Around the midpoint of 2024, as Tristen and Max reform the podcast you know and love, they take a look back at the first half of the year for some of the big swings and occasional misses of their cinema experience. Then, they turn towards the future and what they're most excited for in the latter half of 2024. Maybe this serves as recommendations, but Tristen and Max have some fun talking about what they love about movies.

On the sixtieth episode of the Cinematic Odyssey, Tristen and Max dive into John Cassavetes's experimental indie film Opening Night. Through discussion of Cassavetes's unconventional storytelling, massive narrative undertaking, and relationship with the film's star, the guys try to decide whether the film is a masterpiece or lacking in some areas. Make the call yourselves, but please stay out of the street afterwards.

On the fifty-ninth episode of the Cinematic Odyssey, Tristen and Max return from an extended alien abduction to discuss Wes Anderson's latest feature, Asteroid City. One of Max's favorites, he delves into why the content and substance of the film works so well, and Tristen uncovers why it might not be one of his better pieces. The ensemble cast receives praise and there are lots of laughs to go around, with the episode also including a sneak peek into what Tristen and Max have been able to see in the weeks absent on the alien ship. You won't want to miss it!

On this bonus episode of the Cinematic Odyssey, Tristen and Max walk you through their picks, predictions, and thoughts on every award category. For insight on major awards like screenplay, acting, directing, and Best Picture, skip to the one hour mark of the episode. Max monologues about the shorts and documentary nominees while Tristen stews with the anxiety of his worst nightmare coming true this awards season. What might that be? Give it a listen and laugh along with us as we prep for the 96th Academy Awards.

On the fifty-eighth episode of the Cinematic Odyssey, Tristen and Max take a look at Jonathan Glazer's Oscar-nominated film The Zone of Interest. Tristens walks you through why he believes this is the best film of the decade so far and Max provides insight on the acting value that the film has to offer. Both are chilled and in awe over the haunting nature of a film that features no on-screen atrocities, yet still provides the same repulsion. Even the sound and score are incredible, creating a terrifyingly quaint depiction of life next to a death camp.

On the fifty-seventh episode of The Cinematic Odyssey, Tristen and Max dive into 2024 Best Picture nominee Past Lives, the feature directorial and screenwriting debut of Celine Song. Hear why they loved the film, what great secrets are hidden in the camerawork, and Max's next musical theatre history rant that actually has some merit. This is a film you'll want to see at some point in your life, one that's sweet and romantic and hopeful for this life, all the lives that came before, and every life that comes after.

On the fifty-sixth episode of the Cinematic Odyssey, and special Valentine's edition, Tristen and Max uncover the beautiful mystery of Richard Curtis's Love Actually. One of Max's favorite rewatches come holiday season, Tristen enters with no expectations and the result does not shock you at all. Discussing the writing, performances of the ensemble cast, and even Richard Curtis's other works, this episode is sure to be one that captures that special feeling for you and a loved one, otherwise it probably would be creepy. Also, if you missed your seminar on workplace harassment, this is the place to be!

On the fifty-fifth episode of the Cinematic Odyssey, Tristen and Max return from hiatus to their shortest episode ever! In it, both discuss thoughts and opinions on Soviet director Mikhail Kalatozov's 1960 adventure film Letter Never Sent, the same director that directed Tristen's top overall film of 2023. Tristen gushes on visual effects and technical capabilities, Max slams a man named Konstantin, and there are plenty of puns to go around.