
Unspooled
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.
Latest episodes

Apr 10, 2025 • 1h 7min
Crouching Tiger Hidden Dragon
Explore the profound emotional dynamics in 'Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon' as it reveals the complexity of love, honor, and betrayal. The speakers dive into the intense training of Michelle Yeoh and the artistry of choreographer Yuen Woo-ping. They discuss how the film bridged cultural gaps and its significant impact on cinema. The podcast examines vulnerability in relationships, the intricate themes of desire, and the empowering representation of female characters. Discover how martial arts and romance intertwine to enrich the narrative.

Apr 3, 2025 • 1h 12min
Being John Malkovich
Dive into the bizarre genius of 'Being John Malkovich' as the hosts explore Charlie Kaufman's quirky storytelling and John Malkovich's initial reluctance to join the film. They reveal a wild original ending involving a Harry Truman puppet and reflect on the film's deep themes of identity and obsession. The discussion highlights Catherine Keener's unforgettable performance and the emotional complexities of love and connection. With humorous anecdotes, the hosts blend creativity and insight into the surreal world of celebrity.

Mar 27, 2025 • 1h 10min
Pretty Woman
Dive into the fascinating journey of 'Pretty Woman' as it evolves from a serious drama into a beloved romantic comedy. Discover how Julia Roberts became a star and the surprising casting choices that shaped the film. The hosts dissect character arcs, revealing the themes of love, wealth, and personal growth. They explore the film's darker original scripts, iconic scenes, and the intricate dynamics of relationships, all while humorously critiquing Hollywood norms. It's a delightful blend of nostalgia and insightful analysis!

Mar 20, 2025 • 1h 18min
40 Year Old Virgin
Amy and Paul dive into the 2005 March Movie Madness winner, The 40-Year-Old Virgin. They discuss Universal's buyer's remorse, concerns over Steve Carell's "serial killer" appearance, and how director Judd Apatow nailed the film's tone.You can join the Unspooled conversation on Paul’s Discord at https://discord.gg/ZwtygZGTa6Follow 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-scheerCheck out more of Paul's writing on his Substack https://substack.com/@paulscheerEpisodic 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.Sign up for Regal Unlimited at https://www.regmovies.com/unlimited using code UNSPOOLED to earn a free popcorn, PEPSI, and M&M’s Ice Cream SandwichStart your hair growth journey with Nutrafol. Get $10 off your first month's subscription when you go to Nutrafol.com and use the promo code UNSPOOLED. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Mar 13, 2025 • 1h 3min
Movie Madness: 2005
Dive into a lively debate about the cultural impact of films from 2005! The hosts analyze key movies like 'The 40-Year-Old Virgin' and 'Hustle & Flow,' uncovering their lasting influence on pop culture. They discuss the rise of YouTube and nostalgic hits like Mariah Carey's chart-toppers. Expect insights on Tyler Perry's iconic Medea and spirited comparisons between major blockbusters. With personal anecdotes and critiques, this conversation illuminates the cinematic landscape and its significance in today's world.

Mar 6, 2025 • 1h 10min
Anora
Delve into the transformative themes of the Oscar-winning film Anora, focusing on power dynamics among characters and the authentic portrayal of the American worker experience. Discover the charming charisma amidst the darker societal issues that the film addresses. The hosts celebrate the triumphs of independent filmmaking and discuss the unique challenges indie filmmakers face. Explore how cinemas are adapting to family-friendly experiences while reminiscing about the golden age of video rental shops.

5 snips
Feb 27, 2025 • 1h 36min
2025 Oscars Special
Dive into Oscar predictions filled with hot takes on Best Picture nominees for 2025! The hosts tackle snubs and potential surprises while celebrating overlooked indie gems. They examine the role of AI in filmmaking, hilariously addressing misconceptions surrounding 'The Brutalist.' Enjoy lively discussions on the creative depth of underappreciated films and the humorous side of red-carpet fashion choices. Expect insightful debates on Oscar controversies, emotional journeys in cinema, and the evolution of animated storytelling. Get ready for a cinematic ride!

Feb 20, 2025 • 1h 13min
Mulholland Drive
Paul and Amy take a surreal ride this week, diving into the 2001 mind-bender Mulholland Drive by the legendary, late David Lynch. They discuss the eerie parallels between Naomi Watts' real life and her character Betty, uncover nods to iconic films, and delve into Hollywood’s dark side.You can rent Mulholland Drive on all platforms but don't forget to check your local library or apps like Libby, Hoopla and Kanopy!You can join the Unspooled conversation on Paul’s Discord at https://discord.gg/ZwtygZGTa6Follow 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-scheerCheck out more of Paul's writing on his Substack https://substack.com/@paulscheerEpisodic 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

Feb 13, 2025 • 1h 3min
10 Things I Hate About You
Celebrate Valentine's with a deep dive into a beloved 1999 teen classic. Find out how Shakespeare's 'The Taming of the Shrew' became '10 Things I Hate About You.' Discover the film's cultural impact, complex relationships, and the evolution of female characters in rom-coms. The hosts reflect on themes of vulnerability, authenticity, and personal growth while reminiscing about nostalgia in adaptations. Plus, there's a humorous take on tax returns and a nod to a new TV adaptation inspired by this iconic film.

Feb 6, 2025 • 1h 16min
Captain Condor
Paul & Amy are finally jumping into the Marvel universe with 2014 film, Captain America Winter Soldier! But it wouldn't be Unspooled if they didn't do it their way, by combining this conversation with the 1975 film, Three Days of the Condor. They discuss the Captain America's Condor origins, the purpose of the superhero film 2025, and, of course, that shield. Plus: they get into Hydra and it's impact on the Marvel Universe.You can rent Captain America and Three Days of the Condor on all platforms but don't forget to check your local library or apps like Libby, Hoopla and Kanopy!You can join the Unspooled conversation on Paul’s Discord at https://discord.gg/ZwtygZGTa6Follow 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-scheerCheck out more of Paul's writing on his Substack https://substack.com/@paulscheerEpisodic 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.Start your hair growth journey with Nutrafol. Get $10 off your first month's subscription when you go to Nutrafol.com and use the promo code UNSPOOLED Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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