Blank Check with Griffin & David

Chandler Levack, filmmaker and director of 'I Like Movies,' joins the conversation to dissect the misfit film 'Loser.' They humorously discuss its awkward blend of comedy and discomfort, the legacy of its star-studded cast, and a catchy reminder of Wheatus's 'Teenage Dirtbag.' Levack shares insights on the trials of female filmmakers navigating Hollywood, while analyzing character flaws and the often toxic narratives within the film. The episode concludes with a nostalgic look at teen films and the impact of choices made in casting and storytelling.

Heidi Gardner, an actress and comedian best known for her work on Saturday Night Live, joins the conversation to dive into the cherished film 'Clueless.' The discussion highlights its Jane Austen roots, as well as nostalgic reflections on Paul Rudd's career and memorable moments from the film. They share humorous takes on iconic fashion choices and Kansas City lore. Expect lots of laughter and a dash of personal anecdotes about childhood movie experiences, all while celebrating the enduring impact of this cult classic.

Marie Barty Salinas, a vibrant contributor to the Blank Check podcast, dives deep into the latest twists of the beloved Mission: Impossible franchise. She and the hosts unpack the film’s rumored finality while debating Tom Cruise's enduring appeal. They share laughs and insights on narrative coherence, character dynamics, and the immersive action sequences that keep audiences on the edge of their seats. They also reflect on how nostalgia and humor feed into the cinematic experience, culminating in a lively exploration of storytelling and cinematic legacy.

Max Minghella, actor and filmmaker known for his roles in The Social Network and The Handmaid's Tale, joins the conversation about the quirky sequel, Look Who’s Talking Too. They explore the hilariously absurd characters like Mr. Toilet Man and Mr. Scary Uncle Man, while delving into the tumultuous production process and legal challenges faced. Nostalgia runs high as they reflect on childhood experiences and the awkwardness of parenting, giving insight into the balance of humor and heartfelt moments in family films.

Hillary Busis, senior editor at Vanity Fair and a film enthusiast, joins the discussion about the 1989 hit 'Look Who's Talking.' They explore John Travolta's career resurgence, the film’s surprising box office success, and its humorous yet poignant take on parenthood. The conversation takes amusing tangents from parenting norms to 'Rugrats' rules and highlights the absurdity of character portrayals. With insights into Hollywood stardom and repressed childhood memories, this chat uncovers what makes this film a nostalgic treasure.

Join comedian Jon Gabrus, known for his vibrant energy on shows like Action Boyz, as he and the hosts unpack the quirks of 'National Lampoon's European Vacation.' They delve into Chevy Chase's comedic legacy and chaotic charm, share hilarious personal family vacation stories, and critique the film's cultural portrayals. From amusing anecdotes about Oktoberfest to reflections on family dynamics in comedy, the discussion is sprinkled with nostalgia and witty observations about 1980s film culture that keeps the laughter rolling.

Sweetie pie comedian Josh Gondelman, known for his work on "Desus & Mero," chats about the cult classic "Johnny Dangerously." They dive into the comedic genius of Joe Piscopo and what makes his legacy stick. The conversation also touches on Marilu Henner's incredible memory, the absurdities of the film’s plot, and why it’s become hard to watch in today's world. From analyzing parody humor to revisiting the film's unique take on gangster classics, Josh and the hosts offer a hilariously insightful look into this underrated gem.

Lola Kirke, a talented musician, author, and actress known for her role in Sinners, joins the hosts for an entertaining dive into the classic film Fast Times at Ridgemont High. They explore surprising behind-the-scenes details, including a potential David Lynch direction and the film’s cultural impact. The conversation touches on nostalgia for mall culture, challenges for female filmmakers, and the hilarity of adolescent dynamics. With personal anecdotes and critical insights, they celebrate the film's legacy while humorously critiquing teen movie tropes.

Our Early Spielberg series concludes with a movie that is a super fun time and not at all distressing to watch in our current political climate! David Ehrlich joins us to discuss 1993’s Schindler’s List, the film that defined the visual language of the Holocaust and finally got Spielberg his Oscar. We’re getting into the critical debates about this film’s “watchability,” the fact that this was only Ralph Fiennes’ second screen performance, and our (likely controversial) definitive ranking of Spielberg’s full filmography.  Sign up for Check Book, the Blank Check newsletter featuring even more “real nerdy shit” to feed your pop culture obsession. Dossier excerpts, film biz AND burger reports, and even more exclusive content you won’t want to miss out on.Join our Patreon for franchise commentaries and bonus episodes.Follow us @blankcheckpod on Twitter, Instagram, Threads and Facebook! Buy some real nerdy merchConnect with other Blankies on our Reddit or DiscordFor anything else, check out BlankCheckPod.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this engaging discussion, film critic Sean Fennessey, host of The Big Picture podcast, joins to dive into the iconic 'Jurassic Park.' They humorously dissect the film's remarkable cast, including the unforgettable Wayne Knight, and reflect on its themes of family and morality in relation to corporate greed. The podcast also explores Spielberg's directorial evolution and critiques contemporary storytelling while reminiscing about childhood dinosaur fascinations. The conversation sprinkles in insights on the legacy of the film and the dynamic character interactions that made it a cultural phenomenon.