Close Watch with Robert Yaniz Jr.

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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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...