Blank Check with Griffin & David

Film & TV News >

Griffin Newman is a comedian. David Sims is a film critic. Together they over-analyze directors' filmographies. 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.

Griffin Newman is a comedian. David Sims is a film critic. Together they over-analyze directors' filmographies. 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.

More Information

Location:

New York, NY

Genres:

Film & TV News

Description:

Twitter:

@blankcheckpod

Language:

English

Contact:

862-684-2408

Website:

https://audioboom.com/channel/Blank-Check

Email:

blankcheckpodcast@gmail.com

Episodes

Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon with David Ehrlich

8/12/2018

David Ehrlich (IndieWire) joins Griffin and David for an in-depth conversation on 2000’s Wuxia epic, Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon. Together they examine the sweaty nature of the Police inspector Tsai and his daughter, eye performance, cave life and share James Schamus stories. This episode is sponsored by WeTransfer.

Duration:02:09:08

Ride with the Devil with Peter Labuza

8/5/2018

Peter Labuza (The Cinephiliacs podcast, Village Voice) joins Griffin and David to discuss the 1999 Civil War epic, Ride with the Devil. But is Jim Caviezel a weirdo? Does Tobey get his nub back? What is a skuzzin? Together they examine the careers of Tobey Maguire, Jeffrey Wright and Jewel, the film theory of James Schamus and dumb people trying to one up each other. This episode is sponsored by [Hims](https://www.forhims.com/blank).

Duration:01:50:58

The Ice Storm with Emily Yoshida

7/29/2018

Emily Yoshida (Night Call podcast) returns to discuss 1997’s bleak drama, The Ice Storm. But what drew Ang Lee to this project? Is ‘HU’ a good shorthand for hook up? Is this one of the top films to portray the winter in the Northeast? Together they discuss key parties, being passed out in a bathroom, reminisce about the nineties and Griffin shares a Elliott Gould tale. This episode is sponsored by [RXBAR](https://www.rxbar.com/check) PROMO: CHECK and [Who? Weekly...

Duration:01:50:07

Hotel Transylvania Trilogy

7/22/2018

Griffin and David present a special episode covering the Hotel Transylvania films and tv series. But how do the monsters pay for staying at the hotel and do they ever leave? What is the recent history behind Sony Pictures Animation? Do the hosts open toys on mic and there is a bunch of dead air? Together they discuss Genndy Tartakovsky’s career, zinging, blah blah blah and more. Plus, a Burger Report masterpiece theater! This episode is sponsored by WeTransfer and...

Duration:02:10:12

Sense and Sensibility with Shirley Li

7/15/2018

This week Shirley Li (Entertainment Weekly) joins Griffin and David to discuss 1995’s period drama, Sense and Sensibility. But how accurate are the hosts impressions of Alan Rickman? What were the circumstances behind Emma Thompson adapting this script? What is a vicar? Together they examine Kate Winslet’s career trajectory, peak mannerism, the Book of Benry and more. This episode is sponsored by Brooklinen.

Duration:01:57:26

Eat Drink Man Woman with Alison Willmore

7/8/2018

Alison Willmore (Buzzed) joins Griffin and David to discuss 1994’s family and food dramedy, Eat Drink Man Woman. This episode is sponsored by Casper (casper.com/savings) and Hims (forhims.com/check).

Duration:01:40:17

Pushing Hands/The Wedding Banquet

7/1/2018

In the debut episode of our new mini series devoted to the films of director Ang Lee, Griffin and David start with his first 2 feature films: Pushing Hands and The Wedding Banquet. Join the hosts as they try to understand how these early attempts would affect Lee’s future films, what kind of dynamic they would have in a marriage together and play back-to-back Box offices games. This episode is sponsored by Dollar Shave Club (dollarshaveclub.com/check), Hims (forms.com/check) and the Dumb...

Duration:01:21:47

Family Dog - Amazing Stories

6/28/2018

Griffin and David review an episode of the 1993 television series Amazing Stories directed by Brad Bird: Family Dog. This episode is sponsored by Never Seen It podcast.

Duration:00:50:11

Incredibles 2

6/24/2018

On the week of it’s release in June of 2018, Griffin and David discussed Incredibles 2\. In the final episode of our mini series on the films of director Brad Bird we examine the record breaking box office hit sequel, a new card system, the fourth new new joker movie and more. Sound effects from freesfx.uk.co. Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0 License http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/

Duration:02:20:58

Tomorrowland

6/17/2018

This week, Griffin and David discuss 2015's retrofuturist sci-fi flop, Tomorrowland. This episode is sponsored by Unspooled podcast, eLiquid.com (eliquid.com/check PROMO: CHECK) and SimpleContacts (simplecontacts.com/blank PROMO: BLANK).

Duration:01:48:41

Mission: Impossible – Ghost Protocol

6/10/2018

Griffin and David discuss the fourth installment of the popular franchise: Mission: Impossible – Ghost Protocol. But why was Tom Cruise’s whole career on the line? Did David Sims attend a red carpet event for this movie weirdly in Britain? Ofcourse we all know what a 'ghost protocol' is right? Together they discuss the stunts, Limp Bizkit, SNL pitches and more. This episode is sponsored by Hims (forhims.com/check), WeTransfer and Brooklinen (brooklinen.com PROMO: CHECK)

Duration:02:09:21

Flesh+Blood

1/7/2018

This week’s episode begins a new mini series (Podship Casters) covering the Hollywood films of director Paul Verhoeven. Already an accomplished filmmaker in the Netherlands, 1985 marked his American debut with the unpleasantly realistic period piece, Flesh+Blood. But how gross was the medieval times? What was the influence of growing up under Nazi occupation on Verhoeven’s worldview? Is it intended for the viewer to root for the plague? Together, Griffin and David discuss his original...

Duration:01:35:05

The Post

12/31/2017

In November of 2017, Griffin and David attended the first screening of Nixon era political thriller, The Post. But did it really only take 9 months to make this film after Spielberg first read the script? Was there intention to make a movie about the freedom of the press in our current political climate? Is this an Oscar candidate for Best Picture? Together they discuss our two greatest living actors Meryl Streep and Tom Hanks, Mr. Show’s Bob & David reuniting, broth and go on the record...

Duration:01:26:31

The Last Jedi

12/18/2017

On the day of it’s release in December of 2017, Griffin and David discussed Star Wars: Episode VIII – The Last Jedi. This episode is sponsored by Dollar Shave Club and Sci-Fi.com’s Cerberus Rex.

Duration:02:39:17

Avatarland/The Second Blank Check Mailbag

12/10/2017

#thetwofriends once again answer listener submitted questions! Plus, Griffin discusses his recent trip to Pandora – The World of Avatar at Walt Disney World in Orlando, Florida. But how would Griffin and David fix Men in Black II? Does Avatar work better as a theme park or movie? Will beloved actor Dan Lewis really quit acting, and if so, what will he do instead? Together the hosts discuss how they would rank The Muppets movies, potential future Blank Check live shows, poutine and a...

Duration:01:57:25

Lost in Space with Joey Sims

12/3/2017

This week is a special family edition episode with brother of David, Joey Sims, who picked a favorite film of the Sims’ boys youth: 1998’s failed sci-fi adaptation Lost in Space. When did the age of nostalgic reboots begin in American cinema? What is getting ‘blarped’ mean? How is this a movie for kids? Together they discuss the career’s of William Hurt, Akiva Goldsman and Joey Tribbiani, the restrictions of early CGI technology, Sony Discmans and more. This episode is sponsored by Mack...

Duration:01:54:55

Justice League

11/26/2017

On the week of it’s release in November of 2017, Griffin and David discussed the newest film in DC Extended Universe: Justice League. But is Superman still gone even though Henry Cavill is second billed? Just how many times was this movie reshot and is it very noticeable? Will the seven be united? Together they examine using CGI to remove a person’s mustache, Martha boxes and Batmansplaining. This episode is sponsored by Casper.

Duration:01:52:44

Detroit with Black Men Can’t Jump In Hollywood

11/19/2017

Jonathan Braylock, Jerah Milligan and James III, hosts of Black Men Can’t Jump In Hollywood podcast, join Griffin and David to discuss 2017’s period crime drama, Detroit. But was this a story that needed to be told? Is the racist white cop technically the lead? Were sections of this movie purposely shot like a horror movie? In the final installment of our mini series devoted to the filmography of Kathryn Bigelow, together, they discuss the many inconsistencies of this film, John Boyega,...

Duration:01:49:31

Zero Dark Thirty with Demi Adejuyigbe

11/12/2017

Demi Adejuyigbe (The Good Place, Gilmore Guys) joins Griffin and David to discuss 2012’s American revenge political thriller, Zero Dark Thirty. But is the CIA agent this movie is based on somewhat problematic? Can either host do a decent Gandolfini? Will Jason of Friday the 13th fame begin hosting a new season of Celebrity Apprentice? Together they examine watching this movie in the current political climate, the brutal portrayal of enhanced interrogation techniques, Will Smith in...

Duration:02:03:38

The Hurt Locker with Sonia Saraiya

11/5/2017

Sonia Saraiya (Variety) joins Griffin and David to discuss 2008’s bomb action-drama, The Hurt Locker. But will filming in 120 degree desert heat affect a production? How does this movie score with audiences and critics for its portrayal of the Iraq War? What about the cinematography helps to convey the feeling of being in combat? Together they discuss the significance of Bigelow winning for Best Picture, Jeremy Renner’s career and the difficulty of putting a straw into a Capri Sun.

Duration:02:15:50