recursal/Fanatic-Fandom huggingface dataset:
I'm a Cyborg, But That's OK

**I'm a Cyborg, But That's OK** is episode 437 focusing on the 2006 film of the same name as part of the I'm a Podcast, But That's OK miniseries on the films of Park Chan-wook. Posted August 6, 2023.

## Summary

> From the twisted mind of Park Chan-Wook, it’s…a surprisingly sensitive romance set in a mental hospital? Writer and Comedian Karen Chee joins us to chat about 2006’s I’M A CYBORG, BUT THAT’S OKAY - a real outlier in Park’s career, and a commercial disappointment after the global success of his Vengeance Trilogy. Would it surprise you to learn that this film was inspired by, of all things, TOY STORY? Is this the best Park film to remake with a cast of Muppets? Are any of the film’s mental illnesses based in reality? All that, and more, in a very silly episode.
>
>
> Follow Karen on Instagram
>
>
>
>

### Milestones and Ephemera

* Box office game: Weekend of December 8, 2006
	+ Same game as The Holiday

## References

1. ↑ Blank Check Podcast. I'm a Cyborg, But That's OK. Audioboom. Retrieved on August 8, 2023.
Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness

*This page is about the 2022 Sam Raimi sequel film. For the commentary on the original film, see Doctor Strange Commentary.*
*This article is a stub. You can help Blank Check with Griffin and David Wiki by expanding it.*

## Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness

### Audio link

Soundcloud
 Audioboom

### Sponsors

Stamps.com
ExpressVPN
Indeed

**Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness** is episode 381 focusing on the 2022 film of the same name as part of Podcast Me to Hell miniseries on the films of Sam Raimi. Posted June 26, 2022.

## Summary

>
> Our Sam Raimi series concludes with his most recent film - not to mention the first MCU film we’ve covered on the main feed - it’s time for Doctor Strange 2! Patrick Willems joins us to address the important questions: What was Raimi \*doing\* for the nine years between this and Oz? Does Kevin Feige and his Marvel Machine overpower Raimi’s creative voice? Should “Wandavision” have been released after this movie? Is Schnipper’s on 8th Ave the ideal place to debrief after seeing a movie in Times Square? Should America Chavez have been an adorable hobo riding the rails in between dimensions instead of a human MacGuffin? All that, plus Ben deploys his “nerd alert” buzzer instead of shoving the guys into a locker.
>
>
> Patrick’s new film Night of the Coconut is available on Nebula (nebula.app/nightofthecoconut) or go to curiositystream.com/patrickhwillems and sign up for a discounted annual plan with free access to Nebula with your subscription. You can watch more of Patrick’s work on his YouTube channel.
>
>
>
>

### Milestones and Ephemera

* Rake with the steak on his face
* Box-Office Game: Weekend of May 6, 2022

# Marvel Nerdfest

## Marvel Nerdfest

### Miniseries

Podcast Me to Hell
Marvel Cinematic Universe

### Reddit thread

Link

**Marvel Nerdfest** is supplemental audio released as part of Blank Check: Special Features. Posted June 26, 2022.

## Summary

>
> Towards the end of the *Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness* episode with guest Patrick Willems, David has to leave to make a screening of *Elvis* (2022), and soon after Griffin wraps things up.
> But actually, Checkmates, the conversation continued! Please enjoy this post-show Patreon exclusive, and join us even deeper inside the multiverse. Presenting...the Marvel Nerdfest.
>
>
>
>

## References

1. ↑ Blank Check Podcast. Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness. Audioboom. Retrieved on June 26, 2022.
2. ↑ Blank Check Podcast. Marvel Nerdfest. Patreon. Retrieved on June 26, 2022.
Melvin and Howard

**Melvin and Howard** is episode 246 focusing on the film of the same name directed by Jonathan Demme as part of the Stop Making Podcasts miniseries. Posted November 24, 2019.

## Summary

>
> Finally, we get to the good Demme movies with film critic Jordan Hoffman. The partially true story of a guy who thinks Howard Hughes is gonna leave him money. What made Griffin almost cry (and not in frustration)? What is an animated movie actually and is it for children? What game shows attracted the weirdest contestants. Why isn't there a good movie where someone's telling someone to go get their shine box? And what's your favorite Airplane joke?
>
>
>
>

### Milestones and Ephemera

* Box Office Game (September 1980) appears in Oops! All Box Office.

## References

1. ↑ Blank Check Podcast. Melvin and Howard (and Jordan Hoffman). Audioboom. Retrieved on July 5, 2022.
Mike Drucker

**Mike Drucker** (@MikeDrucker on Twitter) is a stand-up comedian and writer. He was the head comedy writer for "Bill Nye Saves the World" and writer for "Adam Ruins Everything." He also has written for SNL, *The Onion*, "The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon" in New York City, and "Full Frontal With Samantha Bee." He currently resides in California.

Mike was a guest on The Jedi Order episode of Revenge of the Podcast in which he peppers his distinctive laugh throughout a discussion of the Jedi's repeated incompetence during the Phantom Menace trilogy. He also appeared during the special live episode of Revenge of the Podcast, Watch With Us Live at Union Hall, where he acted the part of an Industrial Light and Magic special effects engineer.
Internet Resources and Fan Discussion

The show's official presence online is via their website blankcheckpod.com which contains episodes, merch, live show information, and March Madness voting. For appearances by #TheTwoFriends on other podcasts, see Outside Podcast Appearances.

## **Blank Check on the Internet**

   Blankies have many avenues for online interaction. The r/blankies subreddit is a hive of activity and discussion which is frequented by the hosts themselves, and the podcast's social media is very active. In addition, The Two Friends and Producer Ben can be found individually on Twitter, Letterboxd, and other social media sites.

### **Fan Pages and Discussions**

* **Reddit** (found at blankies.reddit.com)
* **Discord** live-chat group (if the link doesn't work correctly, just message u/ilaughalone in reddit)
* **Hipinion** forum: #thetwofriends board
* **blankcheckdb.com** episode transcripts and search

### **Official Social Media**

* Blank Check on Twitter
* Blank Check on Facebook
* Blank Check on Instagram

### **Episode Distribution**

The podcast is currently recorded and produced by Audioboom Studios; episodes can be played/downloaded directly via Audioboom or can be sourced from a number of alternatives linked below.

* Audioboom
* Audioboom (RSS)
* Google Play
* iHeart
* iTunes
* Soundcloud
* Spotify
* Stitcher
* TuneIn
Jamelle Bouie

**Jamelle Bouie** is an American journalist and possibly the smartest person who listens to the show.

## Biography

Bouie is columnist who currently serves as opinion columnist for *The New York Times*. He formerly served as political correspondent for *Slate*. He also hosts, with John Ganz, the *Unclear and Present Danger* podcast on which David has guested to discuss *Judge Dredd*.

He appeared on the main feed episodes Ali and Forrest Gump, and the Patreon episode Black Panther. Jamelle also briefly appeared at the end of the Patreon episode for Thor: Ragnarok. With his appearance on Battling Butler/The General, Jamelle became the 14th member of the Five-Timers Club.
Babe: Pig in the City

**Babe: Pig in the City** is episode 269(heh heh heh) focusing on the film of the same name as part of the Mad Pod: Fury Cast miniseries. Posted. May 3, 2020.

## Summary

>
> Who is 1998's *Babe: Pig in the City* for? Is it for kids? Stoners? Four grown adults attempting to navigate a national pandemic? This is the question Travis McElroy (My Brother, My Brother and Me, Adventure Zone, Run: A Doctor Who Fancast) poses to the BC crew this week. We defend and analyze another George Miller death city, robot chimp babies, and why Siskel went out on a high note. That'll do.
>
>
>
>

### Milestones and Ephemera

* Box office game: Weekend of November 27, 1998

## References

1. ↑ Blank Check Podcast. Babe: Pig in the City with Travis McElroy. Audioboom. Retrieved on July 5, 2022.
Buster Keaton Shorts

**Buster Keaton Shorts** is episode 176 of Blank Check: Special Features focusing on the shorts 'The Cook', 'One Week', 'The High Sign', 'The Playhouse', 'Cops!', and 'The Balloonatic' as bonus for the Podcast Jr. miniseries on the films of Buster Keaton. Posted May 11, 2023.

## Summary

>
> For our Keaton bonus episode Dana Stevens rejoins Griffin, David and Ben to provide important context for Buster Keaton’s theatrical features by highlighting some of his best shorts. Shorts discussed include: The Cook (25:02), The High Sign (41:22), One Week (52:11), The Playhouse (1:12:57), Cops (1:22:43) and The Balloonatic (1:38:46).
>
>
> To make sure you’re a member, be sure to do the “high sign” at 42:30.
>
>
> Get Dana’s book "Camera Man" now in paperback
>
> Read Dana’s film criticism
>
> Listen to Dana on Slate Culture Gabfest
>
>
>
>

### Milestones and Ephemera

* Harry Hill
* Dana's recommendations to show kids: *One Week*, *The Scarecrow*, *The Electric House*, *The Goat*
* Ben's notes:
	+ Train hittin' stuff is darn tootin' guffaw
	+ The joke where soap falls is funny
	+ When people turn corners it's funny when they skid
	+ People used to watch people dive

## References

1. ↑ Blank Check Podcast. Buster Keaton Shorts. Patreon. Retrieved on May 11, 2023.
Guardians of the Galaxy

**This article is a disambiguation page for Guardians of the Galaxy**

The following is a list of links to pages that might share the same title.

Please follow one of the disambiguation links below or search to find the page you were looking for if it is not listed. If an internal link led you here, you may wish to change the link to point directly to the intended article.

**Guardians of the Galaxy** may refer to:

* Guardians of the Galaxy Commentary, episode 20 of Blank Check: Special Features.
* Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2 Commentary, episode 27 of Blank Check: Special Features.
Flight

**Flight** is episode 303 focusing of the 2012 film of the same name as part of the Podcast Away miniseries on the films of Robert Zemeckis. Posted December 20, 2020.

## Summary

>
> After twelve years since releasing a live action film, Zemeckis comes back to the living with 2012's addiction drama, *Flight*. Olivia Craighead (Iconography podcast) joins #thetwofriends to discuss the misleading trailer and marketing, consider Melissa Leo, and help answer technical questions like how to roll a plane.
>
>
>
>

### Milestones and Ephemera

* Box Office Game: Weekend of November 2, 2012

## References

1. ↑ Blank Check Podcast. Flight with Olivia Craighead. Audioboom. Retrieved on December 20, 2020.
Joint Security Area

**Joint Security Area** is episode 431 focusing on the 2000 film of the same name as part of the I'm a Podcast, But That's OK miniseries on the films of Park Chan-wook. Posted June 25, 2023.

## Summary

> Park Chan-Wook’s 2000 breakthrough and Korean box office juggernaut - JSA (Joint Security Area) - is the rare international murder-mystery that dares to ask the question…”what if the real smoking gun was FRIENDSHIP??” Join us as we unpack this poignant and twisty thriller, and maybe some of you can unpack on your own time why Griffin chooses to bring up THE LITTLE RASCALS when talking about Korean geopolitics.
>
>
>

### Milestones and Ephemera

* Quentin Tarantino's Favorite Films Since 1992
* David gives his Cronut™ report about when he had an interaction with Big Chicago, Michael Shannon, at Dominique Ansel's.
* Val Kilmer Insults David Mamet on 'Spartan' Commentary Track
* Box Office Game: Weekend of September 8, 2000
	+ Same game as The Way of the Gun, which has truly been memory-holed.

## Quotes

>
>
>
>

## References

1. ↑ Blank Check Podcast. Joint Security Area. Audioboom. Retrieved on June 26, 2023.
Inception

***Due to a series of cascading bits, this page is best viewed on a computer!** For a ~~boring~~ no bits version of this page, see Inception (no bits).*

## Inception

### Audio link

Soundcloud
Audioboom

**Inception** (sometimes pronounced In**k**eption) is episode 120 focusing on the movie of the same name, as part of the The Pod Knight Casts miniseries covering the filmography of Christopher Nolan. Posted 6 Aug 2017.

## Summary

> Griffin and David present a very special episode on 2010’s dream heist, *Inception*.
>
>

It's a podcast within a podcast. But still we have to go deeper; plug in, David! Hold on, the podcast is collapsing!

## Inception

### ＤＥ𝕖ⓟ𝐞𝓻

It is likely that this is the episode treatment that Producer Ben pitched this miniseries with. The Pro-doer gets his chance to go Hoz-Hog-wild with the post-production on this one, with voice effects, samples, soundtrack, background ambience, and of course:

## Inception

#### 𝓓Ｅᵉ𝔭εŘ

This is a blank check movie. For Nolan, it's a passion project with personal meaning; in this case a plot that functions as an analogy for the filmmaking process itself. But Nolan, he's earning more blank checks with his blank check - this movie was a huge hit. And Griffin and David know it's sweaty, as if it's a script written by a 12-year-old and directed by a master craftsman. The first half is like an instruction manual. But if you buy in, the last hour is like a grand symphony.

## Inception

##### 𝕕𝒆ᵉｐ𝐄я

Can #TheTwoFriends go all the way into unconstructed podcast space and return with a cogent analysis? Is the Pussy Posse in effect? Is Tom Hardy the best actor in this movie? Is the dreamlike CGI effective? And of course: at the end, is this the real life or is this just fantasy?

### Milestones and Ephemera

* Cillian Murphy's blender: his wallet
* "Screaming, and colors, and people melting...": Ben's dreams
* MVP of the film: Hans Zimmer
* Box-Office Game: Weekend of July 16, 2010
Forrest Gump

**Forrest Gump** is episode 296 focusing of the 1994 film of the same name as part of the Podcast Away miniseries on the films of Robert Zemeckis. Posted November 1, 2020.

## Summary

>
> Jamelle Bouie (NY Times) returns to Blank Check to discuss Forrest Gump!
>
>
>
>

## References

1. ↑ Blank Check Podcast. Forrest Gump with Jamelle Bouie. Audioboom. Retrieved on November 1, 2020.
Mission: Impossible 3 Commentary

**Mission: Impossible 3** is episode 66 of the Blank Check: Special Features, and a Mission: Impossible commentary episode. Posted August 1, 2020 and released from behind the paywall on August 1, 2023.

## Summary

> It’s hard enough constantly saving the world at the last possible minute. But is the ultimate impossible mission actually marriage?! It’s 2006 and the third entry in the franchise finds Ethan Hunt facing off one gruff villain played Philip Seymour-Hoffman, IMF office drama, all while attempting a happy normal life with Julia, played by Michelle Monaghan. *Mission: Impossible - 3*, JJ Abrams’ directorial debut, begs the question… can men really juggle it all?
>
>
> **The movie starts at…14:34.**
>
>
For Love of the Game

**For Love of the Game** is episode 374 focusing on the 1999 film of the same name as part of Podcast Me to Hell miniseries on the films of Sam Raimi. Posted May 8, 2022.

## Summary

>
> Is this not America? Is baseball not America’s favorite pastime? Is “For Love of the Game” a Sam Raimi movie? Technically speaking, sure! It’s about a guy who’s trying not to lose both his hand and his lady - some very Raimi-esque themes. Gawker’s Olivia Craighead returns to the pod to talk about Kevin “Straight Outta Compton” Costner, and we go long on crackerjacks, Vin Scully’s screenplay notes, and the cinematic pleasures of baseball. The crack of the bat, baby!
>
>
> Plus - the boys open up about their little league days (Ben obviously loved to steal bases).
>
>
>
>

### Milestones and Ephemera

* The! Crack! Of! The! Bat! ⚾
* New nicknames: The Walk-On Kid (Griffin), Second Base Sims (David), The Base Stealer (Ben).
* David played water polo in Britain. "It's like swim-basketball."
* Ben's hot take: Norman Rockwell stinks.
* Some fantastic audio flashbacks to: Our Performance Review, The Matrix Reloaded, and March Madness 2018 Recap - Round 3
* Box-Office Game: Weekend of September 17, 1999

## References

1. ↑ Blank Check Podcast. For Love of the Game. Audioboom. Retrieved on May 8, 2022.
Home Again

**Home Again** is episode 193 focusing on the 2017 film of the same name as a bonus episode for the Something's Podda Cast miniseries. Posted November 25, 2018.

## Summary

>
> In the final special bonus episode of our mini-series on the films of Nancy Meyers, Griffin and David invite Richard Lawson (Vanity Fair) to weigh in on her daughter Hallie Meyers-Shyer’s directorial debut: *Home Again*. But what if boys were nice? Was this movie filmed exclusively inside a bottle of white zinfandel? What is the future of the romantic comedy in the major studio system? Together they discuss alternate realities, finding the next Sam Smith, Nancy Meyers’ involvement in inventing rap rock and Reese Witherspoon for mayor.
>
>
>
>

### Milestones and Ephemera

* Box office game: Weekend of September 8, 2017
Pat Reynolds

**Pat Reynolds** is a digital artist. He provides the photoshop artwork for each Blank Check miniseries and standalone episode, with occasional special editions for selected episodes of the podcast.

For approximately the first year of the podcast, Griffin did his own Obie Award-eligible photoshops, but at some point during The Podchowski Casters miniseries, Pat's own ideas for the artwork began to be recognized by Griffin and David as being perhaps slightly superior. Pat's artwork for the podcast was first exhibited alongside the inaugural Ben's Choice episode on Fletch, and has accompanied each new miniseries and episode ever since.

## Gallery

Podst in SpaceThe Cast PodiPodship CastersThe PodDCEU CastTalking Maul Live @ DCM19The Devil Casts PodaThe Pod Knight CastsWe Pod A CastThe PodThe Pod Who Cast Too LittleFletchcast
I'm a Podcast, But That's OK

**I'm a Podcast, But That's OK** is a miniseries on the films of Park Chan-wook (Korean: 박찬욱) beginning in June 2023.

## Summary

We're jumping into our next miniseries right away, and it's our March Madness champion!

The miniseries was announced on Twitter on June 8, 2023. Park first appeared in March Madness 2023 where he was seeded 4th and defeated Steve McQueen, Peter Jackson, Peter Weir, Guillermo del Toro and Bong Joon-ho on his way to the championship. He won the final round against Bong by 1 vote and defeated 3 #1 seeds on his run.

The titular inspiration is the film *I'm a Cyborg, But That's OK*. The miniseries art by the great Pat Reynolds, features several characters from director Park's movies and the BC boys as Charlie (Ben), Evelyn (Griffin), and India (David) Stoker.

The series was preceded by Podcast Jr. on the films of Buster Keaton. The series was succeeded by The Curious Pod of Benjamin Buttcast on the films of David Fincher.

### Milestones and Ephemera

* Ben nickname: **Sympathy for Mr. Bengeance**
* Rejected miniseries titles: **Sympathy for Mr. Podcast** and **Decision to Podcast**. Sympathy for Mr. Podcast won the twitter vote for what to call the series, but was discussed during The Moon Is...the Sun's Dream/Trio episode and eventually overruled.

## Ranking His Filmography

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

## References

1. ↑ @blankcheckpod. Tweet Jun 8, 2023. Twitter. Retrieved on June 8, 2023. “We're jumping into our next miniseries right away, and it's our March Madness champion!”
2. ↑ @blankcheckpod. Tweet Jun 8, 2023. Twitter. Retrieved on June 26, 2023. “lmao”
Joanna Robinson

**Joanna Robinson** (@jowrotethis on Twitter) is a senior writer for *Vanity Fair* and host of several podcasts including Storm Of Spoilers, Little Gold Men, A Cast of Kings, Decoding Westworld, and Still Watching.

Joanna was a guest on the Minority Report podcast. If you see her on the street you might recognize her by her purple hair.

She is a big Game of Thrones fan and hosts two fan podcasts for the show: one spoiler-free, called A Cast of Kings (with David Chen), and one spoiler-filled, called Storm of Spoilers (with Da7e Gonzales and Neil Miller). The latter is a sister podcast to Fighting in The War Room, itself hosted by past and future guests Katey Rich, David Ehrlich, Matt Patches, and future guest Da7e Gonzales.
Jamie Bell

* Jamie Bell
* Tintin

**Jamie Bell** is an actor and, inexplicably, a Blankie. He, as the animated Belgian child detective Tintin, (and to a lesser extent the superhero Ben Grimm) is also the first guest to have starred in a film covered by the podcast, and joins the list of guests to have appeared in, or worked on, a film covered by the podcast.

In addition to those roles, he is a distinguished character actor, appearing films and shows including Peter Jackson’s *King Kong, Snowpiercer, Rocketman, Filth, Nymphomaniac, Shining Girls, Jane Eyr*e, and the titular role in *Billy Elliott*.
Night Eggs

Make sure to read those credits. Created by The Great @BringDaNoyz

**Night Eggs** was a feature film to be produced as part of an original slate of films by Blank Check Pictures. After the bit escalated substantially from the original idea, as of the Darkman episode with Chris Weitz, the bit is retired.

## History

The story came from Producer/genius Ben Hosley, with punch-up from Executive Producers Chris Weitz and #TheTwoFriends. Weitz introduced an audio trailer for the film in the Allied episode and additional script and production materials during the New Moon episode of Blank Check: Special Features. For a period, *Night Eggs* was featured on Weitz' wikipedia entry and also on Letterboxd relating to his projects in development.

## Plot Summary

An action movie in the tradition of Die Hard, main character is a "Ben Hosley type." A contained plot involving terrorists or a murder or whatever. But the reason it's called *Night Eggs* is because the main character has a "blender" where he always eats a breakfast-type meal after dark, and now "Night Eggs" is kind of his nickname. Possibly he developed this trait during his childhood when he connected with his father, a night watchman, by making him eggs when he got home after work. At any rate, the action of the movie is set in motion when he sees nefarious doings transpiring out his kitchen window while making eggs late at night.

## References

1. ↑ @BringDaNoyz. Tweet Sep 8, 2018. twitter. Retrieved on July 19, 2022.
2. ↑ u/bobizzle420. Whosoever added "Night Eggs" to Chris Weitz' Wiki page...bless you.. reddit. Retrieved on April 21, 2022.
3. ↑ u/Kovie47 (2021-05-06). TIL Night Eggs is on Letterboxd. reddit. Retrieved on October 23, 2023.
4. ↑ Described at 1:50:00 in the Lust, Caution episode.
Kevin Baillie

**Kevin Baillie** is a producer and visual effects supervisor.

## Biography

Baillie is co-founder and VFX supervisor at Atomic Fiction. He worked on several films discussed on the podcast, particularly the films of Robert Zemeckis. He appeared on a secret episode of the podcast, hosted by J.D. Amato as part of his Talking the Walk series, accessible only by solving the riddles in the Walk episode.
Leslye Headland

**Leslye Headland** is a writer, director, producer and playwright.

## Biography

Leslye is a film and television director, producer, screenwriter, and playwright. She is known for the play and 2012 film Bachelorette and 2015 film Sleeping with Other People. She co-created the Netflix series Russian Doll, along with Natasha Lyonne and Amy Poehler. She is also at the helm of the upcoming Star Wars series The Acolyte.

Leslye goes way back to the Videology days where she was as fill-in for Alex Ross Perry's trivia team *L'Avventura Pet Detective*.
Basic Instinct

**Basic Instinct** is episode 145 focusing on the movie of the same name, as part of the Podship Casters miniseries covering the Hollywood years of Paul Verhoeven. Posted January 28, 2018.

## Summary

>
> Film critic Miriam Bale joins Griffin and David to discuss 1992’s sexy thriller, *Basic Instinct*. But what about the dialogue gives away this is a Eszterhas script? Does Jeanne Tripplehorn always play herself? Where are there cowboy bars in San Francisco? Together they examine the careers of Michael Douglas and Sharon Stone, ice picking, the infamous leg crossing scene and poor Beth.
>
>
>
>

Miriam Bale, film critic extraordinaire, is on the mic with Griffin and David to discuss the infamous film-noir erotic thriller, Basic Instinct. Together they examine the careers of Michael Douglas and Sharon Stone, ice picking, the infamous leg crossing scene and poor Beth.

The Dutch cinematographer Jan de Bont - the same one that worked on the infamous *Roar!* where he was also severely injured - helmed the lens on this movie. It was to be the last project on which he worked with Verhoeven before he himself moved on to directing with *Speed* and *Twister*. Did he go out with guns blazing on this movie? The stunningly beautiful Jeanne Tripplehorn made her big-screen debut here - is she an actress or more of a personality? A pre-Seinfeld Wayne Knight ably plays a very sweaty cop - who watched his performance in this movie and immediately cast him to do pretty much the exact same thing in a giant blockbuster?

This was the final screen acting appearance for the former Oscar-winner Dorothy Malone, and Miriam notes the performance in particular; a few weeks after this episode was recorded Malone passed away. RIP.

### Milestones and Ephemera

* Workin' on his tight five: Producer Ben
* DVD extras: an actual ice pick
* Deserving of at least an "Introducing..." billing: Jeanne Tripplehorn
* Kahlua, Scotch, triple sec, and lemon juice: a blackjack
* Box office game: Weekend of March 20, 1992

### Sponsors

This episode was sponsored by RXBAR and Audible.

After explaining a long totally hypothetical scenario of a friend gaining weight and needing to get back in shape for the second season of a superhero TV show, Griffin is looking for healthy foods to eat. In this case he answers his own question with tales of gluten-free protein bars from RXBAR with all-natural ingredients. 25% off for listeners, rxbar.com/check.

Later the character Autobiography from the movie *The Pagemaster* rings the doorbell, and David tells him about Audible - a free book for listeners who sign up for a free 30-day trial, a credit for a new book every month! audible.com/check or text CHECK to 500-500 to get started.

## References

1. ↑ Blank Check Podcast. Basic Instinct. audioboom. Retrieved on May 21, 2022.
Our Performance Review 2.0

**Our Performance Review 2.0** is episode 18 and the sixth part of the Attack of the Podcast miniseries, about the film *Star Wars Episode II: Attack Of The Clones*. Posted 29 Jul 2015.

## Summary

>
> In the sixth installment of the only podcast that exclusively talks about Attack of the Clones (formally just the Phantom Menace until discovering this sequel), Griffin and David once again examine the film’s entire cast and rate all the major players – actor by actor. From Ewan McGregor’s Obi-Wan Kenobi as most improved to Christopher Lee killing it as Count Dooku/Darth Tyranus to the amazing voice acting of Ron Falk as THE BEST CHARACTER IN THE ENTIRE MOVIE: DEXTER JETTSTER!
>
>
> How do the boys' rankings of some actors compare to the last review? Do their critiques take into account the once again overwhelming criticism that revolved around this film?
>
>
> Plus: assessing directors' bodies of work such as Joel Schumacher; apparently Michael Jackson wanted to be Jar Jar Binks; and remember, great thespians don’t blink!
>
>
>
>

And more showbiz stories! The legends of Marlon Brando messing with Frank Oz on the set of *The Score*, Griffin auditioning for Joel Schumacher, and Griffin's audition for Edgar Wright as well as his later heartwarming encounter with Bryan Lee O'Malley (author of the Scott Pilgrim comics). A lovely note to end the episode on.

### Milestones and Ephemera

* There's now a pizza with a pretzel crust out there.
* Guys, we live in a terrible world.
* First time Griffin and David remembered to solicit listeners to "rate, review, and subscribe" to the podcast!
* Smits got a 'fail' from the Pro-Smits podcast? Even the co-hosts were later confused about how this happened.
* Eating on-mic: ayup (peanuts)

## References

1. ↑ Blank Check Podcast. Our Performance Review 2.0. Audioboom. Retrieved on August 30, 2022.
Naqoyqatsi Commentary

**Naqoyqatsi** is episode 162 of Blank Check: Special Features and a commentary for the 2002 feature film of the same name. Posted February 1, 2023.

## Summary

>
> BC:SF has reached the third and final installment in the Qatsi trilogy! But how does Naqoyqatsi: Life as War stand apart from any other movie we've covered on the podcast? Why is it so hard to watch? What was Godfrey Reggio on when he made this? Griffin, David, and Ben try to answer these questions and so much more!
>
>
> **Movie starts at...2:09**
>
>
>
>

### Milestones and Ephemera

* Bark bark! It's time for dog bones! There is definitely some eating on mic.
* In the Shallow Grave episode, Griffin listed this movie as in contention for the worst they've ever covered.
* Is someone *else* going to eat a dog bone???
* Abby's Flying Fairy School
* Box Office Game: Weekend of October 18, 2002
	+ Also the "David's top and bottom 5 of 2002" game.

## Quotes

>
>
> | Ben: |  I got biscuit in my teeth.
> | Griffin: | You know the best way to clean that out though...
> | Ben: |  More biscuit?
>
>

## References

1. ↑ Blank Check Podcast. Naqoyqatsi. Patreon. Retrieved on February 1, 2023.
2. ↑ @0:13:03
James Urbaniak

**James Urbaniak** is an actor and voice artist, primarily known for his major role in *The Venture Bros* as well as appearing in Hal Hartley’s *Henry Fool* trilogy*.*

He had been slated to appear as a guest since the podcast’s beginning, but only made his first appearance in 2023.

He joins the list of guests to have appeared in, or worked on, a film covered by the podcast.
JJ Bersch

**JJ Bersch** is a researcher for the podcast along with Nick. He got his PhD in Film from the University of Wisconsin-Madison.

## Biography

JJ began doing research for the podcast during the John Singleton miniseries.  He is an advocate of putting blueberries in the freezer.  In 2023, he was profiled in the Cap Times about all the work he's done for the podcast.

In January 2024, JJ provided a 153 page document of every cited source he's used in a dossier through Podcastl.

## References

1. ↑  @jjdotbiz, Saturday news bump: I work for @blankcheckpod now. I do research. I'm having lots of fun. You'll start hearing my name around the four-hour mark of episodes, starting with SHAFT (2000) in a few weeks. It's a cool job and I'm thankful to have it. Retrieved October 26, 2021.
2. ↑ 1stPlaceBerger, "he recommends putting blue berries in your freezer"
"also watch his friends movie but he cares more about the blueberries thing". Blankies discord, #blank-check-podcast-and-teatime. Retrieved October 26, 2021.
3. ↑ Rob Thomas. UW film scholar fills in the blanks for 'Blank Check' podcast. Twitter. Retrieved on Januart 17, 2023.
Halloween

**Halloween** is episode 338 focusing on the 1978 film of the same name and part of the They Podcast miniseries on the films of John Carpenter. Posted August 22, 2021.

## Summary

>
> It’s our biggest episode EVER as Alex Ross Perry brings his own dossier of talking points to tackle 1978’s iconic *HALLOWEEN*. We explore the history of American independent cinema as seen through the lens of the low-budget horror genre, and determine who’d be included in the slasher villain Mount Rushmore (Chucky isn’t carved into the rock; he’d be working at the gift shop).
>
>
>
>

### Milestones and Ephemera

* The new longest running episode by a country mile AND the first episode to run more than double the film's run time.
* Multiple letterboxd blankies made lists of Alex Ross Perry's recommendations:
	+ Alex Ross Perry’s 1968-1978 Pre-Halloween Mainstream American Horror Syllabus by sourkraus
	+ Alex Ross Perry's Slasher Genre Origins by puerca
* First recorded mention of “Tuesday: Origins,” a forthcoming project of Blank Check Studios.

## References

1. ↑ Blank Check Podcast. Halloween with Alex Ross Perry. Audioboom. Retrieved on August 22, 2021.
Mission: Impossible - Dead Reckoning Part One

Mission: Impoddible - Cast Reckoning Part One

**Mission: Impossible - Dead Reckoning Part One** is episode 435 focusing on the 2023 film of the same name as part of the Stealth McQuarrie Miniseries and Mission: Impossible miniseries. Posted July 23, 2023.

## Summary

> It’s 2023. An all-powerful AI program named “the Entity” is sewing chaos and threatening the fragile equilibrium of the world as we know it. It is also throwing sick parties. Meanwhile, over at Blank Check HQ, the BENTITY has a few tricks up his sleeve to surprise Griffin, David, and Marie with a mission of their own as they break down Tom Cruise and Christopher McQuarrie’s latest big-screen extravaganza.
>
>
> Special thanks to IMF team members Teo Rapp-Olsson and Patrick Willems. Support their work!
>
> Patrick Willems: https://www.youtube.com/@patrickhwillems
>
> Teo Rapp-Olsson: https://www.imdb.com/name/nm6231691/
>
>
>
> Mission: Impoddible theme composed by Alex Barron
>
>
>
>

## References

1. ↑ Blank Check Podcast. Mission: Impossible - Dead Reckoning Part One. Audioboom. Retrieved on July 23, 2023.
Moana

**Moana** is episode 316 focusing on the 2016 animated film of the same name as part of The Poddle Mercast miniseries on the films of Musker & Clements. Posted March 21, 2021.

## Summary

>
> Griffin and David are finally doing it! They are CONSIDERING THE COCONUT! In addition to the coconut they also have an in-depth conversation about Musker and Clements’ final (and best?) film together, 2016's *Moana*. A departure from their typical 2D animation style, and a shift from Disney’s typical Princess / Prince structure, their first fully CG film delves into a Polynesian mythology AND makes everyone cry.
>
>
> They are joined this week by Lenika Cruz (*The Atlantic*) and discuss heavy topics like parental relationships and leaving home, as well as topics on the lighter side such as; what is the best use of The Rock, and will we be over Lin-Manuel Miranda again this coming year.
>
>
>
>

### Milestones and Ephemera

* Nakoma -- a human best friend with bangs for the ages.
* Unconventional Box Office Game: the top grossing Disney movies (domestic).
	+ The traditional box office game is the Weekend of November 25, 2016, same game as Allied.
* Sims secret: Lenica misses David and wants the pandemic to be over so they can hang out.
* This movie received multiple nominations at The Second Annual Blank Check Awards including:
	+ Griffin:
		- Best Song - "Shiny"
	+ David:
		- Best Voice Performance - Auli'i Cravalho
		- Best Voice Performance - Alan Tudyk
	+ Joe Reid:
		- Best Song - "How Far I'll Go"

## References

1. ↑ Blank Check Podcast. Moana with Lenika Cruz. Audioboom. Retrieved on March 21, 2021.
Mikey and Nicky

**Mikey and Nicky** is episode 320 focusing on the 1976 film of the same name as part of The Podbreak Cast miniseries on the films of Elaine May. Posted April 18, 2021.

## Summary

>
> Grab 15 cups of cream, brush up on your Meisner Technique, and listen in as The Two Friends (Griffin & David) discuss the Two Friends *MIKEY & NICKY*, with special guest Olivia Craighead (Iconography podcast). While we’re still discussing the films of Elaine May, this episode also serves as a celebration of “Short King With A Tall Face” John Cassavetes, and recognizes 1976 for what it was - a banner year for Ned Beatty.
>
>
>
>

### Milestones and Ephemera

* The Box Office Game (Christmas, 1976) appears in Oops! All Box Office.
* During the Spreadmaster's Delight episode, both Griffin and David gave Peter Falk a Best Lead Actor nomination for 1976.

## References

1. ↑ Blank Check Podcast. Mikey and Nicky with Olivia Craighead. Audioboom. Retrieved on April 18, 2021.
Demi Adejuyigbe

**Demi Adejuyigbe** is a comedian, actor, television writer and internet personality.

## Biography

He has worked on shows like @Midnight and the first season of The Good Place. He was also the host of Punch Up the Jam, a music based comedy podcast on Headgum. He is known on the internet for lampooning the Oscars and other topics in the world of film on his twitter page.

Demi was a guest on the Zero Dark Thirty episode of Blank Check. Griffin said they wanted him on the podcast for a long time due to #thetwofriends being a fan of his work. Zero Dark Thirty was the only Katheryn Bigelow film he has watched.
Jonathan Braylock

**Jonathan Braylock** is an actor & comedian whose recent credits include: "Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt," "Broad City," "How To Be Single," "The Jim Gaffigan Show," & *The Amazing Spider-Man 2*. He is also the co-host of the podcast Black Men Can't Jump [In Hollywood].

## Biography

Jonathan was a Blank Check guest originally on The Clone Wars Animated Series episode of Revenge of the Podcast. He was later a guest on the Detroit episode of Blank Check which was a crossover with his podcast Black Men Can't Jump [In Hollywood] together with his two co-hosts (and past and future Blank Check guests) James III and Jerah Milligan.
소융톤

소프트웨어 융합 학과의 해커톤.

자세한 설명 링크

해커톤이란, 개발자들이 모여 여태까지 시간이나 의욕이 부족하여 지지부진 했던 일을 정해진 시간(보통 24시간) 안에 하드코어하게 마무리하는 것이다. 하고 싶을때 모여서 매우 개발하는것.

같은 취지로 swc에서도 해커톤이 진행되었다.

1회차, 1세대, 1학년 임에도 불구하고 굉장한 결과물이 나왔다.

아두이노를 이용한 커튼 제어, 가상화폐 자동거래 시스템, 신경망 학습을 이용한... 무언가(암튼 대단한거였음)

그외 많은 게임들 등등.

중간에 지친 여러 개발팀들이 떠나가기도 했지만, 정작 글쓰는 본인도 다른 해커톤때 탈주해본 경험이 있다.

뭐, 자유롭게 개발하는 건데 탈주한다 해도 사실 별 상관 없다. 애시당초 강제성을 띈 행사도 아니였으니.

물론 마지막 심사때 상장이나 발표 자료 준비등이 살짝 부족했던 점도 있었지만, 1회차 였던 것을 생각해보면

매우 성공적이였던 편.

참가자는 여느 해커톤 때 처럼 좀 잠을 많이 자고 갈 것. 밤새서 작업하는 것이 익숙하지 않은 사람들은 두통과 속쓰림을 경험 할 수도 있기 때문이다. 커피나 에너지 드링크 같은 경우 한 사람이 독점 하지 않는 이상은 모두가 충분히 마실 수 있는 양이 제공되기 때문에 잠이 오는 것은 걱정 안해도 된다.

B06의 멋진 컴퓨터의 성능을 하루 동안 독점할 수 있는 기회 중 하나이다. 24시간 동안 씹고 뜯고 맛보고 즐기자. ~~게임을 한다면 당신은 죽을 수도 있습니다.~~

결론: 성공적

개선방안: 상장이나 발표 자료 등 자잘한 것들을 미리 준비해놓기.
Mission: Impossible - Rogue Nation Commentary

**Mission: Impossible - Rogue Nation** is a Mission: Impossible commentary episode, and episode 69 (lol) of the Blank Check: Special Features. Posted September 1, 2020.

## Summary

>
> Travel may be banned but luckily we’ve got access to ROGUE NATION bay-beeeee. Christopher McQuarrie takes the wheel for the 5th installment of Mission: Impossible and locks into what makes Ethan Hunt work. Why try to be a normal guy when he is in fact, the physical manifestation of destiny??? The four friends talk buggy villains, Tom’s escalating chaotic stunts, and why Rebecca Ferguson’s Ilsa is his perfect match.
>
>
> The movie starts at... **11:24**
>
>
>
>

### Milestones and Ephemera

* Episode 1 of McQuarrie's massive Empire podcast arc: Mission Impossible – Fallout Empire Podcast Spoiler Special Ft. Christopher McQuarrie — Part 1
* Ang makes an excellent comparison between Cruise and Jackie Chan! Cruise has definitely evolved as a stunt performer (not quite to Chan levels, obvi) but still a lot funnier than most people/his older performances.
* Ben teased a Night Eggs development. Startel: “It’s a cartel that operates in space. Bye!”
* Griffin nominated Rebecca Ferguson for Best Supporting Actress at The First Annual Blank Check Awards.
* Box office game: Weekend of July 31, 2015

## References

1. ↑ Mission: Impossible - Rogue Nation on Patreon. Retrieved March 22, 2021.
Jerry Maguire

**Jerry Maguire** is episode 65 focusing on the movie of the same name, as part of the We Pod A Cast miniseries covering the filmography of Cameron Crowe. Posted July 7, 2016.

## Summary

>
> 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 memorable terms and phrases did Crowe invent that have gone on to become common place vernacular in our culture? How great is Renée Zellweger? Together they discuss the plot’s many layers, Jay Mohr as the perfect asshole, Oscar trivia and express a lot of appreciation for Jonathan Lipnicki’s stellar performance as the insanely cute kid.
>
>
>
>

### Milestones and Ephemera

* Box Office: Weekend of December 13, 1996
	+ Same box office game as Mars Attacks!

## References

1. ↑ Jerry Maguire on Audioboom. Retrieved August 28, 2021.
Oz the Great and Powerful

**Oz the Great and Powerful** is episode 380 focusing on the 2013 film of the same name as part of Podcast Me to Hell miniseries on the films of Sam Raimi. Posted June 19, 2022.

## Summary

>
> Ah, yes - we’ve arrived at the reason why we held off on covering Sam Raimi for so long…because we didn’t want to end our series on such a dismal note! *Oz the Great and Powerful* - Raimi’s last feature until the recent *Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness* - features James Franco in a performance that guest Dana Schwartz (“Noble Blood”) characterizes as “having the energy of a hot boy in a school play who’s laughing with his friends in the front row.” It doesn’t have the tactile, zippy cinematic language of Raimi’s best work, instead opting for the popular hyper-saturated, entirely digital look of Tim Burton’s “Alice in Wonderland” (a clear influence). But it \*does\* have a little girl made of porcelain who almost made Ben cry. Topics discussed include our desire for a Mila Kunissance, Zach Braff being the surprise MVP in this movie, whether “Tinkers” are a specific ethnicity or a class or workers, and the Disney IP lawyers who had to be on set making sure nothing infringed on MGM’s copyright of the classic Oz visuals.
>
>
>
>

### Milestones and Ephemera

* The Mila Kunis interview
* Box-Office Game: Weekend of March 8, 2013

### Sponsors

* Bombas - the ad read doesn't feature any characters, but does feature some really fun speculation on the Box Office Game for Jurassic World: Dominion.

## References

1. ↑ Blank Check Podcast. Oz the Great and Powerful. Audioboom. Retrieved on June 20, 2022.
2. ↑ BBC Radio 1. Mila Kunis talks to Chris Stark off the Scott Mills show on Radio 1. Youtube. Retrieved on June 22, 2022.
Katey Rich

**Katey Rich** (on Twitter at @kateyrich) is a writer and Deputy Editor at *Vanity Fair*.

## Biography

Rich hosts the award-season podcast Little Gold Men (with past and future Blank Check guests Richard Lawson and Joanna Robinson). She is also a host of the movie podcast Fighting In The War Room (with past and future Blank Check guests David Ehrlich and Matt Patches). She resides in North Carolina.

She was a guest on The Sixth Sense, both the Titanic, Part One and Titanic, Part Two and the Broadcast News episodes of Blank Check. On the *Titanic* episodes, an additional guest of the podcast was Charlie Rich, Katey's infant son who was very vocal with his opinions on the film.

Katey is a listener to the show dating back to the Star Wars days. Regarding her guest appearances, according to episode 295 she is offer only.  She is a member of the Five-Timers Club.

Her son Charlie has become an avid film watcher and provides his yearly top ten list: 2022, 2023
Nia DaCosta

**Nia DaCosta** is a director and screenwriter. She is also a Blankie.

## Biography

Her first feature film, *Little Woods*, came out in 2019 and starred Tessa Thompson and Lily James. Her second film, *Candyman*, was released in 2021 after significant delays because of the ongoing pandemic. She is set to direct the MCU film *The Marvels*.
Lenny

**Lenny** is episode 384 focusing on the 1974 film of the same name as part of Pod That Jazzcast miniseries on the films of Bob Fosse. Posted July 17 2022.

## Summary

>
> Sure, Bob Fosse’s “Lenny” has beautiful cinematography, but does it effectively communicate that Lenny Bruce was funny? Is the narrative of stand-ups as “tortured truth tellers” overdone?
>
>
>
> We have THOUGHTS! Comedian and “stand-up historian” Colin Quinn joins us to talk about the legacy of Lenny Bruce, and what Fosse gets right (the milieu of the clubs, Valerie Perrine’s wonderful performance as Honey Bruce), and what he gets wrong (the actual humor). Plus - we entertain the idea of a miniseries structured not around a specific filmmaker, but a series of late-70s, early-80s films where the main auteur is…cocaine
>
>
>
> Editor’s Note: This episode includes Zoom audio.
>
>
>
>

### Milestones and Ephemera

* Colin's Criterion closet video
* In the Spreadmaster's Delight episode, Griffin gave Valerie Perrine a Beast Lead Actress nomination for 1974.

#### Box Office

December, 1974

1. Death Wish
2. Earthquake
3. The Little Prince
4. The Trial of Billy Jack
5. The Klansman

* Other movies in the top 10: Lenny (#6), The Godfather Part II, The Longest Yard, The Taking of Pelham 123, Airport 1975.

### Sponsors

* The Riddler stops by to deliver some very sweaty non-riddles about Indeed.
* Lenny Bruce himself pitches Bombas.
* No Mubi animals! Cinéaste animals out of work.

## References

1. ↑ Blank Check Podcast. Lenny. Audioboom. Retrieved on July 18, 2022.
2. ↑ Criterion Current. Colin Quinn’s Closet Picks. Criterion Collection. Retrieved on July 18, 2022.
Mission: Impossible Commentary

**Mission: Impossible** is episode 63 of the Blank Check: Special Features, and a Mission: Impossible commentary episode. Posted June 30, 2020 and released from behind the paywall on July 1, 2023.

## Summary

>
> Your mission should you choose to accept it… is an extremely silly hang with the Blank Check crew. From movie 1, it’s clear you guys made the right call with our first Patreon March Madness champion  - The *Mission: Impossible* franchise. Join us as we watch Ethan Hunt get progressively more insane, Luther become his instant bestie, tense action hinge on one man’s indigestion, and bask in the glow of that sweet sweet 1996 computer tech.
>
>  The movie starts at... 18:46
>
>
>
>

### Milestones and Ephemera

* Jean Reno, human cigarette: When is he bad?
* Chunnel = chungus tunnel
* Forky does the bit with David at home.
* David's favourite UK train station: St. Pancras
March Madness 2021 Recap - Round 1

**March Madness 2021 Recap - Round 1** is episode 88 of Blank Check: Special Features. Posted March 10, 2021.

## Summary

>
> Another March Madness season is upon us Checkmates! Both the filmmaker and the franchise deemed champion will decide a future series for later this Fall. So get in on the daily action on Twitter OR on our Patreon page and vote every day in March. Social Media manager, Marie (Bardi Party) Bardi joins this week to discuss bots, covering older filmographies, Devito's lost secret film, having Bud Cort energy and more! Plus, Emily St. James and J.D. Amato react to the results of this year's guest bracket results (so far.)
>
>
>
>

### Milestones and Ephemera

* Chip Smith is currently dating a green cloud.
* Mr. Smith is also the keeper of the 5th Realm of the Nutcracker Realms.
* The Archers were the only directors that Griffin *and*  David wanted in their brackets, but Jane Campion would also make a great miniseries.

## References

1. ↑ March Madness 2021 Recap - Round 1 on Patreon. Retrieved March 10, 2021.