Blank Check with Griffin & David
By Blank Check Productions
Listen to a podcast, please open Podcast Republic app. Available on Google Play Store.
Category: Film Reviews
Open in Apple Podcasts
Open RSS feed
Open Website
Rate for this podcast
Subscribers: 2999
Reviews: 20
chase
Aug 12, 2022
Feb 27, 2022
Jan 14, 2022
aherm
Aug 20, 2021
Aug 1, 2021
Description
Not just another bad movie podcast, Blank Check reviews directors' complete filmographies episode to episode. Specifically, the auteurs whose early successes afforded them the rare ‘blank check’ from Hollywood to produce passion projects. Each new miniseries, hosts Griffin Newman and David Sims delve into the works of film’s most outsized personalities in painstakingly hilarious detail. Produced by Ben Hosley.
| Episode | Date |
|---|---|
|
Slumdog Millionaire with Siddhant Adlakha
8540
Danny Boyle is about to win the Oscar. How did he do it? A) He Cheated, B) He’s Lucky, C) He’s a Genius, D) IT IS WRITTEN. Critic Siddhant Adlakha joins us to dissect the improbable success of Boyle’s 2008 Dickens-by-way-of-Mumbai hit SLUMDOG MILLIONAIRE. We’re getting into everything, from the film’s reputation in India to the 2009 Oscar ceremony with Hugh Jackman, from UK teen TV sensation “Skins” to the unexpected success of “Who Wants to Be a Millionaire?” in primetime. Jai Ho!
This episode is sponsored by: MUBI (mubi.com/check) Bombas (bombas.com/check CODE: CHECK) Join our Patreon at patreon.com/blankcheck Follow us @blankcheckpod on Twitter and Instagram! Buy some real nerdy merch at shopblankcheckpod.myshopify.com or at teepublic.com/stores/blank-check |
Mar 26, 2023 |
|
Sunshine
9194
The time has come for us to board the Icarus II (awful name for a spaceship) and stare directly into the sun. First mentioned as a movie that rules way back when we were only a podcast about the Star Wars Prequels, Griffin and David finally get to cover Danny Boyle’s 2007 Science Fiction flop SUNSHINE. We’re getting into everything - the iconic score, the brilliantly restrictive use of colors, the hot scientist named Brian Cox (not Logan Roy) who served as a model for Cillian Murphy’s character, and the film’s very controversial third act. Staring into the sun? Bad idea. Taking the time to re-appraise this forgotten gem? A GREAT ONE.
This episode is sponsored by: MUBI (mubi.com/check) The Black Tux (theblacktux.com/check CODE: CHECK) Zocdoc (zocdoc.com/check) Join our Patreon at patreon.com/blankcheck Follow us @blankcheckpod on Twitter and Instagram! Buy some real nerdy merch at shopblankcheckpod.myshopify.com or at teepublic.com/stores/blank-check |
Mar 19, 2023 |
|
Millions with Adam Kempenaar
8165
How did Danny Boyle choose to follow up the ultraviolence of 28 Days Later? With a winsome kid’s movie about morality and currency conversion, of course! Filmspotting’s Adam Kempenaar joins us to revisit 2004’s Millions, which he originally covered in the second episode of Filmspotting back in 2005 (!) Why did Danny Boyle want to make a family-friendly film? Should this have been a musical? Was there ever a point in time where it seemed like Britain would adopt the Euro? Plus, the most important question of all - what would Ben have done with that bag of money?
This episode is sponsored by:
The Black Tux (theblacktux.com/checkCODE: CHECK) Zocdoc (zocdoc.com/check) HelloFresh (hellofresh.com/check65 CODE: CHECK65) Join our Patreon at patreon.com/blankcheck
Follow us @blankcheckpod on Twitter and Instagram! Buy some real nerdy merch at shopblankcheckpod.myshopify.com or at teepublic.com/stores/blank-check Comment end |
Mar 12, 2023 |
|
The Eighth Annual Blank Check Awards with Joe Reid
9362
Once again we gather together to celebrate excellence in the motion picture industry - but rest assured, we have our own Blankies Crisis Team standing by to avoid any catastrophes after last year! Joe Reid of “This Had Oscar Buzz” joins us for our eighth ceremony, and we shine a spotlight on all the best performances, wettest films, and putteringest murmurs of 2022. Plus - a very special top ten list from a surprise guest.
This episode is sponsored by: MUBI (mubi.com/check) Stamps.com (CODE: CHECK) Join our Patreon at patreon.com/blankcheck Follow us @blankcheckpod on Twitter and Instagram! Buy some real nerdy merch at shopblankcheckpod.myshopify.com or at teepublic.com/stores/blank-check |
Mar 05, 2023 |
|
28 Days Later with David Rees
10104
Fast zombies, a deserted London, and potato-quality digital cinematography - 28 DAYS LATER proved to be a genre-defining hit for Danny Boyle after the disappointment of THE BEACH. Humorist and Blankie favorite David Rees returns to the podcast to take us back to the immediate post-9/11 period, a mood and time which this film conjures instantly. Join us for a deep dive into the zombie canon, a tangent on the famed “Young British Artists” of the 1990s, a primer on Canadian anti-capitalist band Godspeed You! Black Emperor, and a moment of disbelief when Rees discovers that Brendan Gleeson played Donald Trump in Showtime’s THE COMEY RULE.
This episode is sponsored by: DadGrass (dadgrass.com/check) Bombas (bombas.com/check CODE: CHECK) Join our Patreon at patreon.com/blankcheck Follow us @blankcheckpod on Twitter and Instagram! Buy some real nerdy merch at shopblankcheckpod.myshopify.com or at teepublic.com/stores/blank-check |
Feb 26, 2023 |
|
The Beach with Emily Yoshida
9313
Mother is back, and she’s taking us all to THE BEACH! Emily Yoshida makes her long-awaited return to the pod to speak about her experience in the writer’s room of the still-unproduced TV version of Alex Garland’s titular novel. We’re asking all the big questions - when did Leonardo DiCaprio stop being “baby” and become a big boy on screen? Why is no one practicing ethical non-monogamy or doing heroin on this island? Is it cool to like Moby again after that weird Natalie Portman thing? How would starring in this movie have affected Ewan McGregor’s career? Why stay in a commune with a bunch of dirty European hippies when you could just go to a resort with real bathrooms?
This episode is sponsored by: Indeed (indeed.com/check) The Black Tux (theblacktux.com/check CODE: CHECK) MUBI (mubi.com/check) Join our Patreon at patreon.com/blankcheck Follow us @blankcheckpod on Twitter and Instagram! Buy some real nerdy merch at shopblankcheckpod.myshopify.com or at teepublic.com/stores/blank-check |
Feb 19, 2023 |
|
Knock at the Cabin with Marie Bardi
7619
Knock knock! Who’s there? M. Night Shyamalan, of course! We’re answering the door and ushering in the apocalypse with a look at Night’s latest offering.
This episode is sponsored by: HelloFresh (hellofresh.com/check65 CODE: CHECK65) Indeed (indeed.com/check) Join our Patreon at patreon.com/blankcheck Follow us @blankcheckpod on Twitter and Instagram! Buy some real nerdy merch at shopblankcheckpod.myshopify.com or at teepublic.com/stores/blank-check |
Feb 12, 2023 |
|
A Life Less Ordinary with Janet Varney
8939
After the smashing success of TRAINSPOTTING, Danny Boyle reteamed with star Ewan McGregor and writer John Hodge to…make a movie where Dan Hedaya plays the Archangel Gabriel, Stanley Tucci plays a cuck dentist, and Ewan has one of the worst haircuts in the history of cinema? Shockingly, 1997’s A LIFE LESS ORDINARY was not a hit. Actress and comedian Janet Varney (The Legend of Korra, “The JV Club”) joins us as we attempt to make sense of this bizarro road trip romance.
This episode is sponsored by: Stamps.com (CODE: CHECK) MUBI (mubi.com/check) Join our Patreon at patreon.com/blankcheck Follow us @blankcheckpod on Twitter and Instagram! Buy some real nerdy merch at shopblankcheckpod.myshopify.com or at teepublic.com/stores/blank-check |
Feb 05, 2023 |
|
Trainspotting with Charles Rogers
9664
The UK’s answer to PULP FICTION, Danny Boyle’s TRAINSPOTTING exploded into theaters and became a global phenomenon, thanks to an iconic marketing campaign. Who *didn’t* have this poster up in their dorm room? “Search Party” creator Charles Rogers returns to the pod to talk about how his own dorm TRAINSPOTTING poster contributed to his coming out at college, and how Danny Boyle’s radical empathy and fearlessness makes this film so much more than a movie-of-the-week cautionary tale.
This episode is sponsored by: Bombas (bombas.com/check CODE: CHECK) Join our Patreon at patreon.com/blankcheck Follow us @blankcheckpod on Twitter and Instagram! Buy some real nerdy merch at shopblankcheckpod.myshopify.com or at teepublic.com/stores/blank-check |
Jan 29, 2023 |
|
Shallow Grave
7986
UK house music, a *very* active camera, and Ewan McGregor looking like a SNACK…that’s right, folks - we’re covering Danny Boyle! With the England bit retired, we’re finally giving dual citizen David Sims the time and space to actually reminisce about his very British upbringing. A sensation in the UK upon release, SHALLOW GRAVE introduced Boyle as the cinematic voice of “Cool Britannia” - yet the film remains an under-seen gem in the States. In this episode, the boys discuss what they would do with a dead body (wouldn’t cut it up) and a suitcase of cash (would only skim off the top for a cheeky Nando’s); plus, they gush over the film’s incredible apartment setting…or should we say “flat”?
This episode is sponsored by: ExpressVPN (ExpressVPN.com/check) Join our Patreon at patreon.com/blankcheck Follow us @blankcheckpod on Twitter and Instagram! Buy some real nerdy merch at shopblankcheckpod.myshopify.com or at teepublic.com/stores/blank-check |
Jan 22, 2023 |
|
Wendell & Wild
8369
Henry Selick waited thirteen years to make his follow-up to CORALINE, and it feels like we’ve been waiting even longer to hear David’s TIFF Airbnb story - a yarn that finally gets unspooled with the help of friend Shirley Li. After that business is taken care of, we try our best to describe Selick’s WENDELL & WILD - a film that ranks among the more convoluted of the movies we’ve covered on the pod. Yet - we still find a lot to love about this tale of demons, hair creme, and private prisons! Stop motion puppets that look just like Key, Peele, AND James Hong! Esteemed British character actor David Harewood as Black Trump! And Ben shines a special spotlight on the film’s killer soundtrack.
This episode is sponsored by: ExpressVPN (ExpressVPN.com/check) MUBI (mubi.com/check) Join our Patreon at patreon.com/blankcheck Follow us @blankcheckpod on Twitter and Instagram! Buy some real nerdy merch at shopblankcheckpod.myshopify.com or at teepublic.com/stores/blank-check |
Jan 15, 2023 |
|
Coraline with J.D. Amato
11882
The ultimate connoisseur of context, the guru of camera gear - our friend JD Amato makes his triumphant return to the main feed to walk us through the magic and genius of Henry Selick’s masterpiece CORALINE. For listeners who never had the chance to catch this film in its original 3D release, we attempt to describe Selick’s absolute mastery of the form. We go long on the history of Laika studios, from Will Vinton’s California raisins, to the ultimate “nepo baby” Travis Knight’s (aka “Chilly T”) ascension to the throne. Plus - JD discovers a tiny door in our new recording studio…
This episode is sponsored by: MUBI (mubi.com/check) Stamps.com (CODE: CHECK) HelloFresh (hellofresh.com/check21 CODE: CHECK21) |
Jan 08, 2023 |
|
Avatar: The Way of Water with Marie Bardi
11810
The gang went to see AVATAR: THE WAY OF WATER and we all got soaking wet. Fully submerged. Drenched! We’re communing with space whales, chugging coffees with Edie Falco, and learning how to hold our breath for long stretches of time to commemorate the release of James Cameron’s long-awaited sequel to the biggest movie of all time. Are we one with Eywa now? How does Kate Winslet’s Na’vi accent stack up against her previous linguistic efforts? Is the Regal Cinemas Agave Aquarita the perfect cocktail to accompany your trip back to Pandora? Will Marie end up buying the Lego “Home Tree” set, or is that too complicated for the crew?
This episode is sponsored by: Bombas (bombas.com/check CODE: CHECK) Shopify (shopify.com/check) DadGrass (dadgrass.com/check) Plus, check out the Slow Xmas 2022 holiday music compilation now on Spotify and Bandcamp! Please support the bands/artists featured on this album. Nicky Francis Spotify Apple Music Soundcloud Gravity Proof Spotify Apple Music Bandcamp YouTube Greeensleeves Spotify Apple Music Bandcamp Heavy Gus Spotify Apple Music Bandcamp YouTube Website TikTok Evan Kertman Spotify Apple Music Bandcamp Bandcamp (Ben Varian) Website (Miles Wintner) Instagram (Ben Varian) Join our Patreon at patreon.com/blankcheck Follow us @blankcheckpod on Twitter and Instagram! Buy some real nerdy merch at shopblankcheckpod.myshopify.com or at teepublic.com/stores/blank-check |
Dec 18, 2022 |
|
Monkeybone with Justin McElroy
9323
Just in time for Brendan Fraser’s big comeback, we’re taking a look back at his misguided collaboration with Henry Selick - 2001’s bizarro flop MONKEYBONE. Justin McElroy (no relation to Bridget Fonda’s Dr. Julie McElroy) returns to the podcast after having watched this film a whopping seven times (!!) to unpack all the madness. Why are there no rules or logic to the film’s “Dark Town” underworld? What was the appeal of Chris Kattan’s “Mango” character on SNL? Was this film the nail in the coffin for the kitschy retro-revival genre of projects that dominated the 1990s? Can we write the money we spent to rent this movie off on our taxes?
This episode is sponsored by: Brooklinen MUBI (mubi.com/check) and Notebook Magazine brought to you by MUBI ExpressVPN (ExpressVPN.com/check) Join our Patreon at patreon.com/blankcheck Follow us @blankcheckpod on Twitter and Instagram! Buy some real nerdy merch at shopblankcheckpod.myshopify.com or at teepublic.com/stores/blank-check |
Dec 11, 2022 |
|
James and the Giant Peach with Emma Stefansky
9752
Bugs! So many bugs! And…Richard Dreyfuss?? The Bug Queen Emma Stefansky returns to the podcast to celebrate all the creepy crawlies in 1996’s JAMES AND THE GIANT PEACH. We’re talking about stone fruit, Randy Newman, and cinema’s sexiest spider in this episode. Plus, we rank our favorite bugs AND our favorite Roald Dahl adaptations, and we learn about how Ben got his scar.
This episode is sponsored by: Marlow Pillow (CODE: BLANK10 ) Stamps.com (CODE: CHECK) MasterClass (masterclass.com/check) Join our Patreon at patreon.com/blankcheck Follow us @blankcheckpod on Twitter and Instagram! Buy some real nerdy merch at shopblankcheckpod.myshopify.com or at teepublic.com/stores/blank-check |
Dec 04, 2022 |
|
The Nightmare Before Christmas with Michael Rianda
9842
We’re wearing our Hot Topic sweatshirts and enunciating every dramatic syllable to pay tribute to one of the greatest animated films of all time - Tim Burton’s (but really Henry Selick’s) THE NIGHTMARE BEFORE CHRISTMAS. Academy Award-nominated animator and Blankie Michael Rianda (THE MITCHELLS VS. THE MACHINES) joins us to talk about this multi-holiday classic, which is basically just a movie about a creative weirdo trying to fit in at Disney. Is this the boniest movie we’ve covered on the podcast? Does Halloween Town have the best minor background characters since the Mos Eisley cantina? What is the St. Patrick’s Day Town like?
Mixed by: Kyle Joseph This episode is sponsored by: Gerber Life MUBI (mubi.com/check) Join our Patreon at patreon.com/blankcheck Follow us @blankcheckpod on Twitter and Instagram! Buy some real nerdy merch at shopblankcheckpod.myshopify.com or at teepublic.com/stores/blank-check |
Nov 27, 2022 |
|
The Fabelmans
9690
For the first time in years, both Griffin and David are in agreement on a new Steven Spielberg film - what a picture! We’re playing both film critics and armchair psychologists in this episode as we unpack THE FABELMANS, a movie that is less sentimental and more complex than one would assume based on the poster. What sets this film apart from the ever-growing stack of filmmaker origin stories? Is this the de-facto Best Picture frontrunner? Why the hell was Griffin shooting on super 8 in the early 2000s when MiniDV was available?
This episode is sponsored by: MasterClass (masterclass.com/check) DadGrass (dadgrass.com/check) Bombas (bombas.com/check CODE: CHECK) Join our Patreon at patreon.com/blankcheck Follow us @blankcheckpod on Twitter and Instagram! Buy some real nerdy merch at shopblankcheckpod.myshopify.com or at teepublic.com/stores/blank-check |
Nov 20, 2022 |
|
Eyes Wide Shut with David Ehrlich
11515
Cruise. Kidman. Kubrick. Ehrlich. We’re concluding our Stanley Kubrick series with 1999’s EYES WIDE SHUT and a trip to cinema’s most famous masked orgy. Indiewire’s David Ehrlich joins us as we discuss liminal spaces, the late-90s ABC sitcom “Dharma & Greg,” Nick Nightingale’s skills as a piano player, and Sydney Pollack’s barrel chest. Are there “more Christmas lights in this movie than there are in an NYU student’s dormroom?” What is the platonic ideal of a Tom Cruise hairstyle? Did making this movie kill Kubrick, or was working to finish it what kept him alive? What can one expect to find where the rainbow ends? And more!
This episode is sponsored by: MUBI (mubi.com/check) Marlow Pillow (marlowpillow.com) Shopify (shopify.com/check) Join our Patreon at patreon.com/blankcheck Follow us @blankcheckpod on Twitter and Instagram! Buy some real nerdy merch at shopblankcheckpod.myshopify.com or at teepublic.com/stores/blank-check |
Nov 13, 2022 |
|
Full Metal Jacket with Jon Gabrus
9030
Alright, maggots, listen up! We’ve got the Action Boy himself - Jon Gabrus - back on the podcast to talk about Kubrick’s bifurcated Vietnam War classic FULL METAL JACKET. We’re retiring the “retired bit” in order to talk about Matthew Modine as Private Joker. We’re getting into the etymology of “poontang.” We’re attempting to articulate what makes a movie feel like an “80s movie” and why this film absolutely doesn’t. And - we’re gonna end up on a very long tangent about the talking head comedy shows of the mid-aughts. Do we make ourselves clear? SIR, YES, SIR.
This episode is sponsored by: Stamps.com (CODE: CHECK) Notebook Magazine brought to you by MUBI Join our Patreon at patreon.com/blankcheck Follow us @blankcheckpod on Twitter and Instagram! Buy some real nerdy merch at shopblankcheckpod.myshopify.com or at teepublic.com/stores/blank-check |
Nov 06, 2022 |
|
The Shining with Timothy Simons
10490
Just in time for Halloween, we’re checking into the Overlook Hotel - a haunted place not unlike the Beachwood, Ohio, Homewood Suites that Griffin and guest Timothy Simons stayed in while they were filming DRAFT DAY! Is THE SHINING about Native American genocide, or is it about how Stanley Kubrick thought ghosts were kinda nice? Is Shelley Duvall the MVP of this movie? Would Ben absolutely thrive as the hotel’s caretaker - taking inspiration from the stocked kitchen pantry to whip up some delicious dishes? Why does the spectre of Tim Robinson continue to haunt our Kubrick series?
This episode is sponsored by: Indeed (indeed.com/check) Notebook Magazine brought to you by MUBI Marlow Pillow (marlowpillow.com) Join our Patreon at patreon.com/blankcheck Follow us @blankcheckpod on Twitter and Instagram! Buy some real nerdy merch at shopblankcheckpod.myshopify.com or at teepublic.com/stores/blank-check |
Oct 30, 2022 |
|
Barry Lyndon with Karina Longworth
7930
NASA-quality lenses, a himbo canon-worthy performance from notoriously “chill and normal guy” Ryan O’Neal, and some flirty ribbon games all combine to make what we consider to be Kubrick’s warmest and most sumptuous film - 1975’s “Barry Lyndon.” Karina Longworth of “You Must Remember This” makes a long-awaited first appearance on the pod to wonder - did Barry actually end up sleeping with his cousin? What are the rules of dueling? Should children be allowed to ride horses? And more!
This episode is sponsored by: Notebook Magazine brought to you by MUBI Bombas (bombas.com/check) Shopify (shopify.com/check) Join our Patreon at patreon.com/blankcheck Follow us @blankcheckpod on Twitter and Instagram! Buy some real nerdy merch at shopblankcheckpod.myshopify.com or at teepublic.com/stores/blank-check |
Oct 23, 2022 |
|
A Clockwork Orange with Alex Ross Perry
11503
Attention all droogs: grab your Nadsat dictionaries and your bowler hats, it’s time to drink some drug-milk! We’ve got our very own Alex - Ross Perry, that is - on the pod to go long on Kubrick’s controversial X-rated dystopian nightmare, 1971’s A CLOCKWORK ORANGE. We’re reminiscing about our rebellious teenage years, which for Alex included a trip to New York to see The Prodigy in concert, and for David included a “Pinter phase.” Did you all know that David grew up in England? Plus - Ben learns that Malcolm McDowell was once married to CLIFFORD’s own Mary Steenburgen, Griffin learns about Kubrick’s preferred brand of storage boxes, and David learns that Alex and Griffin have given him a mysterious new nickname.
This episode is sponsored by: Brooklinen (CODE: BLANK) Stamps.com (CODE: CHECK) Indeed (indeed.com/check) Join our Patreon at patreon.com/blankcheck Follow us @blankcheckpod on Twitter and Instagram! Buy some real nerdy merch at shopblankcheckpod.myshopify.com or at teepublic.com/stores/blank-check |
Oct 16, 2022 |
|
2001: A Space Odyssey with Jordan Hoffman
9572
Open the pod cast doors, HAL - it’s time for us to talk about one of the most important movies in cinema history. Jordan Hoffman - the friend of the pod who best represents both the “diamond-hard Sci Fi” and psychedelic head-trip factions of 2001 fandom - returns to Blank Check, and we’re doling out the knowledge *and* the giggles. When is the ideal moment to “partake” in order to get the trippiest experience from 2001? Is Griffin starting to change his mind about Kubrick not being funny? Do Arthur C. Clark and Dr. Evil buy their jackets from the same tailor? Is this movie actually all about dick jokes?
Check out Jordan’s writing on Thrillist This episode is sponsored by: ExpressVPN (ExpressVPN.com/check) Decision to Leave brought to you by MUBI Join our Patreon at patreon.com/blankcheck Follow us @blankcheckpod on Twitter and Instagram! Buy some real nerdy merch at shopblankcheckpod.myshopify.com or at teepublic.com/stores/blank-check |
Oct 09, 2022 |
|
Dr. Strangelove... with Sean Fennessey
8584
Gentlemen, you can’t fight in here, Sean Fennessey is finally on our podcast! The Big Picture Pod host joins Griffin and David to talk about Kubrick’s razor-sharp satire, the Peter Sellers tour-de-force that is “Dr. Strangelove”. We’re asking all the questions - Could Sellers have played *every* character in this movie? Is the film paradoxically funnier because Kubrick isn’t really a comedy guy? Would George C. Scott hate this podcast? Would you give “Tom Jones” a middling three stars on Letterboxd? And more!
This episode is sponsored by: Decision to Leave brought to you by MUBI Congratulations Join our Patreon at patreon.com/blankcheck Follow us @blankcheckpod on Twitter and Instagram! Buy some real nerdy merch at shopblankcheckpod.myshopify.com or at teepublic.com/stores/blank-check |
Oct 02, 2022 |
|
The Woman King
6549
It certainly feels great to cover a good movie again! Our mini-run of new releases ends with Gina Prince-Bythewood’s crowd-pleaser - the African female warrior epic “The Woman King”. We’ve got David’s exclusive report on the film’s world premiere at TIFF (humblebrag), a deep dive on the career of Viola Davis (did you know her early industry champions were Steven Soderbergh and George Clooney?), and some thoughts on how this film taps into Prince-Bythewood’s ongoing exploration of chosen families and personal identity.
This episode is sponsored by: Shopify (shopify.com/check) Join our Patreon at patreon.com/blankcheck Follow us @blankcheckpod on Twitter and Instagram! Buy some real nerdy merch at shopblankcheckpod.myshopify.com or at teepublic.com/stores/blank-check |
Sep 25, 2022 |
|
Pinocchio (2022) with Podcast: The Ride
9074
The King of the Uncanny Valley - our boy Bob Zemeckis - is back with his spin on perhaps the most iconic un-real boy in cinema…it’s Pinocchio, baby! Our friends from Podcast: The Ride - two Disney daddies and one small wooden boy - join us to chat about Disney’s latest live-action remake, and we’re mostly just confused. How many days did Tom Hanks spend on set? Why are so many people in Hollywood eager to make their own Pinocchio adaptations? Did Leslie Zemeckis do mo-cap work for the sexy goldfish? Why does Disney World’s Rock ‘N’ Roller Coaster revolve around AEROSMITH of all bands?? We may never know!
This episode is sponsored by: Bombas (bombas.com/check) Indeed (indeed.com/check) Stamps.com (CODE: CHECK) Join our Patreon at patreon.com/blankcheck Follow us @blankcheckpod on Twitter and Instagram! Buy some real nerdy merch at shopblankcheckpod.myshopify.com or at teepublic.com/stores/blank-check |
Sep 18, 2022 |
|
Three Thousand Years of Longing
7594
George Miller returns with a sweeping romantic fantasy and if we had a djinn, we’d wish that more people went to see this movie in theaters! Plus - Ben wishes for infinite sandwiches, and the two friends go long on Idris Elba and Tilda Swinton.
This episode is sponsored by: Backbone (playbackbone.com/check) DraftKings (CODE: BLANKCHECK) Join our Patreon at patreon.com/blankcheck Follow us @blankcheckpod on Twitter and Instagram! Buy some real nerdy merch at shopblankcheckpod.myshopify.com or at teepublic.com/stores/blank-check If you or someone you know has a gambling problem, crisis counseling and referral services can be accessed by calling 1-800-GAMBLER (1-800-426-2537) (IL/IN/LA/MI/NJ/PA/WV/WY), 1-800-NEXT STEP (AZ), 1-800-522-4700 (CO/NH), 888-789-7777/visit http://ccpg.org/chat (CT), 1-800-BETS OFF (IA), 877-8-HOPENY/text HOPENY (467369) (NY), visit OPGR.org (OR), call/text TN REDLINE 1-800-889-9789 (TN), or 1-888-532-3500 (VA). 21+ (18+ NH/WY). Physically present in AZ/CO/CT/IL/IN/IA/LA(select parishes)/MI/NH/NJ/ NY/OR/PA/TN/VA/WV/WY only. New customer offer void in NH/OR/ONT-CA. $200 in Free bets: New customers only. Valid 1 per new customer. Min. $5 deposit. Min $5 wager. $200 issued as eight (8) $25 free bets. Ends 9/19/22 @ 8pm. Early Win: 1 Early Win Token issued per eligible game. Opt in req. Token expires at start of eligible game. Min moneyline bet $1. Wagering limits apply. Wagers placed on both sides of moneyline will void bet. Ends 1/8/23 @ 8pm ET. See terms at sportsbook dot draftkings dot com slash football terms. |
Sep 11, 2022 |
|
Lolita with Fran Hoepfner
8725
How did they ever make a podcast of LOLITA? Let’s just say that it wasn’t easy, but thankfully our guest Fran Hoepfner is in her “brave era” and was more than up for the task! If our SPARTACUS episode was full of Tony Curtis impressions, we’re classing up the joint this week with plenty of James Mason bits. In this episode, Ben learns about the Hays Code, Griffin learns how to pronounce “Nabokov,” Fran learns that it is very difficult to eat a giant lollipop, and David learns what everyone thought of his and Forky’s recent wedding.
Join our Patreon at patreon.com/blankcheck Follow us @blankcheckpod on Twitter and Instagram! Buy some real nerdy merch at shopblankcheckpod.myshopify.com or at teepublic.com/stores/blank-check |
Sep 04, 2022 |
|
Spartacus with Richard Lawson
9151
I am Spartacus! I am Spartacus! Heck, we’re *all* Spartacus today as we talk about the “sword-and-sandals” epic that solidified Stanley Kubrick’s hit-making potential…and soured him on Hollywood forever. Vanity Fair’s Richard Lawson returns to the pod and we’re covering all the major topics: How did a young Kubrick manage all the different stars on set - many of whom were accomplished directors in their own right? Was Kirk Douglas’ chin cleft real? Did Dalton Trumbo write the script for this in a bathtub? Why does Tony Curtis always sound like he’s ordering something from a deli?
Join our Patreon at patreon.com/blankcheck Follow us @blankcheckpod on Twitter and Instagram! Buy some real nerdy merch at shopblankcheckpod.myshopify.com or at teepublic.com/stores/blank-check |
Aug 28, 2022 |
|
Paths of Glory with Sarah Marshall
7521
Perhaps the most humanistic of Kubrick’s films, PATHS OF GLORY is a blistering study of injustice, middle-management, and anti-war sentiment. We’re down in the trenches this week with Sarah Marshall (“You’re Wrong About” and “You Are Good”), and we’re asking the big questions. Like - what crazy scheme did Timothy Carey pull during production that caused him to be fired as soon as all his closeups were filmed? Did Kirk Douglas take his hefty salary (a third of the total budget!) to pay for tennis lessons for son Michael? Why do American schools gloss over World War I? How does Ben weigh his love of ditches against the concept of trench warfare?
Join our Patreon at patreon.com/blankcheck Follow us @blankcheckpod on Twitter and Instagram! Buy some real nerdy merch at shopblankcheckpod.myshopify.com or at teepublic.com/stores/blank-check |
Aug 21, 2022 |
|
The Killing with Patton Oswalt
6322
If Stanley Kubrick’s previous two films were exercises in learning on the job, THE KILLING is where we start to see him put that knowledge into action. A thrilling noir, it allowed Kubrick to connect his passion for chess to a story about the best laid plans of a too ambitious crook. We couldn’t be more thrilled to welcome dream guest Patton Oswalt as we swap insane Timothy Carey stories, debate whether or not Rodney Dangerfield appears in the background of a scene, and suggest that Sterling Hayden’s Johnny Clay should have added a “Karen” to his plan to solve his baggage check-in situation at the airport.
Check out Patton in I Love My Dad from Magnolia Pictures Read his Silver Screen Fiend: Learning About Life from an Addiction to Film Join our Patreon at patreon.com/blankcheck Follow us @blankcheckpod on Twitter and Instagram! Buy some real nerdy merch at shopblankcheckpod.myshopify.com or at teepublic.com/stores/blank-check |
Aug 14, 2022 |
|
Fear & Desire / Killer's Kiss
6442
He dominated the field in this year’s 20th Century March Madness competition, and now we’re celebrating with a parade and a big brass band…it’s time for our series on the films of Stanley Kubrick - Pods Wide Cast! Join us as we fill in the background strokes of Kubrick’s early career - his childhood in the Bronx, his photography apprenticeship with Look Magazine - and as we discuss his first two features - 1953’s FEAR AND DESIRE and 1955’s KILLER’S KISS. Some burning questions we end up asking: how much of later Kubrick is already present in these pretty amateurish works? How do these rank in the patheon of debut films by great directors? Is there a code of ethics for cab drivers when you jump into the backseat and request that they “follow that car?” Why has Ben been buying mannequins off eBay? And more!
Additional Music by Alex Barron John Wayne Throws Kid in River Join our Patreon at patreon.com/blankcheck Follow us @blankcheckpod on Twitter and Instagram! Buy some real nerdy merch at shopblankcheckpod.myshopify.com or at teepublic.com/stores/blank-check |
Aug 07, 2022 |
|
Star 80 with Julie Klausner
7381
Oof - this is a tough one. Incredibly divisive, is “STAR 80” a darkly cynical triumph about the perils of Hollywood and the failings of men? Or is it a too-sympathetic “Portrait of An Incel as a who cares?!” per our guest Julie Klausner? Join us for a very spirited discussion about Fosse’s difficult last film, where we touch upon the dangers of the true crime genre, the tendency for male creatives to prioritize the male perspective, and the ways in which this film complicates the fascinating legacy of Fosse’s collaborative relationships with women. Plus, we offer our final Fosse rankings, and we ponder several tantalizing “what ifs?” about the unrealized projects lost to history after his death in 1987.
Join our Patreon at patreon.com/blankcheck Follow us @blankcheckpod on Twitter and Instagram! Buy some real nerdy merch at shopblankcheckpod.myshopify.com |
Jul 31, 2022 |
|
All That Jazz with Lin-Manuel Miranda
7723
It’s SHOWTIME, folks - and boy, are we jazzed about this episode! Broadway icon and actual Blank Check listener Lin-Manuel Miranda joins us to talk about what many consider to be Bob Fosse’s masterpiece, 1979’s “All That Jazz.” LMM surprises Griffin and David by bringing along an original copy of the film’s script, which offers some fascinating insights into Fosse’s blurring of the lines between memoir and fiction. We discuss the parallels between “All That Jazz” and LMM’s recent screen adaptation of Jonathan Larson’s “tick, tick…BOOM!” - two projects that are concerned with the creation of art in the face of mortality and self-doubt. Plus - Ben gets a very special birthday present.
Join our Patreon at patreon.com/blankcheck Follow us @blankcheckpod on Twitter and Instagram! Buy some real nerdy merch at shopblankcheckpod.myshopify.com |
Jul 24, 2022 |
|
Lenny with Colin Quinn
6714
Sure, Bob Fosse’s “Lenny” has beautiful cinematography, but does it effectively communicate that Lenny Bruce was funny? Is the narrative of stand-ups as “tortured truth tellers” overdone?
We have THOUGHTS! Comedian and “stand-up historian” Colin Quinn joins us to talk about the legacy of Lenny Bruce, and what Fosse gets right (the milieu of the clubs, Valerie Perrine’s wonderful performance as Honey Bruce), and what he gets wrong (the actual humor). Plus - we entertain the idea of a miniseries structured not around a specific filmmaker, but a series of late-70s, early-80s films where the main auteur is…cocaine. Editor’s Note: This episode includes Zoom audio. Join our Patreon at patreon.com/blankcheck Follow us @blankcheckpod on Twitter and Instagram! Buy some real nerdy merch at shopblankcheckpod.myshopify.com |
Jul 17, 2022 |
|
Cabaret with Rachel Zegler
8499
Wilkommen and Bienvenue to our “Cabaret” episode! Literal Disney Princess and musical theater superstar Rachel Zegler joins us to gush over Fosse’s 1972 film - a game-changer for the musical genre, and an Oscar-winning guarantor for Fosse’s cinematic “blank check” after the failure of “Sweet Charity.” Topics discussed include: the differences between the screen version and the stage show; Joel Grey’s Emcee being nearly cut out of the film; Liza Minnelli crafting her own unique look for Sally Bowles; Whether Michael York’s best role was on “Gilmore Girls”; and more!
Join our Patreon at patreon.com/blankcheck Follow us @blankcheckpod on Twitter and Instagram! Buy some real nerdy merch at shopblankcheckpod.myshopify.com |
Jul 10, 2022 |
|
Sweet Charity
8089
The minute you walked in the joint…I could see you were a man of distinction, A REAL PODCASTER! “Pod That Jazzcast” - our series on the films of Bob Fosse - kicks off with a real humdinger of an episode, as the boys discuss 1969’s swinging technicolor musical “Sweet Charity.” For folks unfamiliar with Fosse, we give an overview of his life and career in dance and theater leading up to his film directorial debut, and attempt to decipher his creative obsessions (women, fear of balding, isolated body movements, etc). Plus, Ben realizes he loves musicals, and the boys wonder which brass musical instrument has the most inherent humor.
Join our Patreon at patreon.com/blankcheck Follow us @blankcheckpod on Twitter and Instagram! Buy some real nerdy merch at shopblankcheckpod.myshopify.com |
Jul 03, 2022 |
|
Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness with Patrick Willems
8430
Our Sam Raimi series concludes with his most recent film - not to mention the first MCU film we’ve covered on the main feed - it’s time for Doctor Strange 2! Patrick Willems joins us to address the important questions: What was Raimi *doing* for the nine years between this and Oz? Does Kevin Feige and his Marvel Machine overpower Raimi’s creative voice? Should “Wandavision” have been released after this movie? Is Schnipper’s on 8th Ave the ideal place to debrief after seeing a movie in Times Square? Should America Chavez have been an adorable hobo riding the rails in between dimensions instead of a human MacGuffin? All that, plus Ben deploys his “nerd alert” buzzer instead of shoving the guys into a locker.
Patrick’s new film Night of the Coconut is available on Nebula (nebula.app/nightofthecoconut) or goto curiositystream.com/patrickhwillems and sign up for a discounted annual plan with free access to Nebula with your subscription. You can watch more of Patrick’s work on his YouTube channel. Join our Patreon at patreon.com/blankcheck Follow us @blankcheckpod on Twitter and Instagram! Buy some real nerdy merch at shopblankcheckpod.myshopify.com |
Jun 26, 2022 |
|
Oz the Great and Powerful with Dana Schwartz
7697
Ah, yes - we’ve arrived at the reason why we held off on covering Sam Raimi for so long…because we didn’t want to end our series on such a dismal note! “Oz the Great and Powerful” - Raimi’s last feature until the recent “Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness” - features James Franco in a performance that guest Dana Schwartz (“Noble Blood”) characterizes as “having the energy of a hot boy in a school play who’s laughing with his friends in the front row.” It doesn’t have the tactile, zippy cinematic language of Raimi’s best work, instead opting for the popular hyper-saturated, entirely digital look of Tim Burton’s “Alice in Wonderland” (a clear influence). But it *does* have a little girl made of porcelain who almost made Ben cry. Topics discussed include our desire for a Mila Kunissance, Zach Braff being the surprise MVP in this movie, whether “Tinkers” are a specific ethnicity or a class or workers, and the Disney IP lawyers who had to be on set making sure nothing infringed on MGM’s copyright of the classic Oz visuals.
Join our Patreon at patreon.com/blankcheck Follow us @blankcheckpod on Twitter and Instagram! Buy some real nerdy merch at shopblankcheckpod.myshopify.com |
Jun 19, 2022 |
|
Drag Me to Hell with Jamie Loftus & Caitlin Durante
7375
After the massive box office success of his Spider-Man movies, Sam Raimi went “back to basics” - returning to the gnarly demonic possession genre that he put his stamp on back in the “Evil Dead” days. This time, instead of the chin-god Bruce Campbell, we’ve got a particularly cherubic Alison Lohman in the starring role! The Bechdel Cast’s Caitlin Durante and Jamie Loftus join the #TwoFriends to chat about the goofy gross-out scares and economic recession relevance of 2009’s “Drag Me To Hell,” plus, we attempt to put together the ultimate canon of Goat Cinema.
Join our Patreon at patreon.com/blankcheck Follow us @blankcheckpod on Twitter and Instagram! Buy some real nerdy merch at shopblankcheckpod.myshopify.com |
Jun 12, 2022 |
|
Spider-Man 3 with Jamelle Bouie
9009
If “Spider-Man 2” had the reputation of being the greatest superhero movie of all time, “Spider-Man 3” had the inverse - a bloated mess with too many villains, and a very goofy Peter Parker going to the darkside, if by “darkside” you mean a trip to Men’s Warehouse and Hot Topic. But is that reputation justified? We’re gonna air on the side of…not REALLY. Notable Spidey 3 defender Jamelle Bouie (The New York Times, his podcast “Clear and Present Danger”) returns to Blank Check to praise this film’s focus on interpersonal relationships and quiet character moments. What else do we like? Griffin likes the “Editor’s Cut” (on Amazon Prime!). Ben *obviously* loves The Sandman. We all can agree that the much-memed sidewalk strut and jazz club sequences are a ton of fun. What doesn’t work? Let’s just say we have some issues with a lil guy named VENOM.
Join our Patreon at patreon.com/blankcheck Follow us @blankcheckpod on Twitter and Instagram! Buy some real nerdy merch at shopblankcheckpod.myshopify.com |
Jun 05, 2022 |
|
Spider-Man 2 with Chris Gethard
11202
For a while, “Spider-Man 2” was considered the high water mark for superhero movies - but does it hold up 14 years deep into the MCU? We’ve got two words for you - ALFRED MOLINA. Self-professed “Blank Check rabble rouser” Chris Gethard returns to the pod (and apologizes to the Blankie Community) as we trace the history and legacy of this iconic Spidey sequel. We love this movie so much, David doesn’t even care that the subway sequence isn’t accurate to New York! Other topics covered - why Aunt May should always be elderly and fragile, Tobey’s near-firing from the franchise, Mr Ditkovich Memes, our comic book villain rankings, and more!
Join our Patreon at patreon.com/blankcheck Follow us @blankcheckpod on Twitter and Instagram! Buy some real nerdy merch at shopblankcheckpod.myshopify.com |
May 29, 2022 |
|
Spider-Man with Matt Singer
10977
Upside down kissing, Bonesaw McGraw, and a soundtrack featuring not just one, but TWO of Avril Lavigne’s ex-husbands…it’s SPIDER-MAN! Screen Crush’s Matt Singer (who literally wrote a book about Spider-Man) joins us as we take a look back to a much different Hollywood landscape; a time when Marvel was a struggling comics company, when both Sam Raimi and Tobey Maguire were considered odd choices for a superhero adaptation, and when no film had yet to open to $100M at the US Box Office. Is the hyphen in “Spider-Man” crucial to the film’s themes? Was it a mistake to cover Willem Dafoe’s already goblinesque visage with a mask? Does Joe Manganiello look too old to be a high school student? Join us as we discuss those questions and more!
Join our Patreon at patreon.com/blankcheck Follow us @blankcheckpod on Twitter and Instagram! Buy some real nerdy merch at shopblankcheckpod.myshopify.com |
May 22, 2022 |
|
The Gift with Starlee Kine
8062
Katie Holmes in a lazy southern accent asks, “What’s the matter? See somethin’ bad?” and we are immediately transported back to the year 2000 when the trailers for this movie were EVERYWHERE. Writer and podcasting icon Starlee Kine joins us to talk about Sam Raimi’s “The Gift” - a film with an incredibly stacked cast of actors who were eager to sink their teeth into a Southern Gothic Billy Bob Thornton creation. Do we buy Keanu as a wife-beating redneck? Is Cate Blanchett actually a terrible psychic? How does Giovanni Ribisi’s performance in this rank among his most deranged screen outings? Folks - we apologize in advance for bringing up “The Other Sister”.
Join our Patreon at patreon.com/blankcheck Follow us @blankcheckpod on Twitter and Instagram! Buy some real nerdy merch at shopblankcheckpod.myshopify.com |
May 15, 2022 |
|
For Love of the Game with Olivia Craighead
8059
Is this not America? Is baseball not America’s favorite pastime? Is “For Love of the Game” a Sam Raimi movie? Technically speaking, sure! It’s about a guy who’s trying not to lose both his hand and his lady - some very Raimi-esque themes. Gawker’s Olivia Craighead returns to the pod to talk about Kevin “Straight Outta Compton” Costner, and we go long on crackerjacks, Vin Scully’s screenplay notes, and the cinematic pleasures of baseball. The crack of the bat, baby!
Plus - the boys open up about their little league days (Ben obviously loved to steal bases). Join our Patreon at patreon.com/blankcheck Follow us @blankcheckpod on Twitter and Instagram! Buy some real nerdy merch at shopblankcheckpod.myshopify.com |
May 08, 2022 |
|
A Simple Plan with Kevin Smith
9118
$4.4 million, a murder of crows, and a cursed crashed plane…the ingredients for a real nail-biter of a fable! Filmmaker Kevin Smith (yep, THAT Kevin Smith) joins us to talk about one of his favorite films - 1998’s “A Simple Plan” - and to pay tribute to the late producer Jim Jacks, who shepherded several filmmakers (such as Raimi, the Coens, Richard Linklater, and Smith himself) as they made their transitions from scrappy indies to the big leagues. How successfully is Raimi able to meld his signature kinetic style with this film’s air of prestige? Was Billy Bob Thornton “the best actor alive between the years of 1998 and 2003,” per David? What would YOU do if you discovered all that money in the woods? Ben would buy an island, and there would be no problems or conflicts, and it would just be really chill and fun!
Join our Patreon at patreon.com/blankcheck Follow us @blankcheckpod on Twitter and Instagram! Buy some real nerdy merch at shopblankcheckpod.myshopify.com |
May 01, 2022 |
|
The Quick and The Dead with Roman Mars
8057
Considered a bit of a “blank check” for actress Sharon Stone (she used her clout to bring Sam Raimi, Russell Crowe, and a babyfaced Leonardo DiCaprio to the project), “The Quick and The Dead” may have been too quirky for mainstream audiences and too earnest for the post-Tarantino generation of cinephiles back in 1995. But boy, does it slap in 2022! Roman Mars - The golden-voiced host of “99% Invisible” - joins us as David offers his definitive Russell Crowe performance ranking, and as we finally get an excuse to go long on the screen persona of Gene Hackman.
Join our Patreon at patreon.com/blankcheck Follow us @blankcheckpod on Twitter and Instagram! Buy some real nerdy merch at shopblankcheckpod.myshopify.com |
Apr 24, 2022 |
|
Army of Darkness with Eva Anderson
9228
KLAATU BARADA NIKTO - did we get that right? Writer Eva Anderson (WeCrashed, You’re the Worst) joins us as we attempt to answer several questions related to the final entry in the Evil Dead trilogy - 1993’s Army of Darkness. Why was this film not called MEDIEVAL DEAD? Did Embeth Davidtz and Liam Neeson talk about Sam Raimi on the set of Schindler’s List? How does Ben feel about the concept of a town pit? And most importantly, we introduce a tantalizing Hollywood mystery - was there a falling out between Silver Lake roommates Sam Raimi, Joel & Ethan Coen, Frances McDormand, Holly Hunter, and their sixth roommate…Kathy Bates?
Join our Patreon at patreon.com/blankcheck Follow us @blankcheckpod on Twitter and Instagram! Buy some real nerdy merch at shopblankcheckpod.myshopify.com |
Apr 17, 2022 |
|
Darkman with Chris Weitz
8347
Who’s Darkman? A man of a thousand faces! A walking fleshwound who probably smells awful! A dude who probably would be into night eggs! Filmmaker Chris Weitz joins us to geek out over Sam Raimi’s homage to the Universal Monsters - a film that establishes the comic book style that Raimi would later perfect with his “Spider-Man” trilogy. We discuss the early 90s run of pulpy comic book films (“Dick Tracy”, “The Shadow”), the shock of seeing Frances McDormand in what she describes as a “bimbo role,” and the unbelievably true story of how Sam Raimi swapped in his own cut of “Darkman” when the studio tried to release their own version.
Join our Patreon at patreon.com/blankcheck Follow us @blankcheckpod on Twitter and Instagram! Buy some real nerdy merch at shopblankcheckpod.myshopify.com |
Apr 10, 2022 |
|
Evil Dead II with John Hodgman
10191
It’s the definitive Sam Raimi film - a “symphony of silly” with a bravura performance from Bruce Campbell, and a prevailing sense of, “the more gore the merrier!” John Hodgman - who, believe it or not, was Bruce Campbell’s literary agent! - joins us to chat about the magic of “Evil Dead II” and what puts it in the pantheon of “sequels that improve upon the original installment.” Also in this episode - we imagine the time when Sam Raimi, the Coens, Frances McDormand, and Holly Hunter were all roommates in Silverlake; a behind the scenes look at the publication of Bruce Campbell’s best-selling memoir “If Chins Could Kill”; and an unrelated but very involved tangent about the Peanuts comic strip.
Join our Patreon at patreon.com/blankcheck Follow us @blankcheckpod on Twitter and Instagram! Buy some real nerdy merch at shopblankcheckpod.myshopify.com |
Apr 03, 2022 |
|
Crimewave with Brendan Hines
7785
Sam Raimi directed a movie between “The Evil Dead” and “Evil Dead II” that was written by the Coen Brothers and no one ever talks about it…until NOW! Actor Brendan Hines (“The Tick”, “Locke and Key”) joins us to make sense of this early career oddity - a tonal mishmash of slapstick and film noir that we’d later see more successfully executed in films like “Who Framed Roger Rabbit?” and “The Mask”. Topics discussed include: the difficulties in scaling up the indie production model; Bruce Campbell’s evolving star persona; whether or not you can actually wash dishes in lieu of paying for your meal; and more!
Join our Patreon at patreon.com/blankcheck Follow us @blankcheckpod on Twitter and Instagram! Buy some real nerdy merch at shopblankcheckpod.myshopify.com |
Mar 27, 2022 |
|
The Evil Dead
7282
It’s Sam Raimi time - groovy! Our new series PODCAST ME TO HELL kicks off with a banger - 1981’s ultra-low-budget horror classic “The Evil Dead”. We’ll be taking you back to Royal Oak, Michigan, to explain how Raimi linked up with Bruce Campbell and the Coen Brothers, thus establishing a very consequential partnership. We’ll be dissecting exactly why this film (from a lean 14-page script!!) works so well. David will admit that he first learned about this movie from watching “Donnie Darko”. And then all of a sudden…*CRASH*...a branch goes through the window! All that, plus TWO box office games!
Join our Patreon at patreon.com/blankcheck Follow us @blankcheckpod on Twitter and Instagram! Buy some real nerdy merch at shopblankcheckpod.myshopify.com |
Mar 20, 2022 |
|
The Seventh Annual Blank Check Awards with Joe Reid
9904
It’s Hollywood’s biggest night - that’s right, it’s the Seventh Annual Blankies! “This Had Oscar Buzz” host Joe Reid joins us as always to celebrate our favorite films of 2021. Will Griffin award something weird this year? Is anyone going to stump for Being The Ricardos? What crazy categories will Ben come up with? Walk down the red carpet and find out!
Join our Patreon at patreon.com/blankcheck Follow us @blankcheckpod on Twitter and Instagram! Buy some real nerdy merch at shopblankcheckpod.myshopify.com |
Mar 13, 2022 |
|
The Power of The Dog with Richard Lawson
8416
An unseen presence looming over the two friends, a man who has definitely ridden a dang horse, a larger than life character about whom many have speculated…are we talking about Bronco Hosley or Bronco Henry? Trolls impresario and Vanity Fair critic Richard Lawson makes his tenth (!!) appearance on the pod to unpack Jane Campion’s “The Power of the Dog.” Did Campion figure out the best use of Benedict Cumberbatch’s screen presence? Is anthrax the poison with the coolest name? Can you imagine Gerard Depardieu starring in this - it’s apparently his favorite book! All that, plus our final Campion rankings and the announcement of our next series.
Join our Patreon at patreon.com/blankcheck Follow us @blankcheckpod on Twitter and Instagram! Buy some real nerdy merch at shopblankcheckpod.myshopify.com |
Mar 06, 2022 |
|
Bright Star with Fran Hoepfner
7721
You may as well call this episode “Ode to a Whishaw” because we love that gentle gent! Fran Hoepfner joins us (and joins the Five-Timers Club!) to discuss Jane Campion’s 2006 John Keats biopic “Bright Star,” a movie that prompts Griffin to wonder if he, too, would die of tuberculosis if he took a long walk in the rain in 1820. Of course we talk about Hampstead Heath (David being canonically from London), of course we wonder what the hell happened to Paul Schneider (canonically incredible in this movie), and of course Ben is obsessed with Fanny Brawne’s epic Regency Era fits!
Join our Patreon at patreon.com/blankcheck Follow us @blankcheckpod on Twitter and Instagram! Buy some real nerdy merch at shopblankcheckpod.myshopify.com |
Feb 27, 2022 |
|
In the Cut with Jourdain Searles
7775
Want to hear us talk about how hot Mark Ruffalo is for two hours? Oooh boy, do we have a treat for you! Wikipedia-cited “In The Cut” stan Jourdain Searles joins us to unpack Jane Campion’s unjustly maligned erotic thriller. What happens to actresses once they turn 40? Would this movie have fared better with audiences if - instead of America’s Sweetheart Meg Ryan - it starred an edgier Nicole Kidman as originally planned? Do you remember the SCANDAL when Meg Ryan cheated on Dennis Quaid with Russell Crowe? Why did we care so much about that?
Join our Patreon at patreon.com/blankcheck Follow us @blankcheckpod on Twitter and Instagram! Buy some real nerdy merch at shopblankcheckpod.myshopify.com |
Feb 20, 2022 |
|
Holy Smoke! with Kyle Buchanan
7212
Is it nobler to try to pee on camera and fail than it is to not try at all? Does Harvey Keitel’s performance in this film only work when he puts on a dress? What the hell is going on in this movie?! David’s Fest Friend Forever Kyle Buchanan (author of the forthcoming “Blood, Sweat & Chrome: The Wild and True Story of Mad Max: Fury Road”) joins us to answer those questions and more as we discuss Jane Campion’s bugnuts exploration of power dynamics - 1999’s “Holy Smoke!” Come for the Winslet career breakdown, stay for Kyle’s “amazeballs” anecdotes about Campion on the international festival circuit.
Join our Patreon at patreon.com/blankcheck Follow us @blankcheckpod on Twitter and Instagram! Buy some real nerdy merch at shopblankcheckpod.myshopify.com |
Feb 13, 2022 |
|
The Portrait of a Lady with Marie Bardi
7560
This lady might not be “on fire” but she IS wearing a 19 inch corset! Social media maven Marie Bardi joins the boys to dissect Campion’s tepidly received follow-up to “The Piano” - the emotionally claustrophobic 1996 Henry James adaptation “The Portrait of a Lady”. If “The Piano” gave Jane her Blank Check, this film is a big swing and (in our opinion) a slight miss. Topics discussed include: John Malkovich’s clothing line for the modern dandy; the unfortunate plastic surgery-shaming of actress Barbara Hershey; Viggo Mortsenson’s performance in “Green Book” (one of our favorite topics); and, of course, the queen of AMC Theaters herself - Nicole Kidman.
Join our Patreon at patreon.com/blankcheck Follow us @blankcheckpod on Twitter and Instagram! Buy some real nerdy merch at shopblankcheckpod.myshopify.com |
Feb 06, 2022 |
|
The Piano with Esther Zuckerman
9409
Just imagine…it’s 1993. Bill Clinton is in the White House, Seinfeld is on TV, and America has PIANO FEVER! Newly-minted member of the Five Timers Club Esther Zuckerman joins us to unpack Campion’s Oscar-Winning erotic drama (possibly the first prestige pic to feature mild butt play). We’re asking all the tough questions: is “The King’s Daughter” the new “Margaret”? Should Harvey Keitel play Wolverine? Did Sam Neill tell Anna Paquin that he was going to work with actual dinosaurs after their shoot? Does Mr. Skin have a film critic on staff?
Check out Esther's new book Beyond the Best Dressed: A Cultural History of the Most Glamorous, Radical, and Scandalous Oscar Fashion Join our Patreon at patreon.com/blankcheck
Buy some real nerdy merch at shopblankcheckpod.myshopify.com
|
Jan 30, 2022 |
|
An Angel at My Table with Dana Stevens
6380
Dana Stevens (Slate.com / Her new Buster Keaton biography “Cameraman”) returns to the pod to *literally* wax poetic about the literary coming-of-age story “An Angel At My Table”. The film is an intimate, often heartbreaking saga of a woman discovering her own creative voice…and yes, the woman just happens to look like Little Orphan Annie. The gang discusses the film within the context of other films that show age progression through the casting of multiple actors; the context of films that depict mental illness; and the context of small redheaded children with very curly, almost spherical hair, who may or may not have hard knock lives. Plus - possibly our most obscure box office game yet, and some genuine Janet Frame poetry reading!
Join our Patreon at patreon.com/blankcheck
Buy some real nerdy merch at shopblankcheckpod.myshopify.com
|
Jan 23, 2022 |
|
Sweetie with Sarah-Violet Bliss
6805
We’ve climbed up in our childhood treehouse and we’re not coming down! Sarah Violet Bliss (Search Party) joins us to talk about “Sweetie” - Jane Campion’s off-kilter meditation on suburbia and sibling rivalry. Revelations within the episode include the fact that David was part of the “Neighbours Society” at Uni (a group of students in favor of airing the Aussie soap in common areas twice daily); that one of the IMDB tags for this movie is “Rides A Man Like A Horse”; that Producer Ben has *definitely* known a few Sweetie-types in his life; and more!
Join our Patreon at patreon.com/blankcheck
Buy some real nerdy merch at shopblankcheckpod.myshopify.com
|
Jan 16, 2022 |
|
Two Friends
5423
We’re kicking off our Jane Campion miniseries with her feature-length debut, auspiciously titled “Two Friends” - perhaps she has a competitive advantage? The backwards-structured script (the OG temporal pincer movement) leads the crew to reflect on their own adolescence…did you know David was already six feet tall at the age of twelve? And Ben was rocking size twelve shoes in middle school? Griffin may get a singular chest hair in 2022? Come for our Campion-filmography table setting, stay for a surprising amount of Simpsons discussion.
Join our Patreon at patreon.com/blankcheck
Buy some real nerdy merch at shopblankcheckpod.myshopify.com
|
Jan 09, 2022 |
|
The Matrix Resurrections
12016
Happy New Year! We’re going back to the Matrix - which we last covered in 2016 (!!) - and we’re feeling pretty good about it! Seraph was a login screen, sure…but is “Tiffany” a .TIFF? Is Agent Smith just a virus? Are we taking crazy pills for liking this movie so much? Jack in and let’s fly, Blankies.
Opening clip is from Howl's Moving Castle with David Ehrlich
Join our Patreon at patreon.com/blankcheck
Buy some real nerdy merch at shopblankcheckpod.myshopify.com
|
Jan 02, 2022 |
|
West Side Story (2021)
9146
They said it couldn’t be done. Remaking possibly the most revered movie musical of all time?! A fool’s errand! But folks, we’ve learned a very important lesson…NEVER DOUBT STEVEN SPIELBERG. Especially when he’s teaming up with Tony “Dank” Kushner! David pinpoints the exact moments he wept during his multiple viewings of this most recent iteration of “West Side Story”; Ben praises all the dust and hot people; Griffin thinks that he probably needs to see it again. Grab your dancing shoes and meet us at the gym - it’s our final episode of 2021, and it’s time to MAMBO, Blankies!
Plus, check out the Slow Xmas 2021 holiday music compilation now on Spotify and Bandcamp! Please support the bands/artists featured on this album. Andrew Bryant
Ian Ferguson
Gymshorts
Jason Hawk Harris
Sad13
Join our Patreon at patreon.com/blankcheck
Buy some real nerdy merch at shopblankcheckpod.myshopify.com
|
Dec 19, 2021 |
|
Benedetta with Marie Bardi
8538
Alert the horny police, because we’re taking ourselves to a nunnery with the Dirty Dutch Daddy himself - Paul Verhoeven! The gang goes bonkers for “Benedetta'', and Producer Ben-edetta reveals that he has an almost-saint in his family - one more miracle, and Ben gets to go to the Vatican! We discuss the connections between “Benedetta” and Verhoeven’s previous films (Sister Benedetta is a bit of a Catherine Trammell, and not just because she likes the ladies), do a smelly deep dive into the history of Professional Flatulists, and say a few prayers asking God to let Verhoeven make a big Hollywood movie again.
Join our Patreon at patreon.com/blankcheck
Buy some real nerdy merch at shopblankcheckpod.myshopify.com
|
Dec 12, 2021 |
|
The Ward with Drew McWeeny
8083
We’ve spent four months in the Mouth of Madness with the Horror Master, and we’ve reached the end point of Carpenter’s directorial career...for now. A man who has *actually collaborated with John Carpenter* - Drew McWeeny (writer of Carpenter’s installments in the Masters of Horror series) - joins us to recontextualize our journey through Carpenter’s filmography with some exclusive behind-the-scenes tidbits. The Two Friends also discuss the strange career trajectory of Amber Heard (starting with the festival-smash-that-doesn’t-exist ALL THE BOYS LOVE MANDY LANE), present their final Carpenter rankings, and reveal which Auteur they’ll cover on the podcast next. Plus - Ben learns the fun British term “video nasty” from David who grew up in England?
Join our Patreon at patreon.com/blankcheck Buy some real nerdy merch at shopblankcheckpod.myshopify.com
|
Dec 05, 2021 |
|
Ghosts of Mars with Dave Schilling & Jonah Ray
5522
Contrary to popular belief (and Wikipedia), this film was NOT supposed to be another installment in the Snake Plissken series - John Carpenter just thought it would be cool to make a movie about Mars “because it’s red.” Galaxy Brain’s Dave Schilling and Jonah Ray join us to dissect Carpenter’s take on that dusty red planet, his obsession with crossfades, and his lackluster deployment of Pam Grier. Why *is* Mars a matriarchal society in this movie? We thought Mars needed moms…
Join our Patreon at patreon.com/blankcheck
Buy some real nerdy merch at shopblankcheckpod.myshopify.com
|
Nov 28, 2021 |
|
John Carpenter’s Vampires with David Ehrlich
7641
They’re not just Vampires, they’re John Carpenter’s Vampires! “Closer in patina” to a classic Howard Hawks western than anything Carpenter’s ever done, this film is nasty, gruesome, and devoid of any of the “teenyboppers” and romanticism that had become hallmarks of the slasher and vampire genres, respectively. David Ehrlich (Indiewire) joins us as we go deep into the woods - James Woods, that is - and come out with the least memorable Baldwin brother. Strada Chocolata!
Join our Patreon at patreon.com/blankcheck
Buy some real nerdy merch at shopblankcheckpod.myshopify.com
|
Nov 21, 2021 |
|
Escape from L.A. with Matt Gourley & Paul Rust
9074
Less of a sequel and more of a “next gen video game re-skin,” Snake Plissken is back in “Escape from LA” and this time he’s got a surfboard! The “Gourley and Rust” guys join us to ponder whether or not a big budget is actually *bad* for John Carpenter. On the one hand, we get a Carp, Kurt, and Debra Hill reunion! On the other…those submarine sequences.
Join our Patreon at patreon.com/blankcheck
Buy some real nerdy merch at shopblankcheckpod.myshopify.com
|
Nov 14, 2021 |
|
Village of the Damned with Amy Nicholson
7749
It’s not “Children of the Damned” nor “Children of the Corn” nor “Corn of the Damned” - it’s John Carpenter’s “Village of the Damned,” goddamnit! Creepy blonde kids with laser eyes! Our guest Amy Nicholson’s (“Unspooled”) boyfriend thinks she looks like one of them. Griffin thinks David’s baby has “Village of the Damned” eyes, too. But is this movie actually scary enough? “Needs more menace!” per Ben. Topics covered include the Razzies, formative cinematic crushes, Christopher Reeve’s star persona, and a Chuck Norris movie that has him teaming up with a dog to take down an alliance of White Supremacist groups.
Join our Patreon at patreon.com/blankcheck
Buy some real nerdy merch at shopblankcheckpod.myshopify.com
|
Nov 07, 2021 |
|
In the Mouth of Madness with Angelica Jade Bastién
7770
Just in time for Halloween - it’s the conclusion of Carpenter’s “Apocalypse Trilogy” and one of the best Lovecraftian horrors ever to grace the silver screen! Vulture’s Angelica Jade Bastién joins us to chat “In the Mouth of Madness,” and we wonder - is Sam Neill a “dang ass freak”? Should this movie take place in a more “airport paperback” environment, like a beach town? What would you do if you saw the head of production at New Line getting…uh… “serviced” in public at an Oscar party? Grab your Sutter Cane book and listen up!
Join our Patreon at patreon.com/blankcheck
Buy some real nerdy merch at shopblankcheckpod.myshopify.com
|
Oct 31, 2021 |
|
Memoirs of an Invisible Man with Alan Sepinwall
8182
In which we try to find the John Carpenter in what is overwhelmingly a Chevy Chase vanity project. The legendary Alan Sepinwall (Rolling Stone) joins us to make sense of this befuddling genre mishmash. What are the invisibility rules of this movie? Who is the silver-voiced British man named “Richard” and is that his real voice? Is Chevy Chase good at acting? Does it matter? In this movie…yeah, it kind of does! We’re sad to see the Carpenter hot streak end with this movie, but that’s what Blank Check is all about - the bounces, baby!
Join our Patreon at patreon.com/blankcheck
Buy some real nerdy merch at shopblankcheckpod.myshopify.com
|
Oct 24, 2021 |
|
They Live! with Mike Mitchell & Nick Wiger
8308
Don’t adjust your sunglasses - it’s another epic crossover podcast! The Doughboys join #TheTwoFriends to tackle Carpenter’s still-relevant anti-capitalist alien action classic. Is “Rowdy” Roddy Piper the greatest wrestler-turned-actor? Who actually wrote the iconic bubblegum line? Which hard seltzer is the best and why is it White Claw Surge? And yes, of course we have to talk about that iconic fight scene.
Join our Patreon at patreon.com/blankcheck
Buy some real nerdy merch at shopblankcheckpod.myshopify.com
|
Oct 17, 2021 |
|
Prince of Darkness with Keith Phipps
8222
Every filmmaker gets one “Satan in a jar in a basement” movie and this is John Carpenter’s! Keith Phipps (The Next Picture Podcast) joins us to chat “the anti-God,” fictional British scientist Bernard Quatermass, and young David Sims’ humble beginnings as an “It’s Always Sunny” recapper at the AVClub. The boys also establish that Ben loves “wet evil” and that the special effects makeup artist on PRINCE OF DARKNESS also worked with Griffin on DRAFT DAY!
Join our Patreon at patreon.com/blankcheck
Buy some real nerdy merch at shopblankcheckpod.myshopify.com
|
Oct 10, 2021 |
|
Big Trouble in Little China with Jason Mantzoukas & Paul Scheer
10622
You know what ol’ Jack Burton would do on an episode like this? Bring back Jason Mantzoukas and Paul Scheer, of course! The HOW DID THIS GET MADE? guys make their triumphant return to Blank Check to discuss yet another Kurt Russell masterpiece, and lament the lack of Russell-esque stars in today’s Hollywood landscape. There’s some John Landis slander and a shout-out to Kit Fisto - this episode TRULY has everything!
Join our Patreon at patreon.com/blankcheck
Buy some real nerdy merch at shopblankcheckpod.myshopify.com
|
Oct 03, 2021 |
|
Starman with Katey Rich
8710
Voyager II may be approaching the “Termination Shock” (Ben’s new favorite phrase), but we’re on earth cherishing the otherworldly romance of John Carpenter’s STARMAN! Vanity Fair’s Katey Rich returns to discuss Jeff Bridges’ impressive performance, the illustrious career of Hollywood script doctor “Dinky” Dean Reisner, and the one sandwich that’s actually supposed to have paprika on it (whatever deviled egg thing Karen Allen orders at the diner in this movie).
Join our Patreon at patreon.com/blankcheck
Buy some real nerdy merch at shopblankcheckpod.myshopify.com
|
Sep 26, 2021 |
|
Christine with Scott Wampler & Eric Vespe
7408
It’s the Blank Check / Kingcast crossover event you’ve all been waiting for! Scott Wampler and Eric Vespe join us to discuss John Carpenter’s “Christine” - the first Stephen King adaptation we’ve covered. What is more terrifying - a sexy vintage car that kills people? Or Barbra Streisand’s basement mall? A difficult question, we know.
Join our Patreon at patreon.com/blankcheck
Buy some real nerdy merch at shopblankcheckpod.myshopify.com
|
Sep 19, 2021 |
|
The Thing with Emily VanDerWerff
9551
Here’s the thing about THE THING - it might be the best movie we’ve ever covered? Emily VanDerWerff joins us (and joins the five-timers club!) to discuss Carpenter’s Arctic paranoia classic, which was unfairly maligned upon release. Topics covered include the “Brimley COCOON Line,” the film as a trans allegory, and dogs getting their faces peeled back like bananas.
Join our Patreon at patreon.com/blankcheck
Buy some real nerdy merch at shopblankcheckpod.myshopify.com
|
Sep 12, 2021 |
|
Escape from New York with Karen Han
7762
Grab your eyepatches - it’s Snake Plissken time! Karen Han joins the gang to chat Carpenter’s action classic ESCAPE FROM NEW YORK - which was actually filmed in St. Louis! Topics covered include NSFW tattoos, Lee Van Cleef’s badass gravestone, the 90s documentary where Ernest Borgnine just drives a bus, and John Carpenter’s rather pedestrian taste in video games. “Fallout 76”??? C’mon, John!
Join our Patreon at patreon.com/blankcheck
Buy some real nerdy merch at shopblankcheckpod.myshopify.com
|
Sep 05, 2021 |
|
The Fog with Nia DaCosta
5875
A film brave enough to ask the question - what if there was fog? Just kidding - this movie is ACTUALLY about vengeful pirate ghosts and a lady with a sexy radio voice. CANDYMAN’s Nia DaCosta returns to the pod to ask whether or not fog is scary if you aren’t driving through it. Producer Ben wonders if the titular fog should have had a voice. Plus, we explore the history of spooky lighthouse movies.
Join our Patreon at patreon.com/blankcheck
Buy some real nerdy merch at shopblankcheckpod.myshopify.com
|
Aug 29, 2021 |
|
Halloween with Alex Ross Perry
11067
It’s our biggest episode EVER as Alex Ross Perry brings his own dossier of talking points to tackle 1978’s iconic HALLOWEEN. We explore the history of American independent cinema as seen through the lens of the low-budget horror genre, and determine who’d be included in the slasher villain Mount Rushmore (Chucky isn’t carved into the rock; he’d be working at the gift shop).
Join our Patreon at patreon.com/blankcheck
Buy some real nerdy merch at shopblankcheckpod.myshopify.com
|
Aug 22, 2021 |
|
Assault on Precinct 13 with April Wolfe
6592
John Carpenter puts his own spin on Howard Hawks’ iconic western RIO BRAVO and Griffin learns about “The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills” - it’s our ASSAULT ON PRECINCT 13 episode! Screenwriter and film critic April Wolfe (2019’s BLACK CHRISTMAS) joins us as we discuss the most dramatic vanilla ice cream cone of all time. Is this one of Carpenter’s best musical scores? Gonna go ahead and say YES.
Join our Patreon at patreon.com/blankcheck
Buy some real nerdy merch at shopblankcheckpod.myshopify.com
|
Aug 15, 2021 |
|
Dark Star with Emily Yoshida
7320
Our long-awaited John Carpenter series kicks off with his ultra-low budget oddity debut DARK STAR. Ben goes Hollywood (actually, “Hosleywood”) to record with Emily Yoshida - the Mother of Blankies herself - *in person* in Los Angeles, and the gang debates possible names for the series. We landed on “They Podcast” - which is a departure from Griffin’s far sweatier suggestions. Join us as we set the table for Carpenter’s filmography, and go deep on this film, which could also just be called “Space Dirtbags,” per Emily.
Join our Patreon at patreon.com/blankcheck
Buy some real nerdy merch at shopblankcheckpod.myshopify.com
|
Aug 08, 2021 |
|
Old with Marie Bardi
7936
What if there was a beach that made you old? Only the mischievous mind of M. Night Shyamalan could conjure such a place! The gang (including Shyamalan Superfan and Blank Check social media manager Marie Bardi) dives into M. Night’s latest offering. Is it a “Glassterpiece”? Does Griffin even know what age he is anymore? Did Ben always have those wrinkles on his face?
Join our Patreon at patreon.com/blankcheck
Buy some real nerdy merch at shopblankcheckpod.myshopify.com
|
Aug 01, 2021 |
|
Space Jam: A New Legacy with James Newman
9332
Welcome to the slam, it’s time to jam - it’s our first in-person recording since the pandemic! Griffin’s brother James Newman returns to the pod to chat BASKETBALL, a topic that Griffin now knows slightly more about after watching The Last Dance. Is LeBron a bad actor? Does anyone really understand the complicated metaphysics of the Warner Bros Serververse? Join us as we discuss!
Join our Patreon at patreon.com/blankcheck
Buy some real nerdy merch at shopblankcheckpod.myshopify.com
|
Jul 25, 2021 |
|
Clifford 2: Hyper-Clifford with Tom Scharpling
5878
It’s the direct-to-Crackle sequel to our original Clifford episode from four years ago! Clifford superfan and comedy legend Tom Scharpling (“The Best Show,” his new memoir “It Never Ends”) joins us to wax poetic on Martin Short and eulogize the great Charles Grodin. The guys also give pitches for an actual Clifford sequel. Would it involve a prison break? Ben thinks so!
Join our Patreon at patreon.com/blankcheck
Buy some real nerdy merch at shopblankcheckpod.myshopify.com
|
Jul 18, 2021 |
|
Joe Dirt
7638
Dust off your mullets, because it’s the return of PORCH CINEMA with another Ben’s Choice Blank Check Spectacular! The boys talk David Spade, Kid Rock, and Direct-to-Crackle sequels, as they determine the secret ingredient to Ben-approved content - carry a mop on the poster.
Join our Patreon at patreon.com/blankcheck
Buy some real nerdy merch at shopblankcheckpod.myshopify.com
|
Jul 11, 2021 |
|
Abduction with Jason Concepcion
7202
John Singleton’s filmography comes to an inauspicious end with “Abduction,” a film that tests the viability of “Taylor Lautner as Action Star.” Longtime friend of the pod Jason Concepcion (Crooked Media’s Takeline and ALL CAPS NBA) joins us as we mourn the untimely passing of Singleton and try to parse why this movie fails so spectacularly.
Join our Patreon at patreon.com/blankcheck
Buy some real nerdy merch at shopblankcheckpod.myshopify.com
|
Jul 04, 2021 |
|
Four Brothers with Jonathan Braylock
7567
What if there were four brothers? Has anyone thought of this before? Jonathan Braylock (Black Men Can’t Jump in Hollywood) joins us to talk about the niche genre of “snow crime,” the “what ifs?” of Singleton’s career in the 2000s, and the four classic archetypes of brothers.
Join our Patreon at patreon.com/blankcheck
Buy some real nerdy merch at shopblankcheckpod.myshopify.com
|
Jun 27, 2021 |
|
2 Fast 2 Furious with Jon Gabrus
8436
It’s happening - the Two Friends finally devote an entire episode to THE FAMILY. Special guest (and Fast Franchise Devotee) Jon Gabrus joins us to talk about the Singleton-directed second installment in the saga, just in time for the release of F9. No Vin? No problem! We’ve got a very hungry Tyrese!
Join our Patreon at patreon.com/blankcheck
Buy some real nerdy merch at shopblankcheckpod.myshopify.com
|
Jun 20, 2021 |
|
Baby Boy with Ayo Edebiri
7057
Who says you can’t go home again? John Singleton returns to South Central with BABY BOY and we imagine a trip to Tyrese’s backyard Benihana, a thing that actually exists. Special guest Ayo Edebiri (Big Mouth) returns to the pod with some crackling insights (and an inspired Shrek tangent) as we discuss the legacy of what some call Singleton’s stealth best film.
Join our Patreon at patreon.com/blankcheck
Buy some real nerdy merch at shopblankcheckpod.myshopify.com
|
Jun 13, 2021 |
|
Shaft with Demi Adejuyigbe
8592
He’s a bad mother...pod your cast! Demi Adejuyigbe (The Amber Ruffin Show) joins Griffin and David to discuss the cultural legacy of Detective John Shaft - most specifically, John Singleton’s 2000 interpretation. Is there enough sex in this version of Shaft? What does Shaft mean when he says, “Giuliani Time!” ? Does Jeffrey Wright put too much paprika on the sandwich? Listen here!
Join our Patreon at patreon.com/blankcheck
Buy some real nerdy merch at shopblankcheckpod.myshopify.com
|
Jun 06, 2021 |
|
Rosewood with Jamelle Bouie
8164
Blankie favorite Jamelle Bouie returns to the pod to discuss “Rosewood” - an ambitious historical epic whose failure at the box office (against not one, but TWO Star Wars re-releases) may have necessitated a shift for Singleton towards more commercial fare. The careers of Ving Rhames, Jon Voight, and Michael Rooker are spotlighted, as well as the surprising filmography of Rosewood’s screenwriter Greg Poirier.
Join our Patreon at patreon.com/blankcheck
Buy some real nerdy merch at shopblankcheckpod.myshopify.com
|
May 30, 2021 |
|
Higher Learning with Micah Peters
7400
We’re going back to school with John Singleton, Omar Epps, and...Zangief?! Micah Peters (The Ringer) joins the Two Friends as they discuss “Higher Learning” - an ambitious movie that wrestles with the Big Issues of the American experience: race, gender, sexuality, and the career of Tyra Banks.
Join our Patreon at patreon.com/blankcheck
Buy some real nerdy merch at shopblankcheckpod.myshopify.com
|
May 23, 2021 |
|
Poetic Justice with Jourdain Searles
8017
Jourdain Searles (Bad Romance Pod) joins The Two Friends to discuss “Poetic Justice” - a film that is NOT about Janet Jackson teaching a poetry class, contrary to Griffin’s assumption. The episode also features a delightful Billy Zane tangent and includes probably the most Maya Angelou poetry of any Blank Check installment yet.
Join our Patreon at patreon.com/blankcheck
Buy some real nerdy merch at shopblankcheckpod.myshopify.com
|
May 16, 2021 |
|
Boyz n the Hood with Aisha Harris
7363
Join us as we pour one out for John Singleton, the subject of our new miniseries - PODZ N THE CAST. Griffin and David welcome Aisha Harris (NPR’s Pop Culture Happy Hour) to chat about Singleton’s iconic debut feature, which saw him Oscar-nominated straight out of film school at the age of 24. Take that, Orson Welles. Griffin also lays out his “Cloverfield Monster” theory of movie-watching, and the boys discuss the reasons for Ice Cube’s success as a movie star (“great sneer!”)
Join our Patreon at patreon.com/blankcheck
Buy some real nerdy merch at shopblankcheckpod.myshopify.com
|
May 09, 2021 |
|
Don Jon with Hollywood Handbook
6458
He’s the kid from Third Rock. The Boy from Brick. The hitRECordjoe himself. Blank Check proudly presents a special one-film miniseries on the directorial career of Joseph Gordon-Levitt, so far consisting only of the baffling 2013 porn-addiction comedy DON JON. “The Boys” Sean Clements and Hayes Davenport of Hollywood Handbook join us as we ask the important questions, like, “Why does this movie not star Channing Tatum?” “How did he get ScarJo and Julianne Moore to do this?” “What is HitRecord?”
Join our Patreon at patreon.com/blankcheck Buy some real nerdy merch at shopblankcheckpod.myshopify.com
|
May 02, 2021 |
|
Ishtar with Clint McElroy
8930
Telling the truth is a dangerous business - but movies and podcasts can go hand-in-hand! We conclude our Elaine May series with one of the biggest bounces in Hollywood history - the unfairly maligned Ishtar. Clint McElroy (The Adventure Zone) joins us as we discuss blind camels and the “liberal feminist” Warren Beatty.
Join our Patreon at patreon.com/blankcheck
Buy some real nerdy merch at shopblankcheckpod.myshopify.com
|
Apr 25, 2021 |
|
Mikey and Nicky with Olivia Craighead
8240
Grab 15 cups of cream, brush up on your Meisner Technique, and listen in as The Two Friends (Griffin & David) discuss the Two Friends MIKEY & NICKY, with special guest Olivia Craighead (Iconography podcast). While we’re still discussing the films of Elaine May, this episode also serves as a celebration of “Short King With A Tall Face” John Cassavetes, and recognizes 1976 for what it was - a banner year for Ned Beatty.
Join our Patreon at patreon.com/blankcheck
Buy some real nerdy merch at shopblankcheckpod.myshopify.com
|
Apr 18, 2021 |
|
The Heartbreak Kid with Avery Edison
8724
Writer and comedian Avery Edison joins this week to discuss 1972’s The Heartbreak Kid! Topics include: how May’s directing elevated the Neil Simon screenplay, the performances from Cybill Shepherd, Jeannie Berlin, Charles Grodin, the delightful cringe of the comedy, and more!
Join our Patreon at patreon.com/blankcheck
Buy some real nerdy merch at shopblankcheckpod.myshopify.com
|
Apr 11, 2021 |
|
A New Leaf
7286
Heavens! It’s technically April, but we’re talking MAY! The guys kick off our Elaine May mini series with her debut feature A New Leaf, while also diving deep into her history as an improv and sketch comedy trailblazer. This episode also marks the return of Ben’s nicknames, and includes a wild ride through the top box office hits of 1971. Billy Jack, anyone?
Join our Patreon at patreon.com/blankcheck Buy some real nerdy merch at shopblankcheckpod.myshopify.com
|
Apr 04, 2021 |
|
The Sixth Annual Blank Check Awards with Joe Reid
9169
Griffin and David welcome back Joe Reid for the 6th annual Blankie Awards Ceremony for Excellence in Films. Together they present their own personal nominations and winners for the upcoming 93rd Academy Awards. This roundtable discussion looks at all the major categories, as well as, references deep cut cinema you may have missed.
Check out Joe Reid's podcast This Had Oscar Buzz!
Join our Patreon at patreon.com/blankcheck
Buy some real nerdy merch at shopblankcheckpod.myshopify.com
|
Mar 28, 2021 |
|
Moana with Lenika Cruz
7372
Griffin and David are finally doing it! They are CONSIDERING THE COCONUT! In addition to the coconut they also have an in-depth conversation about Musker and Clements’ final (and best?) film together, 2016's Moana. A departure from their typical 2D animation style, and a shift from Disney’s typical Princess / Prince structure, their first fully CG film delves into a Polynesian mythology AND makes everyone cry.
They are joined this week by Lenika Cruz (The Atlantic) and discuss heavy topics like parental relationships and leaving home, as well as topics on the lighter side such as; what is the best use of The Rock, and will we be over Lin Manuel Miranda again this coming year.
Join our Patreon at patreon.com/blankcheck
Buy some real nerdy merch at shopblankcheckpod.myshopify.com
|
Mar 21, 2021 |
|
The Princess and the Frog with James III
8004
Just when they thought they were out, Musker & Clements are called back in to helm 2009's The Princess and the Frog. After 7 years in directorial semi-retirement, John and Ron bring Disney animated films back to its musical roots in this historic fairytale starring Disney's first Black princess.
James III (Black Men Can’t Jump In Hollywood) joins this week to discuss the missteps, Keith David’s body of work, how cool Louis the jazz loving alligator is and more!
Join our Patreon at patreon.com/blankcheck
Buy some real nerdy merch at shopblankcheckpod.myshopify.com
|
Mar 14, 2021 |
|
Treasure Planet with Emma Stefansky
8509
This is the BOUNCE BABY!!! This week, the gang heads to 2002’s Treasure Planet. But what would the Phil Collins bump have done for this movie? Can a CGI character have a wig, when everyone’s hair is fake? Should this movie have been called “Poochie Planet”?
They are joined by guest Emma “BOOKS” Stefansky (@stefabsky, entertainment staff writer @thrillist). Also, stick around until the end to hear what Ben thinks of all the Harry Potter movies, especially Dobby.
Join our Patreon at patreon.com/blankcheck
Buy some real nerdy merch at shopblankcheckpod.myshopify.com
|
Mar 07, 2021 |
|
Hercules with Larry Owens
6553
BC welcomes multi-hyphenate Larry Owens (A Strange Loop) for a discussion on 1997's Hercules!
Join our Patreon at patreon.com/blankcheck
Buy some real nerdy merch at shopblankcheckpod.myshopify.com
|
Feb 28, 2021 |
|
Aladdin with Jerah Milligan
7529
#thetwofriends try and stay one jump ahead of the breadline and one swing ahead of the sword on this week's Aladdin episode as part of the mini series on the animated films of John Musker and Ron Clements. Jerah Milligan (Black Men Can’t Jump In Hollywood) joins to discuss the influence of Aladdin, adult humor in kid's movies, what if Aladdin had a hoodie and which songs are bangers and which aren’t.
Join our Patreon at patreon.com/blankcheck
Buy some real nerdy merch at shopblankcheckpod.myshopify.com
|
Feb 21, 2021 |
|
The Little Mermaid with Esther Zuckerman
8430
Esther Zuckerman (Thrillist) returns to discuss 1989’s massive hit, The Little Mermaid! Topics include: the musical contributions of Alan Menken and Howard Ashman, the upcoming live action remake, Ursula in human form as Vanessa, and more!
Check out Esther's book: A Field Guide to Internet Boyfriends: Meme-Worthy Celebrity Crushes from A to Z
Join our Patreon at patreon.com/blankcheck
Buy some real nerdy merch at shopblankcheckpod.myshopify.com
|
Feb 14, 2021 |
|
The Great Mouse Detective with Fran Hoepfner
7832
All new, all fun! Blank Check launches a brand new mini series on the animated films of John Musker and Ron Clements. Writer and Ratigan stan, Fran Hoepfner (Bright Wall/Dark Room), joins to discuss the duo’s first project together as co-directors of The Great Mouse Detective. Topics include: the Disney renaissance, Sing-Along Songs VHS tapes, Sherlock Holmes, Steampunk, frozen rats and more!
Join our Patreon at patreon.com/blankcheck
Buy some real nerdy merch at shopblankcheckpod.myshopify.com
|
Feb 07, 2021 |
|
The Witches with Richard Lawson
7909
Over four months and 19 movies, we have finally reached the end of our mini series on the films of Robert Zemeckis! Richard Lawson (Vanity Fair) joins to discuss 2020's The Witches and #thetwofriends offer up their filmography rankings.
Join our Patreon at patreon.com/blankcheck
Buy some real nerdy merch at shopblankcheckpod.myshopify.com
|
Jan 31, 2021 |
|
Welcome to Marwen with Emily Yoshida
8855
Emily Yoshida is back to welcome you to Marwen!
Join our Patreon at patreon.com/blankcheck
Buy some real nerdy merch at shopblankcheckpod.myshopify.com
|
Jan 24, 2021 |
|
Allied with Chris Weitz
7430
Now in the final stretch of the Zemeckis mini series, Chris Weitz returns to discuss 2016's WWII spy thriller, Allied.
Join our Patreon at patreon.com/blankcheck
Buy some real nerdy merch at shopblankcheckpod.myshopify.com
|
Jan 17, 2021 |
|
teneT
8912
!erom dna ,tsinogatorP eht sa notgnihsaW divaD nhoJ fo ecnamrofrep eht ,nosnittaP treboR fo reerac eht thgiltops ,DOV ot yenruoj lausunu "s'ameniC fo roivaS" eht ssucsid sdneirfowteht# rehtegoT .teneT ,mlif noitca sdrawkcab wen sih htiw naloN rehpotsirhC rotcerid stisiver kcehC knalB
Join our Patreon at patreon.com/blankcheck
Buy some real nerdy merch at shopblankcheckpod.myshopify.com
|
Jan 10, 2021 |
|
Wonder Woman 1984
8865
On the week of its release in December of 2020, Griffin and David discussed Wonder Woman 1984. Together they examine the heated online discourse, Wiig's film career post-SNL, the state of the superhero movie and of course wish stones and how they work!
Special thanks to The Great American Novel for the new studio version of the theme song! Please check out their music on Bandcamp and Spotify.
Join our Patreon at patreon.com/blankcheck
Buy some real nerdy merch @ shopblankcheckpod.myshopify.com
|
Jan 03, 2021 |
|
The Walk with J.D. Amato
9799
In 1974 Philippe Petit performed his infamous walk between the Twin Towers. Director Robert Zemeckis many years later after discovering the story in a children's novel would create a 3D film based on this event. But most importantly in 2018, J.D. Amato appeared on Blank Check to discuss the motion picture technology of Billy Lynn's Long Halftime Walk. Continuing in that tradition, J.D. returns for the third annual Talking the Walk. But this time instead of high frame rate, J.D. explores The Walk's cutting edge use of visual effects.
Join our Patreon at patreon.com/blankcheck Buy some real nerdy merch including this year’s commemorative Talking the Walk design @ shopblankcheckpod.myshopify.com
Music selection: "Night Break" by Kevin MacLeod. Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0 License. |
Dec 27, 2020 |
|
Flight with Olivia Craighead
8247
After twelve years since releasing a live action film, Zemeckis comes back to the living with 2012's addiction drama, Flight. Olivia Craighead (Iconography podcast) joins #thetwofriends to discuss the misleading trailer and marketing, consider Melissa Leo, and help answer technical questions like how to roll a plane.
Join our Patreon at patreon.com/blankcheck
Buy some real nerdy merch @ shopblankcheckpod.myshopify.com
|
Dec 20, 2020 |
|
A Christmas Carol with Emily VanDerWerff
8677
What's today? Why its Christmas Carol day! Film critic Emily VanDerWerff (Vox) returns to discuss Disney's 2009 take on the classic holiday tale. The gang talks Jim Carrey's career, the best and worst Christmas movies, and Keeping up with the Clauses.
Check out untitled slow christmas compilation volume 1!
Join our Patreon at patreon.com/blankcheck
Buy some real nerdy merch @ shopblankcheckpod.myshopify.com
|
Dec 13, 2020 |
|
Beowulf with Jordan Hoffman
7145
This is Beowulf! Yes, in 2007, Bobby Z took the Old English epic poem and, once again using cutting edge mo-cap technology, delivered a 3-D movie that this week's guest, Jordan Hoffman, aptly describes as "resembling a PlayStation 3 cut scene". Also discussed is Crispin Glover's performance as Grendel, Angelina Jolie's hatred for this film, the background behind the Neil Gaiman and Roger Avary screenplay, and the PG-13 rating despite all the violence and horniness.
Check out Jordan's new podcast, The Dune Conversations with John and Jordan, on Apple Podcasts, Spotify or wherever you get your pods!
Join our Patreon at patreon.com/blankcheck
Buy some real nerdy merch @ shopblankcheckpod.myshopify.com
|
Dec 06, 2020 |
|
The Polar Express with Joey Sims
7151
In the final days of 2020, Blank Check enters Zemeckis' motion capture technology period with The Polar Express. Joey Sims joins as we discuss the nuance of the Train Conductor character, North Pole logic and delve into everyone's personal relationship to the holiday season and Christmas.
Join our Patreon at patreon.com/blankcheck
Buy some real nerdy merch @ shopblankcheckpod.myshopify.com
|
Nov 29, 2020 |
|
Cast Away with Nia DaCosta
7279
Zemeckis and Hanks reunited once again. Another box office and critical success. Filmed over two years, Cast Away captures both talents performing at the top of their respective games. Writer and director, Nia DaCosta (CANDYMAN) joins BC this week to discuss the movie's legacy after 20 years, the different elements that make a story about one guy stranded on island so compelling, Wilson the volleyball, and of course extensive talk about another classic American film: Sully.
Join our Patreon at patreon.com/blankcheck
Buy some real nerdy merch @ shopblankcheckpod.myshopify.com
|
Nov 22, 2020 |
|
What Lies Beneath with Starlee Kine
7544
The central thesis to this week's episode on What Lies Beneath: folks, they just don't make them like they used to! Starlee Kine (Election Profit Makers) joins to discuss the "grown-up" movie, the performances from Michelle Pfeiffer and Harrison Ford, where the screenwriting falls short, and the paranormal.
Join our Patreon at patreon.com/blankcheck
Buy some real nerdy merch @ shopblankcheckpod.myshopify.com
|
Nov 15, 2020 |
|
Contact with Jamie Bell
6971
Actor, Jamie Bell joins this week to discuss 1997's Contact!
Join our Patreon at patreon.com/blankcheck Buy some real nerdy merch @ shopblankcheckpod.myshopify.com
|
Nov 08, 2020 |
|
Forrest Gump with Jamelle Bouie
8485
Jamelle Bouie (NY Times) returns to Blank Check to discuss Forrest Gump!
Subscribe to our patreon at patreon.com/blankcheck
Merch is available at shopblankcheckpod.myshopify.com
|
Nov 01, 2020 |
|
Death Becomes Her with Katey Rich
8515
Now armed with an arsenal of wild special effects, Zemeckis takes it up a notch with 1992's Death Becomes Her – the first to include computer-generated skin on film. Katey Rich returns as we reminisce Bruce Willis putting effort in, irritating European monologues, the thrilling billing and why Meryl Streep and Goldie Hawn make a perfect cult pair.
Subscribe to our patreon at patreon.com/blankcheck
Merch is available at shopblankcheckpod.myshopify.com
|
Oct 25, 2020 |
|
Back to the Future Part III with Josh Gondelman
8091
In Back to the Future, Marty ends up in 1955, the same age as his parents. In the sequel he has to jump between that timeline and a bizarre 2015. The natural conclusion to this blockbuster trilogy? A wild western! It's a classic formula! For Back to the Future Part III, we're talking ninja turtles, the magic of Tom Wilson and Mary Steenburgen, and why ZZ Top should be in more movies. The bad boy of the internet himself, Josh Gondelman, (Desus and Mero, Make My Day) joins!
Subscribe to our patreon at patreon.com/blankcheck
Merch is available at shopblankcheckpod.myshopify.com
|
Oct 18, 2020 |
|
Back to the Future Part II with Nicole Byer
6608
Man wouldn't it be weird to have a future controlled by a rich blond bully who hates women, steals things and is awful to everyone? Robert Zemeckis predicts a wild, kooky, and somewhat accurate 2015 with Back to the Future Part II. Comedian Nicole Byer (Nailed It, Newcomers, Why Won't You Date Me) helps us make sense of the different timelines, unpack the connection to Trump, analyze the film’s strategic approach to the sequel and the ultimate disappointment that hoverboards continue to not exist.
Subscribe to our patreon at patreon.com/blankcheck
Merch is available at shopblankcheckpod.myshopify.com
|
Oct 11, 2020 |
|
Who Framed Roger Rabbit with Mike Mitchell & Nick Wiger
8386
A noir for kids. Disney and Warner Bros characters together for the first and last time. Live action drama with kooky Tex Avery-style animation. There's really no movie quite like Who Framed Roger Rabbit. How long did "bumping the lamp" take? What's a contemporary take on Jessica and Roger Rabbit's relationship dynamics? How does the film's story mirror Hollywood? We invited the Doughboys themselves, Mike Mitchell and Nick Wiger to help us find out!
Subscribe to our patreon at patreon.com/blankcheck
Merch is available at shopblankcheckpod.myshopify.com
|
Oct 04, 2020 |
|
Back to the Future
10167
It was the #1 film of 1985. It’s a theme park ride. An animated series. It spawned video games. Comic books. Musicals. It’s in the goddamn Library of Congress! And key to this series, it guaranteed Robert Zemeckis big crazy budgets for decades. Has there ever been a bigger “blank check" than Back to the Future? Now make like a tree and start the episode already!
Join our Patreon at patreon.com/blankcheck
Buy some real nerdy merch @ shopblankcheckpod.myshopify.com
|
Sep 27, 2020 |
|
Romancing the Stone with Adam Kempenaar & Josh Larsen
7590
How did Robert Zemeckis go from commercial flops to a career-defining time-travelling trilogy of blank checks? It’s all thanks to his “guarantor” from 1984 - Romancing The Stone, starring Michael Douglas and Kathleen Turner. We invited Filmspotting’s Adam Kempenaar and Josh Larsen to dive into Zemeckis’ first commercial success and how it set the tone for a decade of hits.
Join our Patreon at patreon.com/blankcheck
Buy some real nerdy merch @ shopblankcheckpod.myshopify.com
|
Sep 20, 2020 |
|
Used Cars with Jason Mantzoukas & Paul Scheer
10368
How Did This Get Made’s Paul Scheer (Black Monday, The League) returns with Jason Mantzoukas (Big Mouth, Brooklyn Nine-Nine) for a rare-Rated R Zemeckis – Used Cars (1980). Topics in this episode include the unique star power of Kurt Russell throughout his career, unpacking the bad luck sequence, and a general look at the state of major studio comedies.
Join our Patreon at patreon.com/blankcheck
Follow us @blankcheckpod on Twitter and Instagram!
Merch is available at shopblankcheckpod.myshopify.com |
Sep 13, 2020 |
|
I Wanna Hold Your Hand with Patrick Willems
7483
Your March Madness winner series has arrived! Chosen by the listeners, our latest subject is Robert Zemeckis, a Hollywood hitmaker who gives us plenty to cover. But before we get to Forrest Gump and Back To The Future, we're starting with 1978's I Wanna Hold Your Hand, which centers on a group of girls sneaking into the Beatles games Ed Sullivan show performance.
Patrick Willems (@patrickhwillems) helps us kick it all off as we talk iconic dork performances, the best Beatles movies, and the confidence in this directorial debut. Subscribe to our patreon at patreon.com/blankcheck Follow us @blankcheckpod on Twitter and Instagram Merch is available at shopblankcheckpod.myshopify.com |
Sep 06, 2020 |
|
The Old Guard
7026
In The Old Guard (2020), Charlize Theron, Kiki Layne, and a group of immortal warriors define why it's worth living to fight another day. Plus they look extremely cool doing it. This week, we wrap up Gina Prince-Bythewood's series with her most recent film, released on Netflix mid-pandemic. How has 2020 affected the release and how we watch it (preferably from a porch)? What do we want to see out of a sequel? What's the best Netflix movie formula? Join Griffin, David and Ben as we list our favorite Prince-Blythwood movies and what blank checks we're looking forward to in the future.
Our new store is officially live! Buy the latest Blank Check merch at shopblankcheckpod.myshopify.com |
Aug 30, 2020 |
|
Beyond the Lights with Ayo Edebiri
7606
The pressures of fame as a young pop star navigating the music industry. An overbearing, success driven mother. A quote loving cop with a big heart. Beyond the Lights is an epic film packed with drama, comedy, music and romance. This week, comedian Ayo Edebiri (Iconography podcast) returns to discuss Gugu Mbatha-Raw’s career trajectory, viral realism, wearing the Larry Crowne and Ayo's work as the unofficial showrunner for The Kominsky Method.
|
Aug 23, 2020 |
|
The Secret Life of Bees with Jourdain Searles
8178
A coming-of age story. Racism in America. Complex connections to motherhood. The Secret Life of Bees adaptation had a lot of themes to tackle. This week we look back to 2008 and compare the strengths and weaknesses of Prince-Bythewood’s biggest commercial success. Critic, comedian and co-host (Bad Romance Podcast) Jourdain Searles returns to talk meeting celebrities at the worst moments, Hollywood’s attempts to depict the south, and underrated Queen Latifah performances.
|
Aug 16, 2020 |
|
Love & Basketball with Carl Tart
8393
It’s rare we get to start a mini-series with a classic. 20 years after its release, Gina Prince-Bythewood’s directorial debut still stands the test of time as a top-tier cinematic love story. This week’s all about Love and Basketball (2000), which would set the tone for her career. But what’s the story that led her there? Carl Tart (The Good Place, Comedy Bang Bang) joins as we discuss how Sanaa Lathan fought for her big break, the impact of seeing a romance between two Black leads on the big screen (and VHS), and confuse Griffin with WNBA and NBA stats.
|
Aug 09, 2020 |
|
Julie & Julia with Romilly Newman
7926
Alas, our Nora Ephron series has come to an end! For our last ep, we’re happy we get to end on a high note and a touch of the Tucc… with 2009’s Julie & Julia. Returning to not only offer her chef expertise but share but how this movie molded her life is noted sister, Romilly Newman! We talk Meryl Streep’s Oscar nomination, why Amy Adams’ half works just as well, and why this film encapsulates Nora’s career so perfectly. Stay tuned ‘til the end for our rankings and announcement about our next series!
|
Aug 02, 2020 |
|
Bewitched with Dana Schwartz
9049
Years were spent trying to figure out the perfect way to bring back the 60s sitcom, Bewitched. The result was a confusing, critical bomb. How do you go wrong with a hot Oscar winner, SNL star, a handful of Daily Show correspondents, and the Ephron sisters? Blank Check attempts to find out. Dana Schwartz joins #thetwofriends to discuss 2005's Bewitched! Plus, a special bonus interview with Alex Ross Perry and Jason Schwartzman on his experience working with Nora Ephron.
|
Jul 26, 2020 |
|
Lucky Numbers with Alex Ross Perry
9903
It’s an extra-sized episode featuring director Alex Ross Perry for this strange film about lotteries or something. Which Seinfeld characters are the Two Friends, Ben, and Ang? What awesome tidbits did Alex pick up from the Lucky Numbers commentary? What are the merits of the films of all the other Friends (from Friends)?
The Seinfeld theme is composed by Jonathan Wolff. |
Jul 19, 2020 |
|
You've Got Mail with Bobby Finger & Lindsey Weber
7213
AOL may have aged out but has this classic rom-com? We invited Who? Weekly's very own Lindsey Weber and Bobby Finger to discuss another Nora Ephron box office hit–You've Got Mail (1998). We get into the all-star cast with Tom Hanks, Meg Ryan, Dave Chapelle, Greg Kinnear, Parker Posey, meet cutes, and Nora's New York City.
|
Jul 12, 2020 |
|
Michael with Kevin Porter
7853
This week, Blank Check tackles one of film’s greatest mysteries, John Travolta’s career in the 90s. In Michael (1996), he plays an angel who visits earth to bring people together, but get this…he’ a bad boy! With the cast rounded out with Andie MacDowell, William Hurt, Bob Hoskins and of course, Sparky the dog, it did well at the box office but where does it land in the scope of Nora’s career? Kevin Porter (Good Christian Fun, Gilmore Guys) joins!
|
Jul 05, 2020 |
|
Mixed Nuts with Charles Rogers
6470
The friends are joined by Search Party director Charles Rogers to discuss this mixed bag of mixed messages of a Christmas movie that shows maybe Norah Ephron can't do black comedies. Don't worry if you haven't seen it, because this is mostly an extensive discussion about Steve Martin's career, Liev Schreiber being great in drag, and the Sondheim musical Assassins.
Check out Search Party Season 3 on HBO Max, RIGHT NOW! For the month of June we will be spotlighting groups dedicated to and run by Black trans and non-binary people who need our help. This week's organization is:
The Marsha P. Johnson Institute
|
Jun 28, 2020 |
|
Sleepless in Seattle with Katey Rich
8850
Only Nora Ephron could make a rom-com where the leads interact for 2 minutes an instant classic. The BC crew makes a Tom and Meg inspired long distance call to Katey Rich (Vanity Fair) for Ephron's sophomore hit, Sleepless in Seattle (1993). We get into how rom-coms have risen and fallen, the lure of cool boat houses, and the enigma that is Chet Hanks.
For the month of June we will be spotlighting groups dedicated to and run by Black trans and non-binary people who need our help.
This week's organization is:
|
Jun 21, 2020 |
|
This Is My Life with Michelle Collins
6477
"Everything is copy." is the code Ephron lived by and no film fit that better than her directorial debut, This is My Life (1992). After the success of When Harry Met Sally, Nora and Delia Ephron teamed up for a comedy about two sisters and their mother's rise on the comedy scene in NYC. Comedian and host of Sirius' The Michelle Collins Show, Michelle Collins, joins to talk Julie Kavner's career, realistic movie standup, and weird child actors.
For the month of June we will be spotlighting groups dedicated to and run by Black trans and non-binary people who need our help.
This week's organization is:
The Emergency Release Fund
@release_fund
|
Jun 14, 2020 |
|
When Harry Met Sally... with Dana Stevens
8495
It laid the groundwork for her entire film career. It set the mold for every rom-com that followed. Though it wasn’t her directorial debut, you just don’t do Nora Ephron without covering When Harry Met Sally. We invited Slate critic and podcast host Dana Stevens (Culture Gabfest, Flashback) to discuss the 1989 classic and ask the big questions. How is Billy Crystal so damn charming? Which Meg Ryan hairstyle is best? And most importantly...can men and women be friends???
|
Jun 07, 2020 |
|
Stargate
7211
It's a Ben's Choice bay-bee! Dry, dusty tombs ✓ Crazy convoluted tech ✓ Vast intergalactic conspiracies? ✓✓✓ 1994's Stargate really does have it all. This week Ben gets to makes his case for this Egyptian/Sci-Fi Roland Emmerich cult favorite, and why it's best viewed from a porch.
|
May 31, 2020 |
|
Twilight Zone: Nightmare at 20,000 Feet
4042
You're entering a world of a b-b-b-bonus ep! We couldn't wrap up George Miller series without covering the totally bizarre Twilight Zone: The Movie (1983). We specifically dive into Miller's remake of the Serling/Shatner classic, his talent for chaotic action, and Lithgow's oddball career. Stay tuned as we announce the director for our next series!
|
May 28, 2020 |
|
Mad Max: Fury Road with Emily Yoshida
7565
Emily Yoshida (Night Call podcast) joins #thetwofriends to discuss George Miller's magnum opus Mad Max: Fury Road. Together they examine the masterful world building, the flawed leadership of Immortan Joe, lumps, the performances of Charlize Theron, Tom Hardy, Nicholas Hoult and so much more!
SFX: "VVZ-A#3-2.wav" by sorohanro; "Vuvuzela-04.wav" by theTone; "horror ambience 07.wav" by klankbeeld. Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0 License. |
May 24, 2020 |
|
Happy Feet Two with Sara Rubin
5854
Visual artist Sara Rubin joins BC this week to discuss Miller’s second dancing penguin movie! Together with #thetwofriends they breakdown the billing order, question if krill are sea monkeys and try to guess the tagline to movie Surf’s Up.
|
May 17, 2020 |
|
Happy Feet with Caitlin Durante
6496
Caitlin Durante (The Bechdel Cast) joins #thetwofriends to discuss Miller's first foray into animation with 2006's Happy Feet.
|
May 10, 2020 |
|
Babe: Pig in the City with Travis McElroy
6716
Who is 1998's Babe: Pig in the City for? Is it for kids? Stoners? Four grown adults attempting to navigate a national pandemic? This is the question Travis McElroy (My Brother, My Brother and Me, Adventure Zone, Run: A Doctor Who Fancast) poses to the BC crew this week. We defend and analyze another George Miller death city, robot chimp babies, and why Siskel went out on a high note. That'll do.
|
May 03, 2020 |
|
Lorenzo's Oil with Bilge Ebiri
7760
Hard to believe we're already halfway through our George Miller series! This week Bilge Ebiri (Vulture) returns to talk about one of his favorite films, 1992's Lorenzo's Oil. Starring Susan Sarandon and Nick Nolte...with an Italian accent that somehow works...Oil may have disappointed at the box office but still got a screenplay and best actress Oscar nomination. Turns out medical dramas really work when they're made by actual doctors...who happen to be as talented as George Miller.
|
Apr 26, 2020 |
|
The Witches of Eastwick with K. Austin Collins
7206
Film critic K. Austin Collins (Vanity Fair) returns to Blank Check for an episode covering 1987’s fantasy comedy, The Witches of Eastwick. Together with #thetwofriends they discuss author John Updike’s original novel, how producer Jon Peters tried shoehorning an alien into the film, assign themselves which witch they would be and Griffin defines what a ‘movie movie’ is.
|
Apr 19, 2020 |
|
Mad Max Beyond Thunderdome with David Ehrlich
7572
Together, #thetwofriends and returning guest David Ehrlich (IndieWire) talk about not just the Thunderdome, but go beyond to examine Tina Turner’s filmography, why the children of the wasteland are 10x better than the Lost Boys of Hook, the Toy Story 3 song “We Belong Together” and more!
|
Apr 12, 2020 |
|
Mad Max 2: The Road Warrior with Jon Gabrus
8190
Comedian, Jon Gabrus (High and Mighty) returns to discuss 1981’s sequel effort Mad Max 2: The Road Warrior. Together with #thetwofriends they examine the similarities between the Evil Dead and Mad Max franchises, dystopian future fashion justification, the career of actor Bruce Spence and American Gladiators. Plus, Ben has a shocking revelation.
|
Apr 05, 2020 |
|
Mad Max
6496
Witness Blank Check because this week, Griffin and David ride towards Valhalla and into a new mini series on the films of George Miller! Together they examine Miller’s medical background, the early camera and stunt work of Mad Max that Miller would continue to develop and refine, and more.
|
Mar 29, 2020 |
|
5th Anniversary Special
8335
Griffin, David, Ben and Ang each from their own apartments celebrated Blank Check’s anniversary with a look back at some favorite moments and reflect upon these past five years. Plus, messages from past and future guests of the show!
|
Mar 22, 2020 |
|
Justin Timberlake + The Tennessee Kids
4004
B-b-b-bonus Jonas, David and Griffin do a Jonathan Demme wrap-up with his last full-length music documentary. What is David's extensive background with Timberlake concerts? How much does Griffin dislike Timberlake? Is he actually funny or is that all Andy Samberg? And how do musicians keep from exhausting themselves on stage?
|
Mar 19, 2020 |
|
Ricki and the Flash with Bobby Finger & Lindsey Weber
6991
Who? Weekly hosts Bobby Finger and Lindsey Weber talk about Demme's last film, written by Diablo Cody. But they really just want to talk about Tully. It's a film about dead beat [get it? BEAT??] Moms with Meryl's real daughter, and Griffin is so laid back he has his microphone in his lap. What works for Wild Rose that doesn't work for this film? Can we talk about her INSANE TATTOO FOR A SECOND? And what's the best place to watch this movie?
|
Mar 15, 2020 |
|
A Master Builder with John Hodgman
7434
David, Griffin, and self-made man of letters John Hodgman have to deal with Ragnar in this weird weird weird adaptation of a Henrik Ibsen play - and by adaptation, we mean they just took the play and filmed it in a house in Nyack. But instead of talking about the not so great film, get ready for more rants about Cars 2 (WHAT IS MONEY HOW DOES THIS WORK?) and the explanation of how Playmobil the Movie happened without anyone noticing. Also, in no way was this episode accidentally deleted and hastily re-recorded at the last minute.
SFX: "Sizzling" by JasonElrod. Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 4.0 License. |
Mar 08, 2020 |
|
Rachel Getting Married with Ayo Edibiri and Olivia Craighead
7689
From Iconography, Ayo Edibiri and Olivia Craighead join Griffin and special guest the crypt keeper that is gravelly-voiced David. Get ready for a movie surprisingly starring Sebastian Stan, and a 20-minute long story about the saga of Marc Summers. How many sitcoms were about dads that are also another thing? How much family trauma comes out at a wedding? How muddy is this film?
|
Mar 01, 2020 |
|
The Manchurian Candidate with the Flop House: Dan McCoy, Stuart Wellington, and Elliott Kalan
6867
The Flop House joins Blank Check to talk about this remake that was like okay, but definitely better than the last Demme remake. Is Meryl good or weird? Why is a pack of cards so sexy? How many films and TV shows are there about last men? How do you get rid of ants? What mysteries are still left unanswered? And what does the Flop House think about Trolls the Experience?
SFX: "Organ" by caquet; "movietheatreambience" by NoiseCollector; "curtain on rail" by Khanyi_190188; and "COUCH - falling on couch" by Jay6Waza. Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 4.0 License.
|
Feb 23, 2020 |
|
Birds of Prey with Ang Ferraguto, Emma Stefansky, Ashleigh Heaton, and Preeti Chhibber
7375
No boys allowed, although gender is a construct. It's an all-women special! Ang Ferraguto is joined by Emma Stefansky, Ashleigh Heaton, and Preeti Chhibber. This PodSkwad is NOT here to complain about Star Wars, but to talk about this women-powered DC movie full of hammers and hair ties, fun guns and fun outfits, and women helping women by kicking ass. How can you tell this was made by a woman? And which psychopaths are Griffin and David? #Let men have nipples.
|
Feb 16, 2020 |
|
The Truth About Charlie with David Lowery
7645
Director and filmmaker David Lowery joins the two friends to talk about a weird remake of an Audrey Hepburn movie, except bad, starring Mark Wahlberg in his self-described worst role. There are insane hat choices and a very long ballroom scene. What was the last video game that Lowery played? Why is Tom Cruise wearing Ugg boot? How does Ted Levine die? And what film did Lowry review and later realize he hadn't actually seen? THIS MOVIE HONKS!
|
Feb 09, 2020 |
|
The Fifth Annual Blank Check Awards with Joe Reid
6093
Griffin and David welcome back Joe Reid for the 5th annual Blankie Awards where together they present their own personal nominations and winners for the upcoming 92nd Academy Awards. This roundtable discussion looks at all the major categories, as well as, references deep cut cinema from 2019 you may have missed.
|
Feb 02, 2020 |
|
Beloved with Jourdain Searles
7420
Co-host of the bad romance podcast , freelance writer for thrillist and bitch media Jourdain Searles joins the cast to talk about the team-up that no one saw coming, Oprah and Demme. The two friends and guest talk about the sexiness of the pepper beard and facial ombre, the Fifty Shades series, and thandie newton again (for the first time?) Plus, what might another Toni Morrison adaptation look like? Why was Ryan Gosling fired from The Lovely Bones? What are the 21 bridges in 21 Bridges? And why doesn't this movie have more ghost stuff?
|
Jan 26, 2020 |
|
Philadelphia with Richard Lawson
7913
Writer Richard Lawson joins the boys to talk about this WEIRD but poignant film that is actually streaming on Netflix. Why didn't they just make Tom Hanks whole family hate him? And who better to sing about the streets of Philadelphia than Bruce Springsteen? Plus a >>special<< merch spotlight.
|
Jan 19, 2020 |
|
Silence of the Lambs with Emily Vanderwerff
9176
The two friends are joined by prolific writer Emily Vanderweff to talk about the most influential movie that BC has covered - except for Fletch of course. It's so influential there are TOO MANY BITS! What's Emily's take on what all Demme movies are about? What could Hannibal lector have looked like if it was a different actor? And a special shoutout to all our cannibal psychologist listeners!
|
Jan 12, 2020 |
|
Married to the Mob with Ang Ferraguto
8294
She's MARRIED to the MOB. Now that we have that out of the way, get ready for 25 minutes of discussion about the Kids Choice Awards. Which Marvel movie would work directed by Scorsese? Why in the world is everyone fighting over Ed Begley, Jr. when Michelle Pfeiffer is so much better? What was everyone's shit job in New York? And find out why Ang is so perfect to guest on this episode.
|
Jan 05, 2020 |
|
The Rise of Skywalker
8744
On the week of its release in December of 2019, Griffin, David, and special guest Ang Ferraguto discussed Star Wars Episode IX: The Rise of Skywalker.
|
Dec 22, 2019 |
|
Something Wild with Scott Aukerman
7973
From Comedy Bang Bang and the new film Between Two Ferns: The Movie, Scott Auckerman joins the two friends to talk about people who talk funny and that's their job now. What films did Ray Liotta think were stupid? Where did Sue Tissue, the original Manic Pixie Dream Girl, disappear to? Does Blue Velvet make sense if you miss the first few minutes? And how much did Jeff Daniels get paid to be in Dumb and Dumber?
|
Dec 15, 2019 |
|
Stop Making Sense with Demi Adejuyigbe
8013
Everyone wants to get to the pod with guest Demi Adejuyigbe, where The Blank Check Boys talk about Demme's Concert Film with the Talking Heads. What shows should get gritty reboots? Why did concert films stop existing? What is the song Heaven about (what isn't it about?) Have you seen DJ Khaled's Slack channel? And what would David Byrne sound like ordering a Bacon, Egg, and Cheese? One of the great things is that there's no talking heads about the Talking Heads, it's just a great show.
SFX: "Lock: Unlock" by cemagar. Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 4.0 License. |
Dec 08, 2019 |
|
Swing Shift
6027
What in the world is going on with this film that has two versions - of which the good one is not available anywhere? What is the titular "Shift" actually referring to? What happens when two stars - gasp - fall in love? And why are Griff and Dave so off their game in a strange new studio? Find out all this and more in this episode of DEMME CONFESSIONALS.
SFX: "SL50 Focus Lock" by sonoplastico; "Audio Cassette Tape Open Close Play Stop" by Bertrof; and "One Beep" by kwahmah_02. Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 4.0 License. |
Dec 01, 2019 |
|
Melvin and Howard (and Jordan Hoffman)
7380
Finally, we get to the good Demme movies with film critic Jordan Hoffman. The partially true story of a guy who thinks Howard Hughes is gonna leave him money. What made Griffin almost cry (and not in frustration)? What is an animated movie actually and is it for children? What game shows attracted the weirdest contestants. Why isn't there a good movie where someone's telling someone to go get their shine box? And what's your favorite Airplane joke?
Music selection: "Night on the Docks" by Kevin MacLeod. Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 4.0 License. |
Nov 24, 2019 |
|
Citizens Band/ Last Embrace with Justin McElroy
6939
Guest Justin McElroy is gonna be mad he volunteered to do any film when Griff and David talk about Demme's first two tries at "real" movies after his Roger Korman saga. The trio talk about CB, or "Citizen's Band," and Last Embrace, a surprisingly Judaic Thriller. The films contain oddly touching birthday party scenes, IMDB spoilers, children named Blood, and the introduction of heavy concepts that are never dealt with. Did Ben Kingsley win an Oscar? What's Justin's 30-second Tim Robbins story? Also what is Mandy Patinkin, the Patinkiest, doing in this movie?
|
Nov 17, 2019 |
|
Caged Heat/ Crazy Mama/ Fighting Mad
7122
It’s the first episode of a new mini-series. You voted for him, you’ve only yourself to blame for JONATHAN DEMME. Probably one of the directors with the most range of films - from rom coms to serious dramas - Griffin and David start with the first three of his films, each a strange genre movie: Caged Heat about a prison break; Crazy Mama about women doing crimes; and Fighting Mad which pits farmers vs coal companies. What is the appeal of women’s prison movies? Literally what is Michael Richards doing all day? Can art be non-political nowadays? And what exactly makes Demme SO iconic that he’s such an influencer?
|
Nov 10, 2019 |
|
The Kingdom of Dreams and Madness
3783
On a special b-b-b-b-bonus episode, Griffin and David review the 2013 documentary that offers a rare look into the behind-the-scenes of Studio Ghibli. They also discuss Dilbert, HBO Max acquiring the exclusive streaming rights of the Studio Ghibli library and offer up their rankings of Miyazaki's filmography.
|
Nov 07, 2019 |
|
The Wind Rises
6309
On the final episode of our mini series devoted to the filmography of Hayao Miyazaki, #thetwofriends discuss 2014's The Wind Rises. Together they examine Miyazaki's relationship to aviation, existential crises like the meaning of life, the controversy surrounding this film and more!
|
Nov 03, 2019 |
|
Ponyo on the Cliff with Shirley Li
7359
Writer, Shirley Li (The Atlantic) joins Griffin & David to discuss 2008's better Little Mermaid, Ponyo on the Cliff! Together they examine Ponyo's love of ham/Sosuke, offer up fresh Men In Black International takes, present life hacks such as bringing a fish back to life with vodka and yes, the dog is off the leash.
|
Oct 27, 2019 |
|
Gemini Man
5667
On the week of its release in October of 2019, Griffin and David discussed Gemini Man. Together they examine the performances of old and young Will Smith, Ang Lee's second attempt shooting at the high frame rate of 120 fps and in 3D and a young Benedict Wong.
|
Oct 20, 2019 |
|
Joker
6584
HA HA HA! On the week of its release in October of 2019, Griffin and David discussed Joker. Together they examine all the unearned controversy surrounding the film, Todd Phillips' career, the performances of Joaquin Phoenix and Robert De Niro, the portrayal of a gritty 1970's New York City and more!
Music Selection: "Entrance of the Gladiators" by Julius Fučík |
Oct 13, 2019 |
|
Howl's Moving Castle with David Ehrlich
7883
David Ehrlich (IndieWire) returns for our mini-series' namesake episode on 2014's walking castle fantasy, Howl's Moving Castle! Together they examine analog versus digital animation effects, a talking fire, being a bird warrior and more!
|
Oct 06, 2019 |
|
Spirited Away with David Rees
9056
Humorist, David Rees, returns to Blank Check discuss one of the greatest animated films of all time, Spirited Away. Together they examine dream logic, Shrek, David Rees presents an important review of Spirited Away from Nigel Andrews at the Financial Times and plenty more!
|
Sep 29, 2019 |
|
Princess Mononoke with Griffin McElroy
6985
Griffin McElroy (My Brother, My Brother and Me, The Adventure Zone) joins #thetwofriends to discuss 1997's eco-friendly adventure, Princess Mononoke! Together they examine melting giant evil spaghetti boars, bones, tasty immortality heads, being raised by wolves and more!
Plus, check out The Adventure Zone's new book, Murder on the Rockport Limited! Music is "Cool Hard Facts" by Kevin MacLeod. Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0 License. |
Sep 22, 2019 |
|
Porco Rosso with Justin Charity
7979
Justin Charity (The Ringer) joins Griffin and David to discuss 1992's flying pig, Porco Rosso. Together they examine fascism, Space Camp, turning into a pig and more.
|
Sep 15, 2019 |
|
Kiki's Delivery Service with Caroline Framke
6342
Caroline Framke (Variety) joins #thetwofriends to discuss 1989's coming-of-age witch tale, Kiki's Delivery Service. Together they examine fish in pies, being a delivery witch, the Jumanji: The Next Level trailer (spoilers!) and that time Griffin met Lorne Michaels.
|
Sep 08, 2019 |
|
My Neighbor Totoro with J.D. Amato
8491
J.D. Amato returns to discuss the 1988's acclaimed childhood tale, My Neighbor Totoro. Together they examine subs vs dubs, collecting limited edition merchandise and J.D. calls David and Producer Ben to apologize!
|
Sep 01, 2019 |
|
Castle in the Sky with Emily Yoshida
8162
Emily Yoshida returns to discuss 1986's Castle in the Sky! But what is the appeal of a Miyazaki film? Is 'chaotic good' a Miyazaki character type? A kind moss robot we stan? Together with the #thetwofriends they examine large adult sky pirate sons, going ham and eggs, Angus the movie, the Studio Ghibli theme park and more!
Music selection by: "Digital Mk. 2" by Tri-Tachyon. Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 4.0 License. |
Aug 25, 2019 |
|
Nausicaä of the Valley of the Wind with Lulu Wang
7121
Writer/director Lulu Wang joins #thetwofriends to discuss Nausicaä of the Valley of the Wind, as well as, her recent film The Farewell.
|
Aug 18, 2019 |
|
The Castle of Cagliostro
6661
This week marks the beginning of a new series on the films of director Hayao Miyazaki! Together they present a brief background of Miyazaki, explore the history of Lupin the 3rd franchise, debate what DJ Khaled actually does and more!
|
Aug 11, 2019 |
|
Blackhat with Bilge Ebiri
7040
Film critic, Bilge Ebiri, joins #thetwofriends to discuss 2015's hacker flop Blackhat.
|
Aug 04, 2019 |
|
Miami Vice - Pilot Episode
4756
Griffin and David review the 1984 Miami Vice television series pilot entitled "Brother's Keeper" in a special b-b-b-b-bonus episode, reference the term 'podfade' from a recent New York Times article and examine the careers of Don Johnson and Philip Michael Thomas.
|
Aug 01, 2019 |
|
Public Enemies with Fran Hoepfner
5462
Writer, Fran Hoepfner joins #thetwofriends to discuss 2009's gritty bank robber romance, Public Enemies. Together they examine the merits of the phrase dumb egg, a vaping incident, pulling a classic “Chewbacca” and was Christian Bale nominated for David’s ‘Hard to Make the 5’ list?
[Editor's Note: Due to equipment failure the last 30 minutes of the episode were cut. Sorry for the disruption.] |
Jul 28, 2019 |
|
The Lion King
6901
On the week of its release in July of 2019, Griffin and David discussed The Lion King. Together they examine the photorealism angle, Disney’s legacy, as well as, the recent Cats trailer and the dawn of digital fur technology.
|
Jul 21, 2019 |
|
Miami Vice
9191
Are you a fiend for mojitos? We are. Grab your shades and grease back your hair cause Blank Check is discussing 2006’s film remake of Miami Vice! Together they examine the storied history of this production, the performances of Colin Farrell and Jamie Foxx, grenade rules, casting Russell Crowe as Donkey Kong and more!
|
Jul 14, 2019 |
|
Collateral with Katey Rich
6152
#thetwofriends welcome back Katey Rich (Vanity Fair) to discuss 2004's Cruise/Foxx thriller Collateral. Together they examine the initial casting of Adam Sandler as the cab driver, as well as, the entire cast's excellent performances, contemplate a coyote and more.
|
Jul 07, 2019 |
|
Ali with Jamelle Bouie
7548
This week, Jamelle Bouie (The New York Times) joins to discuss 2001’s unorthodox biopic, Ali. Together they examine the relationship between Ali and sports broadcaster Howard Cosell, the Peter Newman interview, Will Smith and the rest of the excellent cast's performances and so much more. Plus, Jamelle tries the Spies in Disguise challenge!
|
Jun 30, 2019 |
|
The Insider with Andy Levy
8577
This week, Andy Levy joins Griffin and David to discuss 1999's 60 Minutes biopic, The Insider. Together they examine the performances of Al Pacino, Russell Crowe, and Christopher Plummer, go off on a The Good Shepherd tangent, present some Joe Camel casting options and more!
|
Jun 23, 2019 |
|
Heat with Jon Gabrus
9518
Comedian Jon Gabrus joins Griffin and David for an epic conversation on 1995's Cops and Robbers aren't so different movie, Heat. But what did director William Friedkin call Al Pacino in his biography? Is someone reading a metal making book at the bar mysterious? Who is the legendary Craig Castaldo AKA Radio Man? Together they examine the performances of Al Pacino and Robert DeNiro, Dad cinema, the diner scene and more!
|
Jun 16, 2019 |
|
The Last of the Mohicans with Dana Stevens
6758
Dana Stevens (Slate) joins Griffin and David to discuss 1992's new world frontier adaptation, The Last of the Mohicans. Together they examine Mann and Daniel Day-Lewis spending a month in the forest of North Carolina learning the skills and tools needed to survive in the eighteenth-century wilderness, the legacy of character "Natty" Bumppo, the films of Buster Keaton and more!
|
Jun 09, 2019 |
|
Manhunter with Chris Cabin and Eric Szyszka
7540
This week, Chris Cabin and Eric Szyszka of the We Hate Movies podcast joins Griffin and David to discuss the original Hannibal Lecter film: 1986's Manhunter. But what motivated producer Dino De Laurentiis to scrap the adapted title Red Dragon in favor of Manhunter? Did Michael Mann's research involve becoming pen pals with an incarcerated murderer? Is poet and painter William Blake's Great Red Dragon on fleek? Together they examine the performances of William Petersen and Brian Cox, the work of novelist Thomas Harris and the complete Lecter-verse (including Hannibal Rising), Walt Disney’s frozen head and serial killer home design aesthetics.
|
Jun 02, 2019 |
|
The Keep with Alex Ross Perry
9541
Alex Ross Perry (Her Smell) returns to Blank Check to discuss 1983's The Keep. But is this technically a movie? Why is there an extended tangent about the TV show Bones? Is there a movie where anyone eats pizza before E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial? Together they discuss the Mount Rushmore of 1980s: Verhoeven, Schrader, De Palma and Friedkin, the creator of the Moviefone and also talk about The Keep.
|
May 26, 2019 |
|
Thief
6838
Five months ago Blank Check began the Tim Burton mini-series. This week, though, marks a new director and a NEW mini-series with the filmography of one Michael Mann! Starting us of is the 1981 jewel stealing neo-noir, Thief. But were there literal wanted criminals on the set of this movie? Is James Cann the best at Twitter? What is Mann's top 10 Sight & Sound and is there a strange contemporary outlier? Together Griffin and David examine Michael Mann's background, the performances of Cann, Robert Prosky and Willie Nelson and spend some time on Dennis Farina's mustache.
Music: "ShortSwingwav." by Valentin Sosnitskiy. Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0 License http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/
|
May 19, 2019 |
|
Pokémon: Detective Pikachu with Dan Hernandez & Benji Samit
7429
On the week of it's release in May of 2019, Blank Check invited screenwriters of Detective Pikachu, Dan Hernandez & Benji Samit, to offer a behind-the-scenes look into the development and writing process of this film! But what other media influenced elements of the story structure? What are Griffin and David's favorite Pokémon? How long did it take writer and director Steven E. de Souza to write Street Fighter? Together they examine fandom theory, world building, video game movies and explore the credit process and arbitration process.
|
May 12, 2019 |
|
Assassin's Creed
6659
This week is a special Ben's Choice episode. He selected 2016's excellent video game adaptation, Assassin's Creed. But is it very good? Yes. Do they talk about apples? YES! Is there a lot of discussion about Marion Cotillard believing this project was a documentary? YEAH!!! Together they examine the huge role Michael Fassbender played in this production, Justin Kurzel's moody directing, this film's relationship to the video game franchise and parkour. Plus, #thetwofriends announce the next 2 directors Blank Check will be covering in upcoming mini series!
|
May 05, 2019 |
|
Dumbo with Karen Han
7882
Karen Han (Polygon) returns to discuss 2019’s Dumbo! But what member of Blank Check likes a bossy girl? Was actor Brendan Hines insecure about the fact that he might be too conventionally handsome to be a Karen's Boy? What should happen to bad elephant boys? Together they examine Disney trailers and critical predictions, frozen heads, Sims gets very mad about his boy Colin and they offer up their Burton rankings.
|
Apr 28, 2019 |
|
Miss Peregrine's Home for Peculiar Children with Emma Stefansky
6194
Writer, Emma Stefansky (Thrillist), joins Griffin and David to talk about 2016's fantasy flop: Miss Peregrine's Home for Peculiar Children. Together they examine the peculiarities of the children, the novel by Ransom Riggs, crossbows and famous people who are EVEN hotter in person.
|
Apr 21, 2019 |
|
Big Eyes with Richard Lawson
6559
Richard Lawson returns to discuss the late-Burton effort: 2014's Big Eyes. But why are the eyes so big? Should Christoph Waltz be the star of his own network TV sitcom? How did Burton pull off making the focus of this movie about the main character's abuser? Together they examine the eyes (which are big), Margaret Keane's history and Alita: Battle Angel (which is also known as Big Eyes 2.)
Plus, check out past (and future) guests Richard and Joanna Robinson's podcast Still Watching: Game of Thrones.
|
Apr 14, 2019 |
|
Dark Shadows with Jamie Loftus
6184
This week on Blank Check, comedian Jamie Loftus The Bechdel Cast discusses 2012's goth soap opera, Dark Shadows. But has Timmy "the boy from Burbank" Burton become the hill man in his later years? Where is Sullyville located in America? Why does the climatic fight scene only further reinforce ones disliking of Depp? Together they examine Jamie's history with the original series, Hot Topic's influence, the problem with Deadpool being someone's favorite comedian and Alfred Molina we stan.
|
Apr 07, 2019 |
|
Alice in Wonderland with Todd VanDerWerff
6891
Griffin and David welcome back Todd VanDerWerff (Vox) to discuss 2010's CGI fantasy Alice in Wonderland! Together they examine Burton's greatest failure.
|
Mar 31, 2019 |
|
Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street with Michael Cerveris
6636
Tony award winning actor, Michael Cerveris, joins Griffin and David to discuss 2007's film adaption of the renowned Stephen Sondheim musical, Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street. Why did Tim Burton cut The Ballad of Sweeney Todd? Does Michael have a take on National Treasure: Book of Secrets? Timothy Spall goes big? Together they examine how the film holds up against the live production, the trailer lacking singing, letter writing with Sondheim and Michael's experience portraying Sweeney Todd in the 2005 Broadway revival.
|
Mar 24, 2019 |
|
Charlie and the Chocolate Factory with Pilot Viruet
8081
Writer, Pilot Viruet returns to Blank Check to discuss 2005's remake, Charlie and the Chocolate Factory. But, at one point, were Al Pacino and Robert De Niro considering doing a Willy Wonka picture? What are the gang's Peter Farrelly rankings? What do you call a doctor’s jacket? Together they examine the four grandparents in bed, the trained squirrels and more!
|
Mar 17, 2019 |
|
Big Fish with Chris Gethard
8518
Chris Gethard Beautiful/Anonymous podcast returns to Blank Check to discuss 2003's father and son fantasy, Big Fish. And also, to talk about Star Wars some more. But does Big Fish's ending pay out like a slot machine? Was 2003 the year Steven Spielberg and Tim Burton culturally flip-flopped? What are some of the nerd perks offered at the new Star Wars hotels? Together, they spend 2+ hours examining the performances of the cast including Albert Finney and Billy Crudup, motorcycle cages, which vignette to cut out of this movie, and of course Mr. Soggybottom.
|
Mar 10, 2019 |
|
Planet of the Apes with Matt Singer
6586
Film critic, Matt Singer (ScreenCrush.com), joins Griffin and David to discuss 2001's universally maligned franchise reboot, Planet of the Apes. Together they examine Burton's missteps, Wahlberg's distain for being in this movie, the legacy of the original series and the devastation of a young Griffin Newman.
|
Mar 03, 2019 |
|
Sleepy Hollow with David Lowery
8824
Writer and director, David Lowery (The Old Man & the Gun, A Ghost Story) joins Griffin and David to discuss 1999's procedural horror, Sleepy Hollow. But when we die does the headless horseman come for us? Who are the cheek bone boys? Was Taylor Hicks a ten percenter? Together they examine the work of Emmanuel Lubezki, babies with mustaches, CGI deer and the crypt keeper.
|
Feb 24, 2019 |
|
The Fourth Annual Blank Check Awards with Joe Reid
7445
Griffin and David welcome back Joe Reid for the 4th annual Blankie Awards where together they present their own personal nominations and winners for the upcoming 91st Academy Awards. This roundtable discussion looks at all the major categories, as well as, references deep cut cinema from 2018 you may have missed.
|
Feb 17, 2019 |
|
Mars Attacks! with Paul F. Tompkins
6593
Blank Check continues its mini-series covering the films of director Tim Burton with the alien invasion comedy, Mars Attacks! But what are the origins of development for this 1960's trading card IP? How does this movie compare to Independence Day 20 years later? Does David have a half-sister, and if so, why has she never been mentioned before? Joined by comedian, Paul F. Tompkins (BoJack Horsman), they discuss the various performances of this stacked ensemble cast, the unusual billing, face goop, Entourage the movie and extreme Burton stereotypes such as happy suburban people and haunted ghost children.
And be sure to check out Paul at Vancouver's Just for Laughs Festival Sunday, February 17th with 'Mr. Jackson & Mr. Tompkins: A Two-Gentleman Improv Show'!
|
Feb 10, 2019 |
|
Ed Wood with John Hodgman
7519
John Hodgman [Judge John Hodgman podcast](https://www.maximumfun.org/shows/judge-john-hodgman) joins Griffin and David to discuss 1994's celebration of Hollywood's greatest outcast, Ed Wood. Was this Burton's finest film? What is the history of Bela Lugosi and Boris Karloff careers portraying monsters? Is 'octopus motor' the greatest two words put together? Together they examine the legacy of director Ed Wood, attending one of the Property Brother's weddings, crumb bums, and Space: 1999.
[Vacationland: True Stories from Painful Beaches](https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/557020/vacationland-by-john-hodgman/9780735224827/) is now available in paperback.
|
Feb 03, 2019 |
|
Batman Returns with Emily Yoshida
6792
Emily Yoshida Night Call podcast is back to discuss 1992's demented superhero sequel, Batman Returns. But was this the first movie to notice Christopher Walken talks kind of funny? Is The Penguin's black mouth ooze attractive? Who are your favorite cloud villains? Together they examine the iconic performances from Danny DeVito and Michelle Pfeiffer, Batman as the love interest, parental backlash, and chubby digits.
Check out Emily Yoshida's recent articles for Vulture
|
Jan 27, 2019 |
|
Glass
7868
On the week of it’s release in January of 2019, Griffin and David discussed M. Night Shyamalan’s latest offering, Glass. But did the hosts find this film to be a “glassterpiece”? What is Papa executive privilege time? If you had to guess what would you say Samuel L. Jackson’s age would be? Together they try to make sense of why M. Night wanted to tell this particular story, recent Bruce Willis straight to Redbox movies and get retrospective on their two hundredth episode! Plus, a special supercut of Blankies reading Producer Ben’s many, many nicknames.
|
Jan 21, 2019 |
|
Edward Scissorhands with Julio Torres
6070
This week on Blank Check Julio Torres (Saturday Night Live) discusses 1990’s proto-Tumblr Frankenstein remake fantasy, Edward Scissorhands. But is Cole Sprouse the young Johnny Depp of 2019? Should one aspire to create an esoteric Halloween costume with their movie? Why won't they leave the clowns alone? Together they examine the career of legendary costume designer Colleen Atwood, Winnie the Pooh’s acting and joke writing in Christopher Robin, gorgeous improv and constructs.
|
Jan 13, 2019 |
|
Batman with K. Austin Collins
7160
Blank Check continues it’s mini series covering the films of director Tim Burton with the genre defining 1989 superhero movie, Batman. What was this film's impact on the industry for years to come? What other actors were in the running to play the Joker? Should Bruce Wayne wear jeans and turtlenecks? Joined by K. Austin Collins (Vanity Fair) together they examine the performances of Jack Nicholson and Michael Keaton, the history of the iconic character's intellectual property in film and television, how Prince came to be involved in the project and so much more!
|
Jan 06, 2019 |
|
Aquaman
7683
On the week of its release in December of 2018, Griffin and David discussed the latest offering in the DCEU: Aquaman. But how many Oscars did David throw at the screening? is Orm a name? Did Ben’s brain break? Together they examine director James Wan’s career, sea crime and the legacy of Aquaman over the years. This episode is sponsored by [Robinhood](http://check.robinhood.com) and [The /Filmcast](http://slashfilmcast.com).
And sign up for our [Patreon](https://www.patreon.com/blankcheck) to get access to exclusive monthly bonus content!
|
Dec 23, 2018 |
|
Beetlejuice with Rebecca Bulnes
7945
Friend and host of [Classroom Crush podcast](https://www.classroomcrush.com/), Rebecca Bulnes, joins Griffin and David to discuss 1988's masterpiece, Beetlejuice! But was this film nearly called Scared Sheetless? Is this Alec Baldwin at his most handsome? Does Rebecca want to date Beetlejuice? Together they examine the careers of Geena Davis, Catherine O'Hara and Michael Keaton, growing up as a goth snake girl and the greatness of pre-CGI Burton special effects and practical design. This episode is sponsored by [Brooklinen](https://brooklinen.com/) CODE: CHECK and [Bombfell](https://www.bombfell.com/check).
Plus, big announcement for 2019: Blank Check is launching a [Patreon](https://www.patreon.com/blankcheck)!
AND check out Producer Ben Hosley on a recent episode of [Classroom Crush](https://www.classroomcrush.com/episodes/2018/12/12/cant-quit-cray-with-ben-hosley-season-2-premiere)!
|
Dec 16, 2018 |
|
Pee-wee's Big Adventure
6586
This week Griffin and David begin a new mini-series on the films of Tim Burton! Together they discuss the origins of the character Pee-wee and Burton's background in animation and being a goth boy from Burbank, California. This episode is sponsored by: [Brooklinen](https://brooklinen.com) CODE: CHECK, [Talkspace](https://talkspace.com/check) and [We Hate Moves](http://www.whmpodcast.com/) podcast.
|
Dec 09, 2018 |
|
Ralph Breaks the Internet
8755
This week on Blank Check is a discussion of Wreck-it-Ralph and Ralph Breaks the Internet. Together, Griffin, David and Producer Ben examine the history of Disney Animation sequels, Chekhov’s Mentos, types of metals and the origins of Spies in Disguise. Plus, John Hodgman ([Vacationland](https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/557020/vacationland-by-john-hodgman/9780735224827/)) leaves a voicemail! This episode is sponsored by [Brooklinen](https://www.brooklinen.com) CODE: CHECK and [Legacybox](http://legacybox.com/check).
And check out new official Blank Check merch available at [TeePublic](https://www.teepublic.com/stores/blank-check)!
|
Dec 02, 2018 |
|
Home Again with Richard Lawson
7124
In the final special bonus episode of our mini-series on the films of Nancy Meyers, Griffin and David invite Richard Lawson (Vanity Fair) to weigh in on her daughter Hallie Meyers-Shyer’s directorial debut: Home Again. But what if boys were nice? Was this movie filmed exclusively inside a bottle of white zinfandel? What is the future of the romantic comedy in the major studio system? Together they discuss alternate realities, finding the next Sam Smith, Nancy Meyers’ involvement in inventing rap rock and Reese Witherspoon for mayor. This episode is sponsored by [Robinhood](http://check.robinhood.com).
Music selection:
“Parting of the Ways - Part 1” by [Kevin MacLeod](https://incompetech.com/)
Licensed under [Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0 License](https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/)
|
Nov 25, 2018 |
|
The Intern with Jamie Lee
6106
Comedian, writer and actor Jamie Lee (HBO's Crashing) joins Griffin and David to discuss Meyers’ most recent offering, 2015’s The Intern. But what was Griffin and Jamie’s experience auditioning for this movie? Why is the husband so lame and unlikable? Is there a bombshell in this edition of Romilly’s Kitchen Corner? Together they examine why Anne Hathaway rules, avoiding posterboard bits and what Nancy thinks of millennial men. This episode is sponsored by Threesome podcast on [Earwolf](https://www.earwolf.com/show/threedom/) and [Talkspace](https://www.talkspace.com/check) CODE: CHECK.
Crashing Season 3 returns to HBO in January. [Official Trailer:](https://youtu.be/aM7UWB4dfYY) And check out Jamie’s book [Weddiculous](http://www.weddiculousbook.com/) and her stand-up comedy album [“I mean…”](https://itunes.apple.com/ca/album/i-mean/1330549302)
Music selection:
“Morning Mandolin” by [Chris Haugen](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bdlYOofYQOs)
Licensed under [Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0 License](https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/)
|
Nov 18, 2018 |
|
It's Complicated with Sarah-Violet Bliss
6829
Writer/director Sarah-Violet Bliss (Search Party) joins Griffin and David to discuss 2009’s masterpiece, It's Complicated. But what are the two things everyone knows about Alec Baldwin? Who has the name Agnes anymore? Is it really complicated tho? Together they examine Meryl Streep’s singing voice, web cam flim flams and what this new kitchen fortress is going to look like. This episode is sponsored by [Green Chef](http://greenchef.com/check).
Music selection:
“Bushwick Tarentella” by [Kevin MacLeod](https://incompetech.com/)
Licensed under [Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0 License](https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/).
|
Nov 11, 2018 |
|
The Holiday with Fran Hoepfner
8752
Writer, Fran Hoepfner joins Griffin and David to discuss 2006’s house swap rom-com, The Holiday. But Is foreplay really overrated? Was John Krasinski in The Holiday the Adam Driver of Lincoln of 2006? Is Garden State the most iconic New Jersey movie because they go to Medieval Times and yell at a ditch? Together, they examine the careers of Cameron Diaz, Kate Winslet, Jack Black and Jude “Daddy” Law; Christmas in England; loving movie scores enough to make gibberish sounds in public places and Venom being SO rude. Plus, another Romilly’s Kitchen Corner, the classic segment ‘Checking in with Fran’ and ALOT of Eli Wallach talk. This episode is sponsored by [ZipRecruiter](http://www.ziprecruiter.com/blank), [eLiquid.com](http://www.eliquid.com/check30) (CODE: CHECK30) and [Legacy Box](http://www.legacybox.com/check)!
Music selections:
“Family Tree” by [Jahzzar](http://freemusicarchive.org/music/Jahzzar/)
“Weather Scanning” by [Lindsheaven Virtual Plaza](http://ailanthusrecordings.bandcamp.com)
Licensed under [Creative Commons: Attribution-ShareAlike 4.0 International License](https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/).
|
Nov 04, 2018 |
|
Something's Gotta Give with Bobby Finger
8195
Bobby Finger ([Who? Weekly podcast](https://www.whoweekly.us/)) returns to Blank Check for a discussion of 2003’s aging romance, Something's Gotta Give. Together they examine Bobby’s passion for Meyers’ films, Crazy Town’s “Butterfly” and the careers of Diane Keaton and Keanu Reeves. This episode is sponsored by [Brooklinen](https://www.brooklinen.com/) (CODE: CHECK), [Robinhood](http://check.robinhood.com/) and [Hims](https://www.forhims.com/blank).
Music Selection:
“BossaBossa” by [Kevin MacLeod](https://incompetech.com/)
Licensed under [Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0 License](http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/).
|
Oct 28, 2018 |
|
What Women Want with Lola Kirke
6090
Actress and singer-songwriter, Lola Kirke (Mozart in the Jungle) joins Griffin and David to discuss 2000’s high-concept rom-com, What Women Want. Together they examine the careers of Helen Hunt and Mel Gibson, the other benefits of electrocution and how this film holds up 18 years later after its release. This episode is sponsored by [Talkspace](https://talkspace.com/check) (CODE: CHECK) and [Amazon Prime Video](http://tryprimechannels.com/check).
And check out Lola Kirke’s new album [Heart Head West](http://www.smarturl.it/heartheadwest) and her starring role in the feature film, [Gemini](https://www.hulu.com/movie/gemini-f993a2e8-4b6a-455a-9965-ce725018801e).
Music selection:
“Mr. Man” from [freesfx.co.uk](https://www.freesfx.co.uk/music/). Licensed under [Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0 License](http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/).
|
Oct 21, 2018 |
|
The Parent Trap with Elena Lazic and Mani Lazic
7379
This week Blank Check begins our first ever “fans choice” mini series reviewing the filmography of director Nancy Meyers. Film critics, models and _IDENTICAL TWINS_ Elena and Mani Lazic join Griffin and David to discuss the 1998 remake of The Parent Trap. Together they discuss prank wars, Randy rosé and flying on the Concorde. This episode is sponsored by [ZipRecruiter](https://www.ziprecruiter.com/blank) and [Storm of Spoilers](https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/a-storm-of-spoilers-a-pop-culture-podcast/id952917333?mt=2).
Music Selection:
“Swinging in the 7th” by [Dana Boulé](http://freemusicarchive.org/music/Dana_Boule/)
Licensed under [Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0 License](https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/).
|
Oct 14, 2018 |
|
A Star Is Born
8135
On the week of it’s release in October of 2018, Griffin and David discussed A Star Is Born. This episode is sponsored by [Legacybox](https://legacybox.com/check), [RXBAR](https://www.rxbar.com/check) CODE: CHECK and [Dead Man Talking](https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/dead-man-talking/id1436700030?mt=2).
|
Oct 08, 2018 |
|
Space Jam with James Newman
8024
This week, James Newman joins Blank Check for another family edition episode to discuss the 1996 Michael Jordan and Looney Tunes crossover, Space Jam. This episode is sponsored by [Talkspace](https://talkspace.com/check) (CODE: CHECK), [Hims](https://www.forhims.com/blank) and [Robin Hood](https://check.robinhood.com/).
|
Sep 30, 2018 |
|
Chosen - The Hire
2816
Griffin and David review the Ang Lee directed short film, [Chosen](https://youtu.be/Z6azAviqGvs), created as part of the BMW film series "The Hire," rank Lee’s filmography and briefly examine Clive Owen’s career trajectory in 2001\. This episode is sponsored by [Storm of Spoilers](https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/a-storm-of-spoilers-a-pop-culture-podcast/id952917333?mt=2).
|
Sep 27, 2018 |
|
Billy Lynn's Long Halftime Walk with J.D. Amato
9243
Blank it, thank it! J.D. Amato (The President Show) returns, in the last episode of our mini series devoted to the filmography of director Ang Lee, to discuss 2016’s high frame rate Iraq War drama, Billy Lynn's Long Halftime Walk. But what makes this movie so revolutionary? What is the evolution of frame rates in film? Who are the shortest and the tallest actors according to IMDB? Together they examine the history of cameras from film to digital, the BIG3 basketball league and never doing an episode on The Happytime Murders. This episode is sponsored by [Away](https://www.awaytravel.com/check) CODE: CHECK, [Brooklinen](https://www.brooklinen.com/) CODE: CHECK and HowStuffWorks’ [The Soundtrack Show](https://www.soundtrackpodcast.com/).
For your very own “I Talked the Walk 2018” merch goto [TeePublic](https://www.teepublic.com/stores/blank-check)!
On Thursday, look out for our bonus episode on the Ang Lee directed short film [“Chosen”](https://youtu.be/Z6azAviqGvs) part of the BMW film series The Hire and then next week will begin our new mini series on the films of Nancy Meyers!
[David Sims’ Billy Lynn's Long Halftime Walk review on the Atlantic](https://www.theatlantic.com/entertainment/archive/2016/11/the-unreality-of-billy-lynns-long-halftime-walk/507449/)
|
Sep 23, 2018 |
|
Life of Pi with Ray Tintori
8396
Filmmaker Ray Tintori joins Griffin and David to discuss 2012’s Oscar award winning drama, Life of Pi. But was Tobey Maguire in an early cut of the movie wearing a terrible wig? Did Ray’s mother work as a script supervisor on this film? Does Ang Lee know about this podcast? Together, they examine the early stages of development for this project, working with VR technology and Griffin sets the record straight about his father.
This episode is sponsored by [Casper](https://www.casper.com/check) CODE: CHECK, Vanity Fair’s [Little Gold Men](https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/little-gold-men/id1042433465?mt=2) podcast and Abrams Books’ new release [Typeset in the Future: Typography and Design in Science Fiction Movies](https://www.abramsbooks.com/product/typeset-in-the-future_9781419727146/) by Dave Addey.
[Halon Entertainment - Life of Pi Previs Highlight Reel](https://vimeo.com/64898823)
[Dennis Hopper reading “If” by Rudyard Kipling on the Johnny Cash Show](https://youtu.be/T2LUbk_7uKg)
|
Sep 16, 2018 |
|
Taking Woodstock with Alex Ross Perry
9286
Writer and director Alex Ross Perry (Christopher Robin) returns to Blank Check to discuss 2009’s Taking Woodstock. But is this a comedy tho? Did this film win AARP’s Movies for Grownups Award for Best Grownup Love Story? Is the portrayal of an LSD experience accurate? Together they examine the career of Demetri Martin, a mysterious bucket of glitter, Sha Na Na and straight trippin’ boo. Plus, Griffin shares a Martin Scorsese Woodstock story and Alex brings the chocolate milk!
This episode is sponsored by [ZipRecruiter](https://www.ziprecruiter.com/blank) and Abrams Books’ new release [The Cohen Brothers: This Book Really Ties the Films Together](https://www.abramsbooks.com/product/coen-brothers_9781419727405/) by Adam Nayman and Produced by White Little Lies.
And look our for an upcoming screening of Alex Ross Perry’s new film, [Her Smell](https://www.imdb.com/title/tt7942742/), starring Elisabeth Moss, Cara Delevingne and Dan Stevens!
|
Sep 09, 2018 |
|
Lust, Caution with Chris Weitz
7140
Director, screenwriter and producer Chris Weitz (Rogue One: A Star Wars Story, The Twilight Saga: New Moon) joins Griffin and David to discuss 2007’s extreme erotic espionage period thriller: Lust, Caution. But what makes this NC-17 rated film a blank check? How was Tang Wei’s career affected after the release of this movie? Did one of the hosts go through a Jessica Alba phase and can the listeners guess who? Together they examine green lights in Hollywood, scoring films, Wetflix and foregrounding the mahjong. This episode is sponsored by [Hims](https://www.forhims.com/blank) and [the Bechdel Cast](https://www.bechdelcast.com/) on [HowStuffWorks](https://www.stuffmedia.com/).
And check out [Operation Finale](https://tickets.operationfinalefilm.com/) staring Ben Kingsley, Oscar Issac and directed by Chris Weitz!
|
Sep 02, 2018 |
|
Brokeback Mountain with Las Culturistas
6985
Comedians and the hosts of Las Culturistas podcast (foreverdogproductions.com) Matt Rogers and Bowen Yang join Griffin and David to discuss 2005’s western romance, Brokeback Mountain. Together they examine the careers of Heath Ledger and Jake Gyllenhaal, Oscar winners over the years and, of course, erasure. This episode is sponsored by [Away](https://www.awaytravel.com/blank) CODE: BLANK.
Go to [TeePublic](https://www.teepublic.com/stores/blank-check) for official Blank Check merch! Also help support Dresser Kittens at [dresser-kittens.myshopify.com/](https://dresser-kittens.myshopify.com/)
|
Aug 26, 2018 |
|
Hulk
8351
This week is all about 2003’s Hulk. The origins of this project. How Ang Lee played the Hulk on set. Our hosts favorite film genre: the bad dad Nick Nolte. The juxtaposition of serious and comic books in the filmmaking. How the hulk hands kid’s toy comes from a somber, meditative family drama about the way our fathers damage us. And the careers of Jennifer Connelly and Eric Bana. This episode is sponsored by [Brooklinen](https://www.brooklinen.com/) CODE: CHECK and WeTransfer.
Music courtesy of "Night Court Theme" by Jack Elliott
|
Aug 19, 2018 |
|
Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon with David Ehrlich
7744
David Ehrlich (IndieWire) joins Griffin and David for an in-depth conversation on 2000’s Wuxia epic, Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon. Together they examine the sweaty nature of the Police inspector Tsai and his daughter, eye performance, cave life and share James Schamus stories. This episode is sponsored by WeTransfer.
|
Aug 12, 2018 |
|
Ride with the Devil with Peter Labuza
6654
Peter Labuza (The Cinephiliacs podcast, Village Voice) joins Griffin and David to discuss the 1999 Civil War epic, Ride with the Devil. But is Jim Caviezel a weirdo? Does Tobey get his nub back? What is a skuzzin? Together they examine the careers of Tobey Maguire, Jeffrey Wright and Jewel, the film theory of James Schamus and dumb people trying to one up each other. This episode is sponsored by [Hims](https://www.forhims.com/blank).
|
Aug 05, 2018 |
|
The Ice Storm with Emily Yoshida
6603
Emily Yoshida (Night Call podcast) returns to discuss 1997’s bleak drama, The Ice Storm. But what drew Ang Lee to this project? Is ‘HU’ a good shorthand for hook up? Is this one of the top films to portray the winter in the Northeast? Together they discuss key parties, being passed out in a bathroom, reminisce about the nineties and Griffin shares a Elliott Gould tale. This episode is sponsored by [RXBAR](https://www.rxbar.com/check) PROMO: CHECK and [Who? Weekly podcast](https://www.whoweekly.us/).
And check out [Blank Check’s wiki!](http://blank-check.wikia.com/wiki/Blank_Check_with_Griffin_and_David_Wiki)
|
Jul 29, 2018 |
|
Hotel Transylvania Trilogy
7812
Griffin and David present a special episode covering the Hotel Transylvania films and tv series. But how do the monsters pay for staying at the hotel and do they ever leave? What is the recent history behind Sony Pictures Animation? Do the hosts open toys on mic and there is a bunch of dead air? Together they discuss Genndy Tartakovsky’s career, zinging, blah blah blah and more. Plus, a Burger Report: Masterpiece Theater edition! This episode is sponsored by WeTransfer and [Hims](https://www.forhims.com/blank).
[Genndy Tartakovsky's POPEYE Animation Test](https://youtu.be/M1lzJuwJD9k)
|
Jul 22, 2018 |
|
Sense and Sensibility with Shirley Li
7042
This week Shirley Li (Entertainment Weekly) joins Griffin and David to discuss 1995’s period drama, Sense and Sensibility. But how accurate are the hosts impressions of Alan Rickman? What were the circumstances behind Emma Thompson adapting this script? What is a vicar? Together they examine Kate Winslet’s career trajectory, peak mannerism, the Book of Benry and more. This episode is sponsored by Brooklinen.
|
Jul 15, 2018 |
|
Eat Drink Man Woman with Alison Willmore
6013
Alison Willmore (BuzzFeed) joins Griffin and David to discuss 1994’s family and food dramedy, Eat Drink Man Woman. This episode is sponsored by Casper (casper.com/savings) and Hims (forhims.com/check).
|
Jul 08, 2018 |
|
Pushing Hands/The Wedding Banquet
4908
In the debut episode of our new mini series devoted to the films of director Ang Lee, Griffin and David start with his first 2 feature films: Pushing Hands and The Wedding Banquet. Join the hosts as they try to understand how these early attempts would affect Lee’s future films, what kind of dynamic they would have in a marriage together and play back-to-back Box offices games. This episode is sponsored by Dollar Shave Club (dollarshaveclub.com/check), Hims (forhims.com/check) and the Dumb People Town podcast.
|
Jul 01, 2018 |
|
Family Dog - Amazing Stories
3011
Griffin and David review an episode of the 1993 television series Amazing Stories directed by Brad Bird: Family Dog. This episode is sponsored by Never Seen It podcast.
|
Jun 28, 2018 |
|
Incredibles 2
8314
On the week of it’s release in June of 2018, Griffin and David discussed Incredibles 2\. In the final episode of our mini series on the films of director Brad Bird we examine the record breaking box office hit sequel, a new card system, the fourth new new joker movie and more.
Sound effects from freesfx.uk.co. Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0 License http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/
|
Jun 24, 2018 |
|
Tomorrowland
6521
This week, Griffin and David discuss 2015's retrofuturist sci-fi flop, Tomorrowland. This episode is sponsored by Unspooled podcast, eLiquid.com (eliquid.com/check PROMO: CHECK) and SimpleContacts (simplecontacts.com/blank PROMO: BLANK).
Music selection:
"多くの巻き戻さVHSへ" by haircuts for men
|
Jun 17, 2018 |
|
Mission: Impossible – Ghost Protocol
7761
Griffin and David discuss the fourth installment of the popular franchise: Mission: Impossible – Ghost Protocol. But why was Tom Cruise’s whole career on the line? Did David Sims attend a red carpet event for this movie weirdly in Britain? Ofcourse we all know what a 'ghost protocol' is right? Together they discuss the stunts, Limp Bizkit, SNL pitches and more. This episode is sponsored by Hims (forhims.com/check), WeTransfer and Brooklinen (brooklinen.com PROMO: CHECK)
|
Jun 10, 2018 |
|
Ratatouille with Romilly Newman and Joey Sims
7975
In another family edition episode, this week, siblings Romilly Newman and Joey Sims help discuss 2007’s rat foodie journey, Ratatouille. But what were the circumstances behind Bird being brought onto this project? What was the cultural impact of this movie and children’s relationships with food? Is it a coincidence that ‘rat’ is in the title? Together they discuss food culture, Paris, picky eating and more! This episode is sponsored by WeTransfer, Dollar Shave Club and Covert Podcast.
Music selection:
“Anxiety” by Kai Engel (http://freemusicarchive.org/music/Kai_Engel/) Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 4.0 International (CC BY 4.0) https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/
|
Jun 03, 2018 |
|
Solo: A Star Wars Story
8469
On the week of it’s release in May of 2018, Griffin and David discussed Solo: A Star Wars Story. This episode is sponsored by RXBAR (RXBAR.com/check PROMO: check) and WeTransfer.
|
May 27, 2018 |
|
The Incredibles with Rebecca Drysdale
9047
Writer and comedian Rebecca Drysdale (Key and Peele, High Maintenance) joins Griffin and David for a conversation on the animated superhero family adventure, The Incredibles. But what is Syndrome’s villainous motivations? Is Rebecca the Pixar of people? And, seriously, where is Frozone’s super suit? Together they discuss their favorite Pixar films, earning tears, turtlenecks and summer camp. This episode is sponsored by ZipRecruiter (ziprecruiter.com/blank), WeTransfer and the Starkey Hearing Foundation (listenincampaign.org).
Music by Kevin MacLeod “Parisian” (incompetech.com). Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0 License http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/
|
May 20, 2018 |
|
The Iron Giant
7525
This week Blank Check begins a new mini series reviewing the filmography of director Brad Bird with a discussion of 1999’s critically acclaimed animated feature, The Iron Giant. But does the Iron Giant wear a shirt? Did the studio request this movie be set in present day and have a hip hop soundtrack? Should Griffin and David fight more? Together, in their worst episode ever, they examine Brad Bird’s origin story, the hotness of Harry Connick Jr. as beatnik industrial artist Dean McCoppin, the upcoming Blank Check Pictures slate and booger stores.
|
May 13, 2018 |
|
Josie and the Pussycats with Angela Ferraguto
8349
This week is with special guest, Angela Ferraguto, associate producer and social media manager for this very podcast! And for this episode she picked 2001’s satirical rock comedy, Josie and the Pussycats. But was Griffin a big Rachael Leigh Cook fan growing up? Did Beyoncé audition for this film? Who misses Last Call with Carson Daly? Together they discuss the careers of Rosario Dawson, Alan Cumming and Tara Reid, the Muppet Baby versions of themselves, and why this is a pitch perfect send up of the early aughts that only early aught kids would get. This episode is sponsored by Dollar Shave Club (dollarshaveclub.com/check). And to purchase tickets to Producer Ben's upcoming live sketch comedy show ＶＡＰＯＲ ２０９９ on May 11th 9:30pm at the Brick Theater in Williamsburg, Brooklyn go to [https://web.ovationtix.com/trs/pe.c/10284577](https://web.ovationtix.com/trs/pe.c/10284577) or for more information [https://www.brooklyncc.com/show-schedule/2018/5/11](https://www.brooklyncc.com/show-schedule/2018/5/11)
|
May 06, 2018 |
|
How Do You Know
5853
In the final episode of our mini series devoted to the filmography of James L. Brooks, Griffin and David discuss the disastrous 2010 film How Do You Know. But why would Brooks at this moment in history sympathize with the business executives being held accountable for their corporate malfeasance? What does it mean when referring to a scene as a steam room? And also how do you know? Together they examine the careers of Reese Witherspoon, Paul Rudd and Owen Wilson, the Australian word for ‘grogan,’ and the 120 million dollar budget. This episode is sponsored by WeTransfer and Light Stream (lightstream.com/blank).
|
Apr 29, 2018 |
|
Spanglish with Richard Lawson
7708
Richard Lawson (author of All We Can Do Is Wait) returns to discuss 2004’s Spanglish. But is this movie really about James L. Brooks attempting to justify why he wants to sleep with his maid? Is it believable a character has never seen a man cry? Is this film available on blu-ray and will it’s value increase over time like bitcoins? Together they examine Adam Sandler’s career, Téa Leoni’s VERY big performance, using monologues from Spanglish for auditioning and birthdays at a themed restaurant called Mars 2112\. This episode is sponsored by Brooklinen (PROMO: CHECK) and WeTransfer.
Music selection:
“As I Figure” by Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com) Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0 License http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/
|
Apr 22, 2018 |
|
As Good as It Gets with Chris Gethard
8348
Chris Gethard (the Chris Gethard Show on TruTV, Beautiful/Anonymous podcast) joins Griffin and David to discuss 1997’s OCD dramedy, As Good as It Gets. But is the dog the fourth lead of this film? Should the term ‘residuals’ be changed to ‘Ratzenbergers?’ Could a painter really afford to live in downtown Manhattan in the late 1990s? Together they examine the “but I like her” genre of movies, the careers of Greg Kinnear, Cuba Gooding Jr., Nien Nunb and more! This episode is sponsored by ZipRecruiter (ZipRecruiter.com/BLANK), Hims (forhims.com/BLANK) and eHarmony (PROMO: CHECK).
|
Apr 15, 2018 |
|
I’ll Do Anything: The Musical Cut with Esther Zuckerman
3500
James L. Brooks had originally shot I’ll Do Anything as a musical. But in the test screening it was so disastrous the studio insisted he cut all the musical sequences out and reshoot new scenes to fill it in. Having reviewed that theatrical cut, Griffin and David revisit this film with returning guest Esther Zuckerman and discuss the lost, coveted musical cut of I’ll Do Anything in a special bonus episode. But what would the child of Albert Brooks and Julie Kavner sound like? Why does Griffin insist on singing the horrid song “You Are The Best?” Is this episode haunted? Together they go through all the musical numbers and try to decide if this version of the movie makes it any less worse.
|
Apr 12, 2018 |
|
I'll Do Anything with Esther Zuckerman
6955
Writer and friend of the show Esther Zuckerman joins Griffin and David to discuss 1994’s I'll Do Anything. But was this film originally developed and shot as a musical only to be reedited into a mostly non-musical? Were prolific musicians Prince, Sinéad O'Connor and Carole King brought on to write the songs for this movie? Did Nick Nolte really win People Magazine’s Sexiest Man Alive in 1992? Together they examine the inside baseball dealings of Hollywood, the bad 90’s fashion, honest curses and comedic frontal nudity. This episode is sponsored by Dollar Shave Club (dollarshaveclub.com/check), Beach Body On Demand (Text CHECK to 303030) and Light Stream (lightstream.com/blank)
|
Apr 08, 2018 |
|
Ready Player One
6989
In March of 2018, Griffin and David discussed director Steven Spielberg’s new film Ready Player One. But did Griffin audition for a part? Was Gene Wilder rumored to have been considered for one of the roles? Will only 90’s and 2000’s kids understand the references? Together they examine Tye Sheridan’s career, Deadpool bits, author Ernest Cline’s novel and more! This episode is sponsored by Stamps.com (PROMO: CHECK) Blue Apron (blueapron.com/check) and WeTransfer.com.
|
Apr 01, 2018 |
|
March Madness 2018 Recap - Round 3
965
Another b-b-b-b-bonus episode recapping Blank Check’s March Madness bracket! Who were the winners and losers? Who will make into the final 4? Is this still a spot on drivetime sports talk radio parody? Tune in to find out and remember to get in on all the action over at https://twitter.com/blankcheckpod!
|
Mar 29, 2018 |
|
Broadcast News with Katey Rich
7018
Katey Rich (Vanity Fair) returns to discuss 1987’s dramedy masterpiece, Broadcast News. But what journalist and news producer helped inspire and advise Brooks? What actress was originally the female lead but backed out last minute? Who is Charlie? Together they examine the careers of Holly Hunter, Albert Brooks and William Hurt, the amazing screenwriting and more! This episode is sponsored by WeTransfer.com and Casper (casper.com/check PROMO: CHECK)
|
Mar 25, 2018 |
|
Terms of Endearment with Valorie Curry
7733
This week Blank Check starts a new mini series reviewing the filmography of director James L. Brooks. And joining Griffin and David on today’s episode is Valorie Curry (The Tick) to discuss the 1983 Academy Award winning debut drama, Terms of Endearment. But what 2 movies made over 100 million dollars that year? How has John Lithgow aged? Is it true that when little boys are impatient they don’t get dessert? Together they examine the career’s of Debra Winger and Shirley MacLaine, the invention of the bum astronaut character, the name Flap and Brooks’ background in television. Plus, reports from the Burger Report™ hotline (802-8-BURGER). This episode is sponsored by Hims (forhims.com/check) and Casper (casper.com/check PROMO: CHECK).
|
Mar 18, 2018 |
|
March Madness 2018 Recap - Round 1
1554
Griffin and David unleashed a March Madness bracket pitting directors against one another. The filmmaker deemed the champion will decide a future mini series coming in the fall. In a *spot on* drivetime sports talk radio style, the hosts walk through the recent match-ups and discuss all the drama! To get in on the daily action goto https://twitter.com/blankcheckpod and vote!
|
Mar 15, 2018 |
|
Running Scared with Paul Scheer
5931
This week is with special guest Paul Scheer (How Did This Get Made? podcast) who picked a favorite film from his youth: 1986’s underrated buddy cop movie Running Scared. But should more films have an extended middle act where the main characters just go on vacation? Where does this Joey Pants fall in the pantheon of Pants? How weirdly hot is Billy Crystal in this film? Together they discuss Dan Hedaya’s back and chest hair, Director Peter Hyams’ relationship with his actors and Paul’s passion for this film! This episode is sponsored by Beach Body, ZipRecruiter and Serial Box. “Cool Vibes” by Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com) Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0 License http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/
|
Mar 11, 2018 |
|
Elle with Emily Yoshida
7313
In the final installment of our ‘Paul Verhoeven in Hollywood’ mini series, Emily Yoshida (Night Call Podcast) returns for a special bonus episode on 2016’s pitch black French dramedy, Elle. But what other actresses were considered for the lead role even though Isabelle Huppert is clearly the perfect casting choice? Is this a successful satire of French erotic thrillers according to Griffin’s Mom? Can the video game being designed in the movie be at all entertaining? Together they discuss a connection to 90’s sitcom Friends, the goofy male characters, French sighing and present their Verhoeven filmography rankings. This episode is sponsored by Blue Apron, Stamps.com and HowStuffWorks’ Movie Crush.
|
Mar 04, 2018 |
|
Hollow Man with Alex Ross Perry
7598
Writer/director Alex Ross Perry (Nostalgia, Golden Exits) returns to Blank Check to discuss 2000’s invisible sci-fi slasher, Hollow Man. But why is this not your grandfather’s invisible man movie? What was the running Joey Slotnick bit on The Late Late Show with Craig Kilborn? Does this film lack the satire and point of view of Verhoven’s past movies? Together they discuss the career trajectory of Kevin Bacon, poorly executed Tarantino-esque schoolyard jokes, the original Dark Universe of the 1990s and why this film’s poor reception caused Verhoeven to retreat back to the Netherlands. This episode is sponsored by Serial Box - False Idols and Audible.
|
Feb 25, 2018 |
|
Starship Troopers with J.D. Amato
8607
J.D. Amato (The Chris Gethard Show) joins Griffin and David to discuss 1997’s bug war sci-fi, Starship Troopers. This episode is sponsored by Serial Box - False Idols.
|
Feb 18, 2018 |
|
Showgirls with Caroline Framke
7920
Caroline Framke (Vox) joins Griffin and David to discuss 1995’s iconic erotic drama Showgirls. But was screenwriter Eszterhas’ original pitch scribbled on a cocktail napkin? Is this film a parable for Hollywood? Where is the character Nomi from? Together they examine Caroline’s experience seeing this movie for the first time at a screening in a Hollywood cemetery with Elizabeth Berkley, really aggressive dry humping and different places! This episode is sponsored by Blue Apron.
|
Feb 12, 2018 |
|
The Third Annual Blank Check Awards with Joe Reid
8281
Griffin and David welcome back Joe Reid (The Decider) for the 3rd annual Blankie Awards where together they present their own personal nominations and winners for the upcoming 90th Academy Awards. This roundtable discussion looks at all the major categories, as well as, references deep cut cinema from 2017 you may have missed. Also includes original categories and reports from the Burger Report™ hotline (802-8-BURGER). This episode is sponsored by Stamps.com.
|
Feb 04, 2018 |
|
Basic Instinct with Miriam Bale
5704
Film critic Miriam Bale joins Griffin and David to discuss 1992’s sexy thriller, Basic Instinct. But what about the dialogue gives away this is a Eszterhas script? Does Jeanne Tripplehorn always play herself? Where are there cowboy bars in San Francisco? Together they examine the careers of Michael Douglas and Sharon Stone, ice picking, the infamous leg crossing scene and poor Beth. This episode is sponsored by RXBAR and Audible.
|
Jan 28, 2018 |
|
Total Recall with Andrew Jupin and Stephen Sajdak
6975
Joining Griffin and David this week is Andrew Jupin and Stephen Sajdak, 2 of the 4 co-hosts of the We Hate Movies podcast. Together they discuss 1990’s twisted sci-fi thriller, Total Recall. But how much creative control did Arnold have over this film? What is Michael Ironside actual first name? Are all the Johnny cabs designed so that if a passenger skips on the fare the robot driver’s head explodes? Their conversation includes peak practical effects, Robert Costanzo playing himself in the film and if the story that unfolds is in fact all just a dream.
|
Jan 21, 2018 |
|
RoboCop
8365
Griffin and David discuss dystopian action satire, 1987’s RoboCop. But is old Detroit a cancer and the cancer is crime? Was this film a deconstruction of the American hero mythology? Is it true that Verhoeven initially read half a page of the script and threw in the trash only to have his wife retrieve it and encourage him to give it a second chance? Together they examine the construction and evolution of the RoboCop costume, breaking squib records, 1987’s Academy award winners and many other tangents. This episode is sponsored by ZipRecruiter and Sci-Fi.com’s Cerberus Rex.
|
Jan 14, 2018 |
|
Flesh+Blood
5705
This week’s episode begins a new mini series (Podship Casters) covering the Hollywood films of director Paul Verhoeven. Already an accomplished filmmaker in the Netherlands, 1985 marked his American debut with the unpleasantly realistic period piece, Flesh+Blood. But how gross was the medieval times? What was the influence of growing up under Nazi occupation on Verhoeven’s worldview? Is it intended for the viewer to root for the plague? Together, Griffin and David discuss his original Dutch movies, Bosch paintings, and how Flesh+Blood’s failure at the box office would inform his study of American culture and his future films.
|
Jan 07, 2018 |
|
The Post
5191
In November of 2017, Griffin and David attended the first screening of Nixon era political thriller, The Post. But did it really only take 9 months to make this film after Spielberg first read the script? Was there intention to make a movie about the freedom of the press in our current political climate? Is this an Oscar candidate for Best Picture? Together they discuss our two greatest living actors Meryl Streep and Tom Hanks, Mr. Show’s Bob & David reuniting, broth and go on the record with their predictions for the 89th Academy Awards.
|
Dec 31, 2017 |
|
The Last Jedi
9558
On the day of it’s release in December of 2017, Griffin and David discussed Star Wars: Episode VIII – The Last Jedi. This episode is sponsored by Dollar Shave Club and Sci-Fi.com’s Cerberus Rex.
|
Dec 18, 2017 |
|
Avatarland/The Second Blank Check Mailbag
7046
#thetwofriends once again answer listener submitted questions! Plus, Griffin discusses his recent trip to Pandora – The World of Avatar at Walt Disney World in Orlando, Florida. But how would Griffin and David fix Men in Black II? Does Avatar work better as a theme park or movie? Will beloved actor Dan Lewis really quit acting, and if so, what will he do instead? Together the hosts discuss how they would rank The Muppets movies, potential future Blank Check live shows, poutine and a garbage plate of other topics. Also, the debut of the Burger Report™ hotline 802-8-BURGER. This episode is sponsored by Mack Weldon.
|
Dec 10, 2017 |
|
Lost in Space with Joey Sims
6896
This week is a special family edition episode with brother of David, Joey Sims, who picked a favorite film of the Sims’ boys youth: 1998’s failed sci-fi adaptation Lost in Space. When did the age of nostalgic reboots begin in American cinema? What is getting ‘blarped’ mean? How is this a movie for kids? Together they discuss the career’s of William Hurt, Akiva Goldsman and Joey Tribbiani, the restrictions of early CGI technology, Sony Discmans and more. This episode is sponsored by Mack Weldon and Dollar Shave Club.
|
Dec 03, 2017 |
|
Justice League
6764
On the week of it’s release in November of 2017, Griffin and David discussed the newest film in DC Extended Universe: Justice League. But is Superman still gone even though Henry Cavill is second billed? Just how many times was this movie reshot and is it very noticeable? Will the seven be united? Together they examine using CGI to remove a person’s mustache, Martha boxes and Batmansplaining. This episode is sponsored by Casper.
|
Nov 26, 2017 |
|
Detroit with Black Men Can’t Jump In Hollywood
6566
Jonathan Braylock, Jerah Milligan and James III, hosts of Black Men Can’t Jump In Hollywood podcast, join Griffin and David to discuss 2017’s period crime drama, Detroit. But was this a story that needed to be told? Is the racist white cop technically the lead? Were sections of this movie purposely shot like a horror movie? In the final installment of our mini series devoted to the filmography of Kathryn Bigelow, together, they discuss the many inconsistencies of this film, John Boyega, Blazing Saddles and more. This episode is sponsored by ProFlowers.
|
Nov 19, 2017 |
|
Zero Dark Thirty with Demi Adejuyigbe
7414
Demi Adejuyigbe (The Good Place, Gilmore Guys) joins Griffin and David to discuss 2012’s American revenge political thriller, Zero Dark Thirty. But is the CIA agent this movie is based on somewhat problematic? Can either host do a decent Gandolfini? Will Jason of Friday the 13th fame begin hosting a new season of Celebrity Apprentice? Together they examine watching this movie in the current political climate, the brutal portrayal of enhanced interrogation techniques, Will Smith in Netflix’s Orc cop movie Bright and more.
|
Nov 12, 2017 |
|
The Hurt Locker with Sonia Saraiya
8145
Sonia Saraiya (Variety) joins Griffin and David to discuss 2008’s bomb action-drama, The Hurt Locker. But will filming in 120 degree desert heat affect a production? How does this movie score with audiences and critics for its portrayal of the Iraq War? What about the cinematography helps to convey the feeling of being in combat? Together they discuss the significance of Bigelow winning for Best Picture, Jeremy Renner’s career and the difficulty of putting a straw into a Capri Sun.
|
Nov 05, 2017 |
|
K-19: The Widowmaker with Richard Lawson
6505
Co-host of the Little Gold Men podcast and friend of the show, Richard Lawson (Vanity Fair) joins Griffin and David to discuss 2002’s submarine disaster K-19: The Widowmaker. But how was National Geographic involved in this production? What was the impact of this film bombing at the box office? Are any of the Russian accents convincing? Together they examine Harrison Ford and Liam Neeson’s careers, too many drills and sad food delivery metaphors. Also, check out Richard’s debut novel ‘All We Can Do Is Wait’ due out on February 6th.
|
Oct 29, 2017 |
|
The Weight of Water with Karen Han and Emma Stefansky
6646
Karen Han (Slashfilm) and Emma Stefansky (ScreenCrush) join #thetwofriends to discuss 2001’s confused thriller, The Weight of Water. But what is the weight of water exactly? Was Elizabeth Hurley really ever a punk? Does Producer Ben get annoyed during the recording of this episode? Together they discuss Karen’s boys, love rhombuses, faking birthdays and their thoughts on Mother!
|
Oct 22, 2017 |
|
Strange Days with Emily Yoshida
7592
Emily Yoshida (Vulture) returns this week to discuss 1995’s neo-noir, Strange Days. But why is Kathryn Bigelow so hardcore? Was Bono a potential candidate for a role in this film? When was Emily’s mother on Wheel of Fortune? Together they discuss Ray Fiennes, Angela Bassett and Juliette Lewis careers, the future of reality television, cage raves and SQUID discs. This episode is sponsored by Mack Weldon.
|
Oct 15, 2017 |
|
Point Break with Lux Alptraum
6521
Writer/Performer Lux Alptraum joins Griffin and David to discuss 1991’s iconic surf heist, Point Break. But is this one of the sexiest boy films of all time? Is Bigelow a nihilist or a realist? Is Bodhi’s ultimate plan really just death by giant wave? Together they discuss the career trajectories of Patrick Swayze, Keanu Reeves and Lori Petty, the Fast and the Furious franchise basically being a carbon copy and how the directing of this movie makes everyone want to move to California, learn to surf and eat 2 meatball subs.
|
Oct 08, 2017 |
|
Blue Steel with Jordan Hoffman
6318
Jordan Hoffman (Engage: The Official Star Trek podcast) joins Griffin and David to discuss 1989’s crime thriller, Blue Steel. Would Jamie Lee Curtis and Bigelow’s careers been different if this film had been more successful? Does it pass the Bechdel test? Is Kevin Dunn one of our most frustrated actors? Together they examine Ron Silver’s performance, tongue shtooping and share Richard Jenkins stories. This episode is sponsored by Mack Weldon.
|
Oct 01, 2017 |
|
Near Dark with Mani Lazic
6350
Mani Lazic (Little White Lies) joins Griffin and David to discuss 1987’s western meets vampire thriller, Near Dark. But why is this film out of print? Can a normal blood transfusion heal a person of vampire? Is this movie very sexy? Together they examine Bigelow’s stylistic choices, James Le Gros’ career and honor Bill Paxton. Plus, United Kingdom shop talk and pitching Transylvania General Hospital.
|
Sep 24, 2017 |
|
The Loveless
4762
Introducing a new mini series on the complete filmography of director Kathryn Bigelow! This week Griffin and David begin with her 1982 debut feature, The Loveless, about a wild 1950’s motorcycle gang in small-town America. But who is co-director Monty “Old Timey” Montgomery? How did Bigelow’s background in the fine arts and academia influence her films to come? How does the evolution of actors portraying the Joker eventually lead to a Vine star? Together they examine Willem Dafoe getting fired from Heaven’s Gate, DC supervillian’s relationship with vats of toxic waste, Marc Maron’s favorite seas and under ball. Plus, they present their Nolan filmography rankings.
|
Sep 17, 2017 |
|
The Devil Wears Prada with Romilly Newman
7930
This week’s special episode is our first ever family edition with sister of Griffin, Romilly Newman, who picked one of her favorite films: 2006’s fashionable dramedy, The Devil Wears Prada. But is Runway magazine an accurate interpretation of Vogue magazine? Whatever happened to movies debuting the newest cell phones? What were other films the brother and sister watched together? Together they discuss, Anne Hathaway and Meryl Streep’s career trajectory, Halloween costumes, email hustling, and the montages oh the montages. And check out Romilly’s writing at http://www.romillynewman.com/
|
Sep 10, 2017 |
|
Here Today Gone Trevorrow - An Emergency Minisode
1464
In a special bonus emergency minisode, Griffin and David call in remotely to weigh in/celebrate the firing of director Colin Trevorrow from Star Wars: Episode IX. But are the reports true that Colin is a bit arrogant? Did Kathleen Kennedy see The Book of Henry and not like it? Should director Rian Johnson continue to helm the wheel? Together they discuss TC-14, Griffin’s IMDB trivia, The Judge 2 and more.
|
Sep 07, 2017 |
|
Dunkirk with Bilge Ebiri
7727
In the final episode of our mini series devoted to the filmography of Christopher Nolan, Bilge Ebiri (Village Voice) joins Griffin and David to discuss 2017’s war thriller, Dunkirk. But how do the movie’s different temporalities align? What are other ways to conceal Tom Hardy’s face and body? Will Nolan’s next genre pursuit be a musical or a comedy? Together they discuss Mark Rylance getting pegged by Hollywood as the gentlest man, the mastery of Nolan’s large scale action sequences, Kevin Costner’s oil machine and Tulip Fever. Plus, announcing the next mini series on the films of Kathryn Bigelow.
|
Sep 03, 2017 |
|
Interstellar
8190
This week, a tired Griffin and a rested David discuss 2014’s time traveling space odyssey, Interstellar. But how are gravity and love intertwined? Is spinning during space travel the new normal? How is Spielberg involved in this film? Together they examine Matthew McConaughey’s performance, the tesseract’s design, Griffin shares Ellen Burstyn stories and introducing a special segment ‘TARS talk’ with past and future guest David Rees!
|
Aug 27, 2017 |
|
Talking Maul Live @ DCM19 with Peter Serafinowicz
2962
Live from the 19th annual Del Close Marathon in New York City, Peter Serafinowicz (The Tick) joins Griffin and David for a serious conversation about Peter’s role as the voice of Darth Maul in Star Wars: Episode I – The Phantom Menace. This special episode marks a return to the podcast’s early days as exclusively a Star Wars prequels podcast. But what was Peter’s approach to prepare for 4 lines of voice over dialogue? Why weren’t there any songs in the Phantom Menace? Is it Producer Ben’s birthday? Together they discuss wrestling George Lucas, Peter’s upcoming autobiography Maul & Me, the film’s lack of ghosts and answer the Proust Questionnaire. Plus, be sure to watch the debut of the Tick August 25th on Amazon Prime Video!
|
Aug 20, 2017 |
|
The Dark Knight Rises
7076
Griffin and David complete Nolan’s Batman Trilogy with a discussion of 2012’s The Dark Knight Rises. But is it true the director’s brother and frequent collaborator, Jonathan Nolan, presented Christopher with a 400 page script? Were there any other rumors not about Killer Croc? Have we started the fire? Together they examine the different Catwoman performances, Nolan’s Howard Hughes script getting Scor-cheesed, the squints of Joseph Gordon-Levitt, the Mooch and agree that crime should stay illegal.
|
Aug 13, 2017 |
|
Inception
7161
Griffin and David present a very special episode on 2010’s dream heist, Inception.
|
Aug 06, 2017 |
|
The Dark Knight
7650
Griffin and David this week discuss the second film in Nolan’s Batman Trilogy, The Dark Knight. How was Michael Mann’s Heat an influence on this movie? What does Commissioner Gordon mean by “playing it close to the vest?” Also, why so serious? Together they examine the electrifying performance of Heath Ledger, Nolan’s love for temporalities, Maggie Gyllenhaal as Rachel Dawes and why the Academy Award for Best Picture category changes after this movie comes out.
|
Jul 30, 2017 |
|
The Prestige with Alison Willmore
6752
Host of Filmspotting: SVU podcast, Alison Willmore (BuzzFeed), joins Griffin and David to discuss one of the three magician films of 2006, The Prestige. But is this movie a sequel to Twins? How does it fit into the Nolan canon? Piper Perabo tho? Together they examine Hugh Jackman’s ham, ScarJo’s career trajectory, Theseus's paradox and throwing playing cards into melons.
|
Jul 23, 2017 |
|
Batman Begins
7049
Griffin and David discuss the first film in Nolan’s Dark Knight Trilogy, Batman Begins. What happened behind-the-scenes at Warner Bros. post-Batman & Robin? How did Nolan help contribute to the current trend of peak superhero cinema? Will Batman vape in Justice League? They examine the connection to the animated series, rope work, the lightning guy that Bale yelled at, custom studio logos and so much more!
|
Jul 16, 2017 |
|
Insomnia with Alex Ross Perry
6813
Writer and director, Alex Ross Perry (Golden Exits), joins Griffin and David to discuss 2002’s psychological thriller remake, Insomnia. But does this movie fit into the tradition of the auteur’s bizarre third feature? What has changed about Al Pacino’s acting post-Oscar win? How is this film another example of Nolan playing with noir conventions? Together, they discuss Robin Williams’ 2002, Hilary Swank’s career trajectory, how Darren Aronofsky came the closet to taking on Batman before Nolan did and why it’s implausible the Alaskan police chief played by Paul Dooley would also conveniently be a former LAPD detective.
|
Jul 09, 2017 |
|
Memento with Amy Nicholson
6624
Amy Nicholson (MTV News) joins Griffin and David this week to discuss 2000’s fractured crime drama, Memento. But how was Christopher’s brother, Jonathan Nolan, involved in this project? What is it about this strange art film that enabled it to crossover into the mainstream? Are there any tangents about Tom Cruise during the conversation? Together, they examine Guy Pearce’s career, the movie's brilliant storytelling devices, their mutual joy for some great Pants and share gym class stories from growing up. Also, be sure to listen to Amy’s podcast The Canon on Earwolf!
|
Jul 02, 2017 |
|
Following
5516
In the first episode of a new mini series focusing on the filmography of Christopher Nolan, Griffin and David discuss the 1998 debut feature, Following. But how have conmen or “confidence men” influenced the director’s later work? How was the burgeoning filmmaker received by festivals? Is the uncensored director’s cut of Nutty Professor II: The Klumps worth viewing? Together they examine the extended Nolan family, Kevin Bacon getting Bernie Madoff’d, Griffin’s auteur video rental store and David’s recent dance moves. Also, BRAAAMS.
|
Jun 25, 2017 |
|
The Book of Henry
5377
On the week of it’s release in June of 2017, Griffin and David discussed the new Colin Trevorrow film: The Book of Henry.
|
Jun 18, 2017 |
|
The First Blank Check Mailbag
7137
#thetwofriends use this episode to field questions from their listeners. Where do they get their bagels from? What did they think about Fate of the Furious? Does the voice actor who voices a Sith lord qualify as a full on Sith lord? What podcasts do they listen to? Is Griffin busy with filming The Tick? (Yes!) What nicknames would Ben give Griffin and David? Hear all the answers here and here alone.
|
Jun 12, 2017 |
|
Wonder Woman
6438
On the week of it’s release in May of 2017, Griffin and David discussed the newest release in DC Extended Universe: Wonder Woman. Recorded at the Sims’ residence in Brooklyn, NY.
|
Jun 05, 2017 |
|
Clifford
4829
Our special episode this week: a discussion of 1994’s miscreant child portrayed by a grown man comedy, Clifford. Together, Griffin, David and Producer Ben examine Dinosaur World, sketch comedy movies, Martin Short and Charles Grodin’s careers and Producer Ben’s animated series.
|
May 29, 2017 |
|
The BFG
4950
In the final episode of our mini series devoted to Spielberg’s DreamWorks years, Blank Check reviews 2016’s animated giant adventure, the BFG. But why is saying ‘BFG’ so satisfying? Does this film have a plot? What podcasts does the Queen listen to? Together hosts Griffin and David discuss Spielberg directing the farts, Melissa Mathison’s last screenplay, being ‘mum’ and announce their next mini series!
|
May 21, 2017 |
|
Bridge of Spies
5981
Griffin and David this week gush over 2015’s Cold War drama, Bridge of Spies. But how does this film fall into Tom Hanks’ beginning a new phase in his career? What is the standing man? What was the Coen Brothers’ involvement in the screenplay? Together they passionately discuss Mark Rylance’s Academy Award winning performance as Russian spy Rudolf Abel, Hanks’ mastering of being a good man and having the sniffles, and solidify a new shorthand for describing Spielberg’s filmmaking that involves a spice rack.
|
May 14, 2017 |
|
Lincoln
6874
Griffin and David look to Spielberg’s 2012 historical drama, Lincoln. But exactly how many Abraham Lincoln biographies did screenwriter Tony Kushner read? Does this movie remind one of a long winded story about an old mill? Was Liam Neeson really considered for the lead role? Together they examine the great facial hair, Hal Holbrook’s wet eyes, Dan Lewis’ process for getting into character and the many blankets used in this movie.
|
May 08, 2017 |
|
War Horse with Pilot Viruet
5362
Pilot Viruet (Vice) returns to Blank Check to talk about the WWI horse romance film, War Horse. But what is basically the main motivation for every character in this film? Is there a backstory behind naming the horse Joey? Will the word ‘horse’ be said thousands of times? Together, they examine the original stage production of War Horse, Jeremy Irvine’s audition process and apple face, Niels Arestrup career trajectory in 2011 including playing the part of ‘Jam Man’ and the Untitled Horse Mystery Project.
|
Apr 30, 2017 |
|
The Adventures of Tintin with Joe Garden
7034
Joe Garden (The Onion) joins Griffin and David this week to discuss the mo-cap animated action/mystery, The Adventures of Tintin. But what was Peter Jackson’s involvement in the project? How is the character Tintin like a fine sparkling wine? Is Will & Grace really coming back? Together, they compare the film to the original children book series by Hergé, examine the lessons children were taught in the 1930’s, again revisit Mystery Men and also suggest what actor would make a good Professor Calculus for any future sequels.
|
Apr 23, 2017 |
|
Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull with David Ehrlich
6962
David Ehrlich (IndieWire) returns to Blank Check to discuss 2008's polarized franchise reboot, Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull. But are the rumors true that there is a superior early version of this screenplay? Is George Lucas to blame for the most of the criticism? And is it clear that Mutt Williams is a greaser type character? Together they examine, the new old Harrison Ford movies slated for release, the culture around the death of celebrities, the many follies of Shia LaBeouf and also explore Ray Winstone impressions.
|
Apr 16, 2017 |
|
Munich with Todd VanDerWerff
5603
Todd VanDerWerff (Vox) joins Griffin and David this week to discuss 2005’s Israeli espionage thriller, Munich. But is this movie’s lasting legacy being a reference in Knocked Up? What does it mean when Jeffrey Wells leaves behind his hat? What was with those sex scenes? Together, they go on the record with Oscar picks, examine Eric Bana’s career trajectory, ponder when Spielberg lost his virginity and go off on a tangent about the film Crash.
|
Apr 10, 2017 |
|
War of the Worlds with J.D. Amato
8126
J.D. Amato (My Brother, My Brother and Me) makes his third appearance on Blank Check, this week discussing 2005’s sci-fi doomsday The War of the Worlds. Why would this film mark the conclusion of the Cruise and Spielberg partnership? How much of tangent does Griffin go off on while discussing McG? Are we to be convinced Tom Cruise is a blue collar guy? Together, Griffin, David and J.D. delve into Dakota Fannings’ preciousness, the movie Mystery Men, the history of the actress who jumped onto the villain and with their legs snaps his neck and more. Plus, J.D. reaches out from the future and Producer Ben records ADR.
|
Apr 03, 2017 |
|
The Terminal with Jerah Milligan
6853
This week’s guest, Jerah Milligan (Comedy Central), finally completes our trifecta of co-hosts from the excellent podcast Blank Men Can’t Jump In Hollywood joining Blank Check. The topic of discussion: 2004’s stranded at the airport dramedy The Terminal. But exactly how much Stanley Tucci does a movie need? What was behind the absurd Michael Douglas cancer story? Is it clear where exactly is Krakozhia? Together, Griffin, David and Jerah examine Catherine Zeta-Jones’ career trajectory, jazz photos, Shrek 3, saltine cracker sandwiches and more. Plus, Jerah shares a personal account of being trapped in the airport and Producer Ben is hungover AF.
|
Mar 26, 2017 |
|
Blank Check
5562
For their 100th episode Griffin and David decided to celebrate the occasion and finally deliver on the their listeners pleas to get meta and review their namesake movie, 1994's kid flick: Blank Check.
Music selection:
"東京 HAZE (extended tape version)" from SANDRAWAVE by 猫 シ Corp. (https://catsystemcorp.bandcamp.com/track/haze-extended-tape-version)
Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution-NoDerivs 3.0 Unported (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nd/3.0/)
|
Mar 18, 2017 |
|
Catch Me If You Can
6881
This week, Griffin and David discuss 2002's coming of age scammer drama based on a true story: Catch Me If You Can.
|
Mar 11, 2017 |
|
Minority Report with Joanna Robinson
7461
Joanna Robinson (Vanity Fair) joins Griffin and David to discuss 2002’s dystopian thriller: Minority Report.
|
Mar 06, 2017 |
|
A.I. Artificial Intelligence with David Rees
7105
David Rees (Going Deep with David Rees) joins Griffin and David to discuss 2001’s robot boy sci-fi: A.I. Artificial Intelligence.
|
Feb 26, 2017 |
|
The Second Annual Blank Check Awards with Joe Reid
7985
On this week's special episode, Griffin and David are once again joined by Joe Reid (The Decider) to present their personal nominations for the upcoming 89th Academy Awards. This roundtable discussion looks to all the major categories and offers engaging criticism, as well as, references deep cut cinema from 2016 you may have missed. With the “Blankies”, some winners are picked, Oscar snubs deservingly defended, but AGAIN as always most of the personal grudges continue.
|
Feb 17, 2017 |
|
Saving Private Ryan with Richard Lawson
6165
In our third episode of Spielberg: The DreamWorks Years mini series, Griffin and David are joined by Richard Lawson (Vanity Fair) to discuss 1998's war drama Saving Private Ryan.
|
Feb 12, 2017 |
|
Amistad
4004
Griffin and David look to Spielberg’s next film (also released in 1997) Amistad. But what are the glaringly problematic issues with this movie? Could a more suited director and screen writer have been brought onto the production? How long has Sir Anthony Hopkins been phoning it in exactly? Together they examine the career trajectory of Matthew McConaughey, Peter Firth receives comedy points and assess the cast in a performance review.
|
Feb 05, 2017 |
|
The Lost World: Jurassic Park
6015
The debut of our new mini series on the filmography of Steven Spielberg begins with 1997’s Lost World: Jurassic Park. Post-Oscar wins for Best Director and Best Picture, Steven took four years off before directing this sequel. In that time he founded his own studio DreamWorks. Griffin and David would argue this level of creative control is the biggest blank check that any filmmaker has ever had. Presenting Pod Me If You Cast.
But seriously what IS chaos math? Why does this film unfold similarly to a video game? What does Isla Nublar roughly translate to?
Together #thetwofriends discuss the careers of Laura Dern, Vince Vaughn, Jeff Goldblum, convenient islands, life finding a way and a epic Pete Postlethwaite monologue.
|
Jan 29, 2017 |
|
Split
8296
On the week of it’s release in January of 2017, Griffin and David discussed the new M. Night Shyamalan film: Split. Together they examine James McAvoy’s career, horror troupes, the outstanding cinematography and ruminate on the movie’s HUGE twist.
|
Jan 22, 2017 |
|
Best of the Revenge of the Podcast
10007
Presenting a best of episode with all the favorite moments from our mini series on Star Wars: Episode III – Revenge of the Sith.
|
Jan 16, 2017 |
|
Best of the Attack of the Podcast
9384
Presenting a best of episode with all the favorite moments from our mini series on Star Wars: Episode II – Attack of the Clones.
|
Jan 09, 2017 |
|
Best of the Phantom Podcast
6473
Presenting a best of episode with all the favorite moments from our mini series on Star Wars: Episode I – The Phantom Menace.
|
Jan 02, 2017 |
|
Rogue One: A Star Wars Story
7817
On the day of it’s release in December of 2016, Griffin and David discussed the highly anticipated spinoff Rogue One: A Star Wars Story. Together they examine the new planets, Darth Vader’s milk bath, Peter Cushing’s return and why Star Wars films require great jackets.
|
Dec 17, 2016 |
|
The Man Who Knew Too Little
5501
Our special episode this week: a discussion of 1997’s spy comedy The Man Who Knew Too Little. But how would you picture a Boris the Butcher to look? What are Producer Ben’s favorite bits? And why does Griffin know so much about box office stats? Together they examine the different phases of Bill Murray’s career, Peter Gallagher’s eyebrows, and Griffin’s access to the fabled Murray 1-800 number.
|
Dec 10, 2016 |
|
Toruk: The First Flight with Rachel Lang
5909
On September 11th, Blank Check & friends attended the Cirque du Soleil/Avatar crossover Toruk: First Flight at the Barclays Center in Brooklyn, NY. But is this show more than just rope dancing? Was the Toruk app worth the download? Does this tie into the upcoming 4 sequels slated to be released? Join #thetwofriends, guest Rachel Lang and Producer Ben as they guide you through the live experience including reverse puppetry, how much they spent on their drinks, the condiment stands, election predictions and dangling.
|
Dec 04, 2016 |
|
Avatar
6066
This week the BC crew discusses 2009’s 3D sci-fi epic Avatar. But are trees nature’s internet? Is this the ultimate cultural appropriation movie? Does the public need four more Avatar movies? Together they examine the performances of the cast including Sam Worthington, Zoe Saldana, Giovanni Ribisi, breaking box office records, review the winners of the Academy Award for Best Cinematography over the last few years and argue about Coraline. Plus, another merchandise spotlight and announce the next new mini-series!
|
Nov 27, 2016 |
|
Aliens of the Deep/Ghosts of the Abyss
3804
Griffin and David this week discussed two documentaries directed by James Cameron: 2003’s Ghost of the Abyss and 2006’s Aliens of the Deep. But what were the early days of IMAX like? What kind of very rich person loves risking their lives in a submarine? Does David or Producer Ben rep Jupiter's moon, Europa, harder? Together, they examine Bill Paxton’s Texas accent, water drones James & Elwood and play a double dose of the box office game.
|
Nov 19, 2016 |
|
Titanic with Emily Yoshida and Katey Rich - Part Two
7183
Griffin and David continue their discussion of Titanic with Emily Yoshida (Spin Magazine) and Katey Rich (Vanity Fair). But are Cameron’s drawings basic? Why is Neil deGrasse Tyson such a star bummer? Could a car really get THAT steamy? Together, they examine Paul Rudd as Jack, the STDs of 1912, CD-rom game Titanic: Adventure Out of Time and theorize why this is a mall movie.
|
Nov 12, 2016 |
|
Titanic with Emily Yoshida and Katey Rich - Part One
5721
Emily Yoshida (Spin Magazine) and Katey Rich (Vanity Fair) return to discuss 1997’s epic romance Titanic with special guest Charlie “the baby” Rich! Thats right, Blank Check has brought IN the women and children to our podboat to dive deep into some ice-cold analysis. But how important is water in Cameron’s life? What about Bill Paxton’s huge earring? Whats the artist’s name something Picasso? Together they examine Leo mania, the performances of Kate Winslet, Billy Zane, Victor Garber and the panel’s first time seeing this film including a diary entry and private planetarium date.
|
Nov 04, 2016 |
|
True Lies
5862
Griffin and David this week discuss 1994’s action comedy remake, True Lies. But how does this film relate to Cameron’s marriages? Was the character Spencer Trilby, played by Charlton Heston, an intentional Nick Fury rip off? Just how gross is the interrogation scene? Join #thetwofriends examine Jamie Lee Curtis’ career, the BAFTA awards, the Flintstones movie and balloon metaphors. Plus, the return of Yarnel!
|
Oct 29, 2016 |
|
Jack Reacher: Never Go Back
5383
Days before its official release, Griffin and David discussed 2016's action thriller sequel Jack Reacher: Never Go Back.
|
Oct 23, 2016 |
|
Terminator 2: Judgement Day with Sam Rogal
8250
Sam Rogal (Magnet Theatre) joins Griffin and David to discuss the 1991 hit sequel Terminator 2: Judgement Day. But do the special effects still hold up over twenty years later? What influenced the decision to make Arnold Schwarzenegger a good robot? Did Planet Hollywood ever serve a dish called pasta la vista? Together they examine the performances of Robert Patrick and Linda Hamilton, the comical amount of people shot in the knees, Arnold’s post hits career and lava in the 90’s.
|
Oct 16, 2016 |
|
The Abyss with Josh Ruben
7176
Josh Ruben (CollegeHumor) joins Griffin and David to discuss the 1989 underwater alien thriller The Abyss. But why exactly is this movie impossible to find anywhere on the internet? Just how much of wet nightmare was this production for the cast and crew? What ARE some things to do in Denver when you’re dead? Together they draw parallels certain between the lead characters failing marriage, share Chris Elliott scoops, examine Mary Elizabeth Mastrantonio ’s career and why Ed Harris refuses to talk about this film ever again (hint: he didn’t like being repeatedly drowned.)
|
Oct 07, 2016 |
|
Aliens with Fran Hoepfner
7604
Fran Hoepfner (ClickHole) joins Griffin and David to discuss the 1986 horror/sci-fi sequel Aliens. But how did James go about pitching this project to studio executives? What exactly is Paul Reiser mad about? Could Private Vasquez be anymore of a badass? Together they share their thoughts on Cameron’s masterful storytelling, Sigourney Weaver’s outstanding performance, milk blood, pleasant adult flirting and more!
|
Oct 01, 2016 |
|
The Terminator with Rachel Sanders
7080
Rachel Sanders (Buzzfeed) joins Griffin and David to discuss James Cameron’s 1984 game changing action sci-fi, The Terminator. But why did this movie become a model for major studios for the next 30+ years? How has the special effects aged? What happened to Pugsley the iguana and did he continue to work in Hollywood? Together they examine the outstanding performances of Hamilton, Schwarzenegger and Biehn, the weird sex scene, Cameron’s many marriages and O.J. Simpson rumored as a potential Terminator.
|
Sep 25, 2016 |
|
Piranha II: The Spawning
4822
In the debut episode of a new mini series examining the filmography of James Cameron, Griffin and David discuss 1981’s B horror, Piranha II: The Spawning. But what is the story behind Cameron’s first “unofficial” offering as a director? What was the main request from the italian financiers of this film? In it’s 84 minute runtime are there more fish or people spawning? Together #thetwofriends delve into Cameron’s early career, share their mutual appreciation for actor Lance Henriksen, and attempt to make sense of this bonkers plot.
|
Sep 18, 2016 |
|
Under Siege 2: Dark Territory
6548
Griffin, David and guest host Producer Ben present a special episode this week: a discussion of 1995’s action thriller Under Siege 2: Dark Territory.
But is it true the co-founder of CAA and former Disney president, Michael Ovitz, bet he could make even a stocky Aikido teacher with zero acting experience a star? Does Hollywood make these b-list midsize action movies anymore? Is Steven Seagal our quietest action hero?
Together the trio examines New Zealand director and journeyman Geoff Murphy’s career, Eric Bogosian’s performance as the scientist gone bad, earthquake inducing satellites sponsored by the U.S. government and the original song written AND performed by Steven Seagal “After the Train Has Gone.” Plus, share a Hamilton themed Burger Report, review Star Trek Beyond and what occupations Nic Cage said he would like to portray.
Finally, remember dear listener that after this week’s palette cleanser Blank Check will return with our new mini series covering the films of James Cameron!
|
Sep 07, 2016 |
|
Roadies with Layne Montgomery
7418
Musician and Blank Check theme song creator Layne Montgomery (The Romantic Comedy) joins #thetwofriends to lock the gates in our final episode of the Cameron Crowe mini series and discuss Crowe’s most recent project, the Showtime series Roadies. But does Cameron’s return to his roots pay off? Is the portrayal of the music industry actually relevant? Will this show get another season? Together the gang examines the ten episodes (so you don’t have to) including Ron White’s performance as an embalmed corpse, Luke Wilson’s Verizon commercials and Carla Gugino's filmography.
|
Sep 04, 2016 |
|
Aloha with Esther Zuckerman
7695
Nearing the end of the Cameron Crowe mini series, Esther Zuckerman (The A.V. Club) joins Griffin and David to discuss the writer/director’s most recent theatrical release, 2015’s spa |