Magic at the Movies

115: Remakes!

Contact the Show! [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2335474/fan_mail/new] 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.

114: A Minions Retrospecitve

Contact the Show! [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2335474/fan_mail/new] 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!

113: The Variety Pin: Minions and Monsters

Contact the Show! [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2335474/fan_mail/new] 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  [https://varietyofillinois.org/].

112: Spielbracket - The BEST Spielberg movie ever?!

Contact the Show! [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2335474/fan_mail/new] 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/ [https://www.instagram.com/p/DZbEk9DDwtM/] Then see the Spielberg film everyone is talking about, Disclosure Day, now invading all Classic Cinemas locations.

111: A Critics’ Roundtable

Contact the Show! [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2335474/fan_mail/new] 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.