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. 92: Oscar Predicitions

    2D AGO

    92: Oscar Predicitions

    Send us a text With Mike still out on baby duty, Mark makes a call to LA LA Land to catch up with dear friend, author, and film expert Mike McClellan.  (Please excuse the call audio quality… that one’s on Jim.) The timing couldn’t be better. With the Oscars just around the corner, there are plenty of smart takes, predictions, and insights to help you sharpen your pencils, stack your ballots, and play along at home. 🏆✏️ Plus, a look ahead at what’s opening this week. Iron Lung and Send Help are shaping up to be some very fun popcorn-time movies. 🍿

    33 min
  2. 91: 2026 | Movie Anniversaries

    JAN 21

    91: 2026 | Movie Anniversaries

    Send us a text With Mike Schindler still on baby duty (and sleep being but a distant memory), Mark and Randy seize control of the microphones and celebrate 100 years of movie anniversaries. This episode looks ahead to the films turning many a milestone age in 2026 — including Shrek, Rocky, Mission: Impossible, and Crocodile Dundee just to name a few. Expect deep trivia, questionable impressions, and personal stories pulled from a combined 100 years in the movie business (yes, really). Things get even stranger when a “special musical guest” crashes the studio. 🎶🍿   Join us as we honor the movies that shaped generations — and are still filling theatres today.

    30 min
  3. 90: The Best of 2025

    JAN 14

    90: The Best of 2025

    Send us a text Mark sits down with podcast producer and certified movie nut Jim Toth to break down the very best of 2025 at the movies — from the films that kicked off the year to the standouts still lighting up screens in early 2026. With awards season approaching, the duo reflects on what turned out to be a terrific year for film distribution, celebrating the hits, the surprises, and the films that kept audiences coming back. From F1 roaring off the starting line to Sinners, Weapons, and plenty of pulse-pounding thrills in between, nothing is off the table. They also dig into this week’s schedule, debate favorites, make a few bold calls for the year’s best, and share plenty of laughs along the way. Join us for a lively look back at a year full of great movies, memorable moments, and why 2025 reminded us just how fun going to the movies can be. 🎬🍿

    46 min
  4. 89: Will 2026 Be a $10B Box Office Year?

    JAN 7

    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 Bride, Supergirl, Scream 7, Toy Story 5, and Wuthering Heights, just to name a few. With week-after-week releases shaping up to form one of the deepest and most entertaining slates in recent memory, the conversation explores whether 2026 has the makings of a true 10 billion-dollar-plus year for cinema. We’ll pop the popcorn. You stop by for your favorites!

    41 min
  5. 88: Remembering Rob Reiner

    12/31/2025

    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.

    42 min
  6. 87: A Kubrick Kind of Christmas

    12/24/2025

    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

  7. 12/17/2025

    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
  8. 85: A Holiday Movie Battle Royale

    12/10/2025

    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
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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 - 2026
  • Episodes
    92
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2026 Magic at the Movies
  • Show Website
    Magic at the Movies

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