
The Big Picture The New York City Movie Draft, With Griffin Newman and David Sims!
9 snips
Oct 7, 2025 Chris Ryan, a film podcaster and critic from Blank Check, joins Griffin Newman, an actor and fellow Blank Check co-host, and David Sims, a film critic and Blank Check co-host. They engage in an exciting draft of their favorite New York City movies. Topics include the significance of iconic films like "Goodfellas" and "When Harry Met Sally," with lively debates about subway scenes in "Frances Ha" and "The French Connection." David ultimately wins the draft, showcasing his extensive knowledge of New York’s cinematic landscape.
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Goodfellas As Neighborhood New York
- Sean picked Goodfellas for the Oscar-winner slot, praising its depiction of ordinary neighborhoods.
- He argued Goodfellas shows New York's lived-in neighborhoods more than tourist landmarks.
Include Canonical Directors' Films
- If you want to represent New York cinema, include canonical directors like Sidney Lumet and Spike Lee.
- Their films often make the city a central character and are essential to any New York movie conversation.
Men in Black As Everyday NYC Blockbuster
- David picked Men in Black as his Blockbuster choice and defended its depiction of everyday New York life.
- He described it as a 90-minute film that captures the city's workaday reality despite being an alien-comedy blockbuster.


