recursal/Fanatic-Fandom huggingface dataset:
Justice League

*This episode is about the ~~Zack Snyder~~ Joss Whedon film Justice League. For the Zack Snyder film, see Zack Snyder’s Justice League.*

## Justice League

### Sponsors

Casper

**Justice League** is episode 137 focusing on the movie of the same name, as part of the podcast's continuing coverage of the films of the DCEU. Posted 26 Nov 2017.

## Summary

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> On the week of it’s release in November of 2017, Griffin and David discussed the newest film in DC Extended Universe: Justice League. But is Superman still gone even though Henry Cavill is second billed? Just how many times was this movie reshot and is it very noticeable? Will the seven be united? Together they examine using CGI to remove a person’s mustache, Martha boxes and Batmansplaining.
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On the week of it’s release in November of 2017, Griffin and David discussed the newest film in DC Extended Universe: Justice League. But is Superman still gone even though Henry Cavill is second billed? Just how many times was this movie reshot and is it very noticeable? Will the seven be united? Together they examine using CGI to remove a person’s mustache, Martha boxes and Batmansplaining. This episode is sponsored by Casper.
After the DC Extended Universe perked up in a big way with *Wonder Woman*, here we go with the followup. Marvel already did *The Avengers*, so here's the DC answer to that: a whole bunch of the best-known DC superheroes get together in a mega-budget movie. Unite the seven! Right everybody? Hashtag it!

But... what are the inherent challenges that this endeavor faced that *The Avengers* didn't? What were the challenges that DC maybe could have avoided or at least better contingency-planned for? And what were the challenges that arose unforeseen?

Points of discussion: monstrously huge budget. Family tragedy affects director/producer team mid-stream. Zack Snyder scenes vs. Joss Whedon scenes. The need to disappear Henry Cavill's mustache. The need to kind of introduce new characters rather than just put established characters together. Steppenwolf, of all things, is the villain. Weirdly, the CGI on land looks weightless but the CGI underwater does not. And speaking of CGI, look out, there's flubber aplenty.

### Milestones and Ephemera

* Newest member of the New York Film Critics Circle: David Sims
* Lowest ratings of any USA Network show in ten years: Political Animals
* Griffin's French language proficiency: transactional
* Merchandise Spotlight!

### Sponsors

This episode was sponsored by Casper mattresses. When the character of Detective Will Dormer from *Insomnia* stops by, looking for something to help him get some sleep, David comes to the rescue by telling him about Casper's deal for a nice discount. Available to Blankies too: Casper.com/check, promo code CHECK.

## References

1. ↑ Blank Check Podcast. Justice League. Audioboom. Retrieved on May 11, 2022.
Ocean's 11 Commentary

*This article is a commentary for the 1960 Frank Sinatra film. For the 2001 Steven Soderbergh film see Ocean's Eleven Commentary. For other uses see Ocean's Eleven (disambiguation).*

## Ocean's 11

### Unlisted Guest(s)

Ben Hosley
Max Minghella (special appearance by)

### Audio link

Patreon

**Ocean's 11** (also known as **Ocean's One One**) is episode 181 of Blank Check: Special Features and a commentary for the 1960 feature film of the same name. Posted July 1, 2023.

## Summary

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> Ring a ding ding! BC:SF kicks off a new commentary series with the winner of the March Madness 2023 tournament: the Ocean's franchise. Leading off is the original 1960 film starring the Rat Pack, Ocean's 11. So grab your best fedora and add a few cubes to that glass of scotch cause you're gonna need it baby! Topics include: whether Elizabeth Taylor won a pity Oscar, Thomas the Tank Engine, 1960's fashion, and more! Plus, a surprise guest drops in.
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> **Movie starts at...6:46**
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### Milestones and Ephemera

* Lunch order: Pizza! Ring a ding ding!
* The Muppaphone

#### Box Office Game

August 10, 1960

1. Ocean's 11
2. Psycho
3. Ben Hur
4. From the Terrace
5. The Apartment

Others in the top 10: Pollyanna, Elmer Gantry, Cancan

## References

1. ↑ Blank Check Podcast. Ocean's 11. Patreon. Retrieved on July 1, 2023.
Joe Garden

**Joe Garden** (born March 10, 1970) is an American comedy writer. He is a former features editor at The Onion, where he created the characters Jim Anchower and Jackie Harvey.

For the show, upon request Joe took on the duties of making and sending out - pro bono - the commemorative buttons celebrating each of Ben's nicknames. What a glorious weirdo!

Joe was a guest for The Adventures of Tintin episode of Blank Check.
Mars Attacks!

**Mars Attacks!** is episode 203 focusing on the movie of the same name, as part of the Podward Scissorcast miniseries covering the films of Tim Burton. Posted February 10, 2019.

## Summary

> Blank Check continues its mini-series covering the films of director Tim Burton with the alien invasion comedy, *Mars Attacks!* But what are the origins of development for this 1960's trading card IP? How does this movie compare to Independence Day 20 years later? Does David have a half-sister, and if so, why has she never been mentioned before? Joined by comedian, Paul F. Tompkins (BoJack Horsman), they discuss the various performances of this stacked ensemble cast, the unusual billing, face goop, Entourage the movie and extreme Burton stereotypes such as happy suburban people and haunted ghost children.
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> And be sure to check out Paul at Vancouver's Just for Laughs Festival Sunday, February 17th with 'Mr. Jackson & Mr. Tompkins: A Two-Gentleman Improv Show'!
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A project deep in the making even before Ed Wood was made; Mars Attacks! started life when Alex Cox pitched a film "Based Upon 'Mars Attacks!' A Property of the Topps Company". It passed from director to director, writers trying to pair down the initial scripts massive scope, eventually becoming Burton's 80 million dollar homage to sci-fi B movies with an ridiculously stacked cast. One could argue that this is the last film Burton made that takes into account all of his initial hallmarks: comedy with an inner sincerity to the plots, his eccletic media diet of his youth, and high genre premises. Little did they know a little movie called Independence Day was being developed almost concurrently to Mars Attacks! and took America by storm. Mars Attacks! was left to be labelled as some sort of sad riff on the Roland Emmerich picture when it was released mere months later, partly leading to its box office disappointment.

### Milestones and Ephemera

* Jack Nicholson tried to Dr. Strangelove himself into this picture.
* Box Office: Weekend of December 13, 1996
	+ Same box office game as Jerry Maguire.

### Sponsors

* Robinhood - Oh no! A Martian diplomat has entered the studio! Fortunately he is only here to talk about Robinhood's commission free stock trading through the language translator read out by David.
* eero - Chad Kroeger has arrived in the studio and he needs an eero to save him from lack of internet connectivity, and he's not going to stand there and wait
Matt Singer

**Matt Singer** is the managing editor and film critic of the website ScreenCrush.com.

## Biography

He’s been a frequent contributor to the television shows CBS This Morning Saturday and Ebert Presents At the Movies, and his writing has also appeared in print and online at The Village Voice, The Dissolve, and Indiewire.

Matt was a guest on the Planet of the Apes episode of Podward Scissorcast. He was a guest due to his fandom of the Planet of the Apes franchise and his affinity for sci-fi films in general. He discusses the many failures of the film as an engaging piece of film making and as an entry into the franchise. He also discusses his affinity to tie in menu items relating to blockbuster films at chain restaurants.

He is the author of the book *Marvel's Spider-Man: From Amazing to Spectacular* published by Simon & Schuster. His book Opposable Thumbs comes out October 2023.
Молочный слайм

"Родственник лужа-слайма наевшийся из-за засухи водянистой сои и синтезировавший из белка растительное молоко."

**Молочный Слайм (Milk Slime)**описание: см. выше

## Молочный слайм

### Гордо:

нет

из слаймопедии:
Слайм состоящий из желеобразных наплывов мягкого творога.
Ничем не опасен, кроме того, что другие слаймы могут залезть в пруд,
 плортономика:
из молочного плорта получается "слизумительный" воздушный творог-желе. Все мамы земли обожают эго за "диетичность и необыкновенный вкус". Также из него получается... смазка! Она очень долговечна и эффективна. Цена большая из-за редкости слайма и отличного невоспроизводимого качества.

цена на плорт:

**ларго:**нет.

**места обитания:** пруды в пещерах Глубокого Карьера Индиго и Мшистой Пещере.
Lady in the Water

**Lady in the Water** is episode 46 focusing on the movie of the same name, as part of the Pod Night Shyamacast miniseries covering the filmography of M. Night Shyamalan.

## Summary

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> Richard Lawson (Vanity Fair) joins Griffin and David to examine 2006’s egotistical bedtime martyr tale, Lady in the Water. Is M. Night trying to say something subtly about his film’s critics? Why is the lady never seen in the water? How is this a movie? Seriously. Together, the BC crew examines Giamatti’s stuttering, the cookbook misdirect payoff, the Disney controversy, and explore deep Lorax cuts. Plus, new segment the Burger Report, and the return of 'What If Al Pacino Was In This?'
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### Milestones and Ephemera

* The debut of The Burger Report!
* Ben's alternate pitches instead of the titular lady appearing at a shitty apartment building: a golf course or a pirate ship
* Box office game: Weekend of July 21, 2006
Koyaanisqatsi Commentary

**Koyaanisqatsi** is episode 159 of Blank Check: Special Features and a commentary for the 1982 feature film of the same name. Posted January 1, 2023.

## Summary

>
> BC:SF starts off 2023 with a "franchise" thats a drastic departure from the MCU origins of this feed. It's of course the first entry in the Qatsi film trilogy: 1982's *Koyaanisqatsi*! Join Griffin, David, and Ben for this freewheeling commentary on Godfrey Reggio's experimental non-narrative tone poem film...and for the vibes. Topics include: the lasting influence of this work, the Philip Glass soundtrack, plane wipers, spaghetti junctions and more!
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> **Movie starts at...10:03**
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### Milestones and Ephemera

* Rian locked the gates
* Ben has gone through a dang cloud! Thumbs up!!

## References

1. ↑ Blank Check Podcast. Koyaanisqatsi. Patreon. Retrieved on January 1, 2023.
Morgan Evans

**Morgan Evans** is a comedy writer/director/actor currently living in NYC. He has been a contributing writer to *The Onion*, "The Late Show With David Letterman," "Weekend Update" on SNL, and *The Huffington Post* among others. He was also a segment producer on IFC's "The Onion News Network" and earned widespread praise for his web series "The Untitled Web Series That Morgan Evans Is Doing," which was nominated for a Writers Guild Award in 2013. He can be found on Twitter, @totallymorgan.

Morgan was a Blank Check guest on the Count Dooku episode of Attack of the Podcast. He was among the first guests on the podcast in its 'Griffin and David Present' days, and came up with the description of "flubber" while describing the confrontation between Yoda and Count Dooku in *Star Wars Episode II: Attack of the Clones*. The podcast has since adopted the term as shorthand for when CGI characters start moving in ridiculously unrealistic ways.

Warning: Morgan uses a gay slur during the episode.
James Newman

**James "Jamesy" Newman** is from New York City. He is the younger brother of Blank Check co-host Griffin Newman, who sometimes on the show has referred to him by his childhood nickname of "Jamesy." In the Space Jam episode Griffin said that their mom would spell "Jamesie" with an I as a “euro touch”. Even more info about his name: James' middle name at birth was Myron, but around age 5 his mother decided it should be Milo instead. Today he is James Milo Newman and uses that name officially and on social media.

## Biography

James grew up as the athlete in the family, and even trained for the Golden Gloves boxing tournament at one point. According to Griffin and James their father Peter 'Pistol Pete' Newman worked in the film industry but really wanted to work in sports in some capacity, so James and his father connected through their mutual passion for athletics. Later James was part of the cast of the MTV series "Skins," which was in fact his first foray into acting.

James appeared in the Blank Check episode on Space Jam, which was the movie that he and Griffin agreed most on during their childhoods - because it's a midpoint in some ways between the worlds of films/cartoons and sports. Truly this was a Family Choice selection. During the episode it was noted that he is a New York Knicks fan, like David Sims. James is also a big fan of the Tennessee Volunteers college sports teams, for unknown reasons.
Miami Vice

**Miami Vice** is episode 225 focusing on the movie of the same name, as part of The Cast of the Podhicans miniseries on the films of Michael Mann. Posted July 14, 2019.

## Summary

>
> Are you a fiend for mojitos? We are. Grab your shades and grease back your hair cause Blank Check is discussing 2006’s film remake of *Miami Vice*! Together they examine the storied history of this production, the performances of Colin Farrell and Jamie Foxx, grenade rules, casting Russell Crowe as Donkey Kong and more!
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### Milestones and Ephemera

* Box office game: Weekend of July 28, 2006

## References

1. ↑ Miami Vice on Audioboom. Retrieved September 21, 2021.
How Do You Know

*For the unit of budgetary measurement, see How Do You Know.*

**How Do You Know** is episode 161 focusing on the film of the same name and the final episode of the Podcast News miniseries. Posted April 29, 2018.

## Summary

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> In the final episode of our mini series devoted to the filmography of James L. Brooks, Griffin and David discuss the disastrous 2010 film How Do You Know. But why would Brooks at this moment in history sympathize with the business executives being held accountable for their corporate malfeasance? What does it mean when referring to a scene as a steam room? And also how do you know? Together they examine the careers of Reese Witherspoon, Paul Rudd and Owen Wilson, the Australian word for ‘grogan,’ and the 120 million dollar budget.
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Josie and the Pussycats

Josie and the Poddycasts

**Josie and the Pussycats** (also known as **Josie and the Poddycats**) is episode 162 focusing on the movie of the same name, as part of the Guest's Choice group of episodes; the Choice in this case was Angela Ferraguto's. Posted 6 May 2018.

## Summary

> This week is with special guest, Angela Ferraguto, associate producer and social media manager for this very podcast! And for this episode she picked 2001’s satirical rock comedy, *Josie and the Pussycats*. But was Griffin a big Rachael Leigh Cook fan growing up? Did Beyoncé audition for this film? Who misses Last Call with Carson Daly? Together they discuss the careers of Rosario Dawson, Alan Cumming and Tara Reid, the Muppet Baby versions of themselves, and why this is a pitch perfect send up of the early aughts that only early aught kids would get.
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Thanks to Ang Ferraguto for social media... and for making her first guest appearance on the show!

Episode write-up to come later; for now I just really needed an excuse to post Pat Reynolds' totally awesome artwork.

### Milestones and Ephemera

* Harry Elfont, co-director of the film, tweeted his support of the episode. He wrote:
> @HarryElfont: "Not sure why this is the season to podcast about a 17 year old movie but the gang at @blankcheckpod took it to another level. Two hours long! Subliminal messages! A recap of the opening weekend box office (ok I didn't need to relive that). Thanks @MagnaFarta and the guys!"
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* Follow Ang on twitter, @MagnaFarta (five comedy points), and of course @blankcheckpod.

### Sponsors

* Dollar Shave Club
* Ben Hosley's live sketch comedy show, **ＶＡＰＯＲ　２０９９**, May 11th 9:30pm at the Brick Theater in Williamsburg, Brooklyn. A sci-fi sketch comedy show from a future dystopian alternate reality cyberpunk dreamscape. Think *2001: A Space Odyssey* but with flying drones, floating 3D cones and of course, TONS of vaping. For tickets go to https://web.ovationtix.com/trs/pe.c/10284577 , or for more info go to https://www.brooklyncc.com/show-schedule/2018/5/11

## References

1. ↑ Josie and the Pussycats on Audioboom
2. ↑ Harry Elfont on Twitter.
Marvel Performance Review Special

**Marvel Performance Review Special** is episode 41 of Blank Check: Special Features and a performance review and recap episode of the entire Marvel Cinematic Universe. Posted January 11, 2020 and released from behind the paywall on January 11, 2023.

## Summary

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> Finally the long anticipated full breakdown of the MCU with Chris Gethard on our officially longest episode to date! Trust us the glasses are off (and on!)
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### Milestones and Ephemera

* **Performance review starts at 1:06:00**
* Chris talks a *lot* about Star Wars, and he never ever relitigates his opinions.
* As a reminder, in performance reviews "hard pass" is a good thing.
* If there are two fails and one pass, it becomes a soft pass. If someone gets at least one soft fail, their grade becomes a soft fail.
* Eating on mic: Chocolate orange.

## References

1. ↑ Blank Check Podcast. Marvel Performane Review Special. Patreon. Retrieved on April 17, 2022.
Ghosts of Mars

**Ghosts of Mars** is episode 352 focusing on the 2001 film of the same name and part of the They Podcast miniseries on the films of John Carpenter. Posted November 21, 2021.

## Summary

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> Contrary to popular belief (and Wikipedia), this film was NOT supposed to be another installment in the Snake Plissken series - John Carpenter just thought it would be cool to make a movie about Mars “because it’s red.” Galaxy Brain’s Dave Schilling and Jonah Ray join us to dissect Carpenter’s take on that dusty red planet, his obsession with crossfades, and his lackluster deployment of Pam Grier. Why \*is\* Mars a matriarchal society in this movie? We thought Mars needed moms…
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### Milestones and Ephemera

* The teased ep of Galaxy Brains with Dan Aykroyd: Dan Aykroyd digs into the Ghostbusters’ ghost lore
* Box office game: Weekend of August 24, 2001.

## References

1. ↑ Blank Check Podcast. Ghosts of Mars with Dave Schilling & Jonah Ray. Audioboom. Retrieved on November 28, 2021.
Miss Peregrine's Home for Peculiar Children

**Miss Peregrine's Home for Peculiar Children** is episode 213 focusing on the movie of the same name, as part of the Podward Scissorcast miniseries covering the films of Tim Burton. Posted April 21, 2019.

## Summary

>
> Writer, Emma Stefansky (Thrillist), joins Griffin and David to talk about 2016's fantasy flop: *Miss Peregrine's Home for Peculiar Children*. Together they examine the peculiarities of the children, the novel by Ransom Riggs, crossbows and famous people who are EVEN hotter in person.
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### Milestones and Ephemera

* Box office game: Weekend of September 30, 2016

## References

1. ↑ Miss Peregrine's Home for Peculiar Children on Audioboom. Retrieved September 21, 2021.
I Love You to Death

With these people trying to kill him, Benny Boca may just live forever

**I Love You to Death**, is episode 454 focusing on the 1990 film of the same name and a Ben's Choice episode. Posted December 3, 2023.

## Summary

> Mamma mia! We’ve got-a some-a sleepy pasta for-a you to taste-a this-a week! In our latest, much-awaited installment of PORCH CLASSICS, we’re handing the reins to Producer Ben, who has chosen to spotlight a forgotten comedy about “the world’s horniest pizza man who cannot die.” Lawrence Kasdan’s I LOVE YOU TO DEATH is a feast of bizarre performances (Italian-face Kevin Kline, Serb-face Joan Plowright, Stoner-face William Hurt) and tonal miscalculations. All this to say - it’s a very FUN movie to talk about.
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### Milestones and Ephemera

* New Ben miniseries nicknames: **Sympathy for Mr. Bengeance** and **Seᗺen**. As Ben had just received his Fincher nickname (**Ben Mankiewicz**) the week prior it's unclear which one is the preferred nomenclature.
* Box Office: Weekend of April 6, 1990

## Quotes

Intro:

> "*When somebody shoot you in the head it make-a you podcast.*"
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## References

1. ↑ Blank Check Podcast. I Love You to Death. Audioboom. Retrieved on December 3, 2023.
March Madness 2018 Recap - Round 3

**March Madness 2018 Recap - Round 3** is episode 155 discussing the Blank Check March Madness 2018 event. It was released mid-week and filed as a Standalone March Madness episode. Posted 29 Mar 2018.

## Summary

>
> Another b-b-b-b-bonus episode recapping Blank Check’s March Madness bracket! Who were the winners and losers? Who will make into the final 4? Is this still a spot on drivetime sports talk radio parody? Tune in to find out and remember to get in on all the action over at https://twitter.com/blankcheckpod!
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Drive-time sports-radio-talkers Griff "The Grip" Newman and David "Dawg" Sims (arf!) join their producer "The Fuckmaster" in the studio once again! It's a mid-week minisode to recap more results in the 2018 Blank Check March Madness event, from the end of the round 1 to the closing moments of round 3.

What should voters consider when casting their votes, according to David? What does Ben think about the professional implications, and what about The Fuckmaster's opinions on the remaining directors? How much does Griffin like having this difficult choice being out of their hands, delivered by the people?

The contract is still being negotiated, but David had an idea for incentivizing Meyers voters... will we all get to hear Romilly's Kitchen Korner in all seven episodes on the films of Nancy Meyers? Stay tuned for the exciting conclusion of Blank Check March Madness!

### Milestones and Ephemera

* Upcoming juggernaut miniseries - 10-parter on *The Day the Clown Cried*
* Crass Joke Corner: in the studio is a Brest man, a leg guy, and a butt boy. Moving on.
* Emma Stefansky: "What is it that Michael Mann fans call themselves... Men?"
* Besson vs. Heckerling: Luc Who's Talking
* Twitter: great website, never done anything wrong

### Sponsors

A huge week for new sponsors! Dan Candyman rings the doorbell and stops in momentarily but Producer Ben reads off all the copy:

* Shrimp Powder
* FindMyMapApp
* BOYZ Noise Canceling Headphones
* AT *or* T
* FoodJar
* Cod Past (the book)

## References

1. ↑ Blank Check Podcast. March Madness 2018 Recap - Round 3. Audioboom. Retrieved on May 21, 2022.
Julio Torres

Julio Torres is a writer for Saturday Night Live and the Upcoming HBO show Los Espookys. He was also formerly a consulting producer on *The Chris Gethard Show*.

Julio was a guest on the Edward Scissorhands episode of Podward Scissorcast. Much of his work is influenced by Tim Burton's films and he is a big fan of Colleen Atwood's costume design on his films and in general. He related to the outsider story of Edward Scissorhands.
Men in Black II Commentary

**Men in Black II** (also known as **MIIB**) is episode 166 of Blank Check: Special Features and a commentary for the 2002 feature film of the same name. Posted March 1, 2023.

## Summary

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> The Men in Black commentary series continues with the 2002 follow-up: Men in Black II. Topics include: the many failings compared to the original film, both of Johnny Knoxville’s heads, the infamous pitch and more!
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### Milestones and Ephemera

* Box Office Game: Weekend of July 5, 2002
* The MIIB pitch was originally discussed in the Avatarland/The Second Blank Check Mailbag episode
* Ben's putting this high on the list of worst movies they have ever covered

## References

1. ↑ Blank Check Podcast. Men in Black II. Patreon. Retrieved on March 1, 2023.
Guests

The hosts frequently invite friends, writers, artists, entertainers, and others who are enthusiastic to talk about films to be featured guests on episodes of the podcast. Alphabetically, the following people have made guest appearances on Blank Check.

## Featured Guests List

Guests are listed alphabetically by first name, but the first column sorting allows you to sort by last name. "SF" indicates a Blank Check: Special Features episode. "TTW" indicates an episode of the secret podcast.

## Guests Statistics

Nineteen guests have made more than 4 appearances on Blank Check podcasts. Once a guest has made five appearances on the main feed they join the Five-Timers Club. #thetwofriends consider the Titanic episodes one single appearance, despite being two episodes.

Six guests have appeared on Patreon episodes but have not made an appearance on a main feed episode. They are Jordan Fish, Ramona Head, Alejandro Kolleeny, Peter Newman, Aidan Shepard, and Whitney McIntosh.

As the notoriety of show has increased there has been an increasing number of guests who have appeared in or worked on the films covered by the show, a list of those guests can be found here.

## References

1. ↑ 1.0 1.1 #thetwofriends count these as a single episode, despite being released a week apart.
2. ↑ #thetwofriends consider these two separate episodes, even though they were released in the same week.
3. ↑ Includes one appearance on the secret Talking the Walk podcast.
Howl's Moving Podcastle

**Howl's Moving Podcastle** is a miniseries on the Films of Hayao Miyazaki. The series began in August 2019.

## Summary

This is the second miniseries to focus on animation (after The Podcastibles on the films of Brad Bird), and the first to feature a director who has exclusively directed animation. The miniseries included an episode on the documentary abut Miyazaki, The Kingdom of Dreams and Madness.

This miniseries is preceded by the The Cast of the Podhicans miniseries on the films of Michael Mann. It is followed by the Stop Making Podcasts miniseries on the films of Jonathan Demme.

### Milestones and Ephemera

* Producer Ben nickname: **Hausicaä of the Ditch of the Jersey**
* Losing miniseries titles: Podcastle in the Sky, Podcastle of Cagliostro

## Ranking The Filmography

The host rankings were given at the end of The Kingdom of Dreams and Madness bonus episode. At the conclusion of the miniseries, the Blankies rankings were compiled from a voting thread found on the r/Blankies sub-reddit, where the results were later posted.
Guardians of the Galaxy Commentary

**Guardians of the Galaxy** (also known as **Nice Space Friends**) is episode 18 of Blank Check: Special Features and a commentary episode on the Marvel Cinematic Universe film of the same name. Posted May 21, 2019.

## Summary

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> More BC:SF MCU commentary recorded at Big Nice studios in New York City! But this time, Griffin, David and Producer Ben are joined by past and future guest, Sam Rogal (Magnet Theater), to discuss Guardians of the Galaxy!
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### Milestones and Ephemera

* **Movie starts at (approx.) 0:12:33.**
* The episode was released from behind the paywall on May 21, 2022.
* Lots of vape talk, lots of dick talk.
* Ben: pro-space.
* Matt Albie's Studio 60 twitter: @MattAlbie60
* Actress who plays the mom is also in Captain America. The only Marvel double dip! At time of recording.
* Buried jeans update: Ben marked the spots.
* Box-office game: Weekend of August 1, 2014

## References

1. ↑ Guardians of the Galaxy on Patreon. Retrieved February 18, 2021.
Heat

**Heat** is episode 221 focusing on the movie of the same name, as part of The Cast of the Podhicans miniseries on the films of Michael Mann. Posted June 16, 2019.

## Summary

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> Comedian Jon Gabrus joins Griffin and David for an epic conversation on 1995's Cops and Robbers aren't so different movie, Heat. But what did director William Friedkin call Al Pacino in his biography? Is someone reading a metal making book at the bar mysterious? Who is the legendary Craig Castaldo AKA Radio Man? Together they examine the performances of Al Pacino and Robert DeNiro, Dad cinema, the diner scene and more!
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### Milestones and Ephemera

* This episode held the podcast record for the longest episode for over a year before being beaten by Lucky Numbers.
* Box office game: Weekend of December 15, 1995
	+ Same game as Sense and Sensibility.

## References

1. ↑ Heat on Audioboom. Retrieved September 6, 2020.
Our Performance Review 3.0

**Our Performance Review 3.0** is episode 29 and the sixth part of the Revenge of The Podcast miniseries. Posted 30 Oct 2015.

## Summary

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> In this episode Griffin and David complete their performance reviews of the Phantom Menace trilogy with special guest Chris Gethard (*The Chris Gethard Show*, *Iron Man 3*). Together they examine *Revenge of the Sith’s* entire cast and rate all the major players\* – actor by actor. From Ben Cooke as Kit Fisto, to Jimmy Smits' portrayal of Senator Bail Organa getting a soft pass for “taking the girl,” to why Silas Caron as Ki-Adi-Mundi (in one of his dual roles) kills it before being murdered and SO MUCH MORE! SERIOUSLY IT’S A LOT!
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> How does this exhaustive in-depth look compare to some of the actor’s rankings from the previous films? What line of dialogue is David Bowers best known for? What exactly is a salty ol’ space dog?
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> Plus, Chris offers new (and controversial) perspectives on the trilogy/NBA comparisons, justification for background players being good or bad and the many reasons why everyone hates General Grievous. He also brings his trademark empathy to the table, for discussions of some of the actors who were ill-served by the writing, had maybe checked out mentally to preserve their own sanity, or were just plain in over their heads.
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> \*Much of the cast discussed have seconds of total screen time!?
>
>
>
>

This episode is a favorite of blankies and hosts alike. David never fails to be tickled pink by Gethard's dubbing of the "salty old space dog," and the stories of Jeff Van Gundy's multiple automotive adventures will have you rolling. Be sure to listen all the way to the end for a perfect display of just how good Producer Ben really is at manning the ones and zeroes.

### Milestones and Ephemera

* Ki-Adi-Mundi: Grayson Boucher
* Anakin Skywalker: Lebron James

## References

1. ↑ Blank Check Podcast. Our Performance Review 3.0. Audioboom. Retrieved on August 29, 2022.
Iron Man Commentary

**Iron Man** is episode 1 of Blank Check: Special Features and a commentary episode on the Marvel Cinematic Universe film of the same name. Posted January 1, 2019.

## Summary

> Welcome to 2019 and to **Blank Check: Special Features**! In our first premium episode, #thetwofriends and Producer Ben begin their commentary series on the Marvel Cinematic Universe with 2008's *Iron Man*. But what is the "Big Nice"? What is the nickname for our Patreon listeners? Where were the boys living in 2008? Watch with us to find out!
> Movie begins at 8:07.
>
>

### Milestones and Ephemera

* The episode was released from behind the paywall on January 1, 2022.
* Box office game: Weekend of May 2, 2008.
Old Dogs - Blank Check LIVE!

## Old Dogs

Marie, Checky, Griffin, David, the Boss Baby, and Ben, lovingly drawn by the great Joe Bowen.

### Guest(s)

Ben Hosley
Marie Bardi

### Reddit thread

Link

**Old Dogs - Blank Check LIVE! at the Bell House** is episode 139 of Blank Check: Special Features focusing on the 2009 feature film of the same name. Posted June 11, 2022.

## Summary

>
> On a balmy evening last month, Griffin, David, Ben, and Marie gathered with 300-some Blankies at the Bell House in Brooklyn to screen a remarkable motion picture.
>
>
> That's right - we're talking about Walt Becker's seminal 2009 disasterpiece *OLD DOGS* - a movie that only Griffin had seen before that night. We had \*a lot\* of questions.
>
>
> For those of you who were unable to attend, we present to you an audio recording of the show. If you wish to put yourself through the psychological torture of watching *OLD DOGS* along with this live commentary, we've added SFX cues throughout to know when to start and pause the film.
>
>
> We want to give a huge thank you to Alex Barron for editing this episode, and another big thank you to everyone who showed up to watch this with us. We can't apologize enough.
>
>
>
>

### Milestones and Ephemera

* **Movie starts at approximately 0:12:58**
	+ The first pause comes within a minute, so if you're watching along, buckle up.
* Buzzer summary:
	+ David - boi-oi-oing!
	+ Griffin - clang!
	+ Marie - honk!
	+ Ben - honk honk!
* Shout out to Romilly Newman and also big shout out to this wiki!
* Ben finds out in real time what Aunt Becky has been up to lately.
* Perhaps the only Disney movie to earn comparisons to Gaspar Noé.
* Box-Office Game: Weekend of November 27, 2009

## Quotes

>
>
>
>

## References

1. ↑ Blank Check Podcast. Old Dogs. Patreon. Retrieved on June 12, 2022.
Gone Girl

**Gone Girl** is episode 451 focusing on the 2014 film of the same name as part of the The Curious Pod of Benjamin Buttcast miniseries on the films of David Fincher. Posted November 12, 2023.

## Summary

> “Amazing Amy” meets “Awkwardly-Smiling Affleck” in Fincher’s darkly comic masterpiece - an instant classic from that first shot of Rosamund Pike’s pretty head. The delightful Esther Zuckerman (who will definitely NOT “gone girl” her boyfriend) joins us to discuss this impressive work of adaptation. We’re asking all the big questions - is “Amazing Amy” actually a good children’s book? Did Tyler Perry take any directing tips from David Fincher when he made BOO! A MADEA HALLOWEEN? Would this movie work as well with Reese Witherspoon and Jon Hamm as the two leads? Why haven’t we gone long on the career of one Benjamin G. Affleck yet?
>
>
> Guest Links:
>
> Buy Esther’s Book Beyond the Best Dressed
>
> Pre-Order Esther’s Book Falling in Love at the Movies
>
>
>
>

### Milestones and Ephemera

* Box Office Game: Weekend of October 3, 2014

## Quotes

Intro:

> "*--You fucking podcast!
> --I'm the podcast you married. The only time you liked yourself was when you were trying to be someone this podcast might like. I'm not a quitter, I'm that podcast. I killed for you; who else can say that? You think you'd be happy with a nice Midwestern podcast? No way, baby! I'm it.*"
>
>
>

## References

1. ↑ Blank Check Podcast. Gone Girl. Audioboom. Retrieved on November 12, 2023.
Judging The Judge

**Judging the Judge** is episode 12 and a standalone episode. Posted 8 June 2015.

## Summary

>
> One year ago acclaimed actors Robert Downey Jr. and Robert Duvall appeared together in the film The Judge. The movie is about a big city lawyer returning to his childhood home where his father, the town’s judge, is suspected of killing someone after running them over. It was directed by David Dobkin, was the first feature release from “Team Downey,” Robert and wife Susan’s production company AND Duvall even received a Oscar nomination for best supporting actor. It must be great.
>
>
> No it’s a steaming pile of garbage.
>
>
> You the fans did not ask for it, but in this week’s special episode hosts Griffin and David judged the Judge. Together, they discuss at length the trajectory of RDJ’s career and what lead him to turn down roles in Gravity, Oz the Great and Powerful and Inherent Vice to produce and star in the Judge, why Dobkin thinks he’s funny and why possible incest is always a great sign for drama.
>
>
> Music courtesy of "Night Court Theme" by Jack Elliott
>
>
>
>

### Milestones and Ephemera

* On Avatarland/The Second Blank Check Mailbag, Griffin lists this as his pick for the best episode they've ever done, and the "Judging The Judge" theme song as his proudest moment. This episode is also frequently cited by Blankies as among the best starting places for first time listeners.
* Rock and Roll Vinyl salary: Undisclosed
* Bagel chewing: Copius
* Pre-box office game, but it would be: Weekend of October 10, 2014.
* In 2022 in a live episode of The George Lucas Talk Show, Watto asked guest David Krumholtz if Robert Downey Jr. was method in the scene where RDJ peed on him. Krumholtz was shocked that Watto pulled that film so quickly and also said that RDJ did not piss on him.

## References

1. ↑ Blank Check. Judging the Judge. Audioboom. Retrieved on August 29, 2022.
2. ↑ The George Lucas Talk Show. The George Lucas Talk Show // LIVE in New York with David Krumholtz and Marceline Hugot. YouTube. Retrieved on August 29, 2022.
Full Metal Jacket

**Full Metal Jacket** is episode 400 focusing on the 1987 film of the same name as part of Pods Wide Cast miniseries on the films of Stanley Kubrick. Posted November 6, 2022.

## Summary

>
> Alright, maggots, listen up! We’ve got the Action Boy himself - Jon Gabrus - back on the podcast to talk about Kubrick’s bifurcated Vietnam War classic FULL METAL JACKET. We’re retiring the “retired bit” in order to talk about Matthew Modine as Private Joker. We’re getting into the etymology of “poontang.” We’re attempting to articulate what makes a movie feel like an “80s movie” and why this film absolutely doesn’t. And - we’re gonna end up on a very long tangent about the talking head comedy shows of the mid-aughts. Do we make ourselves clear? SIR, YES, SIR.
>
>
>
>

### Milestones and Ephemera

* Ricco Ross tells his Kubrick/Cameron story on the 2nd episode of *I Was There Too* with Matt Gourley.
* "Good Day, Mr. Cue-Brick": The full Brian Atene audition tape.
* Vincent D'Onofrio as Thor
* Is shaving heads satisfying? Did 'Hair by Leonard' phone it in for this one?
* Teased a potential Peter Jackson mini - Griff's right *The Frighteners* does rip.
* An even bigger tease for a Joe Dante mini.
* Box office game: Weekend of July 10, 1987

## References

1. ↑ Blank Check Podcast. Full Metal Jacket. Audioboom. Retrieved on November 6, 2022.
2. ↑ I Was There Too Podcast. Aliens with Ricco Ross. Earwolf. Retrieved on November 7, 2022.
3. ↑ Martin Schneider (01-08-2016). ‘Good Day, Mr. Kubrick’: The Most Memorably Goofy Audition Tape of the 1980s. dangerousminds.net. Retrieved on November 7, 2022.
Interstellar

**Interstellar** is an episode focusing on the movie of the same name, as part of the The Pod Knight Casts miniseries covering the filmography of Christopher Nolan. Posted August 27 2017.

## Summary

>
> This week, a tired Griffin and a rested David discuss 2014’s time traveling space odyssey, Interstellar. But how are gravity and love intertwined? Is spinning during space travel the new normal? How is Spielberg involved in this film? Together they examine Matthew McConaughey’s performance, the tesseract’s design, Griffin shares Ellen Burstyn stories and introducing a special segment ‘TARS talk’ with past and future guest David Rees!
>
>
>
>

It's David's favorite film of the decade: 2014 Christopher Nolan's *Interstellar*. #TheTwoFriends get together to discuss it... and with every word he speaks, a hoarse Griffin reminds us that no one should ever make a TV show (or, more accurately, promote a TV show).

On topic: this may have simultaneously been Matthew McConaughey's finest performance and the end of his comeback (the so-called McConaissance). As Coop, did he figure out how to express every emotion straight from his face to the camera? What is the one word that David can use as an entry point into a pretty good, though limited, McConaughey impression?

How was Spielberg involved early on with this film? Why did Matt Damon decide to do two movies in a row about being stranded on another planet while awaiting rescue from Jessica Chastain? (Unlike *The Martian*, this one's not a comedy.) Why did Coop's son's voice go up an octave after he grew up? Are TARS and CASE the coolest things ever in the history of the universe? Full Asterisk Mode!

Together David and Griffin examine the tesseract’s design, discuss theories of gravitation and love, Griffin shares Ellen Burstyn stories, and everyone talks about the best moments of "Arrested Development" Season 2.

Stay tuned mid-episode for a special segment ‘TARS talk’ with past and future guest David Rees!

### Milestones and Ephemera

* Former coworker of David's at The Wire magazine: Joe Reid
* Indoor kids at arts camp: Griffin and his school friend Derek
* Giving himself comedy points for the act of giving himself comedy points: Griffin. This is through-the-wormhole interdimensional stuff here.
* Videos of people talking about their Criterion collections: Griffin's favorite ASMR
* "Griffin?" "Yes?" "*Try silence*."
* In the Best of the Decade Blankies Awards David placed this film 2nd on his top 10 and nominated the film for Best Director and Best Score.

## References

1. ↑ Blank Check Podcast. Interstellar. Audioboom. Retrieved on May 21, 2022.
National Treasure: Book of Secrets Commentary

**National Treasure: Book of Secrets** is episode 158 of Blank Check: Special Features and a commentary for the 2007 feature film of the same name. Posted December 21, 2022.

## Summary

>
> BC:SF opens up the book of secrets in the final installment of the National Treasure commentary series. Topics include: Justin Bartha’s looks throughout the movie, the end of the UK bit, hating the Eiffel Tower, favorite national monuments and more!
>
>
> **Movie starts at...3:40**
>
>
> **Movie restarts at...1:28:00**
>
>
>
>
>

### Milestones and Ephemera

* Congratulations to Ben on quitting smoking!!
* Definitely missing The D
* The U.K. Bit is officially deceased. Not retired, but fully dead.
* Box Office Game: Weekend of December 21, 2007
	+ Same box office game as Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street

## References

1. ↑ Blank Check Podcast. National Treasure: Book of Secrets. Patreon. Retrieved on December 21, 2022.
Other Coraline

The hosts of Other Blank Check

**Other Coraline** is episode 407 of Blank Check with Other Griffin and Other David, focusing on the 2009 film of the same name as part of The Other Podmare Before Castmas miniseries on the films of Other Henry Selick. Posted January 8, 2023.

## Summary

Author of *Medallion Status* and *Vacationland* (available at fine bookstores everywhere) and star of *Coraline*, John Hodgman, joins the podcast to discuss the film and his performance.

### Milestones and Ephemera

* John performs the Other Father's Coraline song!
* Dicktown on Hulu...

*Creeeeeaaak....*

## References

1. ↑ @blankcheckpod (2023-01-06). A reminder that we return to our Henry Selick series this weekend with CORALINE, and absolutely nothing is weird or different about us.. Twitter. Retrieved on January 19, 2023.
Liza with a Z

**Liza with a Z** is episode 142 of Blank Check: Special Features focusing on the 1972 concert film of the same name as part of the Pod That Jazzcast miniseries on the films of Bob Fosse. Posted July 11, 2022.

## Summary

>
> For July's bonus episode, BC:SF is taking a deep dive into all things Liza Minnelli with the Bob Fosse directed 1972 concert film *Liza with a Z*. Marie Bardi joins the gang to discuss their favorite numbers, the best fits, getting names wrong, Liza's legacy as a cultural figure and more!
>
>
>
>

### Milestones and Ephemera

* Unlike the state of Massachusetts, Griffin does want you to fuck on his grave.
* 🎶When you get caught between the moon and New York City🎶
* Will Marie stick around for the The Batman Commentary??

## References

1. ↑ Blank Check Podcast. Liza with a Z. Patreon. Retrieved on July 11, 2022.
2. ↑ How A Liza Minnelli Movie Changed the Law in Massachusetts. New Boston Post. Retrieved on July 12, 2022.
Jamie Loftus

**Jamie Loftus** is an American stand up comedian and cartoonist. She is also the host of the podcast *The Bechdel Cast* with Caitlin Durante.

## Biography

Jamie was a guest on the Dark Shadows episode of Podward Scissorcast. She was brought on to try an comment on the weird sexuality of Tim Burton films and also her (and her family's) relation to the 60's Soap Opera the film is based on.

She is the author of the non-fiction book *Raw Dog: The Naked Truth About Hot Dogs.*
Army of Darkness

**Army of Darkness** is episode 371 focusing on the 1993 film of the same name as part of Podcast Me to Hell miniseries on the films of Sam Raimi. Posted April 17, 2022.

## Summary

>
> KLAATU BARADA NIKTO - did we get that right? Writer Eva Anderson (WeCrashed, You’re the Worst) joins us as we attempt to answer several questions related to the final entry in the Evil Dead trilogy - 1993’s *Army of Darkness*. Why was this film not called MEDIEVAL DEAD? Did Embeth Davidtz and Liam Neeson talk about Sam Raimi on the set of Schindler’s List? How does Ben feel about the concept of a town pit? And most importantly, we introduce a tantalizing Hollywood mystery - was there a falling out between Silver Lake roommates Sam Raimi, Joel & Ethan Coen, Frances McDormand, Holly Hunter, and their sixth roommate…Kathy Bates?
>
>
>
>

### Milestones and Ephemera

* Box-office game: Weekend of February 19, 1993 — happy fourth birthday, Griffin! 🎂
* Check out The Box Office Game! It rules!

## Quotes

>
>
> | Ben: |  Okay, what's... Wordle?
> | Eva: |  Oh no, Ben.
> | David: |  Come on, Ben.
> | Griffin: |  Come on.
> | David: |  You know about Wordle.
> | Ben: |  [softly] Yeah, I do.
> | Griffin: |  DO YOU?! I can't tell if you're bailing on a bit or you're pretending. You don't have to pretend that you love it, but do you know what it is?
>
>

## References

1. ↑ Blank Check Podcast. Army of Darkness. Audioboom. Retrieved on April 17, 2022.
Love & Basketball

**Love & Basketball** is episode 284 focusing on the film of the same name and the first in the miniseries Pod & Basketcast. Posted August 9, 2020.

## Summary

>
> It’s rare we get to start a mini-series with a classic. 20 years after its release, Gina Prince-Bythewood’s directorial debut still stands the test of time as a top-tier cinematic love story. This week’s all about *Love and Basketball* (2000), which would set the tone for her career. But what’s the story that led her there? Carl Tart (*The Good Place*, *Comedy Bang Bang*) joins as we discuss how Sanaa Lathan fought for her big break, the impact of seeing a romance between two Black leads on the big screen (and VHS), and confuse Griffin with WNBA and NBA stats.
>
>
>
>

### Milestones and Ephemera

* Carl's mom was not in *Disappearing Acts*, but was in *Strange Days*. She just owned *Disappearing Acts* on VHS.
Married to the Mob

**Married to the Mob** is episode 251 focusing on the film of the same name directed by Jonathan Demme as part of the Stop Making Podcasts miniseries. Posted January 5, 2020.

## Summary

>
> She's MARRIED to the MOB. Now that we have that out of the way, get ready for 25 minutes of discussion about the Kids Choice Awards. Which Marvel movie would work directed by Scorsese? Why in the world is everyone fighting over Ed Begley, Jr. when Michelle Pfeiffer is so much better? What was everyone's shit job in New York? And find out why Ang is so perfect to guest on this episode.
>
>
>
>

### Milestones and Ephemera

* In the Spreadmaster's Delight episode, Griffin and David nominated Michelle Pfeiffer for Best Actress 1988.

## References

1. ↑ Blank Check Podcast. Married to the Mob with Ang Ferraguto. Audioboom. Retrieved on July 5, 2022.
In the Mouth of Madness

**In the Mouth of Madness** is episode 348 focusing on the 1994 film of the same name and part of the They Podcast miniseries on the films of John Carpenter. Posted October 31, 2021 👻.

## Summary

>
> Just in time for Halloween - it’s the conclusion of Carpenter’s “Apocalypse Trilogy” and one of the best Lovecraftian horrors ever to grace the silver screen! Vulture’s Angelica Jade Bastién joins us to chat “In the Mouth of Madness,” and we wonder - is Sam Neill a “dang ass freak”? Should this movie take place in a more “airport paperback” environment, like a beach town? What would you do if you saw the head of production at New Line getting…uh… “serviced” in public at an Oscar party? Grab your Sutter Cane book and listen up!
>
>
>
>

### Milestones and Ephemera

* Ben and Angelica's recommendation for consuming Carpenter: Rise & Carp!
* Angelica's thoughts on Lovecraft and *Lovecraft Country*: jerk off motion.
* "Everyone is Beautiful and No One is Horny" by RS Benedict, *Blood Knife*
* Who's on your time travel fuck list?
* Angelica confirms Griffina Benducer Sims looks like the Boss Baby.
* Box Office: Weekend of February 3, 1995

## References

1. ↑ Blank Check Podcast. In the Mouth of Madness with Angelica Jade Bastién. Audioboom. Retrieved on 🦇October 31, 2021.