Unspooled
Each week actor & comedian Paul Scheer and film critic Amy Nicholson watch and discuss the best movies out there, from classics to new releases and indie films. They dissect iconic scenes, spotlight favorite characters, and decide if these movies still stand the test of time.
Episodes
The Odyssey (with Lucas Matthew Herchenroeder)
Amy drops an emergency Unspooled episode to unpack Christopher Nolan’s epic take on The Odyssey, joined by USC classics professor Lucas Herrenroeder. Together they compare Homer’s original poem with Nolan’s bold reinterpretation, exploring everything from its Bronze Age authenticity and towering Cyclops sequence to the film’s treatment of Circe, the sirens, and the gods themselves. Along the way,
An American Tail
Paul and Amy set sail with An American Tail, Don Bluth’s sweeping animated tale of immigration, family, and hope. They trace Bluth’s break from Disney, debate the film's emotional impact, and celebrate how the film’s blend of darkness and optimism helped reshape the future of American animation.
You can join the Unspooled conversation on Paul’s Discord at https://discord.gg/ZwtygZGTa6
Superbad
Paul and Amy revisit Superbad, the coming-of-age comedy that turned awkward adolescence into an instant classic. They trace the film’s origins from Seth Rogen and Evan Goldberg’s teenage years, celebrate the breakout performances of Jonah Hill, Michael Cera, Emma Stone, and explore how Judd Apatow and director Greg Mottola transformed a raunchy teen comedy into a surprisingly heartfelt story about
The Muppet Movie (with BenDavid Grabinski)
While Amy's away, Paul welcomes writer-director BenDavid Grabinski for a Critics’ Choice celebrating The Muppet Movie. Together they revisit Jim Henson’s big-screen breakthrough, exploring how its blend of heartfelt storytelling, meta Hollywood satire, groundbreaking puppetry, and unforgettable songs turned a road trip with a frog into one of cinema’s most magical family films.
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Gremlins
Paul and Amy unwrap Gremlins, Joe Dante’s delightfully chaotic holiday classic that proved cute can turn catastrophic in the blink of an eye. They trace the film’s journey from Chris Columbus’s much darker original script to Spielberg’s Amblin-produced crowd-pleaser, and unpack the inspired decision to keep Gizmo a hero instead of remaining a villain. Along the way, they explore the film’s sharp s
Nope
Paul and Amy continue their alien-movie streak alive with Nope, Jordan Peele’s ambitious sci-fi spectacle. They revisit the Haywood siblings’ quest to capture the impossible on camera, celebrate Keke Palmer’s star-making performance, and unpack the unforgettable menace of Jean Jacket, one of the most original movie monsters in recent memory.
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Close Encounters of the Third Kind
Paul and Amy look to the skies with Close Encounters of the Third Kind, Steven Spielberg’s awe-inspiring follow-up to Jaws and one of cinema’s most influential visions of alien contact. They unpack the film’s ambitious production, from Spielberg’s growing creative confidence, Douglas Trumbull’s groundbreaking effects work and the casting. Along the way, they explore the movie’s themes of obsession
Die Hard 2 (with Jorma Taccone)
With Amy reporting from Cannes, Paul welcomes Jorma Taccone for a Dealer’s Choice episode on Die Hard 2, the explosive sequel that takes John McClane to a snowbound airport under siege. Together they make the case for one of action cinema’s most underrated follow-ups, celebrating Bruce Willis’s swagger, Renny Harlin’s direction, and the sequel’s knack for escalating the stakes without losing sight
Josie and the Pussycats (with Joanna Robinson)
While Amy is off at Cannes, Paul welcomes Joanna Robinson for an Unspooled Critics’ Choice episode on Josie and the Pussycats, the 2001 musical comedy that was lightyears ahead of its time. They revisit Harry Elfont and Deborah Kaplan’s razor-sharp satire of pop music, consumer culture, and corporate branding and unpack how a movie stuffed with logos became one of Hollywood’s smartest critiques of
The Baby-Sitters Club (with Rob Anderson)
Paul and Rob Anderson takes the reins for a Critics’ Choice episode with shining a spotlight on The Baby-Sitters Club, the earnest, deeply ’90s adaptation of Ann M. Martin’s beloved books that deserves far more respect. Together they revisit Stoneybrook’s summer adventures, from camp drama and crushes to heavier themes like divorce, class, body image, and responsibility, while celebrating the fil
Top Secret! (with Ed Helms)
Paul welcomes Ed Helms into the Unspooled booth for a deep dive into Top Secret!, the gloriously absurd 1984 comedy from ZAZ while Amy is away. Between stories about Meet Dave, Ed’s lost role as “Lieutenant Buttocks,” and a celebration of his history podcast SNAFU, the two make the case that Top Secret! may be even funnier than Airplane! or The Naked Gun — just harder to categorize.
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Reel Confessions: Lauren Lapkus
Lauren Lapkus steps into the confession booth to talk comfort rewatches, movie blind spots, and the films that changed her mind. Paul and Amy dig into her love for Big, 13 Going on 30, Tommy Boy, and Hocus Pocus, the strange experience of watching kids’ movies on an endless loop, and how her Newcomers podcast pushed her to finally embrace genres she’d avoided for years. Along the way, Lauren plays
Summer Movie Preview 2026
Paul and Amy kick off the 2026 summer movie season with a whirlwind preview of the films they’re most excited (and nervous) to see, from Supergirl, Tom Holland’s grounded new Spider-Man, and Spielberg’s mysterious Disclosure Day to Jackass: Best & Last, A24’s Backrooms, Olivia Wilde’s The Invite, and Boots Riley’s I Love Boosters. Along the way, they debate sequel overload (Toy Story 5, Scary Movi
The Secret Life of Walter Mitty
Paul and Amy take the leap with The Secret Life of Walter Mitty, the globe-trotting ode to daydreamers caught between routine and risk. They trace the film’s long journey from James Thurber’s short story through decades of stalled adaptations, unpack its blend of fantasy and reality, and explore how its work-versus-life themes resonate in a world shifting from analog to digital.
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Jerry Maguire
Paul and Amy say “show me the money” with Jerry Maguire, Cameron Crowe’s romantic drama that turns a mission statement into a midlife crisis. They trace the film’s long development, Tom Cruise’s defining performance, and the breakout turns from Renée Zellweger and Cuba Gooding Jr., while unpacking its mix of sports, romance, and soul-searching ambition.
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The Devil Wears Prada
Paul and Amy step into the fashion closet with The Devil Wears Prada, revisiting the sharp, stylish comedy that evolved into a definitive story about the cost of ambition. They trace the film’s origins from Lauren Weisberger’s real-life experience, unpack the casting what-ifs, and celebrate Meryl Streep’s iconic, ice-cold turn as Miranda Priestly, from the “cerulean” monologue to the power plays t
Reel Confessions: Mike Mitchell
Doughboys' Mike Mitchell steps into the confession booth with Paul and Amy to spill his hottest movie takes, from a chaotic game if “F***/Marry/Kill” of the 2005 Best Director lineup to chatting about his new comedy Napa Boys. They debate “big dumb” hits vs. prestige flops, his Star Wars burnout, and why he’ll never rewatch The Zone of Interest.
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Total Recall
Paul and Amy jack into Total Recall, the gonzo sci-fi that turned a memory implant into a full-blown identity crisis. From Arnold Schwarzenegger’s forceful push to bring it to life to Verhoeven's mind-bending twists, they unpack the film’s practical-effects spectacle, its biting satire of power and propaganda, and the question at the center of it all: is any of this real, or just the perfect vacat
The Truman Show
Paul and Amy step inside The Truman Show, the high-concept classic that turned reality into a cage and a spectacle. They revisit Peter Weir’s deft balancing act of satire and sincerity, and how Jim Carrey’s career-shifting performance grounds the film’s big ideas in something deeply human.
You can join the Unspooled conversation on Paul’s Discord at https://discord.gg/ZwtygZGTa6
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Team America: World Police
Paul and Amy salute (and side-eye) Trey Parker and Matt Stone’s anything-goes puppet satire that took aim at everyone in the post-9/11 era. They unpack the film’s wild blend of Thunderbirds-style craftsmanship and Jerry Bruckheimer bombast, from its rapid-fire production to the army of puppeteers behind its explosive set pieces and yes, they discuss that infamous sex scene that pushed the MPAA to
Arrival
Paul and Amy make first contact with Denis Villeneuve’s quietly mind-bending sci-fi about language, time, and the choices that shape a life. They trace the film’s journey from Ted Chiang’s Story of Your Life to the screen, unpacking how screenwriter Eric Heisserer turned a cerebral short story into a $200M hit and why Amy Adams’ performance still feels criminally underrated a decade later.
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Project Hail Mary
Paul and Amy drop an emergency episode to blast off with Project Hail Mary, the rare big-swing sci-fi that Ryan Gosling leads with charisma, heart, and a whole lot of hope. They break down Gosling’s turn as a very unprepared hero, the emotional pull of his unlikely bond with Rocky, Sandra Hüller’s commanding presence, and why this Spielberg-esque adventure feels like a throwback in the best way.
Sinners
Paul and Amy head down to the juke joint for Sinners, Ryan Coogler’s genre-bending swing through 1930s Mississippi where blues, blood, and family ties collide. They break down Michael B. Jordan’s dual turn as twin cousins, the breakout presence of Miles Caton, and a stacked ensemble to unpack how Coogler weaves horror with history.
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Reel Confessions: Chris Ryan
Chris Ryan steps into the confession booth and it’s all Heat, all the time. Paul and Amy get into Chris’ ride-or-die devotion to Heat, his deep love of Michael Mann, and spirited debates over Public Enemies, Ferrari, and the elusive The Keep. They talk Yorgos Lanthimos, the art of avoiding trailers, and play a chaotic round of Christopher Nolan-themed F/M/K.
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2026 Oscars Special
Paul and Amy break down the 2026 Oscar nominations, celebrating the surprises, lamenting the snubs, and making their early predictions for Hollywood’s biggest night. They champion overlooked favorites like Edington and Sorry, Baby, Josh O’Connor in Wake Up Dead Man, and Amanda Seyfried in Testament of Ann Lee, while digging into the year’s major contenders. And with Sinners leading the pack with a
Harold and Maude
Paul and Amy pay tribute to the late Bud Cort by revisiting Hal Ashby’s 1971 cult classic that somehow never shows up on the big movie lists. They unpack the film’s unlikely origins as UCLA student Colin Higgins’ audacious script and trace its journey from disastrous reviews and a blink-and-you-miss-it release to becoming a full-blown counterculture cult classic.
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Twilight
Paul and Amy sink their teeth into Twilight, unpacking how a once-mocked teen romance became a box-office juggernaut and cultural lightning rod. They trace the adaptation saga from Paramount’s infamous “jet ski” rewrite to Catherine Hardwicke’s faithful reset at Summit, debate vampire lore and gendered critiques of romance, and decide whether Team Edward vs. Team Jacob misses the point entirely.
Reality Bites
Paul and Amy revisit Reality Bites, Ben Stiller’s Gen-X touchstone that may or may not want to be one. They discuss the film’s scrappy origins from writer Helen Childress and star-producer Winona Ryder, unpack Ethan Hawke’s slacker allure and Ben Stiller as a yuppie, and debate whether Lelaina’s rebellion was righteous or just twenty-something self-sabotage.
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Reel Confessions: Nicole Byer
Paul and Amy step into the cinema confessional with Nicole Byer as she spills on being a proud talker during movies, why she prefers “dirty” character actors over glossy realism, and untangles her complicated relationship with the Fast & Furious saga.
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Listen to “Why Won’t You Date Me?” at https://headgum.com/why-wont-you-date-me-with-nicole-byer
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Before Sunrise
Paul and Amy hop the train to Vienna to revisit Before Sunrise, Richard Linklater’s ode to chance encounters and conversations that stretch until dawn. They unpack the film’s naturalistic dialogue, roaming long takes, and the electric chemistry between Ethan Hawke and Julie Delpy, to explore how Jesse and Céline’s fleeting connection feels both impossibly romantic and deeply real.
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Celebrating Catherine O'Hara
Paul and Amy sit down to celebrate the incomparable life and career of Catherine O’Hara, whose brilliance shaped comedy for more than five decades. From her fearless work on SCTV to iconic turns in Beetlejuice, Home Alone, and her late-career renaissance on Schitt’s Creek, they reflect on her unmatched versatility, emotional precision, and the indelible characters that made her one of a kind.
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Brazil
Paul and Amy take on Brazil, Terry Gilliam’s surreal warning about authoritarianism, paperwork, and the cost of losing one’s imagination. They trace the film’s roots in Gilliam’s own experiences, his battles with studio power, and the creative compromises that nearly reshaped it to examine why Brazil remains one of cinema’s most enduring dystopias.
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Shakespeare in Love
Paul and Amy step backstage with Shakespeare in Love, to exploring how a troubled production and last-minute casting changes led to one of the most debated Oscar victories of all time. They chat about Judi Dench’s scene-stealing performance, the film's playful blending of romance and literary myth, and the role awards campaigns play in shaping a film's legacy.
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Uncut Gems
Paul and Amy take a deep breath and revisit Uncut Gems, examining Adam Sandler’s career-best performance as a man who just can’t stop pushing his luck. They unpack the film’s jittery score, its fraught production and awards-season snub, and the lineage of anxious filmmaking that makes every bet feel like life or death.
You can join the Unspooled conversation on Paul’s Discord at https://discord
Reel Confessions: Sarah Marshall
Reel talk: Sarah Marshall has movie opinions, and she’s ready to spill. Paul and Amy sit down with the You’re Wrong About co-host to discuss comfort watches, cinematic misfires, horror nerds, and the strange joy of learning history from films that are “educational-ish.”
Check out Sarah’s new show The Devil You Know at https://app.magellan.ai/listen_links/Hcq2dg
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Napoleon Dynamite
Paul and Amy pack their pockets with tots and revisit Napoleon Dynamite, looking at the film's offbeat performances, DIY production, and how this quirky slice of Idaho life spawned memes, merch, and a forever spot in cult comedy history.
You can join the Unspooled conversation on Paul’s Discord at https://discord.gg/ZwtygZGTa6
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Kill Bill
Paul and Amy unsheathe Kill Bill, Tarantino’s blood-soaked revenge epic that fused global genre cinema into something unmistakably his own. They trace The Bride’s evolution from concept to icon, unpack the film’s explosive choreography and stylized violence, and wrestle with the complicated legacy behind its creation.
You can join the Unspooled conversation on Paul’s Discord at https://discord.
Top 100 Comedies of All Time
Paul and Amy dig into Variety’s list of the 100 greatest comedies of all time, celebrating the highs, questioning the rankings, and debating what makes a movie truly funny. From The Naked Gun taking the top spot to spirited discussions around Some Like It Hot, Annie Hall, Groundhog Day, and The Great Dictator, they unpack the list’s surprises, omissions, and the impossible challenge of ranking com
Avatar (Re-Release)
Amy & Paul upload their consciousness into 2009’s otherworldly sci-fi spectacle Avatar! They confirm the concept of ‘unobtanium’ wasn’t invented by the film, learn which movie stars were up for the role of Jake Sully, and ask themselves why they feel protective of director James Cameron. Plus: did Cameron really insist the Na’Vi need to have breasts?
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Muppets Christmas Carol
Paul and Amy ring in the holidays with The Muppet Christmas Carol, celebrating the Muppets’ heartfelt take on Dickens, the film’s joyful performances, and the craftsmanship that made it a cozy holiday fave. They also reflect on the movie’s deeper emotional resonance in the years following Jim Henson’s passing, and why this Muppet classic continues to mean so much at Christmastime.
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Remembering Rob Reiner
Over the weekend, the film world lost one of its greatest storytellers with the passing of Rob Reiner. In this special episode of Unspooled, Paul and Amy come together to celebrate Reiner’s extraordinary legacy, from his pitch-perfect understanding of characters and comedy to the heartfelt humanity that ran through his films.
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Reel Confessions: Molly Lambert
Paul and Amy welcome Molly Lambert to Reel Confessions, where she gets candid about her film hot takes. From what people should and shouldn't eat in the theater to unpopular opinions on Charlie Sheen's acting, they truly discuss it all.
You can join the Unspooled conversation on Paul’s Discord at https://discord.gg/ZwtygZGTa6
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Brick
Paul and Amy step into the shadowy hallways of Brick, exploring how Rian Johnson fused hard-boiled noir with high school drama to create one of the most striking debuts of the 2000s. They also delve into Johnson’s meticulous planning, the film’s tight-budget and ingenuity, and Joseph Gordon-Levitt’s transformative performance.
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Anchorman
Paul and Amy stay classy as they revisit Anchorman: The Legend of Ron Burgundy, exploring how Will Ferrell and Adam McKay transformed a kooky idea about local news into a comedy landmark. They dig into the film’s improvisational energy, stacked cast, and reflect on how Anchorman helped launch a new era of American comedy.
You can join the Unspooled conversation on Paul’s Discord at https://dis
2025 Thanksgiving Special
Happy Thanksgiving from Unspooled! Paul and Amy celebrate Thanksgiving by ranking cinema’s most disastrous families to spend the holidays with. They revisit the Torrances, the Sawyers, the Tenenbaums, and the deeply unsettling brood of Dogtooth to determine who would ruin dinner fastest.
You can join the Unspooled conversation on Paul’s Discord at https://discord.gg/ZwtygZGTa6
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Reel Confessions: Kareem Rahma
In the first episode of Reel Confessions, Paul and Amy sit down with Kareem Rahma to unpack his cinematic past. They touch on his first illicit R-rated watch, the strange ethics of “premium” movie theaters, and the almost spiritual journey of seeing emotionally devastating films on a plane.
You can find Kareem @kareem, @subwaytakes, and @keepthemeterrunnin
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The Wiz
Paul and Amy ease on down the road with The Wiz, exploring its star-studded performances, ambitious set production, and how this all-Black reimagining of Oz became a cultural touchstone despite a less than stellar initial box-office run.
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Back to the Future (Re-Release)
Amy & Paul zoom at 88 miles per hour into 1985's Robert Zemeckis time travel comedy Back To The Future! They ask why Eric Stoltz wasn't the right choice for Marty McFly, discuss the film's critique of Reaganomics, and debate whether Steven Spielberg has had too much influence on our brains. Plus: Was the DeLorean originally supposed to be a fridge?
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Prey
Paul and Amy take aim at Prey, dissecting its bold reimagining of the Predator mythos, the stripped-down approach that sets it apart from the average sequel, and how the film brings new life and meaning to an iconic universe.
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The Conjuring
Paul and Amy step into the dark with The Conjuring, unpacking the Warrens’ James Wan’s slow-burn scares, the real-life horror that inspired the film, and Patrick Wilson and Vera Farmiga’s uncanny chemistry.
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Misery
Paul and Amy crack open Misery, where Rob Reiner turns Stephen King’s nightmare of fame and obsession into a masterclass in tension. They unpack Kathy Bates’ Oscar-winning turn as Annie Wilkes, James Caan, and what the film says about fandom.
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Pan's Labyrinth
With Guillermo del Toro's Frankenstein on the horizion and spooky season in full swing, Paul and Amy dive into the mythical world of Pan's Labyrinth. They explore how they'd manage with eyeballs on their hands, how del Toro's upbringing shaped his unique vision of the world, and his knack for exploring political ideas through fairytales.
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Remembering Diane Keaton
Over the weekend news broke that Oscar-winning actress Diane Keaton passed away. Paul and Amy pay tribute to her remarkable legacy by celebrating her unforgettable films, fearless independence, distinctive style, and unwavering individuality that defined her career.
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Dead Poets Society
Paul and Amy reopen the pages of Dead Poets Society, chatting about Robin Williams' shocking shift to dramatic acting, characters cut from the film, and the film's lasting legacy in the years since its release.
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Minority Report
Paul and Amy crack open 2002's Minority Report to discuss the impact technology continues to have on society, Tom Cruise's iconic performance as John Anderton, and how Spielberg tried to predict the future.
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One Battle After Another
VIVA LA REVOLUTION! Paul Thomas Anderson’s latest film, One Battle After Another, reenergizes the revolutionary spirit. In this special episode, Paul and Amy dive into PTA's biting critique of America, and how his vision - and an extraordinary cast - bring it all to life.
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Dog Day Afternoon
Paul and Amy head to the streets of Brooklyn to discuss Dog Day Afternoon. They talk about how Sidney Lumet turned a botched heist into a cinematic event, Al Pacino's killer performance, and how culturally relevant the film and its themes still are today.
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Spinal Tap
Paul and Amy turn the dial up to eleven as they revisit 1984's Spinal Tap. They laugh through their favorite bits, explore Rob Reiner’s ambitious leap from sitcom actor to acclaimed director, and unpack how the film redefined and reshaped the very genre it set out to parody.
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Celebrating Robert Redford
In this special midweek episode, Paul and Amy pay tribute to the late great Robert Redford. They take a look back on the first Redford films that made an impression on them, celebrate his career highlights both in front of and behind the camera, and reflect on how he always remembered to embrace the weird.
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Clue
Paul teams up with Chris and Lizzie from the What Went Wrong Podcast to solve a murder mystery as they revisit the cult classic Clue. They reflect on the film's nostalgic charm, how casting shaped the film, and marvel at how edgy a PG rating could be in the 80s.
Check out the What Went Wrong podcast at https://www.whatwentwrongpod.com/
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The Breakfast Club
With the iconic teen drama returning to theaters for its 40th anniversary, Paul and Amy head back to high school to revisit The Breakfast Club. They dive into the movie’s legacy and talk about the scenes that didn’t make the final cut.
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Memento
Paul and Amy piece together their memories to unravel Memento, the thought provoking thriller that announced the arrival of one of the 21st century’s most visionary filmmakers. They dive into some big questions that the film presents: Can we really trust our own memories? How do we shape the way others see us? And what stories do we tell ourselves to make sense of our lives?
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Donnie Darko
This week, Paul and Amy dive into the mind-bending world of Richard Kelly’s 2001 cult classic Donnie Darko. They unravel its twisted timelines and alternate realities, explore its reflections on mental health, and examine what the film reveals about the turbulence of adolescence.
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They Live
Put on your sunglasses—it’s time to see reality for what it truly is. Paul and Amy are rewinding the clock to 1988 to explore John Carpenter’s cult classic, They Live. Join them as they unpack how the film offers a sharp critique on Reagan-era America, reflects Carpenter’s political perspective, and why Carpenter wrote the script under a pseudonym.
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Summer Movie Recap 2025
The summer movie season brought the heat with unexpected hits, shocking flops, and plenty of surprises — and Paul and Amy are here to break it all down with their hottest takes. They talk about how Fantastic Four pulled Marvel out of its slump, dissect Pixar’s worst box office opening ever, and much more.
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The Naked Gun
With a reboot on the horizon, Paul and Amy revisit the 1988 slapstick classic The Naked Gun: From the Files of Police Squad!. From the creators of Airplane!, they explore how this team transformed a short-lived TV series into a beloved comedy franchise and in the process, helped invent a new species of cinematic comedy that left it's mark on culture.
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Borat
Very nice! Amy and Paul dive deep into the influential and controversial 2006 film Borat. They discuss its place on major film lists, its impact on comedy and American culture, and the unique challenges faced during its production. The episode features a special interview with Borat director Larry Charles, who shares behind-the-scenes stories and insights into the making of the film.
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Waterworld
There are summer blockbuster...and then there are summer flops. So this week, Paul and Amy take a plunge into the 1995 disaster, Waterworld. Stick around until the end, where they're joined by journalist and TCM host Ben Mankiewicz, who has his own personal connection to Hollywood misfires.
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Superman Revisited
With James Gunn’s Superman on the horizon, Paul and Amy revisit their 2022 episode on the movie that started it all—Richard Donner’s 1978 Superman. They look back at how Superman has evolved over the years, what’s worked, what hasn’t, and what they’re hoping (and worried) about when it comes to the new take on the Man of Steel.
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Air Force One
With July 4th just around the corner, Amy and Paul are getting into the patriotic spirit by revisiting the 1997 high altitude thriller Air Force One. They dive into how Harrison Ford wasn’t the original choice to play the president, discuss how the film holds up today, and Amy’s real-life trip to Kazakhstan.
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NYT Top 100 Films
The New York Times unveiled their 100 best films of the 21st century last week and Amy and Paul are weighing in. In this mini episode, they unpack what they found to be bold choices, the snubs, and what left them scratching their heads.
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Speed Racer
With F1: The Movie hitting theaters this weekend, Paul and Amy are putting the pedal to the metal as they revisit the Wachowskis’ 2008 Speed Racer. They dive into how the film transformed from a box office flop to a cultural hit, explore its hyper-stylized visuals, and give some context on the chimpanzee.
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28 Days Later
Hot on the heels of Danny Boyle’s 28 Years Later, Paul and Amy are bracing for the zombie apocalypse with a deep dive into 28 Days Later. They explore the film’s parallels to COVID-19 and 9/11 and reveal how Stephen King once bought out 800 tickets on opening night.
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Tommy Boy
Amy’s back from Cannes, and this week, she and Paul are hitting the road with the 1995 comedy Tommy Boy. They dig into the behind-the-scenes tension between David Spade and Chris Farley, that it's one of Quentin Tarantino's favorite ’90s comedies, and how Farley’s tragic early death meant his full talent never truly got the spotlight it deserved.
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But I'm a Cheerleader
It's almost the 25th anniversary of one of the most iconic queer films ever made, so this week we're diving into But I'm a Cheerleader. With Amy still out on assignment in Cannes, Paul is joined by comedian Jeff Hiller and star of the cult classic, Clea DuVall.
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John Wick: Chapter 4
With Amy off on assignment in Cannes, we naturally had to call in some reinforcements—so this week, we're joined by Jon Gabrus, Ben Rodgers, and Ryan Stanger, a.k.a. the Action Boyz, to dive into John Wick: Chapter 4. We’re talking about what we loved, what didn’t quite hit for us, and whether there’s a real rivalry brewing between Keanu Reeves and Tom Cruise.
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Wet Hot American Summer
With Memorial Day around the corner, we're kicking off the summer movie season with the 2001 comedy classic, Wet Hot American Summer. Amy and Paul discuss the difficult process of getting the film put together, how it altered the directions of everyone's careers, and their own personal connections to summer camp.
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Basic Instinct
Amy and Paul grab their ice picks this week, as they get into the 1992 erotic thriller Basic Instinct. They chat about the controversy the film stirred up with LGBT activists, break down that iconic interrogation scene, and talk about how Sharon Stone waited years for her breakout role.
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The Big Sleep
We're turning the clock way back, and Amy and Paul are exploring the 1946 classic The Big Sleep. They discuss the electric chemistry between Humphrey Bogart and Lauren Bacall, the film’s influence on The Big Lebowski, and how the writers sidestepped the old Hollywood production code.
You can join the Unspooled conversation on Paul’s Discord at https://discord.gg/ZwtygZGTa6
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The Empire Strikes Back
It’s been 45 years since The Empire Strikes Back hit us with one of the most iconic twists in movie history, so Amy and Paul are hopping in the Millennium Falcon and heading to a galaxy far, far away. This week, they talk about how Mark Hamill struggled as the only human on set, the impact it had on movies, and why R2-D2 can be a little bit annoying.
You can join the Unspooled conversation on
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