Critical Darlings: Sentimental Value and Belated Oscar Breakthroughs with Joe Reid

John Carter with Matt Singer

Jul 5, 20263h 14mSummary

In this episode, the hosts are joined by critic Matt Singer to dissect the ambitious and famously ill-fated 2012 science fiction film, John Carter. The discussion centers on the movie’s disastrous marketing campaign, which suffered from confusion over titles, vague taglines, and an inability to sell the film’s unique identity to a general audience. The group contrasts the movie's struggle to launch a new franchise with the shifting landscape of Hollywood at the time, noting how Disney’s concurrent acquisitions of Marvel and Lucasfilm effectively made John Carter a "dead man walking" in the studio’s eyes. Beyond the business context, the hosts examine the film's structural flaws, specifically its reliance on an overload of dense, made-up terminology that alienated casual viewers. They also engage in a broader analysis of the early 2010s "Mars movie" trend and the specific era of R-rated comedies, which Singer chronicles in his book about the period’s star-driven cinema. Ultimately, the episode serves as a deep dive into how a high-concept passion project can struggle to find its footing when competing with established cinematic universes.

WALL-E with David Ehrlich

Jun 28, 20263h 26mSummary

In this episode of Blank Check with Griffin and David, the hosts are joined by film critic David Ehrlich to discuss the 2008 Pixar masterpiece, WALL-E. The conversation centers on director Andrew Stanton’s vision and the unique, self-contained period of Pixar’s history during the late 2000s, when the studio operated with complete creative freedom following the conclusion of their original deal with Disney. The hosts explore the thematic intersections of art and commerce within the film, questioning how a story so critical of consumerism and corporate dominance—personified by the Buy-n-Large corporation—was successfully produced by a massive studio. They reflect on the film's silent, visual storytelling, its status as a "blank check" project for Stanton, and the personal resonance it holds for them, particularly through their experiences showing the movie to their own children. The discussion also touches upon the legendary "lunch" meeting where the foundational concepts for many of Pixar’s greatest films were initially conceived, highlighting the collaborative creative spark that defined that era of animation.

Finding Nemo with Rebecca Alter

Jun 21, 20263h 22mSummary

In this episode of Blank Check with Griffin and David, the hosts are joined by journalist Rebecca Alter to discuss the 2003 Pixar masterpiece Finding Nemo. The conversation serves as the debut of a new miniseries dedicated to the filmography of director Andrew Stanton. The group explores the legacy of Finding Nemo, noting its status as a landmark achievement in animation that once held the title of the highest-grossing animated film in history. The hosts delve into the film’s narrative structure, praising its elegant storytelling and the absence of a traditional, malicious villain. They highlight the emotional weight of the story, particularly the sequence where the pelican Nigel recounts Nemo’s journey to his father, Marlon. Beyond the analysis of the film itself, the conversation touches on the broader trajectory of animated sequels, the history of box-office records, and the strange ubiquity of direct-to-video sequels in the early 2000s. With typical Blank Check humor, the discussion also pivots to the bizarre, sprawling world of the Cars franchise, the role of theme park immersion, and the intersection of corporate branding with childhood media.

Disclosure Day

Jun 14, 20262h 23mSummary

In this episode of Blank Check with Griffin and David, the hosts dive into a lively and expansive discussion surrounding Steven Spielberg’s latest film, Disclosure Day. The conversation begins with a characteristically humorous tangent about mathematics and childhood pranks before transitioning into the themes of Spielberg’s work. The hosts explore how Disclosure Day fits into the director's storied career, noting its return to a classic, character-driven blockbuster style that evokes the spirit of his earlier films like Close Encounters of the Third Kind. The discussion also tackles the evolution of Spielberg’s cinematic modes—balancing his pursuit of mature, classical dramas with the occasional pull toward grand-scale, family-oriented spectacles. The hosts provide insightful commentary on the marketing strategy behind the film, specifically highlighting the unique decision to brand it simply as a Steven Spielberg film. Along the way, the episode touches on various industry anecdotes, including thoughts on recent casting shuffles, the peculiar nature of sequels, and a recurring lighthearted segment regarding the unusual logistics of nature-themed disaster movies. It is an engaging deep dive into the craft of a legendary filmmaker seen through the hosts' appreciative and analytical lens.

The Way Back with Alex Ross Perry

Jun 7, 20263h 8mSummary

In this episode of Blank Check, hosts Griffin Newman and David Sims are joined by filmmaker Alex Ross Perry to discuss The Way Back, the 2010 historical drama directed by Peter Weir. The conversation begins with a playful banter about movie taglines and the accidental confusion between this film and the 2013 comedy The Way Way Back, leading to a humorous breakdown of the latter’s cast and its unexpected place in the landscape of Sundance-acquired films. The hosts transition into a deeper analysis of Peter Weir’s career, noting his long absence from filmmaking and the specific challenges of his later works. They critique the production quality of the film, specifically noting some bizarrely blown-out audio during key sequences. The episode also serves as a milestone for Alex Ross Perry, marking his tenth appearance on the show. The group reflects on his history with the podcast, reminiscing about previous episodes covering various films in the Weir filmography. Ultimately, the discussion balances critical engagement with the film’s narrative—the journey of gulag escapees—against the hosts' trademark humor, podcast lore, and ongoing debates regarding cinematic prestige and director legacy.

Master and Commander: The Far Side of the World with John Hodgman

May 31, 20263h 13mSummary

In this episode of Blank Check with Griffin & David, the hosts welcome guest John Hodgman to discuss Peter Weir’s 2003 historical epic, Master and Commander: The Far Side of the World. The conversation centers on why this film holds such a revered place in the hearts of film enthusiasts, particularly its status as a "dad movie" that captures a unique, highly detailed ecosystem of life on the high seas. Griffin and David, alongside Hodgman, explore the miracle of the film’s production, noting that a studio project of this scale, seriousness, and lack of reliance on heavy CGI is unlikely to be greenlit in today’s cinematic landscape. They reflect on the film’s meticulous attention to naval procedure and historical detail, which contrasts sharply with more fantastical seafaring adventures of the same era. The hosts also examine Peter Weir’s subtle and malleable directorial style, which allows him to disappear into his subject matter while maintaining a focus on small, tight-knit communities. Ultimately, the discussion highlights the enduring power of the film’s perfect, poignant ending and its legacy as an essential piece of cinema that continues to resonate long after its release.

The Mandalorian and Grogu with Chris Gethard

May 24, 20263h 13mSummary

In this episode of Blank Check with Griffin & David, the hosts are joined by comedian and writer Chris Gethard for a wide-ranging discussion on the film The Mandalorian and Grogu. The conversation centers on the hosts’ frustrations with the current state of the Star Wars franchise and its struggle to maintain cultural relevance. Gethard provides a candid review, noting that while he enjoyed the experience of seeing the film in a crowded theater with children, he felt let down by the lack of meaningful character growth and the repetitive nature of the narrative. The trio critiques the film’s reliance on corporate mandates over creative storytelling, specifically noting how the characters seem to end the story exactly where they began. They also dive into the technical aspects of the film, praising the score while expressing disappointment in the lackluster humor and the overuse of established tropes, such as the inclusion of multiple characters akin to Babu Frik. Throughout the episode, Gethard shares anecdotes about his own background in independent media and his career as a performer, ultimately highlighting the tension between creative freedom and the limitations imposed by massive media franchises.

The Truman Show with J.D. Amato

May 17, 20263h 38mSummary

In this episode of Blank Check, hosts Griffin Newman and David Sims, joined by guest J.D. Amato, dive into Peter Weir’s 1998 classic, The Truman Show. The discussion opens with lighthearted bickering over punctuality before transitioning into a thoughtful analysis of the film’s enduring impact. The hosts explore the movie’s internal logic, praising the world-building that accounts for how Truman’s reality was constructed from infancy. A central point of the conversation is the character of Christof, played by Ed Harris. The participants highlight how his portrayal avoids common villain tropes, instead presenting a creator who views himself as an artist crafting something profound, which makes his actions all the more chilling. The group also debates the film’s themes regarding the ethics of surveillance and the public’s voyeuristic desire to watch the lives of others, drawing parallels to modern media, documentaries, and the psychological impact of being constantly observed. By comparing the film to other reality-bending works, the hosts examine how The Truman Show captured a specific, budding cultural anxiety that has only grown more relevant in the decades since its release.

Picnic at Hanging Rock with Jane Schoenbrun

Critical Darlings: One Battle After Another And Oscar Predictions with David Sims