Magic at the Movies

EXPLORE

Society & Culture

© 2024 PodJoint

https://is1-ssl.mzstatic.com/image/thumb/Podcasts211/v4/b0/c9/5a/b0c95a2f-95a7-154e-2a3d-b796fbafb6de/mza_7751726707511890946.jpg/600x600bb.jpg

Magic at the Movies

Classic Cinemas

89 episodes

1 day ago

Send us a text With Mike still out, Mark takes the mic and sits down with Classic Cinemas CEO/CPE (Chief Popcorn Eater,) Chris Johnson, to talk about his favorite subject: movies. Together, these two industry insiders break down what could make 2026 a banner year at the box office, from bold new IP to franchise heavy-hitters. They trade predictions on which films may soar past expectations and share the titles they’re most excited to see hit the big screen, including Project Hail Mary, The Br...

Show more...

All content for Magic at the Movies is the property of Classic Cinemas and is served directly from their servers with no modification, redirects, or rehosting. The podcast is not affiliated with or endorsed by Podjoint in any way.

Send us a text With Mike still out, Mark takes the mic and sits down with Classic Cinemas CEO/CPE (Chief Popcorn Eater,) Chris Johnson, to talk about his favorite subject: movies. Together, these two industry insiders break down what could make 2026 a banner year at the box office, from bold new IP to franchise heavy-hitters. They trade predictions on which films may soar past expectations and share the titles they’re most excited to see hit the big screen, including Project Hail Mary, The Br...

Show more...

Episodes (20/89)

Magic at the Movies

89: Will 2026 Be a $10B Box Office Year?

Send us a text With Mike still out, Mark takes the mic and sits down with Classic Cinemas CEO/CPE (Chief Popcorn Eater,) Chris Johnson, to talk about his favorite subject: movies. Together, these two industry insiders break down what could make 2026 a banner year at the box office, from bold new IP to franchise heavy-hitters. They trade predictions on which films may soar past expectations and share the titles they’re most excited to see hit the big screen, including Project Hail Mary, The Br...

1 day ago

40 minutes

Magic at the Movies

88: Remembering Rob Reiner

Send us a text Many of us grew up with Rob Reiner’s films. In light of his passing, we wanted to take time to revisit what he gave us, the stories, the performances, and the moments that shaped how we watch movies. Today, Mark sits down with Randy to talk about how Rob Reiner’s films have impacted their generation of movie-going.

1 week ago

41 minutes

Magic at the Movies

87: A Kubrick Kind of Christmas

Send us a text Just in time for the holidays, we’re unwrapping a previously recorded episode we’ve been saving for something a little… different. Back in September...we hosted a private screening at the historic Tivoli Theatre for social media influencer Tyler Patterson, featuring Stanley Kubrick’s famously unconventional “holiday classic,” Eyes Wide Shut. Mike makes the case for why this cult favorite belongs in the seasonal conversation, while the duo digs into the experience of seeing Kubr...

2 weeks ago

13 minutes

Magic at the Movies

86: The Variety Avatar Pin

Send us a text Mark (once again bravely filling in for Mike) welcomes Angelique Barthel from Variety of Illinois Children’s Charity to share details on this year’s meaningful fundraiser. The conversation spotlights the Avatar: Fire and Ash collectible pins now available at Classic Cinemas, with 100% of the $3 donation — or more, for those feeling extra generous — going directly to support children with disabilities across Illinois. Along the way, the group chats about upcoming releases like S...

3 weeks ago

33 minutes

Magic at the Movies

85: A Holiday Movie Battle Royale

Send us a text After last week’s internet-melting controversy — Mike’s scorched-earth campaign to include Contagion in the canon of holiday movies — the guys return to restore order and festive cheer. With Mike still on the bench, Mark steps in as moderator and ringmaster, guiding Jim and Randy through a spirited, heartfelt, and occasionally chaotic showdown of their Top Three Holiday Films. From timeless staples like Home Alone, A Christmas Story, Miracle on 34th Street, and A Christmas Caro...

4 weeks ago

39 minutes

Magic at the Movies

84: Kill Bill: TWBA

Send us a text Mike is back and joins Mark for an in-depth exploration of Kill Bill: The Whole Bloody Affair, Quentin Tarantino’s ambitious attempt to stitch Volumes 1 and 2 into a single, uninterrupted cinematic experience. In this episode, they dive into Mike’s longtime obsession with the films, analyze Tarantino’s storytelling choices, and discuss how the combined version changes the pacing, tone, and impact of the saga. Whether you’re a die-hard Kill Bill fan or a lover of bold filmmaking...

1 month ago

31 minutes

Magic at the Movies

83: Thankful for Zootopia 2

Send us a text This week on the show, Classic's Head Chief, Chris Johnson joins Mark Mazrimas (guest-hosting for Mike!) to talk all things Thanksgiving, including his best pick... Zootopia 2 — the family holiday hit galloping into theatres this Thanksgiving! Judy, Nick, and a brand-new mystery are bringing big laughs and even bigger heart to the holiday break. But that’s not all… Mark and Chris also dig into the full slate of festive films coming your way. So as soon as you set down the ...

1 month ago

18 minutes

Magic at the Movies

82: The Pope Says: Go to the Movies!

Send us a text Mark (sitting in for Mike again) joins Randy Pollock for a deep dive into Wicked: For Good, sharing early reactions and what audiences can expect. The duo also unpacks Pope Leo’s recent call for everyone to return to the movies — plus his four favorite films, which just happen to be favorites around here, too. Feeling inspired, Mark rounds out the episode with a look at the special-event repertory titles screening through the holidays, that aren't all holiday films. Join us!

1 month ago

28 minutes

Magic at the Movies

81: Christmas at the Tivoli

Send us a text Guest host Mark Mazrimas sits down with Mike Balsamo — the voice and spirit behind Christmas at the Tivoli — to talk about the magic of this long-running holiday tradition in Downers Grove. As the host and leader of the annual sing-along, Mike shares stories about the mighty Wurlitzer organ, the festive audiences who travel from ALL OVER CHICAGO to attend, and what keeps this event so special year after year. This season’s lineup includes timeless favorites like White Chri...

1 month ago

27 minutes

Magic at the Movies

80: Predator Badlands & the Origin of Monster Movies

Send us a text Mike kicks things off with Classic Cinemas’ own Mark Mazrimas to talk Predator: Badlands and the legacy of sci-fi’s deadliest hunters. Then, vintage monster expert Mike Balsamo joins the conversation to trace the origins and evolution of cinema’s greatest “creature” monsters — from Dracula and Frankenstein to Godzilla’s thunderous reign and King Kong’s stop-motion wonder. Together, they journey through decades of monster movie magic — from Alien to The Thing — exploring that in...

2 months ago

23 minutes

Magic at the Movies

79: The Evolution of the Music Biopic

Send us a text Filling in for Mike, Mark Mazrimas welcomes Classic Cinemas CEO/CPE Chris Johnson for a lively conversation about Springsteen: Deliver Me to Nowhere and the decades of music biopics that paved the way. From the lip-syncing legends of the ’80s to today’s actors who master the vocals and guitar riffs of their heroes, the music biopic has become a powerful way to rediscover the artists who shaped generations. Whether it’s Springsteen, Queen, Tina Turner, Whitney Houston, or Bob Dy...

2 months ago

33 minutes

Magic at the Movies

78: The History of Movie Trailers

Send us a text Mark and Randy take over the mic for a deep dive into the evolution of movie trailers — from the shocking suspense of Psycho to the blockbuster buzz of Jaws and Alien. They rewind all the way to Citizen Kane and Invasion of the Body Snatchers, celebrate the charm of Ferris Bueller’s Day Off, and even trace the birth of the post-credit teaser. It’s a fun, fast-paced trip through decades of hype, horror, and Hollywood history.

2 months ago

35 minutes

Magic at the Movies

77: Celebrating Diane Keaton

Send us a text Join Mike and special guest hosts Randy Pollock and Mark Mazrimas as they revisit the extraordinary career of Diane Keaton—actress, director, and trailblazer. From the neurotic charm of Annie Hall to the fearless authenticity of her later roles, this retrospective celebrates how Keaton redefined what it meant to be a leading lady—and became a lasting role model for the modern woman in Hollywood.

2 months ago

36 minutes

Magic at the Movies

76: The History of the Jump Scare!

Send us a text Mike may be out this week, but we’ve got a killer duo stepping in! Mark Mazrimas and his daughter Sara Frandsen join Magic at the Movies to celebrate Halloween — and spotlight some of the creepy programming Mike lined up for the season. Together they dive into the history of the jump scare, from classics like House on Haunted Hill and Wait Until Dark to modern chillers like Smile, It Follows, and Carrie. 🎃 Spoilers be damned, we’re unpacking the best shocks, shrieks, and perfec...

3 months ago

32 minutes

Magic at the Movies

75: 23 Screams Before Halloween

Send us a text Classic monsters, cult favorites, and fresh frights — this year’s Halloween lineup at Classic Cinemas has it all. With Fright Night, Carrie, and John Carpenter’s Halloween side by side with modern chills like Shaun of the Dead, Donnie Darko, and The Black Phone 2, there’s a scare for every taste. And yes, we’re even closing the season with a Twilight Saga marathon that runs right through Halloween night. Mike guides us through the maze of movies, dates, and locations so you can...

3 months ago

22 minutes

Magic at the Movies

74: The Redford Retrospective

Send us a text Film lover Mark Mazrimas joins Mike to reflect on Robert Redford’s remarkable contributions to cinema. From iconic performances to the founding of Sundance, Redford’s influence runs deep. Mark also shares a personal memory from his early days at Classic Cinemas and the special connection founder Willis Johnson had to a Sydney Pollock–directed Redford film. Thanks, Robert Redford — in our eyes, you changed cinema and left it in a way better place than you found it.

3 months ago

31 minutes

Magic at the Movies

73: Are These TDs or Fumbles?!

Send us a text With fall in the air in Chicagoland—and that unmistakable combo of pigskin and melted cheese—our movie crew dives into the best football films across the generations. Will you be celebrating with an end zone dance, or throwing a challenge flag? Mike and his guest Randy Pollock break down this week’s new releases—Jordan Peele’s HIM and Angel Studios’ The Senior—and see how they measure up against all-time classics like Heaven Can Wait, The Blind Side, and Jerry Maguire. Huddle u...

3 months ago

25 minutes

Magic at the Movies

72: Fan Mail and Fanboying

Send us a text This week, Mike cracks open a listener letter from Nigel and somehow spins it into a full-blown PT Anderson appreciation hour. From Magnolia to Punch-Drunk Love, There Will Be Blood to The Master, Mike gushes over the brilliance of Anderson’s canon while tying it all back to our most-anticipated release, One Battle After Another. And because it’s Mike, the journey also detours through a story about seeing Shrek the Third at the Cinerama Dome in LA. Only Mike Schindler, and only...

4 months ago

19 minutes

Magic at the Movies

71: Top 10 Wedding Movies

Send us a text Randy and Mike are back together again, and this time they’re tackling the pop culture earthquake of the moment: Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce’s surprise engagement announcement. Naturally, they celebrate the news the only way they know how—by cobbling together a “Top 10” list of wedding films. The catch? Their so-called top ten somehow comes up one short, thanks to a few questionable examples and Randy’s deep dive into cinematic history. While Randy dusts off classic titles th...

4 months ago

28 minutes

Magic at the Movies

70: Jaws is Back!

Send us a text On the 50th anniversary of Steven Spielberg’s Jaws, Mike sits down with longtime theatre enthusiast and Classic Cinemas’ own Director of Special Operations, Randy Pollock. Randy takes us back to 1975, when he first experienced Jaws as a 15-year-old employee working at his father’s theatre. From the rush of that opening weekend to the way the film redefined summer blockbusters, Randy reflects on the thrill of seeing audiences jump, scream, and cheer at a movie that changed cinem...

4 months ago

20 minutes