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
May 8, 2025 • 55 mins
We're turning the clock way back, and Amy and Paul are exploring the 1946 classic The Big Sleep. They discuss the electric chemistry between Humphrey Bogart and Lauren Bacall, the film’s influence on The Big Lebowski, and how the writers sidestepped the old Hollywood production code.
You can join the Unspooled conversation on Paul’s Discord at https://discord.gg/ZwtygZGTa6
Follow Paul and Amy on Letterboxd for more of the...
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May 1, 2025 • 73 mins
It’s been 45 years since The Empire Strikes Back hit us with one of the most iconic twists in movie history, so Amy and Paul are hopping in the Millennium Falcon and heading to a galaxy far, far away. This week, they talk about how Mark Hamill struggled as the only human on set, the impact it had on movies, and why R2-D2 can be a little bit annoying.
You can join the Unspooled conversation on Paul’s Discord at https://discord.g...
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April 29, 2025 • 42 mins
Amy and Paul are switching things up this week! They’re taking a spoiler-free look at what’s hitting theaters right now, spotlighting two of the biggest releases: Sinners (directed by Ryan Coogler and starring Michael B. Jordan) and A Minecraft Movie (featuring Jason Momoa and Jack Black). They dig into the surprising heart behind Minecraft, how Sinners defied expectations, and why both films are proof that movie theaters are still...
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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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