Blank Check with Griffin & David

Dive into the chaos of Pandora where a new Na'vi queen captivates hearts. Explore the messy yet thrilling plot of Fire and Ash, highlighting the complexities of Quaritch's arc from villain to antihero. Delve into the fascinating dynamics of Na'vi connections and the ethical stakes of hybrid lifeforms. The hosts dissect the film's narrative density and how it critiques humanity and colonialism. Plus, enjoy insights on production, character dynamics, and exciting future predictions for the franchise!

Richard Lawson, a film critic and writer, joins to discuss the quirky and complex film 'Ella McKay' by James L. Brooks. They dive into themes of political scandals and media narratives, reflecting on the film's rarity in today’s cinemas. The conversation explores the chaotic plot dynamics, including a governor's unexpected rise and family tensions, while noting the film's nostalgic charm despite its flaws. Lawson also teases his new podcast, 'Critical Darlings,' promising more insights into film culture.

Join writer and illustrator Mattie Lubchansky as she dives into the chaotic world of Honey Don’t. They debate the performances of Margaret Qualley and Aubrey Plaza, with insights on Chris Evans' bold career choices. The hosts explore the film's inconsistent tone and how it compares to previous Coen brothers' works. Expect a playful discussion on the intended lesbian B-movie trilogy and the film's unique aesthetic choices. Will Go Beavers rise from the ashes? Tune in for all the juicy insights!

Maya, known as mxmtoon, is a musician and content creator who shares her unique perspective as a first-time viewer of Drive Away Dolls. She dives into the unconventional relationship between Ethan Coen and Tricia Cooke, discussing their creation of a sex-positive queer film. The trio covers the intriguing rise of Pedro Pascal's fame, the decline of lesbian bars, and the film's blend of humor and emotional depth. They also explore mxmtoon’s firsthand experience with the Coens, highlighting the film's light-hearted vibe amidst its cultural reflections.

Dana Schwartz, a talented writer and podcaster, joins to delve into Joel Coen’s The Tragedy of Macbeth. They explore the film's unique visual style, informed by German expressionism and the challenges of pandemic production. The conversation includes a lively debate on the performances of Frances McDormand and Denzel Washington, alongside standout supporting actors. Dana shares her insights into the historical context of Macbeth and the infamous curse of the play, making for a fascinating discussion on adapting Shakespeare for the screen.

Join comedians Paul Scheer and Jason Mantzoukas as they unpack the Coen brothers' film, offering hilarious insights and candid discussions. They dive into the film's anthology style, comparing it to a sketchbook of Western themes, and joke about meme culture stemming from iconic lines. The pair also analyze standout segments, like Tim Blake Nelson's quirky performance and the profound depth of Zoe Kazan's story. Expect spirited banter and a ranking of the Coens' films, making for a delightful exploration of their unique cinematic legacy.

Shirley Li, a journalist at The Atlantic, joins to dive deep into the Coen brothers' film Hail, Caesar! The conversation explores the film's delightful Technicolor cinematography and the standout performances of Channing Tatum and Alden Ehrenreich. They discuss Tatum's impressive tap dance training for a musical scene, alongside insights into Alden's breakout role. Additionally, the complexities of the plot, including Hollywood politics and the character of Eddie Mannix, showcase the film's humorous yet profound reflections on the industry. Expect laughs and keen analysis!

Rachel Zegler, an actor and singer known for her role in West Side Story, shares her admiration for Inside Llewyn Davis. She dives into the Coen Brothers' fascination with failure and how Llewyn’s character reflects a thwarted artist's journey. The discussion highlights Oscar Isaac’s preparation and unique musical performance, as well as the film's cold cinematography. Zegler also touches on the film's impactful cat symbolism and its resonant themes, linking her experience with the film to her own stage work in Evita.

The discussion dives into Kathryn Bigelow's latest film, A House of Dynamite, highlighting its peculiar presidential podcast references that dilute the suspense. They explore Bigelow's career trajectory, the film's script origins, and whether the repetitive structure limits its storytelling. Other topics include casting choices, standout performances, and Bigelow's distinct filmmaking style. Expect debates on potential endings for a nuclear thriller and the film's chances for award nominations as they navigate through recent industry trends and pop culture.

Join comedian Stavros Halkias, a prominent Greek-American entertainer, as he dives into the Coen Brothers' True Grit. They praise Hailee Steinfeld's breakout performance and dissect Jeff Bridges' unique take on Rooster, contrasting it with John Wayne’s portrayal. The conversation also touches on the Coens’ brilliant adaptation of Charles Portis' novel and their commitment to character depth, while getting sidetracked by an unexpected love for the CBS show Watson. Expect plenty of laughs and insightful commentary on film and pop culture!