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PODCAST

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.

tv & film film reviews

All Episodes

109:08

Under Siege 2: Dark Territory

Blank Check with Griffin & David ·

2016/09/07

Griffin, David and guest host Producer Ben present a special episode this week: a discussion of 1995’s action thriller Under Siege 2: Dark Territory. But is it true the co-founder of CAA and former Disney president, Michael Ovitz, bet he could make even a stocky Aikido teacher with zero acting experience a star? Does Hollywood make these b-list midsize action movies anymore? Is Steven Seagal our quietest action hero? Together the trio examines New Zealand director and journeyman Geoff Murphy’s

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123:38

Roadies with Layne Montgomery

Blank Check with Griffin & David ·

2016/09/04

Musician and Blank Check theme song creator Layne Montgomery (The Romantic Comedy) joins #thetwofriends to lock the gates in our final episode of the Cameron Crowe mini series and discuss Crowe’s most recent project, the Showtime series Roadies. But does Cameron’s return to his roots pay off? Is the portrayal of the music industry actually relevant? Will this show get another season? Together the gang examines the ten episodes (so you don’t have to) including Ron White’s performance as an embalmed

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128:15

Aloha with Esther Zuckerman

Blank Check with Griffin & David ·

2016/08/26

Nearing the end of the Cameron Crowe mini series, Esther Zuckerman (The A.V. Club) joins Griffin and David to discuss the writer/director’s most recent theatrical release, 2015’s space militarization romantic comedy, Aloha. But doesn’t someone in Emma Stone’s camp look at this script and see at least a few red flags? Why is the movie set in Hawaii but features 99% white people? How do you make being a fighter pilot sound sexy if you’re a woman? Together, they examine Alec Baldwin’s yelling, defining

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105:40

We Bought a Zoo

Blank Check with Griffin & David ·

2016/08/22

Griffin and David this week discuss 2011’s zoo dramedy, We Bought a Zoo. But does the film live up to it’s title? Does someone actually buy a zoo? Together #thetwofriends examine the performances of Elle Fanning, ScarJo and John Michael Higgins as ‘Bad Zoo Boy’, propose better titles, the most embarrassing movie you’ve cried during and ghost Moms.

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112:03

Elizabethtown

Blank Check with Griffin & David ·

2016/08/11

Blank Check returns to Cameron Crowe’s filmography with an in-depth discussion of 2005’s tragic comedy, Elizabethtown. But how would one best describe the custom exercise bike Bloom’s character outfits with knives? Would Marc Maron have been better suited for the lead role? Wait, Paula Deen is in this movie? Together, Griffin and David examine the careers of Kirsten Dunst and Alec Baldwin, writer Nathan Rabin’s coining of the term “manic pixie dream girl,” Ashton Kutcher’s previous involvement in

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112:39

Suicide Squad

Blank Check with Griffin & David ·

2016/08/06

On the day of it’s release in August of 2016, Griffin and David discussed DC Comic’s latest offering Suicide Squad. But did Jared Leto going so method for The Joker pay off? What’s up with Katana’s sword and does it by any chance capture souls? What’s this talk of Marvel paying off critics? Together the hosts examine Will Smith’s performance as Deadshot, Warner Bros. Pictures desperate strategy for the DC franchise and offer up their own ways to fix this mess of a movie. Plus, did Orlando Bloom

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47:53

Denim Invasion Live @ DCM18 with John Trowbridge

Blank Check with Griffin & David ·

2016/07/26

Live from the 18th annual Del Close Marathon in New York City, John Trowbridge (Huffington Post) joins Griffin and David to discuss the Cameron Crowe directed, 2002 Gap commercial entitled “Denim Invasion.” What details can be drawn from this 40 second spot? How does it relate to Ashton Kutcher being fired from Elizabethtown? Where is the proto-flash mob running to? Also featuring surprise appearances from Murf Meyer and Diana Kolsky (Ménage à Trois Radio) for a Burger Report, as well as, director

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121:42

Vanilla Sky with Richard Lawson

Blank Check with Griffin & David ·

2016/07/22

Richard Lawson (Vanity Fair) returns to Blank Check this week to discuss 2001’s Vanilla Sky. But just how blue collar is actor Timothy Spall? Does Tom Cruise’s character, the media magnate, also know director Steven Spielberg? Does your body make a promise when you sleep with someone? Together, they examine Penelope Cruz’s crossover performance, Cruise’s acting while masked, living in a post-Shrek America, and bucket hats.

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106:07

Almost Famous

Blank Check with Griffin & David ·

2016/07/15

The BC crew sets their sights on the Academy Award winning, semi-autobiographical film, Almost Famous. But what are some of the differences between the theatrical release and Untitled: The Bootleg Cut? What are Griffin and David’s thoughts on Marc Maron and Jimmy Fallon’s cameos? How has Billy Crudup’s career trajectory drastically changed since 2000? Together, Griffin and David discuss Philip Seymour Hoffman’s stellar performance as legendary rock critic Lester Bangs, Kate Hudson’s boyfriends over

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121:52

Jerry Maguire

Blank Check with Griffin & David ·

2016/07/07

Griffin and David this week “show you the money” with 1996’s decade defining film Jerry Maguire. What was the impact of this movie? How many memorable terms and phrases did Crowe invent that have gone on to become common place vernacular in our culture? How great is Renée Zellweger? Together they discuss the plot’s many layers, Jay Mohr as the perfect asshole, Oscar trivia and express a lot of appreciation for Jonathan Lipnicki’s stellar performance as the insanely cute kid.

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79:42

Singles

Blank Check with Griffin & David ·

2016/06/30

Griffin and David look to Crowe’s next film, 1992’s Grunge-tinged romcom Singles. But how realistically does this movie, set in Seattle, portray yuppie culture? Who the hell is actor Campbell Scott and why is he in a leading role? What’s with Producer Ben’s fascination with 90’s technology? Together, they examine making out with Paul Giamatti, various grunge musician cameos, “super” trains and terrible 90’s fashion. Also, a very special edition of Burger Report/Orange Twist Files.

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108:34

Say Anything…

Blank Check with Griffin & David ·

2016/06/23

In the debut episode of a new mini-series examining the filmography of Cameron Crowe, Griffin and David discuss the iconic 1989 romcom: Say Anything… What is Crowe’s origin story? How was he involved with Fast Times at Ridgemont High? Is this John Cusack’s career defining performance? Together, the BC crew talks romcom troupes, a young Fraiser’s Dad (John Mahoney) progressive father-daughter relationship, marrying the cast of Friends and singing Peter Gabriel’s “In Your Eyes.” Plus, a merch

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99:16

Fletch

Blank Check with Griffin & David ·

2016/06/17

In this week’s special episode, guest host Producer Ben has been given his own “Blank Check” for selecting a one-off film to review and he’s cashing it in with 1985’s cult comedy Fletch. Is this one of Chevy Chase’s strongest performances? What happened to actress Dana Wheeler-Nicholson? Out of all the movies ever made Ben picked Fletch? But why? Together, the trio discuss Chevy Chase’s tumultuous reputation and career, nostalgia for these types of comedies and character actors, Geena Davis’

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105:40

The Animatrix

Blank Check with Griffin & David ·

2016/06/10

In the final episode of the Podchowski Casters mini series, Griffin and David discuss 2003’s collection of animated short films detailing the Matrix expanded universe, The Animatrix. Are Part I and Part II of Second Renaissance a successful prequel to the first Matrix? Does the short “World Record” set it’s own record for the most on-screen knee sweat? What are #thetwofriends final thoughts on the Wachowskis? Together they examine the nine short films featuring several collaborators writers and

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103:06

Sense8

Blank Check with Griffin & David ·

2016/06/03

Nearing the end of the Wachowski mini series, this week Griffin and David discuss the most recent project by the prolific filmmakers, 2015’s Netflix series Sense8. But is it worth binging all twelve hour long episodes in a few days? What are the hosts thoughts on peak TV? Who doesn’t like a good Jean-Claude Van Damme pun? Together #thetwofriends examine season one’s major plot points, breakdown all the eight sensates different skills, appreciate the convenience of science bombs and try to make sense

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127:19

Jupiter Ascending

Blank Check with Griffin & David ·

2016/05/27

This week Griffin and David discuss the Wachowski’s most recent theatrical release, 2015’s intergalactic sci-fi, Jupiter Ascending. What is the Wachowski’s latest innovation in this film? Why make the very attractive Channing Tatum look like a dog? Is the original universe in this story at all logical? Listen along as they discuss space rollerblades, the parallel with Alice in Wonderland, Terry Gilliam’s costuming and Eddie Redmayne’s outstanding performance as the whispering villain Balem Abrasax

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98:01

Cloud Atlas with Bobby Finger

Blank Check with Griffin & David ·

2016/05/20

Bobby Finger (Jezebel) joins Griffin and David to discuss 2012’s Cloud Atlas. Why is one of the most expensive independent films of all time considered to be such a critical failure? Do we like the future talk? How long is this movie tho? Together they discuss the choice to have actors play multiple roles, Jim Broadbent’s childhood flashbacks and Mr. Holland's Opus.

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116:12

Speed Racer with Emily Yoshida and J.D. Amato

Blank Check with Griffin & David ·

2016/05/16

Guests Emily Yoshida (The Verge) and J.D. Amato (The Chris Gethard Show) make their return to Blank Check to examine 2008’s Speed Racer. But why does everyone on the panel love this movie and disagree with the criticism it received? How was this film ahead of its time? Should racing involve the financial world? Together, they discuss Spritle and Chim-Chim antics, watching sunday morning cartoons, irony, the amazing special effects and so much more!

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86:07

The Matrix Revolutions

Blank Check with Griffin & David ·

2016/05/05

Concluding the Matrix trilogy, Griffin and David examine The Matrix Revolutions. But why gruesomely blind our hero Neo? What is the franchise’s message about love? Was this ending the right choice? Together, they discuss the unnecessary storyline between Captain Mifune and the Kid, Jada Pinkett Smith’s career, Dennis Franz as a potential replacement for the Oracle, and the very extended final showdown between Neo and Agent Smith.

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110:16

The Matrix Reloaded

Blank Check with Griffin & David ·

2016/04/28

This week, Griffin and David examine the highly anticipated 2003 follow up, The Matrix Reloaded. Was it a misstep to build this release around a video game (Enter the Matrix) most viewers hadn’t played and an animated series (The Animatrix) most of the audience hadn’t seen? Was it worth bringing Agent Smith back? Does David convince Griffin to reevaluate his feeling towards this film? Listen along as they discuss how most of the characters in this movie represent computer programs, the tragic loss

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615 results

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