

Blank Check with Griffin & David
Blank Check Productions
Not just another bad movie podcast, Blank Check reviews directors' complete filmographies episode to episode. Specifically, the auteurs whose early successes afforded them the rare ‘blank check’ from Hollywood to produce passion projects. Each new miniseries, hosts Griffin Newman and David Sims delve into the works of film’s most outsized personalities in painstakingly hilarious detail. Produced by Ben Hosley.
Episodes
Mentioned books

Apr 18, 2021 • 2h 21min
Mikey and Nicky with Olivia Craighead
Grab 15 cups of cream, brush up on your Meisner Technique, and listen in as The Two Friends (Griffin & David) discuss the Two Friends MIKEY & NICKY, with special guest Olivia Craighead (Iconography podcast). While we’re still discussing the films of Elaine May, this episode also serves as a celebration of “Short King With A Tall Face” John Cassavetes, and recognizes 1976 for what it was - a banner year for Ned Beatty.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

Apr 11, 2021 • 2h 29min
The Heartbreak Kid with Avery Edison
Writer and comedian Avery Edison joins this week to discuss 1972’s The Heartbreak Kid! Topics include: how May’s directing elevated the Neil Simon screenplay, the performances from Cybill Shepherd, Jeannie Berlin, Charles Grodin, the delightful cringe of the comedy, and more!Check out Avery's scripted podcast Swings And Roundabouts!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

Apr 4, 2021 • 2h 5min
A New Leaf
Heavens! It’s technically April, but we’re talking MAY! The guys kick off our Elaine May mini series with her debut feature A New Leaf, while also diving deep into her history as an improv and sketch comedy trailblazer. This episode also marks the return of Ben’s nicknames, and includes a wild ride through the top box office hits of 1971. Billy Jack, anyone?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

Mar 28, 2021 • 2h 37min
The Sixth Annual Blank Check Awards with Joe Reid
Griffin and David welcome back Joe Reid for the 6th annual Blankie Awards Ceremony for Excellence in Films. Together they present their own personal nominations and winners for the upcoming 93rd Academy Awards. This roundtable discussion looks at all the major categories, as well as, references deep cut cinema you may have missed.Check out Joe Reid's podcast This Had Oscar Buzz!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

Mar 21, 2021 • 2h 7min
Moana with Lenika Cruz
Griffin and David are finally doing it! They are CONSIDERING THE COCONUT! In addition to the coconut they also have an in-depth conversation about Musker and Clements’ final (and best?) film together, 2016's Moana. A departure from their typical 2D animation style, and a shift from Disney’s typical Princess / Prince structure, their first fully CG film delves into a Polynesian mythology AND makes everyone cry. They are joined this week by Lenika Cruz (The Atlantic) and discuss heavy topics like parental relationships and leaving home, as well as topics on the lighter side such as; what is the best use of The Rock, and will we be over Lin Manuel Miranda again this coming year. 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

Mar 14, 2021 • 2h 17min
The Princess and the Frog with James III
Just when they thought they were out, Musker & Clements are called back in to helm 2009's The Princess and the Frog. After 7 years in directorial semi-retirement, John and Ron bring Disney animated films back to its musical roots in this historic fairytale starring Disney's first Black princess.James III (Black Men Can’t Jump In Hollywood) joins this week to discuss the missteps, Keith David’s body of work, how cool Louis the jazz loving alligator is and more!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

Mar 7, 2021 • 2h 26min
Treasure Planet with Emma Stefansky
This is the BOUNCE BABY!!! This week, the gang heads to 2002’s Treasure Planet. But what would the Phil Collins bump have done for this movie? Can a CGI character have a wig, when everyone’s hair is fake? Should this movie have been called “Poochie Planet”? They are joined by guest Emma “BOOKS” Stefansky (@stefabsky, entertainment staff writer @thrillist). Also, stick around until the end to hear what Ben thinks of all the Harry Potter movies, especially Dobby. 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

Feb 28, 2021 • 1h 53min
Hercules with Larry Owens
BC welcomes multi-hyphenate Larry Owens (A Strange Loop) for a discussion on 1997's Hercules!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

Feb 21, 2021 • 2h 9min
Aladdin with Jerah Milligan
#thetwofriends try and stay one jump ahead of the breadline and one swing ahead of the sword on this week's Aladdin episode as part of the mini series on the animated films of John Musker and Ron Clements. Jerah Milligan (Black Men Can’t Jump In Hollywood) joins to discuss the influence of Aladdin, adult humor in kid's movies, what if Aladdin had a hoodie and which songs are bangers and which aren’t. 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

Feb 14, 2021 • 2h 24min
The Little Mermaid with Esther Zuckerman
Esther Zuckerman (Thrillist) returns to discuss 1989’s massive hit, The Little Mermaid! Topics include: the musical contributions of Alan Menken and Howard Ashman, the upcoming live action remake, Ursula in human form as Vanessa, and more!Check out Esther's book: A Field Guide to Internet Boyfriends: Meme-Worthy Celebrity Crushes from A to ZJoin 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