Unspooled

Apr 10 2025 391 ep. 86 mins 5.6k

Unspooled Podcast artwork

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.

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Crouching Tiger Hidden Dragon

Apr 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/ZwtygZGTa

Being John Malkovich

Apr 03 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

Pretty Woman

Mar 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 o

40 Year Old Virgin

Mar 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 m

Movie Madness: 2005

Mar 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://l

Anora

Mar 06 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

2025 Oscars Special

Feb 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 ht

Mulholland Drive

Feb 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

10 Things I Hate About You

Feb 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

Captain Condor

Feb 06 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 Hy