Podcast, can you hear me?” We certainly can, Barbra! The very menschy Jordan Hoffman joins us to chat about Streisand’s official directorial debut, a marvel of a film that makes anyone describing it sound insane. Yes, Barbra wrote, directed, produced, and starred in a period piece about a shtetl girl who crossdresses in order to study the Talmud. Yes, the film is a musical with songs composed by Michel Legrand. Yes, Barbra is the only person who sings in it, despite the male lead being Broadway legend Mandy Patinkin. Yes, Steven Spielberg called this movie “the greatest directorial debut since CITIZEN KANE.” Yes, we think Barbra should enter the MCU and direct Ant Man 4. Wait, what?Read Jordan’s writingJoin 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

Joining the hosts for a Barbra Streisand series, Rachel Zegler discusses her version of A Star Is Born (1976). They explore the franchise's universe theory, moonlighting in the film, and parallels to Glitter. The hosts also touch on Streisand's early life, using Express VPN to access global content, and the impact of advice on a career. They compare Bodyguard and Glitter to A Star Is Born and discuss the career impact of Elvis Presley being cast in a movie. The episode concludes with thoughts on the film and a conversation about a previous episode on Crocodile Dundee.

Bilge Ebiri, film critic and writer for Vulture, joins the hosts to discuss cars, accents in films, and the portrayal of Ferrari in 'Ford V Ferrari'. They analyze the actor's performance in 'Ferrari' and share their thoughts on the Mille Miglia race. The chapter also includes discussions on love, self-expression, and teaching through Masterclass. They touch on Christian Bale's intense roles, the importance of height in a movie, unconventional health practices promoted by celebrities, and Jaguar's reputation. They delve into the character's mother being a 1000-year-old witch, castings, and Adam Driver's performances. They reflect on racing dangers, fragile humanity, and discuss movies, trailers, and Malick films.

Guest Marie Bardi-Salinas joins the hosts to discuss a range of topics, including themed movie tie-in menus, ordering a chocolate fountain, controversies surrounding films, superhero movies, Aquaman's powers and character development, Timothée Chalamet cast as Willy Wonka, director Paul King's works, the movie 'Wonka', comparing songs in 'Willy Wonka', the corrupt chocolate industry, CG animals in films, character development and hilarious interactions, conversations about freedom, Hugh Grant's evolving career, movie scenes and box office numbers, watching Aquaman, Aquaman in 4DX, comparing Aquaman and Marvel movies, the different kingdoms of Atlantis, Aquaman and Aquaman 2, and moviegoing experiences of 2020.

Marie Bardi-Salinas, invited on a date to visit Bradley Cooper’s Philly cheesesteak truck instead of her. Topics include: Bradley Cooper's career evolution, choosing films for the show, using Express VPN to access different Netflix libraries, the changing landscape of Netflix and its Oscar strategy, a potential movie with Mat Boomer, exploring relationship dynamics and personal loss in the movie, complexity of relationships, analyzing a public figure and a pivotal scene, box office performance and upcoming movies, discussing 'Wankah' and 'Acama: The Lost Kingdom', and upcoming episodes and a failed gift card purchase.

JD Amato, an expert on Studio Ghibli movies and their thematic implications, joins the hosts to discuss Hayao Miyazaki's personal history, creative process, animation styles of Ghibli films, and the thematic implications of 'The Boy and the Heron.' They also touch on Robert Pattinson's vocal performance, other animated films released this year, pitching projects, licensing Miyazaki films, Oscars potential for 'Spider-Verse,' making animated films, the legacy of Hayao Miyazaki's female characters, Disney vs. Jiminy, influencing award voters, complex emotions in the protagonist, 'Spawn' analysis, Shinto themes, movie review of 'Elemental,' frustrations with a streaming company's pitch document, new character 'Lady hee-me,' and the quest for perfection.

Mamma mia! We’ve got-a some-a sleepy pasta for-a you to taste-a this-a week! In our latest, much-awaited installment of PORCH CLASSICS, we’re handing the reins to Producer Ben, who has chosen to spotlight a forgotten comedy about “the world’s horniest pizza man who cannot die.” Lawrence Kasdan’s I LOVE YOU TO DEATH is a feast of bizarre performances (Italian-face Kevin Kline, Serb-face Joan Plowright, Stoner-face William Hurt) and tonal miscalculations. All this to say - it’s a very FUN movie to talk about.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, writer and director, joins the hosts to discuss Fincher's latest release, THE KILLER. They talk about the protagonist's motivations, the use of narration in Fincher's films, and their favorite aspects of the movie, including Tilda Swinton scenes. They also discuss the rankings of Fincher's films and tease upcoming episodes featuring Ben Mankiewicz.

Guest Sean Fennessey joins the hosts to discuss David Fincher's 'Mank' and its reception, the influence of 'Citizen Kane' on Fincher's career, unique casting choices in 'Mank', and the contrasting tones and styles of the film. They also touch on discussions about other movies, Liam Neeson's performance, and the box office performance of various films.

Esther Zuckerman, a delightful guest, discusses the darkly comic masterpiece Gone Girl. They talk about the portrayal of 'Amazing Amy', Tyler Perry's directing tips, alternate casting choices, and the neglected career of Ben Affleck. The hosts also delve into the adaptation process, Ben Affleck's role, and the impact of the movie. They analyze the movie's connection to children's books and true crime genre. The podcast also includes discussions on memorable scenes, Amy's diary, Tyler Perry's performance in Alex Cross, and the ending scene of Gone Girl. They touch upon the Oscars snub, box office performance, and upcoming Mindhunter episode.