Not just another bad movie podcast, Blank Check reviews directors' complete filmographies episode to episode. Specifically, the auteurs whose early successes afforded them the rare ‘blank check’ from Hollywood to produce passion projects. Each new miniseries, hosts Griffin Newman and David Sims delve into the works of film’s most outsized personalities in painstakingly hilarious detail. Produced by Ben Hosley.
What this show covers
Martin Scorsesefilm criticismPixarAndrew StantonSoHoAfter HoursNew York CityStavros HalkiasThe King of ComedyTom CruisePaul NewmanThe Color of MoneyChris RyanWALL-EDisney
What listeners will find here
Why Scorsese’s most controversial film still hits so hard
The Last Temptation of Christ gets a passionate discussion with returning guest Jamelle Bouie, touching on the film’s controversy, Peter Gabriel’s score, and its spiritual power. Even without a religious lens, the hosts find Scorsese’s passion project deeply moving.
A delirious dive into Scorsese’s ultimate one-crazy-night New York movie
Martin Scorsese’s After Hours gets the spotlight as the hosts and Alison Sivitz dig into its chaotic one-night-in-New-York energy and prime SoHo atmosphere. The episode also circles a bigger question: is this the coolest possible pick for Scorsese’s best film?
Stavros Halkias joins a wild King of Comedy conversation
The King of Comedy gets the full Blank Check treatment with Stavros Halkias back in the guest chair. Expect a comedy-heavy discussion of Scorsese, De Niro, Jerry Lewis, Sandra Bernhard, and a detour into an absurdly ambitious action-franchise pitch.
Scorsese’s slickest “money gig” gets the full pool-hall treatment
The episode digs into The Color of Money with Chris Ryan, framing it as a supposed paycheck movie that hardly plays like one. Expect talk about its torch-passing from Paul Newman to Tom Cruise, plus side trips into snooker, Atlantic City, and Warren Zevon.
Scorsese’s slick “money gig” gets a fresh look with Chris Ryan
The Color of Money takes center stage as Chris Ryan joins a conversation about Scorsese’s 1986 film and why it feels like much more than a paycheck job. The episode also gets into its legacyquel status, the Newman-to-Cruise handoff, and side roads through pool culture, Atlantic City, and Warren Zevon.
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