Excuse the Intermission
Alex, Erica and Max take you on a journey through film with this discussion podcast about movies.
Episodes
261 episodes
The Final Reckoning: Mission Impossible's Last Chapter
In a world teetering on the brink of nuclear annihilation, Ethan Hunt faces his most formidable adversary yet—not a terrorist mastermind or rogue agent, but an all-seeing artificial intelligence known simply as "the Entity." Mission Impossible:...
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Episode 254
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1:59:10
Death's Design Returns: Examining the Final Destination Franchise
When Final Destination: Bloodlines shattered box office expectations with a $100 million worldwide haul, it proved that even after 14 years, Death's design still captivates audiences hungry for creative kills and nail-biting tension. But how do...
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Episode 253
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1:26:05
Movie News: Thunderbolts, New Trailers and Cannes Film Festival Begins!
The conversation shifts to Marvel's surprising box office hit "Thunderbolts," which has topped charts for two consecutive weekends. We break down why this particular entry has connected with audiences when recent Marvel offerings have faltered ...
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Episode 252
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1:41:40
ETI's Spring Television Episode: From White Lotus to The Studio
Ever wondered what happens when film critics turn their analytical gaze toward television? In this captivating episode, Alex and Erica connect virtually to dissect the most compelling shows dominating our screens right now, revealing why these ...
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Episode 251
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1:19:47
Sinners Review and Farewell to Max
A stunning achievement in genre filmmaking, "Sinners" transports us to the Mississippi Delta of 1932 where twin brothers find themselves caught between supernatural evil and the harsh realities of Jim Crow America. Ryan Coogler's masterful dire...
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Episode 250
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52:50
Warfare Review and Alex Garland's Resurgence
In the chaos of combat, what truly matters isn't the mission, but the harrowing moments that forever bind soldiers together. "Warfare," the latest from filmmaking duo Alex Garland and Ray Mendoza, strips away conventional war movie tropes to de...
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Episode 249
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1:35:36
The Jack Black Hall of Fame
Jack Black sits at the rare intersection of comedy genius, musical talent, and heartfelt authenticity that few performers ever discover. His journey from bit player in 90s action films to beloved family-friendly superstar reveals one of Hollywo...
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Episode 248
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1:31:08
Top Five Guilty Pleasure Movies
What are the movies we love despite knowing they're not cinematic masterpieces? When the critics pan a film that you can't stop rewatching, should you feel guilty about your enjoyment?In this deeply personal episode, we reunite as a ful...
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Episode 247
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1:48:49
Film Catchup: The Bombs and Breakthroughs
Every March, Hollywood seems to enter a strange twilight zone – award season is over, summer blockbusters remain months away, and the theatrical landscape becomes a curious mix of studio castoffs and hidden gems. This year proves particularly f...
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Episode 248
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1:16:49
Lights, Camera, Diploma: Confessions of a Mid-30s Film Grad
Stepping into the spotlight this week is our very own Max Fosberg, fresh from his graduation at Seattle Film Institute. In this deeply personal conversation, Max opens up about the transformative journey of pursuing film education in his mid-th...
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Episode 247
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1:16:38
Mickey 17: Bong Joon-ho's Comedic Sci-Fi Odyssey
Mickey 17 marks Bong Joon-ho's triumphant return to filmmaking following his historic Oscar sweep with Parasite. The film stars Robert Pattinson as an "expendable" – a human clone repeatedly sent on dangerous missions with his consciousness tra...
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Episode 246
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56:25
2025 Oscar Aftermath: Reactions and Revelations
This episode dives deep into the aftermath of the 2025 Academy Awards, exploring everything from unexpected wins to emotional acceptance speeches. We discuss the standout moment when *Enora* surprised everyone by taking home the Best Picture aw...
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Episode 245
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1:16:44
ETI's 2025 Oscar Predictions
This episode is charged with excitement as we gear up for the 97th Academy Awards. Join us as we delve into the nominations, dissect predictions, and share a few surprises that could shake up the night! From the stunning performances in “Amelia...
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Episode 244
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1:31:55
Ranking Best Picture Winners: Hits, Misses, and Surprises Since 2000
What if your favorite Best Picture winner isn't all it's cracked up to be? Join us on a cinematic journey as we, Alex McCauley, Max Fosberg, and Erica Kraus, tackle the formidable task of ranking every Best Picture winner since 2000. With Erica...
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Episode 243
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2:21:12
ETI's Mark Wahlberg HOF
What if Mark Wahlberg's career choices could be mapped like a roller coaster, with highs and lows that keep audiences on the edge of their seats? Join us for a spirited exploration of Wahlberg's diverse filmography, from standout roles like tho...
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Episode 242
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2:22:15
The Steven Soderbergh Movie Draft
Unlock the secrets behind Steven Soderbergh’s groundbreaking career and discover how his latest film, "Presence," transcends traditional genres. This episode of "Excuse the Intermission" features Max's spoiler-free impressions and explores the ...
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Episode 241
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1:15:23
Oscar Noms, and 2025's Most Anticipated Movies
Erica's back with us, and her fresh perspective is the breath of fresh air we all need as we journey through the cinematic wonders of 2025. From the latest James Cameron's Avatar movie to groundbreaking projects by indie directors, we're explor...
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Episode 240
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1:51:51
Celebrating the Visionary Legacy of David Lynch
The world of cinema has lost a true visionary with the passing of David Lynch, and we are here to celebrate his extraordinary legacy. Lynch's films are a masterclass in storytelling, marrying the surreal with the deeply personal, and his influe...
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Episode 239
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1:27:30
Best of 2024 featuring filmmakers Kalee Quiñones and Marcus Baker
2024 has proven to be a transformative year for cinema, showcasing a vibrant array of films that span various genres and storytelling styles. In our episode, we share our favorite movies, touching on standout performances in films like "The Sub...
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Episode 238
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2:58:29
Unearthing Robert Eggers' Nosferatu with Filmmaker Justin Robert Vinall
Robert Eggers' Nosferatu revives a classic horror tale with a fresh perspective, exploring themes of desire, repression, and the nature of evil. The ensemble cast, particularly Bill Skarsgård and Lily Rose Depp, delivers compelling performances...
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Episode 237
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1:47:02
Unwrapping Christmas Cringe: A Hilarious Dive into Festive Rom-Coms
Ever paired Nosferatu with Mufasa for Christmas movie day? We're shaking up holiday traditions in our latest episode, where we chat about our festive plans and explore the wacky world of Christmas cringe movies. As we gear up for 2024, we share...
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Episode 236
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1:17:39
Golden Globes Nominations, Y2K and the Personal Period Piece HOF
Max, Alex and Erica are together again in studio! They cover the 2024 Golden Globes Nominations from surprises, potential winners and snubs.They also went to see the new A24 film from first time director Kyle Mooney, Y2K. This inspired ...
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Episode 235
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1:40:03
From Skepticism to Magic: Unraveling "Wicked" and Reflecting on "Gladiator 2
Did we underestimate the magic of "Wicked"? Join us as we share our journey from skepticism to surprise with the blockbuster film adaptation of this beloved Broadway classic. We'll unravel the enchanting tale of how "Wicked" became a record-bre...
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Episode 234
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58:24
Ridley Scott Film Bracket Showdown: Gladiator 2 Anticipation and Cinematic Classics
Get ready for a cinematic showdown unlike any other! We brought on Marcus Baker of the Seattle Film Society to join us as we navigate the excitement, skepticism, and Oscar buzz surrounding Ridley Scott's highly anticipated sequel, Gladiator 2. ...
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Episode 233
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3:03:02
Oscars Buzz and Sean Baker's Anora
What's the secret ingredient that could turn your favorite animated film into a Best Picture contender at the Oscars? Join Max, Erica, and a slightly under-the-weather Alex as we navigate the thrilling world of cinema and award predictions, esp...
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Episode 232
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1:26:33