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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.

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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. 📚🎬

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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. ❤️🎬

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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.

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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. 🍿

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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.

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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. 🎬🍿

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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!

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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. 

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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