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 o...
Mar 18, 2018•2 hr 5 min•Transcript available on Metacast 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! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Mar 15, 2018•26 min•Transcript available on Metacast 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 fo...
Mar 11, 2018•2 hr 36 min•Transcript available on Metacast 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 conne...
Mar 04, 2018•2 hr 59 min•Transcript available on Metacast 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 19...
Feb 25, 2018•2 hr 5 min•Transcript available on Metacast J.D. Amato (The Chris Gethard Show) joins Griffin and David to discuss 1997’s bug war sci-fi, Starship Troopers. 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
Feb 18, 2018•2 hr 24 min•Transcript available on Metacast 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! Join our Patreon for franchise commentaries and bonus epis...
Feb 12, 2018•2 hr 13 min•Transcript available on Metacast 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). Join our Patreon for franchise commentaries and bonus episodes. Follow us @bl...
Feb 04, 2018•2 hr 20 min•Transcript available on Metacast 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. Join our Patreon for franchise commentaries and bonus episodes. Follow us @blankcheckpod on Instagram, Threads, Fa...
Jan 28, 2018•2 hr 33 min•Transcript available on Metacast 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...
Jan 21, 2018•2 hr 59 min•Transcript available on Metacast 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 ta...
Jan 14, 2018•2 hr 22 min•Transcript available on Metacast 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 movi...
Jan 07, 2018•2 hr 41 min•Transcript available on Metacast 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 th...
Dec 31, 2017•2 hr 33 min•Transcript available on Metacast On the day of it’s release in December of 2017, Griffin and David discussed Star Wars: Episode VIII – The Last Jedi. 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
Dec 18, 2017•3 hr 39 min•Transcript available on Metacast #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 plat...
Dec 10, 2017•2 hr 1 min•Transcript available on Metacast 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. Join our Patreon for franchise commentarie...
Dec 03, 2017•2 hr 53 min•Transcript available on Metacast 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. Join our Patreon for franchise commentaries and bonus episodes. Follow us @blankcheckpod on Instagram, T...
Nov 26, 2017•2 hr 52 min•Transcript available on Metacast 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 ...
Nov 19, 2017•2 hr 51 min•Transcript available on Metacast 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 ...
Nov 12, 2017•2 hr 10 min•Transcript available on Metacast 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. Join our Patr...
Nov 05, 2017•2 hr 22 min•Transcript available on Metacast 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...
Oct 29, 2017•2 hr 54 min•Transcript available on Metacast 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! Join our Patreon for franchise commentaries and bonus episodes. Follow us @blankcheckpod on Instagram, Threads, Facebo...
Oct 22, 2017•2 hr 57 min•Transcript available on Metacast 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. Join our Patreon for franchise commentaries and bonus episodes. Follow us @blankcheckpod on Instagram, Threads, Facebook and X! Buy som...
Oct 15, 2017•2 hr 9 min•Transcript available on Metacast 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 s...
Oct 08, 2017•2 hr 55 min•Transcript available on Metacast 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. Join our Patreon for franchise commentaries and bonus episodes. Follow us @blankcheckpod on Ins...
Oct 01, 2017•2 hr 45 min•Transcript available on Metacast 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. Join our Patreon for franchise commentaries and bonus episodes. Follow us @blankcheckpod on Inst...
Sep 24, 2017•2 hr 52 min•Transcript available on Metacast 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 f...
Sep 17, 2017•1 hr 25 min•Transcript available on Metacast 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 th...
Sep 10, 2017•2 hr 18 min•Transcript available on Metacast 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. Join our Patreon for franchise commentaries and bonus episodes. Follow us @blankcheckpod on...
Sep 07, 2017•24 min•Transcript available on Metacast 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 Costn...
Sep 03, 2017•2 hr 15 min•Transcript available on Metacast 
