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Alex and Max continue their coverage of the Gig Harbor Film Festival with more conversations about independent filmmaking, creative collaboration, and the stories behind this year’s films. From the challenges of bringing a project to life to the excitement of sharing it with an audience, this episode celebrates the filmmakers who make festivals like GHFF possible.

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Excuse the Intermission returns to the Gig Harbor Film Festival for a new round of conversations with the filmmakers behind this year’s lineup. In Part One, Max and Alex sit down with filmmakers to discuss the experiences that inspired their work, the challenges of bringing an independent film to life, and what it means to finally share those stories with a festival audience.

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This week on Excuse the Intermission, we're catching up on everything we missed over the past few months. We break down the latest box office trends, discuss the growing dominance of franchise filmmaking, and dive into Marvel's newest casting shakeups and industry partnership news. We also revisit some of our favorite discoveries from earlier in 2026, sharing the films that surprised us, stuck with us, and are worth adding to your watchlist. It's a packed episode full of movie news, honest recommendations, and plenty of film nerd conversation.

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Max and Alex reunite after a lengthy break to discuss Christopher Nolan's The Odyssey, one of the most anticipated films of 2026. They praise the film's scale, ambition, performances, and theatrical experience while debating where it ranks within Nolan's filmography. Although both enjoyed the movie and expect to revisit it, they question whether it's truly Nolan's masterpiece, arguing that many of its themes—leadership, war, identity, and homecoming—are compelling but not especially groundbreaking. They wrap up by discussing Nolan's future as a filmmaker, upcoming 2026 releases they're excited about, and their plans to b...

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It’s time to close the book on 2025 and look ahead to what’s coming next.

In this episode of Excuse the Intermission, we each count down our Top 10 favorite movies of 2025, breaking down the films that stuck with us, surprised us, and sparked the most debate. From awards contenders to genre standouts, we revisit a year that delivered big swings and unforgettable moments.

Then, we turn our attention to 2026, previewing the upcoming releases we’re most excited about — the directors, franchises, and originals that could de...

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A monster is born, a father is made, and a legend gets a new pulse. We brought filmmaker Justin Robert Vinall into the studio to dive headfirst into Guillermo Del Toro’s Frankenstein, pulling apart what this adaptation embraces from Mary Shelley and what it boldly rewires. We start with the immediate gut checks why the production design is breathtaking, how the exteriors can feel oddly digital, and where the Arctic bookends unlock fidelity to the novel while straining the final act’s momentum.

From there, we go deep on performances. Jaco...

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Five conversations. One weekend that proves short films can carry more than most features. We sat down at the Gig Harbor Film Festival with filmmakers who turned everyday pressure into unforgettable cinema—starting with a travel-phobe who literally becomes a shoe. That hybrid live action-animation pivot wasn’t a gimmick; it was a smart, budget-aware way to visualize dissociation, sharpened by a one-man animation army and razor-sharp improv that had audiences grinning at micro-expressions and airline absurdity.

We then move into a quiet chill that lingers: a brother and sister return home...

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The landscape of Hollywood is shifting before our eyes. From massive studio consolidations to the passing of icons, Alex and Max dive deep into what these changes mean for the future of cinema.

Following a month-long hiatus, the hosts catch up on industry news that could fundamentally alter how movies reach audiences. Skydance's acquisition of Paramount and potential bid for Warner Brothers raises urgent questions: What happens when streaming giants own historic studios? Will theatrical releases survive? The conversation explores how these corporate maneuvers might impact everything from filmmaker careers to...

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The magic of filmmaking often lies in that sweet spot between meticulous planning and creative spontaneity. Andrew "Ducky" Dutkiewiczz embodies this balance as he joins us to discuss his upcoming short film "Call This Land Mother" – a story about an Irish immigrant recalling his first summer in America and the mysterious girl who can speak to his dead mother.

Ducky pulls back the curtain on his crowdfunding journey through Seed&Spark, revealing both the struggles and unexpected joys of this process. "Crowdfunding alone is a career," he explains, describing the constant an...

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When 17 children from the same third-grade classroom vanish into the night, a small suburban town becomes the epicenter of a nightmare that defies explanation. "Weapons," Zach Crager's sophomore directorial effort following his breakout hit "Barbarian," delivers a masterclass in atmospheric horror that will leave you checking the locks on your doors.

The film's brilliance lies in its unconventional structure, following multiple characters whose lives have been upended by the mass disappearance. We begin with Julia Garner's haunting portrayal of the children's teacher, quickly becoming the town's primary suspect as suspicion and...

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What defines the greatest films of our still-young century? When The New York Times published their reader-selected Top 100 Films of the 21st Century, we couldn't resist diving into this cultural touchstone that had over 200,000 cinephiles weighing in on what matters most in modern cinema.

With Bong Joon-ho's "Parasite" claiming the top spot and Christopher Nolan dominating with five entries (including both "Interstellar" and "The Dark Knight" in the top 10), the list reveals fascinating patterns about what resonates with today's audiences. We explore the international appeal of the selections, from "Spirited Away"...

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The theatrical landscape of 2025 tells a fascinating story through its box office patterns and creative trends. Animation continues its unstoppable theatrical dominance across multiple studios, while long-running franchises like Mission Impossible and Jurassic World show unmistakable signs of fatigue. Has the time come to put these decades-old properties to rest?

Our midyear film roundup reveals a striking preference for original storytelling over franchise continuation. From the breathtaking coastal beauty of Paolo Sorrentino's Parthenope to the inventive shark thrills of Dangerous Animals, our top picks demonstrate cinema's continued ability to surprise and...

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Sheriff Joe Cross patrols a small New Mexico town where tension simmers beneath the surface. It's May 2020, and the pandemic has unleashed a torrent of fear, conspiracy, and mistrust that threatens to tear Eddington apart.

When we meet Joaquin Phoenix's Sheriff Cross, he's a man grasping for control – of his town, his marriage to Emma Stone's increasingly distant wife, and the looming threat of COVID-19. His power struggle with Pedro Pascal's Mayor Ted Garcia initially plays as absurdist comedy, filled with mask debates and protocol disputes that feel simultaneously ridiculous and un...

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Dinosaurs and box office numbers find a way, even when creativity doesn't. The latest Jurassic installment stomped through theaters with a staggering $318 million global opening, proving once again that this prehistoric franchise remains Hollywood's gold standard for bankable intellectual property.

Scarlett Johansson and Mahershala Ali headline Jurassic World Rebirth, bringing star power to a franchise that's circling the creative drain yet continues to draw massive audiences. We dissect what works in this seventh installment – primarily Gareth Edwards' undeniable talent for spectacular visual set pieces – and what falls flat. From the breathtaking Tita...

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When the throttle opens and Led Zeppelin's iconic riffs fill the theater, you know you're in for something special. F1 roars onto the screen with the perfect fusion of high-stakes racing drama and human storytelling that makes your heart race as fast as the cars themselves.

Brad Pitt delivers one of his most compelling performances in years as Sonny Hayes, a former champion dragging the weight of past failures behind him like a parachute. What makes this performance remarkable isn't just Pitt's natural charisma, but his willingness to embrace vulnerability and...

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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" becomes the focal point for a larger conversation about directorial signature styles calcifying into self-parody. Even devoted Anderson defenders are feeling fatigue as his meticulously composed dollhouses and deadpan performances edge closer to parody than innovation. Despite the welcome presence of Benicio Del Toro and glimpses of experimentation with violence and sports sequences, the film ultimately disappoints by prioritizing aesthetic...

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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 what could be the full recovery of theatrical moviegoing after years of uncertainty.

Behind this remarkable surge were five films crossing the $100 million domestic threshold, led by Disney's surprisingly dominant "Lilo and Stitch" ($260M domestic) and Marvel's "Thunderbolts" ($180M). Perhaps most unexpected was "Final Destination: Bloodlines," the sixth entry in a long-dormant franchise that managed to earn over $200M wo...

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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: The Final Reckoning delivers the breathtaking stunts and globe-trotting adventure fans have come to expect, while simultaneously offering a surprisingly thoughtful meditation on humanity's place in an increasingly technological world.

The stakes have never been higher as Hunt reunites with his loyal team—the tech wizard Benji (Simon Pegg) and the steadfast Luther (Ving Rham...

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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 does this sixth installment stack up against its predecessors?

Join hosts Alex, Max, and Erica as they journey through the entire Final Destination franchise, ranking all six films and dissecting what makes these movies uniquely addictive despite their often schlocky nature. From the high-concept original that launched the series in 2000 to the roller coaster thrills of Final Destination 3...

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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 – examining how its grounded approach, practical location shooting, and thoughtful mental health themes provide a refreshing alternative to CGI-heavy spectacles. Florence Pugh's star power and David Harbour's charismatic performance contribute to a film that feels contained yet consequential within the larger Marvel universe.

Summer movie season approaches with promising titles, and we analyze recent trailers for Sp...

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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 series have become cultural touchpoints worthy of deep exploration.

The conversation opens with a fascinating look at HBO's "The White Lotus" and how it revitalized appointment television viewing. They explore the double-edged sword of social media fan theories – how they enhance community engagement while potentially diluting major plot surprises. "Rip Chelsea, what a sweet angel" be...

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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 direction elevates what could have been a standard vampire tale into something truly extraordinary – a rich, textured exploration of brotherhood, community, and survival against impossible odds.

Michael B. Jordan delivers what might be his career-best performance, portraying twins Smoke and Stack with such distinct personalities that you'll forget you're watching one actor in dual roles. The brothers re...

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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 deliver something far more visceral and authentic.

Based on Mendoza's actual experiences as a Navy SEAL during the Iraq War, this relentlessly tense 96-minute thriller drops viewers into the middle of a mission gone catastrophically wrong. When two platoons become trapped in a hostile urban environment, what follows is a masterclass in sustained...

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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 Hollywood's most unexpected and treasured success stories.

What makes Black's career so remarkable is his chameleon-like ability to excel across genres while remaining unmistakably himself. When examining his Hall of Fame filmography—from the rock-fueled inspiration of School of Rock to the surprising dramatic depth of Bernie, from the scene-stealing brilliance of Tropic Thunder to th...

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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 full trio to dive into the concept of "guilty pleasures" in film - those movies we return to time and again despite (or perhaps because of) their perceived flaws. As Erica returns from her travels, she brings with her this question that reveals more about us as viewers than perhaps any other...

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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 fascinating as we've witnessed an unprecedented $320 million Netflix disaster alongside genuinely brilliant filmmaking that's struggling to find its audience.

The stark contrast between something like The Electric State – a bloated, CGI-heavy disappointment from the once-celebrated Russo Brothers – and Steven Soderbergh's masterfully crafted spy thriller Black Bag perfectly illustrates the film industry's current identity crisis. While...

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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-thirties—a decision that initially felt "almost silly" but ultimately proved profoundly rewarding.

The discussion reveals fascinating insights into the practical realities of student filmmaking, where location often dictates creative direction. "I think the first thing that I figured out for each idea was location," Max shares, explaining how his vampire film "Nightstock" gr...

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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 transferred to a new body after each death. When two versions of Mickey unexpectedly exist simultaneously, the story transforms into something far more complex than its sci-fi premise suggests.

What surprised me most about Mickey 17 was its comedic tone. Rather than the tense thriller the early teasers suggested, Bong delivers a surprisingly daffy, slapstick comedy reminiscent of si...

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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 award, highlighting the film’s essence in the context of today's rapidly changing film landscape. 

Conan O'Brien's impressive hosting managed to balance comedy with poignant commentary, providing a fresh contrast to prior ceremonies that sometimes feel stuck in their ways. Our discussions include the notable absence of traditional Hollywood stars, focusing instead on celebrating lesser-known talents and...

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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 Perez” to the artistic endeavors reflected in “The Brutalist,” we showcase an array of films vying for the coveted Oscars. Not only do we make our predictions for each category, but we also unpack the deeper themes these films present and how they resonate within today's cultural context. 

Our lively co...

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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's delightfully unpredictable selections leading the way, prepare for some surprises as we debate the hits and misses of the Oscar world. This episode promises a lively exchange of perspectives, touching on both beloved classics and those films that have seemingly slipped through the cracks of time.

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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 those in "Boogie Nights" and "The Fighter" to the puzzling choices such as "Planet of the Apes." We dive into the collaborations with directors like David O. Russell and Peter Berg, examining how these partnerships have brought unique flair to his performances. It's a conversation that celebrates Wahlberg's versatility, dissecting why his most...

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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 film's extraordinary writing and performances, alongside Soderbergh’s voyeuristic style. We also examine his innovative techniques, like shooting with an iPhone, and reflect on how he single-handedly reshaped filmmaking with his unique editing style in classics such as "The Limey."

Our journey through Soderbergh’s eclectic filmography offers insights into his unmatched versatility, from the cultural phenomenon of "Ocean's Eleven...

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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 exploring a colorful mosaic of storytelling magic. We even touch on the latest Academy Award nominations with a dash of humor, especially when Rachel Sennett and Bowen Yang turned an early morning announcement into a spectacle not to be missed.

As the Oscar buzz echoes, we're diving headfirst into the chaos and...

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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 influence stretches far beyond the silver screen. Join us as we recount how his work has touched us personally and professionally, particularly his ability to maintain an authentic style that defies Hollywood norms. Alongside insights from luminaries like Guillermo del Toro, we explore the many layers to Lynch's genius that have inspired generations...

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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 Substance" and "Civil War," as well as the triumphant return of franchises like "Dune: Part Two" that further solidified their cinematic legacies.

• Exploration of the evolving landscape of 2024 cinema 
• Discussion of standout performances, particularly Demi and Lily Rose Depp 
• Analysis of "Civil War" as a pivotal film addressing societal themes 
• Highlights...

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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 that enrich the film's haunting atmosphere. The episode delves into the film's production aspects, character analysis, and the broader implications of its storylines, highlighting Eggers' mastery in gothic storytelling.

• Eggers' unique approach to Nosferatu as a gothic horror film 
• Strong performances from Skarsgård and Depp enhancing character depth 
• Visually stunning cinematography that evokes sil...

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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 our excitement over the Criterion Channel's Nicole Kidman collection, and the intriguing seasonal trends we've spotted on platforms like Letterboxd and Reddit. Get cozy as we unwrap the unique charm of these films, from their low-budget quirks to the predictably sweet romantic plots that keep us coming back for more.

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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 them to create the Personal Period Piece Hall of Fame.
 
 
 
 

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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-breaking success, surpassing other hits like "Chicago," and compare its narrative depth to that of "The Wizard of Oz." With a tinge of nostalgia, we delve into our childhood memories linked to the original Oz story and ponder how Ariana Grande's unexpected charm added a new layer to the familiar fantasy world.

Ever...