Blank Check with Griffin & David

Scott Wampler and Eric Vespe, film critics specializing in Stephen King adaptations, dive into John Carpenter's 'Christine.' They debate whether a murderous vintage car or Barbra Streisand's bizarre basement mall is more chilling. The conversation unpacks the cultural impact of King’s work, whimsical motifs in his storytelling, and contrasts the film's adaptation with its source material. They humorously explore the film's blend of nostalgia and horror while peeling back layers of cinematic craftsmanship and its lasting legacy.

Here’s the thing about THE THING - it might be the best movie we’ve ever covered? Emily St. James joins us (and joins the five-timers club!) to discuss Carpenter’s Arctic paranoia classic, which was unfairly maligned upon release. Topics covered include the “Brimley COCOON Line,” the film as a trans allegory, and dogs getting their faces peeled back like bananas.Checkout Emily’s podcast What to Watch on the Vox Quick Hits feed or the scripted series Arden!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 DiscordFor anything else, check out BlankCheckPod.com  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Karen Han, a film critic and writer, joins the discussion to dissect John Carpenter’s cult classic, 'Escape from New York'. They dive into the untold stories behind the film's shooting locations, laugh over memorable character quirks, and reflect on the evolution of action heroes, especially Snake Plissken. The conversation also touches on Carpenter's surprising video game preferences, and highlights Lee Van Cleef's legacy with entertaining anecdotes about his gravestone and more. A delightful mix of nostalgia and insightful commentary awaits!

Nia DaCosta, the talented director known for 'Candyman' and her upcoming Marvel film, dives into the eerie world of 'The Fog.' She humorously debates whether fog can be scary and discusses the film's ghostly pirate themes. The conversation also touches on her unexpected path to directing and the creative challenges faced during production. DaCosta reflects on suspense in horror and the unique narrative elements in lighthouse films, all while sharing her insights on genre filmmaking and the significance of practical effects.

It’s our biggest episode EVER as Alex Ross Perry brings his own dossier of talking points to tackle 1978’s iconic HALLOWEEN. We explore the history of American independent cinema as seen through the lens of the low-budget horror genre, and determine who’d be included in the slasher villain Mount Rushmore (Chucky isn’t carved into the rock; he’d be working at the gift shop).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 DiscordFor anything else, check out BlankCheckPod.com  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

April Wolfe, a screenwriter and film critic known for her work on the 2019 Black Christmas remake, joins the discussion on John Carpenter’s impactful film, Assault on Precinct 13. They dive into the film's unique score, the evolution of slasher cinema, and the importance of sound production. April shares insights into character complexity and moral dilemmas in horror, emphasizing how these elements enhance storytelling. The conversation also highlights the joy of cinema and the value of preserving the theatrical experience.

Our long-awaited John Carpenter series kicks off with his ultra-low budget oddity debut DARK STAR. Ben goes Hollywood (actually, “Hosleywood”) to record with Emily Yoshida - the Mother of Blankies herself - *in person* in Los Angeles, and the gang debates possible names for the series. We landed on “They Podcast” - which is a departure from Griffin’s far sweatier suggestions. Join us as we set the table for Carpenter’s filmography, and go deep on this film, which could also just be called “Space Dirtbags,” per Emily.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 DiscordFor anything else, check out BlankCheckPod.com  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Marie Bardi, social media manager and M. Night Shyamalan superfan, joins the conversation to explore the quirky premise of aging on a mysterious beach in 'Old.' The hosts tackle themes of loss and family dynamics through a comedic lens, alongside reflections on filmmaking during the pandemic. They delve into Shyamalan's evolving style, discussing his unique storytelling techniques and the intertwining of nostalgia and societal issues. With a mix of humor and poignant insights, the group debates the film's impact on audiences and the industry's shifting landscape.

Welcome to the slam, it’s time to jam - it’s our first in-person recording since the pandemic! Griffin’s brother James Newman returns to the pod to chat BASKETBALL, a topic that Griffin now knows slightly more about after watching The Last Dance. Is LeBron a bad actor? Does anyone really understand the complicated metaphysics of the Warner Bros Serververse? Join us as we discuss!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 DiscordFor anything else, check out BlankCheckPod.com  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

It’s the direct-to-Crackle sequel to our original Clifford episode from four years ago! Clifford superfan and comedy legend Tom Scharpling (“The Best Show,” his new memoir “It Never Ends”) joins us to wax poetic on Martin Short and eulogize the great Charles Grodin. The guys also give pitches for an actual Clifford sequel. Would it involve a prison break? Ben thinks so! 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 DiscordFor anything else, check out BlankCheckPod.com  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices