Crooked Table Podcast

The holiday season is still a few months away, but we're definitely not above breaking out the tinsel and candy canes a bit earlier than usual. Last year, we released our White Christmas episode perfectly timed to Christmas Eve, but this time around, we're taking a closer look at the 1945 release Christmas in Connecticut starring Barbara Stanwyck, Dennis Morgan and Sydney Greenstreet.  Lori London, author of the Tripi the Fly children's book series, joins us to discuss the holiday-set romantic comedy, how its commentary on gender norms is actually far ahead of its time and the way in which its story relates to people who pursue passion over profit. We'll also get the lowdown on Lori's latest Tripi project and what the future may hold for her endearing little traveler. So pack your bags — you too, Tripi! — and prepare for a festive trip to up north!  SYNOPSIS While recovering in a hospital, war hero Jefferson Jones (Dennis Morgan) grows familiar with the "Diary of a Housewife" column written by Elizabeth Lane

A year after helping us break down our favorite movies of 1998, Kai Yaniz of BeBold-BeBrave.com returns to take aim at one of the most important years in cinema: 1999. Twenty years ago, so many bold, risk-taking movies hit the big screen, and while we may not necessarily be fans of all those iconic releases, this milestone felt like a great opportunity to pay tribute to what many have considered one of the finest years at the theater. If you've been listening to our recent episodes, then you know we've made it a point to discuss as many 1999 films as possible lately. These include entire episodes devoted to American Beauty, The Matrix (two episodes, in that case), Office Space, Star Wars: Episode I — The Phantom Menace, Man on the Moon and Fight Club. And we're not done yet, with episodes on Eyes Wide Shut and Bowfinger in the pipeline as well. For now, enjoy this longer-than-expected (what else is new, right?) episode on the year just before Y2K hit. Queue up the requisite Prince jam and then listen a thirty

In our first-ever Crooked Takeover, we extend our time with Justin Beck of the Ditsy Comic Podcast. Whereas last week Justin showed up on the Crooked Table Podcast to discuss 1997 sci-fi comedy Men in Black, this episode sees Rob pay a visit to the Ditsy Comic Podcast. Listen in as Justin and Rob discuss the origins of Crooked Table, play silly games and test Rob's ability to pull off a convincing Arnold Schwarzenegger impression (jury's still out?). At least he manages to land on one character voice that gets Justin laughing. Beware that anything can happen in the world of the Ditsy Comic Podcast. So we were happy to let Justin take over this feed for the week, if only so that we can finally witness what happens when Crooked meets Ditsy. Let us know if you enjoy this Crooked Takeover, and perhaps other friends of the Crooked Table Podcast may get their own chance to infiltrate the show with their own particular brand of podcasting madness. In the meantime, prepare for something a little different. It's time

More than 20 years ago, Men in Black cemented Will Smith's status as an A-list star. Moreover, director Barry Sonnenfeld's film kicked off a franchise that has been, creatively and financially, much like a starship crashlanding into a farm. Now, with the recent failure of Men in Black International in our wake, we take a closer look at what made that original film such a classic and explore why its follow-ups struggle to reach the same heights. Justin Beck of the Ditsy Comic Podcast joins the show this episode to delve into Men in Black's broad style of comedy, discuss its lasting appeal so many years later and speculate on where the series could go next. So, slip on those Ray-bans and keep those neuralyzers at the ready because here come the Men in Black.  SYNOPSIS They are the best-kept secret in the universe. Working for a highly funded yet unofficial government agency, Kay (Tommy Lee Jones) and Jay (Will Smith) are the Men in Black, providers of immigration services and regulators of all things alien on E

In the fourth installment of our retrospective on the Star Wars saga,  we turn to the film that first introduced the world to the "galaxy far, far away." When Star Wars — excuse us, Star Wars: Episode IV — A New Hope — hit theaters in 1977,  it cemented the concept of the summer blockbuster and has inspired generations of fans and filmmakers alike. Kim Stock Foster joins us to discuss the film's enduring legacy as well her experience seeing George Lucas' vision on the big screen during its initial theatrical release. Every month for the rest of 2019, we'll be discussing another episode of the Star Wars saga, building up to the release of Star Wars: Episode IX — The Rise of Skywalker in December. Check back next month as Candace Kaw of Geeky Girl Gab joins us to talk Star Wars: Episode V — The Empire Strikes Back. SYNOPSIS The Imperial Forces — under orders from cruel Darth Vader (David Prowse) — hold Princess Leia (Carrie Fisher) hostage, in their efforts to quell the rebellion against the Galactic Empire. Lu

Rule-breakers unite! This week, we're going to be talking lots and lots of Fight Club. Director David Fincher's 1999 film didn't exactly set the world on fire during its theatrical run but has emerged as one of that year's most-talked-about releases ever since. Featuring Edward Norton as the unnamed narrator, Brad Pitt as the wily Tyler Durden and Helena Bonham Carter as the woman who gets between them, this adaptation of Chuck Palahniuk's novel is both darkly hilarious and harrowing in equal measure. Writer, photographer and social media influencer The Famous Ashley Grant returns to the show to help us break down this insanely quotable film. We'll discuss what it has to say about corporate America, reveal how we feel about its cynical take on our consumer culture and explore whether or not the film is — actually — a love story? Ladies and gentlemen, welcome to Fight Club. SYNOPSIS A depressed man (Edward Norton) suffering from insomnia meets a strange soap salesman named Tyler Durden (Brad Pitt) and soon fin

Can't get a res at Dorsia? Well, you can always settle in with our analysis of director Mary Harron's killer satire American Psycho. Based on the 1991 Bret Easton Ellis novel, the film stars Christian Bale in his breakthrough role as investment banker Patrick Bateman, whose career amidst the excess of the late 1980s may have pushed him to engage in a murderous rampage. Bianca Garner — aka The Film Bee — of Filmotomy joins the show to discuss how the 2000 release brings a distinctive perspective on toxic masculinity. Co-written by Harron and Guinevere Turner, American Psycho uses upbeat pop tunes, an ambiguous narrative and an incredibly complex performance by Bale to create a darkly hilarious and harrowing portrait of the pressures of modern capitalism. Check out our takes on what Bateman would be doing (and listening to) today as well as why Harron's film is more relevant than ever. We'll see you there. First, we have to go return some videotapes. SYNOPSIS Patrick Bateman (Christian Bale) is a Wall Street yu

Nowadays, Peter Dinklage may be known as the wily, heavy-drinking Tyrion Lannister he played for eight seasons on Game of Thrones. However, his breakthrough film role — 2003's comedy/drama The Station Agent — showcases a very different side of the actor who "drinks and knows things" throughout Westeros. Written and directed by Tom McCarthy (Spotlight, The Visitor), the film sees Dinklage as a curmudgeonly loner who finds himself thrust into a reluctant friendship with two other outcasts, played with fervor by character actors Patricia Clarkson and Bobby Cannavale. Despite its pedigree, The Station Agent was truly only a critical darling upon its (extremely limited) theatrical release. So discussing McCarthy's directorial feature debut with guest Michael Denniston of the 99 from 99 podcast was the perfect occasion the perfect opportunity to dig a bit deeper into both the filmmaker's canon as well as the roles that paved the way for bigger things for its cast. Listen in as we discuss how Dinklage finds the huma

In the third installment of our retrospective on the Star Wars saga,  Jackson Smith of Screen Fever helps out close out our look back at the prequel trilogy with an epic-length conversation about Star Wars: Episode III — Revenge of the Sith. After two films filled with cringe-inducing moments and misguided creative decisions, George Lucas finally explores the immediate events that transformed Anakin Skywalker from Hayden Christensen into the Dark Lord of the Sith everyone loves to hate. We'll delve into how Revenge of the Sith has been unfairly affected by the reputations of the two preceding films, why Anakin's turn to the Dark Side is much more nuanced than it seems and what makes Revenge of the Sith easily the most underrated entry in the entire Star Wars saga. Every month for the rest of 2019, we'll be discussing another episode of the Star Wars saga, building up to the release of Star Wars: Episode IX — The Rise of Skywalker in December. Check back next month as Kim Stock Foster joins us to talk Star War

Let's travel back to the late 1990s. Think of a sci-fi thriller that expertly wraps big ideas like the nature of reality, identity and human nature into a hyper-stylized environment heavily influenced by film noir. Now set aside your love for The Matrix because this episode we're talking all about Dark City. The 1998 film from director Alex Proyas (The Crow, I, Robot) — which shares some aesthetic and, in fact, production elements with the Wachowskis' release — may have been a box office underperformer, but in the years since its theatrical run, the film has emerged as a critical darling and achieved cult classic status. So who better to talk about a bonafide cult film than one of the hosts of CF3: Cult Fans, Films & Finds. Jeff Johnson joins the show to delve into what makes Dark City such a compelling film to watch and re-watch, speculate about why it failed to connect with audiences and unravel the mystery behind Proyas' intricate storytelling. Tag along as we break down the film Roger Ebert called "a

Every generation has its Bond, and for today's moviegoers, Daniel Craig bears the iconic 007 code name. Although his four-film tenure  (so far) has certainly been a rocky one, there's no denying that Craig's appearance as James Bond in director Sam Mendes' 2012 entry, Skyfall, is among the series' finest moments. From its stirring Adele-performed theme song to Javier Bardem's chilling villain to Roger Deakins' gorgeous cinematography, the film is a visual delight and bursting with rich themes and characters. So it stands to reason that Skyfall would be the first Bond film to be covered on the podcast. This episode, guest Adam Barnard of Screen Fever returns to the show to dissect Mendes' first Bond film. Join us as we discuss the franchise's 57-year history, Craig's run as the character and the failings of Mendes' own Skyfall follow-up, Spectre. We'll also consider who should play 007 next and how Skyfall reckons with both the series past and its future. Cue up that iconic John Barry theme, and as Adele indel

It's been a long while since Rob got the chance to take the reins of the Crooked Table Podcast (ever since the new format debuted in December 2018 with our Ace Ventura: Pet Detective episode). Now, with his birthday upon us, Rob — and returning guest Jeannine Yaniz — talk about one of his all-time favorite films, 1988's Who Framed Roger Rabbit. Director Robert Zemeckis's live-action/animated hybrid may be a technical feat that still holds up today, but it is also a formative film for our host. From childhood playthings to childlike inspirations, listen in to find out how the most inappropriate Disney film this side of Return to Oz made a tremendous impact on the birthday boy. Who Framed Roger Rabbit synopsis, courtesy of Amblin Entertainment: Director Robert Zemeckis’ feature follow-up to the original Back to the Future (1985), Who Framed Roger Rabbit continued the filmmaker’s startling blend of humor, imagination, invention and technical innovation to bring together a world where human beings and animated ca

Comedy, as they say, is relative. So it takes a very special film to not only make an impact in its own time but also remain one of the most beloved comedies of all time. Yet, director Billy Wilder struck gold when he assembled Marilyn Monroe, Tony Curtis and Jack Lemmon for his 1959 comedy hit, Some Like It Hot. Named the best comedy film by the American Film Institute in 2000, Wilder's classic has remained a cinematic landmark, and we were so pleased to have Nell Minow of MovieMom.com and RogerEbert.com join us to mark the film's 60th anniversary. Tackling gender roles, sexual politics and toxic masculinity would be a daunting task for a film today. So listen in to hear how Some Like It Hot manages to handle these topics with care and aplomb and without sacrificing its many laughs. Some Like It Hot synopsis, courtesy of IMDB: After witnessing a Mafia murder, slick saxophone player Joe (Tony Curtis) and his long-suffering buddy, Jerry (Jack Lemmon), improvise a quick plan to escape from Chicago with their li

In the second installment of our retrospective on the Star Wars saga, Pete Langhelt of The Pete & Fran Podcast helps us separate the pains and joys that lie within Star Wars: Episode II — Attack of the Clones. As the middle chapter in the divisive prequel trilogy, this entry remains one of the most polarizing among fans. But, aside from its romantic subplot, does George Lucas' 2002 space opera hold up? Shake off your sand, and let's hop onto the nearest speeder. Begun the Clone War has. Every month for the rest of 2019, we'll be discussing the next episode of the Star Wars saga, building up to the release of Star Wars: Episode IX — The Rise of Skywalker in December. Check back next month as Jackson Smith joins us to talk Star Wars: Episode III — Revenge of the Sith. Star Wars: Episode II — Attack of the Clones synopsis, courtesy of StarWars.com: Ten years after the invasion of Naboo, the galaxy is on the brink of civil war. Under the leadership of a renegade Jedi named Count Dooku (Christopher Lee), thous

In recent years, few action film franchises have proven to be as intense or as fascinating as John Wick. Fifteen years after Keanu Reeves unplugged from The Matrix, he found the role of a lifetime as an ex-assassin compelled back into an intricate criminal underworld governed by rules and consequence. We didn’t need a marker to lure Jon Cohorn, writer for Modern Horrors, on to the show to share his love for the 2014 film and its sequels, the latter of which is now currently in theaters. We’ll talk about what separates John Wick from other contemporary action series, why Reeves is such a perfect fit for the role and where we hope to see series director Chad Stahelski and his star take the character next. Although the death of a puppy kicks off the titular character’s quest for vengeance, John Wick has grown into so much more since becoming the sleeper hit of fall 2014. Now, with this episode under our belts, we can only hope that the podcast ultimately covers that other classic Reeves role, that of Theodore “T

We've covered some HUGE films on the Crooked Table Podcast, but every once in a while, we like to shine the spotlight on those under-seen gems that have escaped the attention of mainstream audiences. And Sing Street is the perfect example of that. Written and directed by John Carney (Once), the film earned just over $3 million at the domestic box office but is still considered the best film of 2016 for both Rob and guest Dane Mychal of the CF3 Podcast. This 1980s-set coming-of-age story uses music to highlight the journey of one Irish teenager, as he finds love and fulfillment in starting his own rock band. Heartwarming and, as Dane correctly points out, "life-affirming," this is Sing Street.    Sing Street synopsis, courtesy of Rotten Tomatoes: From director John Carney (Once, Begin Again), Sing Street takes us back to 1980s Dublin seen through the eyes of a 14-year-old boy named Conor (Ferdia Walsh-Peelo) who is looking for a break from a home strained by his parents' relationship and money troubles, while

We all think we know what to expect from Hollywood biopics. But every once in a while, a film distinguishes itself enough to break out, at least in part, from the mold that this genre usually adheres to. One such release came in 1999 with the release of director Milos Forman's Man on the Moon. Starring Jim Carrey as divisive actor and performance artist Andy Kaufman, the film takes a look at Kaufman's life and legacy, chronicling his rise and fall in Hollywood. That may seem like standard biopic fare, but the film is elevated by Carrey's insanely committed performance (seriously, see the Netflix documentary Jim & Andy: The Great Beyond for more on that). Jamie Williams, co-founder of Think McFly Think, joins us to discuss where Carrey ends and Kaufman begins as well as puts Man on the Moon in its proper context in cinema history. Join us as we revisit one of the most critically lauded, yet universally overlooked releases of 1999. Thankyouverymuch. Man on the Moon synopsis, courtesy of Universal: Based on

On the tail of the film's 20th anniversary, Kimberly Cook — social media editor and writer for Monkeys Fighting Robots and Pop Axiom, respectively — hyperspaces onto the show to discuss Star Wars: Episode I — The Phantom Menace. Thanks in large part to young Jake Lloyd and a certain bumbling Gungan, the film remains one of the most divisive entries in the saga. We discuss the film in depth, marking the beginning of our epic journey back into a "galaxy far, far away." Every month for the rest of 2019, we'll be discussing the next episode of the Star Wars saga, building up to the release of Star Wars: Episode IX — The Rise of Skywalker in December. Check back next month as Pete Langhelt joins us to talk Star Wars: Episode II — Attack of the Clones. Star Wars: Episode I — The Phantom Menace synopsis, courtesy of StarWars.com: Stranded on the desert planet Tatooine after rescuing young Queen Amidala (Natalie Portman) from the impending invasion of Naboo, Jedi apprentice Obi-Wan Kenobi (Ewan McGregor) and his Jedi

This week on the show, Karen Peterson — co-host of the Citizen Dame Podcast and The Watch and Talk — joins us to discuss director Sharon Maguire's Bridget Jones's Diary. The 2001 romantic comedy, based on Helen Fielding's best-selling book, not only made Renee Zellweger a bonafide leading lady but earned the actress her first Academy Award nomination.  We'll discuss what makes the titular character (and Zellweger's performance) so memorable, how Maguire's film cleverly reinterprets Jane Austen's Pride & Prejudice for the modern era and why Colin Firth's Mark Darcy is such a tricky role to pull off onscreen. Plus, is Hugh Grant's turn as the rascally Daniel Cleaver the prototype for his BAFTA-nominated performance in Paddington 2? Join us as we crack open Bridget Jones's Diary. Bridget Jones's Diary synopsis, courtesy of Miramax: Bridget Jones (Renee Zellweger) is a busy journalist and singleton lost amid a sea of smug-marrieds in London. After vowing to abandon her many vices, Bridget turns over a new pag

If you haven’t seen Endgame yet, see it this weekend. The spoiler ban lifts on Monday! Check out @GMA for the full video... pic.twitter.com/gGrvUgLL6k — Russo Brothers (@Russo_Brothers) May 2, 2019 Well, who are we to argue with the directors of Avengers: Endgame? After seeing the latest Marvel Studios epic at Thursday night previews, Rob and guest Kai Yaniz just had to share their in-depth — and SPOILER-filled — thoughts about the film. After all, much has been said about how Avengers: Endgame not only concludes the tale begun in last year's Avengers: Infinity War but actually ties up the first 22 films in the Marvel Cinematic Universe. We get into how Joe and Anthony Russo's film serves as the final curtain call for the original MCU Avengers line-up, speculate on what might come next and generally gush about all the exciting surprises and emotional gut-punches contained in this three-hour superhero bonanza. Even though it's en route to becoming the highest-grossing film of all time, Avengers: Endgame mana