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Unspooled

456 episodes - English - Latest episode: 15 days ago - ★★★★★ - 4.3K ratings

Listen up, film fans! Actor & comedian Paul Scheer and film critic Amy Nicholson want your advice as they make the ultimate list of the greatest movies of all time. In Season 1, they watched every one of the AFI’s Top 100 films...and decided they could kick off half. Now, they're filling in the gaps by investigating wildly diverse areas of film through miniseries on topics like horror movies, documentaries and romantic comedies, with help from listeners' picks. Along the way, they’ll dissect iconic scenes, spotlight their favorite characters, and talk to some of the actors and directors who worked on these classics. And when Unspooled has built their own list of the best movies on earth, they'll blast them into space to be immortalized for eternity. Seriously.

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Episodes

Lost In Translation w/ Rico Gagliano

April 11, 2024 04:05 - 1 hour - 64.4 MB

This week, Paul is gone, but Amy is joined by fellow film critic and podcast host, Rico Gagliano (MUBI Podcast). The two break down the 2003 Sofia Coppola classic, Lost in Translation, starring Scarlett Johansson and Bill Murray. They dig into the themes of alienation and loneliness in the film, the visual style of Sofia Coppola, and how she has noted that this movie could never get made today. Plus as a special treat, Amy finds and shares a little-known Sofia Coppola Comedy Central show.  ...

Moonstruck w/ David Sims

April 04, 2024 04:05 - 1 hour - 62.4 MB

This week, Paul is away on tour, but Amy is joined by fellow film critic and podcast host David Sims (Blank Check). They break down the 1987 romcom Moonstruck, starring Cher and Nicolas Cage. Amy and David question Cher’s character “jinx”, notice the moon woven into all the details of the film, and learn about Norman Jewison's fantasy headspace when making his films. So sit back and let the moon hit your eye!   Next week, Amy will be chatting with Rico Gagliano from the Mubi Notebook Podca...

Jesus Christ Superstar

March 28, 2024 04:05 - 1 hour - 58.8 MB

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 ab...

Moon

March 21, 2024 04:05 - 1 hour - 59.7 MB

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...

The Martian

March 14, 2024 04:05 - 1 hour - 55.7 MB

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 ep...

2024 Oscars Special

March 07, 2024 05:05 - 1 hour - 60.9 MB

This week Paul & Amy are digging into all things Oscars and the Best Picture Nominees of 2024. The two ask, "was Barbie the most culturally significant film of 2023 and could it win Best Picture?" and "should Killers of the Flower Moon and Poor Things be thirty minutes shorter?" Then, Paul and Amy challenge each other to get every Oscar category wrong, because they can’t help but to vote with their hearts. We invite you, the listener, to get the Oscars wrong with us! Download your Unspooled...

Dune (2021)

February 29, 2024 05:05 - 1 hour - 66.6 MB

This week the Spice is flowing, and Paul & Amy are covering the 2021 film Dune. The two discuss the complicated feelings of going to the movies in the year 2021, Dune’s 2022 Oscar snub, ask “is this Beetlejuice?”, and dig into the undeniable influence Dune has had on Sci-Fi.    You can read Amy Nicholson’s interview with Denis Villeneuve and Timothée Chalamet: https://www.nytimes.com/2024/02/21/movies/dune-timothee-chalamet-villeneuve.html   Jodorowsky’s Dune Documentary Trailer: https:/...

The Sting

February 22, 2024 05:05 - 1 hour - 68.3 MB

Amy & Paul con their way into 1973 and stake out The Sting and all its nostalgia. They evaluate The Sting’s Oscar triumph over The Exorcist, praise the lightness and good-time feel over previous winners with heavier meaning, and take in the chemistry between Paul Newman and Robert Redford on screen that simply wasn’t true in real life. Plus: The “con” in “conman” is short for confidence.   Next week, Paul & Amy are talking about Dune! You can join the conversation on Paul’s Discord at http...

American Beauty

February 15, 2024 05:05 - 1 hour - 70.2 MB

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 conv...

Amadeus

February 08, 2024 05:05 - 1 hour - 73.2 MB

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 spot...

Jackie Brown

February 01, 2024 05:05 - 1 hour - 76.3 MB

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 th...

Out of Sight

January 25, 2024 05:05 - 1 hour - 63 MB

Paul & Amy get in the trunk with 1998's sly George Clooney & Jennifer Lopez crime comedy Out of Sight! They discuss why Elmore Leonard's stories lend themselves so well to Hollywood adaptations, learn how Lopez's fearlessness made her the perfect match for Clooney, and ask if this is the Steven Soderbergh movie that deserves to go to space. Plus: How to have charisma like Clooney.   Next week, Paul & Amy are talking about Jackie Brown! You can join the conversation on Paul’s Discord at htt...

Wayne's World

January 18, 2024 05:05 - 1 hour - 73.8 MB

Amy & Paul party on with 1992’s Mike Myers & Dana Carvey SNL buddy comedy Wayne’s World! They dive into the creative conflicts between Myers and Carvey, learn how Penelope Spheeris landed the directorial role after finding fame as a rock documentarian, and ask what sets this film apart from the rest of the SNL spinoffs. Plus: Right Said Fred, but acoustic. Next week, Paul & Amy are talking about Out Of Sight! You can join the conversation on Paul’s Discord at https://discord.gg/ZwtygZGTa6. ...

Terminator 2: Judgment Day

January 11, 2024 05:05 - 1 hour - 73.7 MB

Amy & Paul go back in time to save 1991’s blockbuster James Cameron action sequel Terminator 2: Judgment Day! They praise Cameron’s control of both CGI and practical effects, find parallels to Oppenheimer in the film’s depiction of a devastating scientific breakthrough, and ask why Linda Hamilton didn’t get an Oscar for her portrayal of Sarah Connor. Plus: Danny Cooksey, the ultimate 90’s best friend.   Next week, Paul & Amy are talking about Wayne’s World! You can join the conversation on...

Space Finalists: Season 4

January 04, 2024 05:05 - 1 hour - 62.8 MB

Paul & Amy wrap up another year of Unspooled by choosing which films they covered this season are going to space! Josh, Jess and Devon return as the gang determines which movies deserve inclusion on Unspooled’s official list of the 100 greatest films of all time. The contenders include an action film that’s become a holiday classic, an underdog sports story that might out-Rocky Rocky, and a minimalist French masterwork that topped another prestigious list - but there’s only so much room on t...

2023 Holiday Party

December 28, 2023 05:05 - 1 hour - 61.1 MB

Paul & Amy are throwing an end-of-year party, and you're invited! Joined by lots of film and podcast friends, Unspooled producers of past, present, and (maybe?) future all ask this year's hot question: What was your favorite film of the year? Was it Barbie, Oppenheimer, or Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse, or was it perhaps The Zone of Interest, Polite Society, or The Holdovers? At this party, they cover it all! Plus: What do you think? Was this a good year for films? Next week, Paul, Am...

Edward Scissorhands

December 21, 2023 05:05 - 1 hour - 72.5 MB

Paul & Amy slice into Tim Burton’s 1990 gothic fairytale Edward Scissorhands! They try to determine what year the film takes place in, discover why a story about being an outsider resonated so widely, and ask if Burton’s artistic preoccupations have become shtick. Plus: A brief sidebar on Edward Penishands.   Next week, Paul and Amy are inviting friends to share their favorite films of 2023! You can join the conversation on Paul’s Discord at https://discord.gg/ZwtygZGTa6 Check out this we...

The Emperor’s New Groove

December 14, 2023 05:05 - 1 hour - 57.9 MB

Paul & Amy embrace the groove for Disney’s madcap Incan comedy The Emperor’s New Groove! They learn about the calamitous development period that led to the final film, dive into the history of shoulder angels and devils in animation, and debate whether the chaotic production created something unique and special in the Disney canon. Plus: a lost song from Eartha Kitt and other moments that never made it to the screen. Next week. Paul and Amy are talking about Edward Scissorhands! You can joi...

Scott Pilgrim vs. the World

December 07, 2023 05:05 - 1 hour - 70.4 MB

Amy & Paul take on all comers for 2010's Edgar Wright comic extravaganza Scott Pilgrim vs. the World! They discuss Michael Cera's unusual casting as a feckless player, learn about Scott's original fate in the film's first cut, and revisit the era of pop-culture hyperliteracy that birthed this story. Plus: comparing the film with Scott Pilgrim's recent anime re-imagining. Next week, Paul and Amy are talking about The Emperor's New Groove! You can join the conversation on Paul’s Discord at ht...

Concert Films

November 30, 2023 05:05 - 58 minutes - 53.3 MB

Amy & Paul take the stage for a closer look at concert movies! Inspired by the recent release of “Taylor Swift: The Eras Tour” and the rerelease of Talking Heads’ “Stop Making Sense,” they dig into what separates a good concert film from a great one, survey the many ways musicians make their films feel like a true event, and learn about Flavor Flav’s Swift fandom. Plus: how David Byrne is like Oppenheimer.   Next week, Paul and Amy are talking about Scott Pilgrim Vs. The World! You can joi...

Ferris Bueller's Day Off

November 23, 2023 05:05 - 1 hour - 72.6 MB

Paul & Amy play hooky for 1984’s John Hughes class-cutting caper Ferris Bueller’s Day Off! They discover the secret backstory behind Charlie Sheen’s memorable cameo, read some of their favorite Reddit fan theories, and express their disappointment that the real Matthew Broderick is nothing like Ferris. Plus: how the filmmakers pulled off that massive parade sequence.   Next week, Paul and Amy are talking about concert movies! You can join the conversation on Paul’s Discord at https://disco...

The Hunger Games

November 16, 2023 05:05 - 1 hour - 67.3 MB

Amy & Paul volunteer as tribute for 2012’s young adult dystopian saga The Hunger Games! They compare the young Jennifer Lawrence to her character Katniss, trace a theme of idealism vs cynicism through director Gary Ross’s filmography, and marvel at Peeta’s rock face. Plus: Should the main characters have been hungrier?   Next week, Paul and Amy are watching Ferris Bueller’s Day Off! You can join the conversation on Paul’s Discord at https://discord.gg/ZwtygZGTa6   Check out this week's s...

Fight Club

November 09, 2023 05:05 - 1 hour - 74.3 MB

Paul & Amy break all the rules of David Fincher’s 1999 cult sendup of masculinity Fight Club! They ask how seriously we’re meant to take the film’s grand pronouncements on consumerism and conformity, discover how badly Edward Norton hurt himself while beating himself up, and ask if this holds up as Fincher’s very best film. Plus: Which costume choice for Tyler Durden went too far for Fincher?   Next week. Paul and Amy are watching The Hunger Games! You can join the conversation on Paul’s D...

Election

November 02, 2023 04:05 - 1 hour - 68.4 MB

Paul & Amy put their hats in the ring for 1999’s acidic high-school satire Election! They praise director Alexander Payne’s brilliant eye for humanist detail, discuss how Matthew Broderick channels his Ferris Bueller image to subversive ends, and posit that America has only become more like high school since the movie’s release. Plus: How Election almost derailed Reese Witherspoon’s career.   Next week. Paul and Amy are watching Fight Club! You can join the conversation on Paul’s Discord a...

The Rocky Horror Picture Show

October 26, 2023 04:05 - 1 hour - 59.6 MB

Paul & Amy time warp to 1975’s cult musical sensation The Rocky Horror Picture Show! They ask what makes a movie camp, discover the genius marketer who helped the film find its audience, and debate whether Rocky Horror is actually best appreciated in a rowdy theater. Plus: How Rocky is like a katamari.   Next week, Paul and Amy are watching Election! You can join the conversation on Paul’s Discord at https://discord.gg/ZwtygZGTa6.   Check out this week's spotlight episode from the archiv...

The Wolf Of Wall Street

October 19, 2023 04:05 - 1 hour - 70.3 MB

Amy & Paul make the hard sell for 2013’s manic Wall Street exposé The Wolf Of Wall Street! They learn how the film’s unusual funding gave director Martin Scorsese freedom to push the limits of this story, ask if this is Leonardo DiCaprio’s best performance, and try to nail down, once and for all, whether Scorsese approves of the actions he depicts. Plus: Did Leo base his performance on a meme?   Next week, Paul and Amy are watching The Rocky Horror Picture Show! You can join the conversati...

Hairspray

October 12, 2023 04:05 - 1 hour - 76.3 MB

Paul & Amy spritz on John Waters’ subversive 1988 comedy Hairspray! They learn how star ensemble player Divine was like Godzilla, compare the soundtrack to the 2007 Broadway production, and marvel at how this PG film snuck radical ideas about race, gender and body positivity into the mainstream. Plus: The curious legacy of Pia Zadora.   Next week, Paul and Amy are watching The Wolf Of Wall Street! You can join the conversation on Paul’s Discord at https://discord.gg/ZwtygZGTa6.   Check o...

Saw

October 05, 2023 04:05 - 1 hour - 67.8 MB

Paul & Amy slice into 2004’s nasty low-budget horror Saw! They learn why Cary Elwes holds a grudge against the filmmakers, appreciate how much dread Leigh Whannell and James Wan were able to wring out of simple production design choices, and meditate on the term ‘torture porn’ and what audiences get out of films like these. Plus: Why was Danny Glover in a Pilates infomercial?   Next week, Paul and Amy are watching Hairspray! You can join the conversation for this series on Paul’s Discord a...

Imitation Of Life

September 28, 2023 04:05 - 1 hour - 74.4 MB

Paul & Amy reflect on Douglas Sirk's piercing 1959 melodrama Imitation Of Life! They learn what made this epochal film a favorite of Steven Spielberg's, discuss what Sirk has to say about race in America, and ask what this slyly satirical blockbuster has in common with Starship Troopers. Plus: The murder that nearly overshadowed the film's release.   Next week, Paul and Amy are watching Saw! You can join the conversation for this series on Paul’s Discord at https://discord.gg/ZwtygZGTa6. L...

The Karate Kid

September 21, 2023 04:05 - 1 hour - 77.2 MB

Amy & Paul high-kick into John G. Avildsen’s 1984 martial-arts megahit The Karate Kid! They learn about the movie’s semi-autobiographical origins, discuss the post-Karate careers of stars Ralph Macchio and Pat Morita, and ask whether this is even better than Avildsen’s older, more acclaimed fight-centric film. Plus: is that supposed to be The Beach Boys?   Next week. Paul and Amy are watching Imitation Of Life! You can join the conversation for this series on Paul’s Discord at https://disc...

Bullitt

September 14, 2023 04:05 - 1 hour - 77.7 MB

Paul & Amy rev up for 1968’s sleek Steve McQueen thriller Bullitt! They break down the film’s all-timer car chase, learn how McQueen brought a counter-cultural energy to the cop archetype, and ask if any modern actor has McQueen’s energy. Plus: The real San Francisco officer that inspired Bullitt.   Next week. Paul and Amy are watching The Karate Kid! You can join the conversation for this series on Paul’s Discord at https://discord.gg/ZwtygZGTa6. Learn more about the show at unspooledpod....

American Psycho

September 07, 2023 04:05 - 1 hour - 77.9 MB

Paul & Amy dissect Mary Harron’s murderous corporate-world satire American Psycho! They learn how star Christian Bale almost lost the role to Leonardo DiCaprio, ask if all the events in the film are ‘really happening,’ and unpack American Psycho’s infamous reputation before it was even released. Plus: the not-so-secret inspiration for Patrick Bateman.     Next week. Paul and Amy are watching Bullitt! You can join the conversation for this series on Paul’s Discord at https://discord.gg/Zwty...

Ranking the Mission: Impossible Films (with Light The Fuse)

August 31, 2023 04:05 - 1 hour - 75.9 MB

Amy & Paul accept a mission from Drew Taylor and Charles Hood (hosts of the Light The Fuse podcast) to rate each of the Mission: Impossible films, and decide whether any of them deserve to go to space! They’ll discuss the many eras of Ethan Hunt, how Brian De Palma set the template for what an auteur-driven franchise film could do, whether the latest entry nailed its climactic set piece, and Tom Cruise’s famous cake.   Next week. Paul and Amy are watching American Psycho! You can join the ...

Legally Blonde

August 24, 2023 04:05 - 1 hour - 76.1 MB

Amy & Paul overrule all objections to 2001's law school comedy Legally Blonde! They compare the film to the recent ultra-femme smash hit Barbie, discuss how Reese Witherspoon discovered her star power, and wonder why the sequel fell so flat. Plus: some shocking facts about blondes.   Next week. Paul and Amy talk Mission: Impossible with the hosts of Light The Fuse! You can join the conversation for this series on Paul’s Discord at https://discord.gg/ZwtygZGTa6. Learn more about the show at...

Barbie & Oppenheimer (with Jamie Loftus)

August 17, 2023 04:05 - 1 hour - 63.7 MB

Amy and guest host Jamie Loftus (“Raw Dog,” The Bechdel Cast) detonate this summer’s hot pink double feature phenomenon, Barbenheimer! Starting with Greta Gerwig’s Barbie, they discuss what made them cry, what made them cringe, and what sent them down a rabbit hole about pregnant Midge. Then, they jump to Christopher Nolan’s Oppenheimer, talking about everything from Nolan’s uranium-dense storytelling to star Cillian Murphy’s snatched waist.     Next week. Paul returns to watch Legally Blo...

Pee-wee's Big Adventure

August 10, 2023 04:05 - 1 hour - 87.4 MB

Amy & Paul remember the Alamo for 1985's magnificently silly Paul Reubens showcase Pee-wee's Big Adventure! They go deep on the conception and evolution of the Pee-wee Herman character, look back on the fallout from Reubens' public scandals, and dig into Pee-wee's self-conception as a loner and a rebel. Plus: How Reubens connected with a young Tim Burton and Danny Elfman.   Next week, Amy and a special guest are tackling Barbie and Oppenheimer! You can join the conversation for this series...

The Listener's Choice Winner Revealed

August 03, 2023 04:05 - 50 minutes - 46 MB

Paul & Amy hear from the Unspooled listeners as they decide which film from Listener's Choice month will join the API list - Who Framed Roger Rabbit, Hot Fuzz, There Will Be Blood or Children Of Men? They'll also ask how important 'rewatchability' is, talk about theater experiences that leave moviegoers shaken, and try to sort out, once and for all, which is the best Paul Thomas Anderson movie.   Next week, Paul & Amy are watching Pee-wee's Big Adventure! You can join the conversation for ...

Children Of Men

July 27, 2023 04:05 - 1 hour - 71.1 MB

Amy & Paul get suave for 2006’s Alfonso Cuarón dystopia Children Of Men! They praise the very human performances, learn whether ringing in the ears really means your ear cells are dying, and discuss why the film’s mind-melting long takes are more than just a flashy technique. Plus: Remember Clive Owen’s BMW ads?   Next week, we’re wrapping up Listener’s Choice month by hearing from the listeners! Send us your vote for our bracket at tinyurl.com/unspooledvote, or leave us a voicemail making...

There Will Be Blood

July 20, 2023 04:05 - 1 hour - 84.7 MB

Paul & Amy drill into Paul Thomas Anderson's 2007 lonely capitalist epic There Will Be Blood! They learn the real origins of the 'milkshake' line, marvel at Jonny Greenwood's alien score, and ask whether Daniel Day-Lewis' colossal performance as Daniel Plainview unbalances the rest of the film. Plus: what's DDL's favorite reality TV show?   Next week, our Listener's Choice anniversary month continues with Children Of Men! Send us your vote for our bracket at tinyurl.com/unspooledvote, or l...

Hot Fuzz

July 13, 2023 04:05 - 1 hour - 74.9 MB

Amy & Paul pursue the greater good and watch Edgar Wright’s 2007 cop action homage Hot Fuzz! They marvel at the stacked cast of British character actors, learn how Simon Pegg & Nick Frost became friends, and realize the film’s real hero is the editor. Plus: When the real cops have to catch a swan.   Next week, our Listener's Choice anniversary month continues with There Will Be Blood! Send us your vote for our bracket at tinyurl.com/unspooledvote, or leave us a voicemail making your case a...

Who Framed Roger Rabbit

July 06, 2023 04:05 - 1 hour - 75.4 MB

Amy & Paul get animated and take a trip down to Toontown in 1988’s Who Framed Roger Rabbit! They’ll analyze how the toons represented the lower class, discuss how the portrayal of Jessica Rabbit helped Disney get out of a rut, and agree that having Roger Rabbit’s voice actor on set brought out the best in star Bob Hoskins. Plus: Bill Murray regrets missing the phone call that would’ve landed him the role of detective Eddie Valiant.   It's 5 Years of Unspooled and you're helping us celebrat...

Indiana Jones and the Temple Of Doom

June 29, 2023 04:05 - 1 hour - 77.8 MB

Paul & Amy crack the whip on 1984’s Harrison Ford prequel adventure Indiana Jones and the Temple Of Doom! They take a close look at the film’s depiction of Indian culture, ask if Kate Capshaw’s Willie is a worthy companion for Indy, and try to figure out what was happening in Steven Spielberg and George Lucas’s lives that inspired such a dark story. Plus: What was the first PG-13 film?   Next week, Paul & Amy are watching Who Framed Roger Rabbit! Send us your vote for July’s Listener’s Cho...

Talking Trek (with Tawny Newsome & Paul F. Tompkins)

June 22, 2023 04:05 - 1 hour - 57.8 MB

Is there a Star Trek movie worthy of boarding the Unspooled spaceship with the other all-time great films? Tawny Newsome & Paul F. Tompkins (Star Trek: Lower Decks, The Pod Directive) join Paul & Amy to answer that question by taking a close look at 1996's time-traveling adventure Star Trek: First Contact. They'll also debate their favorite Trek casts, discuss the latest season of Picard, and explain why The Next Generation was a surprisingly horny show.   Next week, Paul & Amy are watchin...

Inside Out

June 15, 2023 04:05 - 1 hour - 64 MB

Amy & Paul modulate their emotions for Pixar’s 2015 mental adventure Inside Out! They appreciate a story that takes the inner world of a young girl seriously, analyze the short glimpses we get of adult brains, and ask whether all Pixar films have third act problems. Plus: the early drafts of the film, where Riley tried to buy a bag of potato chips.   Send us your vote for July’s Unspooled bracket here: https://forms.gle/ARjPwB4BVaGs2rn2A. Next week, Paul & Amy talk about Star Trek: First C...

Labyrinth

June 08, 2023 04:05 - 1 hour - 68 MB

Paul & Amy wind their way through 1986's Jim Henson dark puppet fantasy Labyrinth! They applaud the film's surprisingly sophisticated coming of age story, realize that Jennifer Connelly's Sarah was never actually a cool girl, and marvel that a movie this weird got made for a wide audience. Plus: The time the Labyrinth puppets met Princess Diana.   Next week, Paul & Amy are watching Inside Out! You can join the conversation for this series on Paul’s Discord at https://discord.gg/ZwtygZGTa6....

Top 3: Adam McKay

June 01, 2023 04:05 - 58 minutes - 53.2 MB

Adam McKay (director of Anchorman, The Big Short and Don't Look Up) joins Paul & Amy to discuss his Top 3 films, including a gonzo comedy classic and an early masterpiece from an Italian legend. Listen to Adam's new podcast Death On The Lot, premiering today!   Next week, Paul & Amy are watching Labyrinth! You can join the conversation for this series on Paul’s Discord at https://discord.gg/ZwtygZGTa6. Learn more about the show at unspooledpod.com, follow us on Twitter @unspooled and Insta...

The Little Mermaid

May 25, 2023 04:05 - 1 hour - 65.8 MB

Amy & Paul go under the sea for 1989's pivotal Disney musical The Little Mermaid! They learn about the queer influences behind the villainous Ursula, try to understand what's really motivating Ariel, and ask if this still wows the way it did when it was first released. Plus: is Prince Eric...kinda dumb?   Next week, Paul & Amy talk to Adam McKay about his Top 3! You can join the conversation for this series on Paul’s Discord at https://discord.gg/ZwtygZGTa6. Learn more about the show at un...

Willy Wonka & The Chocolate Factory

May 18, 2023 04:05 - 1 hour - 77.5 MB

Amy & Paul make the world taste good with 1971's sweet and sour Roald Dahl adaptation Willy Wonka & The Chocolate Factory! They learn why "Charlie" was removed from the film's name, discover how Gene Wilder found his way into the character of Wonka, and ask whether children's films today have the same element of real danger. Plus: How did the chocolate river room smell?   Next week, Paul & Amy are watching The Little Mermaid! You can join the conversation for this series on Paul’s Discord ...

Blazing Saddles

May 11, 2023 04:05 - 1 hour - 80.7 MB

Paul and Amy gas up 1974’s manic Mel Brooks Western parody Blazing Saddles! They learn about the history of farts onscreen, break down Richard Pryor’s influence on the charged perspective of this film, and ask why the wild meta ending swing works. Plus: How this movie almost got “Batgirled.”   Next week, Paul & Amy are watching Willy Wonka & The Chocolate Factory! You can join the conversation for this series on Paul’s Discord at https://discord.gg/ZwtygZGTa6. Learn more about the show at ...

Bonus: Sex Scenes In Film (with Dan Savage)

May 09, 2023 04:05 - 57 minutes - 52.6 MB

Dan Savage (Savage Love) joins Paul and Amy to talk about sex scenes in movies - the good ones, the bad ones, and the ones you have to watch through your fingers. As Dan walks us through his most memorable bad movie sex moments, including scenes from a groundbreaking Oscar-winning romance and an infamous historical epic, Paul and Amy ask: can these scenes be saved?   WARNING: this episode contains graphic discussion of sex scenes, including depictions of sexual assault. Don’t listen to thi...

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