Unspooled (Paul Scheer & Amy Nicholson | Realm)

Amy & Paul take a hike through 1999's revolutionary found-footage film The Blair Witch Project! They praise Heather Donahue’s often maligned performance, revisit the film's enormously successful viral marketing campaign, and discuss the film's pioneering of immersive, hand-held horror. Plus: Should directors Daniel Myrick and Eduardo Sánchez be credited as the film's producers instead?Next week Unspooled’s Scaretober series concludes with Nightmare On Elm Street! You can join the conversation for this series on the Unspooled Facebook Group at https://www.facebook.com/groups/unspooledpodcast, and on Paul’s Discord at https://discord.gg/ZwtygZGTa6. Learn more about the show at unspooledpod.com, follow us on Twitter @unspooled and Instagram @unspooledpod, and don’t forget to rate, review & subscribe to us on Apple Podcasts, Stitcher and Spotify. You can also listen to our Stitcher Premium game show Screen Test right now at https://www.stitcher.com/show/unspooled-screen-test, and apply to be a contestant at unspooledpod@gmail.com! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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 and Amy on Letterboxd for more of their movie hot takes! https://letterboxd.com/paulscheer/  https://letterboxd.com/theamynicholson/ Paul’s book Joyful Recollections of Trauma is out now! Find it at https://www.harpercollins.com/products/joyful-recollections-of-trauma-paul-scheer Check out more of Paul's writing on his Substack https://substack.com/@paulscheer Episodic Art by Kim Troxall: https://www.unspooledart.com/   Learn more about the show at Unspooledpod.com, follow us on Twitter @unspooled and on Instagram @unspooledpod, and don’t forget to rate, review & subscribe to us on Apple Podcasts, Spotify or where you listen to podcasts. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This week Paul & Amy break down the  1989 dark comedy classic Heathers starring Winona Ryder, Christian Slater and Shannen Doherty. They talk about how it subverts the high school comedy genre, how relevant it is today and more.    Next week you WILL be entertained as we cover Gladiator! You can rent Heathers 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 and Amy on Letterboxd for more of their movie hot takes! https://letterboxd.com/paulscheer/  https://letterboxd.com/theamynicholson/   Paul’s book Joyful Recollections of Trauma is out now! Find it at https://www.harpercollins.com/products/joyful-recollections-of-trauma-paul-scheer Check out more of Paul's writing on his Substack https://substack.com/@paulscheer   Episodic Art by Kim Troxall: https://www.unspooledart.com/   Learn more about the show at Unspooledpod.com, follow us on Twitter @unspooled and on Instagram @unspooledpod, and don’t forget to rate, review & subscribe to us on Apple Podcasts, Spotify or where you listen to podcasts. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Amy & Paul move back in with 2001's Wes Anderson family reunion piece The Royal Tenenbaums! They ask if Anderson is sneakily a great director of actors, posit that Ben Stiller is the true heart of the movie, and discuss whether the female Tenenbaums are well served by their storylines. Plus: Which other legendary actor was considered to play Royal Tenenbaum?   This is the fourth episode in our Kinspooled series on “effed up families”; next week’s film is Guess Who's Coming To Dinner! Learn more about the show at unspooledpod.com follow us on Twitter @unspooled and Instagram @unspooledpod, and don’t forget to rate, review & subscribe to us on Apple Podcasts, Stitcher and Spotify. You can also listen to our Stitcher Premium game show Screen Test right now, and apply to be a contestant at unspooledpod@gmail.com! Photo credit: Kim Troxal Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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 Choice bracket at tinyurl.com/unspooledvote, or make your case on voicemail at 424-419-5745. 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 Instagram @unspooledpod, and don’t forget to rate, review & subscribe to us on Apple Podcasts, Stitcher and Spotify. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Paul & Amy sink their teeth into 2014’s vampiric mockumentary What We Do In The Shadows! They learn why so many of the film’s creatures look like Lord Of The Rings characters, come around to Jemaine Clement’s acting style, and ask if this is still director Taika Waititi’s best film. Plus: The origins of that sandwich joke.   Next week, Paul & Amy are watching Young Frankenstein! 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 Instagram @unspooledpod, and don’t forget to rate, review & subscribe to us on Apple Podcasts, Stitcher and Spotify. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This week Paul & Amy are re-releasing their episode on the Alexander Payne film, 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. They'll be back with an all new episode next week about Heathers!   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://letterboxd.com/theamynicholson/ Paul’s book Joyful Recollections of Trauma is out now! Find it at https://www.harpercollins.com/products/joyful-recollections-of-trauma-paul-scheer Check out more of Paul's writing on his Substack https://substack.com/@paulscheer Episodic Art by Kim Troxall: https://www.unspooledart.com/   Learn more about the show at Unspooledpod.com, follow us on Twitter @unspooled and on Instagram @unspooledpod, and don’t forget to rate, review & subscribe to us on Apple Podcasts, Spotify or where you listen to podcasts. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Amy & Paul take a bite out of 1975's blockbuster Spielberg creature feature Jaws! They take a close listen to John Williams' iconic score, praise the way Spielberg adds emotional stakes to the story, and ask whether Jurassic Park does much of what Jaws does, but better. Plus: Hannah Medd, founder of the American Shark Conservancy, weighs in on whether dolphins are bigger jerks than sharks. Which AFI character do you think deserves their own thematic film festival, along the lines of Sundance? Call the Unspooled voicemail line at 747-666-5824 with your answer! Follow us on Twitter @Unspooled, get more info at unspooledpod.com and don’t forget to rate, review & subscribe to us on Apple Podcasts. Also check out our live Spool Party episodes on youtube.com/earwolf! Photo credit: Kim Troxall Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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 watching Indiana Jones & The Temple Of Doom! Send us your vote for July’s Unspooled bracket here: https://forms.gle/ARjPwB4BVaGs2rn2A. 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 Instagram @unspooledpod, and don’t forget to rate, review & subscribe to us on Apple Podcasts, Stitcher and Spotify. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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 celebrate with a whole anniversary month of Listener's Choice! Next week, Paul & Amy are watching Hot Fuzz! Send us your vote for July’s Listener’s Choice bracket at tinyurl.com/unspooledvote, or make your case on voicemail at 424-419-5745. 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 Instagram @unspooledpod, and don’t forget to rate, review & subscribe to us on Apple Podcasts, Spotify or where you listen to podcasts. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Amy & Paul traverse 1959’s Alfred Hitchcock blockbuster North By Northwest! They discuss what makes Cary Grant’s suit one of the greatest in cinema, ask why so many Hitchcock films feature women betraying men, and draw a line from this film to the Coen Bros. Plus: Daniel Raim, director of “The Man On Lincoln’s Nose,” talks about Hitch’s famed art director Robert Boyle. For Spartacus week, what do you think the film is about? Call the Unspooled voicemail line at 747-666-5824 with your answer! Follow us on Twitter @Unspooled, get more info at unspooledpod.com and don’t forget to rate, review & subscribe to us on Apple Podcasts. Photo credit: Kim Troxall This episode is brought to you by Bombas (www.bombas.com/UNSPOOLED) and M&Ms Hazelnut Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Amy & Paul come home to 1995's space disaster docudrama Apollo 13! They ask if this is secretly a film about disappointment, spot a cameo by a legendary director, and discuss whether there's a successor to Ron Howard among today's generation of filmmakers. Plus: What's the actual version of the film's most famous quote? Next week Unspooled kicks off a new series on summer blockbusters! You can join the conversation for this series on the Unspooled Facebook Group at https://www.facebook.com/groups/unspooledpodcast, and on Paul’s Discord at https://discord.gg/ZwtygZGTa6. Learn more about the show at unspooledpod.com, follow us on Twitter @unspooled and Instagram @unspooledpod, and don’t forget to rate, review & subscribe to us on Apple Podcasts, Stitcher and Spotify. You can also listen to our Stitcher Premium game show Screen Test right now at https://www.stitcher.com/show/unspooled-screen-test, and apply to be a contestant at unspooledpod@gmail.com! Photo credit: Kim Troxall Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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. Plus: A look at how Macaulay Culkin has responded to the film's success as an adult.   This is the seventh episode in our Kinspooled series on “effed up families”; our next film, as voted on by Unspooled listeners, is Dogtooth! We'll be taking next week off for the holidays, returning on 1/7. Learn more about the show at unspooledpod.com, follow us on Twitter @unspooled and Instagram @unspooledpod, and don’t forget to rate, review & subscribe to us on Apple Podcasts, Stitcher and Spotify. You can also listen to our Stitcher Premium game show Screen Test right now at https://www.stitcher.com/show/unspooled-screen-test, and apply to be a contestant at unspooledpod@gmail.com! Photo credit: Kim Troxall Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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. Learn more about the show at unspooledpod.com, follow us on Twitter @unspooled and Instagram @unspooledpod, and don’t forget to rate, review & subscribe to us on Apple Podcasts, Spotify or where you listen to podcasts. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Amy & Paul serve up 2014’s Wes Anderson confection The Grand Budapest Hotel! They praise the inventive action scenes, contrast the different eras of Anderson’s career, and make the case for Gustave H. as Anderson’s best character. Plus: why Tony Revolori had to watch his figure!Next week Unspooled takes a detour for Jackass! You can join the conversation for this series on the Unspooled Facebook Group at https://www.facebook.com/groups/unspooledpodcast, and on Paul’s Discord at https://discord.gg/ZwtygZGTa6. Learn more about the show at unspooledpod.com, follow us on Twitter @unspooled and Instagram @unspooledpod, and don’t forget to rate, review & subscribe to us on Apple Podcasts, Stitcher and Spotify. You can also listen to our Stitcher Premium game show Screen Test right now at https://www.stitcher.com/show/unspooled-screen-test, and apply to be a contestant at unspooledpod@gmail.com! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Will Menaker and Matt Christman of Chapo Trap House join Paul & Amy on this week's crossover Unspooled! Matt shares three films to watch before listening to his new history miniseries Hell On Earth, including a Puritan horror folktale and a medieval breakthrough from a master satirist. Will announces his own upcoming miniseries and highlights three films on rails to help get into "movie mindset." Listen to both shows at patreon.com/chapotraphouse.   Next week, tune in as we discuss Hollywood Shuffle! 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 Instagram @unspooledpod, and don’t forget to rate, review & subscribe to us on Apple Podcasts, Stitcher and Spotify. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Paul & Amy swerve into 2004's Oscar-winning race-in-LA melodrama Crash! They take a close look at how the film's attitudes on race and racism have aged, learn about the incident that happened to director Paul Haggis that inspired the film, and revisit the short-lived Crash TV series. Plus: Should Brokeback Mountain have won Best Picture instead?    Next week, tune in as we cover Magic Mike! You can join the conversation for this series on the Unspooled Facebook Group at https://www.facebook.com/groups/unspooledpodcast, and on Paul’s Discord at https://discord.gg/ZwtygZGTa6. Learn more about the show at unspooledpod.com, follow us on Twitter @unspooled and Instagram @unspooledpod, and don’t forget to rate, review & subscribe to us on Apple Podcasts, Stitcher and Spotify. You can also listen to our Stitcher Premium game show Screen Test right now at https://www.stitcher.com/show/unspooled-screen-test and apply to be a contestant at unspooledpod@gmail.com! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Amy & Paul arm up for 2014’s revitalizing Keanu Reeves action film John Wick! They ask whether we’re supposed to care about Wick as a character, praise the careful world building of directors Chad Stahelski and David Leitch, and debate the best fight in the series. Plus: What would you do if someone killed your pet in front of you?   Next week, tune in as we discuss In Bruges! 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 Instagram @unspooledpod, and don’t forget to rate, review & subscribe to us on Apple Podcasts, Stitcher and Spotify. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Paul & Amy roll into 1951's Southern Gothic Tennessee Williams drama A Streetcar Named Desire! They compare the opposite physicality of Marlon Brando and Vivien Leigh, analyze the buildup to Brando's famous scream, and listen to a montage of musical Streetcar references. Plus: Brian Lohmann from the Impro Theater discusses improvising in the style of Tennessee Williams. For Blade Runner week, give us your rendition of the "tears in rain” speech! Call it in to the Unspooled voicemail line at 747-666-5824. Follow us on Twitter @Unspooled, get more info at unspooledpod.com and don’t forget to rate, review & subscribe to us on Apple Podcasts. Also check out our live Spool Party episodes on youtube.com/earwolf! Photo credit: Kim Troxall You can watch the Tennessee Williams UnScripted show we talk about in our interview with Brian here: https://vimeo.com/291407149/46ddada77a Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In a new Bonus Reel, Amy sits down with Lorene Scafaria, director of "Hustlers" and "The Meddler," to talk about the three films she would add to the AFI list. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Paul & Amy send a love letter to David Lynch's uncanny 1986 noir Blue Velvet! They learn what Lynch thinks of his "Jimmy Stewart from Mars" image, discuss the film's many connections to The Wizard Of Oz, and ask why we're collectively obsessed with the dark underbelly of everyday life. Plus: What Dennis Hopper role was a 'spiritual sequel' to Frank Booth?   Next week, tune in as we cover The Last Jedi! You can join the conversation for this series on the Unspooled Facebook Group at https://www.facebook.com/groups/unspooledpodcast, and on Paul’s Discord at https://discord.gg/ZwtygZGTa6. Learn more about the show at unspooledpod.com, follow us on Twitter @unspooled and Instagram @unspooledpod, and don’t forget to rate, review & subscribe to us on Apple Podcasts, Stitcher and Spotify. You can also listen to our Stitcher Premium game show Screen Test right now at https://www.stitcher.com/show/unspooled-screen-test and apply to be a contestant at unspooledpod@gmail.com! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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 episode from the Unspooled archives, The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring: https://www.earwolf.com/episode/the-lord-of-the-rings-the-fellowship-of-the-ring/   You can join the conversation on Paul’s Discord at https://discord.gg/ZwtygZGTa6 Check out Paul's Substack https://substack.com/@paulscheer   Paul’s book Joyful Recollections of Trauma is on presale now! Find it at https://www.harpercollins.com/products/joyful-recollections-of-trauma-paul-scheer   Episodic Art by Kim Troxall: https://www.unspooledart.com/   Learn more about the show at Unspooledpod.com, follow us on Twitter @unspooled and on Instagram @unspooledpod, and don’t forget to rate, review & subscribe to us on Apple Podcasts, Spotify or where you listen to podcasts. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Paul and Amy get stuck in Martin McDonagh’s 2008 hitman parable In Bruges! They learn about McDonagh’s explosive ascent as a playwright, compare Bruges to other hitman films of the era, and discuss how the contrast between Colin Farrell’s offensive dialogue and redemptive arc messes with the audience’s sympathies. Plus: how do you master eyebrow acting?  Next week, tune in as we watch El Mariachi! 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 Instagram @unspooledpod, and don’t forget to rate, review & subscribe to us on Apple Podcasts, Stitcher and Spotify. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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 join the conversation on Paul’s Discord at https://discord.gg/ZwtygZGTa6 Check out this week's spotlight episode from the archives, Shrek: https://www.earwolf.com/episode/shrek/ Learn more about the show at unspooledpod.com, follow us on Twitter @unspooled and Instagram @unspooledpod, and don’t forget to rate, review & subscribe to us on Apple Podcasts, Spotify or where you listen to podcasts. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Amy & Paul open up 2004's decades-spanning romance The Notebook! They praise the effortless chemistry of Ryan Gosling and Rachel McAdams, learn how James Garner prepared (or didn't prepare) for his role, and ask why we don't see more pure romances like this. Plus: Did Gosling and McAdams really fall in love on set?   Next week, tune in as we cover Magic Mike! You can join the conversation for this series on the Unspooled Facebook Group at https://www.facebook.com/groups/unspooledpodcast, and on Paul’s Discord at https://discord.gg/ZwtygZGTa6. Learn more about the show at unspooledpod.com, follow us on Twitter @unspooled and Instagram @unspooledpod, and don’t forget to rate, review & subscribe to us on Apple Podcasts, Stitcher and Spotify. You can also listen to our Stitcher Premium game show Screen Test right now at https://www.stitcher.com/show/unspooled-screen-test and apply to be a contestant at unspooledpod@gmail.com! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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 Kanopy! 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://letterboxd.com/theamynicholson/ Paul’s book Joyful Recollections of Trauma is out now! Find it at https://www.harpercollins.com/products/joyful-recollections-of-trauma-paul-scheer Check out more of Paul's writing on his Substack https://substack.com/@paulscheer Episodic Art by Kim Troxall: https://www.unspooledart.com/   Learn more about the show at Unspooledpod.com, follow us on Twitter @unspooled and on Instagram @unspooledpod, and don’t forget to rate, review & subscribe to us on Apple Podcasts, Spotify or where you listen to podcasts. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This week Paul & Amy break down the 1980 comedy classic Airplane! They talk about Leslie Nielsen's fart machine, what makes the jokes hold up, and more.   Next week we'll be continuing on with our Disaster Movie Summer with the 1998 disaster film Armageddon. You can stream Armageddon on Hulu 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 and Amy on Letterboxd for more of their movie hot takes! https://letterboxd.com/paulscheer/  https://letterboxd.com/theamynicholson/ Paul’s book Joyful Recollections of Trauma is out now! Find it at https://www.harpercollins.com/products/joyful-recollections-of-trauma-paul-scheer Check out more of Paul's writing on his Substack https://substack.com/@paulscheer Episodic Art by Kim Troxall: https://www.unspooledart.com/   Learn more about the show at Unspooledpod.com, follow us on Twitter @unspooled and on Instagram @unspooledpod, and don’t forget to rate, review & subscribe to us on Apple Podcasts, Spotify or where you listen to podcasts. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Paul & Amy enlist for 1970's groundbreaking Robert Altman war comedy M*A*S*H! They work to separate the film from the iconic TV show, dissect a controversial scene with Sally Kellerman, and explore how this film was a precursor for 70s comedy to come. Plus: Tom Skerritt (Duke Forrest) explains how Altman made his career. What do you think Sunrise is about? (Hint: there's a pig in it!) If you haven't seen it, call the Unspooled voicemail line at 747-666-5824 with your answer. Follow us on Twitter @Unspooled, get more info at unspooledpod.com and don’t forget to rate, review & subscribe to us on Apple Podcasts. Photo credit: Kim Troxall Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Amy & Paul flirt with 1940's archetypal Katharine Hepburn romantic comedy The Philadelphia Story! They discover the origins of the industry trope of "box office poison," explore the strange social mores of the 40s, and learn that everyone on set may have been in love with Jimmy Stewart. Plus: Screenwriter Katie Silberman (Set It Off, Isn't It Romantic) explains why The Philadelphia Story is one of her top romantic comedies ever. Can you make the most famous line in Network your own? Call the Unspooled voicemail line at 747-666-5824 and give it a shot! Follow us on Twitter @Unspooled, get more info at unspooledpod.com and don’t forget to rate, review & subscribe to us on Apple Podcasts. Photo credit: Kim Troxall This episode is brought to you by Bombas (www.bombas.com/unspooled). Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Paul & Amy pour one out for 1975's comic high school drama Cooley High! They learn how the film scored a soundtrack of wall-to-wall Motown hits, analyze the film's take on teenage hijinks, and praise Michael Schultz as one of the great underrated directors. Plus: Glynn Turman ("Preach") talks about the impact Cooley High had on his career.   This is the fifth episode of our "Back To School" miniseries; next week’s film is Fast Times At Ridgemont High! Learn more about the show at unspooledpod.com, follow us on Twitter @unspooled and Instagram @unspooledpod, and don’t forget to rate, review & subscribe to us on Apple Podcasts, Stitcher and Spotify. Also check out our live Spool Party episodes on youtube.com/earwolf, and apply to be a guest on Screen Test at unspooledpod@gmail.com! Photo credit: Kim Troxall Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Unspooled will return with new episodes 1/13 - be sure to catch up with "Jeanne Dielman" before we kick off Jeanne-uary, until then enjoy one of our favorite holiday episodes!   Paul & Amy cross the pond for 2003’s Christmas romantic comedy smash Love Actually! They dissect director Richard Curtis’s curious understanding of love, learn the fates of each character in the 2017 sequel short, and watch deleted scenes that would have introduced even more plots into the film. Plus: Lindy West discusses her essay “Shit Actually” that kicked off a critical re-evaluation of this movie.   You can join the conversation on the Unspooled Facebook Group at https://www.facebook.com/groups/unspooledpodcast, and on Paul’s Discord at https://discord.gg/ZwtygZGTa6. Learn more about the show at unspooledpod.com, follow us on Twitter @unspooled and Instagram @unspooledpod, and don’t forget to rate, review & subscribe to us on Apple Podcasts, Stitcher and Spotify. You can also listen to our Stitcher Premium game show Screen Test right now at https://www.stitcher.com/show/unspooled-screen-test and apply to be a contestant at unspooledpod@gmail.com! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Amy & Paul deliberate over 1957's Sidney Lumet jury-room drama 12 Angry Men! They ask if all-male juries were ever common, compare Lumet's version to William Friedkin's remake, and praise the powerful performances in this ever-relevant film, Plus: Jury consultant Marissa Beyers talk about how jury selection has evolved since the 50s. For Sullivan's Travels week, who's a movie director you think could learn something on the road? Call the Unspooled voicemail line at 747-666-5824 with your answer! Follow us on Twitter @Unspooled, get more info at unspooledpod.com and don’t forget to rate, review & subscribe to us on Apple Podcasts. Photo credit: Kim Troxall Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Amy & Paul go undercover for 1992’s explosive Jackie Chan martial arts adventure Supercop! They theorize about Hong Kong cinema’s influence on Hollywood action films, break down Michelle Yeoh’s legendary career, and praise the film’s staggeringly dangerous stunt work. Plus: did Tom Cruise steal his playbook from Chan?   Next week, our Heroes series continues with Paddington 2! You can join the conversation for this series on the Unspooled Facebook Group at https://www.facebook.com/groups/unspooledpodcast, and on Paul’s Discord at https://discord.gg/ZwtygZGTa6. Learn more about the show at unspooledpod.com, follow us on Twitter @unspooled and Instagram @unspooledpod, and don’t forget to rate, review & subscribe to us on Apple Podcasts, Stitcher and Spotify. You can also listen to our Stitcher Premium game show Screen Test right now at https://www.stitcher.com/show/unspooled-screen-test, and apply to be a contestant at unspooledpod@gmail.com! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This week Paul & Amy are kicking off the summer movie season by rounding up all the releases you're dying to hear about. We're talking about the good, the bad, and the indie. Paul proclaims Bad Boys: Ride or Die should have been called something else while wondering if Challengers was sexy enough, and Amy is not on board with this year's Garfield movie. Then, the two dive into a few indie movies like The People’s Joker, Late Night with the Devil, and Hundreds of Beavers. Plus, we announce this is now a Glen Powell Stan podcast.    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://letterboxd.com/theamynicholson/ Paul’s book Joyful Recollections of Trauma is out now! Find it at https://www.harpercollins.com/products/joyful-recollections-of-trauma-paul-scheer Check out more of Paul's writing on his Substack https://substack.com/@paulscheer Episodic Art by Kim Troxall: https://www.unspooledart.com/ Learn more about the show at Unspooledpod.com, follow us on Twitter @unspooled and on Instagram @unspooledpod, and don’t forget to rate, review & subscribe to us on Apple Podcasts, Spotify or where you listen to podcasts. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Paul & Amy chainsaw through 1987’s groovy slapstick horror masterpiece Evil Dead II! They ask if Bruce Campbell’s Ash is a “final girl,” learn why director Sam Raimi owes his career to Stephen King, and discuss why this film still feels anarchic and dangerous. Plus: The origin of the Wilhelm Scream.   Next week, Karina Longworth of You Must Remember This joins us for a 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 unspooledpod.com, follow us on Twitter @unspooled and Instagram @unspooledpod, and don’t forget to rate, review & subscribe to us on Apple Podcasts, Stitcher and Spotify. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Paul & Amy force-project into Rian Johnson's galaxy-brained Star Wars entry The Last Jedi! They dissect the disputes between Mark Hamill and Johnson on the fate of Luke Skywalker, praise the film's illustrations of the nature of heroism, and ask if this is up there with the very best of Star Wars. Plus: The origins of porgs.   Next week, tune in as we cover 2004's Crash! You can join the conversation for this series on the Unspooled Facebook Group at https://www.facebook.com/groups/unspooledpodcast, and on Paul’s Discord at https://discord.gg/ZwtygZGTa6. Learn more about the show at unspooledpod.com, follow us on Twitter @unspooled and Instagram @unspooledpod, and don’t forget to rate, review & subscribe to us on Apple Podcasts, Stitcher and Spotify. You can also listen to our Stitcher Premium game show Screen Test right now at https://www.stitcher.com/show/unspooled-screen-test and apply to be a contestant at unspooledpod@gmail.com! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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 unspooledpod.com, follow us on Twitter @unspooled and Instagram @unspooledpod, and don’t forget to rate, review & subscribe to us on Apple Podcasts, Stitcher and Spotify. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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.com, follow us on Twitter @unspooled and Instagram @unspooledpod, and don’t forget to rate, review & subscribe to us on Apple Podcasts, Spotify or where you listen to podcasts. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Amy & Paul are torn apart by 1955's landmark teen drama Rebel Without A Cause! They celebrate the instantly iconic performance of James Dean, learn about the wild backstory of director Nicholas Ray, and take a close look at the seismic generational shifts of the era. Plus: reflections on the recent passing of Chadwick Boseman.   This is the fourth episode of our "Back To School" miniseries; next week’s film is Cooley High! Learn more about the show at unspooledpod.com, follow us on Twitter @unspooled and Instagram @unspooledpod, and don’t forget to rate, review & subscribe to us on Apple Podcasts, Stitcher and Spotify. Also check out our live Spool Party episodes on youtube.com/earwolf, and apply to be a guest on Screen Test at unspooledpod@gmail.com! Photo credit: Kim Troxall Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Paul & Amy hack through 1980's chilling Stanley Kubrick horror film The Shining! They learn why Stephen King hated Kubrick's adaptation of his story, weigh in on the many fan theories surrounding the film, and consider how both actor and director can shape the performances we see onscreen. Plus: is that thing in Room 237 a bear or a dog?Next week Unspooled begins our Oscar-themed series "The Contenders" with Talladega Nights! You can join the conversation for this series on the Unspooled Facebook Group at https://www.facebook.com/groups/unspooledpodcast, and on Paul’s Discord at https://discord.gg/ZwtygZGTa6. Learn more about the show at unspooledpod.com, follow us on Twitter @unspooled and Instagram @unspooledpod, and don’t forget to rate, review & subscribe to us on Apple Podcasts, Stitcher and Spotify. You can also listen to our Stitcher Premium game show Screen Test right now at https://www.stitcher.com/show/unspooled-screen-test, and apply to be a contestant at unspooledpod@gmail.com! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Paul & Amy relive 1993's Bill Murray time loop comedy Groundhog Day! They learn about the tempestuous relationship between Murray and director Harold Ramis, read an excerpt from the original script, and compare the film to another magical realist classic, It's A Wonderful Life. Plus: Just how long was Phil stuck in that loop anyways?   This is the third episode in our Couple Goals series; next week’s film is Groundhog Day...er, actually it's A Place In The Sun! Learn more about the show at unspooledpod.com, follow us on Twitter @unspooled and Instagram @unspooledpod, and don’t forget to rate, review & subscribe to us on Apple Podcasts, Stitcher and Spotify. You can also listen to our Stitcher Premium game show Screen Test right now at https://www.stitcher.com/show/unspooled-screen-test, and apply to be a contestant at unspooledpod@gmail.com! Photo credit: Kim Troxall Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Amy & Paul shift gears for 2006's Will Ferrell NASCAR comedy Talladega Nights: The Ballad Of Ricky Bobby! They trace director Adam McKay's origins back to his Second City show Piñata Full of Bees, remember the mid 00's era of French baddies and freedom fries, and make the case McKay has always been a political filmmaker. Plus: what do you get your grandma who just turned 80?Next week our Contenders series continues with Boogie Nights! You can join the conversation for this series on the Unspooled Facebook Group at https://www.facebook.com/groups/unspooledpodcast, and on Paul’s Discord at https://discord.gg/ZwtygZGTa6. Learn more about the show at unspooledpod.com, follow us on Twitter @unspooled and Instagram @unspooledpod, and don’t forget to rate, review & subscribe to us on Apple Podcasts, Stitcher and Spotify. You can also listen to our Stitcher Premium game show Screen Test right now at https://www.stitcher.com/show/unspooled-screen-test, and apply to be a contestant at unspooledpod@gmail.com! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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 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 Instagram @unspooledpod, and don’t forget to rate, review & subscribe to us on Apple Podcasts, Spotify or where you listen to podcasts. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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 this series on Paul’s Discord at https://discord.gg/ZwtygZGTa6. Come see There Will Be Blood with Paul & Amy at LA's Aero Theater on August 28th! Learn more about the show at unspooledpod.com, follow us on Twitter @unspooled and Instagram @unspooledpod, and don’t forget to rate, review & subscribe to us on Apple Podcasts, Spotify or where you listen to podcasts. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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 unspooledpod.com, follow us on Twitter @unspooled and Instagram @unspooledpod, and don’t forget to rate, review & subscribe to us on Apple Podcasts, Stitcher and Spotify. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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. Learn more about the show at unspooledpod.com, follow us on Twitter @unspooled and Instagram @unspooledpod, and don’t forget to rate, review & subscribe to us on Apple Podcasts, Stitcher and Spotify. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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 Podcast and they are talking all things LOST IN TRANSLATION!    Check out this week's spotlight episode from the Unspooled archives, Raising Arizona: https://www.earwolf.com/episode/raising-arizona/   You can join the conversation on Paul’s Discord at https://discord.gg/ZwtygZGTa6 and check out Paul's Substack https://substack.com/@paulscheer   Paul’s book Joyful Recollections of Trauma is on presale now! Find it at https://www.harpercollins.com/products/joyful-recollections-of-trauma-paul-scheer   Learn more about the show at Unspooledpod.com, follow us on Twitter @unspooled and on Instagram @unspooledpod, and don’t forget to rate, review & subscribe to us on Apple Podcasts, Spotify or where you listen to podcasts. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Amy & Paul bear their souls for 2017’s kind and polite comedy Paddington 2! They applaud Hugh Grant’s villainous turn, draw parallels to the physical comedy of Chaplin and Keaton, and analyze Paddington creator Michael Bond’s politically progressive writing. Plus: is Rocky Balboa the American Paddington Bear?   Next week, our Heroes series continues with Blade! You can join the conversation for this series on the Unspooled Facebook Group at https://www.facebook.com/groups/unspooledpodcast, and on Paul’s Discord at https://discord.gg/ZwtygZGTa6. Learn more about the show at unspooledpod.com, follow us on Twitter @unspooled and Instagram @unspooledpod, and don’t forget to rate, review & subscribe to us on Apple Podcasts, Stitcher and Spotify. You can also listen to our Stitcher Premium game show Screen Test right now at https://www.stitcher.com/show/unspooled-screen-test, and apply to be a contestant at unspooledpod@gmail.com! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Amy & Paul go toe to toe with 2015's hit pugilist lega-sequel Creed! They learn how Sylvester Stallone agreed to pass the torch of his most famous franchise to Ryan Coogler and Michael B. Jordan, explore Jordan's relationship with Tessa Thompson, and ask if Rocky's final fate in the film was earned. Plus: Some Rocky-inspired thoughts on aging.   Next week, tune in as we discuss John Wick! 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 Instagram @unspooledpod, and don’t forget to rate, review & subscribe to us on Apple Podcasts, Stitcher and Spotify. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Paul & Amy gawk at 1916's D.W. Griffith silent spectacle Intolerance! They praise the eternally cool Mountain Girl, ask if Griffith was the original 'troll' director, and marvel at the ambition on display in the oldest film on the AFI list. Plus: Unpacking your thoughts on Yankee Doodle Dandy. If you could kick just one film off the AFI list, which would it be? Call the Unspooled voicemail line at 747-666-5824 with your answer! Follow us on Twitter @Unspooled, get more info at unspooledpod.comand don’t forget to rate, review & subscribe to us on Apple Podcasts. Also check out our live Spool Party episodes on youtube.com/earwolf! Photo credit: Kim Troxall Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Amy & Paul check in to 1960's Billy Wilder-helmed romantic comedy The Apartment! They learn about the real life murder that inspired this story, ask if there's an actor like Jack Lemmon working today, and discover what Nikita Khruschev thought of the film. Plus: Revisiting your thoughts on The Wild Bunch! Next week we're talking about The Oscars; nominate a 2019 film for a made-up category of your choice! Call the Unspooled voicemail line at 747-666-5824 with your answer. Follow us on Twitter @Unspooled, get more info at unspooledpod.com and don’t forget to rate, review & subscribe to us on Apple Podcasts. Photo credit: Kim Troxall Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Paul & Amy salute to 1942's Jimmy Cagney musical extravaganza Yankee Doodle Dandy! They analyze the film as a template for modern musical biopics like Bohemian Rhapsody, break down a bizarre proposal scene, and learn how the real life political views of Jimmy Cagney clashed with his subject George M. Cohan. Plus: listeners offer their thoughts on Cabaret! For Intolerance week, what movie set do you think could inspire a great mall! Call the Unspooled voicemail line at 747-666-5824 with your answer! Follow us on Twitter @Unspooled, get more info at unspooledpod.com and don’t forget to rate, review & subscribe to us on Apple Podcasts. Also check out our live Spool Party episodes on youtube.com/earwolf! Photo credit: Kim Troxall Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This week, Paul & Amy can’t forget 2004’s mind-melting romance Eternal Sunshine Of The Spotless Mind! They learn why director Michel Gondry asked Jim Carrey not to improvise, discuss the charm of practical affects, dish on a character cut from the film, and ask if this couple is really meant to be together. Plus: learn which rap superstar was heavily inspired by the movie!   This is the fifth episode in our Couple Goals series; next week’s film is Love And Basketball!    You can join the conversation on Paul’s Discord at https://discord.gg/ZwtygZGTa6 and check out Paul's Substack https://substack.com/@paulscheer   Paul’s book Joyful Recollections of Trauma is on presale now! Find it at https://www.harpercollins.com/products/joyful-recollections-of-trauma-paul-scheer   Learn more about the show at Unspooledpod.com, follow us on Twitter @unspooled and on Instagram @unspooledpod, and don’t forget to rate, review & subscribe to us on Apple Podcasts, Spotify or where you listen to podcasts. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Amy & Paul set a course for 1902's seminal space short A Trip To The Moon (aka Le Voyage dans la Lune)! They dissect it as a work of imperialist satire, learn more about director Georges Méliès, and listen to a modern score made for the film by Air. Plus: Which films will we cover for the rest of our space series?   Next week our galactic trip continues with Galaxy Quest! You can join the conversation for this series on the Unspooled Facebook Group at https://www.facebook.com/groups/unspooledpodcast, and on Paul's Discord at https://discord.gg/ZwtygZGTa6. Learn more about the show at unspooledpod.com, follow us on Twitter @unspooled and Instagram @unspooledpod, and don’t forget to rate, review & subscribe to us on Apple Podcasts, Stitcher and Spotify. You can also listen to our Stitcher Premium game show Screen Test right now at https://www.stitcher.com/show/unspooled-screen-test, and apply to be a contestant at unspooledpod@gmail.com! Photo credit: Kim Troxall Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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 conversation on Paul’s Discord at https://discord.gg/ZwtygZGTa6. Check out this week's spotlight episode from the Unspooled archives, The Sixth Sense: https://www.earwolf.com/episode/the-sixth-sense/ Paul’s book Joyful Recollections of Trauma is on presale now! Find it at https://www.harpercollins.com/products/joyful-recollections-of-trauma-paul-scheer Learn more about the show at unspooledpod.com, follow us on Twitter @unspooled and Instagram @unspooledpod, and don’t forget to rate, review & subscribe to us on Apple Podcasts, Spotify or where you listen to podcasts. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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 conversation on Paul’s Discord at https://discord.gg/ZwtygZGTa6.   Check out this week's spotlight episode from the archives, Snow White And The Seven Dwarfs: https://www.earwolf.com/episode/snow-white-and-the-seven-dwarfs/   Learn more about the show at unspooledpod.com, follow us on Twitter @unspooled and Instagram @unspooledpod, and don’t forget to rate, review & subscribe to us on Apple Podcasts, Spotify or where you listen to podcasts. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Amy & Paul run through 1982's moody Ridley Scott dystopia Blade Runner! They listen to the infamous original voiceover, learn what inspired Philip K. Dick's source material, and yes, give their theories on whether Deckard is a replicant. Plus: Screenwriter David Peoples explains which pivotal scene makes the whole film work. Give us a more iconic cowboy name than "Shane"! Call it in to the Unspooled voicemail line at 747-666-5824. Follow us on Twitter @Unspooled, get more info at unspooledpod.com and don’t forget to rate, review & subscribe to us on Apple Podcasts. Also check out our live Spool Party episodes on youtube.com/earwolf! Photo credit: Kim Troxall Donate to the NAACP Legal Defense & Education Fund here: https://www.naacpldf.org/support/donors/ Learn more about Black Lives Matter LA at blmla.org Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Paul & Amy make a last stand for 1969’s mythic Western Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid! They praise the film’s use of montage, discuss how the unusually light tone sets it apart from other Westerns, and contemplate whether Steve McQueen could have played Sundance as well as Robert Redford. Plus: Author Thom Hatch (The Last Outlaws) tells us the stories of the real life Butch and Sundance he wishes made it into the film.   You can join the conversation on Paul’s Discord at https://discord.gg/ZwtygZGTa6. Check out Paul's Substack https://paulscheer.substack.com/ Paul’s book Joyful Recollections of Trauma is on presale now! Find it at https://www.harpercollins.com/products/joyful-recollections-of-trauma-paul-scheer Learn more about the show at Unspooledpod.com, follow us on Twitter @unspooled and check out fun movie art on Instagram @unspooledpod created by Kim Troxall, and don’t forget to rate, review & subscribe to us on Apple Podcasts, Spotify or where you listen to podcasts. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Paul & Amy slip a five dollar bill to 2012's male stripper megahit Magic Mike! They discuss why Steven Soderbergh's film is about money as much or more than sex, ask who the franchise's hottest character is, and explore what makes Channing Tatum such a generational talent. Plus: plenty of love for the super-sized follow up, Magic Mike XXL.   Next week, tune in for a Top 3 crossover episode... You can join the conversation for this series on the Unspooled Facebook Group at https://www.facebook.com/groups/unspooledpodcast, and on Paul’s Discord at https://discord.gg/ZwtygZGTa6. Learn more about the show at unspooledpod.com, follow us on Twitter @unspooled and Instagram @unspooledpod, and don’t forget to rate, review & subscribe to us on Apple Podcasts, Stitcher and Spotify. You can also listen to our Stitcher Premium game show Screen Test right now at https://www.stitcher.com/show/unspooled-screen-test and apply to be a contestant at unspooledpod@gmail.com! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Amy & Paul ride along with 2001’s Denzel Washington crooked cop potboiler Training Day! They praise Ethan Hawke’s brilliant, unshowy work, unpack Alonzo’s complicated plan, and discuss how Washington’s intensity and control elevate the material. Plus: How do you pronounce Denzel?   Next week, our Villains series continues with White Heat! You can join the conversation for this series on the Unspooled Facebook Group at https://www.facebook.com/groups/unspooledpodcast, and on Paul’s Discord at https://discord.gg/ZwtygZGTa6. Learn more about the show at unspooledpod.com, follow us on Twitter @unspooled and Instagram @unspooledpod, and don’t forget to rate, review & subscribe to us on Apple Podcasts, Stitcher and Spotify. You can also listen to our Stitcher Premium game show Screen Test right now at https://www.stitcher.com/show/unspooled-screen-test and apply to be a contestant at unspooledpod@gmail.com! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Paul & Amy put on the Ritz with 1974's Mel Brooks monster movie parody Young Frankenstein! They ask what makes this the most beautiful of Brooks' films, praise the colorful supporting cast from Marty Feldman to Teri Garr, and chart the increasingly frenzied performance of star Gene Wilder. Plus: That's where "Walk This Way" came from?   Next week, Paul & Amy continue their Mel Brooks discussion with Blazing Saddles! 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 Instagram @unspooledpod, and don’t forget to rate, review & subscribe to us on Apple Podcasts, Stitcher and Spotify. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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 on Paul’s Discord at https://discord.gg/ZwtygZGTa6. Come see There Will Be Blood with Paul & Amy at LA's Aero Theater on August 28th! Learn more about the show at unspooledpod.com, follow us on Twitter @unspooled and Instagram @unspooledpod, and don’t forget to rate, review & subscribe to us on Apple Podcasts, Spotify or where you listen to podcasts. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This week Paul & Amy break down the summer movie box office! They talk about Ryan Reynolds and Hugh Jackman reviving Marvel, the Blake Lively vs Justin Baldoni drama, M. Night Shyamalan and more! Next week Paul and Amy discuss the 2004 film Shaun of the Dead which is available to rent or stream everywhere 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 and Amy on Letterboxd for more of their movie hot takes! https://letterboxd.com/paulscheer/  https://letterboxd.com/theamynicholson/ Paul’s book Joyful Recollections of Trauma is out now! Find it at https://www.harpercollins.com/products/joyful-recollections-of-trauma-paul-scheer Check out more of Paul's writing on his Substack https://substack.com/@paulscheer Episodic Art by Kim Troxall: https://www.unspooledart.com/ Learn more about the show at Unspooledpod.com, follow us on Twitter @unspooled and on Instagram @unspooledpod, and don’t forget to rate, review & subscribe to us on Apple Podcasts, Spotify or where you listen to podcasts. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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 https://discord.gg/ZwtygZGTa6. Check out this week's spotlight episode from the Unspooled archives, Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid: https://www.earwolf.com/episode/butch-cassidy-and-the-sundance-kid/ Paul’s book Joyful Recollections of Trauma is on presale now! Find it at https://www.harpercollins.com/products/joyful-recollections-of-trauma-paul-scheer Learn more about the show at Unspooledpod.com, follow us on Twitter @unspooled and check out fun movie art on Instagram @unspooledpod created by Kim Troxall, and don’t forget to rate, review & subscribe to us on Apple Podcasts, Spotify or where you listen to podcasts. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Amy & Paul alley-oop 2000's Gina Prince-Bythewood athletic romance Love And Basketball! They discover the impact this film made on WNBA players like Candace Parker, learn why Sanaa Lathan had to prove she was up for the lead role, and ask if a childhood argument foreshadows the central couple's turbulent relationship. Plus: Why did the love scene almost get cut by the MPAA?   This is the sixth episode in our Couple Goals series; next week’s film is Brokeback Mountain! Learn more about the show at unspooledpod.com, follow us on Twitter @unspooled and Instagram @unspooledpod, and don’t forget to rate, review & subscribe to us on Apple Podcasts, Stitcher and Spotify. You can also listen to our Stitcher Premium game show Screen Test right now at https://www.stitcher.com/show/unspooled-screen-test, and apply to be a contestant at unspooledpod@gmail.com! Photo credit: Kim Troxall Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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 archives, Little Shop Of Horrors: https://www.earwolf.com/episode/little-shop-of-horrors/   Learn more about the show at unspooledpod.com, follow us on Twitter @unspooled and Instagram @unspooledpod, and don’t forget to rate, review & subscribe to us on Apple Podcasts, Spotify or where you listen to podcasts. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Paul & Amy sink their teeth into 1973's visionary vampire film Ganja & Hess! They learn how director Bill Gunn used the success of films like Blacula to get funding for his more experimental work, examine the parallels the film draws between Christianity and vampirism, and explore the role race plays in Gunn's vision. Plus: a look at how the critical reaction at the time shaped the film's legacy.   This is the fourth episode of our “Unghouled” horror miniseries; next week’s film and the winner of the Unghouled fan vote is The Thing! Learn more about the show at unspooledpod.com follow us on Twitter @unspooled and Instagram @unspooledpod, and don’t forget to rate, review & subscribe to us on Apple Podcasts, Stitcher and Spotify. You can also apply to be a guest on our upcoming game show Screen Test at unspooledpod@gmail.com! Photo credit: Kim Troxall Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Paul & Amy blearily remember 2009's Todd Phillips black comedy The Hangover! They praise the film's star-making casting choices, discuss how to improvise within a carefully storyboarded script, and ask whether a mainstream comedy this transgressive can (or should) be made today. Plus: Is Mike Tyson actually a bad singer?Next week Unspooled's summer blockbuster series continues with Bridesmaids! You can join the conversation for this series on the Unspooled Facebook Group at https://www.facebook.com/groups/unspooledpodcast, and on Paul’s Discord at https://discord.gg/ZwtygZGTa6. Learn more about the show at unspooledpod.com, follow us on Twitter @unspooled and Instagram @unspooledpod, and don’t forget to rate, review & subscribe to us on Apple Podcasts, Stitcher and Spotify. You can also listen to our Stitcher Premium game show Screen Test right now at https://www.stitcher.com/show/unspooled-screen-test, and apply to be a contestant at unspooledpod@gmail.com! Photo credit: Kim Troxall Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This week Paul & Amy are breaking down the 1976 Brian De Palma film Carrie, starring Sissy Spacek. The two dig into the Stephen King of it all, bad moms, and the trauma of menstruation, and to Amy’s dismay Paul reveals that he does NOT love this film.  Next week, Paul and Amy will take a look at the 80's kids classic, The Goonies! Check out this week's spotlight episode from the Unspooled archives, Psycho, here: https://www.earwolf.com/episode/psycho/ You can join the conversation on Paul’s Discord at https://discord.gg/ZwtygZGTa6 and check out Paul's Substack https://substack.com/@paulscheer Paul’s book Joyful Recollections of Trauma is on presale now! Find it at https://www.harpercollins.com/products/joyful-recollections-of-trauma-paul-scheer Episodic Art by Kim Troxall: https://www.unspooledart.com/ Learn more about the show at Unspooledpod.com, follow us on Twitter @unspooled and on Instagram @unspooledpod, and don’t forget to rate, review & subscribe to us on Apple Podcasts, Spotify or where you listen to podcasts. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Paul & Amy clear their throat for 1977's Woody Allen breakthrough "Annie Hall"! They ask how autobiographical the film is, learn who else was considered for that Marshall McLuhan cameo, and decide if the list absolutely needs a Woody Allen film. Plus: Tony Roberts, who plays Rob in the film, talks about his relationship with Woody. Pitch us your "Raging ___" film! Call the Unspooled voicemail line at 747-666-5824 with your answer. Follow us on Twitter @Unspooled, get more info at unspooledpod.com and don’t forget to rate, review & subscribe to us on Apple Podcasts. Photo credit: Kim Troxall This episode is brought to you by Invitae (www.invitae.com) and Amex. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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 Blonde with Amy! You can join the conversation for this series on Paul’s Discord at https://discord.gg/ZwtygZGTa6. Come see There Will Be Blood with Paul & Amy at LA's Aero Theater on August 28th! Learn more about the show at unspooledpod.com, follow us on Twitter @unspooled and Instagram @unspooledpod, and don’t forget to rate, review & subscribe to us on Apple Podcasts, Spotify or where you listen to podcasts. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Paul and Amy bear it all for Ari Aster’s 2019 folk horror film Midsommar! They applaud the work of the entirely Swedish background cast, discuss the film’s accurate portrayal of grief, and reminisce about eating macaroni with ketchup while studying abroad in Sweden. Plus: A few thoughts on star Florence Pugh’s latest, Don’t Worry Darling.    Next week, our horror series continues with Hellraiser! You can join the conversation for this series on the Unspooled Facebook Group at https://www.facebook.com/groups/unspooledpodcast, and on Paul’s Discord at https://discord.gg/ZwtygZGTa6. Learn more about the show at unspooledpod.com, follow us on Twitter @unspooled and Instagram @unspooledpod, and don’t forget to rate, review & subscribe to us on Apple Podcasts, Stitcher and Spotify. You can also listen to our Stitcher Premium game show Screen Test right now at https://www.stitcher.com/show/unspooled-screen-test and apply to be a contestant at unspooledpod@gmail.com! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Amy & Paul stand for 1988's rousing math class drama Stand And Deliver! They ask if this is the first major 'indie' film, learn how Edward James Olmos crafted his commanding performance as Jaime Escalante, and investigate whether the real students depicted cheated on their exam. Plus: Lou Diamond Phillips explains how he got cast as Angel, and why poker requires top-notch math skills. This is the second episode of our "Back To School" miniseries; next week’s film is The 400 Blows! Learn more about the show at unspooledpod.com, follow us on Twitter @unspooled and Instagram @unspooledpod, and don’t forget to rate, review & subscribe to us on Apple Podcasts, Stitcher and Spotify. Also check out our live Spool Party episodes on youtube.com/earwolf! Photo credit: Kim Troxall Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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 Gets It Wrong Oscar Ballot at https://www.unspooledpodcast.com/ or https://www.earwolf.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/Oscars_Ballot_2024.pdf Next week, Paul & Amy are talking about The Martian! Check out this week's spotlight episode from the Unspooled archives, 2019's Best Picture Winner Parasite https://www.earwolf.com/episode/parasite/ You can join the conversation on Paul’s Discord at https://discord.gg/ZwtygZGTa6. Check out Paul's Substack https://substack.com/@paulscheer Paul’s book Joyful Recollections of Trauma is on presale now! Find it at https://www.harpercollins.com/products/joyful-recollections-of-trauma-paul-scheer Learn more about the show at Unspooledpod.com, follow us on Twitter @unspooled and check out fun movie art on Instagram @unspooledpod created by Kim Troxall, and don’t forget to rate, review & subscribe to us on Apple Podcasts, Spotify or where you listen to podcasts. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Paul and Amy carpool to Mexico with Ridley Scott’s 1991 fugitive road trip Thelma and Louise! They discuss how much input stars Geena Davis and Susan Sarandon had in the production, ask if the movie’s portrayal of men is cartoonish, and reveal the alternate ending that left audiences furious. Plus: can you imagine this film without Brad Pitt?   Next week, tune in as we cover Black Swan! You can join the conversation for this series on the Unspooled Facebook Group at https://www.facebook.com/groups/unspooledpodcast, and on Paul’s Discord at https://discord.gg/ZwtygZGTa6. Learn more about the show at unspooledpod.com, follow us on Twitter @unspooled and Instagram @unspooledpod, and don’t forget to rate, review & subscribe to us on Apple Podcasts, Stitcher and Spotify. You can also listen to our Stitcher Premium game show Screen Test right now at https://www.stitcher.com/show/unspooled-screen-test and apply to be a contestant at unspooledpod@gmail.com! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Join Paul, Amy and special guest Hayes Davenport (Hollywood Handbook, Flagrant Ones) for this discussion about LA and apocalyptic films, with a special focus on the 1984 cult classic Repo Man! Learn about the strange history of LA urban planning initiatives, the inspiration for Repo Man's generic products, and a great party fact about "Ralphs." This episode was recorded live from Alamo Drafthouse in Los Angeles. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Karen Gillan (Doctor Who, Gunpowder Milkshake) joins Unspooled to talk about her top 3 films she would send to space, including a 90s rom com classic and a horror masterpiece. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Paul & Amy continue the Best Of The Decade miniseries, picking their favorite films from each year of the 2010s! This episode covers the years 2013-2015, and they'll discuss a visionary action film, a super-low-budget indie gem, and an inescapable musical among many others. Plus: a critical eye on this year's Golden Globe nominations. Next episode, we're pausing the miniseries for a week to cover the original Star Wars. Tell us your favorite minor Star Wars character! Call the Unspooled voicemail line at 747-666-5824 with your answer. Follow us on Twitter @Unspooled, get more info at unspooledpod.com and don’t forget to rate, review & subscribe to us on Apple Podcasts. Photo credit: Kim Troxall This episode is brought to you by Issue Zero Podcast, Invitae (www.invitae.com), Away (www.awaytravel.com/unspooled), Sonos (www.sonos.com), and AMEX. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Amy & Paul let loose with 2011's breakthrough Kristin Wiig comedy Bridesmaids! They praise Wiig's nuanced lead performance, break down the dynamics of the airplane scene, and discuss how Bridesmaids transcends tokenistic conversations about women in comedy. Plus: What happened in Vegas in an early draft of the film?Next week Unspooled's summer blockbuster series continues with Inception! You can join the conversation for this series on the Unspooled Facebook Group at https://www.facebook.com/groups/unspooledpodcast, and on Paul’s Discord at https://discord.gg/ZwtygZGTa6. Learn more about the show at unspooledpod.com, follow us on Twitter @unspooled and Instagram @unspooledpod, and don’t forget to rate, review & subscribe to us on Apple Podcasts, Stitcher and Spotify. You can also listen to our Stitcher Premium game show Screen Test right now at https://www.stitcher.com/show/unspooled-screen-test, and apply to be a contestant at unspooledpod@gmail.com! Photo credit: Kim Troxall Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Amy & Paul surf through 1976's Sidney Lumet TV news satire Network! They explore how writer Paddy Chayefsky came up through the TV trenches, listen to modern media figures who took inspiration from Howard Beale, and ask if the film has become too real to work as satire. Plus: Orphan Black's Tatiana Maslany talks about what it was like to reprise the Diana Christensen role onstage. If you haven't seen Lawrence Of Arabia, what do you think it's about? Call the Unspooled voicemail line at 747-666-5824 with your answer! Follow us on Twitter @Unspooled, get more info at unspooledpod.com and don’t forget to rate, review & subscribe to us on Apple Podcasts. Photo credit: Kim Troxall This episode is brought to you by M&Ms Hazelnut and Hawthorne Men’s Products (www.hawthorne.co code: UNSPOOLED). Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Paul & Amy rise up for 2022’s revolutionary Indian epic RRR! They learn the difference between Bollywood and the Telugu-language Tollywood scene, break down the “Naatu Naatu” dance scene, and praise the film’s commitment to emotional truth amidst the wild action. Plus: Who is director S.S. Rajamouli’s favorite non-Indian filmmaker?   Next week, our Heroes series continues with Supercop! You can join the conversation for this series on the Unspooled Facebook Group at https://www.facebook.com/groups/unspooledpodcast, and on Paul’s Discord at https://discord.gg/ZwtygZGTa6. Learn more about the show at unspooledpod.com, follow us on Twitter @unspooled and Instagram @unspooledpod, and don’t forget to rate, review & subscribe to us on Apple Podcasts, Stitcher and Spotify. You can also listen to our Stitcher Premium game show Screen Test right now at https://www.stitcher.com/show/unspooled-screen-test, and apply to be a contestant at unspooledpod@gmail.com! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In a bonus Unspooled this week, Amy & Paul chat about some of the best films they saw this summer, including a sci-fi spectacle, a maximalist rock star biopic and an unexpected Mel Brooks remake. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Paul and Amy journey through 1962's David Lean WWI epic Lawrence Of Arabia! They ask if this can fairly be called a "white savior" film, learn about the many injuries Peter O'Tools endured during the shoot, and compare the film's structure to Citizen Kane. Plus: A brief look at the controversy around the Joker premiere. For On The Waterfront week, what are times in your life you could have been a contender? Call the Unspooled voicemail line at 747-666-5824 with your answer! Follow us on Twitter @Unspooled, get more info at unspooledpod.com and don’t forget to rate, review & subscribe to us on Apple Podcasts. Photo credit: Kim Troxall This episode is brought to you by Sonos (www.sonos.com), Beach Too Sandy, Water Too Wet Podcast, and Away (www.awaytravel.com/unspooled code: UNSPOOLED). Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Paul & Amy neuralize 1997's Will Smith sci-fi comedy Men In Black! They learn about the wild career of director Barry Sonnenfeld, ask how Smith became so skilled at picking hit starring vehicles, and wonder why blockbuster films with this much personality are so hard to come by today. Plus: What if Wild Wild West was good?Next week Unspooled's summer blockbuster series continues with Back To The Future! You can join the conversation for this series on the Unspooled Facebook Group at https://www.facebook.com/groups/unspooledpodcast, and on Paul’s Discord at https://discord.gg/ZwtygZGTa6. Learn more about the show at unspooledpod.com, follow us on Twitter @unspooled and Instagram @unspooledpod, and don’t forget to rate, review & subscribe to us on Apple Podcasts, Stitcher and Spotify. You can also listen to our Stitcher Premium game show Screen Test right now at https://www.stitcher.com/show/unspooled-screen-test, and apply to be a contestant at unspooledpod@gmail.com! Photo credit: Kim Troxall Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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 Contact with Tawny Newsome and Paul F. Tompkins! 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 Instagram @unspooledpod, and don’t forget to rate, review & subscribe to us on Apple Podcasts, Stitcher and Spotify. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Paul & Amy sink their teeth into 1998’s vampiric superhero splatterfest Blade! They discuss how the film was found in the edit, dig deep into Wesley Snipes’ versatility as an actor, and examine the earliest attempts at establishing a Marvel cinematic universe. Plus: how LL Cool J almost played the iconic Daywalker.   Next week, our Heroes series continues with RoboCop! You can join the conversation for this series on the Unspooled Facebook Group at https://www.facebook.com/groups/unspooledpodcast, and on Paul’s Discord at https://discord.gg/ZwtygZGTa6. Learn more about the show at unspooledpod.com, follow us on Twitter @unspooled and Instagram @unspooledpod, and don’t forget to rate, review & subscribe to us on Apple Podcasts, Stitcher and Spotify. You can also listen to our Stitcher Premium game show Screen Test right now at https://www.stitcher.com/show/unspooled-screen-test, and apply to be a contestant at unspooledpod@gmail.com! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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 Discord at https://discord.gg/ZwtygZGTa6   Check out this week's spotlight episode from the archives, The Matrix: https://www.earwolf.com/episode/the-matrix/   Learn more about the show at unspooledpod.com, follow us on Twitter @unspooled and Instagram @unspooledpod, and don’t forget to rate, review & subscribe to us on Apple Podcasts, Spotify or where you listen to podcasts. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Paul & Amy take to the skies for 1992’s Hayao Miyazaki aeronautic adventure Porco Rosso! They learn about Miyazaki’s history and fascination with airplanes, discuss the meaning of the hero’s pig-headed curse, and get deep into porcine anatomy. Plus: How do the American actors do with the dub?   Next week, we’re taking a detour but staying in flight with the original Top Gun! You can join the conversation for this series on the Unspooled Facebook Group at https://www.facebook.com/groups/unspooledpodcast, and on Paul’s Discord at https://discord.gg/ZwtygZGTa6. Learn more about the show at unspooledpod.com, follow us on Twitter @unspooled and Instagram @unspooledpod, and don’t forget to rate, review & subscribe to us on Apple Podcasts, Stitcher and Spotify. You can also listen to our Stitcher Premium game show Screen Test right now at https://www.stitcher.com/show/unspooled-screen-test, and apply to be a contestant at unspooledpod@gmail.com! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Brian Cox (Succession, Zodiac, Adaptation) talks to Paul and Amy about three of his favorite films, including a medieval musical comedy and a British kitchen-sink drama. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Tim Blake Nelson (Old Henry, O Brother Where Art Thou?) talks to Paul and Amy about three of his all time top films, including a documentary about a radical artist and a period piece that takes the "period" elements seriously. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Scott Aukerman and Shaun Diston (from the "Scott Hasn't Seen" podcast on Comedy Bang Bang World) join Paul & Amy to talk about their favorite movies they came to late, including a hugely influential documentary, a slice of small-town life, and a couple of the most famous films of all time. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Paul and Amy get groovy, baby with Jay Roach’s 1997 spy spoof Austin Powers: International Man of Mystery! They discover the origin story of Powers’ grotesque teeth, praise the film’s effective set and costume design, and discuss how the movie is stranger and more specific than a simple Bond parody. Plus: Did Mike Myers steal his Dr. Evil character?   Next week, our spy series continues with Casino Royale! You can join the conversation for this series on the Unspooled Facebook Group at https://www.facebook.com/groups/unspooledpodcast, and on Paul’s Discord at https://discord.gg/ZwtygZGTa6. Learn more about the show at unspooledpod.com, follow us on Twitter @unspooled and Instagram @unspooledpod, and don’t forget to rate, review & subscribe to us on Apple Podcasts, Stitcher and Spotify. You can also listen to our Stitcher Premium game show Screen Test right now at https://www.stitcher.com/show/unspooled-screen-test and apply to be a contestant at unspooledpod@gmail.com! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Amy & Paul jump into 1990's kinetic Scorcese mob epic Goodfellas! They learn some of the wild details about Henry Hill that didn't make it into the film, discover the origins of the Morrie's Wigs commercial, and ask if there are too many gangster films on the AFI list. Plus: Chef Evan Funke (The Shape Of Pasta) shares a tomato sauce recipe you can make even in quarantine. Next week tune in for our Spool Party episode about Kid N Play's House Party! Follow us on Twitter @Unspooled, get more info at unspooledpod.com and don’t forget to rate, review & subscribe to us on Apple Podcasts. And check out our Spool Parties live on youtube.com/earwolf- this Monday we're talking about Clue! Photo credit: Kim Troxall Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Amy & Paul fly through 1941's Humphrey Bogart proto-noir The Maltese Falcon! They ask if this is the ultimate "dad movie," learn about all of Malta's unique animals and praise the incredible fonts of 1940's San Francisco. Plus: Adam Savage (Mythbusters) talks about his obsession with recreating the original Maltese Falcon prop. How would you recast The Philadelphia Story's love triangle in 2019? Call the Unspooled voicemail line at 747-666-5824 with your answer! Follow us on Twitter @Unspooled, get more info at unspooledpod.com and don’t forget to rate, review & subscribe to us on Apple Podcasts. Photo credit: Kim Troxall This episode is brought to you by Sonos (www.sonos.com) and National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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 spotlight episode from the Unspooled archives, One Flew Over The Cuckoo’s Nest: https://www.earwolf.com/episode/one-flew-over-the-cuckoos-nest/   Paul’s book Joyful Recollections of Trauma is on presale now! Find it at https://www.harpercollins.com/products/joyful-recollections-of-trauma-paul-scheer   Learn more about the show at unspooledpod.com, follow us on Twitter @unspooled and Instagram @unspooledpod, and don’t forget to rate, review & subscribe to us on Apple Podcasts, Spotify or where you listen to podcasts. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this bonus episode, Paul & Amy discuss the career and legacy of the late director and producer Ivan Reitman. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Paul & Amy strike a chord with 1993's Jane Campion gothic period drama The Piano! They praise Anna Paquin's highly naturalistic child performance, puzzle over Holly Hunter's character's true intentions, and discuss what makes this apparently traditionalist arthouse film 'punk rock.' Plus: thoughts on "The Batman."   Next week we look back on the films of 2021, and look ahead to the Oscars! You can join the conversation for this series on the Unspooled Facebook Group at https://www.facebook.com/groups/unspooledpodcast, and on Paul’s Discord at https://discord.gg/ZwtygZGTa6. Learn more about the show at unspooledpod.com, follow us on Twitter @unspooled and Instagram @unspooledpod, and don’t forget to rate, review & subscribe to us on Apple Podcasts, Stitcher and Spotify. You can also listen to our Stitcher Premium game show Screen Test right now at https://www.stitcher.com/show/unspooled-screen-test, and apply to be a contestant at unspooledpod@gmail.com! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Unspooled will return with new episodes 1/13 - be sure to catch up with "Jeanne Dielman" before we kick off Jeanne-uary, until then enjoy one of our favorite holiday episodes!   Paul & Amy unwrap 1983’s holiday nostalgia trip A Christmas Story! They learn about the life of the film’s inspiration Jean Shepherd, discover how the flagpole scene was shot, and ask if a film like this can still hold the attention of kids today. Plus: Michael Dowse, director of “8-Bit Christmas,” tells us about the Christmas films that inspired him.   You can join the conversation on the Unspooled Facebook Group at https://www.facebook.com/groups/unspooledpodcast, and on Paul’s Discord at https://discord.gg/ZwtygZGTa6. Learn more about the show at unspooledpod.com, follow us on Twitter @unspooled and Instagram @unspooledpod, and don’t forget to rate, review & subscribe to us on Apple Podcasts, Stitcher and Spotify. You can also listen to our Stitcher Premium game show Screen Test right now at https://www.stitcher.com/show/unspooled-screen-test and apply to be a contestant at unspooledpod@gmail.com! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Amy & Paul double team 1986's Gene Hackman basketball drama Hoosiers! They praise the film for capturing the realism of small town life, dissect what makes films based on true stories successful, and ask whether Hackman is actually a good coach. Plus: How does Jerry Goldsmith's Oscar nominated score hold up?   This is the first episode of our Underdogs series; next week's film is Brian's Song! Learn more about the show at unspooledpod.com, follow us on Twitter @unspooled and Instagram @unspooledpod, and don’t forget to rate, review & subscribe to us on Apple Podcasts, Stitcher and Spotify. You can also listen to our Stitcher Premium game show Screen Test right now at https://www.stitcher.com/show/unspooled-screen-test, and apply to be a contestant at unspooledpod@gmail.com! Photo credit: Kim Troxall Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In a special bonus episode this week, Paul & Amy ask Shea Serrano, writer for The Ringer and author of “Movies (And Other Things)”, about the three films he would add to the AFI list. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices