Magic at the Movies

Contact the Show!Mike was at a loss for a podcast topic this week, so he did what any cinephile would do: texted his movie-loving friend group and asked them what he should talk about. What followed was less of a plan and more of a cinematic road trip with several unexpected detours.Mike covers the movies opening this week, including HOPE, PRACTICAL MAGIC 2 and THE OASIS documentary, before somehow finding the back roads to the first time he saw STAR TREK, the time he took a friend visiting from Texas to five movie theatres instead of Chicago landmarks, and a breathless round of promotion for podcasts that aren't even Magic at the Movies.There was his plan. Sort of. Mike had fun. You will too.

Contact the Show!Mike sits down to talk about his love affair with late-summer cinema, that wonderful stretch when the biggest blockbusters take a breather before the holiday season arrives, giving moviegoers a chance to discover, rediscover and fall in love with movies that have already had their moment in the spotlight.For theatres, it’s an opportunity to bring repertory titles back to the big screen, and Classic Cinemas is happy to take advantage of it.Naturally, Mike spends some time talking about the bigger picture... before getting wonderfully sidetracked by a weekend-long 60th anniversary celebration of his beloved Star Trek series, La La Land, the 40th anniversary of the 1986 animated Transformers movie, Avengers: Endgame, and plenty more.Because sometimes the best time to fall in love with an old movie is when everyone else is waiting for the next new one.

Contact the Show!It seems the crew is taking a well-earned summer break, so we’re using the opportunity to revisit two episodes from 2024 that take a deep dive into our Premium Large Format presentation brand, XQ (or GDX at our Kendall location).First, Mike sits down with CEO Chris Johnson for a fascinating conversation about what makes XQ different. Then, we revisit a conversation with our now retired, Lead Booth Technician, Alan Gilbertson, who offers a behind-the-scenes look at the technology, craftsmanship, and attention to detail that go into delivering a truly exceptional moviegoing experience.If you love movies and appreciate quality presentation, this is well worth a relisten. Two conversations, three knowledgeable voices, and a whole lot of insight into what happens between the projector and the screen.Enjoy this look back at some terrific material from Mike, Chris, and Alan.

Contact the Show!Mike is MIA again, so we called in a ringer. This week on Magic at the Movies, the Dr. of Celluloid himself, Mark “Movies” Mazrimas, joins Jim for a deep dive into the end-of-summer movie slate at Classic Cinemas.The current champ, SPIDER-MAN: BRAND NEW DAY, continues its reign as the biggest movie in the world, while the Insidious franchise welcomes a new generation of horror fans with its first PG-13 entry. Jim and Mark also dig into THE END OF OAK STREET, SPA WEEKEND, MUTINY, and the gloriously titled TEENAGE SEX AND DEATH AT CAMP MIASMA.From superheroes and suburban mysteries to luxury vacations, mutinies and summer-camp mayhem, there's plenty to talk about before summer rolls the credits. 🎬

Contact the Show!With Mike Schindler away, Jim Toth sits down with Classic Cinemas CEO Chris Johnson for a candid, behind-the-office-door conversation about one of the most important, and most complicated, parts of the movie business: guest service.What does it really mean to make people feel valued? How much is great guest service worth financially? And how do you balance the cost of delivering a better experience with the expectations of guests who are constantly being asked to pay more?Chris and Jim dig into the hard numbers, the softer side of hospitality, the competitive pressures facing movie theatres, and the constant tightrope act of making sure the person on both sides of the counter feels like they matter.It’s a conversation about pricing, perception, kindness, business, and why the details of the guest experience can matter far more than they appear on a spreadsheet.

Contact the Show!Spider-Man didn't just swing into theatres...he shattered records.With Mike MIA, Jim calls Mark Mazrimas in from the golf course to break down one of the biggest movie weekends in recent memory. Together, they dig into the incredible opening of Spider-Man: Brand New Day, compare it to other modern box office juggernauts, and explore what these numbers say about today's moviegoing audience.For years, many believed younger generations would never fully return to theatres after COVID. Instead, audiences continue to prove that when Hollywood delivers must-see movies, they show up in force. From blockbuster openings to recent industry trends, Jim and Mark celebrate the resilience of the theatrical experience and discuss why the future of moviegoing looks brighter than ever.

Contact the Show!Spider-Man swings back onto the big screen, and Mike is here to explain why Spider-Man: Brand New Day is shaping up to be one of the biggest superhero events in years.Take a trip through the winding history of comic book movies as Mike explores the surprising twists, studio deals, and near misses of the early 2000s that almost kept many of Marvel's most beloved heroes from ever reaching the big screen. Along the way, he shares plenty of fascinating Marvel Cinematic Universe facts while making the case for catching Spider-Man: Brand New Day during Early Access shows beginning Thursday, 7/30 at noon.Whether you're a lifelong comic book fan or just looking forward to Peter Parker's next adventure, this episode uncovers the unlikely path that helped shape the superhero movie landscape we know today.

Contact the Show!Jim takes the recorder across town to catch Mike moonlighting as one of the house projectionists at the Tivoli Theatre, where The Odyssey is hitting the big screen the old-fashioned way: 35mm film, a projector, roughly 247,680 frames of film and a beam of light bright enough to rival the sun.Jim wasn't there long enough to do too much damage...almost. In addition to working up a sweat, he came alarmingly close to breaking the film while it was running through the projector. Fortunately, disaster was avoided, and everyone lived to thread another reel.Meanwhile, Mike shares an up-to-the-minute update on Disney's new Premium Large Format classification, Infinity Vision, just as tickets for Avengers: Doomsday go on sale.You'll learn a little about film projection, a little about the future of premium moviegoing, and quite a lot about why Jim shouldn't be left alone with fragile equipment.

Contact the Show!It's Wednesday, which means it's time for another dose of movie magic.This week, Mike is geeking out over one thing: 35mm film.With The Odyssey now playing on film, celluloid is once again passing through the sprockets of the mighty Tivoli Theatre's projector in Downers Grove for the first time in years.When something this epic happens, Mike can't help himself. He dives deep into Christopher Nolan's photochemical filmmaking process, how release prints are duplicated, and the simple wonder of light passing through film to create pure movie magic.

Contact the Show!Magic at the Movies takes a questionable detour into the world of remakes!With Mike away once again on official Classic Cinemas business, a few of the Home Office minions saw an opportunity… and seized control of the podcast studio. The result? Another potentially award-winning episode created by a highly unqualified braintrust with access to microphones.In celebration of the live-action remake of MOANA, the team dives into the fascinating (and occasionally frustrating) world of remakes. From BEAUTY AND THE BEAST and THE THING to THE THOMAS CROWN AFFAIR and many more, these three brave souls attempt to unpack what makes a remake work, what makes one stumble, and why Hollywood keeps coming back to familiar stories.So join us for a trip down memory (loss) lane as three movie lovers fumble their way through decades of reimagined classics to bring you… what some people still call Magic at the Movies.

Contact the Show!Mike is away at a conference this week, which means only one thing... the Original Gangster Minion of Classic Cinemas, Mark Mazrimas, is back behind the microphone!As we prepare for the arrival of Minions and Monsters on July 1, Mark takes over the podcast for a delightfully bananas deep dive into the history of the Minions, exploring where these lovable yellow agents of chaos came from, why they've become a global phenomenon, and what makes them such enduring movie icons.Joining Mark are fellow Minion enthusiast Jim Toth and a special cameo from Classic Cinemas CEO Chris Johnson. Bello!

Contact the Show!This week, Mike welcomes dear friend of the show and dedicated champion for children across Illinois, Angelique Barthel of Variety of Illinois Children's Charity. Angelique stops by the studio to discuss Variety's adaptive activity programs, the life-changing impact they have on local children and families, and the exciting unveiling of the 2026 Variety Summer collectible pin, Minions and Monsters. Learn how a simple movie outing can help support an incredible mission and why this partnership continues to make a difference throughout our communities.Find out more about Variety of Illinois Children's Charity and how you can get involved here .

Contact the Show!With Disclosure Day now in theatres, host, programmer, cinemaniac, and mad scientist inventor Dr. Mike Schindler unveiled his latest creation: Spielbracket. Assisted by laboratory assistants (and occasional test subjects) Jim and Randy, Mike has devised a single-elimination tournament to determine the greatest Steven Spielberg film of all time.Will Jaws bite its way to the top? Will Raiders of the Lost Ark crack the whip on the competition? Or will a dark (war) horse emerge from the shadows?Play along at home: https://www.instagram.com/p/DZbEk9DDwtM/Then see the Spielberg film everyone is talking about, Disclosure Day, now invading all Classic Cinemas locations.

Contact the Show!Mike sits down with longtime Chicago film critic Nick Digilio for a wide-ranging conversation that clicks along with the easy rhythm of a film projector! Two seasoned movie minds trading ideas, comparisons, and the occasional spirited disagreement.Together they explore the current slate of upcoming releases, revisit horror milestones, and dig into classic films from years past, with a particular focus on the evolving legacy of Michael Bay and what his style has meant...differently to each of them!The conversation also highlights Nick’s monthly Classic Cinemas series at the Lake Theatre in Oak Park, where curated films are paired with lively post-screening discussions that keep the conversation going long after the credits roll. One fun Wednesday per month.Smart, engaging, and grounded in real film knowledge, this episode feels like a long drive through cinema history with two people who may not always agree—but always have something worth saying.

Contact the Show!Mike sat down with Jim to talk about this week’s out-of-nowhere phenomenon, BACKROOMS. As they dissect their experiences with the film, they also dive into the growing wave of YouTube creators making the leap from phones and home screens to giant cinema auditoriums. Is this the new guard of filmmaking? Join the conversation as they explore the future of creator-driven movies and everything playing at Classic Cinemas this week.

Contact the Show!Mike and Mark take a long walk through the absolutely packed Summer 2026 movie slate… and there are plenty of stops along the way.From meaningful conversations about Christopher Nolan’s The Odyssey, Pixar’s Toy Story 5, Minions & Monsters, and Spider-Man: Brand New Day, to side quests involving Power Ballad, Scary Movie, The Death of Robin Hood, Jackass, and Masters of the Universe… this episode is a full-scale tour through one of the most diverse summers in moviegoing history.The best part? Summer 2026 truly looks to have a little something… and probably several somethings… for EVERYONE.

Contact the Show!We know a thing or two about first movies. We’re lucky enough to see them happen every day. 🍿And when a Star Wars movie arrives in theatres, it creates a whole new generation of “FSWM” moments… First Star Wars Movie.On the latest Magic at the Movies podcast, Mike gathers the available (and opinionated) Classic Cinemas home office staff to answer one of the great moviegoing questions:“What was your first Star Wars movie in the theatre?”The answers are nostalgic, funny, and maybe a little foreshadowing for the young fans about to discover the galaxy far, far away through The Mandalorian and Grogu.Playing this weekend at ALL Classic Cinemas locations. 🌌

Contact the Show!Mike takes the show on the road to Elk Grove Village to sit down with Smash Cut Cinema and F This Movie host Patrick Bromley to talk double features… and this one’s a brain-bender.Two films. Same year (1997). Two completely different Paul Andersons.🎬 Boogie Nights (Paul Thomas Anderson) 🚀 Event Horizon (Paul W.S. Anderson)Yes. This is real. Yes. It’s happening.Smash Cut Cinema’s latest double feature lands May 16 at 7PM, and if this pairing (and the rest of the discussion on this podcast) tells you anything, it’s that the next ones might get even more unhinged.Love movies? You’ll love this episode.🎟️ Get tickets before 5/16: https://classiccinemas.com/f/smash-cut-double-feature-boogie-nights-event-horizon/2315🎧 Check out Patrick’s F This Movie: https://www.fthismovie.com/

Contact the Show!Mike sits down with Alan Gilbertson, who joined Classic Cinemas 36 years ago after already establishing himself as a projectionist in the industry.Now, on the verge of retirement, Alan looks back at a career that spans one of the most transformative eras in cinema exhibition.From carbon arcs and hand-threading 35mm film… to today’s high-contrast laser projection and object-based sound, the evolution didn’t arrive all at once. It unfolded steadily, reshaping the moviegoing experience—and helping bring Classic Cinemas to the standard it represents today.Sit back, listen, and take a journey through where we’ve been, the experience we deliver now, and what the future of cinema may hold.

Contact the Show!This week on MATM, Mike and Jim dive headfirst into the world of cinematic sound, THX trailers that rattled your ribcage, and the surprisingly tangled hyperspace lanes connecting Lucasfilm, Star Wars, film edits, and somehow... Seth Rogen.In conjunction with the Downers Grove Historical Society, Jim is premiering a new documentary exploring the life and contributions of Tomlinson Holman, the legendary audio pioneer behind THX. As part of Lucasfilm, THX became the gold standard for theatrical and home audio throughout the 1990s, permanently reshaping how audiences experience movies both in theatres and at home. If you’ve ever felt your seat tremble before a movie even started, you’ve already met Tomlinson Holman’s legacy.The documentary premieres Tuesday, 4/29 at 7PM CST at the Tivoli Theatre in Downers Grove.Join us for the podcast, then experience the documentary on the big screen if you can. Some stories deserve to be heard properly.

Contact the Show!CinemaCon 2026 brought out the stars—Mike was there (along with Jim) to witness the glory of modern Hollywood. From the latest packed studio slates to unforgettable stage moments featuring celebrity royalty like Tom Cruise, Steven Spielberg, Robert Downey Jr., Nicole Kidman, Christopher Nolan...even Snoop Dogg, this episode dives into everything coming soon to Classic Cinemas via our big annual industry event.Plus, a few stories you won’t find in any press releases—including a run-in with James Cameron and a near-miss sprint to catch a flight home.

Contact the Show!While we’re in Las Vegas taking in everything CinemaCon has to offer, we’re getting a front-row seat to the movies, stars, and cinema tech that the studios and the industry have in store for us here at Classic Cinemas.We’ll be back next week with a huge update on everything we saw (and everything we’re allowed to report on).In the meantime, enjoy Mike’s dispatch—straight from the casino floor. 🎙️

Contact the Show!Mike returns with a look at April anniversaries, highlighted by a major milestone: the 90th anniversary of Classic Cinemas’ Lake Theatre in Oak Park.He dives into the story of the Lake and the thoughtfully curated anniversary series that celebrates it—beginning with Modern Times, a silent-era classic that sets the stage for 90 years of moviegoing. From there, the lineup travels through the decades, building toward a powerful closing run: the visionary sci-fi of Blade Runner, the genre-defining Scream, the blockbuster landmark The Dark Knight, and culminating with Sinners.It’s a series that doesn’t just revisit great titles—it charts the evolution of the theatrical experience itself, all on the screen where generations have come to the movies. JOIN US! 

Contact the Show!We welcome Mike back to the driver’s seat 🎬After a few months off—plus a new baby and his first move in 17 years—Mike is settling in… and spending a lot of time deciding which movie posters make the cut.There are 8 spots. He has about 100,000 poster options.See if you can keep up—or offer a better pick. 👀He also dives into this week’s hits hitting Classic Screens as soon as TODAY, including the triumphant arrival of Mario Galaxy. 🎮✨

Contact the Show!Hip hip hooray—100 episodes! 🎉To celebrate, guest host Mark Mazrimas and CEO Chris Johnson welcome back Mike Schindler from paternity leave, following the arrival of his new baby girl. After nearly five months behind the mic, Mark hands the reins back as the trio comes together for a milestone episode.They dive into all things movies, including the strong opening of Project Hail Mary, this week’s new releases like They Will Kill You, and a look ahead to upcoming titles including The Super Mario Galaxy Movie, The Devil Wears Prada 2, and Chris’s pick for a summer “all the feels” standout, Power Ballad.Join the team as they celebrate 100 episodes, welcome Mike back, and give a well-earned thank you to Mark for an incredible run. And to all our listeners—thank you for being part of the journey and sharing the love of movies with us. 🎬

Contact the Show!Just one episode away from the big 100th episode (and the long-awaited return of Mike Schindler), Mark sits down with Classic Cinemas’ new Director of Operations, Daniel Alleman, for a conversation rooted in operational excellence and a shared love of movies.Daniel shares his journey to Classic Cinemas, what excites him about stepping into the role, and the opportunities he sees ahead across our theatres. Along the way, the two swap favorite movie memories and dig into what’s coming next on the big screen.Plus, thoughts on this week’s releases, including Project Hail Mary and Ready or Not 2.

Contact the Show!With Mike Schindler (still) on paternity leave, Mark welcomes Special Ops Director Randy Pollock to the mic for a stroll down memory lane as Oscar season approaches. Randy and Mark swap stories from years of red carpet experiences, including celebrity encounters with Tom Cruise, Paul Newman, and an under-the-weather Robert De Niro.The conversation also circles back to this week’s films, Reminders of Him and Undertone, before wrapping up with the announcement of a HUGE take-home popcorn bag (only $9.99), and now available at all Classic Cinemas locations.

Contact the Show!Today on the podcast, Mark, still holding down the fort for Mike, sits down with one of our long-tenured General Managers, Bob Parella of Classic Cinemas La Grange XQ, for a conversation that blends movie passion, theatre memories, and a little exhibition philosophy.Bob shares what keeps him motivated after all these years in the business, his go-to movie snack, and what will keep him coming back to the theatre as a guest in the months ahead. Along the way, he offers personal and fun anecdotes from his time in the theatres, proving that even a seasoned “younger, old-timer” can always deliver fresh energy to the conversation.They also unpack the excitement surrounding a few flicks Bob is looking forward to, like the highly anticipated biopic Michael, the gamer-fueled action of Mortal Kombat 2, and this week’s releases of Hoppers and Maggie Gyllenhaal’s The Bride!Tune in for a behind-the-scenes look at the movie business through the eyes of our younger old-timer: Bob Parella.

Contact the Show!Mark is still in the host chair and welcomes longtime friend and film industry insider Dave Sikich for a love letter to one of Hollywood’s most recognizable backlots: Chicago.From The Blues Brothers and Ferris Bueller’s Day Off to The Fugitive and The Dark Knight, this movie-loving duo reels through the films that turned our streets, skylines, and neighborhoods into cinematic icons. Along the way, they explore what makes Chicago such a powerful backdrop, why directors keep coming back, and how the city itself often steals the scene.If you love movies, love Chicago, or maybe you’re just Chi-curious… this episode proves our city is more than a location. It’s the star.

Contact the Show!With Mike still out on paternity leave, Mark once again steps up to the mic, joined by his favorite librarian and resident literary brain, Jessi Wakefield. Together, they turn the page on Hollywood’s ongoing love affair with the written word.From this week’s releases Wuthering Heights and Crime 101 to a 2026 lineup packed with page-to-screen heavyweights like Project Hail Mary, Verity, and Homer’s The Odyssey, these well-read film fans dig into why great stories keep finding a second life on the big screen.What makes a novel adaptation-worthy? What gets lost, what gets elevated, and why does literature remain one of cinema’s richest story mines? It’s a spirited, book-smart conversation where storytelling takes center stage and no dog-eared page is left unturned. 📚🎬

Contact the Show!With Mike still on baby duty, Mark Mazrimas steps into the host chair this week, joined by our resident office Galentines and rom-com authorities, Beth and Heather. Together, they share their all-time favorite romantic comedies, their Valentine’s Day plans, and the timeless movie moments that still make hearts skip a beat.The conversation revisits classics like About Last Night, When Harry Met Sally, and Jerry Maguire, before turning up the heat for a look at the sweeping passion of the upcoming release, Wuthering Heights.Whether you’re planning a date night, a Galentine’s outing, or just in the mood for a great love story, this episode is packed with romance, nostalgia, and plenty of cinematic chemistry. ❤️🎬

Contact the Show!With Mike out on baby duty (still), Mark Mazrimas steps in this week as we dig into the critically acclaimed Send Help, a darkly comic survival horror that strands its characters on a deserted island. Mark takes a deep dive into what makes director Sam Raimi uniquely suited to tackle this twisted premise, tracing the creative DNA through standout films like Evil Dead, Spider-Man, A Simple Plan, and other defining entries that have cemented Raimi’s place among the directing elite. Join us for a thoughtful look at the filmmaker behind the madness.

Contact the Show!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. 🍿

Contact the Show!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.

Contact the Show!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. 🎬🍿

Contact the Show!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!

Contact the Show!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. 

Contact the Show!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

Contact the Show!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.

Contact the Show!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.

Contact the Show!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!

Contact the Show!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.

Contact the Show!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!

Contact the Show!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.

Contact the Show!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.

Contact the Show!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 Dylan, these films keep the music—and the mystique—alive for new audiences.

Contact the Show!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.

Contact the Show!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.

Contact the Show!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 perfectly timed scares from the masters of horror. Check your local Classic Cinemas location to see what we have in store for your Shock-tober jump scares!!

Contact the Show!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 focus less on what’s playing where and more on saving your screams for the theatre. Visit classiccinemas.com for the full showtime details — if you dare.