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Close Watch completes its journey down the Yellow Brick Road with 2025's Wicked: For Good, the second half of director Jon M. Chu's adaptation of the beloved Broadway musical and the final chapter in our Oz-focused series. And this is perhaps the most politically and emotionally charged entry yet. Rejoicifying with us are our wonderful guests Will Ashton of Cinemaholics, Kevin Thomas aka Kevin the Critic and The Famous Ashley Grant. During this Crooked Roundtable discussion, we'll dig into the film’s darker tone, expanded character stakes, and sharpened political allegory. We'll also explore Wicked as a story about choices and consequences, misinformation and influence, power versus morality, and the cost of being labeled “wicked.” Along the way, we'll highlight the standout performances by Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande, the evolution of their turns as Elphaba and Glinda, respectively, which song had the biggest stage-to-screen glow-up, how those two original tunes by composer Stephen Schwartz affect the story, and whether splitting the musical into two films ultimately paid off. So join as the witches of Oz bid farewell, changing each other and hopefully audiences the world over "for good." Throughout the big-screen history of L. Frank Baum's novels, it's all led to this. Thank goodness you've made it. Now here's Wicked: For Good. Subscribe to Crooked Table on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@crookedtable Follow Crooked Table on Social Media: https://linktr.ee/crookedtable Crooked Table Productions is powered by Riverside.fm. Start your own audio or video project here 👉 https://riverside.sjv.io/c/2356989/2648500/28064

We’re heading back down the Yellow Brick Road. But this time, it’s all about how the Wizard became “great and powerful.” On the latest Close Watch, Kevin Thomas aka Kevin the Critic joins us to revisit Sam Raimi’s big, bold, and sometimes bizarre 2013 film Oz the Great and Powerful. We'll discuss James Franco’s polarizing performance, how the film frames the witches of Oz, and whether Raimi’s signature style shines through. From the film’s dazzling visuals to its themes of illusion and redemption, this episode asks how Disney’s second journey into the magical land of Oz compares to 1985's darkly fantastical Return to Oz as well as how it serves as a companion piece of sorts to Wicked. Misunderstood or ill-conceived? From witches and wonders to movie magic and illusions of power, this one’s full of Raimi-fueled nostalgia. Subscribe to Crooked Table on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@crookedtable Follow Crooked Table on Social Media: https://linktr.ee/crookedtable Crooked Table Productions is powered by Riverside.fm. Start your own audio or video project here 👉 https://riverside.sjv.io/c/2356989/2648500/28064

As we continue our journey down the yellow brick road, Close Watch host Robert Yaniz Jr. is joined by his wife, Kai Yaniz, to celebrate the 40th anniversary of one of Disney’s strangest, darkest, and most fascinating cult classics: Return to Oz. Released in 1985 as a sort-of sequel to The Wizard of Oz, this eerie fantasy took audiences by surprise, bringing electroshock therapy, a walking pumpkin, and some of the creepiest stop-motion movie villains into the magical land of Oz.  We dig into what makes Return to Oz so unsettling yet enduring, from Fairuza Balk’s haunting Dorothy to the wild imagination behind Tik-Tok and the Nome King. Along the way, they explore the film's misunderstood legacy, its surprising faithfulness to L. Frank Baum’s books, and why it might just be the ultimate Halloween hidden gem. Subscribe to Crooked Table on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@crookedtable Follow Crooked Table on Social Media: https://linktr.ee/crookedtable Crooked Table Productions is powered by Riverside.fm. Start your own audio or video project here 👉 https://riverside.sjv.io/c/2356989/2648500/28064

Ease on down the road with us as Close Watch returns to Oz one more time, this time through the soulful, big-city reimagining of 1978's The Wiz. We're joined by Phoenix Clouden of Curtain to Curtain, for a deep dive into one of the boldest movie-musical swings of the 1970s.  We'll explore how the film ambitiously reframes L. Frank Baum’s world through the lens of 1970s New York, Motown aesthetics, and groundbreaking Black artistry. Along the way, we unpack Diana Ross’ unexpected and emotionally raw take on Dorothy, Michael Jackson’s breakout performance as the Scarecrow, and Quincy Jones’ unmistakable musical influence.  The conversation also examines the film’s expressive, surreal visuals and considers how The Wiz fits within the wider screen-musical canon. We'll even reflect on the film’s complicated reception, its renewed appreciation, and its enduring cultural significance. Whether you’re a longtime fan or revisiting this Yellow Brick Road for the first time, this episode spotlights everything that makes The Wiz such a fascinating and ambitious trip through Oz. Subscribe to Crooked Table on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@crookedtable Follow Crooked Table on Social Media: https://linktr.ee/crookedtable Crooked Table Productions is powered by Riverside.fm. Start your own audio or video project here 👉 https://riverside.sjv.io/c/2356989/2648500/28064

Just like Dorothy, we’re returning to the yellow brick road!   In this episode of Close Watch with Robert Yaniz Jr., Will Ashton of Cinemaholics joins us to explore the often-overlooked animated sequel Journey Back to Oz (1972). With Judy Garland’s own daughter, Liza Minnelli, stepping into Dorothy’s ruby slippers, this curious continuation of the Oz legacy offers a blend of nostalgia, whimsy, and the kind of bizarre creative choices that could only come from a film of its time.  Expect the unexpected as Robert and Will dig into perhaps the most notable of the many obscure adaptations of L. Frank Baum’s magical land of Oz. Subscribe to Crooked Table on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@crookedtable Follow Crooked Table on Social Media: https://linktr.ee/crookedtable Crooked Table Productions is powered by Riverside.fm. Start your own audio or video project here 👉 https://riverside.sjv.io/c/2356989/2648500/28064

We’re off to see the Wizard! On this episode of Close Watch, host Robert Yaniz Jr. and returning guest The Famous Ashley Grant take a trip down the Yellow Brick Road to explore how 1939’s The Wizard of Oz became one of the most beloved and enduring films of all time. From Judy Garland’s timeless performance and “Over the Rainbow” to the movie’s dreamy themes, clever symbolism, and surprising behind-the-scenes stories, Robert and Ashley uncover what makes this Technicolor classic truly magical—and why its message still resonates 85 years later.  They also discuss how the film’s legacy lives on through modern reinterpretations like Wicked and Todrick Hall’s Straight Outta Oz, proving that the Land of Oz continues to inspire new generations. Subscribe to Crooked Table on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@crookedtable Follow Crooked Table on Social Media: https://linktr.ee/crookedtable Crooked Table Productions is powered by Riverside.fm. Start your own audio or video project here 👉 https://riverside.sjv.io/c/2356989/2648500/28064

Grease is the word on this episode of Close Watch with Robert Yaniz Jr., which also closes out our recent series on movie musicals. So we’re heading back to Rydell High to revisit the 1978 blockbuster that made a vibe of summer lovin’.   With its unforgettable soundtrack, iconic performances from John Travolta and Olivia Newton-John, and a rebellious streak that sets it apart from other musicals of its time, Grease remains a pop culture powerhouse decades later. Joining Robert for this high-energy discussion is his wife and frequent Crooked Table guest Kai Yaniz. She brings fresh insight into its star-making performances, surprisingly edgy sensibility, and the message of its ending. Plus, we each rank our top six favorite songs from the film. Does Grease still rule the school, or has time changed our perspective on this high-octane classic? Strap in for a ride in Greased Lightning as we break it down and maybe break into song. Subscribe to Crooked Table on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@crookedtable   Follow Crooked Table on Social Media: https://linktr.ee/crookedtable Subscribe to Crooked Table on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@crookedtable Follow Crooked Table on Social Media: https://linktr.ee/crookedtable Crooked Table Productions is powered by Riverside.fm. Start your own audio or video project here 👉 https://riverside.sjv.io/c/2356989/2648500/28064

Michael Jackson didn’t just dominate the charts—he redefined the music video and took it to the big screen with Moonwalker.   On this episode of Close Watch with Robert Yaniz Jr., we take a deep dive into Michael Jackson’s 1988 film. Part music video anthology, part retrospective, and part sci-fi parable, Moonwalker also serves as a quintessential (and often overlooked) piece of Michael Jackson’s visionary career. Joining this discussion is Russ Robinson of Infectious Groove, which itself focuses on music and the artists who shaped it. Together, we discuss how Moonwalker serves as a time capsule of Jackson’s career at the height of his power, what the film reveals about his artistry and legacy, and how it continues to fascinate fans. Of course, we couldn’t talk about Moonwalker without celebrating the King of Pop’s legendary music videos! We each rank our top six Michael Jackson music videos. But will any of the tunes from Moonwalker make the cut, and is the film truly an underrated gem? Grab your fedora, hit play, and let’s find out! Subscribe to Crooked Table on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@crookedtable Follow Crooked Table on Social Media: https://linktr.ee/crookedtable Subscribe to Crooked Table on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@crookedtable Follow Crooked Table on Social Media: https://linktr.ee/crookedtable Crooked Table Productions is powered by Riverside.fm. Start your own audio or video project here 👉 https://riverside.sjv.io/c/2356989/2648500/28064

The greatest thing you'll ever learn is just to watch—and discuss—a movie in return!   On this episode of Close Watch with Robert Yaniz Jr., we step into the dazzling, high-energy world of Moulin Rouge!, the 2001 jukebox musical that redefined modern movie musicals. Directed by Baz Luhrmann and starring Ewan McGregor and Nicole Kidman, this visually stunning spectacle is equal parts romance, tragedy, and theatrical extravaganza.   Joining Robert for this cinematic deep dive is Jennifer Howell of Every Rom Com, bringing her expertise in romantic films to explore how Moulin Rouge! balances its over-the-top theatricality with raw emotion. We discuss the film’s bold use of existing pop songs, its impact on the jukebox musical trend, and how its rapid-fire editing and heightened style make it one of the most unique films of the genre. And, of course, we’ll each rank our top six songs from the film’s unforgettable soundtrack. So expect passionate debates, surprising picks, and a deep dive into a movie musical like no other. Is Moulin Rouge! still sparkling after all this time? Hit play and let’s can-can into this cinematic fever dream together! Subscribe to Crooked Table on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@crookedtable Follow Crooked Table on Social Media: https://linktr.ee/crookedtable Subscribe to Crooked Table on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@crookedtable Follow Crooked Table on Social Media: https://linktr.ee/crookedtable Crooked Table Productions is powered by Riverside.fm. Start your own audio or video project here 👉 https://riverside.sjv.io/c/2356989/2648500/28064

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 Subscribe to Crooked Table on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@crookedtable Follow Crooked Table on Social Media: https://linktr.ee/crookedtable Crooked Table Productions is powered by Riverside.fm. Start your own audio or video project here 👉 https://riverside.sjv.io/c/2356989/2648500/28064

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 Subscribe to Crooked Table on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@crookedtable Follow Crooked Table on Social Media: https://linktr.ee/crookedtable Crooked Table Productions is powered by Riverside.fm. Start your own audio or video project here 👉 https://riverside.sjv.io/c/2356989/2648500/28064

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 Subscribe to Crooked Table on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@crookedtable Follow Crooked Table on Social Media: https://linktr.ee/crookedtable Crooked Table Productions is powered by Riverside.fm. Start your own audio or video project here 👉 https://riverside.sjv.io/c/2356989/2648500/28064

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. Subscribe to Crooked Table on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@crookedtable Follow Crooked Table on Social Media: https://linktr.ee/crookedtable Crooked Table Productions is powered by Riverside.fm. Start your own audio or video project here 👉 https://riverside.sjv.io/c/2356989/2648500/28064

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. Subscribe to Crooked Table on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@crookedtable Follow Crooked Table on Social Media: https://linktr.ee/crookedtable Crooked Table Productions is powered by Riverside.fm. Start your own audio or video project here 👉 https://riverside.sjv.io/c/2356989/2648500/28064

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 Subscribe to Crooked Table on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@crookedtable Follow Crooked Table on Social Media: https://linktr.ee/crookedtable Crooked Table Productions is powered by Riverside.fm. Start your own audio or video project here 👉 https://riverside.sjv.io/c/2356989/2648500/28064