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…