Blank Check with Griffin & David
Episodes
Avatar
27 Nov 2016
Contributed by Lukas
This week the BC crew discusses 2009’s 3D sci-fi epic Avatar. But are trees nature’s internet? Is this the ultimate cultural appropriation movie? ...
Aliens of the Deep/Ghosts of the Abyss
19 Nov 2016
Contributed by Lukas
Griffin and David this week discussed two documentaries directed by James Cameron: 2003’s Ghost of the Abyss and 2006’s Aliens of the Deep. But wh...
Titanic with Emily Yoshida and Katey Rich - Part Two
12 Nov 2016
Contributed by Lukas
Griffin and David continue their discussion of Titanic with Emily Yoshida (Spin Magazine) and Katey Rich (Vanity Fair). But are Cameron’s drawings b...
Titanic with Emily Yoshida and Katey Rich - Part One
04 Nov 2016
Contributed by Lukas
Emily Yoshida (Spin Magazine) and Katey Rich (Vanity Fair) return to discuss 1997’s epic romance Titanic with special guest Charlie “the baby” R...
True Lies
29 Oct 2016
Contributed by Lukas
Griffin and David this week discuss 1994’s action comedy remake, True Lies. But how does this film relate to Cameron’s marriages? Was the characte...
Jack Reacher: Never Go Back
23 Oct 2016
Contributed by Lukas
Days before its official release, Griffin and David discussed 2016's action thriller sequel Jack Reacher: Never Go Back. Join our Patreon for franchi...
Terminator 2: Judgement Day with Sam Rogal
16 Oct 2016
Contributed by Lukas
Sam Rogal (Magnet Theatre) joins Griffin and David to discuss the 1991 hit sequel Terminator 2: Judgement Day. But do the special effects still hold u...
The Abyss with Josh Ruben
07 Oct 2016
Contributed by Lukas
Josh Ruben (CollegeHumor) joins Griffin and David to discuss the 1989 underwater alien thriller The Abyss. But why exactly is this movie impossible to...
Aliens with Fran Hoepfner
01 Oct 2016
Contributed by Lukas
Fran Hoepfner (ClickHole) joins Griffin and David to discuss the 1986 horror/sci-fi sequel Aliens. But how did James go about pitching this project to...
The Terminator with Rachel Sanders
25 Sep 2016
Contributed by Lukas
Rachel Sanders (Buzzfeed) joins Griffin and David to discuss James Cameron’s 1984 game changing action sci-fi, The Terminator. But why did this movi...
Piranha II: The Spawning
18 Sep 2016
Contributed by Lukas
In the debut episode of a new mini series examining the filmography of James Cameron, Griffin and David discuss 1981’s B horror, Piranha II: The Spa...
Under Siege 2: Dark Territory
07 Sep 2016
Contributed by Lukas
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...
Roadies with Layne Montgomery
04 Sep 2016
Contributed by Lukas
Musician and Blank Check theme song creator Layne Montgomery (The Romantic Comedy) joins #thetwofriends to lock the gates in our final episode of the ...
Aloha with Esther Zuckerman
26 Aug 2016
Contributed by Lukas
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 rec...
We Bought a Zoo
22 Aug 2016
Contributed by Lukas
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?...
Elizabethtown
11 Aug 2016
Contributed by Lukas
Blank Check returns to Cameron Crowe’s filmography with an in-depth discussion of 2005’s tragic comedy, Elizabethtown. But how would one best desc...
Suicide Squad
06 Aug 2016
Contributed by Lukas
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 me...
Denim Invasion Live @ DCM18 with John Trowbridge
26 Jul 2016
Contributed by Lukas
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 ...
Vanilla Sky with Richard Lawson
22 Jul 2016
Contributed by Lukas
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 T...
Almost Famous
15 Jul 2016
Contributed by Lukas
The BC crew sets their sights on the Academy Award winning, semi-autobiographical film, Almost Famous. But what are some of the differences between th...
Jerry Maguire
07 Jul 2016
Contributed by Lukas
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 mem...
Singles
30 Jun 2016
Contributed by Lukas
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 y...
Say Anything…
23 Jun 2016
Contributed by Lukas
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…...
Fletch
17 Jun 2016
Contributed by Lukas
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 c...
The Animatrix
10 Jun 2016
Contributed by Lukas
In the final episode of the Podchowski Casters mini series, Griffin and David discuss 2003’s collection of animated short films detailing the Matrix...
Sense8
03 Jun 2016
Contributed by Lukas
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...
Jupiter Ascending
27 May 2016
Contributed by Lukas
This week Griffin and David discuss the Wachowski’s most recent theatrical release, 2015’s intergalactic sci-fi, Jupiter Ascending. What is the Wa...
Cloud Atlas with Bobby Finger
20 May 2016
Contributed by Lukas
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 conside...
Speed Racer with Emily Yoshida and J.D. Amato
16 May 2016
Contributed by Lukas
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 doe...
The Matrix Revolutions
05 May 2016
Contributed by Lukas
Concluding the Matrix trilogy, Griffin and David examine The Matrix Revolutions. But why gruesomely blind our hero Neo? What is the franchise’s mess...
The Matrix Reloaded
28 Apr 2016
Contributed by Lukas
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...
The Matrix
25 Apr 2016
Contributed by Lukas
This week, Griffin and David discuss the Wachowski's game changing 1999 film, the Matrix. Just how big of an influence was this movie on mainstream ci...
Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice - The Lost Episode (Remastered)
22 Apr 2016
Contributed by Lukas
Back in March of 2016 when Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice was first released in theaters, Griffin, David, and Ben recorded a one-off episode about...
Bound
18 Apr 2016
Contributed by Lukas
Blank Check returns with another new mini series, this time examining the filmography of directors the Wachowskis. And like the past investigations (G...
The Buried Secret of M. Night Shyamalan
12 Apr 2016
Contributed by Lukas
In the final episode of the Pod Night Shyamacast mini series, Griffin and David discuss the SyFy Channel hoax documentary, 2004’s The Buried Secret ...
The Visit with Louis Peitzman
01 Apr 2016
Contributed by Lukas
Louis Peitzman (BuzzFeed) joins Griffin and David to discuss the old person horror, 2015’s The Visit. But is the found footage device used in a effe...
After Earth with James III
25 Mar 2016
Contributed by Lukas
James III (Black Men Can’t Jump In Hollywood Podcast) joins Griffin and David to discuss the incredibly dull, thinly veiled Scientology sci-fi, 2013...
The Last Airbender with Seaton Smith
18 Mar 2016
Contributed by Lukas
Seaton Smith (Mulaney, Late Night with Seth Meyers) joins Griffin and David to discuss 2010’s agonizing, unwatchable fantasy adventure, The Last Air...
The Happening
14 Mar 2016
Contributed by Lukas
This week, Griffin and David discuss M. Night’s first ever R rated film, 2008’s The Happening. But is wind scary? Are any of the actors convincing...
Lady in the Water with Richard Lawson
07 Mar 2016
Contributed by Lukas
Richard Lawson (Vanity Fair) joins Griffin and David to examine 2006’s egotistical bedtime martyr tale, Lady in the Water. Is M. Night trying to say...
The Village with David Ehrlich
29 Feb 2016
Contributed by Lukas
David Ehrlich (Rolling Stone) joins Griffin and David this week for an in-depth analysis of 2004’s isolationist thriller, The Village. Why was this ...
The First Annual Blank Check Awards with Joe Reid
22 Feb 2016
Contributed by Lukas
On this week’s special episode, Griffin and David joined by guest, Joe Reid (The Decider), present their personal nominations for the upcoming 88th ...
Signs with Murf Meyer and Diana Kolsky
15 Feb 2016
Contributed by Lukas
This week’s guests on the Shyamacast are ‘real life lovers’ Murf Meyer (The Chris Gethard Show) and Diana Kolsky (Above Average), hosts in their...
Unbreakable with Matt Patches
08 Feb 2016
Contributed by Lukas
Matt Patches (Thrillist, Grantland) joins Griffin and David this week to discuss Shyamalan’s fourth feature, Unbreakable. This sad and muted superhe...
The Sixth Sense with Katey Rich
01 Feb 2016
Contributed by Lukas
Joining Griffin and David on this week’s episode is special guest Katey Rich (Vanity Fair) to help examine Shyamalan’s 1999 breakout, career defin...
Praying with Anger/Wide Awake
26 Jan 2016
Contributed by Lukas
In the debut episode of the newly rebranded ‘Blank Check’, Griffin and David look to another director of supersized ego and skill: M. Night Shyama...
Blank Check with Griffin & David Trailer
18 Jan 2016
Contributed by Lukas
Blank Check is a podcast about filmographies - specifically, the filmographies of directors who've achieved massive success early on, and then were gi...
The Podcast Reawakens with Emily Yoshida
11 Jan 2016
Contributed by Lukas
Emily Yoshida (The Verge, A/V Club) joins Griffin and David to revisit Episode VII: The Force Awakens. Together, they discuss Emily’s childhood Star...
The Podcast Holiday Special with Pilot Viruet
24 Dec 2015
Contributed by Lukas
In 1978, CBS aired a two-hour Star Wars holiday special. Only a year prior, A New Hope had been released to critical success and with the Empire Strik...
The Podcast Awakens
21 Dec 2015
Contributed by Lukas
One day after the release opening of Episode VII: The Force Awakens (SPOILER ALERT!), Griffin and David discussed their impressions on the first insta...
Return of the Podcast
17 Dec 2015
Contributed by Lukas
Griffin and David return with an episode examining the 1983 conclusion to the ‘second’ trilogy Episode VI: Return of the Jedi. Together, they disc...
The Podcast Strikes Back
14 Dec 2015
Contributed by Lukas
This week, Griffin and David move onto the 1980 film Episode V: The Empire Strikes Back. Together, they discuss the sexual tension between Han Solo an...
A New Podcast
07 Dec 2015
Contributed by Lukas
Griffin and David, having recently discovered Episode IV: A New Hope, discuss the 1977 film. Including, the rise of the rebel alliance, the children o...
Watch With Us LIVE! - Revenge Of The Podcast
30 Nov 2015
Contributed by Lukas
Griffin and David, joined once again by director George Lucas, present a special live bonus episode where they watched the Revenge of the Sith and rec...
A Conversation with George Lucas - Revenge Of The Podcast
23 Nov 2015
Contributed by Lukas
With Griffin and David nearing the end of their investigation into the Phantom Menace trilogy there were still a lot of unanswered questions. So they ...
More Deleted Scenes with Mike Ryan - Revenge Of The Podcast
16 Nov 2015
Contributed by Lukas
Mike Ryan (Uproxx) joins Griffin and David to discuss Revenge of the Sith’s deleted scenes and special featurettes: The Chosen One and Within a Minu...
The Clone Wars Animated Series with Jonathan Braylock - Revenge Of The Podcast
07 Nov 2015
Contributed by Lukas
Jonathan Braylock (Black Men Can’t Jump (In Hollywood) podcast) joins Griffin and David on this week’s episode to cover the entirety of the 2003-2...
Our Performance Review 3.0 with Chris Gethard - Revenge Of The Podcast
30 Oct 2015
Contributed by Lukas
This week Griffin and David complete their performance reviews of the Phantom Menace trilogy with special guest Chris Gethard (The Chris Gethard Show,...
A Broken Heart with Sonia Saraiya - Revenge Of The Podcast
23 Oct 2015
Contributed by Lukas
Griffin and David welcome another amazing guest this week, Sonia Saraiya (Salon, AV Club). Together, they examine the life and death of Padmé, includ...
The Jedi Order with Mike Drucker - Revenge Of The Podcast
19 Oct 2015
Contributed by Lukas
Joining Griffin and David on today’s episode is special guest Mike Drucker (The Tonight Show with Jimmy Fallon). Together, they discuss the MANY mis...
Emperor Darth Sidious - Revenge Of The Podcast
02 Oct 2015
Contributed by Lukas
A Naboo Senator. Then a Supreme Chancellor of the Galactic Republic. But WHO is this Phantom Menace? Could it really be the uptight Palpatine pulling ...
The Downfall Of Anakin Skywalker - Revenge Of The Podcast
28 Sep 2015
Contributed by Lukas
This week Griffin and David, whilst yelling into microphones, dive right into the river of ham that is Anakin’s origin story and the main crux of th...
The Beginning of The End - Revenge Of The Podcast
21 Sep 2015
Contributed by Lukas
The year was 2005. George Lucas returned with the third (and final) film in the Star Wars series: Episode III - Revenge of the Sith. Again, taking in ...
The Podcastic Two
14 Sep 2015
Contributed by Lukas
In 1992, the original Fantastic Four movie was produced by Constantin Film solely to retain the rights of the franchise. Shot in 22 days, the low budg...
Watch With Us, Again - Attack Of The Podcast
08 Sep 2015
Contributed by Lukas
Once again, Griffin and David in a very special bonus episode watched Attack of the Clones (for probably the last time) and recorded their commentary....
The Deleted Scenes with Chase Mitchell - Attack Of The Podcast
28 Aug 2015
Contributed by Lukas
Griffin and David welcome another amazing guest this week, Chase Mitchell (The Tonight Show with Jimmy Fallon). Together, they discuss deleted scenes ...
Digital Filmmaking with J.D. Amato - Attack Of The Podcast
24 Aug 2015
Contributed by Lukas
Joining Griffin and David this week is special guest J.D. Amato to discuss the behind-the-scenes making of this film, including, a featurette entitled...
Politics - Attack Of The Podcast
10 Aug 2015
Contributed by Lukas
7 episodes in and hosts David and Griffin are waning. This week, while attempting to discuss Senator Palpatine’s rise to power as Darth Sidious (the...
Our Performance Review 2.0 - Attack Of The Podcast
29 Jul 2015
Contributed by Lukas
In the sixth installment of the only podcast that exclusively talks about Attack of the Clones (formally just the Phantom Menace until discovering thi...
Count Dooku with Morgan Evans - Attack Of The Podcast
20 Jul 2015
Contributed by Lukas
This week, Griffin and David with special guest Morgan Evans pick up where they left off last episode (right after Anakin murders men, women and child...
Romance with Rachel Lang - Attack Of The Podcast
13 Jul 2015
Contributed by Lukas
Joining Griffin and David this week is friend of the show, Rachel Lang, to discuss the steamy romance that develops between Anakin and Padmé. Playin...
The Angst Of Anakin Skywalker - Attack Of The Podcast
06 Jul 2015
Contributed by Lukas
Well he’s a teenager now: not in control of his emotions, hormone fueled, and in desperate need of discipline/a good spanking! So what does the Jedi...
The Mysterious Planet Kamino - Attack Of The Podcast
30 Jun 2015
Contributed by Lukas
It was a dark and stormy night on planet Kamino. Detective Kenobi was far far away from home. He wondered to himself in the rain: why did Sifo-Dyas pl...
Unrest In The Galactic Senate - Attack Of The Podcast
22 Jun 2015
Contributed by Lukas
The year was 2002. It had been 3 years since the Phantom Menace. George Lucas returned with his second Star Wars release: Episode II - Attack of the C...
Judging The Judge
08 Jun 2015
Contributed by Lukas
One year ago acclaimed actors Robert Downey Jr. and Robert Duvall appeared together in the film The Judge. The movie is about a big city lawyer return...
Watch With Us - The Phantom Podcast
01 Jun 2015
Contributed by Lukas
Griffin and David in a bonus episode for all you GDP die hards, watched the Phantom Menace (one more time!) and recorded their commentary. So get out ...
Final Thoughts - The Phantom Podcast
26 May 2015
Contributed by Lukas
All great investigations must at some point come to an end, and the case study of the Phantom Menace has (finally) reached it’s conclusion. Listen i...
Fan Fiction - The Phantom Podcast
19 May 2015
Contributed by Lukas
It’s week nine into the investigation and the case is not coming together. Sooo, Griffin and David have decided to dig deep and explore the strange ...
Merchandise - The Phantom Podcast
11 May 2015
Contributed by Lukas
Toys. Kids love them. And so do Griffin and David. This movie’s entire production was funded by the sale of exclusive rights to the merchandising. A...
The Podrace - The Phantom Podcast
04 May 2015
Contributed by Lukas
The podrace sequence is the one part of this movie viewers seem to complain about the least. Griffin and David this week tackle all the elements of th...
A Profile Of Jar Jar Binks And The Gungans - The Phantom Podcast
28 Apr 2015
Contributed by Lukas
This week Griffin and David delve into the character we all know and love: Jar Jar Binks. How does an outcast of the Gungan society go on to save his ...
Our Performance Review - The Phantom Podcast
20 Apr 2015
Contributed by Lukas
In the fifth installment of the only podcast that exclusively talks about the Phantom Menace, Griffin and David look to the movie’s cast and rate al...
Commentary with Connor Ratliff - The Phantom Podcast
13 Apr 2015
Contributed by Lukas
Joining Griffin and David this week is host of the George Lucas Talk Show, Connor Ratliff, to discuss the commentary special feature included with the...
The Jedi Council - The Phantom Podcast
06 Apr 2015
Contributed by Lukas
This week Griffel and Simsbert discuss the Jedi Order. What are these mystical warriors all about? What is the Force? Why is Qui-Gon Jinn rigging chan...
The Royalty Of Naboo - The Phantom Podcast
30 Mar 2015
Contributed by Lukas
Queen elect, high school dropout, hand maiden? This week Griffin and David look at Queen Amidala and the history of the royalty of Naboo. Why was act...
In A Galaxy Far Far Away… - The Phantom Podcast
23 Mar 2015
Contributed by Lukas
The year was 1999. It had been twenty-two years since George Lucas last directed a feature film. Star Wars: Episode I - The Phantom Menace was highly ...