Unspooled

Paul and Amy turn the dial up to eleven as they revisit 1984's Spinal Tap. They laugh through their favorite bits, explore Rob Reiner’s ambitious leap from sitcom actor to acclaimed director, and unpack how the film redefined and reshaped the very genre it set out to parody. You can join the Unspooled conversation on Paul’s Discord at https://discord.gg/ZwtygZGTa6 Follow Paul and Amy on Letterboxd for more of their movie hot takes! https://letterboxd.com/paulscheer/ https://letterboxd.com/theamynicholson/ Paul’s book Joyful Recollections of Trauma is out now! Find it at https://www.harpercollins.com/products/joyful-recollections-of-trauma-paul-scheer Check out more of Paul's writing on his Substack https://substack.com/@paulscheer Episodic Art by Kim Troxall: https://www.unspooledart.com/ Learn more about the show at Unspooledpod.com, follow us on Twitter @unspooled and on Instagram @unspooledpod, and don’t forget to rate, review & subscribe to us on Apple Podcasts, Spotify or where you listen to podcasts. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this special midweek episode, Paul and Amy pay tribute to the late great Robert Redford. They take a look back on the first Redford films that made an impression on them, celebrate his career highlights both in front of and behind the camera, and reflect on how he always remembered to embrace the weird. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Join Paul, Chris, and Lizzie as they dive into the quirky world of 'Clue,' celebrating its comedic brilliance and cult status. They unravel the film's chaotic production, the challenges of blending British and American humor, and the unforgettable performances that make it a timeless classic. The trio dissects the film's unique storytelling, particularly its multiple endings, while reflecting on its journey from box office disappointment to beloved icon. Expect nostalgic banter and a lively analysis of how it has influenced modern mystery comedies!

The hosts celebrate the 40th anniversary of a teen classic, reflecting on its cultural impact and personal high school memories. They dive into the complex relationships between characters, questioning the dynamics of Claire and Bender's attraction. The discussion explores the film's themes of individuality versus conformity while revealing deeper societal implications. They also critique character representations and broaden the conversation to encompass nostalgia and emotional struggles present in John Hughes' work.

Dive into the intriguing world of memory and identity with a discussion about 'Memento.' Uncover the complexities of trust and perception as the film challenges what we believe about our pasts. The hosts explore how personal experiences influence storytelling, and they analyze the intricate motivations behind the characters. With humor interwoven throughout, they reflect on the impact of altruism and guilt in both film and life, while celebrating the cinematic achievements that have shaped modern narratives.

Dive into the mind-bending universe of a cult classic as the hosts tackle its captivating themes. They explore twisted timelines and the film's reflection on mental health during adolescence. Insights into societal challenges and grief add depth to their discussion. The conversation also highlights the complex dynamics between parents and teens, alongside the significance of iconic characters. Expect engaging anecdotes and spirited debates that invite varied interpretations while resonating with contemporary issues.

Dive into a journey through John Carpenter’s cult classic from 1988, They Live. Uncover its sharp critique of Reagan-era America and the significance of the iconic sunglasses that reveal hidden truths about society. Discover how the film influenced street art, particularly Shepard Fairey's Obey posters. Also, explore the themes of consumer culture, manipulation, and societal complacency, while reflecting on its relevance to contemporary issues like climate change. This entertaining discussion blends humor with insightful observations on film and culture.

The summer movie season of 2025 brought unexpected hits and misses! Fantastic Four revives Marvel, while Pixar’s 'Elio' faces a disappointing box office. The hosts share mixed feelings on major releases like the 'How to Train Your Dragon' remake and explore the evolution of comedy and superhero films. They also critique lackluster dinosaur sequels and delve into storytelling in contemporary cinema. With insights on movie-going experiences, they celebrate innovative filmmaking and the joy of diverse narratives this summer.

With a reboot on the horizon, Paul and Amy revisit the 1988 slapstick classic The Naked Gun: From the Files of Police Squad!. From the creators of Airplane!, they explore how this team transformed a short-lived TV series into a beloved comedy franchise and in the process, helped invent a new species of cinematic comedy that left it's mark on culture. You can join the Unspooled conversation on Paul’s Discord at https://discord.gg/ZwtygZGTa6 Follow Paul and Amy on Letterboxd for more of their movie hot takes! https://letterboxd.com/paulscheer/  https://letterboxd.com/theamynicholson/ Paul’s book Joyful Recollections of Trauma is out now! Find it at https://www.harpercollins.com/products/joyful-recollections-of-trauma-paul-scheer Check out more of Paul's writing on his Substack https://substack.com/@paulscheer Episodic Art by Kim Troxall: https://www.unspooledart.com/ Learn more about the show at Unspooledpod.com, follow us on Twitter @unspooled and on Instagram @unspooledpod, and don’t forget to rate, review & subscribe to us on Apple Podcasts, Spotify or where you listen to podcasts. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This discussion features Larry Charles, the director, and writer known for his work on Seinfeld and Curb Your Enthusiasm. He shares behind-the-scenes stories from Borat, delving into its cultural impact and controversy. The conversation explores the film's unique blend of comedy and social commentary, along with the challenges faced during production. They discuss themes of exploitation in documentary filmmaking and the innovative writing process behind the film, showcasing how humor can confront societal norms.