

Unspooled
Paul Scheer & Amy Nicholson | Realm
Each week actor & comedian Paul Scheer (Black Monday, The League) and film critic Amy Nicholson (LA Times Chief Film Critic ) watch and discuss the best movies out there. From the classics to new releases and every indie film in-between. Along the way, they’ll dissect iconic scenes, spotlight their favorite characters, and decide if these movies still stand the test of time.
Episodes
Mentioned books

Nov 20, 2025 • 1h 16min
The Wiz
Paul and Amy ease on down the road with The Wiz, exploring its star-studded performances, ambitious set production, and how this all-Black reimagining of Oz became a cultural touchstone despite a less than stellar initial box-office run.
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

Nov 13, 2025 • 2h 17min
Back to the Future (Re-Release)
Amy & Paul zoom at 88 miles per hour into 1985's Robert Zemeckis time travel comedy Back To The Future! They ask why Eric Stoltz wasn't the right choice for Marty McFly, discuss the film's critique of Reaganomics, and debate whether Steven Spielberg has had too much influence on our brains. Plus: Was the DeLorean originally supposed to be a fridge?
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

Nov 6, 2025 • 1h 10min
Prey
Paul and Amy take aim at Prey, dissecting its bold reimagining of the Predator mythos, the stripped-down approach that sets it apart from the average sequel, and how the film brings new life and meaning to an iconic universe.
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

Oct 30, 2025 • 1h 21min
The Conjuring
Paul and Amy step into the dark with The Conjuring, unpacking the Warrens’ James Wan’s slow-burn scares, the real-life horror that inspired the film, and Patrick Wilson and Vera Farmiga’s uncanny chemistry.
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

Oct 23, 2025 • 1h 8min
Misery
Paul and Amy crack open Misery, where Rob Reiner turns Stephen King’s nightmare of fame and obsession into a masterclass in tension. They unpack Kathy Bates’ Oscar-winning turn as Annie Wilkes, James Caan, and what the film says about fandom.
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Oct 16, 2025 • 1h 6min
Pan's Labyrinth
With Guillermo del Toro's Frankenstein on the horizion and spooky season in full swing, Paul and Amy dive into the mythical world of Pan's Labyrinth. They explore how they'd manage with eyeballs on their hands, how del Toro's upbringing shaped his unique vision of the world, and his knack for exploring political ideas through fairytales. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Oct 14, 2025 • 41min
Remembering Diane Keaton
Over the weekend news broke that Oscar-winning actress Diane Keaton passed away. Paul and Amy pay tribute to her remarkable legacy by celebrating her unforgettable films, fearless independence, distinctive style, and unwavering individuality that defined her career.
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

7 snips
Oct 9, 2025 • 1h 14min
Dead Poets Society
Paul and Amy reopen the pages of Dead Poets Society, chatting about Robin Williams' shocking shift to dramatic acting, characters cut from the film, and the film's lasting legacy in the years since its release.
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

Oct 2, 2025 • 1h 13min
Minority Report
Dive into the futuristic world of a 2002 sci-fi classic as the hosts explore Tom Cruise's gripping performance and Spielberg's visionary direction. The conversation navigates technology's impact on society, from AI influences to surveillance issues. They examine thoughtful themes of free will versus fate and the film's gritty realism. With insights on visual design, memorable action scenes, and character dynamics, this discussion reveals the layers of a film that continues to resonate in today's world.

Sep 29, 2025 • 41min
One Battle After Another
VIVA LA REVOLUTION! Paul Thomas Anderson’s latest film, One Battle After Another, reenergizes the revolutionary spirit. In this special episode, Paul and Amy dive into PTA's biting critique of America, and how his vision - and an extraordinary cast - bring it all to life. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices


