A coming-of age story. Racism in America. Complex connections to motherhood. The Secret Life of Bees adaptation had a lot of themes to tackle. This week we look back to 2008 and compare the strengths and weaknesses of Prince-Bythewood’s biggest commercial success.  Critic, comedian and co-host (<a href="https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/bad-romance-podcast/id1261207802">Bad Romance Podcast</a>) <a href="https://jourdainsearles.com/">Jourdain Searles</a> returns to talk meeting celebrities at the worst moments, Hollywood’s attempts to depict the south, and underrated Queen Latifah performances. <a href="http://www.patreon.com/blankcheck">Join our Patreon for franchise commentaries and bonus episodes</a>.Follow us @blankcheckpod on <a href="https://www.instagram.com/blankcheckpod/?hl=en">Instagram</a>, <a href="https://www.threads.net/@blankcheckpod?xmt=AQGzctAh4mbWTwYzCV1pzNT6AMV9o99EOfymi8TLR5mTde0">Threads</a>, <a href="https://www.facebook.com/blankcheckpodcast/">Facebook </a>and <a href="https://x.com/blankcheckpod?lang=en">X</a>!<a href="https://kinshipgoods.com/blankcheck">Buy some real nerdy merch</a>.Connect with other Blankies on our <a href="https://www.reddit.com/r/blankies/s/gpcOkQr8Sv">Reddit</a> or <a href="https://discord.gg/blankies">Discord</a>For anything else, check out <a href="https://www.blankcheckpod.com/">BlankCheckPod.com</a>  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit <a href="https://megaphone.fm/adchoices">megaphone.fm/adchoices</a>

Beyond the Lights with Ayo Edebiri

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.