After Hours with Alison Sivitz

Blank Check hosts Griffin and David dive into Martin Scorsese's 1985 film After Hours, a cult classic about one chaotic night in SoHo, New York City. Guest Alison Sivitz (known online as "Bald Ann Dowd") joins them to explore whether this deliriously entertaining film represents the ultimate cool-person choice for best Scorsese movie, and to discuss its place in the director's filmography. The episode leans heavily into the film's New York City setting and atmosphere, with the hosts acknowledging upfront that New York discussion is unavoidable given the movie's DNA. The show notes reference multiple tangential discussions and cultural touchstones, including comparisons to real actress Ann Dowd, a Joe Frank monologue, Susan Emerling's "Bad Dream" essay, children's literature (a Dwayne Johnson Little Golden Book and Ruth Galloway's Tickly Octopus), and critical perspectives from Pauline Kael and Roger Ebert. The episode appears to blend serious film analysis with the show's characteristic tangential humor and pop culture riffing. At nearly 2.5 hours, the episode suggests substantial exploration of the film's themes, craft, and cultural significance, though the show notes don't detail specific analytical insights or behind-the-scenes knowledge about the production. The guest's presence and the breadth of referenced materials suggest the hosts engage with multiple perspectives on the film, though the notes don't clarify whether Sivitz brings insider knowledge or primarily serves as an enthusiastic co-conversationalist. The episode seems designed for existing Blank Check fans familiar with the hosts' style of mixing earnest film criticism with digressive humor and pop culture callbacks.

Verdict: A solid entry for Blank Check fans seeking lively, tangential film discussion with genuine enthusiasm for After Hours, though the show notes suggest entertainment and personality outweigh deep critical insight or insider knowledge.

TV & Film rubric

• Critical insight 3/5 20%

  References to Pauline Kael and Roger Ebert suggest critical engagement, but show notes don't detail specific analytical arguments or interpretations beyond the premise of debating its status as 'ultimate cool person choice.'

• Behind-the-scenes knowledge 2/5 20%

  No mention of production details, interviews with filmmakers, or insider industry knowledge; guest appears to be a fan/personality rather than someone with direct film access.

• Entertainment 4/5 15%

  The guest's 'Bald Ann Dowd' persona, tangential references (Dwayne Johnson Little Golden Books, Tickly Octopus), and the hosts' known comedic style suggest lively, humorous conversation designed to entertain.

• Substance 3/5 15%

  2.5-hour runtime and multiple referenced essays and critical perspectives suggest solid content, but the breadth of tangential references (children's books, Joe Frank) hints at padding alongside substantive film discussion.

• Delivers on its title 4/5 15%

  The episode clearly focuses on After Hours and its place in Scorsese's filmography as promised, though the show notes suggest significant tangential discussion that may dilute focus.

• Value for time 3/5 15%

  At 2.5 hours with acknowledged tangential New York discussion and pop culture riffing, the pacing likely includes entertaining but non-essential material alongside core film analysis.

How we score TV & Film

Worth it if you're already a Blank Check listener who enjoys the hosts' digressive humor and want to hear them celebrate a cult Scorsese film with a charismatic guest.

Based on the episode description. AI-generated; it can be wrong.