All posts by Robert Yaniz Jr.

Franchise Detours Episode 43: ‘TMNT’ (2007) (feat. Kai Yaniz of Crooked Table Productions)

Following Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles III, fans of the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles would have to wait more than a decade for another movie. But was the series’ first computer-animated film, 20007’s TMNT, worth the wait? After all, the story features none of the characters from the animated series, such as Baxter Stockman, Leatherhead, and even the Shredder.

On this episode, our very own Kai Yaniz makes her Franchise Detours debut to discuss TMNT’s unique place in the franchise’s history, its production, and its reception. We’ll also touch on its star-studded voice cast, the dynamic between the Turtles, and that epic battle between brothers. Does TMNT successfully mark a successful big-screen relaunch or fail trying?

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Close Watch Episode 17: ‘Little Shop of Horrors’ (1986) (feat. film critic Morgan Roberts)

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 in-depth on a beloved movie musical. And what better way to celebrate one of cinema’s most beloved genres than with a man-eating plant from outer space?!

Film critic Morgan Roberts joins the show to discuss 1986’s Little Shop of Horrors starring Rick Moranis, Ellen Greene, and Steve Martin. We’ll discuss the elite group of movie musicals the Frank Oz-directed film belongs to, the staggering puppetry that brings Audrey II to life, and explore why some of our favorite movie musicals go to some very dark places.

So shimmy downtown to the little flower shop on the corner for a glimpse at the strange and unusual plant in the window. Just don’t feed the plants!

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Franchise Detours Episode 42: ‘Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles III’ (feat. Philip Boone of Ultimate Gilmore Girls Movie Night)

As we approach the halfway point of our Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles mega-series, we bid a final farewell to the live-action turtles. Following the defeat of the Shredder in Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles II: The Secret of the Ooze, the filmmakers had a big decision to make with regard to the story of the third film. Their answer? Send the turtles to feudal Japan!

On this episode, Philip Boone of the Ultimate Gilmore Girls Movie Night podcast joins Franchise Detours to talk all about 1993’s Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles III. We’ll discuss the movie’s long-rumored subtitle, those downgraded turtle costumes, and all those pop culture references. In the end though, is the third TMNT film worth a revisit? Let’s discuss!

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