Father's Day 2025 finds our podcast fathers contemplating the curious state of cinema, where animation remakes break box office records while prestige directors struggle with creative stagnation.Wes Anderson's "The Phoenician Scheme" be...

May 2025 marked a historic turning point for theatrical exhibition with box office numbers approaching $1 billion on just 128 releases – half the number required to hit that mark pre-pandemic. This stunning 75% year-over-year growth signals wha...

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:...

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...

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 ...

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 ...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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 ...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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 ...

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...