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Blank Check with Griffin & David podcast

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Blank Check with Griffin & David

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  Blank Check Productions  

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.

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.

 

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Progress

Duration

Release Date

#502

Lost Highway with David Lowery

1997’s Lost Highway - is it (as David Sims wrote on Letterboxd), “a movie about headache”? Is it David Lynch’s most visually beautiful film? Is it a dry run for Mulholland Dr? A radical reimagining of Bill Pullman’s screen presence? A psychogenic fugue? Lynch’s commentary on the OJ Simpson trial? An excuse for David Sims to go off on the concept of “free jazz”?? Folks - we are pleased to tell you that it is all of the above and more. The great David Lowery joins us to talk about Lynch’s deeply haunted neo-noir nightmare - a film that dares to ask the question, “What if you woke up one morning as Balthazar Getty?” [Join our Patreon for franchise commentaries and bonus episodes.] (http://www.patreon.com/blankcheck) Follow us @blankcheckpod on [Twitter] (https://x.com/blankcheckpod?lang=en) , [Instagram] (https://www.instagram.com/blankcheckpod/?hl=en) , [Threads] (https://www.threads.net/@blankcheckpod?xmt=AQGzctAh4mbWTwYzCV1pzNT6AMV9o99EOfymi8TLR5mTde0) and [Facebook] (https://www.facebook.com/blankcheckpodcast/) !  [Buy some real nerdy merch] (https://kinshipgoods.com/blankcheck) Connect with other Blankies on our [Reddit] (https://www.reddit.com/r/blankies/s/gpcOkQr8Sv) or [Discord] (https://discord.gg/Q6YGSR3JrA) For anything else, check out [BlankCheckPod.com] (https://www.blankcheckpod.com/)   Learn more about your ad choices. Visit [megaphone.fm/adchoices] (https://megaphone.fm/adchoices) ... Read more

27 Oct 2024

2 HR 41 MINS

2:41:00

27 Oct 2024

#501

Joker: Hallie À Goodrich

What if they made a sequel to the Joker movie that was pretty much the finale of Seinfeld but it’s also a half-assed jukebox musical, and EVERYONE hated it? What if Michael Keaton had a 35-year-old pregnant daughter, but he also had precocious 9-year-old twins and a Los Angeles art gallery on the verge of financial collapse? Both scenarios lay the groundwork for two of the most “they don’t make ‘em like this” films of the year, and BOTH conclude with the same Daniel Johnston song. You can’t make this stuff up, folks! Join the crew for a fever dream of an episode that features an all-timer of a Madame Web tangent, Griffin’s grand theory of Todd Phillips self-sabotage, and some earnest reflections on the past 499 episodes that have led us to this monumental achievement. [Join our Patreon for franchise commentaries and bonus episodes.] (http://www.patreon.com/blankcheck) Follow us @blankcheckpod on [Twitter] (https://x.com/blankcheckpod?lang=en) , [Instagram] (https://www.instagram.com/blankcheckpod/?hl=en) , [Threads] (https://www.threads.net/@blankcheckpod?xmt=AQGzctAh4mbWTwYzCV1pzNT6AMV9o99EOfymi8TLR5mTde0) and [Facebook] (https://www.facebook.com/blankcheckpodcast/) !  [Buy some real nerdy merch] (https://kinshipgoods.com/blankcheck) Connect with other Blankies on our [Reddit] (https://www.reddit.com/r/blankies/s/gpcOkQr8Sv) or [Discord] (https://discord.gg/Q6YGSR3JrA) For anything else, check out [BlankCheckPod.com] (https://www.blankcheckpod.com/) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit [megaphone.fm/adchoices] (https://megaphone.fm/adchoices) ... Read more

20 Oct 2024

2 HR 17 MINS

2:17:12

20 Oct 2024

#500

Twin Peaks: Fire Walk with Me with Arkasha Stevenson

One of the more harrowing films we’ve covered on the podcast (and the second film we’ve covered in 2024 with a memorable “gobble gobble” line), 1992’s TWIN PEAKS: FIRE WALK WITH ME was not the quirky, enjoyable plotline wrap-up fans of Twin Peaks wanted. David Lynch instead challenged the audience to identify with Laura Palmer’s humanity and pain, making her a real person - not just a girl wrapped in plastic. THE FIRST OMEN director Arkasha Stevenson joins us to talk about how this film (and WILD AT HEART) inspired her to become a filmmaker, the uncanny experience of watching it without any prior knowledge of the Twin Peaks series, and the directorial choices Lynch makes that create the film’s deeply unsettling atmosphere.   [Join our Patreon for franchise commentaries and bonus episodes.] (http://www.patreon.com/blankcheck) Follow us @blankcheckpod on [Twitter] (https://x.com/blankcheckpod?lang=en) , [Instagram] (https://www.instagram.com/blankcheckpod/?hl=en) , [Threads] (https://www.threads.net/@blankcheckpod?xmt=AQGzctAh4mbWTwYzCV1pzNT6AMV9o99EOfymi8TLR5mTde0) and [Facebook] (https://www.facebook.com/blankcheckpodcast/) !  [Buy some real nerdy merch] (https://kinshipgoods.com/blankcheck) Connect with other Blankies on our [Reddit] (https://www.reddit.com/r/blankies/s/gpcOkQr8Sv) or [Discord] (https://discord.gg/Q6YGSR3JrA) For anything else, check out [BlankCheckPod.com] (https://www.blankcheckpod.com/)   Learn more about your ad choices. Visit [megaphone.fm/adchoices] (https://megaphone.fm/adchoices) ... Read more

13 Oct 2024

2 HR 09 MINS

2:09:14

13 Oct 2024

#499

Wild at Heart with Tatiana Maslany

If we told you this was the first time we’d covered a Nicolas Cage movie on the podcast - would you believe us? Well, baby - it’s true. And what a movie it is! The luminous Tatiana Maslany returns to talk about David Lynch’s smokin’ hot outlaw romance WILD AT HEART - a film that won the Palme d’Or and took Lynch away from the set of Twin Peaks. Get ready for lots of Cage career discussion (a favorite topic of Griffin Newman), a bunch of actor speak, and multiple “hey, did you know David Lynch was a fan of the Wizard of Oz?” asides. [Join our Patreon for franchise commentaries and bonus episodes.] (http://www.patreon.com/blankcheck) Follow us @blankcheckpod on [Twitter] (https://x.com/blankcheckpod?lang=en) , [Instagram] (https://www.instagram.com/blankcheckpod/?hl=en) , [Threads] (https://www.threads.net/@blankcheckpod?xmt=AQGzctAh4mbWTwYzCV1pzNT6AMV9o99EOfymi8TLR5mTde0) and [Facebook] (https://www.facebook.com/blankcheckpodcast/) !  [Buy some real nerdy merch] (https://kinshipgoods.com/blankcheck) Connect with other Blankies on our [Reddit] (https://www.reddit.com/r/blankies/s/gpcOkQr8Sv) or [Discord] (https://discord.gg/blankies) For anything else, check out [BlankCheckPod.com] (https://www.blankcheckpod.com/) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit [megaphone.fm/adchoices] (https://megaphone.fm/adchoices) ... Read more

06 Oct 2024

2 HR 02 MINS

2:02:05

06 Oct 2024

#498

Twin Peaks (Season 1) with Eva Anderson

For a brief shining moment, Middle America went crazy for the surreal soap opera stylings of David Lynch and Mark Frost. We’re talking ABC, primetime, airing against “Cheers”-level mainstream. And then it all came crashing down. Listen as we take our first step into the intoxicating world of Twin Peaks - one of the most influential television series of all time and the project that would come to define Lynch for the rest of his career. Eva Anderson - who literally grew up in the town Twin Peaks was filmed in and can tell you for a fact that the diner cherry pie sucks - joins us to talk about how such a pop cultural oddity came to be, and why it has such staying power. Note - this episode covers Season 1 of Twin Peaks, but alludes to certain plotlines in Season 2 without directly spoiling them.  Blank Check Theme (Cherry Pie Remix) composed by  [Alex Mitchell] (https://www.alexmitchellmusic.com/) , vocals by "The ghost of Julee Cruise" aka  [Marie Bardi] (https://www.instagram.com/mariebardi?utm_source=ig_web_button_share_sheet&igsh=ZDNlZDc0MzIxNw==) . [Join our Patreon for franchise commentaries and bonus episodes.] (http://www.patreon.com/blankcheck) Follow us @blankcheckpod on [Twitter] (https://x.com/blankcheckpod?lang=en) , [Instagram] (https://www.instagram.com/blankcheckpod/?hl=en) , [Threads] (https://www.threads.net/@blankcheckpod?xmt=AQGzctAh4mbWTwYzCV1pzNT6AMV9o99EOfymi8TLR5mTde0) and [Facebook] (https://www.facebook.com/blankcheckpodcast/) !  [Buy some real nerdy merch] (https://kinshipgoods.com/blankcheck) Connect with other Blankies on our [Reddit] (https://www.reddit.com/r/blankies/s/gpcOkQr8Sv) or [Discord] (https://discord.gg/Q6YGSR3JrA) For anything else, check out [BlankCheckPod.com] (https://www.blankcheckpod.com/) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit [megaphone.fm/adchoices] (https://megaphone.fm/adchoices) ... Read more

29 Sep 2024

3 HR 06 MINS

3:06:34

29 Sep 2024

#497

Blue Velvet with Jamie Loftus

Lend us your (severed) ears! This week, we’re jumping back into our Lynch series with a trip to Lumberton, USA, as our beloved Jamie Loftus joins us to chat about 1986’s BLUE VELVET. We’re going deep on the star persona of Kyle MacLachlan, David Sims’ obsession with Dean Stockwell, and David Lynch’s unironic obsession with Americana. How does a movie that deals with such deeply disturbing themes end up being so watchable? That’s that Lynchian magic, baby! [Be sure to listen to Sixteenth Minute (of Fame)] (https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/sixteenth-minute-of-fame/id1743960803) [Buy Jamie’s Book: Raw Dog: The Naked Truth About Hot Dogs] (https://read.macmillan.com/lp/raw-dog-by-jamie-loftus/) [Listen to The Bechdel Cast] (https://www.patreon.com/bechdelcast) [Join our Patreon for franchise commentaries and bonus episodes.] (http://www.patreon.com/blankcheck) Follow us @blankcheckpod on [Instagram] (https://www.instagram.com/blankcheckpod/?hl=en) , [Threads] (https://www.threads.net/@blankcheckpod?xmt=AQGzctAh4mbWTwYzCV1pzNT6AMV9o99EOfymi8TLR5mTde0) , [Facebook] (https://www.facebook.com/blankcheckpodcast/) and  [X] (https://x.com/blankcheckpod?lang=en) !  [Buy some real nerdy merch] (https://kinshipgoods.com/blankcheck) . Connect with other Blankies on our [Reddit] (https://www.reddit.com/r/blankies/s/gpcOkQr8Sv) or [Discord] (https://discord.gg/Q6YGSR3JrA) For anything else, check out [BlankCheckPod.com] (https://www.blankcheckpod.com/) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit [megaphone.fm/adchoices] (https://megaphone.fm/adchoices) ... Read more

22 Sep 2024

2 HR 52 MINS

2:52:12

22 Sep 2024

#496

Beetlejuice Beetlejuice

We’re taking a break from David Lynch to answer one of the year’s biggest questions - Is Burton Back, Baby? Ummmm…kind of! Grab your “Handbook for the Recently Deceased” commemorative popcorn tin and join us as we attempt to untangle the very messy BEETLEJUICE BEETLEJUICE. Which sequences wowed us with their sparkling ingenuity? Which plotlines would we excise from the script? What song would you possess people to lipsync to and why is it Bloodhound Gang’s “The Bad Touch”? And - the most important question of all - why has David Sims not been publishing movie reviews lately, why wasn’t he at TIFF, and what the hell is going on at the Sims Swamp?  [Join our Patreon for franchise commentaries and bonus episodes] (http://www.patreon.com/blankcheck) . Follow us @blankcheckpod on [Instagram] (https://www.instagram.com/blankcheckpod/?hl=en) , [Threads] (https://www.threads.net/@blankcheckpod?xmt=AQGzctAh4mbWTwYzCV1pzNT6AMV9o99EOfymi8TLR5mTde0) , [Facebook ] (https://www.facebook.com/blankcheckpodcast/) and [X] (https://x.com/blankcheckpod?lang=en) ! [Buy some real nerdy merch] (https://kinshipgoods.com/blankcheck) . Connect with other Blankies on our [Reddit] (https://www.reddit.com/r/blankies/s/gpcOkQr8Sv) or [Discord] (https://discord.gg/Q6YGSR3JrA) For anything else, check out [BlankCheckPod.com] (https://www.blankcheckpod.com/) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit [megaphone.fm/adchoices] (https://megaphone.fm/adchoices) ... Read more

15 Sep 2024

2 HR 11 MINS

2:11:25

15 Sep 2024

#495

Dune with John Hodgman

The sleeper must awaken. The filmography must contain a flop. We’ve arrived at the Planet Arrakis aka the Desert Planet aka DUNE (1984) - David Lynch’s attempt at wrangling Frank Herbert’s space epic into a single studio blockbuster. Did it work? Not really. Do we have fun talking about it? Hell yeah, we do! John Hodgman joins us to talk about all things “spice” - including the infamous glossary of Dune terms handed out in theaters, and a wild anecdote about Peter Berg reading Dune on an airplane. We talk about Lynch’s decision to turn down directing Return of the Jedi, the differences between Lynch’s take on Dune and Denis Villeneuve’s more critically successful version, and David finally gets the chance to let his Fremen freak flag fly by going FULL NERD. [Buy John’s Books] (https://www.johnhodgman.com/books) [Watch Dicktown on FX/Hulu] (https://www.fxnetworks.com/shows/dicktown) [Listen to Judge John Hodgman ] (https://maximumfun.org/podcasts/judge-john-hodgman/) [See Judge John Hodgman on Tour] (https://maximumfun.org/podcasts/judge-john-hodgman/) [Subscribe to John’s Substack] (https://hodgman.substack.com/) [Get your Congratulations merch ] (https://congratyoulations.com/) [Join our Patreon for franchise commentaries and bonus episodes] (http://www.patreon.com/blankcheck) . Follow us @blankcheckpod on [Instagram] (https://www.instagram.com/blankcheckpod/?hl=en) , [Threads] (https://www.threads.net/@blankcheckpod?xmt=AQGzctAh4mbWTwYzCV1pzNT6AMV9o99EOfymi8TLR5mTde0) , [Facebook ] (https://www.facebook.com/blankcheckpodcast/) and [X] (https://x.com/blankcheckpod?lang=en) ! [Buy some real nerdy merch] (https://kinshipgoods.com/blankcheck) . Connect with other Blankies on our [Reddit] (https://www.reddit.com/r/blankies/s/gpcOkQr8Sv) or [Discord] (https://discord.gg/Q6YGSR3JrA) For anything else, check out [BlankCheckPod.com] (https://www.blankcheckpod.com/) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit [megaphone.fm/adchoices] (https://megaphone.fm/adchoices) ... Read more

08 Sep 2024

3 HR 04 MINS

3:04:02

08 Sep 2024

#494

The Elephant Man with Alex Ross Perry

We’re getting in touch with our emotions this week, as Alex Ross Perry joins us to talk about Lynch’s deeply-felt, sensitively-rendered 1980 classic THE ELEPHANT MAN. Is this the most “normal” movie in Lynch’s filmography? What does “normal” mean, anyway? As with all Alex episodes, questions are posed and hotly debated, such as: What filmmakers, aside from David Lynch, made their most important work in the later part of their careers? What is the Lynch film that young people vibe with most strongly now? Did Michael Jackson actually attempt to purchase the Elephant Man’s bones? When will the Cinematrix puzzle get rid of the godforsaken “Rotten Tomatoes score” category? What does David Sims have against the famous David Foster Wallace profile of David Lynch?  [Join our Patreon for franchise commentaries and bonus episodes] (http://www.patreon.com/blankcheck) . Follow us @blankcheckpod on [Instagram] (https://www.instagram.com/blankcheckpod/?hl=en) , [Threads] (https://www.threads.net/@blankcheckpod?xmt=AQGzctAh4mbWTwYzCV1pzNT6AMV9o99EOfymi8TLR5mTde0) , [Facebook ] (https://www.facebook.com/blankcheckpodcast/) and [X] (https://x.com/blankcheckpod?lang=en) ! [Buy some real nerdy merch] (https://kinshipgoods.com/blankcheck) . Connect with other Blankies on our [Reddit] (https://www.reddit.com/r/blankies/s/gpcOkQr8Sv) or [Discord] (https://discord.gg/Q6YGSR3JrA) For anything else, check out [BlankCheckPod.com] (https://www.blankcheckpod.com/) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit [megaphone.fm/adchoices] (https://megaphone.fm/adchoices) ... Read more

01 Sep 2024

3 HR 02 MINS

3:02:11

01 Sep 2024

#493

Eraserhead

In heaven (and in podcasting), everything is fine. Welcome to TWIN PODS: FIRE CAST WITH ME, a series on the films of David Lynch - former Eagle Scout and totally normal human man. With his 1977 debut feature ERASERHEAD, Lynch burst on to the scene somewhat fully formed as an artist, confused by normal social interactions and motivated by a seething hatred of Philadelphia. The last part of that sentence is only partially a joke. Join us as we discuss where Eraserhead fits in the pantheon of first features we’ve covered on Blank Check, where this film ranks in the “Dang Ass Freak” canon, whether we first watched this movie in a basement or on a “night porch,” the stress of parenthood, the origin story of McDonald’s mascot Grimace, and much more. Oh, and obviously - the Lady in the Radiator makes an appearance. You are not hallucinating, she is really there. [Join our Patreon for franchise commentaries and bonus episodes] (http://www.patreon.com/blankcheck) . Follow us @blankcheckpod on [Instagram] (https://www.instagram.com/blankcheckpod/?hl=en) , [Threads] (https://www.threads.net/@blankcheckpod?xmt=AQGzctAh4mbWTwYzCV1pzNT6AMV9o99EOfymi8TLR5mTde0) , [Facebook ] (https://www.facebook.com/blankcheckpodcast/) and [X] (https://x.com/blankcheckpod?lang=en) ! [Buy some real nerdy merch] (https://kinshipgoods.com/blankcheck) . Connect with other Blankies on our [Reddit] (https://www.reddit.com/r/blankies/s/gpcOkQr8Sv) or [Discord] (https://discord.gg/Q6YGSR3JrA) For anything else, check out [BlankCheckPod.com] (https://www.blankcheckpod.com/) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit [megaphone.fm/adchoices] (https://megaphone.fm/adchoices) ... Read more

25 Aug 2024

2 HR 16 MINS

2:16:31

25 Aug 2024

#492

Horizon: An American Saga - Chapter 1

Welp, our Kevin Costner series ends not with a bang, but a whimper. With the pulling of Horizon: An American Saga - Chapter 2 from theaters, we are left to only speculate what the future holds for Costner’s self-funded crazy passion project. What we can tell you is that Chapter 1 doesn’t really feel like its own self-contained movie. Plotlines are established, characters are introduced, and then…Giovanni Ribisi shows up.    [Watch Kev on The Rich Eisen Show ] (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EQRer65atzc) [Join our Patreon for franchise commentaries and bonus episodes] (http://www.patreon.com/blankcheck) . Follow us @blankcheckpod on [Instagram] (https://www.instagram.com/blankcheckpod/?hl=en) , [Threads] (https://www.threads.net/@blankcheckpod?xmt=AQGzctAh4mbWTwYzCV1pzNT6AMV9o99EOfymi8TLR5mTde0) , [Facebook ] (https://www.facebook.com/blankcheckpodcast/) and [X] (https://x.com/blankcheckpod?lang=en) ! [Buy some real nerdy merch] (https://kinshipgoods.com/blankcheck) . Connect with other Blankies on our [Reddit] (https://www.reddit.com/r/blankies/s/gpcOkQr8Sv) or [Discord] (https://discord.gg/blankies) For anything else, check out [BlankCheckPod.com] (https://www.blankcheckpod.com/) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit [megaphone.fm/adchoices] (https://megaphone.fm/adchoices) ... Read more

18 Aug 2024

2 HR 37 MINS

2:37:05

18 Aug 2024

#491

Trap

You know the Butcher? That freakin' nutjob that goes around just chopping people up? Well, we’re about to spend nearly three hours talking about him! Join us as we unpack TRAP - the devilishly entertaining new thriller from M. Night Shyamalan, with special insights from our own David Sims, who spent much of this year interviewing Night at his compound in Philadelphia. We’re talking about a bunch of things - dads, serial killers, how much we don’t like going to concerts, the sexy elephant mascot of the New York Liberty, Josh Hartnett’s career arc - when we’re not excusing ourselves to go to the bathroom to uh…check on some apps. [Read David’s Profile of M. Night] (https://www.theatlantic.com/magazine/archive/2024/09/m-night-shyamalan-interview-trap-movie/679158/) [Read Esther’s Article on The Shyamalans] (https://www.nytimes.com/2024/06/05/movies/saleka-and-ishana-shyamalan-interview.html) [Check out the Saleka merch] (https://saleka.presspressmerch.com/) [Join our Patreon for franchise commentaries and bonus episodes] (http://www.patreon.com/blankcheck) . Follow us @blankcheckpod on [Instagram] (https://www.instagram.com/blankcheckpod/?hl=en) , [Threads] (https://www.threads.net/@blankcheckpod?xmt=AQGzctAh4mbWTwYzCV1pzNT6AMV9o99EOfymi8TLR5mTde0) , [Facebook ] (https://www.facebook.com/blankcheckpodcast/) and [X] (https://x.com/blankcheckpod?lang=en) ! [Buy some real nerdy merch] (https://kinshipgoods.com/blankcheck) . Connect with other Blankies on our [Reddit] (https://www.reddit.com/r/blankies/s/gpcOkQr8Sv) or [Discord] (https://discord.gg/blankies) For anything else, check out [BlankCheckPod.com] (https://www.blankcheckpod.com/) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit [megaphone.fm/adchoices] (https://megaphone.fm/adchoices) ... Read more

11 Aug 2024

2 HR 58 MINS

2:58:26

11 Aug 2024

#490

Open Range with Chris Ryan

Free-grazers and CR-heads - this is your week. The icon, the legend, the Ringer’s own Chris Ryan joins us to talk about Kevin Costner’s understated 2003 western OPEN RANGE. We’re finally doing a deep-dive on the Taylor Sheridan empire (aka Chris tells us what Mayor of Kingstown is actually about) as we set up the later part of Costner’s career in the run-up to Horizon. We spend a good amount of time lauding the consistent greatness of Robert Duvall and Annette Bening. You can practically hear the relief in our voices when we talk about how this movie is actually quite good! It may or may not be racist against the Irish, but - hey. How great is that chocolate scene?!  [Join our Patreon for franchise commentaries and bonus episodes] (http://www.patreon.com/blankcheck) . Follow us @blankcheckpod on [Instagram] (https://www.instagram.com/blankcheckpod/?hl=en) , [Threads] (https://www.threads.net/@blankcheckpod?xmt=AQGzctAh4mbWTwYzCV1pzNT6AMV9o99EOfymi8TLR5mTde0) , [Facebook ] (https://www.facebook.com/blankcheckpodcast/) and [X] (https://x.com/blankcheckpod?lang=en) ! [Buy some real nerdy merch] (https://kinshipgoods.com/blankcheck) . Connect with other Blankies on our [Reddit] (https://www.reddit.com/r/blankies/s/gpcOkQr8Sv) or [Discord] (https://discord.gg/blankies) For anything else, check out [BlankCheckPod.com] (https://www.blankcheckpod.com/) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit [megaphone.fm/adchoices] (https://megaphone.fm/adchoices) ... Read more

04 Aug 2024

2 HR 03 MINS

2:03:06

04 Aug 2024

#489

The Postman with Emily St. James

This week’s movie has everything - fake teeth on Giovanni Ribisi, a mule performing Shakespeare, Tom Petty, Kevin Costner’s irresistible sperm…you read that correctly. This film has a major plot line that revolves around Kevin Costner’s sperm. Our beloved Emily St. James joins us to talk about Kevin Costner’s colossal 1997 flop, the post-apocalyptic ode to the US Postal Service - THE POSTMAN. There are parts of this movie that are truly moving. There are other parts of this movie where Kevin Costner and Will Patton wrestle in slow motion. It’s a fascinating text. Buy Emily’s Book about Lost: [LOST: Back to the Island: The Complete Critical Companion to The Classic TV Series] (https://store.abramsbooks.com/products/lost-back-to-the-island) Be on the lookout for Emily’s Novel “Woodworking” out April 2025 - Read more [HERE] (https://crooked.com/crookedmediareads/) [Join our Patreon for franchise commentaries and bonus episodes] (http://www.patreon.com/blankcheck) . Follow us @blankcheckpod on [Instagram] (https://www.instagram.com/blankcheckpod/?hl=en) , [Threads] (https://www.threads.net/@blankcheckpod?xmt=AQGzctAh4mbWTwYzCV1pzNT6AMV9o99EOfymi8TLR5mTde0) , [Facebook ] (https://www.facebook.com/blankcheckpodcast/) and [X] (https://x.com/blankcheckpod?lang=en) ! [Buy some real nerdy merch] (https://kinshipgoods.com/blankcheck) . Connect with other Blankies on our [Reddit] (https://www.reddit.com/r/blankies/s/gpcOkQr8Sv) or [Discord] (https://discord.gg/blankies) For anything else, check out [BlankCheckPod.com] (https://www.blankcheckpod.com/) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit [megaphone.fm/adchoices] (https://megaphone.fm/adchoices) ... Read more

28 Jul 2024

2 HR 32 MINS

2:32:37

28 Jul 2024

#488

Dances with Wolves

In a first for Blank Check, we’re covering a filmmaker who has acted alongside our own Griffin Newman! In our premiere episode covering the directorial career of Draft Day co-star Kevin Costner, we’re unpacking his 1990 Best Picture winner, DANCES WITH WOLVES. Costner as personal mythmaker, Costner as “movie sports guy,” Costner as “hot guy who women all want to sleep with (?)”, Costner as man who decided - at a crucial (and early!) point in his career - to take a huge risk by making a 3-hour epic in an old-fashioned genre. He’s a fascinating figure. Come west with us, listeners, as we discover the frontiers within ourselves and within Lieutenant John Dunbar. [Join our Patreon for franchise commentaries and bonus episodes] (http://www.patreon.com/blankcheck) . Follow us @blankcheckpod on [Instagram] (https://www.instagram.com/blankcheckpod/?hl=en) , [Threads] (https://www.threads.net/@blankcheckpod?xmt=AQGzctAh4mbWTwYzCV1pzNT6AMV9o99EOfymi8TLR5mTde0) , [Facebook ] (https://www.facebook.com/blankcheckpodcast/) and [X] (https://x.com/blankcheckpod?lang=en) ! [Buy some real nerdy merch] (https://kinshipgoods.com/blankcheck) . Connect with other Blankies on our [Reddit] (https://www.reddit.com/r/blankies/s/gpcOkQr8Sv) or [Discord] (https://discord.gg/blankies) For anything else, check out [BlankCheckPod.com] (https://www.blankcheckpod.com/) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit [megaphone.fm/adchoices] (https://megaphone.fm/adchoices) ... Read more

21 Jul 2024

2 HR 14 MINS

2:14:05

21 Jul 2024

#487

Gigli with Jen D'Angelo

The first "G" in "Gigli" is pronounced like the "J" in “Jacques,” the second “G” is silent. Rhymes with "really." Now that that’s out of the way - we conclude our Martin Brest series with the turkey of all turkeys. The Bennifer original sin, the project that should have gotten Justin Bartha put in prison. That’s right, folks. We’re talking about one of the canonical “Worst Movies Ever Made” - 2003’s GIGLI. Screenwriter Jen D’Angelo joins us to talk about this fascinating cultural object, and makes a case that Ben Affleck is “good in this movie, actually.” Griffin and David disagree. We’re going to Baywatch! [Read the Variety Article referenced in the episode] (https://variety.com/2023/film/features/martin-brest-director-beverly-hills-cop-gigli-1235672428/) [Watch Martin Brest’s First Interview in 20 Years ] (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1UcFux2wqH0) [Follow Jen on Instagram] (https://www.instagram.com/jen_dangelo/?hl=en) [Join our Patreon for franchise commentaries and bonus episodes] (http://www.patreon.com/blankcheck) . Follow us @blankcheckpod on [Instagram] (https://www.instagram.com/blankcheckpod/?hl=en) , [Threads] (https://www.threads.net/@blankcheckpod?xmt=AQGzctAh4mbWTwYzCV1pzNT6AMV9o99EOfymi8TLR5mTde0) , [Facebook ] (https://www.facebook.com/blankcheckpodcast/) and [X] (https://x.com/blankcheckpod?lang=en) ! [Buy some real nerdy merch] (https://kinshipgoods.com/blankcheck) . Connect with other Blankies on our [Reddit] (https://www.reddit.com/r/blankies/s/gpcOkQr8Sv) or [Discord] (https://discord.gg/blankies) For anything else, check out [BlankCheckPod.com] (https://www.blankcheckpod.com/) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit [megaphone.fm/adchoices] (https://megaphone.fm/adchoices) ... Read more

14 Jul 2024

2 HR 54 MINS

2:54:56

14 Jul 2024

#486

Meet Joe Black with Richard Lawson

He’s hot. He’s got frosted tips. He loves peanut butter. His lil swimmers may or may not look like skulls. He’s death, baby! And we’re meeting him this week! Vanity Fair’s Richard Lawson returns to the pod to chat about 1998’s three hour long “symphonic metaphysical romance” MEET JOE BLACK. How does this film play in a post-Succession, “eat the rich” context? How do we feel about the infamous Jamaican patois scenes? What are our memories of the weekend the Phantom Menace trailer came out in theaters? All that and more awaits you on the other side of the bridge. [Read Chad Hartigan’s article on Meet Joe Black ] (https://www.talkhouse.com/revisited-chad-hartigan-talks-discovering-his-true-self-through-jim-carrey-and-meet-joe-black/) [Read Richard’s work at Vanity Fair] (https://www.vanityfair.com/contributor/richard-lawson) [Listen to Little Gold Men] (https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/little-gold-men-by-vanity-fair/id1042433465) [Listen to Still Watching] (https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/still-watching-house-of-the-dragon-season-2/id1328561705) [Join our Patreon for franchise commentaries and bonus episodes] (http://www.patreon.com/blankcheck) . Follow us @blankcheckpod on [Instagram] (https://www.instagram.com/blankcheckpod/?hl=en) , [Threads] (https://www.threads.net/@blankcheckpod?xmt=AQGzctAh4mbWTwYzCV1pzNT6AMV9o99EOfymi8TLR5mTde0) , [Facebook ] (https://www.facebook.com/blankcheckpodcast/) and [X] (https://x.com/blankcheckpod?lang=en) ! [Buy some real nerdy merch] (https://kinshipgoods.com/blankcheck) . Connect with other Blankies on our [Reddit] (https://www.reddit.com/r/blankies/s/gpcOkQr8Sv) or [Discord] (https://discord.gg/blankies) For anything else, check out [BlankCheckPod.com] (https://www.blankcheckpod.com/) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit [megaphone.fm/adchoices] (https://megaphone.fm/adchoices) ... Read more

07 Jul 2024

2 HR 40 MINS

2:40:52

07 Jul 2024

#485

Scent of a Woman with David Krumholtz

Warning - this episode contains an ungodly amount of Pacino impressions. Listener discretion is advised. “Actor’s actor” and local boy from Queens David Krumholtz becomes the second cast member of Oppenheimer and first person immortalized in Griffin’s beloved Disney Emoji Blitz to guest on our Martin Brest series as we talk about 1992’s dire SCENT OF A WOMAN. Would this movie be less terrible if it were at least 40 minutes shorter? What if the original first choice for Lt. Col. Frank Slade - Jack Nicholson - had done this film instead of Pacino? What if we swapped Philip Seymour Hoffman for the charisma vacuum that is Chris O’Donnell? Sadly, we can only imagine these scenarios. Join us for lots of candid Krumholtz anecdotes, a scorching hot take regarding the diner scene in Heat, and more! [Check out David in Lousy Carter ] (https://www.imdb.com/title/tt27774989/) [Join our Patreon for franchise commentaries and bonus episodes] (http://www.patreon.com/blankcheck) . Follow us @blankcheckpod on [Instagram] (https://www.instagram.com/blankcheckpod/?hl=en) , [Threads] (https://www.threads.net/@blankcheckpod?xmt=AQGzctAh4mbWTwYzCV1pzNT6AMV9o99EOfymi8TLR5mTde0) , [Facebook ] (https://www.facebook.com/blankcheckpodcast/) and [X] (https://x.com/blankcheckpod?lang=en) ! [Buy some real nerdy merch] (https://kinshipgoods.com/blankcheck) . Connect with other Blankies on our [Reddit] (https://www.reddit.com/r/blankies/s/gpcOkQr8Sv) or [Discord] (https://discord.gg/blankies) For anything else, check out [BlankCheckPod.com] (https://www.blankcheckpod.com/) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit [megaphone.fm/adchoices] (https://megaphone.fm/adchoices) ... Read more

30 Jun 2024

2 HR 16 MINS

2:16:35

30 Jun 2024

#484

Midnight Run with Alan Sepinwall

In a first for Blank Check, Ben Hosley produces an entire episode while handcuffed and under threat of legal action. What else would you expect from a MIDNIGHT RUN episode? The great Alan Sepinwall returns to the pod to talk about Martin Brest’s fantastic cross-country buddy caper, a film that proved that DeNiro could do comedy and that Charles Grodin might be the funniest man alive. We’re talking about the unofficial Larry the Cable Guy sequel (?), the famous casting what-ifs (Cher!), and the magic that went into making this movie so breezy, effortless, and fun. We didn’t how good we had it back in 1988, did we?l [Pre-order Alan’s book, “Saul Goodman V. Jimmy McGill: The Complete Critical Companion to Better Call Saul” ] (https://store.abramsbooks.com/products/saul-goodman-v-jimmy-mcgill-the-better-call-saul-critical-companion) [Subscribe to What's Alan Watching] (https://www.alansepinwall.substack.com/) [Join our Patreon for franchise commentaries and bonus episodes] (http://www.patreon.com/blankcheck) . Follow us @blankcheckpod on [Instagram] (https://www.instagram.com/blankcheckpod/?hl=en) , [Threads] (https://www.threads.net/@blankcheckpod?xmt=AQGzctAh4mbWTwYzCV1pzNT6AMV9o99EOfymi8TLR5mTde0) , [Facebook ] (https://www.facebook.com/blankcheckpodcast/) and [X] (https://x.com/blankcheckpod?lang=en) ! [Buy some real nerdy merch] (https://kinshipgoods.com/blankcheck) . Connect with other Blankies on our [Reddit] (https://www.reddit.com/r/blankies/s/gpcOkQr8Sv) or [Discord] (https://discord.gg/blankies) For anything else, check out [BlankCheckPod.com] (https://www.blankcheckpod.com/) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit [megaphone.fm/adchoices] (https://megaphone.fm/adchoices) ... Read more

23 Jun 2024

3 HR 00 MINS

3:00:18

23 Jun 2024

#483

Beverly Hills Cop with Adil & Bilall

An indelible synth theme by Harold Faltermeyer. A scene-stealing turn from Bronson Pinchot. A banana in a tailpipe. EDDIE FREAKING MURPHY. It’s no wonder that Martin Brest’s Beverly Hills Cop is one of the most beloved action comedies (and still the highest-grossing R-rated film adjusted for inflation). We couldn’t be more thrilled to have two of the hottest action directors in Hollywood - Bad Boys: Ride or Die’s Adil & Bilall - join us to talk about Brest’s blockbuster second feature, bringing all the expertise from their years spent developing Beverly Hills Cop 4. We’re getting into the Stallone of it all, the Simpson/Bruckheimer of it all, the Judge Reinhold of it all - while also taking some time to unpack the specific nuances that Brest brings as a director (as opposed to Tony Scott’s take on the sequel). And….yes. We talk about BATGIRL. [Join our Patreon for franchise commentaries and bonus episodes] (http://www.patreon.com/blankcheck) . Follow us @blankcheckpod on [Instagram] (https://www.instagram.com/blankcheckpod/?hl=en) , [Threads] (https://www.threads.net/@blankcheckpod?xmt=AQGzctAh4mbWTwYzCV1pzNT6AMV9o99EOfymi8TLR5mTde0) , [Facebook ] (https://www.facebook.com/blankcheckpodcast/) and [X] (https://x.com/blankcheckpod?lang=en) ! [Buy some real nerdy merch] (https://kinshipgoods.com/blankcheck) . Connect with other Blankies on our [Reddit] (https://www.reddit.com/r/blankies/s/gpcOkQr8Sv) or [Discord] (https://discord.gg/blankies) For anything else, check out [BlankCheckPod.com] (https://www.blankcheckpod.com/) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit [megaphone.fm/adchoices] (https://megaphone.fm/adchoices) ... Read more

16 Jun 2024

1 HR 48 MINS

1:48:31

16 Jun 2024

#482

Going In Style with James Urbaniak

After years of citing him as a potential series, we’re finally Brest men. In this inaugural episode of our “Podverly Hills Cast” series, we’re taking a look at Martin Brest’s debut feature, 1979’s understated and deeply enjoyable old man heist film “Going in Style.” James Urbaniak joins us to chat through the beginning of Brest’s career, and the storied personas of George Burns, Art Carney, and Lee Strasberg. Cream cheese and jelly sandwiches on toasted rye for everyone!  [Join our Patreon for franchise commentaries and bonus episodes] (http://www.patreon.com/blankcheck) . Follow us @blankcheckpod on [Instagram] (https://www.instagram.com/blankcheckpod/?hl=en) , [Threads] (https://www.threads.net/@blankcheckpod?xmt=AQGzctAh4mbWTwYzCV1pzNT6AMV9o99EOfymi8TLR5mTde0) , [Facebook ] (https://www.facebook.com/blankcheckpodcast/) and [X] (https://x.com/blankcheckpod?lang=en) ! [Buy some real nerdy merch] (https://kinshipgoods.com/blankcheck) . Connect with other Blankies on our [Reddit] (https://www.reddit.com/r/blankies/s/gpcOkQr8Sv) or [Discord] (https://discord.gg/blankies) For anything else, check out [BlankCheckPod.com] (https://www.blankcheckpod.com/) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit [megaphone.fm/adchoices] (https://megaphone.fm/adchoices) ... Read more

09 Jun 2024

1 HR 51 MINS

1:51:05

09 Jun 2024

#481

Furiosa with Kyle Buchanan

We return to the Wasteland this week with Furiosa, and we’ve got quite the tour guide. Kyle Buchanan - author of Blood, Sweat & Chrome, THE book on the making of Mad Max: Fury Road - joins us as we do a definitive post-mortem on George Miller’s latest. Going up against the reputation of Fury Road was always going to be an uphill battle for the Anya Taylor-Joy starrer, and we go into all the ways in which this film matches, exceeds, or misses the highs of 2015’s action classic. Kyle brings with him plenty of behind-the-scenes details and shrewd observations, and Ben and Griffin bring a visceral report from their 4DX screening. And yes - of course we talk about how Dementus looks just like Guru Pitka.   [Read Kyle’s writing at the New York Times] (https://www.nytimes.com/by/kyle-buchanan) [Check out his Oral History of Fury Road] (https://www.nytimes.com/2020/05/12/movies/mad-max-fury-road-oral-history.html) as well as his book; [Blood, Sweat & Chrome: The Wild and True Story of Mad Max: Fury Road] (https://www.harpercollins.com/products/blood-sweat-chrome-kyle-buchanan?variant=39314534629410) [Join our Patreon for franchise commentaries and bonus episodes] (http://www.patreon.com/blankcheck) . Follow us @blankcheckpod on [Instagram] (https://www.instagram.com/blankcheckpod/?hl=en) , [Threads] (https://www.threads.net/@blankcheckpod?xmt=AQGzctAh4mbWTwYzCV1pzNT6AMV9o99EOfymi8TLR5mTde0) , [Facebook ] (https://www.facebook.com/blankcheckpodcast/) and [X] (https://x.com/blankcheckpod?lang=en) ! [Buy some real nerdy merch] (https://kinshipgoods.com/blankcheck) . Connect with other Blankies on our [Reddit] (https://www.reddit.com/r/blankies/s/gpcOkQr8Sv) or [Discord] (https://discord.gg/blankies) For anything else, check out [BlankCheckPod.com] (https://www.blankcheckpod.com/) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit [megaphone.fm/adchoices] (https://megaphone.fm/adchoices) ... Read more

02 Jun 2024

3 HR 01 MINS

3:01:29

02 Jun 2024