Excuse the Intermission

Send a text What if August became the new blockbuster season? Join us as we uncover the unexpected triumphs of August 2024's film releases. Despite its reputation as a "dumping ground," this month has proven to be a powerhouse of box office hits and award-worthy performances. We'll dive into the data, dissecting how the Pacific Northwest's favorable weather and audience en...

Send a text Have you ever wondered how the xenomorph from the original "Alien" could still be lurking around? Join us, Alex McCauley and Max Fosberg, as we welcome special guest Derek Schneider for an electrifying breakdown of "Alien Romulus." We share our unfiltered excitement for this new addition helmed by Fede Alvarez, reminisce about the mixed emotions surrounding "Al...

Send a text What if streaming services are killing the magic of cinema? On this episode of Excuse the Intermission, Alex McCauley and Max Fosberg welcome you to a riveting discussion on the seismic shifts in the film industry. We start with a look back at the electrifying year of horror in 2024, before tearing into how streaming platforms are reshaping traditional revenue models and the theatrical...

Send a text Join us for an eye-opening exploration of the enigmatic career of M. Night Shyamalan, as we dissect his latest cinematic masterpiece, "Trap." We'll promise you deep insights into Shyamalan's signature style, including his unique approach to mystery, thrills, and camera work. Witness how his resurgence parallels that of Nicholas Cage and understand why July 2024 was...

Send a text What if the superhero genre isn't dead but just in need of a radical reboot? Join us for an in-depth breakdown of "Deadpool and Wolverine," the highest-grossing R-rated film ever, and its seismic impact on the Marvel Cinematic Universe. We'll navigate the complexities of integrating 20th Century Fox characters into the MCU, offering fresh perspectives amidst the so-...

Send a text What if a summer blockbuster could transport you back to the 90s while feeling totally fresh and modern? Get ready for our lively discussion on "Twisters," the anticipated sequel that blends nostalgic action with contemporary twists. We'll break down standout scenes, including a clever fourth-wall break, and explore how today's influencer culture weaves seamlessly i...

Send a text What if the sinister forces lurking in the shadows of your favorite horror films were more real than you ever imagined? Join us as we dissect "Longlegs," the chilling new horror thriller by Osgood Perkins.  Stick around after our ‘Longlegs’ discussion to hear from Tacoma-based filmmaker Derek Nunn. Derek shares his journey from Los Angeles to Tacoma and his mission to boost t...

Send a text Alex and Max welcome Seattle filmmaker Matthew Rush to the show and discuss the new horror/thriller ‘MaXXXine’ from director Ti West and actor Mia Goth.  Support the show Max's Letterboxd Alex's Letterboxd ETI Instagram

Send a text Did Kevin Costner's latest film "Horizon: An American Saga Chapter One" redefine the Western genre or miss the mark? Join us for an in-depth exploration of Costner's storied career, from his rise to fame in the late '80s and '90s to his current passion projects. We'll recount our early morning Cinemark viewing of "Horizon" and discuss its po...

Send a text Which film of 2024 has already etched itself into your all-time favorites? Join us as we navigate through the cinematic treasures that have graced our screens so far this year. From the gritty new western by Kevin Costner to the spine-chilling sequel of "A Quiet Place," our first chapter celebrates the year's standout films and the buzz surrounding upcoming releases. We...

Send a text What if Pixar’s latest smash hit, "Inside Out 2," marks the beginning of a new golden era for the animation giant? Join us as we examine how this emotionally charged sequel not only shattered financial records but might also signal Pixar's triumphant return to its storytelling roots. We reflect on our own viewing experiences—from early morning screenings to packed aftern...

Send a text What if the best films of 2024 aren't the ones plastered across every billboard? Join us as we share our excitement for the hidden gems of the coming year, alongside reflections on the laughter-filled chaos of the end-of-school festivities. From modern field days and oddly renamed tug-of-war events to the sweet anticipation of summer break, we reminisce about the past school year...

Send a text What happens when the unseasonal rain and cold of the Pacific Northwest turns summer plans into theater-bound adventures? Join us as we explore the unexpected box office success stories of May 2024, from the surprise hit Garfield movie to the quirky Memorial Day release schedules. We'll also share our recent cinematic journey through Kansas and our newfound love for vintage theate...

Send a text What happened to "Furiosa: Mad Max Saga" at the box office? Despite extensive advertising, the latest entry in George Miller's beloved dystopian series didn't quite hit the mark in domestic markets. In this episode, we dissect why "Furiosa" underperformed, especially around the busy Memorial Day weekend that coincided with Max Fosberg's birthday—a tim...

Send a text As the dust settles on a world unmade, the haunting beauty of post-apocalyptic cinema beckons. Just in time for the release of "Furiosa," we've armed ourselves with reflections from the stark landscapes of societal collapse to share with you. From the Seattle International Film Festival to the challenging classrooms of film school, I've gathered personal anecdotes a...

Send a text Embark on a cinematic odyssey with us as we unveil the genius behind the "Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes," a film that intertwines mesmerizing CGI with poignant storytelling. We'll venture through the franchise's rich legacy, discussing the cultural allegories that have captivated audiences for over fifty years. Feel the thrill as we juxtapose the latest protagon...

Send a text Dive headfirst with us into the dynamic filmography of Ryan Gosling, as Seattle's own Marcus Baker, a filmmaker with a knack for comedy and an eye for cinematic detail, joins us to dissect "The Fall Guy," Gosling's latest high-adrenaline flick. Marcus, with his roots in the Seattle Film Society and his short film "Three Women and a Possible Fire Next Door,&quot...

Send a text Get ready to step onto the court with the enthralling narratives of Luca Guadagnino's "Challengers," where the suspense of tennis matches serves as a backdrop for an exploration of deeper emotional and thematic complexities. Alex and Max Fosberg, delve into the nuances of Guadagnino's storytelling, examining how the film weaves together threads of ambition, sexualit...

Send a text Alex and Max, spring clean their movie watchlists and delve into the heart of cinema's evolution. The surprising success of films like 'Abigail' in theaters, we're discussing it all. Discover how the film industry's pivot towards modestly budgeted projects is redefining what stories make it to the big screen, and what this means for the streaming giants recalib...

Send a text Pop the cork and join as we mark a whopping 200 episodes of cinematic banter and insights with a blockbuster bash! From discussing the evolution of our film-watching habits to conjuring up what-if scenarios of superhero movies through the lenses of distinct directors, we've got a feast for your film-loving soul. A nostalgic journey awaits as we reflect on the milestones since our...

Send a text As the Omen film franchise creeps back into the spotlight, we couldn't help but get wrapped up in the spine-chilling allure of the series' latest entry. Join us on an eerie journey as we rank the Omen films, including the prequel that's been turning heads and raising hairs. This episode isn't just about rankings though; we dive into the evolution of the chilling Dam...

Send a text Discover the films that not only won our hearts but also shaped the very fabric of cinema in the 1990s. With the help of Max our reigning Oscar prediction king, we're embarking on a nostalgic and insightful odyssey through the decade's most influential movies. Get ready as we passionately debate, reminisce, and maybe even disagree on the top ten cinematic treasures that defin...

Send a text Emerging from the shadows of a brief Oscars break, we've dusted off our microphones to dissect the cinematic gems of 2024, sharing tales from our own lives that weave into the tapestry of film critique. Strap in for our no-holds-barred movie review segment where we navigate the missteps of Martin Freeman's awkward on-screen escapade, a  hybrid live-action and stop-motion film...

Send a text Ever wondered what it's like to attend an Oscars Watch Party with a cinema-loving crowd? Alex McCauley and Max Fosberg experienced just that at the Grand Cinema, and we're spilling the details! From the sparkling highs of the winners to the production quirks of the 96th Academy Awards, we share our insights and the undeniable charm of community events. Plus, we discuss the im...

Send a text Ever wondered what it feels like to be amidst the buzz and glamour of an Oscars watch party? Max and Alex transport you to the heart of the action at the Grand Cinema's Theatre 3 for a front-row seat at the 96th Academy Awards. Find out who walked away with the gold and who was snubbed. Hosts: Alex MacAulay and Max Fosberg Guests: Derek Nunn Produced by: Max Fosberg https://www.gr...