Unspooled

Film, TV & Pop Culture

About

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

  • The Secret Life of Walter Mitty

    Paul and Amy discuss the film "The Secret Life of Walter Mitty," examining its adaptation from a short story, its blend of fantasy and reality, and its themes relevant to a changing world. They explore the film's portrayal of daydreamers n…

  • Jerry Maguire

    Paul and Amy discuss the film Jerry Maguire, covering its development, the performances of Tom Cruise, Renée Zellweger, and Cuba Gooding Jr., and its exploration of sports, romance, and ambition. They also touch on the film's mission state…

  • The Devil Wears Prada

    Paul and Amy revisit the film "The Devil Wears Prada," analyzing its transition into a story about ambition. They delve into the film's origins from Lauren Weisberger's experiences, casting decisions, and Meryl Streep's portrayal of Mirand…

  • Reel Confessions: Mike Mitchell

    Doughboys' Mike Mitchell joins Paul and Amy to share his movie opinions, including a game of "F***/Marry/Kill" with the 2005 Best Director lineup and his new comedy, Napa Boys. They also discuss "big dumb" hits versus prestige flops, Star…

  • Total Recall

    Paul and Amy discuss the film Total Recall, covering its sci-fi aspects, practical effects, and satirical commentary on power and propaganda. They also delve into the film's central question of reality versus implanted memories.

  • The Truman Show

    Paul and Amy discuss the high-concept film The Truman Show, analyzing Peter Weir's direction and Jim Carrey's performance. They explore the movie's mix of satire and sincerity regarding reality and spectacle.

  • Team America: World Police

    Paul Scheer and Amy Nicholson discuss Trey Parker and Matt Stone's satirical puppet film Team America: World Police. They examine the movie's production, its unique puppet-based style, and its controversial content.

  • Arrival

    Paul and Amy discuss Denis Villeneuve’s science fiction film Arrival, exploring its adaptation from Ted Chiang’s source material and Amy Adams’ performance. They also examine the work of screenwriter Eric Heisserer in shaping the movie.

  • Project Hail Mary

    Paul and Amy discuss the film Project Hail Mary, focusing on Ryan Gosling's performance, his character's relationship with Rocky, and Sandra Hüller's role. They also explore why they consider the movie a throwback to Spielberg-esque scienc…

  • Sinners

    Paul and Amy discuss Ryan Coogler’s Sinners, a genre-bending film set in 1930s Mississippi. They analyze the performances of Michael B. Jordan and Miles Caton, as well as the film's integration of horror and historical themes.

  • Reel Confessions: Chris Ryan

    Chris Ryan joins Paul Scheer and Amy Nicholson to discuss his appreciation for Michael Mann's films, including Heat, Public Enemies, Ferrari, and The Keep. The episode also features discussions on Yorgos Lanthimos, trailer habits, and a Ch…

  • 2026 Oscars Special

    Paul and Amy discuss the 2026 Oscar nominations, reviewing surprises, snubs, major contenders, and early predictions for the ceremony. They also examine the competition between the films Sinners and One Battle After Another.

  • Harold and Maude

    Hosts Paul and Amy discuss the 1971 film Harold and Maude, directed by Hal Ashby. They examine the movie's origins as a script by Colin Higgins and its evolution from poor initial reviews into a counterculture cult classic.

  • Twilight

    Paul and Amy examine the cultural impact and production history of the movie Twilight, discussing its adaptation process, vampire lore, and the dynamics of its fanbase.

  • Reality Bites

    Paul and Amy revisit the film Reality Bites, discussing its origins, the performances of Winona Ryder, Ethan Hawke, and Ben Stiller, and the character motivations of Lelaina.

  • Reel Confessions: Nicole Byer

    Nicole Byer joins Paul and Amy to discuss her movie-watching habits, her preference for character actors, and her history with the Fast & Furious film series.

  • Before Sunrise

    Paul and Amy revisit Richard Linklater’s Before Sunrise, discussing the film's naturalistic dialogue, cinematography, and the performances of Ethan Hawke and Julie Delpy. They explore how the film captures a romantic and realistic connecti…

  • Celebrating Catherine O'Hara

    Paul and Amy reflect on the life and career of actress Catherine O'Hara, discussing her work on SCTV, Beetlejuice, Home Alone, and Schitt's Creek. They explore her impact on comedy, versatility, and character portrayals over the last five…

  • Brazil

    Paul and Amy discuss Terry Gilliam’s film Brazil, exploring its themes of authoritarianism and the loss of imagination. They examine the production history, including Gilliam's confrontations with studio executives.

  • Shakespeare in Love

    Paul and Amy discuss the production and Oscar legacy of the film Shakespeare in Love. They examine the casting changes, Judi Dench's performance, and the intersection of romance and literature in the movie.

  • Uncut Gems

    Paul and Amy revisit the film Uncut Gems, analyzing Adam Sandler's lead performance and the movie's anxious style. They also discuss the film's score, production history, and its reception during the awards season.

  • Reel Confessions: Sarah Marshall

    Paul and Amy are joined by You’re Wrong About co-host Sarah Marshall to discuss comfort watches, cinematic misfires, horror films, and the experience of learning history through movies.

  • Napoleon Dynamite

    Paul and Amy revisit the film Napoleon Dynamite to discuss its quirky performances, DIY production style, and its lasting cultural impact as a cult comedy.

  • Kill Bill

    Paul and Amy discuss Quentin Tarantino's revenge film Kill Bill, examining its blend of genre influences, the development of The Bride as a character, and the movie's choreography and legacy.

  • Top 100 Comedies of All Time

    Paul and Amy discuss Variety's list of the 100 greatest comedies of all time. They analyze the rankings, debate the definition of comedy, and discuss films such as The Naked Gun, Some Like It Hot, and Groundhog Day.

  • Avatar (Re-Release)

    Hosts Amy and Paul discuss the 2009 sci-fi film Avatar, exploring the history of the term unobtanium, casting considerations for Jake Sully, and the design of the Na'vi characters.

  • Muppets Christmas Carol

    Paul and Amy discuss the 1992 film The Muppet Christmas Carol, exploring its themes, performances, and craftsmanship. They also reflect on the movie's emotional significance following the death of Jim Henson.

  • Remembering Rob Reiner

    In this special episode of Unspooled, hosts Paul and Amy celebrate the career and legacy of filmmaker Rob Reiner following his passing. They discuss his contributions to comedy, character development, and humanity in film.

  • Reel Confessions: Molly Lambert

    Paul Scheer and Amy Nicholson are joined by guest Molly Lambert to discuss various film-related opinions and experiences. The conversation covers topics ranging from theater etiquette to critiques of actor Charlie Sheen.

  • Brick

    Paul and Amy discuss the Rian Johnson film Brick, exploring its fusion of noir and high school drama. The episode covers the movie's production, budget, and the performance of Joseph Gordon-Levitt.

  • Anchorman

    Paul Scheer and Amy Nicholson discuss the legacy and production of the comedy film Anchorman: The Legend of Ron Burgundy. They examine the movie's improvisational style, the ensemble cast, and its broader impact on American comedy.

  • 2025 Thanksgiving Special

    In this Thanksgiving special, hosts Paul and Amy rank cinema’s most disastrous families to determine who would be the worst dinner guests. They discuss families from films such as The Shining, The Texas Chain Saw Massacre, The Royal Tenenb…

  • Reel Confessions: Kareem Rahma

    Hosts Paul and Amy interview Kareem Rahma in this episode of Unspooled. They discuss his early movie experiences, theater ethics, and the unique experience of watching emotional films while flying.

  • The Wiz

    Paul and Amy discuss the film The Wiz, covering its star-studded cast, set production, and its legacy as a cultural touchstone despite a difficult initial box-office performance.

  • Back to the Future (Re-Release)

    Amy Nicholson and Paul Scheer discuss the 1985 film Back to the Future. The episode covers the casting of Marty McFly, the film's commentary on Reaganomics, Steven Spielberg's influence, and the development of the DeLorean time machine.

  • Prey

    Paul and Amy discuss the film Prey and its reimagining of the Predator franchise. They explore the movie's unique approach and its impact on the iconic universe.

  • The Conjuring

    Paul and Amy discuss the horror film The Conjuring, examining James Wan's direction, the real-life events that inspired the story, and the performances of lead actors Patrick Wilson and Vera Farmiga.

  • Misery

    Paul and Amy discuss the 1990 film Misery, directed by Rob Reiner and based on Stephen King's novel. They analyze the performances of Kathy Bates and James Caan, as well as the film's exploration of fame and fandom.

  • Pan's Labyrinth

    Paul and Amy discuss Guillermo del Toro's Pan's Labyrinth, examining how his background influenced his filmmaking and his use of fairytales to address political themes.

  • Remembering Diane Keaton

    Paul and Amy reflect on the career and legacy of Oscar-winning actress Diane Keaton following the news of her passing. They discuss her filmography, personal style, and the impact she had on the industry.

  • Dead Poets Society

    Paul and Amy discuss the legacy of the film Dead Poets Society. The episode covers Robin Williams’ transition to dramatic roles and details regarding characters that were omitted from the final cut of the movie.

  • Minority Report

    In this episode of Unspooled, Paul and Amy discuss the 2002 film Minority Report. They cover Tom Cruise's performance, Steven Spielberg's vision of the future, and the film's commentary on the impact of technology on society.

  • One Battle After Another

    Hosts Paul and Amy discuss Paul Thomas Anderson's film One Battle After Another, exploring its critique of America and the performances of its cast.

  • Dog Day Afternoon

    Paul and Amy discuss the film Dog Day Afternoon, exploring Sidney Lumet's direction, Al Pacino's performance, and the movie's ongoing cultural relevance. The episode includes an analysis of how the botched heist was adapted into a cinemati…

  • Spinal Tap

    Paul and Amy revisit the 1984 film Spinal Tap on this episode of Unspooled. They discuss the film's humor, Rob Reiner's transition from actor to director, and the movie's impact on the parody genre.

  • Celebrating Robert Redford

    Paul and Amy honor the career of Robert Redford in this special episode of Unspooled. They discuss their first memories of his films and examine his contributions both as an actor and a filmmaker.

  • Clue

    Paul Scheer is joined by Chris and Lizzie from the What Went Wrong podcast to discuss the cult classic film Clue. They examine the movie's nostalgic appeal, its casting, and the nature of 1980s PG-rated films.

  • The Breakfast Club

    Paul and Amy revisit the film The Breakfast Club to discuss its legacy and scenes that were omitted from the final cut to mark its 40th anniversary.

  • Memento

    Paul and Amy analyze the thriller Memento, exploring themes of memory, identity, and the narratives we construct about our lives. They discuss the impact of Christopher Nolan's film and share their perspectives on this visionary work.

  • Donnie Darko

    Paul and Amy discuss Richard Kelly's 2001 film Donnie Darko. They explore the movie's timelines, its themes regarding mental health, and its portrayal of adolescence.