Unspooled

3,670

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.

Recent Episodes
  • Top 3: Adam McKay
    Jun 1, 2023 – 00:58:05
  • The Little Mermaid
    May 25, 2023 – 01:11:51
  • Willy Wonka & The Chocolate Factory
    May 18, 2023 – 01:24:42
  • Blazing Saddles
    May 11, 2023 – 01:28:07
  • Bonus: Sex Scenes In Film (with Dan Savage)
    May 9, 2023 – 00:57:26
  • Young Frankenstein
    May 4, 2023 – 01:21:25
  • What We Do In The Shadows
    Apr 27, 2023 – 01:11:43
  • Frankenstein (Re-release)
    Apr 25, 2023 – 01:23:38
  • Top 3: Karina Longworth
    Apr 20, 2023 – 00:43:58
  • Evil Dead II
    Apr 13, 2023 – 01:16:39
  • El Mariachi
    Apr 6, 2023 – 01:13:47
  • Top 3: Bruce Campbell
    Apr 4, 2023 – 00:35:42
  • In Bruges
    Mar 30, 2023 – 01:21:00
  • John Wick
    Mar 23, 2023 – 01:25:42
  • Bonus Reel: Creed III, Magic Mike’s Last Dance and Scream VI
    Mar 17, 2023 – 00:46:38
  • Creed
    Mar 16, 2023 – 01:20:48
  • Best of 2022 & Oscars Preview
    Mar 9, 2023 – 01:28:40
  • Scream (Re-release)
    Mar 9, 2023 – 01:51:12
  • Hollywood Shuffle
    Mar 2, 2023 – 01:02:49
  • Top 3: Chapo Trap House
    Feb 23, 2023 – 00:46:44
  • Magic Mike & Magic Mike XXL
    Feb 16, 2023 – 01:26:06
  • Top 3: Hindi Romance Films
    Feb 14, 2023 – 00:30:13
  • The Notebook
    Feb 9, 2023 – 01:17:10
  • Crash
    Feb 2, 2023 – 01:34:30
  • Bonus: 2023 Oscar Nominations
    Jan 27, 2023 – 00:18:30
  • Star Wars: The Last Jedi
    Jan 26, 2023 – 01:17:32
  • Blue Velvet
    Jan 19, 2023 – 01:23:02
  • Jeanne Dielman, 23 quai du Commerce, 1080 Bruxelles
    Jan 12, 2023 – 01:15:16
  • Love Actually (re-release)
    Jan 5, 2023 – 02:47:28
  • A Christmas Story (re-release)
    Dec 29, 2022 – 01:13:10
  • Die Hard
    Dec 22, 2022 – 01:21:03
  • Avatar
    Dec 15, 2022 – 01:22:17
  • Black Swan
    Dec 8, 2022 – 01:20:47
  • Bonus: The 2022 Sight & Sound 100
    Dec 7, 2022 – 00:18:53
  • Thelma and Louise
    Dec 1, 2022 – 01:32:18
  • Planes, Trains and Automobiles
    Nov 24, 2022 – 01:18:39
  • Casino Royale
    Nov 17, 2022 – 01:14:58
  • Austin Powers: International Man of Mystery
    Nov 10, 2022 – 01:16:46
  • Goldfinger
    Nov 3, 2022 – 01:19:55
  • Ringu
    Oct 27, 2022 – 01:18:26
  • Halloween
    Oct 20, 2022 – 01:39:36
  • Jennifer's Body
    Oct 13, 2022 – 02:05:53
  • Hellraiser
    Oct 6, 2022 – 01:38:23
  • Midsommar
    Sep 29, 2022 – 01:47:26
  • Bonus: Summer Movie Wrapup
    Sep 23, 2022 – 00:44:59
  • Season 3 Finale
    Sep 22, 2022 – 01:34:07
  • The Dark Knight
    Sep 15, 2022 – 01:55:54
  • Heat
    Sep 8, 2022 – 02:01:33
  • White Heat
    Sep 1, 2022 – 01:17:18
  • Top 3: Scott Aukerman & Shaun Diston
    Aug 26, 2022 – 01:06:51
Recent Reviews
  • lmk54321
    Great film podcast
    Amy sometimes blows me away with an incredibly interesting take on a film, and I think that’s where you see the real benefit of having a professional film critic as a co-host. And Paul brings the levity and energy needed to keep things upbeat and moving. My very minor criticism is that, while Amy is thoughtful and intelligent, I also suspect she grew up very wealthy, with almost no non-white friends. I could be wrong but it’s just the vibe I get from some of her opinions (especially Gone with the Wind oof) and her personality in general, which can make some of her takes seem very odd/frustrating/sheltered. But again, I really do think the show is great and both hosts make it an enjoyable listening experience.
  • patreonappsucks
    The chick
    Listening to her is like nails on a chalk board
  • ajlistening
    I continue to tried but it’s a struggle
    Update: why in earth does amy think Sebastian the crab is British? 🤣🤣🤣 he was always Jamaican. I really only listen to the show occasionally bc the movie choices don’t interest me often. But, I am looking forward to Labyrinth. I feel bad but amy’s voice just gets under my skin. I think Paul cld prob do the show better even alone.
  • manayunk wall
    Paul=chef's kiss, Amy=meh, not so much
    I propose a drinking game for every time Amy mentions an exboyfriend in an episode! The more I listen the more I'm thinking Amy is the problem (not the endless string of exboyfriends!!) Paul Scheer is a gift to mankind! He can do no wrong! Bravo Paul, bravo!!
  • hellowilbur135
    Old stories, new perspectives.
    I’ve listened to so many stories about Young Frankenstein and have seen the inconsistencies, and I think you handled it perfectly. I also loved the analysis of Igor. Can’t wait to listen to more (Especially Blazing Saddles)
  • lennix
    Lame season
    Not into these movie choices at all
  • Moserforce
    Ur killing it!
    Keep killing it!
  • Jupiter##
    LOVE THIS SHOW
    After 3 years of trying to endure “The Rewatchables” and their adolescent boy action-heavy film choices or “The Big Picture” and their strange tastes (“You’ve Got Mail” is the best Nora Ephron movie? Yuck!), I lucked into hearing about this show. Intelligent conversation about (ahem, attn Rewatchables) good movies. Thank you!
  • Leawoodkansas
    Children Reviewing Films
    Tried to listen, but the review of "Hoosiers" was so childish and uninformed that I deleted the podcast. Amy sounds like a 12-year-old girl at a slumber party and he's not much better. It shows anyone will be given a podcast these days!
  • Manny CR
    Awesome magic Mike review!!!!
    Thank you!
  • Sean_F69
    The ads
    Haven’t listened to the show at all but the ads on other podcasts are insufferable. I haven’t even finished listening to an episode yet and I’ve had the same exact ad come on 3 times already. Way to take a good idea and ruin it with too many ads. I probably would have subscribed but will never give it a chance.
  • Jonkrause
    Clips: The Podcast
    Find someone who loves you as much as amy loves playing a clip
  • Prozizzle
    Not for me
    Good grief, how did THIS get made. Maybe add someone that can be critical without also pointing out a ton of stupid crap that doesn't even matter. It's not particularly funny, or witty, or worth taking so much time to discuss. Paul, why are you on this show? Your straight take on film is boring. Amy is boring. This is boring. I hate this podcast!
  • BiggestBrownDog
    No offense
    Sorry, but please find a host other than Amy. You may be a great person, however your takes on films reminds me of Skip Bayless on sports commentary, it sounds like you’re trying to sell horrible takes, like a Fox News anchor who doesn’t believe the stuff they spew. Just try a guest host for a couple episodes, please. Good show, but 1/2 off the commentary is why I gave 2 stars.
  • Rox7123
    Deleting this podcast from my library
    Paul really dropped the ball when choosing a partner for this podcast. What a wasted opportunity. Great movies being spited by a white woman. Oof
  • cordiallyfuturedwight
    Amy makes this unlistenable
    *update: Amy is just as grating as ever. Her rants about John Wick are unlistenable.* This podcast has potential but I find Amy’s contributions to be distracting if not detracting from the experience. I can’t seem to finish an episode. Most recently I tried listening to the Jurassic park episode and her takes were just ridiculous. “Safety is overrated” “it’s ok to die in an amusement park because it’s fun!”. 🙄🙄 Amy is very narrow in her arguments and seems incapable of having nuanced discussions.
  • Ricky Mokel
    Love Amy and Tall
    That’s it
  • Lindenfield
    Fantastic
    I love this show. Amy & Paul’s insights and differing perspectives are thought provoking. They’ve changed how I think about film. It’s all killer no filler, unless they’re talking about music/musicians. But that’s ok, this isn’t a music show after all.
  • booftak
    Awful editing
    Great podcast but the editing is terrible. Lots of mistakes in cutting lines and glitches. One of the worst edited pro podcasts. Last episode (Oscar’s 2022) cuts off mid sentence. Fire the editor, some of these recent episodes are unlistenable.
  • kittycorbu
    Fantastic but…
    Absolutely fantastic adult discussion on film. Love the healthy disagreements. But I have to agree with the comments criticizing the misguided and clunky SJW (woke) overlay just so self-satisfied and sanctimonious.
  • Hobbitses4hire
    Blue Velvet
    I watched Blue Velvet several months ago or maybe sometime during the pandemic, I can’t remember—time is ruined! But I’m still thinking about this movie months after watching it and decided to look for a movie pod that could articulate what it is about this film that makes it feel so impactful. The episode was super insightful and interesting. I’m a new fan! Great episode! Thank you!
  • WendyHale
    Learned so much
    I’m assuming people are complaining about this podcast because it acknowledges issues issues like feminism, racism, sexism structural inequality, power dynamics and other concepts that Upset the Public despite the fact they are often critical to a director and writer’s vision and central to the plot. Some might say this is what defines a good film from a great one, but this is also Upsetting to the Public. As for myself, I love this podcast and the length is really suitable for running, taking a long walk, or when you’re trapped on a long haul flight. I’ve also learned a lot! Hope they keep going and would love to see some more world cinema at some point because I am selfish and want to learn more about non western directors.
  • Stringfellow Hawkeye
    Good but not woke enough
    This podcast is quite enjoyable to listen to. I like the deep dive analysis and the fun discussion between the two hosts. I would give this 5 stars if the male host would stop being so not woke enough. It's a film podcast but he feels the need to in constantly inject his not far left enough ideology onto movies. Let's keep the conversation around movies and not your smug, rich, California viewpoints.
  • Doeerick
    Wise Up
    Thank you for discussing the very complex movie that is Crash. A few points: Although it’s not a movie that makes it’s point well, it does make a points. 1) Systemic racism will always be a cycle. The imagery of the cars crashing, the first scene and the last, alludes to the inevitable force of racism and how it rear ends you. You don’t see it coming but it makes a huge impact. 2) Aimee Mann does sing Wise Up which is an absolute call for action. So Amy, I know you want to give this movie the credit of being ambiguous, but the song is literally telling you to take notice. 3) Paul- I agree this isn’t an allegory but it is a fable. A heighten story that captures the hypocrisy of racism and the consequences. We the viewers see the excess of racism but these characters are only aware of an instant. A micro aggression that goes too far.
  • Lawmonster
    Great podcast
    This is a really great podcast if you enjoy movies and movie criticism. Really insightful with fun conversations about movies and pop culture. They make some really awesome movie choices so they are always talking about something different than just the latest blockbuster. While I don’t always agree with Amy or Paul’s opinions on movies, I always enjoy their differing perspectives. They are a delight. From my review of some of the other reviews on here, I guess this podcast isn’t going to be your thing if you are some poor MAGA incel. But who knows, maybe this will convert you. Good luck and may the force be with you.
  • B. Ewbs
    True masters of culture and class
    So…. I listen to a healthy amount of podcasts. I decidedly do NOT tend to rate and/or review. (I know, I know, I am the lowliest of low-lifes) I’ve been a faithful follower of HDTGM since around 2014. This past decade of fighting cancer has been so much more enjoyable thanks to the likes of the Howdies and the sister-pod- UNSPOOLED. Specifically, I’m going to have to call out Mr. Paul-Tall-John Sheer. As if opining on LOST in a succinct, favorable, and *ahem* correct way wasn’t enough… you were also able to make one of the best critical analysis of The Last Jedi I’ve had the pleasure of hearing (and sharing for each). These 5 stars are so well deserved, I’m sincerely considering creating a ghost Gmail account to give yous all even more kudos! A sincere thank you, for all the hours of entertainment
  • JRL19606
    Fun but obnoxious?
    I love the insight and deep dives into different films. The conversation is usually pretty awesome and I always learn something. That being said, sometimes the hosts overuse a socio-political lens and insert meaning into things where there probably isn’t any. I do love the show, but it seems as though there’s a strange strain of pretentious condescension that I don’t really like. Both Amy and Paul occasionally make statements that imply or infer that audience members who do not agree with them or their opinions are either ignorant or just bad people. Additionally, both tend to look down on the sort of “middle America” viewers in a lot of ways. Its pretty patronizing.
  • moody mamma
    Great show
    I love all the back stories behind these movies
  • NierOh
    Rad
    Hilarious, as hilarious as Bag Fries
  • Jimi 1
    Good except Woke
    This podcast is quite enjoyable to listen to. I like the deep dive analysis and the fun discussion between the two hosts. I would give this 5 stars if the female host would stop being so woke. It’s a film podcast but she feels the need to constantly inject her far left ideology onto movies. Let’s keep the conversation around movies and not your smug, rich, California viewpoints.
  • AJ_Larson
    Out of touch
    Just listened to The Dark Knight episode which unfortunately went completely off the rails with lunatic political takes from both hosts. You cannot boil good and evil down to republicans and democrats. Anyone who thinks you can is hopelessly brainwashed and completely out of touch with reality. YOU, the hosts, along with the rest of Hollywood and establishment media are the ones forcing the choice between the two barges, and the everyday people of America are the passengers who decide not to take your bait. What a disaster of a podcast.
  • MikeV514
    Listen to this Pod - obviously
    Paul and Amy (we’re on a first name basis) are fun and into it. You’ll feel like you’re sitting in ear shot of two people that love the movie as much as you do and know WAY more about it. The episodes include movie clips and other relevant audio. For me it’s not a don’t miss an episode kind of pod but I subscribe to see what they’re up to. I’m hoping they’ll do a Snatch episode. Some say (or at least one person said to me) that it’s Brad Pit’s best performance.
  • Rekoj2324
    Great show
    Y’all have me wanting to watch a lot of these movies and also wish I had a podcast to discuss them just like this! Great job on the show and I’m glad I found a movie podcast worth listening to!
  • Ac2009
    Did Amy even watch Heat?
    Writing this review on the one episode I listened to. For the record, I love film critique podcasts. Amy’s “commentary” absolutely ruined it. Vapid and empty. Fully devoid of any actual knowledge of film. No insight into cinematography techniques, scoring, or storylines. Did she even read a book from film school? Poor Paul tried to pull an intelligent thought out of her but he just couldn’t.
  • Respect4returnofJedi
    podcast undercut by host’s political beliefs
    I enjoy listening to Amy , whereas I find Paul a little annoying sometimes and he can sound like he’s on meth. When their politics, particularly Paul’s, are forced into their film discussions it can be more than a little off-putting.
  • ladyamandarae
    Your critic is showing
    Amy. I have had to turn off multiple episodes and switch to others because your short sighted critiques absolutely ruined my listening experience. When you like or love a movie, you provide so much detail it’s a joy. When you don’t, my god woman. I can’t even get remotely on board. Gain some perspective or just do something objective and add cool facts about the movie instead of droning on. Paul- killin it.
  • PerceiverofGoats
    About
    Paul and Amy are robots programmed to say the word “about” as many times as possible. Listen for it, it’s actually insane.
  • Distiller_Louisville
    This should just be Amy’s podcast
    I wish Amy ran this podcast alone. She doesn’t need Paul. He has no curiosity for any point of view that isn’t his own, including the point of view of the filmmakers themselves. He talks over Amy to an excruciating degree. He has no patience or appetite for cinema. And I don’t understand why this overqualified woman has to be paired with a deeply unqualified man.
  • LissieDee
    Awesome Show!
    There are way too many podcasts about movies, but this one really stands out. The hosts are entertaining and informed. Just make sure you watch the film they’re discussing before you listen!
  • cc826826
    LOVE IT!!
    Paul and Amy put so much care into each episode—well-researched and thoughtful.
  • paintnwood
    Great idea, not so great execution
    Paul and Amy have very different ways of talking about movies, that should be a plus but it makes the show hard to listen to sometimes. Personally I find Amy grating, she doesn’t seem to listen to the conversation so much as wait for her turn to talk, it sounds like she’s reading lines rather than participating in a dialog. Paul has his flaws but he sounds interested in what’s going on, I wish it went both ways. Blew my mind to find out she’s a film critic as her day job.
  • carotene
    I just love this podcast so much
    Every episode is like listening into a conversation between two friends who are very knowledgeable about films. Amy and Paul are not afraid to get very personal and share how a movie applies to their lives which often deepens my understanding or appreciation of a movie. I hope this podcast never ends.
  • umpey
    Great podcast, love the hosts!
    This is by far my favorite podcast. So informational, entertaining. I have been listening since episode 1 and it is like a comfortable shoe. The hosts Paul and Amy are so great. Honestly couldn’t ask for better hosts.
  • nuttermc
    Great job
    Paul and Amy do a great job of analyzing some of my favorite movies, and turn me on to some I’ve never seen. Don’t change a thing!
  • Creeperslayer123
    3 Star
    Good, but Amy is annoying. She gets hung up on the stupidest things. She’s also obviously biased, but she tries to hide it.
  • Violetkris
    I love this podcast
    I only recently discovered it, and really enjoy the conversations about movies that I’ve enjoyed. I had no idea there was so much to know about movies like “Little Shop of Horrors,” a personal favorite. And I enjoyed the discussion of “that scene” in Swingtime. I remember seeing that movie (not for the first time) in a theater in Cambridge, Mass, and feeling the silent discomfort emanating from the very white, bookish, liberal members of the audience. It’s hard to watch! Anyways, keep ‘em coming.
  • spoonpaul
    Paul Scheer Ruins this Podcast
    Look, I’m going to be honest here, I’ve listened to a lot of Unspooled and there is not a single episode that is not diminished, lessened, confused, or just plain ruined by Paul Scheer. I am sure he is a good person and this isn’t a personal attack, but I feel bad for Amy and all the Unspooled listeners that they have to wade through his deeply unconsidered and often borderline nonsensical comments. Amy is a film goddess and all stars are for her. I am well aware due to the two-person format of this show Paul will never be kicked off, but I guess I will just continue to do my best to fast forward through everything he says while fondly dreaming of a world in which Amy is paired with some other intelligent host that actually matches her.
  • Dink Trou
    If Pauline Kael had a podcast with her 11 yr old son.
    If you needed any more proof Scheer is on the intellectual JV team…
  • 1 Maluga
    Very Good
    I love this podcast. Paul and Amy are a fantastic pair. I don’t always agree with Paul, but he is fun and insightful. I don’t always a agree with Amy, but she is smart and substantive and always makes me consider a new idea or perspective. Having been trapped in many boring, pointless, repetitive film conversations in my life, this podcast is a breath of fresh air—thoughtful, respectful, and original.
  • banalouz
    Love the podcast!
    I’m mostly here for horror season (aka the most magical time of year).
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