Blank Check with Griffin & David

A Master Builder with John Hodgman

08 Mar 2020

Contributed by Lukas

David, Griffin, and self-made man of letters John Hodgman have to deal with Ragnar in this weird weird weird adaptation of a Henrik Ibsen play - and b...

Rachel Getting Married with Ayo Edibiri and Olivia Craighead

01 Mar 2020

Contributed by Lukas

From Iconography, Ayo Edibiri and Olivia Craighead join Griffin and special guest the crypt keeper that is gravelly-voiced David. Get ready for a movi...

The Manchurian Candidate with the Flop House: Dan McCoy, Stuart Wellington, and Elliott Kalan

23 Feb 2020

Contributed by Lukas

The Flop House joins Blank Check to talk about this remake that was like okay, but definitely better than the last Demme remake. Is Meryl good or weir...

Birds of Prey with Ang Ferraguto, Emma Stefansky, Ashleigh Heaton, and Preeti Chhibber

16 Feb 2020

Contributed by Lukas

No boys allowed, although gender is a construct. It's an all-women special! Ang Ferraguto is joined by Emma Stefansky, Ashleigh Heaton, and Preeti Chh...

The Truth About Charlie with David Lowery

09 Feb 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Director and filmmaker David Lowery joins the two friends to talk about a weird remake of an Audrey Hepburn movie, except bad, starring Mark Wahlberg ...

The Fifth Annual Blank Check Awards with Joe Reid

02 Feb 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Griffin and David welcome back Joe Reid for the 5th annual Blankie Awards where together they present their own personal nominations and winners for t...

Beloved with Jourdain Searles

26 Jan 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Co-host of the bad romance podcast , freelance writer for thrillist and bitch media Jourdain Searles joins the cast to talk about the team-up that no ...

Philadelphia with Richard Lawson

19 Jan 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Writer Richard Lawson joins the boys to talk about this WEIRD but poignant film that is actually streaming on Netflix. Why didn't they just make Tom H...

Silence of the Lambs with Emily St. James

12 Jan 2020

Contributed by Lukas

The two friends are joined by prolific writer Emily St. James  to talk about the most influential movie that BC has covered  - except for Fletch of ...

Married to the Mob with Ang Ferraguto

05 Jan 2020

Contributed by Lukas

She's MARRIED to the MOB. Now that we have that out of the way, get ready for 25 minutes of discussion about the Kids Choice Awards. Which Marvel movi...

The Rise of Skywalker

22 Dec 2019

Contributed by Lukas

On the week of its release in December of 2019, Griffin, David, and special guest Ang Ferraguto discussed Star Wars Episode IX: The Rise of Skywalker....

Something Wild with Scott Aukerman

15 Dec 2019

Contributed by Lukas

From Comedy Bang Bang and the new film Between Two Ferns: The Movie, Scott Auckerman joins the two friends to talk about people who talk funny and tha...

Stop Making Sense with Demi Adejuyigbe

08 Dec 2019

Contributed by Lukas

Everyone wants to get to the pod with guest Demi Adejuyigbe, where The Blank Check Boys talk about Demme's Concert Film with the Talking Heads. What s...

Swing Shift

01 Dec 2019

Contributed by Lukas

What in the world is going on with this film that has two versions - of which the good one is not available anywhere? What is the titular "Shift" actu...

Melvin and Howard (and Jordan Hoffman)

24 Nov 2019

Contributed by Lukas

Finally, we get to the good Demme movies with film critic Jordan Hoffman. The partially true story of a guy who thinks Howard Hughes is gonna leave hi...

Citizens Band/ Last Embrace with Justin McElroy

17 Nov 2019

Contributed by Lukas

Guest Justin McElroy is gonna be mad he volunteered to do any film when Griff and David talk about Demme's first two tries at "real" movies after his ...

Caged Heat/ Crazy Mama/ Fighting Mad

10 Nov 2019

Contributed by Lukas

It’s the first episode of a new mini-series. You voted for him, you’ve only yourself to blame for JONATHAN DEMME. Probably one of the directors wi...

The Kingdom of Dreams and Madness

07 Nov 2019

Contributed by Lukas

On a special b-b-b-b-bonus episode, Griffin and David review the 2013 documentary that offers a rare look into the behind-the-scenes of Studio Ghibli....

The Wind Rises

03 Nov 2019

Contributed by Lukas

On the final episode of our mini series devoted to the filmography of Hayao Miyazaki, #thetwofriends discuss 2014's The Wind Rises. Together they exam...

Ponyo on the Cliff with Shirley Li

27 Oct 2019

Contributed by Lukas

Writer, Shirley Li (The Atlantic) joins Griffin & David to discuss 2008's better Little Mermaid, Ponyo on the Cliff! Together they examine Ponyo's lov...

Gemini Man

20 Oct 2019

Contributed by Lukas

On the week of its release in October of 2019, Griffin and David discussed Gemini Man. Together they examine the performances of old and young Will Sm...

Joker

13 Oct 2019

Contributed by Lukas

HA HA HA! On the week of its release in October of 2019, Griffin and David discussed Joker. Together they examine all the unearned controversy surroun...

Howl's Moving Castle with David Ehrlich

06 Oct 2019

Contributed by Lukas

David Ehrlich (IndieWire) returns for our mini-series' namesake episode on 2014's walking castle fantasy, Howl's Moving Castle! Together they examine ...

Spirited Away with David Rees

29 Sep 2019

Contributed by Lukas

Humorist, David Rees, returns to Blank Check discuss one of the greatest animated films of all time, Spirited Away. Together they examine dream logic,...

Princess Mononoke with Griffin McElroy

22 Sep 2019

Contributed by Lukas

Griffin McElroy (My Brother, My Brother and Me, The Adventure Zone) joins #thetwofriends to discuss 1997's eco-friendly adventure, Princess Mononoke! ...

Porco Rosso with Justin Charity

15 Sep 2019

Contributed by Lukas

Justin Charity (The Ringer) joins Griffin and David to discuss 1992's flying pig, Porco Rosso. Together they examine fascism, Space Camp, turning into...

Kiki's Delivery Service with Caroline Framke

08 Sep 2019

Contributed by Lukas

Caroline Framke (Variety) joins #thetwofriends to discuss 1989's coming-of-age witch tale, Kiki's Delivery Service. Together they examine fish in pies...

My Neighbor Totoro with J.D. Amato

01 Sep 2019

Contributed by Lukas

J.D. Amato returns to discuss the 1988's acclaimed childhood tale, My Neighbor Totoro. Together they examine subs vs dubs, collecting limited edition ...

Castle in the Sky with Emily Yoshida

25 Aug 2019

Contributed by Lukas

Emily Yoshida returns to discuss 1986's Castle in the Sky! But what is the appeal of a Miyazaki film? Is 'chaotic good' a Miyazaki character type? A k...

Nausicaä of the Valley of the Wind with Lulu Wang

18 Aug 2019

Contributed by Lukas

Writer/director Lulu Wang joins #thetwofriends to discuss Nausicaä of the Valley of the Wind, as well as, her recent film The Farewell.  Join our P...

The Castle of Cagliostro

11 Aug 2019

Contributed by Lukas

This week marks the beginning of a new series on the films of director Hayao Miyazaki! Together they present a brief background of Miyazaki, explore t...

Blackhat with Bilge Ebiri

04 Aug 2019

Contributed by Lukas

Film critic, Bilge Ebiri, joins #thetwofriends to discuss 2015's hacker flop Blackhat.  Join our Patreon for franchise commentaries and bonus episod...

Miami Vice - Pilot Episode

01 Aug 2019

Contributed by Lukas

Griffin and David review the 1984 Miami Vice television series pilot entitled "Brother's Keeper" in a special b-b-b-b-bonus episode, reference the ter...

Public Enemies with Fran Hoepfner

28 Jul 2019

Contributed by Lukas

Writer, Fran Hoepfner joins #thetwofriends to discuss 2009's gritty bank robber romance, Public Enemies. Together they examine the merits of the phras...

The Lion King

21 Jul 2019

Contributed by Lukas

On the week of its release in July of 2019, Griffin and David discussed The Lion King. Together they examine the photorealism angle, Disney’s legacy...

Miami Vice

14 Jul 2019

Contributed by Lukas

Are you a fiend for mojitos? We are. Grab your shades and grease back your hair cause Blank Check is discussing 2006’s film remake of Miami Vice! To...

Collateral with Katey Rich

07 Jul 2019

Contributed by Lukas

#thetwofriends welcome back Katey Rich (Vanity Fair) to discuss 2004's Cruise/Foxx thriller Collateral. Together they examine the initial casting of A...

Ali with Jamelle Bouie

30 Jun 2019

Contributed by Lukas

This week, Jamelle Bouie (The New York Times) joins to discuss 2001’s unorthodox biopic, Ali. Together they examine the relationship between Ali and...

The Insider with Andy Levy

23 Jun 2019

Contributed by Lukas

This week, Andy Levy joins Griffin and David to discuss 1999's 60 Minutes biopic, The Insider. Together they examine the performances of Al Pacino, Ru...

Heat with Jon Gabrus

16 Jun 2019

Contributed by Lukas

Comedian Jon Gabrus joins Griffin and David for an epic conversation on 1995's Cops and Robbers aren't so different movie, Heat. But what did director...

The Last of the Mohicans with Dana Stevens

09 Jun 2019

Contributed by Lukas

Dana Stevens (Slate) joins Griffin and David to discuss 1992's new world frontier adaptation, The Last of the Mohicans. Together they examine Mann and...

Manhunter with Chris Cabin and Eric Szyszka

02 Jun 2019

Contributed by Lukas

This week, Chris Cabin and Eric Szyszka of the We Hate Movies podcast joins Griffin and David to discuss the original Hannibal Lecter film: 1986's Man...

The Keep with Alex Ross Perry

26 May 2019

Contributed by Lukas

Alex Ross Perry (Her Smell) returns to Blank Check to discuss 1983's The Keep. But is this technically a movie? Why is there an extended tangent about...

Thief

19 May 2019

Contributed by Lukas

Five months ago Blank Check began the Tim Burton mini-series. This week, though, marks a new director and a NEW mini-series with the filmography of on...

Pokémon: Detective Pikachu with Dan Hernandez & Benji Samit

12 May 2019

Contributed by Lukas

On the week of it's release in May of 2019, Blank Check invited screenwriters of Detective Pikachu, Dan Hernandez & Benji Samit, to offer a behind-the...

Assassin's Creed

05 May 2019

Contributed by Lukas

This week is a special Ben's Choice episode. He selected 2016's excellent video game adaptation, Assassin's Creed. But is it very good? Yes. Do they t...

Dumbo with Karen Han

28 Apr 2019

Contributed by Lukas

Karen Han (Polygon) returns to discuss 2019’s Dumbo! But what member of Blank Check likes a bossy girl? Was actor Brendan Hines insecure about the f...

Miss Peregrine's Home for Peculiar Children with Emma Stefansky

21 Apr 2019

Contributed by Lukas

Writer, Emma Stefansky (Thrillist), joins Griffin and David to talk about 2016's fantasy flop: Miss Peregrine's Home for Peculiar Children. Together t...

Big Eyes with Richard Lawson

14 Apr 2019

Contributed by Lukas

Richard Lawson returns to discuss the late-Burton effort: 2014's Big Eyes. But why are the eyes so big? Should Christoph Waltz be the star of his own ...

Dark Shadows with Jamie Loftus

07 Apr 2019

Contributed by Lukas

This week on Blank Check, comedian Jamie Loftus The Bechdel Cast discusses 2012's goth soap opera, Dark Shadows. But has Timmy "the boy from Burbank" ...

Alice in Wonderland with Emily St. James

31 Mar 2019

Contributed by Lukas

Griffin and David welcome back Emily St. James (Vox) to discuss 2010's CGI fantasy Alice in Wonderland! Together they examine Burton's greatest failur...

Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street with Michael Cerveris

24 Mar 2019

Contributed by Lukas

Tony award winning actor, Michael Cerveris, joins Griffin and David to discuss 2007's film adaption of the renowned Stephen Sondheim musical, Sweeney ...

Charlie and the Chocolate Factory with Pilot Viruet

17 Mar 2019

Contributed by Lukas

Writer, Pilot Viruet returns to Blank Check to discuss 2005's remake, Charlie and the Chocolate Factory. But, at one point, were Al Pacino and Robert ...

Big Fish with Chris Gethard

10 Mar 2019

Contributed by Lukas

Chris Gethard Beautiful/Anonymous podcast returns to Blank Check to discuss 2003's father and son fantasy, Big Fish. And also, to talk about Star Wars...

Planet of the Apes with Matt Singer

03 Mar 2019

Contributed by Lukas

Film critic, Matt Singer (ScreenCrush.com), joins Griffin and David to discuss 2001's universally maligned franchise reboot, Planet of the Apes. Toget...

Sleepy Hollow with David Lowery

24 Feb 2019

Contributed by Lukas

Writer and director, David Lowery (The Old Man & the Gun, A Ghost Story) joins Griffin and David to discuss 1999's procedural horror, Sleepy Hollow. B...

The Fourth Annual Blank Check Awards with Joe Reid

17 Feb 2019

Contributed by Lukas

Griffin and David welcome back Joe Reid for the 4th annual Blankie Awards where together they present their own personal nominations and winners for t...

Mars Attacks! with Paul F. Tompkins

10 Feb 2019

Contributed by Lukas

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...

Ed Wood with John Hodgman

03 Feb 2019

Contributed by Lukas

John Hodgman Judge John Hodgman podcast joins Griffin and David to discuss 1994's celebration of Hollywood's greatest outcast, Ed Wood. Was this Bu...

Batman Returns with Emily Yoshida

27 Jan 2019

Contributed by Lukas

Emily Yoshida Night Call podcast is back to discuss 1992's demented superhero sequel, Batman Returns. But was this the first movie to notice Christoph...

Glass

21 Jan 2019

Contributed by Lukas

On the week of it’s release in January of 2019, Griffin and David discussed M. Night Shyamalan’s latest offering, Glass. But did the hosts find th...

Edward Scissorhands with Julio Torres

13 Jan 2019

Contributed by Lukas

This week on Blank Check Julio Torres (Saturday Night Live) discusses 1990’s proto-Tumblr Frankenstein remake fantasy, Edward Scissorhands. But is C...

Batman with K. Austin Collins

06 Jan 2019

Contributed by Lukas

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...

Aquaman

23 Dec 2018

Contributed by Lukas

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 th...

Beetlejuice with Rebecca Bulnes

16 Dec 2018

Contributed by Lukas

Friend and host of Classroom Crush podcast, Rebecca Bulnes, joins Griffin and David to discuss 1988's masterpiece, Beetlejuice! But was this film nea...

Pee-wee's Big Adventure

09 Dec 2018

Contributed by Lukas

This week Griffin and David begin a new mini-series on the films of Tim Burton! Together they discuss the origins of the character Pee-wee and Burton'...

Ralph Breaks the Internet

02 Dec 2018

Contributed by Lukas

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 histor...

Home Again with Richard Lawson

25 Nov 2018

Contributed by Lukas

In the final special bonus episode of our mini-series on the films of Nancy Meyers, Griffin and David invite Richard Lawson (Vanity Fair) to weigh in ...

The Intern with Jamie Lee

18 Nov 2018

Contributed by Lukas

Comedian, writer and actor Jamie Lee (HBO's Crashing) joins Griffin and David to discuss Meyers’ most recent offering, 2015’s The Intern. But what...

It's Complicated with Sarah-Violet Bliss

11 Nov 2018

Contributed by Lukas

Writer/director Sarah-Violet Bliss (Search Party) joins Griffin and David to discuss 2009’s masterpiece, It's Complicated. But what are the two thin...

The Holiday with Fran Hoepfner

04 Nov 2018

Contributed by Lukas

Writer, Fran Hoepfner joins Griffin and David to discuss 2006’s house swap rom-com, The Holiday. But Is foreplay really overrated? Was John Krasinsk...

Something's Gotta Give with Bobby Finger

28 Oct 2018

Contributed by Lukas

Bobby Finger (Who? Weekly podcast) returns to Blank Check for a discussion of 2003’s aging romance, Something's Gotta Give. Together they examine Bo...

What Women Want with Lola Kirke

21 Oct 2018

Contributed by Lukas

Actress and singer-songwriter, Lola Kirke (Mozart in the Jungle) joins Griffin and David to discuss 2000’s high-concept rom-com, What Women Want. To...

The Parent Trap with Elena Lazic and Mani Lazic

14 Oct 2018

Contributed by Lukas

This week Blank Check begins our first ever “fans choice” mini series reviewing the filmography of director Nancy Meyers. Film critics, models and...

A Star Is Born

08 Oct 2018

Contributed by Lukas

On the week of it’s release in October of 2018, Griffin and David discussed A Star Is Born. Join our Patreon for franchise commentaries and bonus ...

Space Jam with James Newman

30 Sep 2018

Contributed by Lukas

This week, James Newman joins Blank Check for another family edition episode to discuss the 1996 Michael Jordan and Looney Tunes crossover, Space Jam....

Chosen - The Hire

27 Sep 2018

Contributed by Lukas

Griffin and David review the Ang Lee directed short film, Chosen, created as part of the BMW film series "The Hire," rank Lee’s filmography and brie...

Billy Lynn's Long Halftime Walk with J.D. Amato

23 Sep 2018

Contributed by Lukas

Blank it, thank it! J.D. Amato (The President Show) returns, in the last episode of our mini series devoted to the filmography of director Ang Lee, to...

Life of Pi with Ray Tintori

16 Sep 2018

Contributed by Lukas

Filmmaker Ray Tintori joins Griffin and David to discuss 2012’s Oscar award winning drama, Life of Pi. But was Tobey Maguire in an early cut of the ...

Taking Woodstock with Alex Ross Perry

09 Sep 2018

Contributed by Lukas

Writer and director Alex Ross Perry (Christopher Robin) returns to Blank Check to discuss 2009’s Taking Woodstock. But is this a comedy tho? Did thi...

Lust, Caution with Chris Weitz

02 Sep 2018

Contributed by Lukas

Director, screenwriter and producer Chris Weitz (Rogue One: A Star Wars Story, The Twilight Saga: New Moon) joins Griffin and David to discuss 2007’...

Brokeback Mountain with Las Culturistas

26 Aug 2018

Contributed by Lukas

Comedians and the hosts of Las Culturistas podcast (foreverdogproductions.com) Matt Rogers and Bowen Yang join Griffin and David to discuss 2005’s w...

Hulk

19 Aug 2018

Contributed by Lukas

This week is all about 2003’s Hulk. The origins of this project. How Ang Lee played the Hulk on set. Our hosts favorite film genre: the bad dad Nick...

Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon with David Ehrlich

12 Aug 2018

Contributed by Lukas

David Ehrlich (IndieWire) joins Griffin and David for an in-depth conversation on 2000’s Wuxia epic, Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon. Together they e...

Ride with the Devil with Peter Labuza

05 Aug 2018

Contributed by Lukas

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 Cav...

The Ice Storm with Emily Yoshida

29 Jul 2018

Contributed by Lukas

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 s...

Hotel Transylvania Trilogy

22 Jul 2018

Contributed by Lukas

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 ...

Sense and Sensibility with Shirley Li

15 Jul 2018

Contributed by Lukas

This week Shirley Li (Entertainment Weekly) joins Griffin and David to discuss 1995’s period drama, Sense and Sensibility. But how accurate are the ...

Eat Drink Man Woman with Alison Willmore

08 Jul 2018

Contributed by Lukas

Alison Willmore (BuzzFeed) joins Griffin and David to discuss 1994’s family and food dramedy, Eat Drink Man Woman. Join our Patreon for franchise ...

Pushing Hands/The Wedding Banquet

01 Jul 2018

Contributed by Lukas

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 ...

Family Dog - Amazing Stories

28 Jun 2018

Contributed by Lukas

Griffin and David review an episode of the 1993 television series Amazing Stories directed by Brad Bird: Family Dog. This episode is sponsored by Neve...

Incredibles 2

24 Jun 2018

Contributed by Lukas

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 dire...

Tomorrowland

17 Jun 2018

Contributed by Lukas

This week, Griffin and David discuss 2015's retrofuturist sci-fi flop, Tomorrowland. Music selection: "多くの巻き戻さVHSへ" by haircuts for m...

Mission: Impossible – Ghost Protocol

10 Jun 2018

Contributed by Lukas

Griffin and David discuss the fourth installment of the popular franchise: Mission: Impossible – Ghost Protocol. But why was Tom Cruise’s whole ca...

Ratatouille with Romilly Newman and Joey Sims

03 Jun 2018

Contributed by Lukas

In another family edition episode, this week, siblings Romilly Newman and Joey Sims help discuss 2007’s rat foodie journey, Ratatouille. But what we...

Solo: A Star Wars Story

27 May 2018

Contributed by Lukas

On the week of it’s release in May of 2018, Griffin and David discussed Solo: A Star Wars Story. Join our Patreon for franchise commentaries and b...

The Incredibles with Rebecca Drysdale

20 May 2018

Contributed by Lukas

Writer and comedian Rebecca Drysdale (Key and Peele, High Maintenance) joins Griffin and David for a conversation on the animated superhero family adv...

The Iron Giant

13 May 2018

Contributed by Lukas

This week Blank Check begins a new mini series reviewing the filmography of director Brad Bird with a discussion of 1999’s critically acclaimed anim...

Josie and the Pussycats with Angela Ferraguto

06 May 2018

Contributed by Lukas

This week is with special guest, Angela Ferraguto, associate producer and social media manager for this very podcast! And for this episode she picked ...

How Do You Know

29 Apr 2018

Contributed by Lukas

In the final episode of our mini series devoted to the filmography of James L. Brooks, Griffin and David discuss the disastrous 2010 film How Do You K...