Excuse the Intermission artwork

Excuse the Intermission

240 episodes - English - Latest episode: 6 days ago - ★★★★★ - 38 ratings

Alex and Max take you on a journey through film with this discussion podcast about movies.

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Episodes

Our Kevin Costner Batting Lineups + 'Horizon: An American Saga - Chapter One'

July 04, 2024 07:00 - 1 hour - 79.1 MB

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 potential impact on Costner’s legacy, comparing his bold career choices with contemporaries like Tom Hanks and Harrison Ford.  We'll lay bare our mixed fe...

Best 2024 Films So Far

June 27, 2024 07:00 - 55 minutes - 38 MB

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 also examine the unexpected success stories like "Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes" and "Challengers," which have left us ...

Inside Out 2: Pixar's Emotional Return and Our Pixar Hall of Fame

June 20, 2024 07:00 - 1 hour - 63.8 MB

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 afternoon shows—revealing the film's widespread appeal and discussing its impact compared to the original "Inside Out." Explore ...

Discovering Hidden Gems: A Sneak Peek at 2024’s Most Anticipated Indie Films

June 13, 2024 07:00 - 1 hour - 41.5 MB

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 and the joys of movie marathons that lie ahead. Our curiosity takes us into the realm of indie films, where we d...

Richard Linklater's Hitman and More May Cinema

June 06, 2024 07:00 - 54 minutes - 37.6 MB

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 theaters like Liberty Hall in Lawrence. Plus, get a sneak peek into our thoughts on the highly anticipated Bad Boys mov...

Analyzing Furiosa & Box Office Blues + Max's Birthday Celebration

May 30, 2024 07:00 - 1 hour - 69.8 MB

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 time historically linked with major movie premieres. We'll also take a nostalgic trip down memory lane, revisiting past birthday movie releases wh...

Navigating the Desolate Landscapes of Post-Apocalyptic Cinema and the Anticipation of "Furiosa

May 23, 2024 07:00 - 1 hour - 43.9 MB

Send us a Text Message. 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 and technical insights to shed light on how stories of survival and isolation not only captivate but rev...

Top Five Post Apocalyptic Movies

May 23, 2024 07:00 - 1 hour - 43.9 MB

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 and technical insights to shed light on how stories of survival and isolation not only captivate but reveal the resilience of the...

Exploring the Legacy and Future of 'Planet of the Apes'

May 16, 2024 07:00 - 1 hour - 57.8 MB

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 protagonist, Noah, with iconic heroes like Luke Skywalker, and debate the future of this enthralling saga. As we peel back the layers of...

The Master of Jackets: A Ryan Gosling Odyssey

May 09, 2024 07:00 - 1 hour - 79.2 MB

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," provides a unique filmmaker’s perspective on Gosling's evolution from a meme-generating heartthrob to a serious actor with a penchant fo...

Courting Complexity: A Deep Dive into Luca Guadagnino's 'Challengers'

May 02, 2024 07:00 - 59 minutes - 41.1 MB

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, sexuality, and personal turmoil. We invite you to join our passionate discussion as we scrutinize the hypnotic score by Trent Reznor and...

Spring Cleaning Our Watchlists: The Evolution of Cinema and Future of Streaming

April 25, 2024 07:00 - 1 hour - 50.1 MB

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 recalibrating their strategies. Feel the buzz of the cinema's potential resurgence where the communal experience of a packed theater could ...

200th Episode Celebration

April 18, 2024 07:00 - 1 hour - 74.1 MB

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 debut in 2020, and with the help of our ever-eager intern Timm, we navigate the glamorous and sometimes quirky wo...

Ranking The Omen Series: Faith and Fear in Film

April 11, 2024 15:00 - 57 minutes - 39.6 MB

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 Damien character and the masterful acting that brought him to life. Reflect with us on the triumphs and tribulations of faith-based...

Rewinding the Reels: A Tribute to the Defining Films of the 1990s

April 04, 2024 15:00 - 1 hour - 52 MB

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 define an era. From indie darlings to groundbreaking blockbusters, we're peeling back the curtain on '90s film culture and ...

A Mixed Bag of Recent Releases from Max and Alex

March 28, 2024 15:00 - 1 hour - 42.9 MB

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 'Stop Motion'  that is stirring up the horror scene.  Send us a Text Message. Support the Show.

The Fallout of the 96th Academy Awards

March 14, 2024 07:00 - 51 minutes - 35.6 MB

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 importance of supporting local cinematic gems like the Grand Cinema, especially during their crucial capital campaign. ...

LIVE at the Grand Cinema Oscars Watch Party: Winners, Surprises, and Future Predictions

March 12, 2024 16:00 - 41 minutes - 28.9 MB

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.grandcinema.com/donate/ Send us a Text Message. Support the Show.

Diving Into 'Dune Part 2' and Unveiling Our Oscar Predictions

March 07, 2024 08:00 - 1 hour - 77.5 MB

Prepare to traverse the dunes of Arrakis and beyond as we dissect the phenomenon of "Dune Part 2," a cinematic marvel that's captured the hearts of audiences and critics alike. Our latest episode is a treasure trove for film buffs and Dune enthusiasts, filled with vivid theater experiences,  and the magnetic performances of Timothy Chalamet and the ensemble cast. Plus, with the Oscars on the horizon this Sunday, we're laying down our predictions for the award show. Hosts: Alex MacAulay and ...

Exploring Denis Villeneuve's Cinematic Universe and Award Season Insights

February 29, 2024 08:00 - 51 minutes - 35.3 MB

Embark on an auditory adventure with us, Alex and Max as we traverse the sweeping landscapes of Denis Villeneuve's much-anticipated "Dune Part 2." In a spoiler-free fashion, we compare the majesty of this sequel to the titans of cinema. We also sift through the glimmer of recent award-season triumphs, from the Screen Actors Guild to the Independent Spirit Awards, and muse over their impact on the film world. Hosts: Alex MacAulay and Max Fosberg Produced by: Max Fosberg Send us a Text Messa...

Unraveling Madame Webb and the BAFTAS

February 22, 2024 08:00 - 56 minutes - 38.7 MB

 Alex and Max unravel Madame Webb's mysterious web in the latest Marvel-Sony film. We're taking you on a deep dive into the 2003 setting—could this be the untold origins of Peter Parker's journey? Not to mention, we're scratching our heads over how this tangled tale fits alongside the likes of Venom and Morbius. Tune in, and you might just find out why this movie's performance at the box office could signal a superhero fatigue. Then we're discussing Oscars, BAFTAs, and all the accolades in b...

Revisiting the 1999 Oscars: Indie Darlings, Unforgettable Performances, and the way it should of gone

February 15, 2024 08:00 - 1 hour - 53.4 MB

Step back in time with us as we tackle the enigma of the 1999 Academy Awards, promising a revisionist's take on the films that have, or should have, stood the test of time. The indie film scene's golden era, where rebels like Tarantino and Anderson were kings, and "The Matrix" redefined what cinema could be. Max and Alex fix the 72nd Academy Awards. Hosts: Alex MacAulay and Max Fosberg Produced by: Max Fosberg Send us a Text Message. Support the Show.

Decoding the Oscar Noms + Space Garbage

February 01, 2024 08:00 - 1 hour - 49.3 MB

Our latest discussion spins around the Academy Award nominations and snubs, culminating in the baffling omissions of cinematic talents. Prepare to decode the  the Academy's choices, and join us in celebrating the international flair infusing this year's contenders.  Strap in for a cosmic journey through the evolution of space films, we dissect the charm of 'Space Garbage' and how the advancements in CGI rocketed the genre into new dimensions. We examine the production and narratives that ha...

Michael Mann Extravaganza!

January 25, 2024 08:00 - 2 hours - 85.7 MB

Max and Alex bring in multiple guests into studio and out in the field to talk all things surrounding Mann and his new film Ferrari. Hosts: Alex MacAulay and Max Fosberg Guests: Ron MacAulay, Jennie Wetter Produced by: Max Fosberg Send us a Text Message. Support the Show.

The 2004 Movie Draft

January 18, 2024 08:00 - 1 hour - 45.1 MB

Alex and Max are joined by two special guests as they wind the clock back 20 years and draft their favorite movies from 2004. Hosts: Alex MacAulay and Max Fosberg Guests: Erica Crouse, Kalee Quiñones Produced by: Max Fosberg Send us a Text Message. Support the Show.

The Golden Globes + 2024 Most Anticipated Movies

January 11, 2024 08:00 - 1 hour - 48.9 MB

The guys cover their first award show of the year as the Golden Globes return and then they look ahead to some of their most anticipated movies in 2024. Hosts: Alex MacAulay and Max Fosberg Produced by: Max Fosberg Send us a Text Message. Support the Show.

The Best of 2023!

January 04, 2024 08:00 - 2 hours - 110 MB

Alex and Max invite some friends to talk about the year in cinema and their own picks for best movie of the year. Hosts: Alex MacAulay and Max Fosberg Guests: Derek Nunn, Derek Schnieder, Erica Crouse, Marcus Baker, Stephanie Kaznocha, Wade Neal Produced by: Max Fosberg Send us a Text Message. Support the Show.

Yorgos Lanthimos and Poor Things

December 28, 2023 08:00 - 44 minutes - 30.7 MB

Alex and Max sit down to talk about the legacy of The Greek Freak, Yorgos Lanthimos and his new release Poor Things. Hosts: Alex MacAulay and Max Fosberg Produced by: Max Fosberg Send us a Text Message. Support the Show.

Miyazaki Rankings + The Boy and the Heron

December 21, 2023 08:00 - 1 hour - 49.6 MB

Max and Alex sit down to power rank the filmography of the legendary Hayao Miyazaki. Hosts: Alex MacAulay and Max Fosberg Produced by: Max Fosberg Support the show

Hayao Miyazaki Power Rankings

December 21, 2023 08:00 - 1 hour - 49.6 MB

Alex and Max celebrate the release of The Boy and the Heron by ranking Hayao Miyazaki’s legendary filmography.  Hosts: Alex MacAulay and Max Fosberg Produced by: Max Fosberg Send us a Text Message. Support the Show.

Holiday Special - Christmas Crime

December 07, 2023 08:00 - 48 minutes - 33.6 MB

Alex and Max sit down and list ten movie recommendations to watch during this holiday season. The genre is Christmas Crime! Hosts: Alex MacAulay and Max Fosberg Produced by: Max Fosberg Send us a Text Message. Support the Show.

Napoleon + Sir Ridley Poker Hand

November 30, 2023 08:00 - 1 hour - 52.5 MB

Alex and Max are joined by two guests to discuss the new release from Sir Ridley Scott, Napoleon. They then introduce a new episode format to examine his filmography. Hosts: Alex MacAulay and Max Fosberg Special Guest Host: Blaine Glasgow and Timm Dowling Produced by: Max Fosberg Send us a Text Message. Support the Show.

Napoleon + Sir Ridley's Poker Hand

November 30, 2023 08:00 - 1 hour - 52.5 MB

Max and Alex are joined by two special guests this week to discuss the new release from Sir Ridley Scott, Napoleon. Then they introduce a new episode format to examine his filmography. Hosts: Alex MacAulay and Max Fosberg Special Guest Host: Blaine Glasgow and Timm Dowling Produced by: Max Fosberg Support the show

Discussing the SAG-AFTRA Strike

November 25, 2023 01:00 - 48 minutes - 33.1 MB

Alex and Max are joined by former Strike Captain Britt Harris to talk about the 118 day journey that was the SAG-AFTRA Strike and what happens next. Hosts: Alex MacAulay and Max Fosberg Special Guest Host: Britt Harris Produced by: Max Fosberg Send us a Text Message. Support the Show.

The Killer + The Fincher Starting Five

November 16, 2023 08:00 - 1 hour - 46.3 MB

Alex and Max have been waiting for this one. They discuss David Fincher's new movie, The Killer, and then they introduce a new episode format to look at Fincher's entire filmography. Send us a Text Message. Support the Show.

Priscilla + Sophia Coppola Mount Rushmore

November 09, 2023 08:00 - 2 hours - 88.6 MB

Alex and Max welcome back guest host, Rachael MacAulay, to review Priscilla and chat about Sophia Coppola's filmography. Hosts: Alex MacAulay and Max Fosberg Special Guest Host: Rachael MacAulay Produced by: Max Fosberg Send us a Text Message. Support the Show.

Top 10 Most Anticipated 2023 Movies Still to Release

November 02, 2023 14:00 - 40 minutes - 28.1 MB

Alex and Max sit down and look at the last quarter of 2023 releases and each pick five films they are still excited to see. Hosts: Alex MacAulay and Max Fosberg Produced by: Max Fosberg Support the show

Top 10 Most Anticipated 2023 Films Still to Come

November 02, 2023 14:00 - 40 minutes - 28.1 MB

Alex and Max sit down and look at the last quarter of 2023 releases and each pick five films that they are excited to see. Hosts: Alex MacAulay and Max Fosberg Produced by: Max Fosberg Send us a Text Message. Support the Show.

Lost Horror Sequels - Part II: The Forever Purge

October 26, 2023 07:00 - 1 hour - 62.5 MB

Alex and Max jump back into the Lost Horror Sequels miniseries and chat about The Purge franchise. They welcome filmmaker Derek Nunn to the show to talk specifically about The Forever Purge and why that sequel is deserving of cult status.  Hosts: Alex MacAulay and Max Fosberg Special Guest: Derek Nunn Produced by: Max Fosberg Send us a Text Message. Support the Show.

The Scorsese Special

October 24, 2023 07:00 - 2 hours - 83.4 MB

Alex and Max discuss Martin Scorsese’s new film, Killers of the Flower Moon, and then program their ideal Scorsese Film Festival (1:05:20). Hosts: Alex MacAulay and Max Fosberg Produced by: Max Fosberg Send us a Text Message. Support the Show.

The Tacoma Film Festival Wrap Up - Part III

October 19, 2023 16:00 - 37 minutes - 25.5 MB

Alex and Max put a bow on the 2023 Tacoma Film Festival. They celebrate all 200+ festival entries and detail the juror and audience winners. To concluded their coverage Alex interviews Giuseppe Malpasso, the director of Astor Place, The American Dream. Hosts: Alex MacAulay and Max Fosberg Produced by: Max Fosberg Send us a Text Message. Support the Show.

Live From The Tacoma Film Festival - Part II

October 09, 2023 07:00 - 31 minutes - 21.8 MB

Part two of Excuse The Intermission’s coverage of the 2023 Film Festival. Alex and Max are joined by filmmakers Stephanie Kaznocha (Confessions), Marcus Baker (One Hundred) and Matthew Carlson (This Wild Abyss). Hosts: Alex MacAulay and Max Fosberg Produced by: Max Fosberg Send us a Text Message. Support the Show.

Live from the Tacoma Film Festival - Part 2

October 09, 2023 07:00 - 31 minutes - 21.7 MB

Max and Alex complete their weekend of interviews with filmmakers from the 2023 Tacoma Film Festival. Hosts: Alex MacAulay and Max Fosberg Produced by: Max Fosberg Support the show

Live from the Tacoma Film Festival - Part 1

October 09, 2023 07:00 - 55 minutes - 38.1 MB

Alex and Max sit down and interview filmmakers attending the 2023 Tacoma Film Festival. Make sure to check out Part 2 after listening to this episode. Hosts: Alex MacAulay and Max Fosberg Produced by: Max Fosberg Support the show

Live From The Tacoma Film Festival - Part I

October 09, 2023 07:00 - 54 minutes - 37.4 MB

Part one of Excuse The Intermission’s coverage of the 2023 Film Festival. Alex and Max preview the opening night film and spotlight a few other blocks of films. They are then joined by filmmakers Alix Lambert and Matt Dellapina (The Woods Are Real), Ashley Versher (Brief Exchanges) and Christine Caruso (Corky).  Hosts: Alex MacAulay and Max Fosberg Produced by: Max Fosberg Send us a Text Message. Support the Show.

Lost Horror Sequels - Part I: V/H/S 2

October 05, 2023 07:00 - 59 minutes - 40.8 MB

For the October Horror mini series this year Max and Alex are bringing on friends of the pod to examine Lost Horror Sequels. They will try to identify if they will ultimately live on as a cult favorite. First up is VHS 2 with Derek Schneider from The Silver Screams Podcast. Hosts: Alex MacAulay and Max Fosberg Special Guest Host: Derek Schneider  Produced by: Max Fosberg Send us a Text Message. Support the Show.

Lost Horror Sequels - Part 1: V/H/S 2

October 05, 2023 07:00 - 59 minutes - 40.6 MB

For the October Horror mini series this year Max and Alex are bringing on friends of the pod to examine Lost Horror Sequels. They will try to identify if they will ultimately live on as a cult favorite. First up is VHS 2 with Derek Schneider from The Silver Screams Podcast. Hosts: Alex MacAulay and Max Fosberg Special Guest Host: Derek Schneider  Produced by: Max Fosberg Support the show

Lost Horror Sequels - Part 1: VHS 2

October 05, 2023 07:00 - 59 minutes - 40.6 MB

For the October Horror mini series this year Max and Alex are bringing on friends of the pod to examine Lost Horror Sequels. They will try to identify if they will ultimately live on as a cult favorite. First up is VHS 2 with Derek Schneider from The Silver Screams Podcast. Hosts: Alex MacAulay and Max Fosberg Special Guest Host: Derek Schneider  Produced by: Max Fosberg Support the show

Tacoma Film Fest Preview Show

October 03, 2023 00:00 - 1 hour - 43.8 MB

Max and Alex sit down and look ahead to the Tacoma Film Fest, and some of the blocks they are excited to attend. They also sit down with Sanjin Malesevic, the director of TONI and Raymond Knudsen, the director of Prep to discuss their films. Hosts: Alex MacAulay and Max Fosberg Produced by: Max Fosberg Send us a Text Message. Support the Show.

Live from the Gig Harbor Film Festival

September 24, 2023 22:00 - 1 hour - 66.5 MB

A compilation of interviews recorded on site at the Gig Harbor Film Festival. Actors, producers, writers and directors join Alex and Max to talk about their films. Also featured is a conversation with the Festival Programmer and Executive Director.  Hosts: Alex MacAulay and Max Fosberg Produced by: Max Fosberg Send us a Text Message. Support the Show.