This week, Paul is away on tour, but Amy is joined by fellow film critic and podcast host David Sims (Blank Check). They break down the 1987 romcom Moonstruck, starring Cher and Nicolas Cage. Amy and David question Cher’s character “jinx”, notice the moon woven into all the details of the film, and learn about Norman Jewison's fantasy headspace when making h ... Show More
Jun 11
Die Hard 2 (with Jorma Taccone)
With Amy reporting from Cannes, Paul welcomes Jorma Taccone for a Dealer’s Choice episode on Die Hard 2, the explosive sequel that takes John McClane to a snowbound airport under siege. Together they make the case for one of action cinema’s most underrated follow-ups, celebrating ... Show More
1h 15m
Jun 4
Josie and the Pussycats (with Joanna Robinson)
While Amy is off at Cannes, Paul welcomes Joanna Robinson for an Unspooled Critics’ Choice episode on Josie and the Pussycats, the 2001 musical comedy that was lightyears ahead of its time. They revisit Harry Elfont and Deborah Kaplan’s razor-sharp satire of pop music, consumer c ... Show More
1h 7m
May 28
The Baby-Sitters Club (with Rob Anderson)
Paul and Rob Anderson takes the reins for a Critics’ Choice episode with shining a spotlight on The Baby-Sitters Club, the earnest, deeply ’90s adaptation of Ann M. Martin’s beloved books that deserves far more respect. Together they revisit Stoneybrook’s summer adventures, from ... Show More
1h 15m
Mar 2025
Zack Snyder’s Justice League w/ Griffin Newman, David Sims (Classic)
<p>In a special HDTGM and Blank Check crossover episode, Griffin Newman and David Sims join Paul and Jason to discuss Zack Snyder’s Justice League aka The Snyder Cut. They talk all about the differences between the theatrical version and the Snyder cut, Cyborg’s fleshed out arc, ... Show More
2h 5m
Aug 2025
Tom Hiddleston & Chiwetel Ejiofor on THE LIFE OF CHUCK
Vanguardistas have more fun—so if you don’t already subscribe to the podcast, join the Vanguard today via Apple Podcasts or extratakes.com for non-fruit-related devices. In return you’ll get a whole extra Take 2 alongside Take 1 every week, with bonus reviews, more viewing recomm ... Show More
1h 7m
Nov 2024
#644 ft. Steve McQueen, John David Washington & Danielle Deadwyler, Josh Cooley
It's another epic episode of the Empire Podcast this week, folks, as Chris Hewitt sits down in person with all our guests. First, there's the great Steve McQueen, writer and director of Blitz, to talk about how he approached the World War II drama, and working with Paul Weller. [ ... Show More
1h 58m
Jan 2025
Time Cop LIVE! W/ Nick Kroll (Classic)
<p>Nick Kroll (Oh, Hello on Broadway, The House) returns to join Paul, June, and Jason to discuss the 1994 Jean-Claude Van Damme movie Timecop. Recorded live from Austin, Texas, they cover JCVD’s grief mullet, actor/activist Ron Silver’s nut work, the confusing time travel, and m ... Show More
1h 19m
Dec 2022
Matinee Monday: Winter's Tale w/ Andy Daly
<p>Andy Daly (Comedy Central's Review) joins Paul & Jason to discuss an adaptation of a book that was deemed unfilmable, the 2014 romantic fantasy Winter’s Tale. They’ll cover the flying horses, Will Smith's cameo as Lucifer in a Jimi Hendrix shirt, and the totally bonkers librar ... Show More
1h 22m
Oct 2025
The New York City Movie Draft, With Griffin Newman and David Sims!
Live from New York, it’s 'Saturday Night'! Sean and Amanda are joined by Chris Ryan, plus Griffin Newman and David Sims of the Blank Check podcast, to draft their favorite New York City movies of all time. Hosts: Sean Fennessey and Amanda Dobbins Guests: Chris Ryan, Griffin Newma ... Show More
1h 46m