Crooked Table Podcast

In Episode 94 of the Crooked Table Podcast, Robert Yaniz Jr. brings Michael Hinman — host of Alpha Waves Radio — onto the show to discuss his all-time favorite film, 1999's comedy/drama American Beauty. Winner of five Academy Awards (including Best Picture), the Sam Mendes-directed film is emblematic not only of the kind of fearless filmmaking that rarely breaks into the mainstream these days but also of the landmark year in cinema that was 1999. Kudos to screenwriter Alan Ball, whose work still stands one of the best examples of a film that has actually grown better with time. Kevin Spacey (yes, despite his real-life controversy) delivers an unforgettable Oscar-winning turn as a sad-sack family man whose midlife crisis/reawakening ultimately leads up to his untimely death (don't worry, this is decidedly not a spoiler). However, Spacey is matched by equally astounding work by an ensemble that includes Chris Cooper, Thora Birch, Mena Suvari, Wes Bentley and Allison Janney. In particular, the perpetually underr

In Episode 93 of the Crooked Table Podcast, Robert Yaniz Jr. recruits his mom, Jeannine Yaniz, for her podcast debut, as they discuss the joys of the holiday season as well as the latter's long-standing love of the 1954 musical White Christmas. Starring Bing Crosby, Danny Kaye, Rosemary Clooney and Vera-Ellen, the film capitalizes on not only the enduring appeal of its four stars but the iconic titular song. As directed by Michael Curtiz (Casablanca), White Christmas is emblematic of the heyday of big Hollywood musicals. Brimming with memorable tunes, epic dance sequences and witty one-liners, the film emerged as the most successful film the year it was released and remains an annual tradition for many looking to travel back to an era where the promise of song and dance drew massive crowds and when Crosby's warm vocals were the world's most sought-after special effects. On this episode, we discuss how White Christmas has aged in the decades since its release, our dissenting opinions of its relevance as a "Chr

In Episode 92 of the Crooked Table Podcast, Robert Yaniz Jr. brings Adam Barnard of Screen Fever back to the show to discuss writer/director Rian Johnson's 2012 sci-fi thriller Looper. After winning indie cred with Brick and The Brothers Bloom but before he became a target of online vitriol for Star Wars: The Last Jedi, Johnson brought a wholly original vision of the future to life. Set in a grimy underworld where time travel has become primarily used by criminals looking to cleanly dispose of their kills, Looper stars Joseph-Gordon Levitt as Joe, a hitman of sorts who runs into his biggest challenge yet when his older self (Bruce Willis) escapes death. Now caught up in race against time, young Joe must apprehend his future self before he realizes a deadly mission with the potential to disrupt the entire timeline. Although Looper was a box office hit, the film has been sorely absent from the mainstream discussion regarding modern sci-fi. Released amid a particularly busy time for Gordon-Levitt (who also appea

In Episode 91 of the Crooked Table Podcast, Robert Yaniz Jr. turns the attention over to returning guest Kai Yaniz, who has chosen to discuss 1995 teen comedy Clueless. Starring Alicia Silverstone and written and directed by Amy Heckerling, the film was a landmark of 1990s cinema and remains one of the most beloved films of its kind this side of John Hughes. With a remake apparently on the horizon, we take a look at how Heckerling's film serves as a time capsule of its time, creating a unique aesthetic of high school life while updating Jane Austen's Emma for a new audience. Rob and Kai's history with Clueless couldn't be more different, with the latter a longtime fan and the former a more recent convert to the charms of Cher Horowitz, her razor-sharp wit and all the neon-colored 90s outfits. In recent years, films like Mean Girls, Easy A and The Edge of Seventeen have emerged as prime examples of the greatness female-led high school comedies can bring. But could these heirs apparent really eclipse the laughs

In Episode 90 of the Crooked Table Podcast, Robert Yaniz Jr. ushers in a new era of the show (check out episode 88 for more details on the updated premise). With the help of wife/frequent podcast guest Kai Yaniz, Rob looks back on the now-problematic 1994 Jim Carrey comedy Ace Ventura: Pet Detective. The film may not have aged particularly well (which Kai and Rob most definitely will get into), but nonetheless, Rob harbors a long-held affection for Carrey's brand of rubber-faced wackiness, complete with incessant catchphrases and pop culture references. In many ways, the film (along with Carrey's The Mask) has been a major influence on not only Rob's sense of humor but his perception of comedy in general. Read into that whatever you will.  So, as the Crooked Table Podcast takes on a more positive, subjective slant — thereby truly honoring "the world of film from a fresh angle" — there's perhaps no better place to start than with the man behind the show itself. Don't worry, future episodes will feature other g

In Episode 89 of the Crooked Table Podcast, Robert Yaniz Jr. goes in-depth with independent filmmaker Jeff Witzeman, director of the powerful new documentary, Flipping the Script: When Parents Fight Back (read our review of the film). During the conversation, Jeff reveals what inspired him to make a film that sheds such startling light on the reality of healthcare in the United States. In the case of children battling cancer, the traditional medical protocol in this country may actually be doing more harm than good for. Flipping the Script delves into this fact and highlights the passionate love of parents who have decided to literally fight against the system for their children's lives. Cancer is indeed a specter that looms large over many people's lives. We were fortunate to have a chance to speak to someone with a very specific viewpoint on the disease. Between Flipping the Script and his first film Cancer Can Be Killed, Jeff has devoted his filmmaking efforts to change the perception of this disease. His

In Episode 88 of the Crooked Table Podcast, Robert Yaniz Jr. returns after a two-month "Crooked Hiatus" to commemorate International Podcast Day by unveiling plans for the upcoming next phase of Crooked Table Podcast. Rather than focusing strictly on new releases or relying on a regular co-host, the Crooked Table Podcast version 2.0 will feature new guests each episode, who will join us for in-depth discussions of films of their choice. The show's goal is to highlight the subjective nature of cinema, presenting a variety of different voices and staying true to the site's motto of "the world of film from a fresh angle." Both professional critics and enthusiastic fans are welcome to apply for a guest appearance on the show. Consider this our way of doing our part to bridge the ever-widening gap between audiences and industry insiders. With all the toxic fandom and vitriol out there, we're hoping that the Crooked Table Podcast can be a beacon of positivity celebrating the pure love of cinema. Simply head on over

In Episode 87 of the Crooked Table Podcast, Robert Yaniz Jr. takes another detour from the world of movies to lavish praise on Dirty Computer, the third studio album by Janelle Monáe. Released back in April, this latest work is a concept album — complete with a 49-minute "emotion picture" — celebrating individuality, free expression and being true to who you are. For Monáe, Dirty Computer represents her most ambitious project to date, as the music reflects her own journey to embrace her sexuality and truly come into her own as an artist. Listen in as Rob shares why he's fallen hard for the album and Monáe's authentic-as-hell masterwork. Dirty Computer synopsis, courtesy of IMDB: An Android, Jane 57821, attempts to break free from the constraints of a totalitarian society that forcibly makes Jane comply with its homophobic beliefs. Dirty Computer - an emotion picture* by Janelle Monáe. *EMOTION PICTURE (definition): a narrative film and accompanying musical album Starring Janelle Monáe as Jane 57821, Tessa Tho

In Episode 86 of the Crooked Table Podcast, Robert Yaniz Jr. shares his thoughts on the bonkers absurdism of Sorry to Bother You, the feature debut for writer/director Boots Riley, and why the film represents a natural extension of the growing trend of satirical films tackling issues like race, class and conformity in increasingly over-the-top ways. Amid the current social and political landscape, a new string of fresh voices is rising to stir discussion of the many topics making headlines and changing lives on a daily basis. Although Sorry to Bother You is perhaps more bizarre than most recent examples, its points stand nonetheless, but will audiences embrace the film in the way they have the similarly thought-provoking Get Out last year? So far, it certainly looks that way. Let's take a closer look at the film everyone is talking about. Sorry to Bother You synopsis, courtesy of Annapurna Pictures: In an alternate present-day version of Oakland, telemarketer Cassius Green (Lakeith Stanfield) discovers a mag

In Episode 85 of the Crooked Table Podcast, Robert Yaniz Jr. and Kai Yaniz strap in for our third Crooked Commentary. After years of wishful thinking, we finally rewatched Edgar Wright's 2010 flop-turned-cult-classic Scott Pilgrim vs. the World. Based on the comics by Bryan Lee O'Malley, the film stars Michael Cera as a bassist in Canadian indie rock band Sex Bob-Omb who just so happens to be an immature 22-year-old leaving a path of destructive behavior in his wake. But when he falls for the elusive Ramona Flowers (Mary Elizabeth Winstead), Scott winds up on a quest to defeat her seven evil ex-boyfriends exes in combat. Although the film failed to make a box office splash, it has found new life on home video. Scott Pilgrim vs. the World still stands as one of Rob's favorite movies, and Kai, well, "appreciates" it. So the film seemed destined for the commentary treatment. Of course, don't listen unless you've already seen the film (highly recommended). But if you're already a Pilgrim-head (can we make that a

In Episode 84 of the Crooked Table Podcast, Robert Yaniz Jr. and Kai Yaniz hop a ride on the nostalgia wave as the journey back 20 years (!) to the year 1998. It was a simpler time, when our distinguished hosts were mere high school students, and the world had yet to be conquered by perpetual lists and rankings of the so-called "good ol' days." In that spirit, join us as we discuss the theatrical releases turning 20 years old this year that have stuck with us the most. And, if you're among our younger listeners, marvel at the fact that these films were unleashed on a world wherein the internet had still not gone completely mainstream. Before social media. Before smartphones. These were the films we that helped define the late 90s. In short, these are our top 5 movies of 1998. Note: If this episode connects, prepare to hear us revisit other key cinematic years of our youth. Is that a promise or a threat? You decide. Either way, we'll be right here peering through our rose-colored glasses at the films we were w

In Episode 83 of the Crooked Table Podcast, Robert Yaniz Jr. is joined by Adam Barnard of Screen Fever for an in-depth review of Jurassic World: Fallen Kingdom, the fifth entry in Universal's Jurassic Park franchise. The series has come a long way since Steven Spielberg's 1993 original film, but even with its legacy intact following two less-than-stellar sequels, no one expected the sequel/reboot that was 2015's Jurassic World to connect with audiences to the tune of $1.7 billion worldwide. Now director JA Bayona (The Orphanage) steps up for the sequel, but does it serve as the next evolutionary step for what is shaping up to be a Jurassic World trilogy? Jurassic World: Fallen Kingdom synopsis courtesy of Universal: It’s been three years since theme park and luxury resort Jurassic World was destroyed by dinosaurs out of containment. Isla Nublar now sits abandoned by humans while the surviving dinosaurs fend for themselves in the jungles. When the island’s dormant volcano begins roaring to life, Owen (Chris Pr

In Episode 82 of the Crooked Table Podcast, Robert Yaniz Jr. shares his thoughts on Incredibles 2, the Disney and Pixar sequel the world was waited 14 years for. Then, he opens it up into a broader analysis of Pixar's filmography, the highs and lows of the studio's history and what being a Pixar film means to him. Ever since audiences first burst into Andy's room, the creative team at Pixar has created some of the most beloved animated releases of all time. Let's dive deep into the studio's accomplishments and what the future may hold.  Incredibles 2 synopsis courtesy of Disney: In “Incredibles 2,” Helen (voice of Holly Hunter) is called on to lead a campaign to bring Supers back, while Bob (voice of Craig T. Nelson) navigates the day-to-day heroics of “normal” life at home with Violet (voice of Sarah Vowell), Dash (voice of Huck Milner) and baby Jack-Jack—whose superpowers are about to be discovered. Their mission is derailed, however, when a new villain emerges with a brilliant and dangerous plot that threa

In Episode 81 of the Crooked Table Podcast, Robert Yaniz Jr. and Kai Yaniz tie up some loose Riverdale ends with their brief review of the 2001 cult comedy Josie and the Pussycats, based on the Archie Comics title. Then it's into more serious matters, as they address the disparity in the audience and critical response to women and POC in studio films. From Ocean's 8 to Ghostbusters, female-led releases in particular have proved divisive among some moviegoers. In fact, actresses like Ghostbusters' Leslie Jones and Star Wars: The Last Jedi's Kelly Marie Tran have personally been the subject of online harassment and assorted vitriol. So let's dig into one of Hollywood's most common criticisms nowadays, namely its stubbornness to accept diversity both onscreen and behind the scenes. Recent films like Wonder Woman and Black Panther have demonstrated strides forward, but there's still much progress to be made. Listen in as we chat about how we can all move forward together. Ocean's 8 synopsis courtesy of Warner Bro

In Episode 80 of the Crooked Table Podcast, Robert Yaniz Jr. and Kai Yaniz take a detour from the world of film to address their recent trip down the Riverdale rabbit hole. The CW transformed the Archie Comics gang into its latest page-to-screen smash in 2017, turning "The Town with Pep" into a dark teen soap opera set in an all-too-seedy small town. Murder mysteries, love triangles, gangland wars and more shenanigans make the show — and its cast full of scene-stealers — the perfect show to binge over a lazy weekend or two. So gather your fellow Serpents, pour yourself some maple syrup and let's head over to Pop's. "Archiekins," here we come! Riverdale synopsis courtesy of The CW: In season two, Riverdale  built to a riot that brought out the worst (and best) of the titular town and its citizens, and culminated in the shocking arrest of one of our main characters. Based on the characters from Archie Comics, Riverdale is from Warner Bros. Television and CBS Television Studios, in association with Berlanti Prod

In Episode 79 of the Crooked Table Podcast, Robert Yaniz Jr. shares his thoughts on director Ron Howard's Solo: A Star Wars Story, which sees Alden Ehrenreich slip into Harrison Ford's iconic vest. The film — which features an ensemble supporting cast led by Emilia Clark, Woody Harrelson, Donald Glover and Paul Bettany — is the only the second Star Wars anthology film but indicates that fans might expect more solo films (pun intended) featuring their favorite characters. Case in point, James Mangold (Logan) is reportedly writing and directing the upcoming Boba Fett spinoff for Lucasfilm. While the Mandalorian-clad bounty hunter has an iconic look, the question of whether he can carry his own film remains unclear. We boldly make the case for — despite the fact that Fett's most famous characteristic is his armor — why a Mangold-led film could turn out to be the best "Star Wars story" yet. So, grab your Mandalorian armor, fire up the hyperdrive and let's head on over to the "galaxy far, far away." Solo: A Star W

In Episode 78 of the Crooked Table Podcast, Robert Yaniz Jr. takes a long, hard look at Deadpool 2 and whether the Merc with the Mouth actually serves as the perfect opportunity for Fox, Marvel or both (depending on how Disney's acquisition of Fox turns out) to finally launch into the long-rumored top-to-bottom reboot of the convoluted and splintered X-Men film franchise. After all, Ryan Reynolds' anti-hero is already the biggest audience draw within the X-verse. So it stands to reason that he would serve as the launchpad for new interpretations on other mutant mainstays of Marvel Comics. Scoop up those chimichangas, and let's take a closer look, shall we?   Deadpool 2 synopsis courtesy of Fox (yes, seriously): After surviving a near fatal bovine attack, a disfigured cafeteria chef (Wade Wilson) struggles to fulfill his dream of becoming Miami's hottest bartender, while also learning to cope with his lost sense of taste. Searching to regain his spice for life, as well as a flux capacitor, Wade must battle nin

In Episode 77 of the Crooked Table Podcast, Robert Yaniz Jr. considers why director Fede Alvarez and star Jane Levy should reunite for Evil Dead 2, the sequel to their 2013 reboot of the classic horror franchise. With Ash vs. Evil Dead canceled by Starz and the fanbase hungry for more, could Alvarez's follow-up bridge the gap between Bruce Campbell-led TV series and the most recent big-screen installment in the iconic horror/comedy saga?  We’re excited to hear your feedback as the Crooked Table Podcast continues to evolve. As usual, the show does feature explicit language and, as such, is best considered NSFW. Thanks for listening! SHOW NOTES Previously on the Crooked Table Podcast: http://www.crookedtable.com/2018/04/29/avengers-infinity-war-podcast-review/ Fede Alvarez's inciting tweet: https://twitter.com/fedalvar/status/992497741052854272 Rob's Tully review: https://www.monkeysfightingrobots.co/review-tully-movie-charlize-theron-jason-reitman/ Rob's Breaking In review: https://www.monkeysfightingrobots.co

In Episode 76 of the Crooked Table Podcast, Robert Yaniz Jr. and Kai Yaniz take the time to discuss Avengers: Infinity War, the 19th installment in the Marvel Cinematic Universe. But this isn't just any Marvel film. Finally, Earth's Mightiest Heroes from across the MCU unite to face the tyrannical power of Thanos. With an epic battle extending into space and beyond, Iron Man, Captain America, Thor, Doctor Strange, Spider-Man, Black Panther, the Guardians of the Galaxy and others must fight to save the very soul of humanity from widespread annihilation. Bearing in mind that Infinity War is already crushing records everywhere, we break down whether the film is, in reality, worth the decade of hype that preceded it. Check in with us for a SUPER-sized episode as we evaluate this year's biggest film! Avengers: Infinity War synopsis courtesy of Marvel Studios: An unprecedented cinematic journey ten years in the making and spanning the entire Marvel Cinematic Universe, Marvel Studios’ “Avengers: Infinity War” brings

In Episode 75 of the Crooked Table Podcast, Robert Yaniz Jr. and Kai Yaniz devote an entire SPOILER-filled episode to review Black Panther, the 18th entry in the Marvel Cinematic Universe and the final one to hit theaters before Avengers: Infinity War changes the MCU forever. The film marks the first Marvel Studios film featuring an African-American actor in the lead and is poised to shift the movie business itself with a cultural phenomenon of Wonder Woman proportions. But does director Ryan Coogler (Creed) deliver the boundary-breaking adventure that fans have been waiting for? Black Panther synopsis courtesy of Marvel Studios: Marvel Studios’ “Black Panther” follows T’Challa who, after the death of his father, the King of Wakanda, returns home to the isolated, technologically advanced African nation to succeed to the throne and take his rightful place as king. But when a powerful old enemy reappears, T’Challa’s mettle as king—and Black Panther—is tested when he is drawn into a formidable conflict that puts