Unspooled

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.

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

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.

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

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.

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.

This month, we’re re-releasing our discussion of 1931’s Frankenstein to accompany our latest episodes on Evil Dead II and What We Do In The Shadows. Stay tuned for another Franken-film we’ll be covering very soon! Amy & Paul reanimate 1931's literary creature feature Frankenstein! They learn Boris Karloff's real name, discuss what the film has to say about the human act of creation, and ask why "burgermaster" is no longer a public title. Plus: A quick look at the follow-up "Bride Of Frankenstein."

Karina Longworth (You Must Remember This) joins Paul & Amy to unveil her top 3 erotic thrillers! They also discuss the problem with the NC-17 rating, coming of age at the height of Madonna's stardom, and why Michael Douglas is the archetypal erotic thriller star. For much more on these topics, listen to Karina's Erotic 90s series, out now on the You Must Remember This feed. Next week, Paul & Amy are watching What We Do In The Shadows! 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.

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.

Amy and Paul sing the praises of Robert Rodriguez’s low-budget action breakthrough El Mariachi! They go to ten minute film school with Rodriguez, learn about the unexpected bidding war over the film, and ask why filmmakers from Texas are so good at working outside the Hollywood system. Plus: How many ingredients are needed for a proper breakfast taco? Next week, tune in as we watch Evil Dead II! 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.

Bruce Campbell (Evil Dead, Spider-Man) joins Paul and Amy on the eve of his Bruce-O-Rama tour (and a new Evil Dead movie!) to talk about three of his favorite films, including a demonic horror masterpiece and a widescreen WWII epic.

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.

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.

In this bonus Unspooled, Paul & Amy weigh in on the latest franchise entries following our recent episodes, including discussions of how Jonathan Majors fits into the Creed universe, whether Steven Soderbergh got the tone of the third Magic Mike right, and how Hayden Panettiere fares in her return to Scream.

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.

Paul & Amy look back on their favorite films of 2022 and get ready for the Academy Awards this weekend! They'll discuss each of the Best Picture nominees, share their thoughts on the year in blockbusters and streaming films, and ask the big question - are the movies back? Plus: A high stakes Oscar wager. Next week, tune in as we discuss Creed! 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.

In honor of Scream VI's release in theaters this weekend, we're re-releasing last year's discussion of the original Scream - tomorrow we'll be back with a brand new episode! Paul & Amy don't follow the rules for 1996's Wes Craven meta-horror-comedy Scream! They learn Craven's secret to making horror films that resonate, argue that the iconic Ghostface mask works better than a more distinctive look, and unpack the archetype of the "Final Girl." Plus: Henry Winkler and the movie's best in-joke.

Paul & Amy enjoy a Winky Dinky Dog and watch 1987's audacious sketch satire Hollywood Shuffle! They explore the multifaceted career of star and director Robert Townsend, put the film in context of black cinema in the 80s, and ask why Townsend's critiques of Hollywood are relevant 35 years later. Plus: Eddie Murphy's surprising reaction to the film's Eddie Murphy sketch. Next week, we look back at the films of 2022 and preview the Oscars! 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.

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.

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!