Close Watch with Robert Yaniz Jr.

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Blending pop culture with personal storytelling, Close Watch gives host Robert Yaniz Jr. the chance to get to know guests through the movies they love. From emotional favorites like Field of Dreams and The Crow to beloved cult hits like The Wicker Man, Kiss Kiss Bang Bang, and The Big Lebowski, each episode offers a thoughtful deep dive discussion into how films both shape who we are and reflect who we’ve become.

  1. 'Wicked: For Good' [CROOKED ROUNDTABLE]

    12/30/2025

    'Wicked: For Good' [CROOKED ROUNDTABLE]

    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

    1h 16m
  2. 'Oz the Great and Powerful' (feat. Kevin the Critic)

    12/24/2025

    'Oz the Great and Powerful' (feat. Kevin the Critic)

    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

    1h 20m
  3. 'Return to Oz' (feat. Kai Yaniz)

    12/16/2025

    'Return to Oz' (feat. Kai Yaniz)

    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

    1h 22m
  4. 'The Wiz' (feat. Phoenix Clouden of Curtain to Curtain)

    12/08/2025

    'The Wiz' (feat. Phoenix Clouden of Curtain to Curtain)

    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

    1h 13m
  5. 'Journey Back to Oz' (feat. Will Ashton of Cinemaholics)

    10/30/2025

    'Journey Back to Oz' (feat. Will Ashton of Cinemaholics)

    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

    57 min
  6. 'The Wizard of Oz' (feat. The Famous Ashley Grant)

    10/08/2025

    'The Wizard of Oz' (feat. The Famous Ashley Grant)

    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

    57 min
  7. Grease (feat. Kai Yaniz)

    03/26/2025

    Grease (feat. Kai Yaniz)

    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

    1h 21m
  8. Moonwalker (feat. Russ Robinson of Infectious Groove Music)

    03/12/2025

    Moonwalker (feat. Russ Robinson of Infectious Groove Music)

    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

    1h 39m
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5
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18 Ratings

About

Blending pop culture with personal storytelling, Close Watch gives host Robert Yaniz Jr. the chance to get to know guests through the movies they love. From emotional favorites like Field of Dreams and The Crow to beloved cult hits like The Wicker Man, Kiss Kiss Bang Bang, and The Big Lebowski, each episode offers a thoughtful deep dive discussion into how films both shape who we are and reflect who we’ve become.

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