Unspooled

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.

There are summer blockbuster...and then there are summer flops. So this week, Paul and Amy take a plunge into the 1995 disaster, Waterworld. Stick around until the end, where they're joined by journalist and TCM host Ben Mankiewicz, who has his own personal connection to Hollywood misfires. 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

With James Gunn’s Superman on the horizon, Paul and Amy revisit their 2022 episode on the movie that started it all—Richard Donner’s 1978 Superman. They look back at how Superman has evolved over the years, what’s worked, what hasn’t, and what they’re hoping (and worried) about when it comes to the new take on the Man of Steel. 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

With July 4th just around the corner, Amy and Paul are getting into the patriotic spirit by revisiting the 1997 high altitude thriller Air Force One. They dive into how Harrison Ford wasn’t the original choice to play the president, discuss how the film holds up today, and Amy’s real-life trip to Kazakhstan. 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

A new list of the top 100 films of the 21st century has sparked lively debate. The hosts discuss surprising picks like 'Parasite' and 'Mulholland Drive,' examining what influences film rankings. They also tackle the subjective nature of film appreciation and the challenges of curating such lists. Personal connections to cinema add depth to their analysis, driving home the cultural impact of significant films. Expect passionate discussions on snubs and beloved classics, encouraging listeners to create and share their own top film lists.