Blank Check with Griffin & David
491 episodes - English - Latest episode: 15 days ago - ★★★★★ - 5.2K ratingsNot 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.
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Episodes
You've Got Mail with Bobby Finger & Lindsey Weber
July 12, 2020 04:00 - 2 hoursAOL 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.
Michael with Kevin Porter
July 05, 2020 04:00 - 2 hoursThis 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!
Mixed Nuts with Charles Rogers
June 28, 2020 04:00 - 1 hourThe 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...
Sleepless in Seattle with Katey Rich
June 21, 2020 04:00 - 2 hoursOnly 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 wee...
This Is My Life with Michelle Collins
June 14, 2020 04:00 - 1 hour"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 g...
When Harry Met Sally... with Dana Stevens
June 07, 2020 04:21 - 2 hoursIt 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???
Stargate
May 31, 2020 03:30 - 2 hoursIt'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.
Twilight Zone: Nightmare at 20,000 Feet
May 28, 2020 08:00 - 1 hourYou'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!
Mad Max: Fury Road with Emily Yoshida
May 24, 2020 04:48 - 2 hoursEmily 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.
Happy Feet Two with Sara Rubin
May 17, 2020 16:38 - 1 hourVisual 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.
Happy Feet 2 with Sara Rubin
May 17, 2020 16:38 - 1 hourVisual artist Sara Rubin (https://www.somesararubin.com/) 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. This episode is sponsored by: Lumin Skin (https://www.luminskin.com/check) Hims (https://www.forhims.com/blank) The Shivering Truth on Adult Swim (https://www.adultswim.com/videos/the-shivering-truth/)
Paramount Presents: Wayne’s World Live Watch Party
May 13, 2020 04:00 - 5 minutesGriffin Newman joined by guest co-host Ben Hosley invite you to join them for a screening of Wayne's World this Friday, May 15th at 8pm ET / 5pm PT on www.cya.live!
Happy Feet with Caitlin Durante
May 10, 2020 04:00 - 1 hourCaitlin Durante (The Bechdel Cast) joins #thetwofriends to discuss Miller's first foray into animation with 2006's Happy Feet.
Babe: Pig in the City with Travis McElroy
May 03, 2020 14:29 - 1 hourWho 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.
Lorenzo's Oil with Bilge Ebiri
April 26, 2020 04:00 - 2 hoursHard 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.
The Witches of Eastwick with K. Austin Collins
April 19, 2020 16:00 - 2 hoursFilm 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.
Mad Max Beyond Thunderdome with David Ehrlich
April 12, 2020 04:00 - 2 hoursTogether, #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!
Mad Max 2: The Road Warrior with Jon Gabrus
April 05, 2020 04:00 - 2 hoursComedian, 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.
Mad Max
March 29, 2020 15:42 - 1 hourWitness 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.
5th Anniversary Special
March 22, 2020 04:39 - 2 hoursGriffin, 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!
Justin Timberlake + The Tennessee Kids
March 19, 2020 04:00 - 1 hourB-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?
Ricki and the Flash with Bobby Finger & Lindsey Weber
March 15, 2020 16:00 - 1 hourWho? 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?
A Master Builder with John Hodgman
March 08, 2020 05:00 - 2 hoursDavid, 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 ...
Rachel Getting Married with Ayo Edibiri and Olivia Craighead
March 01, 2020 05:00 - 2 hoursFrom 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?
The Manchurian Candidate with the Flop House: Dan McCoy, Stuart Wellington, and Elliott Kalan
February 23, 2020 05:00 - 1 hourThe 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 - fall...
Birds of Prey with Ang Ferraguto, Emma Stefansky, Ashleigh Heaton, and Preeti Chhibber
February 16, 2020 05:00 - 2 hoursNo 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.
The Truth About Charlie with David Lowery
February 09, 2020 05:00 - 2 hoursDirector 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!
The Fifth Annual Blank Check Awards with Joe Reid
February 02, 2020 05:00 - 1 hourGriffin 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.
Beloved with Jourdain Searles
January 26, 2020 05:00 - 2 hoursCo-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...
Philadelphia with Richard Lawson
January 19, 2020 05:00 - 2 hoursWriter 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.
Silence of the Lambs with Emily Vanderwerff
January 12, 2020 05:00 - 2 hours - 140 MBThe 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!
Silence of the Lambs with Emily St. James
January 12, 2020 05:00 - 2 hoursThe two friends are joined by prolific writer Emily St. James 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!
Married to the Mob with Ang Ferraguto
January 05, 2020 05:00 - 2 hoursShe'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.
The Rise of Skywalker
December 22, 2019 05:00 - 2 hoursOn 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.
Something Wild with Scott Auckerman
December 15, 2019 05:00 - 2 hoursFrom 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? This episode is sponsored by: Noom (https://www.noom.com/check) Away (https://www....
Something Wild with Scott Aukerman
December 15, 2019 05:00 - 2 hoursFrom 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?
Stop Making Sense with Demi Adejuyigbe
December 08, 2019 05:00 - 2 hoursEveryone 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. ...
Swing Shift
December 01, 2019 05:00 - 1 hourWhat 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. This episode is sponsored by: TalkSpace (https://www.talkspace.com/) Code: CHECK UNTUCKit (https://www.untuckit.com/) Code: CHECK ButcherBo...
Swing Shift
December 01, 2019 05:00 - 1 hourWhat 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. This episode is sponsored by: TalkSpace (https://www.talkspace.com/) Code: CHECK UNTUCKit (https://www.untuckit.com/) Code: CHECK ButcherBo...
Swing Shift
December 01, 2019 05:00 - 1 hourWhat 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 und...
Swing Shift
December 01, 2019 05:00 - 1 hourWhat 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. This episode is sponsored by: TalkSpace (https://www.talkspace.com/) Code: CHECK UNTUCKit (https://www.untuckit.com/) Code: CHECK ButcherBo...
Melvin and Howard (and Jordan Hoffman)
November 24, 2019 05:00 - 2 hoursFinally, 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 ...
Citizens Band/ Last Embrace
November 17, 2019 05:00 - 2 hoursGuest Justin McElroy (https://www.themcelroy.family/) 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 J...
Citizens Band/ Last Embrace with Justin McElroy
November 17, 2019 05:00 - 1 hourGuest 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 st...
Caged Heat/ Crazy Mama/ Fighting Mad
November 10, 2019 05:00 - 1 hourIt’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 Rich...
The Kingdom of Dreams and Madness
November 07, 2019 05:00 - 1 hourOn 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.
The Wind Rises
November 03, 2019 04:00 - 1 hourOn 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!
Ponyo on the Cliff with Shirley Li
October 27, 2019 04:00 - 2 hoursWriter, 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.
Gemini Man
October 20, 2019 04:00 - 1 hourOn 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.
Joker
October 13, 2019 04:00 - 1 hourHA 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