of the Witches of Oz to the big screen, starring Cynthia Erivo as Elphaba and Ariana Grande as Glinda, with all the magic and melodies fans have been waiting for. We unpack the film’s dazzling visuals, powerhouse performances, and how it translates the beloved stage production to the silver screen. Plus, we’ll discuss which songs from the film had us “dancing through life.” Expect lively discussions examining the cultural impact of Wicked , a dash of “Popular” perspectives, and insights that just might have you looking at Wicked from a whole new angle. Did Wicked: Part I “defy gravity” for you? Join us and let us know which moments you’re holding space for. Plus, stay tuned… we just might return to Oz when Wicked: For Good arrives later this year.…
Although its sister show Franchise Detours has been trucking along, the feed for Close Watch has been deafening quiet throughout 2024. But fear not, dear listener, the podcast is far from over. In fact, ahead of its triumphant return in 2025, here's another in our series on movie musicals. Rachel Wagner of Rachel's Reviews joins Close Watch to dive into Lin-Manuel Miranda’s directorial debut tick, tick… BOOM!. We'll discuss how the 2021 film breaks movie musical conventions, how it cements the legacy of Jonathan Larson, and why Rachel personally connects to its story. Thanks to its distinct structure and style, tick, tick… BOOM! has captivated fans with its portrayal of artistic ambition and the pressures of creative life. Andrew Garfield’s Oscar-nominated performance as Larson, of course, anchors the film, which serves as a love letter to artists and their process. If you’re a fan of tick, tick… BOOM! or interested in the plight of the creative process, this episode is a perfect encapsulation of how Miranda and Garfield celebrate Larson's life and career as well as theater life and artists everywhere. Close Watch will return in 2025 with more movie musicals.…
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? Darin Lundberg of NostalgiaCast 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 Apple , Spotify , GoodPods , and other podcatchers! #Podcasts #NewEpisode https://linktr.ee/crookedtable…
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 Little Shop of Horrors and the cultural celebration of In the Heights , musical icon Gene Kelly has officially entered the chat. Philip Boone of the Ultimate Gilmore Girls Movie Night 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. Connect with Crooked Table Productions on social media: Facebook | Twitter | Instagram…
Way back in 2020, a few hardcore Hamilfans -- including this episode's guest -- united for the first-ever Crooked Roundtable 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 The Lady-Wan of Screen Run 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! Connect with Crooked Table Productions on social media: Facebook | Twitter | Instagram…
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! Connect with Crooked Table Productions on social media: Facebook | Twitter | Instagram…
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. Connect with Crooked Table Productions on social media: Facebook | Twitter | Instagram…
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. Connect with Crooked Table Productions on social media: Facebook | Twitter | Instagram…
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. Connect with Crooked Table Productions on social media: Facebook | Twitter | Instagram…
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. Connect with Crooked Table Productions on social media: Facebook | Twitter | Instagram…
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. Connect with Crooked Table Productions on social media: Facebook | Twitter | Instagram…
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. On this episode, Bri Azmoudeh of the Geeky Waffle Network 's new podcast, Killer Waffles, joins the show to talk about why Bri connected so strongly to Beetlejuice, its balance of horror and comedy, and a possible sequel. SYNOPSIS After Barbara (Geena Davis) and Adam Maitland (Alec Baldwin) die in a car accident, they find themselves stuck haunting their country residence, unable to leave the house. When the unbearable Deetzes (Catherine O'Hara, Jeffrey Jones) and teen daughter Lydia (Winona Ryder) buy the home, the Maitlands attempt to scare them away without success. Their efforts attract Beetlejuice (Michael Keaton), a rambunctious spirit whose "help" quickly becomes dangerous for the Maitlands and innocent Lydia. Connect with Crooked Table Productions on social media: Facebook | Twitter | Instagram…
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. Connect with Crooked Table Productions on social media: Facebook | Twitter | Instagram…
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. This episode, Kerri Jones joins the show to help us break down the ethos of The Dude, what it has to say about the culture (and counter-culture), and why so many fans seem ready and willing to convert to Dudeism. SYNOPSIS Jeff "The Dude" Leboswki (Jeff Bridges) is mistaken for Jeffrey Lebowski (Charles Durning), who is The Big Lebowski. In search of justice, The Dude tracks down his namesake, who offers him a job. His wife (Tara Reid) has been kidnapped, and he needs a reliable bagman. Aided and hindered by his pals Walter Sobchak (John Goodman), a Vietnam vet, and Donny (Steve Buscemi). Connect with Crooked Table Productions on social media: Facebook | Twitter | Instagram…
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. JC from the Screen Fix podcast joins the show as we talk about how Time Bandits influenced fantasy-adventure films, what the movie really says about childhood versus adult, and that completely bonkers ending. SYNOPSIS Young history buff Kevin (Craig Warnock) can scarcely believe it when six dwarfs emerge from his closet one night. Former employees of the Supreme Being (Ralph Richardson), they've purloined a map charting all of the holes in the fabric of time and are using it to steal treasures from different historical eras. Taking Kevin with them, they variously drop in on Napoleon (Ian Holm), Robin Hood (John Cleese) and King Agamemnon (Sean Connery) before the Supreme Being catches up with them. Connect with Crooked Table Productions on social media: Facebook | Twitter | Instagram…
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. David Snyder joins the show as we discuss Lee's ground-breaking use of hip hop in the film, his stellar ensemble cast, and how Do the Right Thing balances a variety of tones to create something wholly unique. SYNOPSIS Salvatore "Sal" Fragione (Danny Aiello) is the Italian owner of a pizzeria in Brooklyn. A neighborhood local, Buggin' Out (Giancarlo Esposito), becomes upset when he sees that the pizzeria's Wall of Fame exhibits only Italian actors. Buggin' Out believes a pizzeria in a black neighborhood should showcase black actors, but Sal disagrees. The wall becomes a symbol of racism and hate to Buggin' Out and to other people in the neighborhood, and tensions rise. Connect with Crooked Table Productions on social media: Facebook | Twitter | Instagram…
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. Amy Otero joins the show to go in-depth on The Wicker Man. We'll discuss its representation of pagan culture, how it uses folk music, and its influence on horror. Who is the real villain of director Robin Hardy's movie? SYNOPSIS Sergeant Howie (Edward Woodward) arrives on the small Scottish island of Summerisle to investigate the report of a missing child. A conservative Christian, the policeman observes the residents' frivolous sexual displays and strange pagan rituals, particularly the temptations of Willow (Britt Ekland), daughter of the island magistrate, Lord Summerisle (Christopher Lee). The more Sergeant Howie learns about the islanders' strange practices, the closer he gets to tracking down the missing child. Connect with Crooked Table Productions on social media: Facebook | Twitter | Instagram…
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. Even as a child, Phoenix found himself drawn into the story of three women of a certain age contending with their duplicitous ex-husbands. We'll discuss why The First Wives Club is so much deeper than it seems, which of the three leading ladies we relate to the most, and whether we'd want to see a sequel reuniting Hawn, Midler, and Keaton even now. Join us as we officially call this meeting of The First Wives Club to order. SYNOPSIS Despondent over her ex-husband's marriage to a younger woman, a middle-aged divorcée (Stockard Channing) plunges to her death. At her funeral, her former college friends (Bette Midler, Goldie Hawn, and Diane Keaton) reunite. When they discover the reason for their friend's suicide, they realize their ex-husbands have taken them for granted. Deciding it's time for revenge, they make a pact to get back at their exes. Connect with Crooked Table Productions on social media: Facebook | Twitter | Instagram…
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…
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…
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…
Everyone familiar with 1989's Field of Dreams knows that "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 writer-director Phil Alden Robinson's iconic sports film starring Kevin Costner, Amy Madigan, James Earl Jones, Ray Liotta, and Burt Lancaster. Field of Dreams has a reputation for being a film that emotionally resonates with its audiences. 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. Connect with Crooked Table Productions on social media: Facebook | Twitter | Instagram…
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. Stay tuned in mid-July for the first episode of Close Watch with Robert Yaniz Jr. Or check out our sister show, Franchise Detours, also coming soon wherever you listen to podcasts. SYNOPSIS A young man grows up in the mob and works very hard to advance himself through the ranks. He enjoys his life of money and luxury but is oblivious to the horror that he causes. A drug addiction and a few mistakes ultimately unravel his climb to the top. Based on the book Wiseguy by Nicholas Pileggi. SHOW NOTES Subscribe to the Crooked Table Podcast on Apple Podcasts! Listen to the Crooked Table Podcast on Spotify! Connect with Crooked Table on social media : Facebook | Twitter | Instagram…
Over the years, cinema and sports have crossed paths countless times. But it takes something very special to stand out in the genre. 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. Philip Boone of Sports Flix, Just Give Us Clix joins the show to share his own longtime love for Rudy. We'll discuss why the 1993 movie has become such a classic, whether we would be able to persist in Rudy's situation, and how Jerry Goldsmith's score is so integral to the stirring earnestness that so many fans hold dear. SYNOPSIS Rudy Ruettiger (Sean Astin) wants to play football at the University of Notre Dame but has neither the money for tuition nor the grades to qualify for a scholarship. Rudy redoubles his efforts to get out of the steel mill where his father works when his best friend (Christopher Reed) dies in an accident there. Overcoming his dyslexia thanks to his friend and tutor, D-Bob (Jon Favreau), Rudy gains admission to Notre Dame and begins to fight his way onto the school's fabled football team. SHOW NOTES Subscribe to the Crooked Table Podcast on Apple Podcasts! Listen to the Crooked Table Podcast on Spotify! Connect with Crooked Table on social media : Facebook | Twitter | Instagram…
The final round of Crooked Table Podcast episodes -- prior to the rebranding, at least -- continues. And of course, we had to 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 an infamous box office and critical disaster? But have its feathers been unjustly ruffled? Jamie Williams returns to the show to help us break down Howard the Duck. We'll discuss the movie's reputation, how it affected stars Lea Thompson and Tim Robbins, and the behind-the-scenes drama that led to one of cinema's most notorious movies. We'll even make a case for why Marvel Studios should consider giving Howard the Duck a second shot at the big screen. SYNOPSIS In this film based on the Marvel Comics character, Howard the Duck (voiced by Chip Zien) is suddenly beamed from Duckworld, a planet of intelligent ducks with arms and legs, to Earth, where he lands in Cleveland. There he saves rocker Beverly (Lea Thompson) from thugs and forms a friendship with her. She introduces him to Phil (Tim Robbins), who works at a lab with scientist Dr. Jenning (Jeffrey Jones). When the doctor attempts to return Howard to his world, Jenning instead transfers an evil spirit into his own body. SHOW NOTES Subscribe to the Crooked Table Podcast on Apple Podcasts! Listen to the Crooked Table Podcast on Spotify! Connect with Crooked Table on social media : Facebook | Twitter | Instagram…
For years, CinemaSins has taken the movies to task with its popular videos cheekily tackling "everything wrong with" the movies. However, with billions of views and millions of subscribers, even critics can't deny the success of CinemaSins. Jeremy Scott -- the YouTube channel's co-founder and the "voice of CinemaSins" -- has found the perfect outlet for his passion for cinema. Now fans of Jeremy's irreverent "takedowns" of Hollywood hits discover the story of how he developed his love for movies. His new book, Original Sin: From Preacher’s Kid to the Creator of CinemaSins (released May 18), chronicles his rise from movie theater employee to viral sensation. And Jeremy joined the Crooked Table Podcast to tell us what readers can expect. In addition, we'll discuss the precarious, post-pandemic state of cinema, his long-term plan for CinemaSins, the biggest sin he sees in movies today, and whether he struggled to tear into one of his favorite movies. So listen to our interview with Jeremy Scott. Then be sure to pick up a copy of his book, Original Sin, available May 18 wherever books are sold. SHOW NOTES CinemaSins' Everything Wrong with The Room Subscribe to the Crooked Table Podcast on Apple Podcasts! Listen to the Crooked Table Podcast on Spotify! Connect with Crooked Table on social media : Facebook | Twitter | Instagram…
Few films released in the 21st century have as universal a reputation as David Lynch's 2001 thriller Mulholland Drive. To that end, a celebration of the film and its 20th anniversary hardly qualifies as "the world of film from a fresh angle." Yet, the movie's surrealistic tone and multi-layered tale likely flew under the radar for some mainstream moviegoers. So listen in as returning guest Albert Lanier lays out what he believes to be the "Lynch pin" to understanding Mulholland Drive. In this episode, we'll compare interpretations of the film's final act, discuss its origin as a TV pilot, and attempt to decipher one of cinema's most inscrutable minds. "There is no band," at Club Silencio. But here is an entire discussion all about Lynch's critically lauded, Oscar-nominated masterpiece: Mulholland Drive. SYNOPSIS A dark-haired woman (Laura Elena Harring) is left amnesiac after a car crash. After wandering the streets of Los Angeles, she takes refuge in an apartment. There she is discovered by Betty (Naomi Watts), a wholesome Midwestern blonde who has come to the City of Angels seeking fame as an actress. Together, the two attempt to solve the mystery of Rita's true identity. SHOW NOTES Join the Crooked Table Patreon: Patreon.com/CrookedTable Subscribe to the Crooked Table Podcast on Apple Podcasts! Listen to the Crooked Table Podcast on Spotify! Connect with Crooked Table on social media : Facebook | Twitter | Instagram | Tumblr…
欢迎使用Player FM
Player FM正在网上搜索高质量的播客,以便您现在享受。它是最好的播客应用程序,适用于安卓、iPhone和网络。注册以跨设备同步订阅。