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More Deleted Scenes with Mike Ryan - Revenge Of The Podcast

Mike Ryan (Uproxx) joins Griffin and David to discuss Revenge of the Sith’s deleted scenes and special featurettes: The Chosen One and Within a Minute - The Making of Episode III. Together, they examine George’s directing style, Producer Rick McCallum’s love of catering, elevator hijinks, and the American Film Institute’s ‘Funny Times for Funny People’ list.

Also, please get tickets for a special LIVE recording next monday November 23 @ Union Hall in Brooklyn: 2015-11-16 17:25:00 +0000 UTC View Post

The Clone Wars Animated Series with Jonathan Braylock - Revenge Of The Podcast

Jonathan Braylock (Black Men Can’t Jump (In Hollywood) podcast) joins Griffin and David on this week’s episode to cover the entirety of the 2003-2005 animated television shorts Star Wars: The Clone Wars. Set during the three year gap between films Attack of the Clones and Revenge of the Sith, the Genndy Tartakovsky directed series is a unanimous hit. Together they discuss all three seasons in extreme detail including: the numerous extended fight scenes, pre-cough General Grievous, C3PO’...

Our Performance Review 3.0 with Chris Gethard - Revenge Of The Podcast

This week 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 unanimous MVP 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 duel roles) kills it before being murd...

A Broken Heart with Sonia Saraiya - Revenge Of The Podcast

Griffin and David welcome another amazing guest this week, Sonia Saraiya (Salon, AV Club). Together, they examine the life and death of Padmé, including her pregnancy with half a baby, losing the will to live medically speaking, insisting a child murderer still has some good in them and Jimmy Smits’ ship.

Also, a tasty merchandise corner with snacks and the return of popular segment ‘What If’. And remember don’t listen to Griffin and please keep rating, reviewing and commenting...

The Jedi Order with Mike Drucker - Revenge Of The Podcast

Joining Griffin and David on today’s episode is special guest Mike Drucker (The Tonight Show with Jimmy Fallon). Together, they discuss the MANY missteps of the Jedi council throughout the Phantom Menace saga, how these errors led to their ultimate demise, the final showdown between General Grievous and Obi-Wan Kenobi, the logistics of Order 66, and try to make sense of the significance of this Chewbacca character?

Also, Griffin’s favorite character holy trinity, a grievous merchand...

Emperor Darth Sidious - Revenge Of The Podcast

A Naboo Senator. Then a Supreme Chancellor of the Galactic Republic. But WHO is this Phantom Menace? Could it really be the uptight Palpatine pulling all the strings?

YUP! And guess what he’s a Sith lord too!

In this episode, Griffin and David examine the new Emperor’s rise to power, including: the origins of Darth Sidious, the “ancient” Darth Plagueis myth and their possible connection to Anakin’s birth, as well as, the death of Mace Windu, space opera, the George Bush ...

The Downfall Of Anakin Skywalker - Revenge Of The Podcast

This week Griffin and David, whilst yelling into microphones, dive right into the river of ham that is Anakin’s origin story and the main crux of the Phantom Menace series: turning to the dark side and becoming Darth Vader. Also, the MANY mistakes the Jedi council make, killing children, a space holocaust, and choking your wife because your trying to save her from your dreams where she dies. And of course, as always, fuck George Lucas.

2015-09-28 16:40:00 +0000 UTC View Post

The Beginning of The End - Revenge Of The Podcast

The year was 2005. George Lucas returned with the third (and final) film in the Star Wars series: Episode III - Revenge of the Sith. Again, taking in the criticism from the previous two productions, has the director finally found a focus? Is this a good conclusion to the Phantom Menace series?

Griffin and David begin their investigation with the opening battle sequence. And as is tradition of stunning off screen action, the movie starts at the END of the Clone Wars. Obi-Wan Kenobi and A...

The Podcastic Two

In 1992, the original Fantastic Four movie was produced by Constantin Film solely to retain the rights of the franchise. Shot in 22 days, the low budget film was never to be officially released (unbenounced to the crew and the mostly Canadian cast.)

Fast forward to early aughts and superhero films are all the rage. 20th Century Fox having acquired the licensing, after years of numerous scripts being thrown around, finally begin production on the second Fantastic Four movie in 2004. Thou...

Watch With Us, Again - Attack Of The Podcast

Once again, Griffin and David in a very special bonus episode watched Attack of the Clones (for probably the last time) and recorded their commentary. So cue up that blu-ray and listen along with the hosts as they offer up their thoughts in real time.

Join our Patreon for franchise commentaries and bonus episodes.

Follow us @blankcheckpod on 2015-09-08 16:32:00 +0000 UTC View Post

The Deleted Scenes with Chase Mitchell - Attack Of The Podcast

Griffin and David welcome another amazing guest this week, Chase Mitchell (The Tonight Show with Jimmy Fallon). Together, they discuss deleted scenes like: Anakin hanging out with Padmé’s father (who is some bum), Jocasta Nu may have had a fling with Count Doku and the Galactic Senate discussing the option to militarize or “the Binks bill.”

Griffin also reads more fan fiction this time about Dexter’s diner (OK and maybe a erotic scene between Anakin and Padmé). Plus, the gang ...

Digital Filmmaking with J.D. Amato - Attack Of The Podcast

Joining Griffin and David this week is special guest J.D. Amato to discuss the behind-the-scenes making of this film, including, a featurette entitled: “Star Wars State Of The Art: The Pre-Visualization Of Episode II” (found in the initial DVD release of Attack of the Clones.)

Together, they examine the process of pre-visualization, why the CGI technology of its time compared even with today’s still makes this film ambitious, the uncanny valley and reasons why most of the special ...

Politics - Attack Of The Podcast

7 episodes in and hosts David and Griffin are waning. This week, while attempting to discuss Senator Palpatine’s rise to power as Darth Sidious (the titular Phantom Menace), Count Doku pulling strings for the separatists, and just exactly what the Galactic Senate does for the universe they hit a major detour: Griffin reads from his awful 6th grade paper about the movie Beauty Shop.

Is the Galactic Senate like the United Nations? Or more like NATO? Why did Griffin think Amos ’n’ An...

Our Performance Review 2.0 - Attack Of The Podcast

In the sixth installment of the only podcast that exclusively talks about Attack of the Clones (formally just the Phantom Menace until discovering this sequel), Griffin and David once again examine the film’s entire cast and rate all the major players–actor by actor. From Ewan McGregor’s Obi-Wan Kenobi as most improved to Christopher Lee killing it as Count Dooku/Darth Tyranus to the amazing voice acting of Ron Falk as THE BEST CHARACTER IN THE ENTIRE MOVIE: DEXTER JETTSTER!

How d...

Count Dooku with Morgan Evans - Attack Of The Podcast

This week, Griffin and David with special guest Morgan Evans pick up where they left off last episode (right after Anakin murders men, women and children) and take you, the listener, off to the bug planet of Geonosis!

Together, they examine the revelation of Count Dooku, the comic fodder of C3PO, assembly line sequence antics, fighting beasts for entertainment, dark force lightning and please remember everyone pop-ups are for kids!

2015-07-20 18:13:00 +0000 UTC View Post

Romance with Rachel Lang - Attack Of The Podcast

Joining Griffin and David this week is friend of the show, Rachel Lang, to discuss the steamy romance that develops between Anakin and Padmé. Playing a major part in a film thats about a war happening in space, the scenes of going out to eat at a restaurant, innocently rolling around in fields, and a secret wedding are this episode’s focus.

Together, they look at why the Jedi can’t have sex, writing fan fiction, Anakin’s feelings towards sand, and Rachel recounts meeting compose...

The Angst Of Anakin Skywalker - Attack Of The Podcast

Well he’s a teenager now: not in control of his emotions, hormone fueled, and in desperate need of discipline/a good spanking! So what does the Jedi council do? Well they put young Anakin in charge of protecting Padmé!

You mean, an important Galactic Senator with multiple attempts on her life being guarded by a Padawan that is recognized as being a bit of a wild card? Sure what could go wrong?

In this episode, your hosts Griffin and David metaphorically lock themselves in their...

The Mysterious Planet Kamino - Attack Of The Podcast

It was a dark and stormy night on planet Kamino. Detective Kenobi was far far away from home. He wondered to himself in the rain: why did Sifo-Dyas place an order for a clone army 10 years ago? Why was a bounty hunter named Jango Fett chosen as the clone specimen? Who deleted Kamino from the archives?

And then the film goes on to answer none of these questions.

This week Griffin and David look at the Obi-Wan Kenobi space noir story line, including, meeting 50’s diner purveyor an...

Unrest In The Galactic Senate - Attack Of The Podcast

The year was 2002. It had been 3 years since the Phantom Menace. George Lucas returned with his second Star Wars release: Episode II - Attack of the Clones. But did ol’ George learn his lesson and adjust to some of the issues that critics and fans had with the previous film? Is there a clear answer to what this movie is about? Who are the clones and what are they attacking?

Griffin and David (having discovered this sequel) are excited to return to their investigation, and in this week...

Judging The Judge

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.

Watch With Us - The Phantom Podcast

Griffin and David in a bonus episode for all you GDP die hards, watched the Phantom Menace (one more time!) and recorded their commentary. So get out that blu-ray and listen along with the hosts as they offer up their thoughts in real time. You won’t regret it?

Join our Patreon for franchise commentaries and bonus episodes.

Follow us @blankcheckpod on 2015-06-01 17:21:00 +0000 UTC View Post

Final Thoughts - The Phantom Podcast

All great investigations must at some point come to an end, and the case study of the Phantom Menace has (finally) reached it’s conclusion.

Listen in as hosts Griffin and David share some last thoughts, read and play clips of fan’s own interpretations and even Produer Ben shares some of his own #hottakes.

Also, Griffin unveils a surprise item in this week’s merch corner, what to look forward to in future episodes of Griffin and David Present and lastly a mysterious revelatio...

Fan Fiction - The Phantom Podcast

It’s week nine into the investigation and the case is not coming together. Sooo, Griffin and David have decided to dig deep and explore the strange world of Phantom Menace fan fiction.

Perhaps these stories will help them better understand the relationship between lets say Obi-Wan Kenobi and Qui-Gon Jinn? Selections include “Cards on the Table” by Emilia-Wan Kenobi, “Glory Glory Hallelujah ” by Dr. Gonzo and other entries. [Warning: This episode includes sexually explicit cont...

Merchandise - The Phantom Podcast

Toys. Kids love them. And so do Griffin and David.

This movie’s entire production was funded by the sale of exclusive rights to the merchandising. And manufacturer Hasbro, pulled out all the stops including introducing technology that allowed the products to “talk like never before,” capturing some of the most exciting moments in toy form like a seated Jabba the Hutt watching the pod race along with color commentators Fode and Beeb, and a product (made for children) that allows so...

The Podrace - The Phantom Podcast

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.

Watch along with the hosts and discover new details you may have missed. Also, quick shout out to David Schwimmer (Friends) and vegetables.

2015-05-04 17:52:00 +0000 UTC View Post

A Profile Of Jar Jar Binks And The Gungans - The Phantom Podcast

This week Griffin and David delve into the character we all know and love: Jar Jar Binks. How does an outcast of the Gungan society go on to save his people? The answer might just be tasteless comedy and a dash of racism.

Would Jar Jar Binks’ character be less offensive if developed as a noble savage rather than a goof that exclusively speaks in broken english? Did George Lucas really think he was gonna get away with it? Remember Jar Jar is for kids, right?

Plus, Griffin talks m...

Our Performance Review - The Phantom Podcast

In the fifth installment of the only podcast that exclusively talks about the Phantom Menace, Griffin and David look to the movie’s cast and rate all the major players–actor by actor. From finding Ewan McGregor’s Obi-Wan Kenobi weak to Natalie Portman performance as the split roles of Queen Amidala/Padmé not horrible (and she goes on to future successes okay!) to even Tony award winning Ian McDiarmid as Senator Palpatine just really having fun and bringing it. Also, Poor poor Jake Lloy...

Commentary with Connor Ratliff - The Phantom Podcast

Joining Griffin and David this week is host of the George Lucas Talk Show, Connor Ratliff, to discuss the commentary special feature included with the initial DVD release of the Phantom Menace. Together they review what members of the production crew (including director George Lucas, producer Rick McCallum, sound designer Ben Burtt, animation director Rob Coleman and more) have to say about the filming of this movie and discover new evidence of what went wrong.

Do we agree Phantom is li...

The Jedi Council - The Phantom Podcast

This week Griffel and Simsbert discuss the Jedi Order. What are these mystical warriors all about? What is the Force? Why is Qui-Gon Jinn rigging chance cubes so that he can steal a child and casually take his blood?

Their ongoing investigation reveals new insights into many aspects of these robed street people, including: explaining the ridiculousness of midichlorians, the poorly designed “revolving-restaurant” headquarters, and why love is forbidden for all Jedi.

“Fear lea...

The Royalty Of Naboo - The Phantom Podcast

Queen elect, high school dropout, hand maiden?

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 our ...