recursal/Fanatic-Fandom huggingface dataset:
The Terminal

**The Terminal** is episode 101 focusing on the movie of the same name, as part of the Pod Me If You Cast miniseries covering the filmography of Steven Spielberg's DreamWorks era. Posted 25 Mar 2017.

## Summary

> "This week’s guest, Jerah Milligan (Comedy Central), finally completes our trifecta of co-hosts from the excellent podcast Blank Men Can’t Jump In Hollywood joining Blank Check. The topic of discussion: 2004’s stranded at the airport dramedy The Terminal. But exactly how much Stanley Tucci does a movie need? What was behind the absurd Michael Douglas cancer story? Is it clear where exactly is Krakozhia? Together, Griffin, David and Jerah examine Catherine Zeta-Jones’ career trajectory, jazz photos, Shrek 3, saltine cracker sandwiches and more. Plus, Jerah shares a personal account of being trapped in the airport and Producer Ben is hungover AF."
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Jerah Milligan joins #TheTwoFriends in the studio. At last, each of the hosts of Black Men Can't Jump In Hollywood has been welcomed as a guest on Blank Check. My man!

After an extensive discussion on the career progression of the two leads, and a mention of the fact that this was one of the last movies DreamWorks made as a complete studio, we move into the actual movie. And boy, did DreamWorks The Studio go out with a bang. Spent pretty much the whole budget by building an entire airport terminal set in a hangar. For the direction, Spielberg tried to go for a light touch but that may not be his strength. As Ben says, you just need a Touch of the Tucc, but here goes Stanley Tucci with a lot more than just a touch.

Was this modeled after a old-timey silent film? Loosely based on a true story, but did they try to punch it up too broadly with too many genres? How can two people who never even have a conversation get married as a feel-good movie moment? But here's where Spielberg is Spielberg: despite all its flaws, can this movie somehow be charrrrrmingggg?

### Milestones and Ephemera

* Cost of a *Terminal* Burger King Whopper: 74 cents
* Bechdel Test: failed
* Ben: hungover
* Chi McBride's signature: tremendous in every way
Toy Story 3 Commentary

**Toy Story 3** is episode 60 of the Blank Check: Special Features, and a commentary episode as part of their coverage of Toy Story franchise. Posted June 1, 2020 and released from behind the paywall on June 1, 2023.

## Summary

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> There was a decade between this and 2, but was it worth the wait? *Toy Story 3* (2010) give you a serious animation upgrade, an unfortunate Lasseter parallel, and one hell of a prison break sequence. Blank Check debates the strengths and weaknesses of the third entry in the Toy Story franchise.
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## References

1. ↑ Blank Check Podcast. Toy Story 3. Patreon. Retrieved on January 3, 2023.
The Poddle Mercast

**The Poddle Mercast** is a miniseries covering the films of John Musker & Ron Clements beginning in February 2021.

## Summary

The podcast is doing their yearly foray into an animated miniseries, focusing on the Musker & Clements films that helped launch the Disney Renaissance. The miniseries follows the rise, fall, rise, and retirement of two influential Disney directors.

This miniseries is far and away the least auteur-driven miniseries. Musker & Clements were mainly company men at Disney, but they directed two of the most influential and game-changing animated films (*The Little Mermaid* and *Aladdin*). The success of those films allowed them to make their true Blank Check passion project—*Treasure Planet*.

### Milestones and Ephemera

* The semi-yearly miniseries on animated (or primarily animated) features, following The Podcastibles on the films of Brad Bird and Howl's Moving Podcastle on the films of Hayao Miyazaki.
* Ben's nickname: **The Great Mouse Fart Detective**, referencing both the film and his moniker as the Fart Detective.
	+ Rejected nickname: B.E.N., which is just the name of the robot from Treasure Planet.

## Ranking Their Filmography

At the conclusion of the miniseries, the Blankies rankings will compiled from a voting thread found on the r/Blankies sub-reddit.

## References

1. ↑ u/mi-16evil, What is you Musker & Clements rankings?, reddit. Retrieved May 21, 2021.
2. ↑ u/mi-16evil, Musker & Clements aggregated ranking, reddit. Retrieved May 21, 2021.
The Podcastibles

Pat Reynolds did quite a job incorporating animation into the artwork!

**The Podcastibles** is a miniseries on the films of Brad Bird.

## Summary

Brad Bird is a wunderkind of animated filmmaking with a fascinating origin story. Where did he get the inspiration for his pitch on *The Iron Giant*? How did Disney's late-1970s fade shape Bird's flightpath? Did "The Simpsons" rescue him or did he rescue "The Simpsons"? What did he learn at CalArts that Griffin missed out on?

After a childhood where the prodigy Brad was obsessively focused on animation, and several decades working exclusively on various animated features and TV shows, he tried his hand at live-action filmmaking. And he worked with two of the biggest stars in Hollywood to make those two features. How successful was he at that transition, and what traits carried over with him on those projects in terms of his own style and/or tendencies?

Once he got into making films, this ambitious fellow quickly developed a reputation as a hard-driving perfectionist. Did those tendencies serve him well in working with Tom Cruise, or did these two pint-sized control freaks clash? Did it imperil any of his projects that were undertaken with normal human beings?

As Bird's career developed, people started noticing similarities between themes in his movies and the philosophy of Objectivism, as exemplified by nightmare person Ayn Rand. Many thinkpieces were written about how those somewhat troubling viewpoints manifested themselves, especially in *The Incredibles*. Are those concerns legitimate, or are there more reasonable explanations that separate Bird from those ideas... and more interestingly, how did those many critiques and reviews influence Bird while writing and directing *Incredibles 2*? Did he respond to those criticisms, and what did Griffin and David think of the move to go back years later and do a sequel to his biggest hit?

This miniseries is preceded by the Podcast News miniseries on the films of James L. Brooks. It is followed by the Podback Mountcast miniseries, on the films of Ang Lee. So many other potential names for the Ang Lee miniseries.... Billy Pod's Long Halftime Cast.... Pods and Sensibilicast.... Eat Drink Pod Man Woman Cast.... all left by the wayside.

### Milestones and Ephemera

* Producer Ben nickname: **Mr. Bencredible**

## Ranking His Filmography

* The blankies' rankings were compiled from the Reddit voting thread found on the r/Blankies sub-reddit, where the results were later posted.
* With seemingly so little distance between the widely acknowledged good entries, this was an interesting slate for everyone to rank.
We Bought a Zoo

**We Bought a Zoo** is episode 71 focusing on the movie of the same name, as part of the We Pod A Cast miniseries covering the filmography of Cameron Crowe. Posted August 21 2016.

## Summary

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> 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? Together #thetwofriends examine the performances of Elle Fanning, ScarJo and John Michael Higgins as ‘Bad Zoo Boy’, propose better titles, the most embarrassing movie you’ve cried during and ghost Moms.
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Sometimes all you need is 20 seconds of insane podcasting. Just 20 seconds of insane podcasting, and I promise you, something PODCAST will come out of it!

Cameron Crowe had disappeared from the film world for years, following the twin disappointments of *Vanilla Sky* and *Elizabethtown* as well as a divorce and the loss of his father. Where did he go? How did Tom Cruise get involved in his return and how did zoos come into the picture? And after his last two movie flops, can Crowe stick the landing on this one?

#TheTwoFriends take a closer look at *We Bought A Zoo* in this context. Much of the story is kind of rote and full of tropes, but the movie also feels Cameron Crowe-y in a way that might reveal him to be a real auteur. That title is terrible... but what else could you call this movie? And the movie is formulaic, but it's charrrrrmmminggggg. But beyond just the director's chair, there's also the matter of the actors. What in the world was going on with the careers of Matt Damon, Scarlett Johannsen, Thomas Haden Church, and Elle Fanning that caused them to intersect on this movie?

Bonus: Ben, David, and Griffin, respectively, share what movie moments have made them cry. And all three have cried embarrassingly at three different dog movies, revealed in a moment that is an undisputed all-time highlight of Blank Check.

Producer Ben comes through with a merchandise spotlight!

This episode is often cited by Blankies as one of the best of the podcast.

### Milestones and Ephemera

* Credit to Dan D'Addario for coining the future Ben nickname, Say Bennything.
* First mention of Donald Trump on the podcast. The context: "Fuck you, Donald Trump!"
* Griffin impression: James Gandolfini
* David impression: Bob Duca
* Comedy points awarded to Abbott & Costello: 4,000,000
* New Ben nickname: Mr. Hositive
* Box Office Game: Weekend of December 23, 2011
	+ The same box office game as The Adventures of Tintin *and* Mission: Impossible - Ghost Protocol.

## References

1. ↑ We Bought a Zoo on Audioboom. Retrieved August 28, 2021.
The Power of the Dog

**The Power of the Dog** is episode 365 focusing on the 2021 film of the same name as part of The Podcastiano miniseries on the films of Jane Campion. Posted March 6, 2022.

## Summary

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> An unseen presence looming over the two friends, a man who has definitely ridden a dang horse, a larger than life character about whom many have speculated… are we talking about Bronco Hosley or Bronco Henry? Trolls impresario and Vanity Fair critic Richard Lawson makes his tenth (!!) appearance on the pod to unpack Jane Campion’s “The Power of the Dog.” Did Campion figure out the best use of Benedict Cumberbatch’s screen presence? Is anthrax the poison with the coolest name? Can you imagine Gerard Depardieu starring in this - it’s apparently his favorite book! All that, plus our final Campion rankings and the announcement of our next series.
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### Milestones and Ephemera

* Campeen count: 🍆
* No box-office game as such. Same week as Benedetta and Netflix doesn't release data. Substitute Netflix top 10 game for the world and the US.
* The movie was a multiple nominee and winner at The Seventh Annual Blank Check Awards including:
	+ Griffin: #3 in his top 10 for the year
		- Best Adapted Screenplay
		- Best Actor - Benedict Cumberbatch
		- Best Director - Jane Campion - Winner
	+ David: #4 in his top 10 for the year
		- Best Adapted Screenplay
		- Best Actor - Benedict Cumberbatch
		- Best Director - Jane Campion
	+ Joe Reid: #1 in his top 10 for the year
		- Best Supporting Actress - Kirsten Dunst
		- Best Adapted Screenplay
		- Best Actor - Benedict Cumberbatch
		- Best Director - Jane Campion - Winner

## References

1. ↑ Blank Check Podcast. The Power of the Dog. Audioboom. Retrieved on March 6, 2022.
The Third Blank Check Mailbag/Hulk Live

**The Third Blank Check Mailbag/Hulk Live @ Alamo Drafthouse Downtown Brooklyn** is episode 2 of Blank Check: Special Features. It is both a bonus episode of Podback Mountcast and a  Blank Check Mailbag episode. Posted January 11, 2019.

## Summary

> In this month's grab-bag bonus episode #thetwofriends answer patron submitted questions, as well as, present a special interview with screenwriter and producer James Schamus for the 15th anniversary of *Hulk* live from Alamo Drafthouse Downtown Brooklyn! But does David have an extensive spreadsheet of every Oscar ballet in cinema history? Who is surprisingly a big fan of Deadpool? Is it true Shrike, the resurrected man (from Mortal Engines) will be appearing in the upcoming Con Moon? Together with Schamus, they discuss the development of Hulk in a pre-superhero genre world, James recounts seeing Sam Raimi's Spider-Man prior to Hulk's release, and #thetwofriends share their thoughts on Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse, react to the titles of the upcoming Avatar sequels and so much more!
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### Milestones and Ephemera

* The episode was released from behind the paywall on January 11, 2022.

## References

1. ↑ Third Blank Check Mailbag/Hulk Live on Patreon
Thor: Ragnarok Commentary

**Thor: Ragnarok** is episode 28 of Blank Check: Special Features and a commentary episode on the Marvel Cinematic Universe film of the same name. Posted September 1, 2019.

## Summary

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> Enjoy another BC:SF MCU commentary recorded at Big Nice studios in New York City with guest Emma Stefansky! Together they discuss *Thor: Ragnarok*. Plus, a special surprise appearance!
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### Milestones and Ephemera

* Released from behind the paywall on September 1, 2022.
* **Movie starts at approximately 0:02:29.**
* Lunch order talk: pizza!
* New coffee table at Big Nice so everyone has to use a coaster.
* Ben's medieval nickname: **Ben the Kneeler**
* Jamelle Bouie makes an unlisted appearance near the end of the episode.
* Box office game: Weekend of November 3, 2017.

## References

1. ↑ Blank Check Podcast. Thor: Ragnarok. Patreon. Retrieved on September 1, 2022.
Twilight Zone: Nightmare at 20,000 Feet

**Twilight Zone: Nightmare at 20,000 Feet** is episode 273 and the final main feed episode of Mad Pod: Fury Cast. Posted May 28, 2020.

## Summary

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> You're entering a world of a b-b-b-bonus ep! We couldn't wrap up George Miller series without covering the totally bizarre *Twilight Zone: The Movie* (1983). We specifically dive into Miller's remake of the Serling/Shatner classic, his talent for chaotic action, and Lithgow's oddball career. Stay tuned as we announce the director for our next series!
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### Milestones and Ephemera

* Box Office Game: Weekend of June 24, 1983

## References

1. ↑ Blank Check Podcast. Twilight Zone: Nightmare at 20,000 Feet. Audioboom. Retrieved on July 5, 2022.
Ghostbusters

The new 2022 BC:SF art!

**Ghostbusters** is a miniseries as part of the Blank Check: Special Features covering the Ghostbusters movie franchise.

## Summary

Welcome to 2022, checkmates! How does bustin' make you feel?

## Ranking The Filmography

At the conclusion of the miniseries, the Blankies rankings will compiled from a voting thread found on the r/Blankies sub-reddit.
The Scorpion King (and NOT Body Bags)

**The Scorpion King (and NOT Body Bags)** is episode 115 of Blank Check: Special Features and about 2002 film of the same name as part of the The Mummy commentary miniseries and NOT the 1993 TV movie directed by John Carpenter. Posted November 11, 2021.

## Summary

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> After winning our recent listener poll, this month’s b-b-b-bonus episode of BC:SF is about *The Scorpion King*. The prequel franchise of the sequel to the remake of the original The Mummy! It is NOT about John Carpenter’s horror anthology series *Body Bags*! Topics include: presenting a Nickelodeon Kids' Choice Award, Stacy Keach’s career doesn’t come up, David introduces the *Red Notice* challenge, no one talks about Mark Hamill’s butt, hearing good things about *Finch* and more!
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### Milestones and Ephemera

* The poll where The Scorpion King crushed Body Bags 58% to 42%.
* The *Red Notice* challenge: pick your favorite performance. Sit through the whole thing and at the end you have to say who's your favorite. Not the one you hated the least! **You have to say the word favorite.**
* Box office game: Weekend of April 19, 2002

## References

1. ↑ The Mummy (2017) on Patreon. Retrieved November 13, 2021.
The Phantom Podcast

**The Phantom Podcast** (also known as **Griffin and David Present: Attack of the Podcast**) is a 10 part miniseries about the 1999 George Lucas film, *Star Wars Episode I: The Phantom Menace*. The miniseries ostensibly serves to investigate a single central question: "What is this movie *about*?"

## Summary

The podcast was first dreamed up by #TheTwoFriends, originally inspired by Griffin Newman's tweets throughout 2014 about the Star Wars character, Watto (for example, Watto Fever) and David Sims' tweets about chance cubes. Following a tweet exchange in which Griffin and David tried to outdo each other by naming as many obscure characters as they could from the movie *Star Wars Episode I: The Phantom Menace*, they came up with an idea for a freewheeling comedic podcast they could host together. In the initial concept, the show would focus on a single character from that movie each week and talk about that one character for a full hour or more. With the sheer number of characters that appear in the movie, many of which are not even named on-screen, they thought this concept alone could sustain the show for dozens and dozens of episodes.

Using connections with friends and especially at the Chris Gethard Show where Griffin and David had each gained podcast hosting experience on "Talkin' TCGS" and "TCGS After Party," Griffin and David pitched their podcast idea to UCB Comedy as a show that they could launch on the burgeoning UCB Comedy podcast platform. In a back and forth email exchange with two decision-makers at the UCB, Griffin and David were gradually convinced to temper some of the insanity inherent in their show concept. Eventually the show went forward as "Griffin and David Present," a ten part miniseries, in which each episode could explore a different plot concept, set piece, or major character spotlight.

Griffin felt the need to hook up with a producer who could take care of recording and logistics -- and let's be honest, control their fanciful flights of craziness a bit -- so they turned to a producer they'd each worked with before, Ben Hosley. He helped to sell the concept to his boss at UCB, as well as further refine the show's concept, framing the show's central conceit as something of a parody of the podcast sensation "Serial." The hook for "Griffin and David Present" could therefore be a mystery investigation into the movie, revolving around a central question: "What is this movie about?" As part of this investigation, and to help keep their perspective clear, the hosts decided to adopt the premise that they had never seen or even heard of any other Star Wars movies or works of any kind.

The first episode was recorded in a closet-sized space on the ninth floor of the UCB facilities in New York City. Ben has said that as early as episode two, he could see that the show had a certain something that looked like it was going to work - and the rest is history.

This miniseries was the first miniseries of the podcast. It was followed by the Attack Of The Podcast miniseries.
West Side Story (2021)

* Pod Side Casty
* Pod Me If You Cast

**West Side Story** (also known as **Pod Side Casty**) is episode 355 focusing on the 2021 film of the same name and part of the Pod Me If You Cast miniseries on the films of Steven Spielberg. Posted December 19, 2021.

## Summary

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> They said it couldn’t be done. Remaking possibly the most revered movie musical of all time?! A fool’s errand! But folks, we’ve learned a very important lesson…NEVER DOUBT STEVEN SPIELBERG. Especially when he’s teaming up with Tony “Dank” Kushner! David pinpoints the exact moments he wept during his multiple viewings of this most recent iteration of “West Side Story”; Ben praises all the dust and hot people; Griffin thinks that he probably needs to see it again. Grab your dancing shoes and meet us at the gym - it’s our final episode of 2021, and it’s time to MAMBO, Blankies!
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### Milestones and Ephemera

* Box-office game: Weekend of December 10, 2021.
* Esther's interview with Alana Haim: Alana Haim Is the Ultimate Valley Girl (Thrillist).
* A.O. Scott's Dank Kush profile: Tony Kushner, Oracle of the Upper West Side (New York Times).
* The movie was a multiple nominee and winner at The Seventh Annual Blank Check Awards including:
	+ Griffin:
		- Best Adapted Screenplay
	+ David: #5 in his top 10 for the year
		- Best Supporting Actor - Mike Faist
		- Best Adapted Screenplay - Winner
		- Best Actress - Rachel Zegler
		- Best Director - Steven Spielberg
	+ Joe Reid: #2 in his top 10 for the year
		- Best Supporting Actor - Mike Faist - Winner
		- Best Supporting Actress - Ariana DeBose
		- Best Adapted Screenplay - Winner
		- Best Director - Steven Spielberg
	+ Ben:
		- The Dries (Golden Broom) - a very dusty movie

## References

1. ↑ Blank Check Podcast. West Side Story (2021). Audioboom. Retrieved on December 19, 2021.
They Live!

**They Live!** is episode 346 focusing on the 1988 film of the same name and part of the They Podcast miniseries on the films of John Carpenter. Posted October 17, 2021.

## Summary

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> Don’t adjust your sunglasses - it’s another epic crossover podcast! The Doughboys join #TheTwoFriends to tackle Carpenter’s still-relevant anti-capitalist alien action classic. Is “Rowdy” Roddy Piper the greatest wrestler-turned-actor? Who actually wrote the iconic bubblegum line? Which hard seltzer is the best and why is it White Claw Surge? And yes, of course we have to talk about that iconic fight scene.
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### Milestones and Ephemera

* Box Office: Weekend of November 4, 1988

## Quotes

**Intro**

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# Sunglasses Edition

## They Live! (Sunglasses Edition)

### Guest(s)

Mike Mitchell
Nick Wiger

### Unlisted Guest(s)

j̸̡͉̱̱̟̿̔̚͜o̸̩̟̟̬̫͎͙͈͔̿̈́ͅĥ̸͔̱͖̝͉̩̞̄̒͒͜͝n̶̼͚͙̠̯͍͛͆̀̔̕͝ͅ ̴̧̼͕̟͎͚̬͕͎͖̈́̓̂͗͆̚͠h̶̹̃͋ơ̷̛̫̘̹̯͉̖̈́̓͘͝d̷̖̓̓̍͂̀̓g̴̤̙̥̯̰͊́͂̂͝ͅm̵̮̞͌͌̈͛̋̈́̕͝ą̴͔͉̥̠̳̇͐̑̂̑n̶̙̝̪̤͖̔̈͒̄̕

### Reddit thread

Link

**They Live! (Sunglasses Edition)** is an episode of Blank Check: Special Features re-focusing on the 1988 film of the same name and part of the They Podcast miniseries on the films of John CarpenterP̷̡̡̛̹̘̬͓̲̯͇̰̮̠̰͉̹̰̂̑̎̀̀̈̓̉̅̏͆͆́̆͘r̴̪̜͙̰͖̪͔̮̭͍̲̟̫̝̿̽͆̊̎̔͝ǫ̵̧̢̜̬͉͉̺̹̮͓̌d̴͙̬̮̥͙͓̼͉̰͉̪͉̉̀̐ủ̷̩̬̭̥̜̻͍͉̳̻̮̣̻̜̫̎̽̀̇ç̵̡̝̦̠͎͓̣̰̭͍̤͔̣̫̓̎̓͌̔̈́̅́̈́͠e̶̠̳̙̫̝̦̺̗̙̱̓̒̌͝r̵̛̙̟͒̏̚ ̴̢̫̹̪̜̹́̾͂̅͘͠B̸̨̡̨͓͓̣̟̺̩̗̗̦́̓̓̉͑͘͘͠e̵̥͎̝͚̾́̋͝n̷̨̧̨̮̘̮̹̭̠̹̹̣̻͔̒́̊͑̎̀̒͂̌̐̕͝ͅ. Posted October 17, 2021.

## Summary

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> Don’t adjust your sunglasses - t̸̞͔̮̽̀̐͆̃̕͠ḩ̷͙̟̜̹̱́̉̾͌́e̶̛̥̠͈͍͛̈́́̒́͑͘͝͠ͅy̴̻̣̾͌̈́ ̵̡̞͖̗̤̥͇̙̬̤͋͗̈́ḷ̵̲̻̘̓ĩ̶̼̬̝̦̑͗͛̈́̓͑̽s̸͔̥̜͙̰̋̔̓̕t̸̞͋̏̍̅̍͘̕e̸̛̩͆͛̾̃̋̈́̓̚n̷̪̙̝̤̭̍̇́͜it’s another epic crossover podcast! The Doughboys join #TheTwoFriends to tackle Carpenter’s still-relevant anti-capitalist ǫ̷̨͖̦̘̰͉̎̃̀̆̂̚ͅͅb̴̫̺̼̐ę̶̰̯̝̹̣̳̜͗͆͂͜͝͠͠ý̷̛̬̩̩̯͔̅̏̈́͝͝ alien action classic. Is “Rowdy” Roddy Piper the greatest c̷̮͒̀̾̏̂̑o̵̧̧͎͖̤̼͈̺̔̋̉͆̑́̐̕͜ṇ̵̨̟͕̽̀͜͝ş̵̫͚͚̜̟̙́u̴̞͍̺̦̪͑̅͐̄͑̎͂̋͒m̷̰̺͊̈́́͒̆̕͠͝ḙ̵̠͕̓͐͌̇̈́͌̽͝wrestler-turned-actor ẅ̵͔̠̹́̑̓̆̐̌͝͝a̸̭̥̙͔͉̫͍̐͋̎̓̊̂t̶̙̮͚̞̦̬͖͆͌͊͛̀̓̕͘͝c̴̗͔͖̏̇̅̾̂̀̚ȟ̶̡̡̛̭̖͈̻̥̰̬̥̈́̓͑͗͐ ̶̲̗̭͈̘̮̂͐͒͗̽̉̈́ͅt̸͎̘̙̾͋̉͗̉̃̐́̕͠v̸̰̯̈́̿͊́͒? Who actually wrote the iconic bubblegum line? Which hard seltzer is the best and why is it White Claw Surge? And yes, of course we j̸̡͉̱̱̟̿̔̚͜o̸̩̟̟̬̫͎͙͈͔̿̈́ͅĥ̸͔̱͖̝͉̩̞̄̒͒͜͝n̶̼͚͙̠̯͍͛͆̀̔̕͝ͅ ̴̧̼͕̟͎͚̬͕͎͖̈́̓̂͗͆̚͠h̶̹̃͋ơ̷̛̫̘̹̯͉̖̈́̓͘͝d̷̖̓̓̍͂̀̓g̴̤̙̥̯̰͊́͂̂͝ͅm̵̮̞͌͌̈͛̋̈́̕͝ą̴͔͉̥̠̳̇͐̑̂̑n̶̙̝̪̤͖̔̈͒̄̕have to talk about that iconic fight scene.
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## Quotes

J̸̨̡͍͍̖̺̭̰͍͚̖͔͕̫̖̩́͋̑̃̓̄̎͑̌́̐̒̀̕͝͝͝Ơ̴̥̖̐͋̓͗̋̊̈̒̓͂̈́̐̚̚͝Ḩ̷͔̪͚̲̮͙͓̝̠̽̀̂̃̾̅̈́̚͠Ń̸̨̰̹̰̣͙̹̭̜̩͎̽̆̋̽͐͘| ̷͍̿̽̍͋̾̈́̃̈́͌͊̈̈͌̈̆Ô̸̧̙̰̼͐̈b̴̧̯̖̣͊͂͂̌̽̔̋̉́̃̿̕̕͠ͅė̴̯̳̮͚̘̫̍y̶̗̩̙̤̲̬̻̤̼͕̘̘̰̐̊͒̂̅̋̂.̷͙̣̤̫̪͚͙̺̗͈̗̩͖̝͙͚̠́̎͑̅́̋̈́̏̉̋̚͘ ̸̨̤͈̹̫̄̓̔̂̽͒̀̽̀̌͠Ỡ̸̛͚̝̅̃͒̓͗͋̿͗̈́̃̚̕͘͝ͅb̷̡̫̗̳͈͎͙͋͆̔̐͂̀̂͗̋̍̕͘ḝ̵̢̨̩̉̃̂̾͊̍͌̑͑́͘̕͘͠ẏ̴̨͇̹̼̘̮̻̻̰͓͚̈́̄̋͗̏͘.̵̢̛̛͇̪͓̭͉̹͖͉̻̫͛͌͗͒̓͐͆̒͆̈̚̚͠ ̴̯͎̼̮̙̟̬̿̈̂̇̐̈́̍͐̂̌͆Ǫ̶̢̧̱̤̗̳̳͕̥̠̎̒̒̂͋̀̈̇͗̒̒̚̕̕͜͠b̸̢̦̪͈͔͉̩̩̭͉̥̑͌̈́̎̒̃͆̾̉̈́̓̕͘ͅͅͅe̵̘̹̝̳̱̮͔̭͈̘͙̬͂͌̉y̷̡͕̙̲̯̯̺̭̦̹͍̲͆̒͊͜ͅ.̸̡͔̻͉̻̥͈̙̎̃̓̎̒͂͒̽̕͘͝
## References

1. ↑ Blank Check Podcast. They Live! with Mike Mitchell & Nick Wiger. Audioboom. Retrieved on October 17, 2021.
2. ↑ Blank Check Podcast. They Live! (Sunglasses Edition). Patreon. Retrieved on October 17, 2021.
The Dark Knight

**The Dark Knight** is episode 119 focusing on the movie of the same name, as part of the The Pod Knight Casts miniseries covering the filmography of Christopher Nolan. Posted 30 July 2017.

## Summary

>
> Griffin and David this week discuss the second film in Nolan’s Batman Trilogy, *The Dark Knight*. How was Michael Mann’s *Heat* an influence on this movie? What does Commissioner Gordon mean by “playing it close to the vest?” Also, why so serious? Together they examine the electrifying performance of Heath Ledger, Nolan’s love for temporalities, Maggie Gyllenhaal as Rachel Dawes and why the Academy Award for Best Picture category changes after this movie comes out.
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Between its box-office totals and its impact on culture and the film industry, *The Dark Knight* could very well be the biggest movie of the 21st century.

#TheTwoFriends begin with Nolan's uncertainty about even making this sequel. He eventually decided in favor, but what approaches did he take to make the project artistically worthwhile to him personally? How did he take two different scripts, each with a different villain/storyline, and meld them into one movie? Did the end result inspire a slew of terrible imitators, in the way that, say, Pulp Fiction did?

This is also, of course, Heath Ledger's iconic turn as the Joker. Griffin and David come at it from all angles - casting, promotional strategy, his untimely death before the movie came out, Nolan's reactions in public, and then of course the actual performance itself... and the impact of it today.

How does Nolan 'weaponize' his blank check status in this movie? As scary and freaky as the Joker and Batman are, is it weird that there's barely any actual blood until Two-Face near the end? When does the 'dead-wife' Nolan trope finally rear its head? Does this movie have a political legacy? A social legacy? Did *The Dark Knight* mark the beginning of 'bad fan-culture,' especially for superhero and comic-book adaptations?

### Milestones and Ephemera

* Jared Leto: still terrible
* Joker: Richard T.
* Scarecrow: John C.
* Griffin: practicing future ad-read bits
* David: **Professor Frustrated**
* I wonder what would happen if they went on the Dark Knight coaster??
* Box-Office Game: Weekend of July 18, 2008
* According to David, as of 2022 this is the most listened-to episode of the podcast

## References

1. ↑ Blank Check Podcast. The Dark Knight. Audioboom. Retrieved on August 14, 2020.
2. ↑ u/brotherfallout. the answer is The Dark Knight. Reddit. Retrieved on November 29, 2022.
The Village

**The Village** is episode 45 focusing on the movie of the same name, as part of the Pod Night Shyamacast miniseries covering the filmography of M. Night Shyamalan.

## Summary

> "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 film so universally panned by critics and audiences? What was Adrien Brody thinking to sign up for this role after winning an Academy Award? Was this the the twist that finally did Shyamalan in or was his reputation already tarnished? Together, the gang examines the color that will remained unnamed, going “simple jack”, a popular website in the early oughts called The Smoking Gun and why for the love of all that is holy does Night keep casting himself?!"
>
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Zack Snyder’s Justice League

**Zack Snyder’s Justice League** is episode 262 of How Did This Get Made? hosted by Paul Scheer and Jason Mantzoukas focusing on the 2021 film of the same name. The episode is a crossover (of sorts) with Blank Check, and an unofficial part of The PodDCEU Cast. Posted March 25, 2021.

## Summary

> In a special HDTGM and Blank Check crossover episode, Griffin Newman and David Sims join Paul and Jason to discuss Zack Snyder’s Justice League aka The Snyder Cut. They talk all about the differences between the theatrical version and the Snyder cut, Cyborg’s fleshed out arc, the Knightmare epilogue, the Icelandic folk song, and much more.
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## References

1. ↑ Zack Snyder's Justice League on Earwolf. Retrieved March 26, 2021.
Who Framed Roger Rabbit

**Who Framed Roger Rabbit** is episode 292 focusing on the 1988 film of the same name as part of the Podcast Away miniseries on the films of Robert Zemeckis. Posted October 4, 2020.

## Summary

>
> A noir for kids. Disney and Warner Bros characters together for the first and last time. Live action drama with kooky Tex Avery-style animation. There's really no movie quite like *Who Framed Roger Rabbit*. How long did "bumping the lamp" take? What's a contemporary take on Jessica and Roger Rabbit's relationship dynamics? How does the film's story mirror Hollywood? We invited the Doughboys themselves, Mike Mitchell and Nick Wiger to help us find out!
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### Milestones and Ephemera

* We get to hear in real time that Griffin learns Forky won an Emmy!
* Griffin looked for a Merchandise Spotlight to tie in with the Doughboys. Initially Roger Rabbit was only on cups, but he was eventually included in some "Best of Disney" promotions. Mitch says his dead dad bought the Baby Herman condoms!

## Quotes

>
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> | Mitch: |  Where would you rank this as far as noirs go? Is this in your top 5 film noirs?
>
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>
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> | Griffin: |  Not to be the cranky old man about but --
> | David: |  [grumbles] Kids today...
> | Wiger: |  They don't even know about a spinning bowtie gag!
> | Griffin: |  The new Looney Tunes on HBO Max are really and have done a really good job of threading that needle between modern sensibilities and the classic rules. They don't feel like they're trying to update them. But I-- who knows-- I feel like the people are watching those are me. Aren't kids.
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## References

1. ↑ Blank Check Podcast. Who Framed Roger Rabbit with Mike Mitchell & Nick Wiger. Audioboom. Retrieved on July 5, 2022.
2. ↑ Matt Grobar. Pixar Wins First Emmy With Animated Short-Form Series ‘Forky Asks A Question’. Deadline. Retrieved on October 5, 2020.
The Santa Clause 2 Commentary

**The Santa Clause 2** is episode 117 of Blank Check: Special Features and about 2002 film of the same name as part of the The Santa Clause commentary miniseries. Posted December 1, 2021.

## Summary

>
> BC:SF is back with more Santa Clause commentary to kick off the holiday season. Topics include: #CoalGate, stanning Molly Shannon, alternate international titles, the Council of Legendary Figures and more!
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> **Movie starts at... 12:41**
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### Milestones and Ephemera

* Griffin's grandfather was in *Two for the Road*!
* Box-office game: Weekend of November 1, 2002. The same box-office game as The Weight of Water (opening at 50).
* Resolution to #CoalGate, which we needed *immediately*.

## References

1. ↑ The Santa Clause 2 on Patreon. Retrieved December 1, 2021.
The Santa Clause

**The Santa Clause** is a miniseries as part of the Blank Check: Special Features covering the Santa Clause movie franchise.

## Summary

Happy holidays, checkmates! At the end of 2021, #thetwofriends give us a generous helping of holiday cheer, toy talk, and nostalgia with the final commentary series of the year.

## Episodes

 SF117
 SF119

## Ranking The Filmography

At the conclusion of the miniseries, the Blankies rankings will compiled from a voting thread found on the r/Blankies sub-reddit.
Toy Story

**Toy Story** is a miniseries on Blank Check: Special Features covering the Toy Story franchise with a combination of commentaries and a regular review episode. The series began in May 2020.

## Episodes

The speaker symbol (🔊) provides a link to the audio. Special features episodes with the check symbol (✔️) have been released from behind the paywall.

## Ranking Their Filmography

* At the conclusion of the miniseries, the Blankies rankings will compiled from a voting thread found on the r/Blankies sub-reddit.

## References

1. ↑ What is your Toy Story Rankings on Reddit
2. ↑ Aggregated George Miller and Toy Story Rankings on Reddit
What Lies Beneath

**What Lies Beneath** is episode 298 focusing of the 2000 film of the same name as part of the Podcast Away miniseries on the films of Robert Zemeckis. Posted November 15, 2020.

## Summary

>
> The central thesis to this week's episode on *What Lies Beneath*: folks, they just don't make them like they used to! Starlee Kine (Election Profit Makers) joins to discuss the "grown-up" movie, the performances from Michelle Pfeiffer and Harrison Ford, where the screenwriting falls short, and the paranormal.
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### Milestones and Ephemera

* Starlee Kine is the first guest who was pitched during an ad read.

## References

1. ↑ Blank Check Podcast. What Lies Beneath with Starlee Kine. Audioboom. Retrieved on November 15, 2020.
The Post

* The Pod
* Pod Me If You Cast

**The Post** (also known as **The Pod**) is episode 141 focusing on the movie of the same name, as part of the Pod Me If You Cast miniseries covering the filmography of Steven Spielberg's Dreamworks era. It is the 16th episode of the miniseries, posted 31 Dec 2017.

## Summary

>
> 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 with their predictions for the 89th Academy Awards.
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For only the second time in the directors' filmographies era of the show, #TheTwoFriends are called to the movie theater to see a new movie from a past podcast subject. The first time was *Split*, which blew them away. What will happen this time?

In November of 2017, Griffin and David attended the very first early critics' screening of Steven Spielberg's Nixon-era political thriller, *The Post*. The backstory on making this film is a real humdinger - did it really only take 9 months to make this film after Spielberg first read the script? What were his announced intentions in making a movie about this particular freedom-of-the-press subject in our current political climate? Because they saw the film so early, there was no informed consensus or critical opinion on the movie or its box-office/awards potential... so what do Griffin and David think, big money earner or flop? Is this an Oscar candidate for Best Picture? Does Spielberg always make his sandwiches by dumping paprika right on the bread?

Together the blank check boys discuss our two greatest living actors Meryl Streep and Tom Hanks, Mr. Show's Bob and David reuniting, broth, and go on record with some early predictions for the 89th Academy Awards.

### Milestones and Ephemera

* David Cross: real nose, fake hair
* Meryl Streep: knows what she's doing
* Big knowing laugh for critics: the editor crossing out the lede, first thing
* Box office game: Weekend of December 22, 2017
* The movie was a nominee at The Third Annual Blank Check Awards including:
	+ Joe Reid: #4 in his top 10 for the year, Best Actress - Meryl Streep

### Sponsors

This episode is sponsored by "New Player Has Joined." A videogame podcast! With guests like Adam Conover of Adam Ruins Everything, Daniel Van Kirk of Dumb People's Town, Jack Black of moviestar fame, Emily Gordon Oscar nominee... explores the games we all love and why we love them. Hosted by UCB guys Keith and Jesse, and Griffin happens to know that Jesse can eat 8 tacos in ten minutes. Griffin and David each really want to be on this podcast, too - watch for them to appear sometime in 2018, hopefully!
The Silence of the Lambs

**The Silence of the Lambs** is episode 252 focusing on the film of the same name directed by Jonathan Demme as part of the Stop Making Podcasts miniseries. Posted January 12, 2020.

## Summary

>
> 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 course. It's so influential there are TOO MANY BITS! What's Emily's take on what all Demme movies are about? What could Hannibal Lector have looked like if it was a different actor? And a special shoutout to all our cannibal psychologist listeners!
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### Milestones and Ephemera

* In the Spreadmaster's Delight episode, Griffin nominated it for Best Sound 1991.

## References

1. ↑ Blank Check Podcast. Silence of the Lambs with Emily Vanderwerff. Audioboom. Retrieved on July 5, 2022.
Used Cars

**Used Cars** is episode 289 about the 1980 film of the same name as part of Podcast Away. Posted September 13, 2020.

## Summary

>
> How Did This Get Made’s Paul Scheer (Black Monday, The League) returns with Jason Mantzoukas (Big Mouth, Brooklyn Nine-Nine) for a rare-Rated R Zemeckis – *Used Cars* (1980).
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### Milestones and Ephemera

* At the time of it's release this episode was the podcast record holder for longest episode and the very first to reach the 3-hour mark!
* Box Office Game (August 1980) appears in Oops! All Box Office.

## References

1. ↑ Blank Check Podcast. Used Cars with Jason Mantzoukas & Paul Scheer. Audioboom. Retrieved on July 5, 2022.
Treasure Planet

**Treasure Planet** is episode 314 focusing on the 2002 animated film of the same name as part of The Poddle Mercast miniseries on the films of Musker & Clements. Posted March 7, 2021.

## Summary

>
> This is the BOUNCE BABY!!! This week, the gang heads to 2002’s *Treasure Planet*. But what would the Phil Collins bump have done for this movie? Can a CGI character have a wig, when everyone’s hair is fake? Should this movie have been called “Poochie Planet”?
>
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> They are joined by guest Emma “BOOKS” Stefansky (@stefabsky, entertainment staff writer @thrillist). Also, stick around until the end to hear what Ben thinks of all the Harry Potter movies, especially Dobby.
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### Milestones and Ephemera

* Supplemental reading: *Disney Legend Glen Keane Still Thinks About the Failure of Treasure Planet* by Bilge Ebiri
* "I'm weird. I'm a weirdo."

## References

1. ↑ Blank Check Podcast. Treasure Planet with Emma Stefansky. Audioboom. Retrieved on March 7, 2021.
Top of the Lake: China Girl

**Top of the Lake: China Girl** is episode 128 of Blank Check: Special Features and about 2017 TV series of the same name as part of the The Podcastiano miniseries. Posted March 11, 2022.

## Summary

>
> TV critic and literal saint, Alan Sepinwall, joins BC: SF as we close out our Campion mini series for a discussion on all 6 unpleasant hours of Top of the Lake season 2. Unfortunately, the character Alexander "Puss" Braun is mentioned several times! Other than covering the many fundamental issues and overall disdain there is also a Blue Bloods story and a real time Deadline update. But mostly everyone REALLY does not like the previously mentioned character.
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### Milestones and Ephemera

* Alan's excellent and effusive Top of the Lake review: Review: Jane Campion’s ‘Top of the Lake’ a riveting long-form mystery (Uproxx)
* Alan's less than effusive Top of the Lake: China Girl review: It’s Personal Again For Elisabeth Moss In ‘Top Of The Lake: China Girl’ (Uproxx)
* A real time news update! Will there a new Brad Bird film??? idk maybe.
* The Robin & Pyke fancam.  Yikes.
* The TV ratings game: 2017-2018 season.

## References

1. ↑ Blank Check Podcast. Top of the Lake: China Girl. Patreon. Retrieved on March 11, 2022.
2. ↑ Mike Fleming Jr.. Skydance Animation Brings ‘The Incredibles’ Brad Bird Into Fold To Direct His Animated Film Creation ‘Ray Gunn’. Deadline. Retrieved on March 11, 2022.
3. ↑ Nida Matka. Robin & Pyke - Top of the Lake: China Girl. YouTube. Retrieved on March 11, 2022.
The Shining

**The Shining** is episode 399 focusing on the 1980 film of the same name as part of Pods Wide Cast miniseries on the films of Stanley Kubrick. Posted October 30, 2022.

## Summary

>
> Just in time for Halloween, we’re checking into the Overlook Hotel - a haunted place not unlike the Beachwood, Ohio, Homewood Suites that Griffin and guest Timothy Simons stayed in while they were filming DRAFT DAY! Is THE SHINING about Native American genocide, or is it about how Stanley Kubrick thought ghosts were kinda nice? Is Shelley Duvall the MVP of this movie? Would Ben absolutely thrive as the hotel’s caretaker - taking inspiration from the stocked kitchen pantry to whip up some delicious dishes? Why does the spectre of Tim Robinson continue to haunt our Kubrick series?
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### Milestones and Ephemera

* David's (kill) rating: 🔪🔪 / 🔟
* Timothy doesn't like disruptions to the intro! He's a Blankie!
* Timothy wants to be clear, Griffin's coffee spill from the trailer is **not** in the final cut of *Draft Day*.
* Timothy was *there* for the infamous, withering "Try silence."
* Welcome to the Five-Timers Club, Jack Nicholson!
* David on the conspiracy theories: "That's cute."
* Making Movies by Sidney Lumet
* Only 90's kids will understand: Bobby's World Opening
* The bones are their money
* Ben's perpetual advice about steelbooks, whether it's Starship Troopers or not: don't buy it. Save your money. Go outside.
* In the Spreadmaster's Delight episode, Griffin and David nominated it for Best Art Direction/Set Decoration 1980.

### Box Office Game

Weekend of May 23, 1980, but it's still early so the Numbers doesn't have a complete listing.
Same game as The Empire Strikes Back, covered in Oops! All Box Office.

1. The Empire Strikes Back
2. Friday the 13th
3. The Hollywood Knights
4. The Gong Show Movie
5. The Long Riders

* Other movies in the top 10: Tom Horn, The Nude Bomb, All That Jazz, Coal Miner's Daughter

## Quotes

**INTRO**

>
>
> | Griffin: |  All pod and no cast makes Jack a dull boy.
> | David: |  Does he even say that out loud?
>
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## References

1. ↑ Blank Check Podcast. The Shining. Audioboom. Retrieved on October 30, 2022.
Toy Story 4 Commentary

**Toy Story 4** is episode 62 of the Blank Check: Special Features, and a commentary episode as part of their coverage of Toy Story franchise. Posted June 30, 2020 and released from behind the paywall on June 21, 2023.

## Summary

>
> Before we dive into those impossible missions, we gotta go on one last adventure with Griffin's favorite pals! It's time for *Toy Story 4* (2019), released after a decade of development (and weirdly exactly a year ago today). We make our official rankings, dig into the meaning of life, and most important of all… Ben is finally introduced to David's fiance… Forky.
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### Milestones and Ephemera

* Toy Story 4 received multiple nominations in The Fifth Annual Blank Check Awards including:
	+ Best Adapted Screenplay - Griffin & Joe
	+ Griffin also placed the film as his #5 for the year.
* Box office Game: Weekend of June 21, 2019

## References

1. ↑ Blank Check Podcast. Toy Story 4. Patreon. Retrieved on January 3, 2023.
Trolls: The Experience

**Trolls: The Experience** is episode 55 of Blank Check: Special Features focusing on the immersive exhibit based on the Trolls films. Posted April 11, 2020 and released from behind the paywall on April 11, 2023.

## Summary

> In honor of reaching our 5K goal #thetwofriends, joined by Trolls mastermind and provocateur Richard Lawson, attended Trolls: The Experience in midtown Manhattan back in late December of 2019. Fast forward roughly four months later, they recently recorded an episode in their own homes and discussed their Trolls experience while quarantined. They also examine 2016’s feature film Trolls. Plus, David reveals he founded a new exciting short form video platform.
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> Editor’s note: (Please pardon some slight issues with the audio quality. Richard’s Trolls are to blame.)
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## References

1. ↑ Blank Check Podcast. Trolls: The Experience. Vanity Fair. Retrieved on September 11, 2020.
2. ↑ Richard Lawson & Julie Miller. What Happened When Justin Timberlake, Anna Kendrick, and Trolls Came to Cannes. Vanity Fair. Retrieved on July 6, 2023.
Ocean's Thirteen Commentary

**Ocean's Thirteen** is episode 186 of Blank Check: Special Features and a commentary for the 2007 feature film of the same name. Posted August 21, 2023.

## Summary

> BC:SF has reached the final film in the Soderbergh directed trilogy, Ocean’s Thirteen (2007). This time it’s back to basics for ol’ Sodie and the gang after the loathed previous release. Topics include: the addition of Al Pacino to the cast, reasons why the nose plays, discovering Dave & Buster’s, the lost Hans and Franz movie, and more.
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> Movie starts at…1:11
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### Milestones and Ephemera

* Box office game: Weekend of June 8, 2007

## References

1. ↑ Blank Check Podcast. Ocean's Thirteen. Patreon. Retrieved on August 21, 2023.
The Nightmare Before Christmas

**The Nightmare Before Christmas** is episode 403 focusing on the 1993 film of the same name as part of The Podmare Before Castmas miniseries on the films of Henry Selick. Posted November 27, 2022.

## Summary

>
> We’re wearing our Hot Topic sweatshirts and enunciating every dramatic syllable to pay tribute to one of the greatest animated films of all time - Tim Burton’s (but really Henry Selick’s) THE NIGHTMARE BEFORE CHRISTMAS. Academy Award-nominated animator and Blankie Michael Rianda (THE MITCHELLS VS. THE MACHINES) joins us to talk about this multi-holiday classic, which is basically just a movie about a creative weirdo trying to fit in at Disney. Is this the boniest movie we’ve covered on the podcast? Does Halloween Town have the best minor background characters since the Mos Eisley cantina? What is the St. Patrick’s Day Town like?
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### Milestones and Ephemera

* Minnie the Moocher
* Unsurprisingly, Ben first watched this on a porch.
* More teasing of David's TIFF Airbnb story! He also teased a story about Michael "Big Chicago" Shannon but didn't tell it.
* Box office game: Weekend of October 22, 1993

### Sponsors

No characters and no Griffin!

* MUBI! David recommends Lucretia Martel's *Zama* to Ben.

## References

1. ↑ Blank Check Podcast. The Nightmare Before Christmas. Audioboom. Retrieved on November 27, 2022.
The Santa Clause Commentary

**The Santa Clause** is episode 116 of Blank Check: Special Features and about 1994 film of the same name as part of the The Santa Clause commentary miniseries. Posted November 21, 2021.

## Summary

>
> Ho Ho Ho! There's a present under the tree and its a new shiny franchise! BC:SF is discussing the Santa Clause Trilogy starting with 1994’s *The Santa Clause*. Topics include: accidental Santa homicide, Tim Allen's career, Joey Sims being traumatized by the movie as a kid, getting coal, Santa's workshop aesthetic ranking and more.
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> **The movie starts at… 18:21**
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### Milestones and Ephemera

* The beginning of #Coalgate!
* Box office game: Weekend of November 11, 1994

## References

1. ↑ The Santa Clause on Patreon. Retrieved December 1, 2021.
The Piano

**The Piano** is episode 360 focusing on the 1993 film of the same name as part of The Podcastiano miniseries on the films of Jane Campion. Posted January 30, 2022.

## Summary

>
> Just imagine…it’s 1993. Bill Clinton is in the White House, Seinfeld is on TV, and America has PIANO FEVER! Newly-minted member of the Five Timers Club Esther Zuckerman joins us to unpack Campion’s Oscar-Winning erotic drama (possibly the first prestige pic to feature mild butt play). We’re asking all the tough questions: is “The King’s Daughter” the new “Margaret”? Should Harvey Keitel play Wolverine? Did Sam Neill tell Anna Paquin that he was going to work with actual dinosaurs after their shoot? Does Mr. Skin have a film critic on staff?
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### Milestones and Ephemera

* Esther's Waterworld piece: The Improbable Staying Power of the 'Waterworld' Stunt Show
* Box-Office Game: Weekend of November 12, 1993.
* In the Spreadmaster's Delight episode, Griffin and David awarded Holly Hunter for Best Actress 1993.

## References

1. ↑ Blank Check Podcast. The Piano. Audioboom. Retrieved on January 30, 2022.