recursal/Fanatic-Fandom huggingface dataset:
Unbreakable

**Unbreakable** is episode 42 focusing on the movie of the same name, as part of the Pod Night Shyamacast miniseries covering the filmography of M. Night Shyamalan. Posted 8 Feb 2016.

## Summary

> Matt Patches (Thrillist, Grantland) joins Griffin and David this week to discuss Shyamalan’s fourth feature, Unbreakable. This sad and muted superhero film where mostly nothing happens was seen by many critics and fans as a “sophomore slump” when released in 2000. But what are some of it’s redeeming qualities? How does it stand out among the Marvel superhero movie craze in the years that followed?
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> Oh and is there a twist you ask? Well listen along as the gang unpacks the making and reception of Unbreakable, together examine the stylistic choices incorporating the visual language of comic books, begin to notice a pattern of recurring themes related to loveless marriages and disturbed children, and try to shake the dead eyes of Spencer Treat Clark.
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Matt Patches is invited into the broom-closet-sized studio, as a native Philadelphian, to talk about M. Night's Philadelphia-set movie *Unbreakable*. The quietest and slowest superhero movie in history!

Teenaged Griffin believed this to be a perfect film. Can he be objective about it these many years later? M. Night Shyamalan was compared to Spielberg starting after this movie - are their instincts and tendencies really comparable? Is this score unreservedly great or is there maybe something that should be removed? Does Shyamalan have a problem with water, and if so might it have something to do with Philly?

To close it out, a Performance Review! Keep in mind that #TheTwoFriends only had the "River of Ham" analogy at their disposal back when this episode was recorded. "Paprika" didn't come into being until.... well..... let's just say it was kinda fun to hear the episode's discussion & dismissal of a sequel to this movie. SPOILER ALERT.

### Milestones and Ephemera

* A shuffling emotionless golem: Bruce Willis
* Ben's Edits: a montage in the weightlifting scene. "Take it to the limit, dah da dah dah dah."
* The first X-Men movie, in retrospect: Charming
* Kimmy Schmidt: Unbreakable
* In 2022, this episode was chosen by Sean Malin in the *Vulture* feature "Start Here" as an excellent starting point for new listeners.

## Quotes

>
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> | Ben: | Who would have done the Unbreakable rap in 2000?
> | David: |  Someone from the Wu-Tang Clan because they love superheroes. The RZA?
> | Griffin: |  Sisqo would have. They’d have called it "The Glass Song."
> | Everyone: |  [Silence.]
> | Griffin: |  Let me break that gla-a–a-ass.
> | David: |  [sighs.]
> | Griffin: |  Negative ten points?
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## References

1. ↑ Unbreakable on Audioboom.
2. ↑ Sean Malin. Want to Try *Blank Check*? Start Here.. Vulture. Retrieved on August 11, 2022.
The Royalty of Naboo

**The Royalty of Naboo** is episode 2 and the second part of the The Phantom Podcast miniseries, posted 30 Mar 2015.

## Summary

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> Queen-elect, high school dropout, hand maiden?
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> This week Griffin and David look at Queen Amidala and the history of the royalty of Naboo. Why was actress Natalie Portman widely trashed for her performance in this movie? With the complicated costumes, the extravagant hair, the memorable make up, was it the strange choice to speak like a Canadian from South Park? Was Keira Knightley acting as Queen Amidala’s double supposed to be a surprise? These questions and more are answered in this sophomore installment.
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> Plus, Griffin talks merch where he spotlights the separately sold hyperdrive repair kit and the boys restate their hypothesis: Was if this movie is about Trade Regulations?
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So, what is the film about? I think it's about the necessary end of.... aristocracy? Right?  Or is it, mo' money, mo' problems?  Or perhaps, Queen for a day?

Two years after this episode was recorded (during The First Blank Check Mailbag episode), this episode was cited by Producer Ben as the moment when he thought the show had definite potential, due especially to the on-mic chemistry.

### Milestones

* Ben Hosley Nickname Added: **Pro-doer Ben**
* A Portman's Dozen: 14
* The Whole Planet: A City
* Merchandise Spotlight! (Called "Merchandise Side-Bar" here)

## References

1. ↑ Blank Check Podcast. The Royalty of Naboo. Audioboom. Retrieved on August 30, 2022.
The Old Guard

**The Old Guard** is episode 287 focusing on the film of the same name and the final episode (for now) of the Pod & Basketcast miniseries. Posted August 30, 2020.

## Summary

>
> In *The Old Guard* (2020), Charlize Theron, Kiki Layne, and a group of immortal warriors define why it's worth living to fight another day. Plus they look extremely cool doing it. This week, we wrap up Gina Prince-Bythewood's series with her most recent film, released on Netflix mid-pandemic. How has 2020 affected the release and how we watch it (preferably from a porch)? What do we want to see out of a sequel? What's the best Netflix movie formula? Join Griffin, David and Ben as we list our favorite Prince-Blythwood movies and what blank checks we're looking forward to in the future.
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### Milestones and Ephemera

* David's interview with Gina Prince-Bythewood in *The Atlantic*: The Woman Who Made the Best Action Movie of 2020
* Due to the pandemic and the slim prospect of theater re-openings, they speculate this might be the last new movie they cover in 2020.
	+ They were right! They didn't cover Wonder Woman 1984 and Tenet until January 2021.
* Nominated by Griffin for Best Adapted Screenplay at The Sixth Annual Blank Check Awards. Griffin also placed it at #10 on his top 10.

## References

1. ↑ Blank Check Podcast. The Old Guard. Audioboom. Retrieved on July 5, 2022.
Sam Rogal

**Sam Rogal** (@SamRogal on Twitter) is an actor, comedian and improv coach based in New York City. He performs regularly at the Magnet Theater in Manhattan.

Sam was a guest for the Terminator 2: Judgment Day episode of Blank Check. He is a long time friend of Griffin Newman and was part of the famous road trip during which the concept of "comedy points" was originated.
The Cameraman/Spite Marriage

**The Cameraman/Spite Marriage** is episode 429 focusing on the 1928 and 1929 films of the same names as part of Podcast Jr. miniseries on the films of Buster Keaton. Posted June 11, 2023.

## Summary

> Our Buster Keaton series comes to a conclusion as his period of creative independence does, with his first two features for MGM: THE CAMERAMAN and SPITE MARRIAGE. The former? Debatably a meta-masterpiece, with a Chinatown setpiece for the ages and one very adorable monkey. The latter? Well, you can see the downward spiral start to take shape. In this episode, we fill in the later years of Buster’s life and career, give our final Keaton rankings, and attempt to cheer Ben up after a very demoralizing restaurant experience.
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### Milestones and Ephemera

* New York used to be lousy with ticker-tape parades: Every ticker-tape parade that has taken place in Lower Manhattan.

## Box Office Game

**The Cameraman**

1. The River Pirate
2. Wings
3. The Patriot
4. The Docks of New York
5. The Whip

Others in the top 10: Our Dancing Daughters, Tempest, The Terror, Lilac Time, The Cameraman

**Spite Marriage**

March 1929

1. The Wild Party
2. The Broadway Melody
3. Chinatown Nights
4. Wolf Song
5. Speakeasy

### Sponsors

* Browneyes from *Go West* shows up to promote MUBI proving any cow can be a cinéaste.

## Films

Buster Keaton & Edward Sedgwick- Il cameraman o Io e la scimmia (1928)Full Movie

## References

1. ↑ Blank Check Podcast. The Cameraman/Spite Marriage. Audioboom. Retrieved on June 13, 2023.
Thirst

**Thirst** is episode 438 focusing on the 2009 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 13, 2023.

## Summary

> Move over, Dracula. Eat your heart out Edward Cullen. A new sexy vampire is in town, and he just happens to be a PRIEST! Park Chan-Wook reunites with the wonderful Song Kang-ho to put his own stamp on the popular genre with 2009’s THIRST. Inverse’s Hoi-Tran Boi joins us to chat about this darkly funny (and devilishly sound-designed) film, an adaptation of Emile Zola’s classic novel Thérèse Raquin. How do the rules of vampirism translate to a culture where everything is cooked with garlic?
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### Milestones and Ephemera

* Box Office Game: Weekend of July 31, 2009

## References

1. ↑ Blank Check Podcast. Thirst. Audioboom. Retrieved on August 14, 2023.
Thor Commentary

**Thor** is episode 6 of Blank Check: Special Features and a commentary episode on the Marvel Cinematic Universe film of the same name. Posted February 21, 2019.

## Summary

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> Another installment of live MCU commentary recorded at Big Nice studios in New York City! This time Griffin, David and Producer Ben discuss 2011's *Thor*.
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### Milestones and Ephemera

* **They start the movie around 00:01:22**, but they do not countdown to the start!
* The episode was released from behind the paywall on February 21, 2022.
* The origin of multiple Blank Check jokes:
	+ River of Ham
	+ NAR: No acting required.
* Ben is launching a fashion line: BURIED JEANS!
* When they recorded it, it was close to Christmas. Ben confirmed that the stocking were, in fact, hung by the chimney with care.
* A very thirsty episode.
* Box office game: Weekend of May 6, 2011.
The Twilight Saga

Reddit artwork by u/Ioncelostashoe

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

## Summary

The commentary miniseries began in May 2021. The franchise won the second Special Features March Madness tournament, soundly beating *The Mummy* films. The success of the franchise in the tournament was helped by the promise of an appearance by past and future guest/blankie Chris Weitz, director of *New Moon*.

## Ranking The Filmography

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

## References

1. ↑ u/mi-16evil, What's your Twilight rankings?, reddit. Retrieved November 22, 2021.
Chimnasia

A planet filled with smoke stacks and cobblestone streets, has a distinct X-Marsey feel. Its core is an insatiable beast. The gravity of the planet varies by location.

## Background

The crew of the Bargarean Jade visited Chimnasia on X-Marse. They were met by a wise, kindly chimney sweep named Rip Seeso who told them tales of X-Marses long, long ago.

Chimnasia is also home to urchin droids.
The Weight of Water

**The Weight of Water** is episode 132 focusing on the movie of the same name, as part of the Pod-19: The Widowcaster miniseries covering the filmography of Kathryn Bigelow. Posted October 22, 2017

## Summary

> Karen Han (Slashfilm) and Emma Stefansky (ScreenCrush) join #thetwofriends to discuss 2001’s confused thriller, *The Weight of Water*. But what is the weight of water exactly? Was Elizabeth Hurley really ever a punk? Does Producer Ben get annoyed during the recording of this episode? Together they discuss Karen’s boys, love rhombuses, faking birthdays and their thoughts on *mother!*
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The time has come, the movie that left Griffin and David hesitant to covering Bigelow, The Weight of Water. To sweeten the deal to get people to listen to an episode about this movie, #thetwofriends invite another pair of close friends, Karen Han and Emma Stefansky. They have a similar dynamic to our boys with Karen liking to start comic bits that irritate the taller partner. Han has started a Film Twitter trend called "Karen's Boys", typically older men that she posits can get it. Ciaran Hinds in this film is discussed as a good candidate.

After *Strange Days* proved to be a massive financial failure, Bigelow wasn't a sought after commodity as some thought she would turn out to be after the box office success and continuing cult following around *Point Break*. So Bigelow scraped some money together and went indie to produce this adaptation of the 1997 novel with the same (definitely very great) name. Like its title, it is the exact embodiment of a parody of a sappy prestige drama; with Griffin noting that this is what he thought adult movies were when he was 13. He at the time found it "a little too adult" when he saw a trailer for the movie before a showing of *One Hour Photo* opening night at Lincoln Square with his father.

But why is Catherine McCormack so obsessed with trying to find the truth behind a murder that happened over 100 years ago? She is a journalist bumbling around on a boat with three others cutting between a 19th century period story line in the time and place where the murder happened. A movie discussed almost as much as this one is the recently released *Kingsman: The Golden Circle* with Karen calling great fun arguing with David who thought it was bad with Griffin falling somewhere in between.

"Is Matthew Vaughn Verhoeven?" -Griffin after seeing *Kingsmen: The Secret Service*

"Is Matthew Vaughn McG?" -Griffin after seeing *Kingsman: The Golden Circle*

Despite having four people on mic to discuss the movie, David prods Producer Ben on being visibly checked out, to which Ben shared that he fell asleep 10 minutes into watching the movie and didn't pick it back up before recording the episode.

### Milestones and Ephemera

* Ben Hosley: Soul escaping his body
* Box-office game: Weekend of November 1, 2002.
	+ The same box-office game as The Santa Clause 2 which opened at number 1.

## References

1. ↑ The Weight of Water on Audioboom. Retrieved October 18, 2020.
Three Thousand Years of Longing

* Three Thousand Pods of Casting
* OG Mad Pod: Fury Cast

**Three Thousand Years of Longing** (aka Three Thousand Pods of Casting) is episode 392 focusing on the 2022 film of the same name as part of Mad Pod: Fury Cast miniseries on the films of George Miller. Posted September 11, 2022.

## Summary

>
> George Miller returns with a sweeping romantic fantasy and if we had a djinn, we’d wish that more people went to see this movie in theaters! Plus - Ben wishes for infinite sandwiches, and the two friends go long on Idris Elba and Tilda Swinton.
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### Milestones and Ephemera

* Tilda sleeping in a glass box at MoMA
* Box office game: Weekend of August 26, 2022
* The movie was a multiple nominee and winner at The Eighth Annual Blank Check Awards including:
	+ Griffin: #9 in his top 10 for the year
		- Best Adapted Screenplay - Winner
		- Best Actor - Idris Elba - Winner
	+ David: #4 in his top 10 for the year
		- Best Adapted Screenplay
		- Best Actor - Idris Elba - Winner
		- Best Director - George Miller

### Sponsors

* No characters in the ad reads, but since one of the advertisers is a betting company it comes with an important disclaimer:

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> If you or someone you know has a gambling problem, crisis counseling and referral services can be accessed by calling 1-800-GAMBLER (1-800-426-2537) (IL/IN/LA/MI/NJ/PA/WV/WY), 1-800-NEXT STEP (AZ), 1-800-522-4700 (CO/NH), 888-789-7777/visit http://ccpg.org/chat (CT), 1-800-BETS OFF (IA), 877-8-HOPENY/text HOPENY (467369) (NY), visit OPGR.org (OR), call/text TN REDLINE 1-800-889-9789 (TN), or 1-888-532-3500 (VA).
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## References

1. ↑ Blank Check Podcast. Three Thousand Years of Longing. Audioboom. Retrieved on September 11, 2022.
The Polar Express

**The Polar Express** is episode 300 focusing of the 2004 film of the same name as part of the Podcast Away miniseries on the films of Robert Zemeckis. Posted November 29, 2020.

## Summary

>
> In the final days of 2020, Blank Check enters Zemeckis' motion capture technology period with *The Polar Express*. Joey Sims joins as we discuss the nuance of the Train Conductor character, North Pole logic and delve into everyone's personal relationship to the holiday season and Christmas.
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### Milestones and Ephemera

* The first completely motion capture film and the first 3D movie released by major studio.
* Ben Hosley announced the release of his upcoming "Slow Christmas Album."
* Griffin's recollection of the book The Polar Express is incorrect. The book, like the movie, ends with the narrator saying he can still hear the bell. Griffin recalls the book ending with the narrator no longer able to hear the bell, but his kids able to hear it.
* Box office game: Weekend of November 12, 2004.
* In the Spreadmaster's Delight episode, David nominated it for Best Animated Feature 2004.

## References

1. ↑ Blank Check Podcast. The Polar Express with Joey Sims. Audioboom. Retrieved on November 29, 2020.
Zodiac

**Zodiac** is episode 447 focusing on the 2007 film of the same name as part of the The Curious Pod of Benjamin Buttcast miniseries on the films of David Fincher. Posted October 15, 2023.

## Summary

> This is the Zodiac speaking. I have recorded this podcast episode with Griffin, David, and the genius Leslye Headland because I am tired of the tangents on every other episode so far this Fincher series. With this episode, we’re getting into the CRAFT, the OBSESSION, the MADNESS, the MINUTIAE of David Fincher’s Gordian knot of a true crime mystery. What is the scariest scene in ZODIAC? Which of the three main actors gives the best performance? Are Aqua Velvas good? Like my identity, there is no definitive answer to these questions. The untangling is the juice, baby!
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### Milestones and Ephemera

* They've said it before and they'll say it again: Sleeping with Other People is the best romantic comedy of the last decade!!!
* Some of Graysmith's political cartoons
* Potential new nickname: David "Sluice" Sims
* Lake Berryessa spillway. Whoa.
* Box Office Game: Weekend of March 2, 2007

## Quotes

Intro:

> "*I am not the Podcast. And if I was, I certainly wouldn't tell you.*"
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## References

1. ↑ Blank Check Podcast. Zodiac. Audioboom. Retrieved on October 15, 2023.
2. ↑ 1:38:30
They Podcast

**They Podcast** is a miniseries covering the films of John Carpenter beginning in August 2021.

## Summary

The ultimate Ben's Choice! The March Madness 2021 champion miniseries on the films of John Carpenter has finally arrived. This year's March Madness was totally normal, and Carpenter was the champion of the Ben Bracket and defeated Karen Han's pick Gore Verbinski.

The series was preceded by Podz n the Cast on the films of John Singleton and succeeded by The Podcastiano on Jane Campion.

### Milestones and Ephemera

* The tentative schedule was announced in early August, ushering in the start of Carpenter Spooky Season.
* On October 12, 2021, @blankcheckpod tweeted "WHAT" in response to twitter user @AleLogIMDb reporting that when he told Carpenter about the series, he said “Wow, that’s nice.”  If true, Carpenter would be the third director to be cognizant of/acknowledge their miniseries, after Nancy Meyers and Gina Prince-Bythewood.
* Ben nickname for the series: **Benscape from New Hoz**!
* Budget is an oft-discussed topic on the series, and a blankie on reddit made a comparison of all his film's ratings (letterboxd and rotten tomatoes) compared to the budget.

## 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, *Blank Check Presents*
THEY PODCAST : The Films of John Carpenter
🎃🎃🎃🎃🎃🎃
Spooky Season Starts this Sunday. *Retrieved August 13, 2021.*
2. ↑ @blankcheckpod, "WHAT". Retrieved October 14, 2021.
3. ↑ @AleLogIMDb, "I told John Carpenter about @blankcheckpod covering his films & his response of “Wow, that’s nice” sounded mostly sincere." Retrieved October 14, 2021.
4. ↑ u/ToastedPenguin, Carpenter by the Numbers: Ratings vs Budget, reddit. Retrieved December 5, 2021.
5. ↑ u/mi-16evil. What is your John Carpenter rankings?. Reddit. Retrieved on December 5, 2021.
6. ↑ u/dm\_your\_thesis. John Carpenter aggregated ranking?. Reddit. Retrieved on June 30, 2022.
7. ↑ u/NOT\_prof\_krispy. alrighty here we goo. Reddit. Retrieved on February 1, 2023.
The Princess and the Frog

**The Princess and the Frog** is episode 315 focusing on the 2009 animated film of the same name as part of The Poddle Mercast miniseries on the films of Musker & Clements. Posted March 14, 2021.

## Summary

>
> Just when they thought they were out, Musker & Clements are called back in to helm 2009's *The Princess and the Frog*. After 7 years in directorial semi-retirement, John and Ron bring Disney animated films back to its musical roots in this historic fairytale starring Disney's first Black princess.
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> James III (Black Men Can’t Jump In Hollywood) joins this week to discuss the missteps, Keith David’s body of work, how cool Louis the jazz loving alligator is and more!
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### Milestones and Ephemera

* Relevant episodes of Black Men Can't Jump [In Hollywood]:
	+ The Princess and the Frog ft. Caroline Martin
	+ Soul
* Box Office Game: Limited - Weekend of November 27, 2009; wide - Weekend of December 11, 2009
	+ Limited is the same game as Old Dogs
* On the James and the Giant Peach episode, David revealed that he finds Tiana very attractive, but primarily in frog form. She is his top 3 animated hotties, along with Ms. Spider and Sosuke's mom Lisa.

## Quotes

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> | David: |  Apparently New Orleans is [Lasseter's] favorite city. Did you know this?
> | Griffin: |  I didn't, but it's— it's— it's frustratingly on brand.
> | David: |  He loves to party!
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## References

1. ↑ Blank Check Podcast. The Princess and the Frog with James III. Audioboom. Retrieved on March 14, 2021.
Vanilla Sky

**Vanilla Sky** is episode 67 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 22, 2016.

## Summary

>
> Richard Lawson (Vanity Fair) returns to Blank Check this week to discuss 2001’s *Vanilla Sky*. But just how blue collar is actor Timothy Spall? Does Tom Cruise’s character, the media magnate, also know director Steven Spielberg? Does your body make a promise when you sleep with someone? Together, they examine Penelope Cruz’s crossover performance, Cruise’s acting while masked, living in a post-Shrek America, and bucket hats.
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## References

1. ↑ Vanilla Sky on Audioboom. Retrieved August 28, 2021.
Welcome to Marwen

**Welcome to Marwen** is episode 308 focusing on the 2018 film of the same name, as part of Podcast Away miniseries on the films of Robert Zemeckis. Posted January 24, 2021.

## Summary

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> Emily Yoshida is back to welcome you to Marwen!
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### Milestones and Ephemera

* Wilkommen, bienvenue, welcome to Marwen!
* Second appearance of ~~Drunk~~ Toasted Emily! David is drinking a ~~cream ale~~ Bell’s light hearted ale. Griff is drinking wine straight from the bottle.
* Emily became the first member of the Double Digits Club with her 10th main feed appearance.
* They gotta do a Sonnenfeld series!
* Box office game: Weekend of December 21, 2018
	+ Same BOG as AquamanMy man!
* In May 2021, Griffin posted a Merchandise Spotlight of a Marwen t-shirt offered by Universal All-Access Rewards redeemable for 4,000 points. The t-shirt features the title of the film and the doll versions of the Mark Hogancamp and women of Marwen.

## References

1. ↑ Blank Check Podcast. Welcome to Marwen With Emily Yoshida. Audioboom. Retrieved on January 24, 2021.
2. ↑ @grifflightning. Thank you. Ordered mine last night. Twitter. Archived from the original on 2021-05-24. Retrieved on May 30, 2021.
3. ↑ @grifflightning. Tweet from May 30 2021. Twitter. Archived from the original on 2021-05-21. Retrieved on May 30, 2021.
Walking The Talk 2019: A Funeral For Frames

**Walking the Talk 2019: A Funeral For Frames** is episode 35 of Blank Check: Special Features where Griffin, David, Ben, and J.D. walked 120 blocks in New York City. Posted November 11, 2019.

## Summary

> Welcome to our episode where #thetwofriends and J.D. Amato honor the Blank Check tradition of talking high frame rate with this year’s installment: 120 blocks in memorandum of 120 frames. That's right, together they recorded their walk from 120th Street down to 24th Street on the streets of Manhattan and discussed the current state of affairs for the technology. But is it the end?
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### Milestones and Ephemera

* Released from behind the paywall on November 11, 2022.
The Mummy Returns Commentary

**The Mummy Returns** is episode 111 of Blank Check: Special Features and about 2001 film of the same name as part of the The Mummy commentary miniseries.

## Summary

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> More Mummy bay-beee! Today’s new installment of BC:SF commentary is on the 2001 sequel, *The Mummy Returns*. Topics include: The Rock pivoting into movies, kidnapping, other deeply flawed sequels, the reveal of the Scorpion King challenge and more!
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> **Movie starts at...6:35**
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## References

1. ↑ The Mummy Returns on Patreon. Retrieved October 3, 2021.
You've Got Mail

**You've Got Mail** is episode 280 focusing on the 1998 film of the same name as part of the You've Got Podcast miniseries. Posted July 12, 2020.

## Summary

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> AOL may have aged out but has this classic rom-com? We invited Who? Weekly's very own Lindsey Weber and Bobby Finger to discuss another Nora Ephron box office hit–*You've Got Mail* (1998). We get into the all-star cast with Tom Hanks, Meg Ryan, Dave Chapelle, Greg Kinnear, Parker Posey, meet cutes, and Nora's New York City.
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### Milestones and Ephemera

* Box office game: Weekend of December 18, 1998.

## References

1. ↑ Blank Check Podcast. You've Got Mail with Bobby Finger & Lindsey Weber. Audioboom. Retrieved on July 5, 2022.
Vampires

**Vampires** (also known as **John Carpenter's Vampires**) is episode 351 focusing on the 1998 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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> They’re not just Vampires, they’re John Carpenter’s Vampires!  “Closer in patina” to a classic Howard Hawks western than anything Carpenter’s ever done, this film is nasty, gruesome, and devoid of any of the “teenyboppers” and romanticism that had become hallmarks of the slasher and vampire genres, respectively. David Ehrlich (Indiewire) joins us as we go deep into the woods - James Woods, that is - and come out with the least memorable Baldwin brother. Strada Chocolata!
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### Milestones and Ephemera

* Recorded at Ben's new place, aka THE TOMB.
* Multiple challenges introduced: The Baldwin Brothers challenge and the American Pie challenge.
* Box office game: Weekend of October 30, 1998.

## References

1. ↑ Blank Check Podcast. John Carpenter’s Vampires with David Ehrlich. Audioboom. Retrieved on November 21, 2021.
Village of the Damned

**Village of the Damned** is episode 349 focusing on the 1995 film of the same name and part of the They Podcast miniseries on the films of John Carpenter. Posted November 7, 2021.

## Summary

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> It’s not “Children of the Damned” nor “Children of the Corn” nor “Corn of the Damned” - it’s John Carpenter’s “Village of the Damned,” goddamnit! Creepy blonde kids with laser eyes! Our guest Amy Nicholson’s (“Unspooled”) boyfriend thinks she looks like one of them. Griffin thinks David’s baby has “Village of the Damned” eyes, too. But is this movie actually scary enough? “Needs more menace!” per Ben. Topics covered include the Razzies, formative cinematic crushes, Christopher Reeve’s star persona, and a Chuck Norris movie that has him teaming up with a dog to take down an alliance of White Supremacist groups.
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### Milestones and Ephemera

* Box office game: Weekend of April 28, 1995.

## References

1. ↑ Blank Check Podcast. Village of the Damned with Amy Nicholson. Audioboom. Retrieved on November 7, 2021.
The Witches

**The Witches** is episode 309 focusing on the 2020 film of the same name, and was the final part of Podcast Away miniseries on the films of Robert Zemeckis until Pinocchio. Posted January 31, 2021.

## Summary

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> Over four months and 19 movies, we have finally reached the end of our mini series on the films of Robert Zemeckis! Richard Lawson (Vanity Fair) joins to discuss 2020's *The Witches* and #thetwofriends offer up their filmography rankings.
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### Milestones and Ephemera

* The Deadline story referenced by Griffin: Chris Rock To Reboot ‘Saw’ Franchise With Lionsgate & Twisted Pictures
* Griffin's rating: half a cheek, almost a pecan.

## Quotes

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## References

1. ↑ Blank Check Podcast. The Witches with Richard Lawson. Audioboom. Retrieved on January 31, 2021.
Thor: The Dark World Commentary

**Thor: The Dark World** is episode 15 of Blank Check: Special Features and a commentary episode on the Marvel Cinematic Universe film of the same name. Posted April 21, 2019.

## Summary

>
> More BC:SF MCU commentary recorded at Big Nice studios in New York City! But this time, Griffin, David and Producer Ben are talkin' Dark Elves with 2013's *Thor: The Dark World*!
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### Milestones and Ephemera

* **The movie starts at 0:15:48!**
* The episode was released from behind the paywall on April 21, 2022.
* Risky Brisket — Griffin claimed it! Doesn't know what it's going to be yet though.
* Ben wants to make a whole Blank Check-themed album with Layne Montgomery.
* David think it's the most under-appreciated Marvel movie. He's seen the movie a bunch of times and Griffin said, "That's one of the coolest things about you."
* Ben's a dark boy.
* David has a major boner for Siff.
* Box-Office Game: Weekend of November 8, 2013

## Quotes

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>
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>

## References

1. ↑ Thor: The Dark World on Patreon. Retrieved February 15, 2021.
Wonkquaman

Wonkquaman

**Wonkquaman** is episode 457 focusing on the 2023 films *Wonka* and *Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom*, as part of the podcast's continuing coverage of the The PodDCEU Cast. Posted December 31, 2023.

## Summary

>
> We’re closing out 2023 with two words - Wet. Chocolate. Join us as we bid farewell to the DCEU, say “hello fennel” to Timothée Chalamet, and bring our craziest unhinged, “end of school year” energy to two very different new releases. Orm.
>
>
> Check out Matt Singer’s Wonka Themed IHOP menu article.
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### Milestones and Ephemera

* Paul King will likely be covered on the show going forward and the *Paddingtons* done on Patreon.
* WSJ: "There's a New 'Wonka' in Theaters, But No Chocolate Wonka Bars in Stores"
* Box Office Game:
	+ Wonka: Weekend of December 15, 2023
	+ Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom: Weekend of December 22, 2023

## Quotes

Intro (sung to the tune of *You’ve Never Had Chocolate Like This*):

> "*Well, there's Wonkquaman
> And there's Wonkquaman
> But only Wonkquaman's makes your eyes pop out their sockelets
> Put your hand into your pockelet
> Get yourself some Wonkquaman podcasting
> Come now, I insist
> You've never heard podcasts like this
> Everybody!
> No, you've never heard podcasts like this*"
>
>
>

## References

1. ↑ Blank Check Podcast. Wonkquaman. Audioboom. Retrieved on December 31, 2023.
What Men Want

**What Men Want** is episode 5 of Blank Check: Special Features focusing on the 2019 film of the same name, and a bonus episode of Something's Podda Cast miniseries on the films of Nancy Meyers. The film is based on Meyers' film What Women Want. Posted February 11, 2019.

## Summary

> On the week of its release in February of 2019, the BC crew discussed the recent Nancy Meyers adjacent film, *What Men Want*. But does this movie have a featherlight touch? Will Griffin start reading Us Weekly in public? Does a Bob the Builder/Mambo No. 5 (A Little Bit of...) crossover exist? With associate producer, Angela Ferraguto, they examine the career of Taraji P. Henson, Erykah Badu's electric performance, Tracy Morgan as a LaVar Ball type, share Serenity spoilers and get pumped for a new trailer that is just made for Quaid!
>
>

### Milestones and Ephemera

* The episode was released from behind the paywall on February 11, 2022.
* Box office game: Weekend of February 8, 2019

# Serenity (2019) A Summary

## Serenity (2019) A Summary

### Reddit thread

Link

**Serenity (2019) A Summary** is supplemental video from the What Women Want episode released on Blank Check: Special Features. Posted March 7, 2019.

## Summary

>
> 🐟🐟🐟🐟🐟🐟🐟🐟
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>

### Milestones and Ephemera

* The audio is included in the episode, but the real peek behind the curtain is Ben's reactions to all the Serenity (2019) nonsense, and #TheTwoFriends' facial expressions as they explain said nonsense.

## References

1. ↑ What Men Want on Patreon
2. ↑ Blank Check Podcast. Serenity (2019) A Summary. Patreon. Retrieved on September 28, 2022.
The Podmare Before Castmas

**The Podmare Before Castmas** or **Ben Hosley's The Podmare Before Castmas** is a miniseries covering the films of Henry Selick beginning in November 2022.

## Summary

Blank Check Presents the Films of Henry Selick.
 The miniseries was announced on Twitter on 11/7/2022. Selick had never appeared in March Madness prior to this miniseries being announced, but had often been tossed around as a possible miniseries contender. During the Tim Burton miniseries, #TheTwoFriends purposely didn't cover The Nightmare Before Christmas as a bonus episode thinking they would one day cover Selick in his own right.

The titular inspiration is the film *The Nightmare Before Christmas*. The miniseries art by the great Pat Reynolds features David as James Trotter, Ben as Jack Skellington, and Griffin as Coraline Jones.

The series was preceded by Pods Wide Cast on the films of Stanley Kubrick. The series was succeeded by Trainspodcasting on the films of Danny Boyle.

## 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.

 **2** | Coraline
 **3** | James and the Giant Peach
 **4** | Wendell & Wild
 **5** | Monkeybone

## References

1. ↑ @blankcheckpod. Tweet Nov 7, 2022. Twitter. Retrieved on November 7, 2022. “Announcing our next series...”
2. ↑ u/radaar. Selick Rankings. Reddit. Retrieved on January 17, 2023.
3. ↑ u/fysigunkus (Apr 13, 2023). Tim Burton's Selick Aggregated Rankings. Reddit. Retrieved on May 1, 2023.
The Podrace

**The Podrace** is episode 7 and the seventh part of the The Phantom Podcast miniseries. Posted 4 May 2015.

## Summary

The podrace sequence is the one part of this movie viewers seem to complain about the least. Griffin and David this week tackle all the elements of the Boonta Eve Classic including who are these racers and their backstories, discuss Watto and the Hutts, as well as gambling for ownership of a boy. Thank goodness for Wookieepedia, which is used extensively during this episode to discover all kinds of information and backstories for all the characters shown during the podrace scenes.

Also, quick shout-outs to David Schwimmer ("Friends") and vegetables. Plus discussion of Griffin's unfortunate choices in footwear, another brief mention of Griffin's 10th grade paper "Back in Blackface" after the revelation of its existence in the previous podcast episode, and a gorgeously delivered bit about Sebulba's slave-owning which takes about five minutes for Griffin just to get through the setup.

Follow along with @TheTwoFriends as they watch! Cue up *The Phantom Menace* to the 55:04 mark on the Blu-ray and wait for Griffin and David to give the go-ahead to proceed. It's gonna be a real quick episode!

### Milestones and Ephemera

* Proposed length of episode: 12 minutes
* Actual length of episode: 74 minutes
* Number of slaves that it might be morally permissible to own in this hellish society on Tatooine: Two
Zero Dark Thirty

**Zero Dark Thirty** is episode 135 focusing on the 2012 movie of the same name, as part of the Pod-19: The Widowcaster miniseries covering the filmography of Kathryn Bigelow. Posted November 12, 2017.

## Summary

>
> Demi Adejuyigbe (The Good Place, Gilmore Guys) joins Griffin and David to discuss 2012’s American revenge political thriller, Zero Dark Thirty. But is the CIA agent this movie is based on somewhat problematic? Can either host do a decent Gandolfini? Will Jason of Friday the 13th fame begin hosting a new season of Celebrity Apprentice? Together they examine watching this movie in the current political climate, the brutal portrayal of enhanced interrogation techniques, Will Smith in Netflix’s Orc cop movie Bright and more.
>
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Apparently this movie was first announced as a film about how frustrated the USA military and intelligence community was that Osama Bin Laden had evaded capture since 9/11. Then six weeks later, suddenly he was dead after a 12:30am raid in Pakistan. What did Bigelow do in response? Well, she had screenwriter Mark Boal write an essentially all-new script with the opposite premise instead. Was that a wise move, or should she have continued forward with the original idea?

As is befitting Bigelow's latter-day career direction, this story is based on actual people and events. But with this docudrama approach, do her movies these days have any shelf life at all? Is the CIA agent this movie is based on problematic, in terms of ethics. morals, and monomaniacal career? How Method did the actors go for filming some of the, ah, 'enhanced interrogation' scenes? Can anyone in the studio do a decent Gandolfini impression? Did the 2011 White House Correspondents Dinner unmoor American politics as we knew them, and followup, will Jason of *Friday the 13th* fame begin hosting a new season of "Celebrity Apprentice" on NBC?

### Milestones and Ephemera

* Whoops! No Ben nicknames for this episode.
* Creech - not yet met by Griffin
* Cat In The Hat movie makeup: less freaky than originally planned
* Box office game: Weekend of December 21, 2012

## References

1. ↑ Zero Dark Thirty on Audioboom. Retrieved July 26, 2021.
The Sixth Sense

**The Sixth Sense** is episode 41 focusing on the movie of the same name, as part of the Pod Night Shyamacast miniseries. Posted 1 Feb 2016.

## Summary

> Joining Griffin and David on this week’s episode is special guest Katey Rich (Vanity Fair) to help examine Shyamalan’s 1999 breakout, career defining film: *The Sixth Sense*. How did this unknown writer/director convince Disney to pay him 3 million dollars for the script with the clause to direct? What is the significance of red in the movie? How did this same filmmaker go on to make Lady in the Water? Are there any *SIGNS* of what is to come!?
>
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> Together, they discuss ghost logic, actor Toni Collette’s amazing performance, munchausen by proxy, the climate in cinema during 1999 and so much more! Plus, the gang nerds out on box office stats, Griffin revisits working with Trevor Moore on ‘Butt Whistle’ and Producer Ben presents his own original endings."
>
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The first featured guest to be invited onto the show in the Blank Check era! Katey Rich (from the movie podcast "Fighting in the War Room," the awards podcast "Little Gold Men," and deputy editor for *Vanity Fair*) joins Griffin and David to talk about the film that earned M. Night Shyamalan his blank check.

#TheTwoFriends begin the discussion with the origins of the movie and its chronological place in Shyamalan's filmography. The spec script for Sixth Sense somehow netted M. Night three million bucks (and got the studio exec that bought it fired). But then it was a crazy huge hit despite being released in what was then considered to be the film graveyard of August, back in 1999. After lots more movie studio talk and box office data, they got into the actual film.

How did this hit movie just, like, appear out of nowhere from a pretty much unknown director? Who's the secret acting MVP of this film? Should Haley Joel Osment have won an Oscar and what is it like to see & listen to him now? What did M. Night think about his own acting? Which is better: TV, movies, or podcasts?

This movie famously hit in a big way, with exceptional box-office staying power, and in ways good and bad it also shaped the perception of its director for at least the next fifteen years. Shyamalan became known as the twist guy, the scary-movie guy. How would that manifest himself in directing decisions he made going forward? Tune in next time to find out!

### Milestones and Ephemera

* Ben's nicknames: "We should write those down." I got you covered, guys.
* It's called improv.
* Segments! Ben's Twist Corner, Ben's Blank Check Merchandise Ideas, Ben's Gripes
* What is a cheese-dick anyway?
* Future episodes teased: Titanic, The Prestige, Memento.
* Includes a proto-box office game!
The Secret Life of Bees

**The Secret Life of Bees** is episode 285 focusing on the film of the same name and the second in the Pod & Basketcast miniseries. Posted August 16, 2020.

## Summary

>
> A coming-of age story. Racism in America. Complex connections to motherhood. The Secret Life of Bees adaptation had a lot of themes to tackle. This week we look back to 2008 and compare the strengths and weaknesses of Prince-Bythewood’s biggest commercial success.  Critic, comedian and co-host (Bad Romance Podcast) Jourdain Searles returns to talk meeting celebrities at the worst moments, Hollywood’s attempts to depict the south, and underrated Queen Latifah performances.
>
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### Milestones and Ephemera

* Bilge Ebiri's profile on Prince-Bythewood: Gina Prince-Bythewood, the Quiet Storm

## References

1. ↑ Blank Check Podcast. The Secret Life of Bees with Jourdain Searles. Audioboom. Retrieved on July 5, 2022.
Three Ages/Our Hospitality

**Three Ages/Our Hospitality** is episode 424 focusing on the 1923 films of the same names as part of Podcast Jr. miniseries on the films of Buster Keaton. Posted May 7, 2023.

## Summary

> The Great Stone Face…The Little Boy Who Couldn’t Be Damaged…whatever you call him, Buster Keaton is one of the most important figures in film history, and we couldn’t be happier to be spotlight him in our latest series PODCAST JR. Our beloved Dana Stevens - writer of the fantastic Keaton tome “Camera Man” - joins us to set the table as we dive into the filmography of one of Griffin’s favorite artists. We’re going into Buster’s start as a vaudeville child star (sometimes in “Irish face”), the qualities of his work that distinguish him from peers Charlie Chaplin and Harold Lloyd, and we’re dissecting the gags and stunts featured in his first two feature films. Plus - Griffin gives one of his worst Box Office Game performances, and we all learn a bit about early child labor laws.
>
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> Guest Links:
>
> Get Dana’s book "Camera Man" now in paperback
>
> Read Dana’s film criticism
>
> Listen to Dana on Slate Culture Gabfest
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### Milestones and Ephemera

* Buster's little Irishman costume
* Dana recommends *Buster Keaton: A Hard Act to Follow*

### Box Office Game

**Three Ages**

Week of September 24, 1923

1. Potash and Perlmutter
2. The Cheat
3. The Covered Wagon
4. Six Days
5. Zaza

**Our Hospitality**

November, 1923

1. Little Old New York
2. Bill Hickok
3. The Hunchback of Notre Dame
4. The Covered Wagon
5. Ponjola

## Films

Three Ages - Full Movie - Buster KeatonFull MovieBuster Keaton - Our Hospitality (Laurel & Hardy)Full Movie

## References

1. ↑ Blank Check Podcast. Three Ages/Our Hospitality. Audioboom. Retrieved on May 7, 2023.
The Parent Trap

**The Parent Trap** is 187 and focusing on the film of the same name, and the first in the Something's Podda Cast miniseries. Posted October 14, 2018.

## Summary

>
> This week Blank Check begins our first ever “fans choice” mini series reviewing the filmography of director Nancy Meyers. Film critics, models and IDENTICAL TWINS Elena and Mani Lazic join Griffin and David to discuss the 1998 remake of The Parent Trap. Together they discuss prank wars, Randy rosé and flying on the Concorde. This episode is sponsored by ZipRecruiter and Storm of Spoilers.
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### Milestones and Ephemera

* Future guest and future Blank Check social media expert Marie Bardi is name dropped!
* Someone who is **not** Producer Ben but *looks* like Ben arrived mid-way through the episode to deliver a pizza. I believe his name was English?
* Box office game: Weekend of July 31, 1997
The Social Network

**The Social Network** is episode 449 focusing on the 2010 film of the same name as part of the The Curious Pod of Benjamin Buttcast miniseries on the films of David Fincher. Posted October 29, 2023.

## Summary

> Let us take a walk down memory lane to when the Metaverse was but a twinkle in Zuck’s eye, to when Aaron Sorkin was just a much-respected writer and not yet a (groan) director…to when the idea of a prestige film about millennial tech bros seemed like a ludicrous proposition. My, how times have changed! THE SOCIAL NETWORK is one of the most influential and consequential films of the 21st Century - prescient, quotable, and eminently rewatchable. You know what’s cooler than a two hour podcast? A THREE HOUR PODCAST. You’re welcome, nerds.
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### Milestones and Ephemera

* Sniffin Pooman: Griffin's burner Facebook account used solely for Disney Emoji Blitz. DO NOT friend request him.
* Box Office Game: Weekend of October 1, 2010

## Quotes

Intro:

> "*-Mr. Newman, do I have your full attention?
> -No.
> -Do you think I deserve it?
> -What?
> -Do you think I deserve your full attention?
> -I had to swear an oath before we began this deposition, and I don't want to perjure myself, so I have a legal obligation to say no.
> -Okay - no. You don't think I deserve your attention.
> -I think if your clients want to sit on my shoulders and call themselves tall, they have the right to give it a try - but there's no requirement that I enjoy sitting here listening to people lie. You have part of my attention - you have the minimum amount. The rest of my attention is back at the offices of Blank Check Productions, where my co-hosts and I are podcasting things that no one in this room, including and especially your clients, are intellectually or creatively capable of doing. Did I adequately answer your condescending question?*"
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## References

1. ↑ Blank Check Podcast. The Social Network. Audioboom. Retrieved on October 29, 2023.
Whisper of the Heart

**Whisper of the Heart** is episode 32 of Blank Check: Special Features focusing on the film of the same name, and a bonus episode of the Howl's Moving Podcastle miniseries. Posted October 11, 2019.

## Summary

> #thetwofriends and Ben welcome Ramona Head for this month's bonus on *Whisper of the Heart*!
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### Milestones and Ephemera

* Released from behind the paywall on October 11, 2022.
* Ben quit vaping… and is now back to cigarettes. This year is gonna be The Big Quit though. He’s gonna patch it and gum it. Maybe try hypnosis.
* David's Transformers rankings: 3, 1, 5, 4, 2. Griffin would swap 3 and 1.
* Ramona did *not* like David when they first met at trivia. They are now friends and confidants, and David is allowed to follow her finsta. Griffin is not.
* Box-office game: Weekend of December 29, 1996
* At the end, they say this is the shortest-running director they've ever covered (1 movie). They say there will be another director with just one film in March Madness 2020 (not yet voted on at the time of this episode). This is likely a reference to Tom Green (Freddy Got Fingered).
* Griffin jokingly suggests covering that single-film director multiple times, a la Til Death Do Us Blart.

## References

1. ↑ Whisper of the Heart on Patreon. Retrieved September 11, 2020.
Wendell & Wild

**Wendell & Wild** is episode 408 focusing on the 2022 film of the same name as part of The Podmare Before Castmas miniseries on the films of Henry Selick. Posted January 15, 2023.

## Summary

>
> Henry Selick waited thirteen years to make his follow-up to CORALINE, and it feels like we’ve been waiting even longer to hear David’s TIFF Airbnb story - a yarn that finally gets unspooled with the help of friend Shirley Li. After that business is taken care of, we try our best to describe Selick’s WENDELL & WILD - a film that ranks among the more convoluted of the movies we’ve covered on the pod. Yet - we still find a lot to love about this tale of demons, hair creme, and private prisons! Stop motion puppets that look just like Key, Peele, AND James Hong! Esteemed British character actor David Harewood as Black Trump! And Ben shines a special spotlight on the film’s killer soundtrack.
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### Milestones and Ephemera

* David's Airbnb story!!
* The photo of Shirley disassociating
* Griffin recommends watching *Claydream* for more background on the Laika/Will Vinton saga.
* Box office game: Weekend of October 21, 2022

## References

1. ↑ Blank Check Podcast. Wendell & Wild. Audioboom. Retrieved on January 15, 2023.