

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

Apr 4, 2024 • 1h 12min
Moonstruck w/ David Sims
Film critic and podcast host David Sims joins Amy to discuss the 1987 romcom Moonstruck. They delve into Cher's character jinx, the moon motif throughout the film, and Norman Jewison's fantasy mindset. Next up, they tease a chat on Lost in Translation with Rico Gagliano.

Mar 28, 2024 • 1h 8min
Jesus Christ Superstar
This week Amy and Paul are rocking out to the 1973 film Jesus Christ Superstar, starring Ted Neeley and directed by Norman Jewison. This musical stage play turned Burning Man Christ film was shot in the Israeli desert, leaving everyone mystified by the budget’s lack of generosity in only affording the actors one set of costumes. Plus, why Ted Neeley was always the best fit for the role of Jesus, competing against John Travolta, John Lennon, and many others, and Paul and Amy share a little about their own upbringings within their parents' churches! Next week, Paul is on tour with HDTGM! Amy will be chatting with David Sims from Blank Check and are talking all things MOONSTRUCK! Check out this week's spotlight episode from the Unspooled archives, In the Heat of the Night: https://www.earwolf.com/episode/in-the-heat-of-the-night/ You can join the conversation on Paul’s Discord at https://discord.gg/ZwtygZGTa6Check out Paul's Substack https://substack.com/@paulscheer 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 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.
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Mar 21, 2024 • 1h 9min
Moon
This week Paul and Amy’s clones are breaking down the 2009 film, Moon, starring Sam Rockwell and directed by Duncan Jones. But first things first, honoring our Oscars bet, Paul announces his removal of the film Intolerance from the Paul and Amy Institute list, much to Amy’s chagrin. Then, Paul and Amy dig into Moon, it being a “holy shit” movie in 2009, ponder how and what clones remember, and finally Amy makes the connection between this movie and space’s darling George Clooney and the hair-cutting device, Flowbee. Next week, Paul & Amy are talking about Norman Jewison's film Jesus Christ Superstar! Check out this week's spotlight episode from the Unspooled archives, High Noon: https://www.earwolf.com/episode/high-noon/ You can join the conversation on Paul’s Discord at https://discord.gg/ZwtygZGTa6Check out Paul's Substack https://substack.com/@paulscheer 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 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.
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Mar 14, 2024 • 1h 5min
The Martian
This week Amy & Paul are eating potatoes while discussing the 2015 film The Martian, starring Matt Damon and directed by Ridley Scott. They highlight the very grounded comedy throughout the film, draw comparisons between Mark Watney and Richard Hatch from Survivor, and respect that this film has no villains. Plus: This movie really makes us appreciate smart people being good at their jobs. Next week, Paul & Amy are talking about Duncan Jones’ film Moon! Check out this week's spotlight episode from the Unspooled archives, The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring: https://www.earwolf.com/episode/the-lord-of-the-rings-the-fellowship-of-the-ring/ You can join the conversation on Paul’s Discord at https://discord.gg/ZwtygZGTa6Check out Paul's Substack https://substack.com/@paulscheer 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 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.
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Mar 7, 2024 • 1h 11min
2024 Oscars Special
Paul & Amy discuss if 'Barbie' could win Best Picture, debate shortening 'Killers of the Flower Moon', and challenge each other to get every Oscar category wrong. They analyze nominees, performances, and critique films like 'Oppenheimer'. The episode ends with a fun sparkling water discovery and predictions for the Oscars.

4 snips
Feb 29, 2024 • 1h 17min
Dune (2021)
In the podcast, they delve into Dune's 2021 adaptation, its Oscar snub, and its Sci-Fi influence. They talk about the intricate world-building, character dynamics, emotional endings, and visual effects of the film. They also discuss the complex themes of betrayal, unity, and hero worship portrayed in Dune.

Feb 22, 2024 • 1h 19min
The Sting
Exploring the success and nostalgia of The Sting, its lighter tone compared to other Oscar winners, the chemistry of Newman and Redford on screen, and the fascinating concept of confidence in cons. Plus, a teaser for the next episode on Dune and insights into the making of The Sting.

Feb 15, 2024 • 1h 21min
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 24min
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 27min
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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