John Hodgman Judge John Hodgman podcast 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 is now availab...
Feb 03, 2019•2 hr 7 min
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 Join our Patreon for franch...
Jan 27, 2019•1 hr 58 min
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 supercu...
Jan 21, 2019•2 hr 16 min
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. Join our Patreon fo...
Jan 13, 2019•1 hr 44 min
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 televis...
Jan 06, 2019•2 hr 7 min
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 and The /Filmcast. Join our Patreon for franchise commentaries and bonus episodes. Follow us @blankcheckpod on Instagram, Threads, Facebook and X! B...
Dec 23, 2018•2 hr 11 min
Friend and host of Classroom Crush podcast, 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 CODE: C...
Dec 16, 2018•2 hr 14 min
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. Join our Patreon for franchise commentaries and bonus episodes. Follow us @blankcheckpod on Instagram, Threads, Facebook and X! Buy some real nerdy merch. Connect with other Blankies on our Reddit or Discord For anything else, check out BlankCheckPod.com Learn more about your ...
Dec 09, 2018•1 hr 49 min
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) leaves a voicemail! Join our Patreon for franchise commentaries and bonus episodes. Follow us @blankcheckpod on Instagram, Threads, Facebook and X! Buy some real nerdy merch. Connect with other Blankies on our Red...
Dec 02, 2018•2 hr 26 min
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...
Nov 25, 2018•2 hr 2 min
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. Crashing Season 3 returns to HBO in January. Official Trailer: And c...
Nov 18, 2018•1 hr 44 min
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. Music selection: “Bushwick Tarentella” by Kevin MacLeod Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0 License. Join o...
Nov 11, 2018•1 hr 57 min
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 V...
Nov 04, 2018•2 hr 17 min
Bobby Finger (Who? Weekly podcast) 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. Music Selection: “BossaBossa” by Kevin MacLeod Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0 License. Join our Patreon for franchise commentaries and bonus episodes. Follow us @blankcheckpod on Instagram, Threads, Facebook and X! Buy some...
Oct 28, 2018•2 hr 14 min
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. And check out Lola Kirke’s new album Heart Head West and her starring role in the feature film, Gemini. Music selection: “Mr. Man” from freesfx.co.uk. Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attrib...
Oct 21, 2018•1 hr 44 min
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. Music Selection: “Swinging in the 7th” by Dana Boulé Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0 License. Join our Patreon for franchise commentaries and bonus epis...
Oct 14, 2018•2 hr 9 min
On the week of it’s release in October of 2018, Griffin and David discussed A Star Is Born. Join our Patreon for franchise commentaries and bonus episodes. Follow us @blankcheckpod on Instagram, Threads, Facebook and X! Buy some real nerdy merch. Connect with other Blankies on our Reddit or Discord. For anything else, check out BlankCheckPod.com. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Oct 08, 2018•2 hr 13 min
This week, James Newman joins Blank Check for another family edition episode to discuss the 1996 Michael Jordan and Looney Tunes crossover, Space Jam. Join our Patreon for franchise commentaries and bonus episodes. Follow us @blankcheckpod on Instagram, Threads, Facebook and X! Buy some real nerdy merch. Connect with other Blankies on our Reddit or Discord. For anything else, check out BlankCheckPod.com. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Sep 30, 2018•2 hr 14 min
Griffin and David review the Ang Lee directed short film, Chosen, 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. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Sep 27, 2018•50 min
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 epi...
Sep 23, 2018•2 hr 31 min
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. Halon Entertainment - Life of Pi Previs Highlight Reel Dennis Hopper r...
Sep 16, 2018•2 hr 21 min
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! And look our for an...
Sep 09, 2018•2 hr 35 min
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 foregroundi...
Sep 02, 2018•2 hr 1 min
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. Also help support Dresser Kittens at dresser-kittens.myshopify.com/ Join our Patreon for franchise commentaries and bonus episodes. Follow us @blankcheckpod on Instagram, Threads, Facebook an...
Aug 26, 2018•1 hr 55 min
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. Music courtesy of "Night Court Theme" by Jack Elliott Join our Patreon for franchise commentaries and bonus episodes....
Aug 19, 2018•2 hr 19 min
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. Join our Patreon for franchise commentaries and bonus episodes. Follow us @blankcheckpod on Instagram, Threads, Facebook and X! Buy some real nerdy merch. Connect with other Blankies on our Reddit or Discord. For anythin...
Aug 12, 2018•2 hr 15 min
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. Join our Patreon for franchise commentaries and bonus episodes. Follow us @blankcheckpod on Instagram, Threads, Facebook and X! Bu...
Aug 05, 2018•1 hr 55 min
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. And check out Blank Check’s wiki! Join our Patreon for franchise commentaries and bonus episodes. Follow us @blankcheckpod on In...
Jul 29, 2018•1 hr 53 min
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! Genndy Tartakovsky's POPEYE Animation Test Join our Patreon for fr...
Jul 22, 2018•2 hr 15 min
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. Join our Patreon for franchise commentaries and bonus episodes. Follow us @blankcheckpod on Instagram, Threads, Facebook and X! B...
Jul 15, 2018•2 hr 2 min
