Blank Check with Griffin & David

Kevin Costner, the iconic actor and director known for his roles in memorable Westerns, takes center stage for a vibrant chat. They explore the fragmented storytelling of 'Horizon: An American Saga - Chapter 1' and the complexities of self-funding a passion project. The discussion dives into character dynamics, representation, and nostalgic ties to American narratives. Humor and critique blend as they reflect on the shifting landscape of cinema and how modern influences shape storytelling, all while sharing laughs about the absurdities of film promotion.

Dive into the twisted world of M. Night Shyamalan's latest thriller, where serial killers and father-daughter dynamics meet. Explore the chaotic fun of concerts and the hilarity of a basketball game with a quirky mascot. Unpack Josh Hartnett's surprising career evolution and dissect the psychological depths of horror cinema. Join a lighthearted journey exploring the absurdities of film marketing and the emotional intricacies that blend humor with terror, all wrapped in a vivid discussion about storytelling and audience reactions.

Chris Ryan, a writer for The Ringer renowned for his film and television insights, joins the conversation to delve into Kevin Costner's 'Open Range.' They analyze Costner's impact on Western cinema, exploring themes of isolation and emotional depth, particularly in a memorable chocolate shop scene. The hosts celebrate Robert Duvall and Annette Bening’s performances while humorously critiquing portrayals of Irish characters in the genre. They also discuss Costner's evolving career and the nostalgic significance of the Western film landscape.

Joining the conversation is Emily St. James, a film critic and cultural commentator celebrated for her sharp insights on cinema. She discusses the absurdities of Kevin Costner's 1997 flop, 'The Postman,' highlighting its bizarre plot twists—from a mule performing Shakespeare to themes of hope through the lens of communication. Emily also reflects on Kevin Costner’s impact on filmmaking, alongside a humorous critique of the film’s pacing and character dynamics, all while blending personal anecdotes with cultural commentary.

Kevin Costner joins to discuss his iconic film Dances with Wolves, his risky career choices, and the challenges of making a 3-hour epic. Topics include voiceover narration impact, career trajectories of actors, influence on Western films, behind-the-scenes challenges of filming, and comparisons to other Best Picture winners.

The first "G" in "Gigli" is pronounced like the "J" in “Jacques,” the second “G” is silent. Rhymes with "really." Now that that’s out of the way - we conclude our Martin Brest series with the turkey of all turkeys. The Bennifer original sin, the project that should have gotten Justin Bartha put in prison. That’s right, folks. We’re talking about one of the canonical “Worst Movies Ever Made” - 2003’s GIGLI. Screenwriter Jen D’Angelo joins us to talk about this fascinating cultural object, and makes a case that Ben Affleck is “good in this movie, actually.” Griffin and David disagree. We’re going to Baywatch!Read the Variety Article referenced in the episodeWatch Martin Brest’s First Interview in 20 Years Follow Jen on InstagramJoin 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

He’s hot. He’s got frosted tips. He loves peanut butter. His lil swimmers may or may not look like skulls. He’s death, baby! And we’re meeting him this week! Vanity Fair’s Richard Lawson returns to the pod to chat about 1998’s three hour long “symphonic metaphysical romance” MEET JOE BLACK. How does this film play in a post-Succession, “eat the rich” context? How do we feel about the infamous Jamaican patois scenes? What are our memories of the weekend the Phantom Menace trailer came out in theaters? All that and more awaits you on the other side of the bridge.Read Chad Hartigan’s article on Meet Joe Black Read Richard’s work at Vanity FairListen to Little Gold MenListen to Still WatchingJoin 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

Warning - this episode contains an ungodly amount of Pacino impressions. Listener discretion is advised.“Actor’s actor” and local boy from Queens David Krumholtz becomes the second cast member of Oppenheimer and first person immortalized in Griffin’s beloved Disney Emoji Blitz to guest on our Martin Brest series as we talk about 1992’s dire SCENT OF A WOMAN. Would this movie be less terrible if it were at least 40 minutes shorter? What if the original first choice for Lt. Col. Frank Slade - Jack Nicholson - had done this film instead of Pacino? What if we swapped Philip Seymour Hoffman for the charisma vacuum that is Chris O’Donnell? Sadly, we can only imagine these scenarios. Join us for lots of candid Krumholtz anecdotes, a scorching hot take regarding the diner scene in Heat, and more!Check out David in Lousy Carter 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

Alan Sepinwall, a renowned television critic with a knack for insightful commentary, joins the conversation to dive into the comedy classic 'Midnight Run.' They explore the film’s seamless blend of humor and tension, celebrating its influence on modern directors. The discussion also includes intriguing casting 'what-ifs,' including Cher, and the improvisational genius behind its memorable moments. Sepinwall shares his insights on character dynamics, the unique score, and the film's legacy, highlighting its nostalgic charm in 1988 cinema.

Action directors Adil & Bilall join the hosts to discuss Beverly Hills Cop. They talk about directing, Jerry Bruckheimer films, and the challenges of revitalizing the franchise. The conversation also delves into Eddie Murphy's impact, the 80s action movie formula, and comparisons to Bad Boys.