Unspooled
Paul Scheer & Amy Nicholson | Realm
Join actor and comedian Paul Scheer and film critic Amy Nicholson as they pull back the curtain on the movies that define our culture. Unspooled is a deep-dive celebration of cinema that goes far beyond the surface-level review. Each week, the hosts dissect a new selection—ranging from massive Hollywood blockbusters and high-stakes action sequels to misunderstood cult classics and poignant gems of girlhood. What sets Unspooled apart is the willingness to challenge the canon. By bringing in a rotating cast of sharp-witted guests like Ed Helms, Jorma Taccone, and Joanna Robinson, the show transforms into a lively roundtable where movies are reconsidered through a modern lens. Whether they are uncovering why a box-office flop like Josie and the Pussycats was actually a genius piece of social satire or debating the transition of a film franchise into a full-blown spectacle, the discussions are always fueled by curiosity and expert insight. The podcast explores the intersection of art, industry, and personal nostalgia. You will hear about the grueling production hurdles behind Steven Spielberg’s masterpieces, the evolution of childhood favorites when revisited as adults, and the specific craft that makes a comedy truly stand the test of time. If you love dissecting iconic scenes, uncovering behind-the-scenes trivia, and debating whether your favorite films still hold up today, Unspooled is the ultimate companion for your cinematic journey. Turn up the volume and get ready to see the movies you know in a whole new light.
Updated Jun 30, 2026
Episodes
Close Encounters of the Third Kind
A man risks his family and sanity to chase an inexplicable obsession in Steven Spielberg’s deeply personal sci-fi hit.
Die Hard 2 (with Jorma Taccone)
Jorma Taccone joins the conversation to defend the explosive, high-stakes thrills of the quintessential sequel Die Hard 2.
Josie and the Pussycats (with Joanna Robinson)
Josie and the Pussycats remains a biting, underappreciated satire of consumerism and the manufactured music industry.
The Baby-Sitters Club (with Rob Anderson)
Comedian Rob Anderson joins to unpack the enduring 1995 charm and problematic age gaps of The Baby-Sitters Club.
Top Secret! (with Ed Helms)
Val Kilmer stars in a chaotic, joke-dense genre mashup that stands as a misunderstood masterpiece of comedic parody.
Reel Confessions: Lauren Lapkus
Lauren Lapkus dives into her cinematic soul to debate the merits of rewatching childhood favorites and theater etiquette.
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