Magic at the Movies

Classic Cinemas
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Mike Schindler, Film Programmer at Classic Cinemas (US), movie enthusiast and all-around good guy discusses current movie releases at Classic Cinemas in this short and fun podcast. 

  1. 87: A Kubrick Kind of Christmas

    1D AGO

    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 Kubrick’s final film on the big screen, the Tivoli’s timeless atmosphere, and what it means to curate movie moments that surprise, challenge, and spark conversation. It’s festive, it’s provocative, and it’s the kind of Christmas content you won’t find under just any tree. 🎄🎬 Check out Tyler's visit at https://www.tiktok.com/@_ty_patterson_/video/7551527012741975327

    14 min

  2. DEC 17

    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 SpongeBob and The Housemaid, and swaps stories from the road delivering donated items straight into the hands of the families who need them most — a reminder of just how powerful a little movie magic can be when it meets community generosity.

    34 min
  3. 85: A Holiday Movie Battle Royale

    DEC 10

    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 Carol, to the personal favorites that make the season magical for each of them, every pick is defended with gusto, nostalgia, and just enough good-natured rivalry to keep things spicy. It’s a warm, funny, and debate-filled sleigh ride—perfect for anyone who loves holiday movies, strong opinions, and friends who aren’t afraid to argue about both.

    40 min
  4. 84: Kill Bill: TWBA

    DEC 3

    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 experiments, this episode offers insights, fun anecdotes, and plenty of movie passion. Oh yes...and a Defcon level detour into why "Contagion" indeed IS a Christmas movie!

    32 min
  5. 83: Thankful for Zootopia 2

    NOV 26

    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 stuffing, it’ll be time to PASS THE POPCORN — because Thanksgiving is MOVIE TIME! Tune in for the inside scoop on the movies you won’t want to miss this holiday season.

    19 min
  6. 82: The Pope Says: Go to the Movies!

    NOV 19

    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!

    28 min
  7. 81: Christmas at the Tivoli

    NOV 12

    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 Christmas, It’s a Wonderful Life, Elf, and The Polar Express — each bringing holiday cheer to the beautifully restored Tivoli Theatre. From laughter to music to community connection, it’s a heartwarming look at what makes a Classic Cinemas Christmas truly one of a kind.

    28 min
  8. 80: Predator Badlands & the Origin of Monster Movies

    NOV 5

    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 indescribable fear (and thrill) that still lurks just beyond the theatre door.

    24 min
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Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
7 Ratings

About

Mike Schindler, Film Programmer at Classic Cinemas (US), movie enthusiast and all-around good guy discusses current movie releases at Classic Cinemas in this short and fun podcast. 

Information

  • Creator
    Classic Cinemas
  • Years Active
    2024 - 2025
  • Episodes
    87
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2025 Magic at the Movies
  • Show Website
    Magic at the Movies

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