Let’s journey into the wonderfully chaotic world of Blank Check, where two fully grown men spend multiple hours debating whether The Book of Henry is actually a secret masterpiece (spoiler: it’s not, but it’s definitely something). But with over 500 episodes of director deep-dives, celebrity guests who may or may not understand what they’ve signed up for, and enough running bits to fill a Wikipedia page, where do you even begin?
Whether you’re here for the serious film analysis, Griffin Newman’s increasingly unhinged fictional restaurant orders, or David Sims trying desperately to maintain his Atlantic film critic credibility while discussing Space Jam, I’ve compiled the ultimate list of Blank Check episodes that perfectly capture the show’s unique blend of genuine cinematic insight and complete podcast chaos.
The Book of Henry
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Griffin and David discuss the American drama thriller by Colin Trevorrow, The Book of Henry.
The Fabelmans
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A rare moment of consensus has emerged between Griffin and David as they analyze Steven Spielberg’s latest work – and what a remarkable piece of cinema it is! The hosts don both critical and psychological lenses while examining THE FABELMANS, discovering a narrative that proves far more nuanced and layered than its marketing materials might suggest.
Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull with David Ehrlich
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Film critic David Ehrlich of IndieWire joins the podcast for a deep dive into the controversial 2008 installment “Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull.” The hosts investigate the alleged existence of a better draft script, debate George Lucas’s role in the film’s mixed reception, and analyze the stereotypical greaser archetype of Mutt Williams.
War Horse with Pilot Viruet
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Cultural critic Pilot Viruet of Vice rejoins the show to examine Spielberg’s World War I equine drama, War Horse. The discussion explores the characters’ shared fixation on the titular horse Joey, while delving into the stage adaptation’s history, lead actor Jeremy Irvine’s casting journey, and Niels Arestrup’s concurrent roles, including his peculiar turn as ‘Jam Man.’
The Keep with Alex Ross Perry
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Filmmaker Alex Ross Perry returns to discuss Michael Mann’s enigmatic 1983 film “The Keep.” The conversation meanders through discussions of the TV series Bones, cinematic pizza consumption pre-E.T., and celebrates four defining directors of the 1980s: Verhoeven, Schrader, De Palma, and Friedkin, while exploring the origins of Moviefone and, occasionally, the actual film in question.
Spirited Away with David Rees
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Writer and comedian David Rees makes a return appearance to analyze Hayao Miyazaki’s masterpiece, Spirited Away. The conversation weaves through topics including the film’s surreal narrative structure, draws comparisons to DreamWorks’ Shrek, and features Rees sharing a notable critique from Financial Times critic Nigel Andrews, among other animated discussions.
Titanic with Emily Yoshida and Katey Rich – Part One
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Critics Emily Yoshida (Spin) and Katey Rich (Vanity Fair), alongside special guest Charlie “the baby” Rich, join for an analysis of James Cameron’s 1997 blockbuster Titanic. The discussion navigates through Cameron’s aquatic obsessions, the film’s cultural impact including Leonardo DiCaprio’s stardom, standout performances, and the hosts’ memorable first encounters with the epic, complete with personal anecdotes.
Big Trouble in Little China with Jason Mantzoukas & Paul Scheer
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Podcast favorites Jason Mantzoukas and Paul Scheer of “How Did This Get Made?” rejoin the show to celebrate another Kurt Russell classic. The conversation spans from lamenting the scarcity of modern-day Russell-type actors to taking shots at director John Landis, with an unexpected Star Wars reference thrown in for good measure.
A Conversation with George Lucas – Revenge Of The Podcast
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Approaching the conclusion of their Star Wars prequel exploration, the hosts arrange an unprecedented guest appearance with none other than George Lucas himself. During this extraordinary session, they probe the mastermind behind the trilogy about contentious elements like Jar Jar Binks, young Anakin’s portrayal, and the metropolis planet Coruscant. The interview culminates in a stunning disclosure that transforms their entire understanding of the Star Wars saga.
The Matrix Reloaded
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The hosts analyze the 2003 Matrix sequel, exploring its ambitious yet potentially flawed multimedia strategy involving the Enter the Matrix game and The Animatrix series. The discussion covers Agent Smith’s return, the film’s digital characters, Gloria Foster’s untimely passing, the Merovingian’s unsavory nature, and Producer Ben’s take on The Keymaker, while featuring a debate about the film’s artistic merits that leads to a possible shift in Griffin’s perspective.
Back to the Future
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Back to the Future was the top-grossing film of 1985. It inspired a theme park attraction, an animated TV show, video games, comic books, and stage musicals. The film has even been preserved in the Library of Congress. Crucially, its success provided director Robert Zemeckis with substantial budgets for future projects. Has there ever been a more significant “blank check” than Back to the Future?
The Terminal with Jerah Milligan
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The movie on the table: “The Terminal” (2004), a dramedy about life stuck in an airport. How much Tucci is too much? What’s the deal with that bizarre Michael Douglas cancer rumor? And where exactly “is” Krakozhia? Griffin, David, and Jerah break it all down—along with Catherine Zeta-Jones’ career, jazz photography, “Shrek 3”, and the art of saltine cracker sandwiches. Plus, Jerah recounts his own airport ordeal, and Producer Ben nurses a brutal hangover.
All That Jazz with Lin-Manuel Miranda
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Lights up, folks—the hosts are thrilled for this one! Broadway legend (and “Blank Check” fan) Lin-Manuel Miranda joins them to discuss Bob Fosse’s “All That Jazz” (1979). LMM surprises Griffin and David with an original script, shedding light on Fosse’s mix of memoir and fiction. They also explore connections to “tick, tick…BOOM!”, another tale of art, mortality, and self-doubt.
Zodiac with Leslye Headland
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This is the Zodiac speaking. I’ve joined Griffin, David, and the brilliant Leslye Headland to cut through the tangents and dive deep into “Zodiac”—Fincher’s labyrinthine true crime epic. They dissect the craft, the obsession, and the madness. What’s the scariest scene? Who delivers the best performance? Are Aqua Velvas actually good? Like my identity, some mysteries remain unsolved—but that’s the fun of it, baby!
Gone Girl with Esther Zuckerman
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“Perfect Amy” meets “Perpetually Pained Affleck” in Fincher’s deliciously twisted thriller—iconic from the moment Rosamund Pike’s head hits the screen. The fantastic Esther Zuckerman (who “swears” she won’t “gone girl” her boyfriend) joins us to unpack it all. Is “Amazing Amy” actually a solid kids’ book? Did Tyler Perry steal Fincher’s techniques for “BOO! A MADEA HALLOWEEN”? Would Reese and Hamm have worked better?
The Holiday with Fran Hoepfner
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Writer Fran Hoepfner joins Griffin and David to break down “The Holiday” (2006), the house-swap rom-com that asks: Is foreplay really overrated? Was John Krasinski the Adam Driver of “Lincoln” back in 2006? And is “Garden State” New Jersey’s defining film just because of a trip to Medieval Times? They also dive into the careers of Cameron Diaz, Kate Winslet, Jack Black, and Jude “Daddy” Law, the magic of Christmas in England, and the art of loving movie scores “too much”. Plus, plenty of Eli Wallach talk, another round of Romilly’s Kitchen Corner, and the return of “Checking in with Fran”.
War Horse with Pilot Viruet
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Pilot Viruet (Vice) returns to Blank Check to discuss Spielberg’s WWI horse epic, “War Horse”. What drives every character in this film? Why “Joey” as a name? And just how many times will they say “horse”? They also dive into the stage adaptation, Jeremy Irvine’s audition (and apple face), Niels Arestrup’s 2011 career—including his role as “Jam Man”—and the elusive “Untitled Horse Mystery Project”.
Mars Attacks! With Paul F. Tompkins
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Blank Check continues its Tim Burton series with “Mars Attacks!”, the star-studded alien invasion comedy. Where did this bizarre ’60s trading card adaptation begin? How does it hold up against “Independence Day” decades later? And does David secretly have a half-sister? Comedian Paul F. Tompkins (“BoJack Horseman”) joins to break down the film’s wild ensemble, unusual billing, excessive face goop, “Entourage: The Movie”, and classic Burton tropes—from cheerful suburbia to eerie ghost kids.
Showgirls with Caroline Framke
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Caroline Framke (Vox) joins Griffin and David to dive into “Showgirls” (1995), the infamous erotic drama. Was Eszterhas’ script really born on a cocktail napkin? Is it a Hollywood parable? Where “is” Nomi from? They also discuss Caroline’s first viewing—at a Hollywood cemetery with Elizabeth Berkley—plus aggressive dry humping and, well… different places!
Forrest Gump with Jamelle Bouie
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Jamelle Bouie (NY Times) is back on “Blank Check” to chat about “Forrest Gump”!
Lincoln
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Griffin and David tackle Spielberg’s “Lincoln” (2012), but how many biographies did Tony Kushner actually read? Does the film feel like an epic yarn about a mill? Was Liam Neeson “really” almost Lincoln? They dive into the glorious facial hair, Hal Holbrook’s watery eyes, Daniel Day-Lewis’ “method,” and the film’s shocking blanket collection.
Silence of the Lambs with Emily St. James
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Griffin and David are joined by writer Emily St. James to discuss the most impactful film BC has covered—aside from “Fletch”, naturally. It’s so influential, there are “too many bits”! They dive into Emily’s thoughts on what “all” Demme films are about, imagine what “Hannibal Lecter” might’ve looked like with a different actor, and give a special shoutout to all the cannibal psychologist fans tuning in.
The Iron Giant
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“Blank Check” kicks off a new Brad Bird series with “The Iron Giant” (1999). Does the Giant wear a shirt? Did the studio want a hip-hop soundtrack and a modern setting? Should Griffin and David fight more? In their worst episode yet, they explore Bird’s origin, Harry Connick Jr. as a beatnik artist, upcoming “Blank Check Pictures” projects, and booger stores.
Heat
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Comedian Jon Gabrus joins Griffin and David for a deep dive into “Heat” (1995), where cops and robbers aren’t all that different. But what did director William Friedkin call Al Pacino in his biography? Is it suspicious when someone’s reading a metalworking book at a bar? And who the heck is the legendary Craig Castaldo, aka Radio Man? They break down Pacino and DeNiro’s performances, Dad cinema vibes, the iconic diner scene, and more!
Almost Famous
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The “BC” crew tackles the Oscar-winning, semi-autobiographical “Almost Famous”. But what’s the difference between the theatrical version and “Untitled: The Bootleg Cut”? What’s Griffin and David’s take on Marc Maron and Jimmy Fallon’s “incredible” cameos? How did Billy Crudup go from heartthrob to… well, whatever he’s doing now? They dive into Philip Seymour Hoffman’s perfect portrayal of rock critic Lester Bangs, Kate Hudson’s extensive boyfriend history, Led Zeppelin gossip, and, of course, locking those gates.
28 Days Later with David Rees
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Fast zombies, a deserted London, and low-res cinematography—”28 Days Later” became a genre-defining hit for Danny Boyle after “The Beach” flopped. Humorist David Rees returns to dive into the post-9/11 mood the film captures. They explore the zombie genre, the “Young British Artists” of the ’90s, Canadian anti-capitalist band Godspeed You! Black Emperor, and Rees’ shock upon learning Brendan Gleeson played Donald Trump in “The Comey Rule”.
Inception
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Griffin and David deliver a unique episode on the 2010 mind-bending heist film, “Inception”.