Franchise Detours

Just as the zombie genre returned to life, Shaun of the Dead emerged as a cult classic that redefined the landscape of horror-comedy. As we dissect the intricacies of the Three Flavours Cornetto trilogy in our latest mega-series, we delve into the film that set the tone for Edgar Wright's signature work. Clare Brunton of W-Rated joins us to shed light on how Shaun of the Dead balances gore and gags to create a cleverly constructed satire. Taking aim at the mundanity of life and horror tropes, Wright and co-writer/star Simon Pegg set a standard for genre fusion that's rarely been matched. So grab a Cornetto (if you can find them near you), and listen in as we unravel how 2004's Shaun of the Dead laid the groundwork for a thematic trilogy of comedy genre mash-ups that continue to captivate and entertain audiences worldwide decades later. How's that for a slice of fried gold?

Just when you thought Dark Phoenix put an underwhelming bow on the Fox era of X-Men movies, The New Mutants comes along to further complicate the franchise's legacy. In this BONUS episode to our mega-series following the X-Men movie franchise, we'll go in-depth on the oft-forgotten 2020 film. On paper, The New Mutants should have been an easy win. Taking the X-Men universe headfirst into horror seemed like an intriguing departure. Then, of course, The New Mutants' continual delays led the world to (perhaps rightfully) suspect something was amiss behind the scenes. Jackson Smith of Nightfall Entertainment joins the final Franchise Detours of 2023 as we explore the unique world of The New Mutants. We'll discuss the film's horror aesthetic, its connection to the broader X-Men universe, and how it aimed to give the franchise a fresh perspective 11 films in. Join us as we venture into the eerie and enigmatic world of The New Mutants and determine why this risky experiment didn't quite pay off. LISTEN on Apple, Spotify, GoodPods, and other podcatchers: https://linktr.ee/crookedtable

Our X-Men mega-series comes to a close (or does it?) with 2019's Dark Phoenix, as the franchise takes a second stab at one of the comics' most iconic storylines. With X-Men: The Last Stand far behind him, can first-time director Simon Kinberg (who cowrote that 2006 movie) right past wrongs? Darin Lundberg of NostalgiaCast joins us to unravel the mysteries of Dark Phoenix. We'll explore the film's poor reception, its role as the series' unintended conclusion, and Sophie Turner's lead performance as Jean Grey. Most of all, we'll address whether Dark Phoenix does justice to this story. Join us as we witness the rise of the Phoenix and determine where Dark Phoenix leaves the X-Men movie legacy ahead of the mutants' MCU debut. LISTEN on Apple, Spotify, GoodPods, and other podcatchers! #Podcasts #NewEpisode https://linktr.ee/crookedtable

The claws are out and the adamantium is gleaming as we dive into the final chapter in the Wolverine trilogy. Hugh Jackman's iconic portrayal of the mutant hero faced a bumpy road in his solo films. But was 2017's Logan, featuring returning The Wolverine director James Mangold, worth the wait? Fans wondered if they'd ever see the character's true potential on the big screen. Fortunately, Jackman's determination to bring Logan's story to a fitting conclusion paid off. In Logan, we witness an aging, world-weary Wolverine confronting his past and grappling with his own mortality. Film critic Catherine Gonzales joins us to dissect the gritty world of Logan. We'll explore how it ties into the broader X-Men universe, the character's journey throughout the franchise, and the film's impact on the superhero genre. Moreover, we'll weigh in on Wolverine's return in Deadpool 3. Join us as we celebrate the Wolverine's final and most poignant outing, discussing the legacy of Logan and its place in cinematic history. LISTEN on Apple, Spotify, GoodPods, and other podcatchers: https://linktr.ee/crookedtable

After exploring time travel and creating a shared universe with X-Men: Days of Future Past, where could the sequel go next? Why, the gods, of course! For better or worse, 2016's X-Men: Apocalypse pits the Marvel mutants against their most formidable enemy yet: a big, blue Oscar Isaac. In this episode, Clare Brunton of W-Rated helps us uncover the truth behind director Bryan Singer's most divisive X-Men installment. We'll discuss whether the movie is actually unjustly hated, how it serves as a prequel to Singer's original trilogy, and whether Isaac's performance hurts or helps. Join us as we journey back to the Apocalypse and decide whether the movie lives up to its name. Is this where the X-Films finally jumped the shark? LISTEN on Apple, Spotify, GoodPods, and other podcatchers: https://linktr.ee/crookedtable

After The Avengers, superhero cinema has never been the same. Suddenly, everything needed to be interconnected, featuring tons of characters and an increasingly complicated timeline. Naturally, the X-Men series retroactively created its own shared universe of sorts with X-Men: Days of Future Past. Fourteen years after the first film, director Bryan Singer's film combined the original trilogy cast and that of X-Men: First Class to create a time-travel adventure that raised the bar for what Marvel's mutants could do onscreen. Or at the very least, it put pressure on the series to be more ambitious. Film critic Rosa Parra joins Franchise Detours to travel back to 2014's X-Men: Days of Future Past, a movie that feels like even more of a wild swing nearly a decade later. We'll discuss its unique place in the series, that epic cast, and how this installment may have doomed the series going forward. Connect with Crooked Table Productions on social media: Facebook  |  Twitter  |  Instagram

Hugh Jackman's Wolverine has always been a fan favorite. But X-Men Origins: Wolverine called into question whether the mutant hero would get the opportunity to carry more than a single solo film. Thankfully, Jackman's desire to take Logan to Japan paid off in the form of 2013's The Wolverine. Adapting one of the character's most popular storylines, the movie marks a departure from its predecessor, tying more closely in with X-Men: The Last Stand than the first Wolverine film. It also marks James Mangold's first time directing an X-Men movie, a decision which paid off remarkably years later. Ryan Luis Rodriguez of One Track Mind joins us to break down The Wolverine. We'll talk about how it draws inspiration from what's come before — including X-Men Origins: Wolverine — bemoan the lack of Rila Fukushima's Yukio in future projects, and that CGI-heavy third act. Connect with Crooked Table Productions on social media: Facebook  |  Twitter  |  Instagram

X-Men Origins: Wolverine was meant to slash open a whole new avenue for the X-Men movie franchise. Yet, despite its commercial performance, the tepid reception ultimately led the series to take another approach: going back to basics with a fresh start on the whole mutant saga. In hindsight, it might seem like 2011's X-Men: First Class was always meant to be a prequel to the previous films. But director Matthew Vaughn described it as a reboot of the franchise. So which is it? And ultimately, does it even matter when the resulting superhero adventure is that much fun? Kevin the Critic joins Franchise Detours as we head back to school for an in-depth chat about X-Men: First Class. We'll discuss the chemistry between James McAvoy and Michael Fassbender, how the story quietly retcons the series, and whether Vaughn deserves another crack at the Marvel mutants. Connect with Crooked Table Productions on social media: Facebook  |  Twitter  |  Instagram

Despite the less-than-enthusiastic response from fans and critics, 2006's trilogy-ending X-Men: The Last Stand did at least offer fans something of a sense of closure (that final shot and post-credits scene notwithstanding). But it also outperformed its two predecessors at the box office. So it didn't take long for Fox to begin exploring ways to extend the franchise. On paper, a solo film exploring the dark backstory of Hugh Jackman's fan-favorite character was the obvious way to continue. At the time, such a film was meant to start a whole subset of X-Men Origins movies featuring different beloved characters. But 2009's X-Men Origins: Wolverine didn't exactly deliver the strong kickoff the studio or fans hoped for. Jose Lopez Jr. joins the show to help us break down one of the most maligned entries in the X-Men franchise. We'll discuss whether X-Men Origins: Wolverine does right by Jackman's mysterious mutant, the behind-the-scenes drama, the addition of Liev Schreiber as Sabretooth, and -- of course -- Ryan Reynolds' inauspicious debut as "Deadpool." Connect with Crooked Table Productions on social media: Facebook  |  Twitter  |  Instagram

We interrupt your regularly scheduled mutant superhero mega-series already in progress for, well, another mutant superhero mega-series. It's time to dip back into the sewers for a return to the world of Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles. Seven years have passed since the latest franchise revival fizzled out with Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Out of the Shadows. Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Mutant Mayhem is now playing. So Rob steps up to the mic to address his thoughts on the new animated movie. Does the film justify its existence as the seventh theatrically released TMNT film and the fourth iteration of this franchise? We'll dig into whether this latest effort could, in fact, carry the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles forward. Connect with Crooked Table Productions on social media: Facebook  |  Twitter  |  Instagram

Our X-Men mega-series continues, spanning 10 films and nearly 20 years. Following the success of X2: X-Men United, the franchise takes its first major shift. Director Brett Ratner (Rush Hour) steps in to helm 2006's polarizing X-Men: The Last Stand. But is it a satisfying finale to the original trilogy of mutant adventures? Or is the film the X-Men series' first wrong turn? Jeremiah Stewart of Let's Talk joins us to discuss this crucial chapter of the mutant chronicles. The discovery of a so-called mutant "cure" raises the stakes. And X-Men: The Last Stand does escalate tensions as the dynamic between mutants and humans grows more complicated. We explore the mutant struggle for acceptance and the moral dilemmas the film presents. The X-Men franchise's ensemble comes into focus again, especially with the much-anticipated return of Jean Grey as the Dark Phoenix. Of course, this is the first of two attempts this franchise will take to adapt the fan-favorite story. We'll discuss how the movie balances two main plots and whether it deserves the less-than-beloved reputation it still has. Subscribe and stay tuned for much more as we continue our epic X-Men mega-series. The legacy of the mutant franchise lives on through its influence on the superhero genre. Next time, the franchise gets even wilder. The X-Men officially enters the wild world of prequels, spin-offs, and time-hopping with 2009's even more maligned X-Men Origins: Wolverine. Connect with Crooked Table Productions on social media: Facebook  |  Twitter  |  Instagram

Welcome back, fellow mutant enthusiasts! As we celebrate the 23rd anniversary of the X-Men film franchise, we continue our journey through the groundbreaking series that revolutionized the superhero genre. In this episode, we dive deep into the sequel that took everything we loved about the first film and elevated it to new heights: 2003's X2: X-Men United. Phoenix Clouden of Film Code helps us unravel the intricacies of this thrilling installment, which showcases the continued evolution of both the X-Men franchise and its ensemble of mutant characters. At the time X2 hit theaters, superhero sequels were still a rare breed. And the film leapt back into action with a surprising sense of purpose and depth this time around. Building on the foundation laid in its predecessor, X2: X-Men United expanded the roster of characters while delving deeper into their personal struggles and identities. Wolverine (Hugh Jackman) once again took center stage, but the film also granted us a more in-depth look at Professor X (Patrick Stewart), Magneto (Ian McKellen), and Jean Grey (Famke Janssen). Of course, the film's themes are eerily more relevant today than they were back in 2003. The mutants' fight for acceptance and equality mirrors real-world struggles for marginalized communities, making the film's narrative as powerful as ever. Yet, remarkably, X2: X-Men United balances that social commentary with rollicking action sequences and superhero thrills. Perhaps that's why X2: X-Men United set the stage for future superhero sequels. Even 20 years after its release, fans still hold it in high esteem. So, tune in as we celebrate the legacy of X2: X-Men United and its impact on superhero cinema. Whether you're a long-time X-Men fan or a newcomer, this episode promises an adventure like no other. X2: X-Men United turned out to be the middle chapter in the original trilogy of X-Men films. So join us next time as we discuss the final installment of that trilogy, 2006's X-Men: The Last Stand. Remember, we're journeying through 10 films in Fox's X-Men saga. Let's explore the subsequent X-films that continued to redefine and reshape the superhero landscape. Connect with Crooked Table Productions on social media: Facebook  |  Twitter  |  Instagram

Twenty-three years have passed since the mutants of Marvel Comics made their big-screen debut. And it's an understatement to say the cinematic landscape has itself mutated since X-Men hit theaters. So on this 23rd anniversary of the film that started it all, we're taking a look back at Fox's dearly departed mutant saga with a mega-series covering 10 X-Men films. Brian Skutle of Sonic Cinema joins the show to kick off our X-Men retrospective with an in-depth conversation about 2000's X-Men. We'll discuss how it changed the world of superhero movies, why its themes are more relevant than ever, and what challenges Marvel Studios needs to overcome to successfully bring Professor X and company into the MCU. Connect with Crooked Table Productions on social media: Facebook  |  Twitter  |  Instagram

Walt Disney is a name that has become synonymous with family entertainment. But back when Disney himself was running the company, the studio was pushing the boundaries of feature animation. And perhaps few films are as much of a testament to that as 1940's Fantasia. Brian Skutle of Sonic Cinema joins the show to discuss that film's ground-breaking blend of classical music and animated storytelling. We'll discuss the evolution of the Fantasia project, its legacy, and its long-awaited 1999 follow-up, Fantasia 2000, as well as our hopes for more Fantasia soon. Connect with Crooked Table Productions on social media: Facebook  |  Twitter  |  Instagram

Throughout the 2000s and 2010s, mainstream comedies were dominated by just one man: Judd Apatow. As a writer, director, and/or producer, Apatow was behind many of the biggest hits of the era, including classics such as Anchorman: The Legend of Ron Burgundy, Superbad, Bridesmaids, The Big Sick, and -- as we've previously discussed -- The 40-Year-Old Virgin. Now Kai Yaniz returns to discuss 2007's Knocked Up and its "sort-of sequel," 2012's This Is 40. Apatow wrote and directed both movies, which have a lot to say about parenthood, relationships, and how time affects them. We'll discuss whether these movies still hold up, weigh in on Leslie Mann and Paul Rudd's performances, and reveal our personal connection to them. Connect with Crooked Table Productions on social media: Facebook  |  Twitter  |  Instagram

After nine films and three different incarnations, our Planet of the Apes mega-series ends here. We went in-depth on the original five-film series, dug up the oft-maligned Tim Burton "reimagining," and now we conclude our discussions on the recent reboot trilogy starring Andy Serkis as Caesar. David Rosen of Piecing It Together joins us to discuss 2017's War for the Planet of the Apes. We'll cover how director Matt Reeves elevates the trilogy to mythic heights, whether this is a satisfying follow-up to Dawn of the Planet of the Apes, and what we hope to see in 2024's Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes. Connect with Crooked Table Productions on social media: Facebook  |  Twitter  |  Instagram

Prior to its release, no one quite knew what to make of Rise of the Planet of the Apes. But after it became one of 2011's biggest surprise hits, it was clear just how much life was left in the decades-old sci-fi franchise. With its sequel, returning star Andy Serkis and director Matt Reeves (Cloverfield, Let Me In) raised the emotional stakes and spectacle even higher. Jason from Binge Movies makes his long-awaited Franchise Detours debut to dig into 2014's Dawn of the Planet of the Apes. We'll discuss what Reeves -- who, most recently, put his stamp on The Batman -- brings to the franchise, Serkis' stunning (and awards-worthy) lead performance as Caesar, and why Dawn doesn't receive the credit it deserves. Connect with Crooked Table Productions on social media: Facebook  |  Twitter  |  Instagram

A full decade after director Tim Burton's "reimagining" of Planet of the Apes, the franchise seemed pretty much done. Hollywood turned its attention to other movie series, but after both Batman and Bond successfully relaunched by taking its iconic worlds back to basics, Fox ultimately took the same approach with one of its most successful brands of the past. Film critic Nguyên Lê -- who previously joined us to talk 2005's Batman Begins -- returns to help us break down 2011's Rise of the Planet of the Apes. We'll discuss the film's reception as one of that year's biggest surprise hits, how star Andy Serkis' motion-capture performance redefined the series, and how the film sets up a brand-new take on Planet of the Apes. Connect with Crooked Table Productions on social media: Facebook  |  Twitter  |  Instagram

After the disappointment of Battle for the Planet of the Apes, the franchise limped on in the form of two short-lived television series. First came 1974's live-action Planet of the Apes TV series, followed the next year by the animated project Return to the Planet of the Apes. Neither caught on with fans, and despite a long development, a new film didn't arrive until 2001. Lauren Knight of That Movie Is Fine joins the show to discuss director Tim Burton's "reimagining" of Planet of the Apes. We'll discuss the movie's poor reputation despite box office success, the performances by the likes of Mark Wahlberg and Tim Roth, and of course, that mystifying twist ending. Connect with Crooked Table Productions on social media: Facebook  |  Twitter  |  Instagram

Evil Dead was only the second mega-series Franchise Detours covered. So it's only right that, with writer-director Lee Cronin's Evil Dead Rise now in theaters, we take a franchise u-turn back to that series. After a full decade of rest from the big screen, what are those pesky Deadites up to this time? Rob briefly interrupts the ongoing Planet of the Apes mega-series to touch base with the latest Evil Dead film. He'll discuss his spoiler-filled thoughts on the movie, speculate what it could set up for the future of Evil Dead, and share some feedback from friends of the show regarding Evil Dead Rise. Piecing It Together's EVIL DEAD RISE live show: https://www.piecingpod.com/2023/03/30/live-show-april-21st-in-las-vegas-nv/ Matt Donato's IGN review of EVIL DEAD RISE: https://www.ign.com/articles/evil-dead-rise-review Sara Michelle Fetters' MovieFreak review of EVIL DEAD RISE: http://moviefreak.com/evil-dead-rise-2023-movie-review/ Ryan Luis Rodriguez's Letterboxd review of EVIL DEAD RISE: https://letterboxd.com/onetrackmind/film/evil-dead-rise/ Suns and Shadows non-spoiler review for EVIL DEAD RISE: https://youtu.be/0oyhT7oHnlk Connect with Crooked Table Productions on social media: Facebook  |  Twitter  |  Instagram

Conquest for the Planet of the Apes sees Caesar (Roddy McDowall) lead an ape revolution that seemingly sews up the fate of humanity. So where could a sequel possibly take the story after the climactic turn of the previous film? As we continue our journey through the nine-film Planet of the Apes franchise, Battle for the Planet of the Apes gives us our answer. Actor, author, and playwright John Weagly joins the show to help us break down this finale to the original five-movie run of Planet of the Apes. We'll discuss whether Battle is a fitting finale to Caesar's story, how successful the movie is at keeping things fresh with a tighter budget, and McDowall's indelible contribution to the Planet of the Apes franchise. Connect with Crooked Table Productions on social media: Facebook  |  Twitter  |  Instagram

Escape from the Planet of the Apes set the franchise off on a brand-new course. And the sequel -- released just over a year after its predecessor -- follows the ape Caesar (Roddy McDowall, as a new character) as he plays a pivotal role in humanity's downfall in Conquest of the Planet of the Apes. Ryan Luis Rodriguez of One Track Mind joins the show to discuss this 1972 edition of the long-running Planet of the Apes franchise. We'll discuss McDowall's ability to transform into an entirely new ape character, the movie's more on-the-nose than ever social commentary, and whether this film should have ended this initial era of Planet of the Apes. Connect with Crooked Table Productions on social media: Facebook  |  Twitter  |  Instagram

No spoilers, but Beneath the Planet of the Apes seemed to negate the chances of a third Planet of the Apes film. And yet, the box office receipts sent a very different message to studio executives. And so Escape from the Planet of the Apes hit theaters in 1971, taking the series in a radical new direction. Film critic Sara Michelle Fetters joins the show to break down how Escape from the Planet of the Apes reinvents the franchise midway through. We'll discuss Roddy McDowall and Kim Hunter's lead performances, the movie's not-so-subtle social commentary, and of course, that wild final sequence. Connect with Crooked Table Productions on social media: Facebook  |  Twitter  |  Instagram

1968's Planet of the Apes was a watershed moment for science fiction cinema and, in hindsight, franchise filmmaking. But what lies beneath? That's the focus of this episode, as we take a look at the first of many sequels to attempt to on the original Planet of the Apes film. Jeremiah Stewart of Let's Talk helps us dig into 1970's Beneath the Planet of the Apes. We'll discuss how the film deals with Charlton Heston's limited screen time, its deliberate efforts to sideline the apes themselves, and that jaw-dropping ending that seemingly leaves no room for a follow-up. Connect with Crooked Table Productions on social media: Facebook  |  Twitter  |  Instagram

We finally really did it. After spending the past several episodes with the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, Franchise Detours sticks to the world of anthropomorphic animals and prosthetic make-up for its longest mega-series yet: Planet of the Apes. On this episode, Thomas Greene of Perpetual Cinema joins the show to discuss the 1968 film that started it all. We'll discuss how the movie marks a turning point for science fiction, its iconic twist ending, and how it ultimately emerged into an unlikely franchise. Connect with Crooked Table Productions on social media: Facebook  |  Twitter  |  Instagram

2014's Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles seemingly kicked off a whole new era of movies starring the title heroes. But after its solid box office performance, the sequel -- 2016's Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Out of the Shadows -- still struggled to keep that momentum going. Clare from W-Rated joins this final installment of our Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles mega-series. We'll discuss what is (at least, for the moment) the final TMNT movie, why its reputation is perhaps a bit too harsh, where we wanted a third film would have gone, and what we want going forward. Connect with Crooked Table Productions on social media: Facebook  |  Twitter  |  Instagram

Kevin the Critic joins Franchise Detours to talk about the 2014 'Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles' reboot from producer Michael Bay. Connect with Crooked Table Productions on social media: Facebook  |  Twitter  |  Instagram

As we continue our Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles mega-series, our very own Kai Yaniz makes her Franchise Detours debut as we discuss the oft-forgotten 2007 animated film TMNT. Connect with Crooked Table Productions on social media: Facebook  |  Twitter  |  Instagram

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! Connect with Crooked Table Productions on social media: Facebook  |  Twitter  |  Instagram

Despite the success of the animated series, no one expected 1990's Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles to be such a blockbuster. So naturally, it didn't take long for a sequel to start inching toward production. And less than a year later, the turtles were back on the big screen with another adventure. Jeff Johnson and Kevin Smith from Suns and Shadows-Cast join our TMNT mega-series to talk 1991's Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles II: The Secret of the Ooze. We'll discuss how the sequel toned down the violence, why it introduced Tokka and Rahzar, and if it is the most 1990s movie ever made. Connect with Crooked Table Productions on social media: Facebook  |  Twitter  |  Instagram

Kids growing up in the late 1980s/early 1990s had almost no choice but to love Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles. From their love of martial arts to their passion for pizza, those heroes on a half-shell were a legitimate cultural touchstone, thanks to their animated series and, yes, the 1990 motion picture that brought the turtles to the big screen for the first time. Jackson Boren helps us kick off a whole new mega-series as we skateboard through the turtles' cinematic history, beginning with a chat all about that very first movie. We'll discuss where director Steve Barron's original vision could've taken the movie, how it splits the difference between the Mirage comics and the animated show, and why it still holds up so damn well. So pick up a slice, sharpen your sai, and prepare to stomp out the Foot as we geek out about 1990's Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles! Cowabunga indeed. Connect with Crooked Table Productions on social media: Facebook  |  Twitter  |  Instagram

After two adventures as Axel Foley, Eddie Murphy had sworn off the possibility of Beverly Hills Cop 3. The actor reportedly felt there was nowhere else to go with that character. And yet, here we are talking about the third and final installment in our Beverly Hills Cop mega-series. But was Murphy right when he initially refused to come back for a third movie? Sandro and Zach from Oldie But a Goodie join the show to dig into how this third entry stacks up with Beverly Hills Cop and Beverly Hills Cop 2. We'll discuss the movie's balance of comedy and action, Murphy's much-maligned performance, and whether Beverly Hills Cop 3 lives up to the infamous reputation it's earned over the years. Connect with Crooked Table Productions on social media: Facebook  |  Twitter  |  Instagram

After 1984's Beverly Hills Cop solidified Eddie Murphy's superstar status, a sequel seemed inevitable. And although Beverly Hills Cop 2 perhaps lacks the cultural significance of its predecessor, it does bring a ton of fun additions to the franchise, particularly as director Tony Scott's follow-up to the previous year's highest-grossing movie, none other than Top Gun. On this episode, Lauren Knight of That Movie Is Fine joins the show to discuss how Beverly Hills Cop 2 doubles down on Murphy's specific comedic sensibility. We also weigh in on what this franchise would have looked like had original choice Sylvester Stallone taken the role and how Beverly Hills Cop 2 plays like Murphy's take on James Bond. Connect with Crooked Table Productions on social media: Facebook  |  Twitter  |  Instagram

It's impossible to imagine a world without Eddie Murphy. Throughout his career, he evolved from stand-up comic to Saturday Night Live breakout and finally, an Academy Award-nominated A-list movie star. And though Murphy had appeared in a few previous films, his ascension to the comedy star hall of fame didn't truly kick into gear until 1984's Beverly Hills Cop. On this episode, Phoenix Clouden of Film Code joins us to discuss how director Martin Brest's action-comedy redefined the genre for the modern age, how it serves as an unlikely launchpad for Murphy's own stardom, and -- of course -- the iconic theme song. So cue up your Harold Faltermeyer (or Crazy Frog, if you prefer) as we start our Beverly Hills Cop mega-series! Connect with Crooked Table Productions on social media: Facebook  |  Twitter  |  Instagram

Tom Cruise made his film debut in 1981's Endless Love. But it wasn't until five years later in Top Gun that Cruise truly emerged as an A-list leading man. That film -- directed by the late Tony Scott -- sparked a phenomenon that has endured for more than three decades. Case in point, 2022's long-awaited sequel, Top Gun: Maverick, became the year's biggest hit. On this episode, film critic and podcaster Karen Peterson of Citizen Dame and The Watch and Talk joins us to talk the legacy of both films. We'll discuss how Top Gun developed into a franchise, what the two movies say about Cruise's career, Top Gun: Maverick's wild box office run and awards chances, and explore whether we'd want to see a third installment. Connect with Crooked Table Productions on social media: Facebook  |  Twitter  |  Instagram

Superhero cinema these days seems unwaveringly dedicated to never-ending stories. But a full decade ago, Christopher Nolan followed his groundbreaking 2008 blockbuster The Dark Knight not with another sequel but with the grand finale of his interpretation of the Batman mythos. But does 2012's The Dark Knight Rises end the trilogy on a satisfying note? Film critic Richard Newby joins us to delve into the installment of Nolan's Batman trilogy. We'll discuss the decision to leave Heath Ledger's Joker unaddressed, how the movie redefined Bane as a character, and why The Dark Knight Rises' themes feel more resonant today. Also, we'll address whether we want to see the DC Universe explore more of the Nolan-verse. Plus, we'll reveal which entry in The Dark Knight trilogy is our guests' favorite! Connect with Crooked Table Productions on social media: Facebook  |  Twitter  |  Instagram

Batman Begins singlehandedly revived the DC superhero's film career. And The Dark Knight, well, it ensured that Batman would never stray far from the silver screen again. In this 2008 sequel, director Christopher Nolan took Christian Bale's Batman down a deeper, more morally complex path by pitting him against his ideological opposite: Heath Ledger's indelible Joker. Darin Lundberg of NostalgiaCast joins us to talk all about how Nolan and Bale expanded on their version of this iconic character. We'll discuss whether The Dark Knight lives up to its sterling reputation, which cast member gives a wildly underrated performance, and how the film's focus on theme and character set a new template for comic book movies. Connect with Crooked Table Productions on social media: Facebook  |  Twitter  |  Instagram

Batman was in a characteristically dark place in the early 2000s. After 1997's Batman & Robin, Warner Bros. struggled to figure out what its next move would be for Bruce Wayne's DC Comics alter-ego. Then an up-and-coming filmmaker named Christopher Nolan came in, and the resulting trilogy would leave an impact that still lingers within superhero movies. Film critic Nguyen Le joins us to kick off our mega-series on Nolan's The Dark Knight trilogy with an in-depth chat about 2005's Batman Begins. We'll discuss Christian Bale's indelible performance in what is the first live-action Bat-movie about Bruce Wayne, Nolan's grounded approach to Gotham City and the Batman mythos, and how Batman Begins paves the way for what would come next. Are you ready to begin? Connect with Crooked Table Productions on social media: Facebook  |  Twitter  |  Instagram

On paper, the introduction of an evil doppelganger for Kermit the Frog sounds like a worthy addition to the Muppet mythos. So why didn't the much-anticipated sequel to 2011's The Muppets connect with audiences? With the characters' popularity seemingly restored, Muppets Most Wanted saw Disney deflate this "viable franchise" soon after its reintroduction. Brandon from the Film Code Podcast joins the final episode of our Muppets mega-series as we investigate how Muppets Most Wanted failed to renew the fan goodwill of its predecessor. We'll discuss all those celebrity cameos (Lady Gaga! Tom Hiddleston!), what Constantine reveals about Kermit's role in the Muppets, and how Disney can reinvigorate the future of the Muppets. Also, we'll reveal which of the eight theatrical Muppet films our guests think is the pinnacle of the characters' big-screen career! Connect with Crooked Table Productions on social media: Facebook  |  Twitter  |  Instagram

It was a dark time for moviegoers. After Muppets from Space failed to meet expectations, the Muppets took an extended break from the big screen. But following Disney's acquisition of the characters in 2004, they finally made their long-awaited return to cinemas with 2011's The Muppets. And judging by the box office receipts, the world welcomed them back with open arms. Film critic Dede Crimmins joins the show to talk about the Disney-produced legacy sequel that (temporarily) restored Kermit and friends to their former glory. We'll talk about how Walter (performed by Peter Linz) brings a fresh perspective to the franchise in The Muppets, the film's balance of human and Muppet characters, and Kermit and Miss Piggy's relationship status. Connect with Crooked Table Productions on social media: Facebook  |  Twitter  |  Instagram

In 1999, Muppets fans probably expected Kermit and friends to dive headfirst into a third consecutive literary adaptation. Instead, Jim Henson Company Pictures -- this time under Sony Pictures, not Disney -- decided to boldly go where no Muppet movie had gone before: the realm of science fiction. And so Muppets from Space was born. Sandro Falce from Oldie But a Goodie stops by to discuss the black sheep of the Muppet movie franchise, the one installment that stands alone in the characters' eight-movie run. We'll discuss the decision to build the story around Gonzo, Pepe the Prawn's big break, and crown "the people's Muppet." Also, can someone please direct us to The Muppet House? Thanks! Connect with Crooked Table Productions on social media: Facebook  |  Twitter  |  Instagram

Once you've done Ebenezer Scrooge, the next logical step is Long John Silver, right? That's what Disney, Jim Henson Productions, and director Brian Henson apparently thought. After the success of 1992's The Muppet Christmas Carol, the Muppets stuck with literary adaptations, this time plugging them into Robert Louis Stevenson's 1883 novel Treasure Island. On this episode, screenwriter and actor Bri Azmoudeh joins us to talk all about 1996's Muppet Treasure Island. We'll discuss why making a pirate movie in the mid-1990s was such a bold move, how Henson's film works as an adaptation of Stevenson's book, and -- naturally -- the splendor that is the great Tim Curry's performance as the duplicitous Long John Silver. Connect with Crooked Table Productions on social media: Facebook  |  Twitter  |  Instagram

Following the death of Jim Henson, the Muppets were absent from the big screen for nearly a decade. But under the guidance of director Brian Henson, Jim's son, Kermit the Frog and company finally returned with a twist in 1992. And 30 years later, The Muppet Christmas Carol is one of the most beloved installments in the Muppet movie franchise. In this episode, film critic Morgan Roberts joins us to discuss how The Muppet Christmas Carol marked a new beginning for the Muppets. We'll cover how Jim Henson's death informed the movie, the decision to put the Muppets into a literary adaptation, Michael Caine's iconic Scrooge, and why the removal (and recent restoration) of a certain song matters. Connect with Crooked Table Productions on social media: Facebook  |  Twitter  |  Instagram

First, the Muppets got a movie. They solved a great caper. But taking Manhattan? In this economy?! Well, that's next in our Muppets mega-series. In 1984's The Muppets Take Manhattan, Kermit and company aspire to become Broadway stars. And director Frank Oz brings as much heart and unforgettable songs as fans would expect from a Muppet movie. The Vern from Cinema Recall joins the show to delve deep into the third theatrically released Muppet film. We'll discuss how Oz's film meddles even more with the Muppets' already loose canon, which musical numbers tug at our heartstrings the most, and The Muppets Take Manhattan's standing as the final entry in the franchise featuring Muppets creator Jim Henson. Connect with Crooked Table Productions on social media: Facebook  |  Twitter  |  Instagram

The Muppet Movie took Kermit the Frog and company from The Muppet Show all the way to Hollywood. But beyond the "approximate" story of how the Muppets got together, what does everyone's favorite group of frogs, pigs, bears, and whatevers do with their "rich and famous contracts"? The Great Muppet Caper, that's what. Ryan Luis Rodriguez of The Coolness Chronicles and Reels of Justice joins our Muppets mega-series as we break down Jim Henson's feature directorial debut. We'll discuss how it pays tribute to classic Hollywood musicals, why Kermit isn't actually the main character, and whether The Great Muppet Caper is superior to its predecessor. Connect with Crooked Table Productions on social media: Facebook  |  Twitter  |  Instagram

It's time to play the music. It's time to light the lights. It's time to meet the Muppets on a brand-new Franchise Detours mega-series. For the next eight episodes, we'll be covering every single theatrically released Muppet film, journeying through spanning 35 years of Muppets on the big screen. First up is the story of "approximately" how the Muppets came together. On this episode, Stephen Fodor of Too Much Scrolling joins the show to talk in-depth about 1979's The Muppet Movie. We'll discuss how the movie works as an adaptation of The Muppet Show, break down Paul Williams' and Kenneth Ascher's Oscar-nominated music, and answer once and for all whether the film indeed has "socially redeeming value." Connect with Crooked Table Productions on social media: Facebook  |  Twitter  |  Instagram

On its face, Happy Death Day feels very much like a slasher movie spin of 1993's time-loop comedy Groundhog Day. While it is that, director Christopher Landon manages to transcend that premise to create one of the best horror-comedies in recent years and a truly underrated sequel. On this episode, Robert Stewart of Stew World Order joins the show to talk not only about 2017's Happy Death Day but its 2019 sequel, Happy Death Day 2U. We'll talk about Jessica Rothe's standout performance, how the franchise crosses genre lines, and what we want from Happy Death Day 3. Connect with Crooked Table Productions on social media: Facebook  |  Twitter  |  Instagram

For an entire generation, Pee-wee Herman was an integral part of their childhood. The character -- created by Paul Reubens -- made his big-screen debut in Tim Burton's Pee-wee's Big Adventure before landing the award-winning Pee-wee's Playhouse TV series. Now Franchise Detours takes a tour through Pee-wee Herman's "trilogy" of cinematic adventures. On this episode, Lauren Carey of the Beer'd Al Podcast joins the show to talk about 1985's Pee-wee's Big Adventure, 1988's Big Top Pee-wee, and 2016's Pee-wee's Big Holiday. We'll discuss how each film essentially reinvents the character, why the middle chapter might be less beloved, and whether Reubens' long-awaited return to Pee-wee left us wanting more. Connect with Crooked Table Productions on social media: Facebook  |  Twitter  |  Instagram

To today's audience, Sister Act must feel like a real relic of the 1990s. A star-driven, fish-out-of-water, pseudo-musical comedy blockbuster!?! Add to that the religious setting, and there's little chance a movie like the 1992 hit starring Whoopi Goldberg would become a full-fledged phenomenon. On this episode, Phoenix Clouden of the Film Code Podcast joins us to discuss how Sister Act became one of the most iconic comedies of the 1990s. We'll discuss where it fits in Goldberg's filmography, how 1993's Sister Act 2: Back in the Habit builds on it, and why we're hopeful about Sister Act 3. Oh, happy day! Join us as we praise the heavenly nostalgia of Sister Act. Connect with Crooked Table Productions on social media: Facebook  |  Twitter  |  Instagram

Fifteen years after Sam Raimi concluded his Spider-Man trilogy, the Evil Dead filmmaker is back in the Marvel family with Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness. But as audiences re-discover just how damn great Raimi is at bringing comic books to life, we're taking a look at perhaps his most misunderstood film, 2007's Spider-Man 3. On this episode, Brian Skutle of the Sonic Cinema Podcast joins the show to break down what the haters are missing about Spider-Man 3. We'll discuss which villain should have been left out of the movie, how it builds and subverts the stories of its predecessors, and why it means so much to Brian personally. Of course, this is the end of our Spider-Man mega-series. So we'll discover which of Raimi's three web-slinging adventures reigns supreme. Connect with Crooked Table Productions on social media: Facebook  |  Twitter  |  Instagram

In the pantheon of superhero sequels, Spider-Man 2 is arguably among the best of its kind. Two years after Sam Raimi finally brought the webslinger to theaters, he aimed even higher with deeper themes, a more visually ambitious villain, and a tighter focus on character relationships. On this episode, Josh Bell of Awesome Movie Year joins the show to discuss how Raimi tries to outdo himself with the sequel, the iconic performance of Alfred Molina as Doctor Octopus, and whether 2004's Spider-Man 2 is, in fact, the best Spider-Man movie. Next time, we go ALL IN on Spider-Man 3. But for now, it's all about the myth, the legend Spider-Man 2. Go get it, tiger. Connect with Crooked Table Productions on social media: Facebook  |  Twitter  |  Instagram