

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

5 snips
Nov 2, 2023 • 1h 19min
Election
The hosts of 'Unspooled' discuss the acidic high-school satire 'Election', praising director Alexander Payne's eye for detail, Matthew Broderick's subversive performance, and the movie's reflections on American society. They explore the characters of Tracy Flick and Mr. McAllister, analyze gender and success in the film, and delve into the challenges women face in public roles. The podcast also touches on competition, judgment, and human behavior, while expressing gratitude and discussing future plans.

Oct 26, 2023 • 1h 9min
The Rocky Horror Picture Show
The hosts discuss the cult musical sensation The Rocky Horror Picture Show and what makes a movie camp. They reflect on the cultural shift and appreciate the details of the film. They explore the scene and campiness of the movie, its cultural context, and its elements of melodrama. They discuss the appeal and interpretation of the film and tease future episodes and film choices.

Oct 19, 2023 • 1h 21min
The Wolf Of Wall Street
Guests Leonardo DiCaprio and Martin Scorsese join in discussing the funding and freedom of The Wolf Of Wall Street, DiCaprio's performance, and the approval of Scorsese. Topics also include animal symbolism, lack of obstacles, lack of introspection, comparing with American Psycho, analyzing performances and Oscar snubs, comedic conversations, perspectives on marriage, workplace dynamics, and upcoming episodes.

Oct 12, 2023 • 1h 27min
Hairspray
Paul & Amy spritz on John Waters’ subversive 1988 comedy Hairspray! They learn how star ensemble player Divine was like Godzilla, compare the soundtrack to the 2007 Broadway production, and marvel at how this PG film snuck radical ideas about race, gender and body positivity into the mainstream. Plus: The curious legacy of Pia Zadora. Next week, Paul and Amy are watching The Wolf Of Wall Street! You can join the conversation on Paul’s Discord at https://discord.gg/ZwtygZGTa6. Check out this week's spotlight episode from the archives, Grease: https://www.earwolf.com/episode/grease/ Learn more about the show at unspooledpod.com, follow us on Twitter @unspooled and 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 5, 2023 • 1h 18min
Saw
Paul & Amy slice into 2004’s nasty low-budget horror Saw! They learn why Cary Elwes holds a grudge against the filmmakers, appreciate how much dread Leigh Whannell and James Wan were able to wring out of simple production design choices, and meditate on the term ‘torture porn’ and what audiences get out of films like these. Plus: Why was Danny Glover in a Pilates infomercial? Next week, Paul and Amy are watching Hairspray! You can join the conversation for this series on Paul’s Discord at https://discord.gg/ZwtygZGTa6. Learn more about the show at unspooledpod.com, follow us on Twitter @unspooled and 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

Sep 28, 2023 • 1h 25min
Imitation Of Life
Paul & Amy reflect on Douglas Sirk's piercing 1959 melodrama Imitation Of Life! They learn what made this epochal film a favorite of Steven Spielberg's, discuss what Sirk has to say about race in America, and ask what this slyly satirical blockbuster has in common with Starship Troopers. Plus: The murder that nearly overshadowed the film's release. Next week, Paul and Amy are watching Saw! You can join the conversation for this series on Paul’s Discord at https://discord.gg/ZwtygZGTa6. Learn more about the show at unspooledpod.com, follow us on Twitter @unspooled and 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

Sep 21, 2023 • 1h 28min
The Karate Kid
Director John G. Avildsen discusses 'The Karate Kid', its semi-autobiographical origins, the post-Karate careers of Ralph Macchio and Pat Morita, and the debate on whether it's better than Avildsen's older fight-centric film. The hosts explore changed perspectives on the movie, compare Avildsen and Stallone as directors, discuss realistic aspects of the film, and delve into the relationships in 'The Karate Kid', as well as the impact of the sequels on marriage and characterization. Behind-the-scenes details, mental health, and classic movies are also explored.

Sep 14, 2023 • 1h 29min
Bullitt
Delving into Steve McQueen's rebellious energy in the cop role, the iconic car chase in San Francisco, and the enduring coolness of McQueen compared to modern actors. Exploring the impact of 'Bullitt' on filmmaking and the character depth in the movie amidst societal tensions and personal evolution.

Sep 7, 2023 • 1h 29min
American Psycho
Paul & Amy dissect Mary Harron’s murderous corporate-world satire American Psycho! They learn how star Christian Bale almost lost the role to Leonardo DiCaprio, ask if all the events in the film are ‘really happening,’ and unpack American Psycho’s infamous reputation before it was even released. Plus: the not-so-secret inspiration for Patrick Bateman. Next week. Paul and Amy are watching Bullitt! You can join the conversation for this series on Paul’s Discord at https://discord.gg/ZwtygZGTa6. Learn more about the show at unspooledpod.com, follow us on Twitter @unspooled and 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

Aug 31, 2023 • 1h 27min
Ranking the Mission: Impossible Films (with Light The Fuse)
Amy & Paul accept a mission from Drew Taylor and Charles Hood (hosts of the Light The Fuse podcast) to rate each of the Mission: Impossible films, and decide whether any of them deserve to go to space! They’ll discuss the many eras of Ethan Hunt, how Brian De Palma set the template for what an auteur-driven franchise film could do, whether the latest entry nailed its climactic set piece, and Tom Cruise’s famous cake. Next week. Paul and Amy are watching American Psycho! You can join the conversation for this series on Paul’s Discord at https://discord.gg/ZwtygZGTa6. Learn more about the show at unspooledpod.com, follow us on Twitter @unspooled and 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