

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

Feb 10, 2019 • 1h 53min
Mars Attacks! with Paul F. Tompkins
Blank Check continues its mini-series covering the films of director Tim Burton with the alien invasion comedy, Mars Attacks! But what are the origins of development for this 1960's trading card IP? How does this movie compare to Independence Day 20 years later? Does David have a half-sister, and if so, why has she never been mentioned before? Joined by comedian, Paul F. Tompkins (BoJack Horsman), they discuss the various performances of this stacked ensemble cast, the unusual billing, face goop, Entourage the movie and extreme Burton stereotypes such as happy suburban people and haunted ghost children. And be sure to check out Paul at Vancouver's Just for Laughs Festival Sunday, February 17th with 'Mr. Jackson & Mr. Tompkins: A Two-Gentleman Improv Show'!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 3, 2019 • 2h 5min
Ed Wood with John Hodgman
John Hodgman Judge John Hodgman podcast joins Griffin and David to discuss 1994's celebration of Hollywood's greatest outcast, Ed Wood. Was this Burton's finest film? What is the history of Bela Lugosi and Boris Karloff careers portraying monsters? Is 'octopus motor' the greatest two words put together? Together they examine the legacy of director Ed Wood, attending one of the Property Brother's weddings, crumb bums, and Space: 1999.Vacationland: True Stories from Painful Beaches is now available in paperback.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

Jan 27, 2019 • 1h 57min
Batman Returns with Emily Yoshida
Emily Yoshida Night Call podcast is back to discuss 1992's demented superhero sequel, Batman Returns. But was this the first movie to notice Christopher Walken talks kind of funny? Is The Penguin's black mouth ooze attractive? Who are your favorite cloud villains? Together they examine the iconic performances from Danny DeVito and Michelle Pfeiffer, Batman as the love interest, parental backlash, and chubby digits. Check out Emily Yoshida's recent articles for VultureJoin 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

7 snips
Jan 21, 2019 • 2h 14min
Glass
A humorous dive into M. Night Shyamalan’s cinematic universe sparks discussions on aging stars like Bruce Willis and Samuel L. Jackson. The hosts reflect on their local theater experiences, the evolution of superhero narratives, and the unique storytelling techniques used in 'Glass.' They also share light-hearted anecdotes about meal prep services and personal hotel preferences. With a playful look at character dynamics and narrative pacing, the conversation intertwines nostalgia, cinematic twists, and the joys of community engagement.

Jan 13, 2019 • 1h 43min
Edward Scissorhands with Julio Torres
This week on Blank Check Julio Torres (Saturday Night Live) discusses 1990’s proto-Tumblr Frankenstein remake fantasy, Edward Scissorhands. But is Cole Sprouse the young Johnny Depp of 2019? Should one aspire to create an esoteric Halloween costume with their movie? Why won't they leave the clowns alone? Together they examine the career of legendary costume designer Colleen Atwood, Winnie the Pooh’s acting and joke writing in Christopher Robin, gorgeous improv and constructs.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

Jan 6, 2019 • 2h 3min
Batman with K. Austin Collins
Blank Check continues it’s mini series covering the films of director Tim Burton with the genre defining 1989 superhero movie, Batman. What was this film's impact on the industry for years to come? What other actors were in the running to play the Joker? Should Bruce Wayne wear jeans and turtlenecks? Joined by K. Austin Collins (Vanity Fair) together they examine the performances of Jack Nicholson and Michael Keaton, the history of the iconic character's intellectual property in film and television, how Prince came to be involved in the project and so much 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

Dec 23, 2018 • 2h 7min
Aquaman
On the week of its release in December of 2018, Griffin and David discussed the latest offering in the DCEU: Aquaman. But how many Oscars did David throw at the screening? is Orm a name? Did Ben’s brain break? Together they examine director James Wan’s career, sea crime and the legacy of Aquaman over the years. This episode is sponsored by Robinhood and The /Filmcast.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

Dec 16, 2018 • 2h 10min
Beetlejuice with Rebecca Bulnes
Friend and host of Classroom Crush podcast, Rebecca Bulnes, joins Griffin and David to discuss 1988's masterpiece, Beetlejuice! But was this film nearly called Scared Sheetless? Is this Alec Baldwin at his most handsome? Does Rebecca want to date Beetlejuice? Together they examine the careers of Geena Davis, Catherine O'Hara and Michael Keaton, growing up as a goth snake girl and the greatness of pre-CGI Burton special effects and practical design. This episode is sponsored by Brooklinen CODE: CHECK and Bombfell.Plus, big announcement for 2019: Blank Check is launching a Patreon!AND check out Producer Ben Hosley on a recent episode of Classroom Crush!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

Dec 9, 2018 • 1h 46min
Pee-wee's Big Adventure
Dive into the whimsical world of Tim Burton as the hosts discuss the origins of Pee-wee Herman and Burton's unique comedic director style. They share hilarious anecdotes from Paul Rubens' time with the Groundlings and the journey that led to 'Pee-wee's Big Adventure.' Explore the film's quirky narrative and its cultural significance, along with memorable comedic moments. The conversation also touches on 1980s cinema's lasting influence and the nostalgia that ties audiences to these iconic characters in a delightful and humorous way.

Dec 2, 2018 • 2h 23min
Ralph Breaks the Internet
This week on Blank Check is a discussion of Wreck-it-Ralph and Ralph Breaks the Internet. Together, Griffin, David and Producer Ben examine the history of Disney Animation sequels, Chekhov’s Mentos, types of metals and the origins of Spies in Disguise. Plus, John Hodgman (Vacationland) leaves a voicemail! 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