
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

Feb 15, 2024 • 1h 23min
American Beauty
Paul & Amy curiously ask, what was our mindset in September 1999 when American Beauty was released as a smash hit? They examine Wes Bentley’s character and his emotional core to the consciousness of this movie, Amy Fisher’s “Long Island Lolita” influence, and how this film earned prestige with a modern feel at the time, while its legacy continues to fade. Plus: Is Lester Burnham just Edward Norton without Tyler Durden?Next week, Paul & Amy are talking about The Sting! You can join the conversation on Paul’s Discord at https://discord.gg/ZwtygZGTa6. Check out this week's spotlight episode from the Unspooled archives, The Sixth Sense: https://www.earwolf.com/episode/the-sixth-sense/Paul’s book Joyful Recollections of Trauma is on presale now! Find it at https://www.harpercollins.com/products/joyful-recollections-of-trauma-paul-scheerLearn 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.
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Feb 8, 2024 • 1h 26min
Amadeus
Amy & Paul hum along to 1984’s classical fantasia Amadeus! They learn how closely this unusual biopic matches the true history of Mozart, discover a Marvel reference to Salieri, and praise director Milos Forman for highlighting what made Mozart’s compositions endure. Plus: The phenomenon that inspired a smash novelty single. Next week, Paul & Amy are talking about American Beauty! You can join the conversation on Paul’s Discord at https://discord.gg/ZwtygZGTa6. Check out this week's spotlight episode from the Unspooled archives, One Flew Over The Cuckoo’s Nest: https://www.earwolf.com/episode/one-flew-over-the-cuckoos-nest/ Paul’s book Joyful Recollections of Trauma is on presale now! Find it at https://www.harpercollins.com/products/joyful-recollections-of-trauma-paul-scheer 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.
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Feb 1, 2024 • 1h 29min
Jackie Brown
Amy & Paul jam to The Delfonics with 1997’s Quentin Tarantino crime saga Jackie Brown! They learn what Elmore Leonard thought of this Rum Punch adaptation, praise a sneakily scary Samuel L. Jackson performance, and discuss how this film, which initially befuddled critics expecting the next Pulp Fiction, became one of Tarantino’s most beloved works. Plus: was Sylvester Stallone really up for a role? Next week, Paul & Amy kick off a Best Picture winners series with Amadeus! You can join the conversation on Paul’s Discord at https://discord.gg/ZwtygZGTa6. Check out this week's spotlight episode from the Unspooled archives, Pulp Fiction: https://www.earwolf.com/episode/pulp-fiction/. Paul’s book Joyful Recollections of Trauma is on presale now! Find it at https://www.paulscheer.com/my-book 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.
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Jan 25, 2024 • 1h 15min
Out of Sight
Paul & Amy get in the trunk with 1998's sly George Clooney & Jennifer Lopez crime comedy Out of Sight! They discuss why Elmore Leonard's stories lend themselves so well to Hollywood adaptations, learn how Lopez's fearlessness made her the perfect match for Clooney, and ask if this is the Steven Soderbergh movie that deserves to go to space. Plus: How to have charisma like Clooney. Next week, Paul & Amy are talking about Jackie Brown! You can join the conversation on Paul’s Discord at https://discord.gg/ZwtygZGTa6. Check out this week's spotlight episode from the Unspooled archives, Mean Girls: https://www.earwolf.com/episode/mean-girls/. Paul’s book Joyful Recollections of Trauma is on presale now! Find it at https://www.paulscheer.com/my-book 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.
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Jan 18, 2024 • 1h 27min
Wayne's World
Mike Myers and Dana Carvey discuss the creative conflicts in Wayne's World, Penelope Spheeris's directorial role, and what sets this SNL movie apart. Dive into the world of Wayne's World with insights on comedic dynamics, band critiques, and collaborative success in filmmaking.

Jan 11, 2024 • 1h 27min
Terminator 2: Judgment Day
Amy & Paul discuss the impressive CGI and practical effects in Terminator 2, the depiction of a scientific breakthrough, and the lack of an Oscar for Linda Hamilton's portrayal of Sarah Connor. They also mention Danny Cooksey, debate Linda Hamilton's status as lead actress, and the influence of the film on pop culture.

Jan 4, 2024 • 1h 15min
Space Finalists: Season 4
Paul & Amy wrap up another year of Unspooled by choosing which films they covered this season are going to space! Josh, Jess and Devon return as the gang determines which movies deserve inclusion on Unspooled’s official list of the 100 greatest films of all time. The contenders include an action film that’s become a holiday classic, an underdog sports story that might out-Rocky Rocky, and a minimalist French masterwork that topped another prestigious list - but there’s only so much room on the API spaceship…Help us decide which Mel Brooks or Tim Burton classics are going to space! Head to Unspooled’s social media (on Twitter @unspooled and Instagram @unspooledpod) or Paul’s Discord at https://discord.gg/ZwtygZGTa6 this week to cast your vote.Next week, Paul and Amy are covering Terminator 2: Judgment Day! Learn more about the show at unspooledpod.com, and don’t forget to rate, review & subscribe to us on Apple Podcasts, Spotify or where you listen to podcasts.
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Dec 28, 2023 • 1h 13min
2023 Holiday Party
Paul & Amy are throwing an end-of-year party, and you're invited! Joined by lots of film and podcast friends, Unspooled producers of past, present, and (maybe?) future all ask this year's hot question: What was your favorite film of the year? Was it Barbie, Oppenheimer, or Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse, or was it perhaps The Zone of Interest, Polite Society, or The Holdovers? At this party, they cover it all! Plus: What do you think? Was this a good year for films?Next week, Paul, Amy, and the producers are cracking their knuckles as they go head-to-head deciding which films covered in season 4 deserve to go to space! You can join the conversation on Paul’s Discord at https://discord.gg/ZwtygZGTa6Learn 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.
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5 snips
Dec 21, 2023 • 1h 25min
Edward Scissorhands
They discuss the impact and symbolism of 'Edward Scissorhands', explore themes of trust and acceptance, delve into the loneliness and boredom of small towns, and analyze the complicated dynamics and emotional impact of the film. They also debate whether the movie is a Christmas film and wrap up with future plans for the show.

Dec 14, 2023 • 1h 9min
The Emperor’s New Groove
Paul & Amy embrace the groove for Disney’s madcap Incan comedy The Emperor’s New Groove! They learn about the calamitous development period that led to the final film, dive into the history of shoulder angels and devils in animation, and debate whether the chaotic production created something unique and special in the Disney canon. Plus: a lost song from Eartha Kitt and other moments that never made it to the screen.Next week. Paul and Amy are talking about Edward Scissorhands! You can join the conversation on Paul’s Discord at https://discord.gg/ZwtygZGTa6Check out this week's spotlight episode from the archives, Shrek: https://www.earwolf.com/episode/shrek/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.
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