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.

Episodes

Trainspotting

April 24, 2025 • 68 mins

Amy and Paul choose life this week by visiting the 1996 British black comedy-drama, Trainspotting. They discuss Iggy Pop's reaction to the film, Amy's favorite Scottish dish, and Ewan McGregors dive into the filthiest toilet in Scotland.. 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/...

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Life of Brian

April 17, 2025 • 51 mins

In the spirit of Easter Sunday, Amy and Paul dive into the Monty Python classic Life of Brian. They chat about the Beatles' surprising role in getting the film made, the controversy it stirred up, and how it ultimately became a massive hit. 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/paulschee...

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Crouching Tiger Hidden Dragon

April 10, 2025 • 66 mins

Amy and Paul are chatting about the movie that really shifted how people saw director Ang Lee—Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon. They dive into the intense training Michelle Yeoh went through, how they brought in choreographer Yuen Woo-ping, and the lasting impact the film has had on cinema. 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 ...

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Being John Malkovich

April 3, 2025 • 72 mins

Amy and Paul dive into the wild and inventive world of Being John Malkovich, the film that really put writer Charlie Kaufman on the map. The two discuss John Malkovich's hesitancy to join the film, how director Spike Jonze came across Kaufman's script, and that the film’s original ending involved a Harry Truman puppet. You can join the Unspooled conversation on Paul’s Discord at https://discord.gg/ZwtygZGTa6 Follow Paul and Amy o...

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Pretty Woman

March 27, 2025 • 70 mins

This week Amy and Paul break down the 1990 iconic romantic comedy, Pretty Woman. They talk about how it was originally penned as a serious drama, that Richard Gere wasn’t initially interested in the role, and how it made Julia Roberts a star. 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/paulsch...

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40 Year Old Virgin

March 20, 2025 • 78 mins

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/ZwtygZGTa6 Follow Paul and Amy on Letterboxd for more of their movie hot takes! https://letterboxd.com/paulscheer/ h...

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Movie Madness: 2005

March 13, 2025 • 62 mins

This week, Amy and Paul are throwing their hats in the ring for their own Movie Madness Bracket: 2005 edition. Instead of rewatching all 8 films, they're judging based on which films they think had the biggest impact on pop culture. Which 2005 film will take the crown? 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...

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Anora

March 6, 2025 • 69 mins

Amy and Paul dive into the 2025 Oscar-winning film Anora. The two discuss the power dynamics between the characters, its exploration of the American worker experience, and Director Sean Baker's background in Russian wedding videos. 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...

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2025 Oscars Special

February 27, 2025 • 96 mins

This week, Amy and Paul are jumping headfirst into their prediction's for the 2025 Oscars! They’re giving their hot takes on the Best Picture noms, dishing about the snubs, predicting which films will be forgotten next year, and placing their bets on which nominee will get the biggest post-Oscar bump. Download your Unspooled Oscar Bingo at https://www.unspooledpodcast.com/ or https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1lPFJzqeoemZj3N...

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Mulholland Drive

February 20, 2025 • 72 mins

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 th...

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10 Things I Hate About You

February 13, 2025 • 63 mins

Paul & Amy are celebrating Valentines with the 1999 film, 10 Things I Hate About You! They discuss the many careers this film started, Julia Stiles Shakespeare movie run, and, of course, that oh so good ending poem. Plus: they get into why this film is so beloved by fans. You can rent 10 Things I Hate About You on all platforms but don't forget to check your local library or apps like Libby, Hoopla and Kanopy! You can join the Un...

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Captain Condor

February 6, 2025 • 75 mins

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 ca...

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WALL-E

January 30, 2025 • 66 mins

Paul & Amy are continuing their dusty future saga this week with 2008 film, WALL E! They discuss how the film's future seems frighteningly possible, the blob-like character designs that didn't make the final cut, and (once again) the power of love. Plus: they get into that famous Pixar lunch that resulted in three of their biggest hits... and Trash Planet. You can rent WALL E on all platforms but don't forget to check your local l...

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The Social Network

January 23, 2025 • 75 mins

Paul & Amy are in the zone this week for 2010 film, The Social Network! They discuss how the film holds up in 2025, how many times they show that opening bar scene, and why everyone is talking so quickly. Plus: they get into the very powerful desire of wanting to be cool. You can rent The Social Network on all platforms but don't forget to check your local library or apps like Libby, Hoopla and Kanopy! You can join the Unspooled ...

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Interstellar

January 16, 2025 • 75 mins

Paul & Amy are holding space this week for 2014 fan favorite Christopher Nolan film, Interstellar! They discuss the films parallels with Nolan’s family life, the “real” science used to create stunning visual effects, and Hans Zimmer’s very stressful score. Plus: they get into the films big Matt Damon shaped twist. You can rent Interstellar on all platforms but don't forget to check your local library or apps like Hoopla and Kanopy...

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Die Hard (Re-Release)

January 2, 2025 • 79 mins

Paul & Amy walk across broken glass for 1988’s definitive Bruce Willis action film Die Hard! They ask whether Hans Gruber is the true protagonist of the film, learn why Frank Sinatra was originally considered to play John McClane, and explore why this film succeeds where legions of imitators have failed. Plus: we settle the “Christmas movie” debate once and for all. You can rent Die Hard on all platforms but don't forget to check...

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Home Alone (Re-Release)

December 26, 2024 • 103 mins

Amy & Paul break into 1990’s abandoned child comedy phenomenon Home Alone! They praise John Candy as the film’s MVP, learn why Joe Pesci was tougher to wrangle on set than any of the child actors, and debate whether Kevin McCallister is a sociopath. You can rent Home Alone on all platforms but don't forget to check your local library or apps like Hoopla and Kanopy! You can join the Unspooled conversation on Paul’s Discord at ht...

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Eyes Wide Shut

December 19, 2024 • 77 mins

This week Paul & Amy break down Stanley Kubrick’s 1999 erotic thriller Eyes Wide Shut. They talk about the arduous shooting schedule, the real life impact on Tom Cruise and Nicole Kidman’s marriage, and more. You can rent Eyes Wide Shut on all platforms but don't forget to check your local library or apps like Hoopla and Kanopy! You can join the Unspooled conversation on Paul’s Discord at https://discord.gg/ZwtygZGTa6 Follow Paul...

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Magnolia

December 12, 2024 • 82 mins

This week Paul & Amy break down Paul Thomas Anderson’s 1999 drama Magnolia. They talk about the sprawling narrative, giving PTA final cut, Tom Cruise’s performance and more. Next week Paul & Amy will break down the 1999 Stanley Kubrick thriller Eyes Wide Shut. You can rent Magnolia on all platforms but don't forget to check your local library or apps like Hoopla and Kanopy! You can join the Unspooled conversation on Paul’s Discord ...

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The Big Lebowski

December 5, 2024 • 79 mins

This week Paul & Amy break down the 1998 crime comedy film The Big Lebowski! They talk about the film’s lasting legacy as one of the Coen brothers' best and most beloved movies, Jeff Bridges embodying The Dude, and so much more. Next week Paul & Amy will break down the 1999 Paul Thomas Anderson directed Magnolia. You can rent The Big Lebowski on all platforms but don't forget to check your local library or apps like Hoopla and Kano...

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