I haven’t been much into the moviegoing experience for quite some time. The FOMO of Avengers: Endgame made me take a day-off from work to see it opening weekend after not seeing anything after GOTG, and then a year later (thanks to Disney+ and COVID lockdown), I spent that time getting caught up on the MCU, almost like it was homework. March 2023, my 4yo son was diagnosed with stage IV Wilm’s Tumor kidney cancer. That meant a lot of time at home (very similar to the pandemic) because of my son’s immunocompromised state. It also meant a lot of trips back and forth to hospital admissions for chemotherapy, and some lonely nights at home when trading off nights in the hospital room. Luckily, I found Blank Check to fill that void. Here we are, seven months later, my son is cancer-free, and we’re regularly going to the movie theater. I’m catching shows that aren’t just MCU entries. We’re filling the Halloween movie nights with Carpenter and Coppola. Classic re-releases and summer kids Ghibli showings are a must. Y’all reminded me that cinema is fun. Thank you. Edit: I’m listening to the progenitor series for the first time (Phantom Podcast et al) and I agree with y’all; “Blank Check with Griffin and David” is a cool new title for the podcast. Also, I still don’t know if this review is actually going anywhere, since I wrote this originally six months ago, and the iPhone podcast app is still asking if I want to write a review… but then saving my original six month old review. Still 5 stars.

This podcast is easy breezy, doesn’t go too much in depth on the movies, and you’re in and out in like 15 minutes. What more could you need from a casual podcast such as this one? The cure for the common podcast.

Why am I here? I AM THE ARCHITECT. I CREATED THE MATRIX. I'VE BEEN WAITING FOR YOU. YOU HAVE MANY QUESTIONS, AND THOUGH THE PROCESS HAS ALTERED YOUR CONSCIOUSNESS, YOU REMAIN IRREVOCABLY HUMAN. ERGO, SOME OF MY ANSWERS YOU WILL UNDERSTAND, AND SOME OF THEM YOU WILL NOT. CONCORDANTLY, WHILE YOUR FIRST QUESTION MAY BE THE MOST PERTINENT, YOU MAY OR MAY NOT REALIZE IT IS ALSO THE MOST IRRELEVANT. Your life is the sum of a remainder of an unbalanced equation inherent to the programming of the Matrix. You are the eventuality of an anomaly, which despite my sincerest efforts, I have been unable to eliminate from what is otherwise a harmony of mathematical precision. While it remains a burden assiduously avoided, it is not unexpected, and thus not beyond a measure of control, which has led you, inexorably, here. YOU HAVEN'T ANSWERED MY QUESTION. The Matrix is older than you know. I prefer counting from the emergence of one integral anomaly to the emergence of the next, in which case this is the sixth version. THERE ARE ONLY TWO POSSIBLE EXPLANATIONS. EITHER NO ONE TOLD ME, OR NO ONE KNOWS.

The BEST Podcast on movies. I am not a Sith, so I will gladly give it 5 stars. Despite the humorous and goofiness from the hosts, their dedication and seriousness about the art of film is legit. From the very beginning of their start with the horrendous Star Wars prequels to the present day, they care, tremendously, for film, for what it represents, for what it is as an art form, and I, throughly enjoy listening to their opinions about the medium. It would be a great pleasure to view a film with them, but to settle with listening to their thoughts about the greatest and industry influencing Directors is satisfying enough. They are honest, and it’s greatly appreciated.

No bits. They’re great. I love movies.

16 months later and 404 new movies watched I’ve caught up with the show (and Patreon) and along the way discovered so many movies and filmmakers worthy of everyone’s time. Reward yourselves with these hosts’ fantastic insight, great humor, and unapologetic passion for the movies they discuss (mostly, can’t avoid a few bad movies with their premise). Truly a fantastic show with awesome hosts, awesome producer, and awesome guests running the gauntlet of friends, fellow film critics/insiders, and top Hollywood talent

This podcast is a lot of fun. I enjoy the movies they choose and topics they cover. The host have a lot of knowledge and are funny. I’m a long time listener - highly recommend.

I found this podcast about a year ago and binged the directors that interested me. At first I was enchanted. The guys are knowledgeable and bring a lot of passion to their subjects, but I am finding that because of the all over the map discussions I don’t learn much and am beginning to find it a waste of time. Griffin Newman just seems to love listening to himself talk. His schtick is getting tiresome.

Great concept, and when on topic the hosts are good. Unfortunately they both believe they much funnier than they actually are and there are interminable sections of each episode where they go off on tangents, tell “jokes”, and then laugh at those “jokes”. Such a waste of potential.

Honestly some episodes are amazing, other are absolutely trash. It depends on the guest they have on. I love 28 days later David Reese made that episode un-listenable. Which is sad for such a important movie. Bowen Yang literally said almost nothing in the latest episode. Other time the guest is amazing and the drink is stirred quite well. That’s why on average this podcast is a 3-star.

I’ve been listening for a couple years now, always fun and interesting

Hello there! Just started the show from the beginning and can easily say, “This is where the fun begins.” Yousa gonna like-a this-a bombad Podcast. Take the high ground and listen. “Do it.”

One of the best movie podcasts out there! David and Griffin are a fantastic duo and find wonderful guests. Their research team does great work, and every new series is a pleasure. It may not be for everyone but it works for me! Benducer for ever!

It’s a movie podcast with a very unique premise, and they put in all the work to deliver on that concept. Their great perspectives and research on the films they cover give me a better appreciation of those movies and cinema in general. It’s just unfortunate that they house this excellent content within some of the most unfunny, time intensive banter. If your favorite type of comedy is the jokes people tell in internet comment sections, repeating the same jokes because “it’s not funny until it’s annoying”, then Griffin Newman is your kind of guy. I find him unpleasant, and his bits only serve to inflate the length of episodes to the point that it’s hard to recommend this podcast to other people. I have to stress that this show is incredible when they’re on subject, but they’re off subject for at least 45 minutes an episode, and it can feel like pulling teeth at those times.

I love this show so much. Great hosts, guests, producers, conversations, tangents, jokes, etc. I’ve been listening to old episodes where they occasionally encourage us to leave reviews, so here’s 5 stars. Thanks for making such a fun show!

fun, insightful, great dynamics

You don't know what you don't know, so stick to what you know, if you know anything.

Wait to hit record until after you’ve finished your brainless chattering of teeth. The actual film analysis and auteur stuff is maybe 15% of the runtime of each episode, and even that is mostly nonsense.

they go on runs with some directors who made movies that just don’t hold up and end up basking in too much nostalgia quite often, but on the whole, it’s a great concept that yields some incredible guests.

🔇🔇🔇

The best pod out there.

The first few times I tried to listen I thought the show seemed a little pretentious, right? But the McTiernan episodes really got me hooked, especially the Die Hard episode with Kevin Smith. That led me to go back to the beginning and I discovered that any pretentiousness you may or may not have acquired along the way is well-earned. Things started out beyond silly and you have evolved this into a transcendent blend of insight and comedy. The Attack of The Clones episode with JD Amato was so great. I feel like a jerk for my premature dismissal and I officially want my Blankie card. I’m 47 and after studying film and animation and ending up in a pretty vanilla design career, I was beginning to think that life just squeezes the enthusiasm out of anyone not in show business eventually but then I discovered Blank Check and I feel like I’m back with my art school buddies being silly and profound at once with pure love and passion for this stuff. I only wish I had discovered it sooner. Some extra thoughts: It’s awesome how you let Ben shine in those early episodes. His take on stuff is essential. David sounds like Andy Samberg at times to me at times and it makes the funny things you say funnier. Hearing how excited The Great Griffin Newman was for The Tick is heartbreaking. It was a good show and you were great in it. I love The Tick.

Every couple of years I try to listen to episode but it’s just insufferable

Great podcast. The Benducer tells an insightful joke.

Thanks for the Mrs Harris Goes to Paris recommendation. You all do important work.

Found this show by search for more Kevin Smith content. The insights and perspectives are profound and SO well thought out. Will definitely be listening to more… BUT the comments about Crocodile Dundee 1 & 2 (two of my most beloved films of childhood) have me worried they're going to point out flaws I can’t ignore. But overall, loving this show

I had high hopes for this. So disappointing to find yet another bro-heavy, unfocused, immature, curse words-instead-of-actual-vocabulary level of non-discourse. It’s the Atlantic’s David Sims, for Pete’s sake!!!

The mix of industry insights, thoughtful takes and just pure love of movies shines through every episode. The genuine friendship of the two hosts and their producer adds an additional level of charm. Run, don’t walk to subscribe!

Been listening for a few months now, and just suddenly decided to start over. As in from the very first blank check that is George Lucas . And you know what? These 2 friends have been 5 stars since day 1.

Rules

This is the best podcast I listen to by a mile. How? Why? I don’t even LOVE movies. This is the best. WHY? I don’t know it just is!

Unsubscribed halfway through the Starship Troopers episode

The Architect: I am the Architect. I created the matrix. I’ve been waiting for you. You have many questions, and although the process has altered your consciousness, you remain irrevocably human. Ergo, some of my answers you will understand, and some of them you will not. Concordantly, while your first question may be the most pertinent, you may or may not realize it is also irrelevant.

Like like like you know like like right like like like you know right like like right

Whether you have already watched the movies, are rewatching after a long time, plugging gaps in director filmographies, or using the show as inspiration for what to watch, you will learn a little something while being entertained.

.just about every episode (including Patreon) since my last review and decided it’s pretty close to being a perfect podcast even despite its few issues. Everyone says “like,” a lot, including guests. Ben being gone as producer is a little detrimental to the show, but having him more involved with the behind the paywall commentaries is excellent. Their closeness as friends really plays well and overall I think it’s my favorite one, and I listen to podcasts most days, almost all day, whilst working. Favorite review: “Absolutely five stars and would recommend anyone who has a deep love for movies.” Gave it three stars.

Have a plan! Write a script! … edit? How long do I need to listen to these guys talk about the exciting adventure of making a podcast, before they get to the podcast itself?

100% wired to the same wavelength as my obsessive curio brain. First few seasons can be painful — lots of eating on mic, bits that won’t die (David is from England, Ben has nicknames etc.) — but it has stepped up significantly since then and there’s a lot to love throughout. If you like deep dives on filmmaker oeuvres, and if you don’t mind the occasional forty minute tangent on why Neil Patrick Harris reminds Griffin of a chocolate milk commercial his dad told him about on a bus to summer camp or David spending half an episode drooling over the cast and crew of every movie ever made, then this may be your bag. I love it. The Campion series was exceptional. Would love to hear them cover Sofia Coppola and Ken Russell!

Love the show. Please don’t let Griffin say the phrase “little stinker” ever again.

Only truly worth listening to for the one time a year that JD Amato comes onto the podcast and tries his best to get the man-children to act like adults and have proper discussions about films. Listening to David squirm at the prospect of opening up and discussing the themes of The Boy and the Heron was legitimately painful. Best wishes.

I like the show and the guests and it’s super nice to listen to. However it seems every episode yall are spoiling a movie or multiple movies unrelated to the episode. I mean I get it things come up but I’m noticing it’s very frequent. Considering this is a pod for movie lovers that seems in poor taste. Anyways that’s the reason for 4 instead of 5 stars. I appreciate yall!

Listening to it is very nice and low-stakes

323 down, 137 to go. Amazing show.

I think the Newman guy is funny. I can’t type his first name. Early episodes are brutal on Ben. Glad you have grown up. Great guests!

Griffin is so knowledgeable about movies that he’s become my celebrity crush big time. I’ve been watching every movie they cover before listening to the episode and I’m dreading when I will be limited to one per week like everyone else.

The boys bring good.

I love this show. Total cozy-casting. The episodes are often upwards of two to three hours long and I would listen to double that. This is the only show where I don’t skip the ad reads- even those are funny. You’re gonna get well researched fan-takes, you’re gonna get uninformed takes and negative takes, you’re gonna get mushy gushy love and sincerity and also all of the comedy. I guess it’s pretty good if you’re into that sort of thing.

This is a fun show. David is hilarious and has good chemistry with Griffin. I would prefer that Griffin not begin ~75% of his points with a variation on “It’s the thing where …” (it’s like a vocal tic where he needs to make himself sound authoritative, even if he’s making a highly speculative point about what a director was thinking thirty years ago, or whatever). Also, as the more talkative/digressive of the two hosts, Griffin really needs to sit back sometimes. Just because he doesn’t like Adam Driver’s performance in FERRARI doesn’t mean the entire podcast must orbit around this opinion and constantly examine it directly from the start of the episode. See also: the GUMP episode that kept coming back to the (entirely/mostly irrelevant) novels that Griffin had read and kept referencing. Give the other host/guests some oxygen!

Fantastic podcast, easily 5 stars, but I really can’t believe that the Last Jedi podcast wasn’t a joke. That movie was so bad and they loved it so much, I just kept waiting for them to declare the whole episode as a jokes. It feels like such a non sequitor for all the rest of their episodes and takes on Star Wars. Anyway, my head canon is that they were on a bad acid trip, which is the only way to describe them thinking The Last Jedi is a “perfect movie” and thinking ROTS is the worst of the prequels.

When they actually talk about the movie at hand, it’s usually interesting. But they go on so many excruciating tangents and do so many bits that just aren’t that funny, I find myself frequently skipping ahead by 30 seconds in the hope that they eventually get back on track