Amy & Paul podcast about podcasting about 2002’s head-spinning meta comedy Adaptation! They relate to Nicolas-Cage-as-Charlie-Kaufman’s inner monologue, learn what Robert McKee thought of his depiction in the film, and debate whether the third act makes or undermines the whole piece. Plus: Thoughts on Lily Tomlin’s career. Next week we kick off a month of Ani-May-Tion with Akira! You can join the conversation for this series on the Unspooled Facebook Group at https://www.facebook.com/groups/unsp...
Apr 28, 2022•2 hr 39 min•Transcript available on Metacast In a special Unspooled, Paul & Amy enlist Keith Phipps (author of "Age Of Cage") to narrow down which Nicolas Cage performances deserve to be sent to space. Tune in to find out which Cage film we'll cover this Thursday! Get access to all the podcasts you love, music channels and radio shows with the SiriusXM App! Get 3 months free using this show link: https://siriusxm.com/unspooled .
Apr 25, 2022•50 min•Transcript available on Metacast Paul & Amy crush 1982's Arnold Schwarzenegger pulp fantasy Conan The Barbarian! They learn the purpose of the Wheel Of Pain, praise the operatic storytelling of Basil Poledouris's score, and try to pinpoint the moment where Arnold became a movie star. Plus: is Batman 1989 a kid's movie? Next week we take a detour into the career of Nicolas Cage! You can join the conversation for this series on the Unspooled Facebook Group at https://www.facebook.com/groups/unspooledpodcast , and on Paul’s Discor...
Apr 21, 2022•2 hr 35 min•Transcript available on Metacast Amy & Paul get grubby for 2001's fractured fairy tale Shrek! They discover how the film planted an anti-Disney flag in the mud, review its musical legacy from Smash Mouth to Hallelujah, and debate whether more family films should be just for kids instead of pandering to adults. Plus: Why did Nicolas Cage turn down the titular role? Next week we wrap up our fantasy series with Conan The Barbarian! You can join the conversation for this series on theUnspooled Facebook Group at https://www.facebook...
Apr 14, 2022•2 hr 31 min•Transcript available on Metacast Paul & Amy lead a quest through 1975's Arthurian sendup Monty Python And The Holy Grail! They discuss how the non-hierarchical structure of Python informed their spoof of monarchy and authority of all kinds, praise the troupe for creating an epic on a small budget, and explore the history of Camelot in America. Plus: how is Monty Python connected to Owen and Luke Wilson? Next week Unspooled takes on a whole different brand of comic fantasy with Shrek! You can join the conversation for this serie...
Apr 07, 2022•1 hr 14 min•Transcript available on Metacast Paul & Amy lose their heads for 2021's remixed medieval myth The Green Knight! They learn about the "real" King Arthur, praise Alicia Vikander's alluring dual role in the film, and untangle director David Lowery's knotty layers of symbolism. Plus: Breaking down the Oscars! Next week Unspooled remains in the realm of Arthurian myth for Monty Python and the Holy Grail! You can join the conversation for this series on the Unspooled Facebook Group at https://www.facebook.com/groups/unspooledpodcast ...
Mar 31, 2022•1 hr 28 min•Transcript available on Metacast Amy & Paul break down the past year in film on this Best Of 2021 special episode! They make cases for some of their favorite overlooked films from 2021, from an antic animated family comedy to a royal biopic turned horror film. Plus: a preview of the Oscars, and why this year's Oscar crop feels like it's playing it safe. Next week we're taking your votes and covering one Oscar-snubbed film in depth - will it be Annette, The Green Knight, Last Night In Soho or Zola? You can join the conversation ...
Mar 24, 2022•2 hr 34 min•Transcript available on Metacast 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/gro...
Mar 17, 2022•2 hr 39 min•Transcript available on Metacast Amy & Paul got the touch for 1997's seedy Valley epic Boogie Nights! They marvel at a young Paul Thomas Anderson's preternatural skill behind the camera, see echoes of Step Brothers in the chemistry between Mark Wahlberg and John C. Reilly, and discuss what makes a tracking shot great and not just showy. Plus: the technological shifts that sunk Dirk Diggler and enabled Anderson's rise. Next week our Contenders series continues with The Piano! You can join the conversation for this series on the ...
Mar 10, 2022•2 hr 3 min•Transcript available on Metacast Put on your bat-headphones and tune in to this bonus episode of Unspooled as Paul and Amy break down every screen portrayal of the Dark Knight, from Adam West to a preview of Robert Pattinson's turn in Matt Reeves’ The Batman (2022). Never fear, no bat-spoilers here! Get access to all the podcasts you love, music channels and radio shows with the SiriusXM App! Get 3 months free using this show link: https://siriusxm.com/unspooled .
Mar 08, 2022•1 hr 28 min•Transcript available on Metacast 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 Unspool...
Mar 03, 2022•2 hr 32 min•Transcript available on Metacast 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 Facebo...
Feb 24, 2022•2 hr 36 min•Transcript available on Metacast In this bonus episode, Paul & Amy discuss the career and legacy of the late director and producer Ivan Reitman. Get access to all the podcasts you love, music channels and radio shows with the SiriusXM App! Get 3 months free using this show link: https://siriusxm.com/unspooled .
Feb 21, 2022•28 min•Transcript available on Metacast Paul & Amy rulla ut the 2014 Swedish dramedy Force Majeure! They celebrate director Ruben Östlund’s dissection of masculinity and gender roles, learn whether men or women are actually more likely to survive disasters, and enjoy Östlund’s reenactment of the "worst cry ever." Plus: a Smörgåsbord of takes on the 2022 Oscar noms! Next week, our cold series concludes with The Shining! You can join the conversation for this series on the Unspooled Facebook Group at https://www.facebook.com/groups/unsp...
Feb 17, 2022•1 hr 23 min•Transcript available on Metacast Paul & Amy catapult themselves into the daredevil Jackass franchise! They count off the elements that every film in the series shares, cringe through the bits they can't watch, and cherish the many moments of genuine cinematic beauty. Plus: Thoughts on the newest Jackass cast members. Next week Unspooled's cold series continues with Force Majeure! You can join the conversation for this series on the Unspooled Facebook Group at https://www.facebook.com/groups/unspooledpodcast , and on Paul’s Disc...
Feb 10, 2022•1 hr 28 min•Transcript available on Metacast 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...
Feb 03, 2022•1 hr 19 min•Transcript available on Metacast 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. Get access to all the podcasts you love, music channels and radio shows with the SiriusXM App! Get 3 months free using this show link: https://siriusxm.com/unspooled .
Feb 01, 2022•34 min•Transcript available on Metacast Amy & Paul let it go for 2013's chilly Disney musical megahit Frozen! They praise the filmmakers' careful attention to all the varieties of snow, learn which character co-director Jennifer Lee couldn't stand, and ask whether Disney's "progressive" films are a positive step forward or just a way to generate thinkpieces. Plus: Reheating a Fargo debate! Next week Unspooled's cold series continues with The Grand Budapest Hotel! You can join the conversation for this series on the Unspooled Facebook ...
Jan 27, 2022•2 hr 47 min•Transcript available on Metacast 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. Next week Unspooled returns to the snow for Frozen! You can join the conversation for this series on the Unspooled Facebook Group at https://www.facebook.com/groups/unspooledpo...
Jan 20, 2022•2 hr 56 min•Transcript available on Metacast Amy & Paul kidnap 1996's Coen Bros' untrue true-crime tale Fargo! They weigh the moral yin and yang of Marge Gunderson and Jerry Lundegaard, learn about a Japanese woman who took the opening title card a little too seriously, and debate if Fargo is the ultimate representative of what the Coens do best. Plus: William H. Macy told Joel Coen he would do *what* for this part?! Next week Unspooled takes a break from this snowy series with the original Scream! You can join the conversation for this se...
Jan 13, 2022•2 hr 51 min•Transcript available on Metacast In honor of Sidney Poitier's passing, Unspooled is re-releasing this episode from the Unspooled archives. We'll be back with a new episode this Thursday. Amy & Paul take a trip down South for 1967’s racially charged police thriller “In The Heat Of The Night!” They celebrate the excellent soundtrack, scrutinize how well the film holds up as a procedural, and take a close look at Sidney Poitier’s incredible road to Hollywood. Plus: Two interviews this week, with Pod Save The People’s DeRay Mckesso...
Jan 11, 2022•2 hr 31 min•Transcript available on Metacast In honor of Peter Bogdonavich's passing, Unspooled is re-releasing this episode from the Unspooled archives. We'll be back with a new episode this Thursday. Amy & Paul travel deep into the heart of 1971's Texan coming-of-age story The Last Picture Show! They ask who the film's true protagonist is, marvel at the murderer's row of incredible actors, and wonder if this was the key inspiration for the boom of sex comedies to follow. Plus: writer/director Peter Bogdanovich himself joins Amy to discus...
Jan 11, 2022•2 hr 31 min•Transcript available on Metacast This week Unspooled is rereleasing our Season 1 episode on the Billy Wilder classic The Apartment. Stay tuned for a new episode (and new series) next week! 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! Get access to all the podcasts you lo...
Jan 06, 2022•1 hr 24 min•Transcript available on Metacast 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 for this series on the Unspooled Facebook Group at https://www.facebook.com/groups/unspooledpodcast , and on Paul’s ...
Dec 30, 2021•1 hr 13 min•Transcript available on Metacast Amy & Paul stop time for 1999's reality-bending blockbuster The Matrix! They marvel at the preternatural shared mind of directors Lana and Lilly Wachowski, explore the political and social after-effects of the 'Matrix' concept, and ask each other whether they would take the red pill or the blue pill. Plus: What if this movie had starred Janet Jackson and Will Smith? Next week Unspooled wraps up the year with A Christmas Story! You can join the conversation for this series on the Unspooled Facebo...
Dec 23, 2021•2 hr 52 min•Transcript available on Metacast 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. Next week Unspooled pulls out another stocking stuffer to talk The Matrix! You can join the co...
Dec 16, 2021•3 hr 50 min•Transcript available on Metacast Paul & Amy feed 1986’s creature feature musical Little Shop of Horrors! They credit director Frank Oz for getting Audrey II’s physicality just right, dive into the career of Four Tops singer Levi Stubbs, and debate whether the heightened tone of the film feels more theatrical or more cinematic. Plus: A young Jack Nicholson’s astonishing cameo in the original Little Shop. Next week Unspooled shakes out its first holiday stocking stuffer, Love Actually! You can join the conversation for this serie...
Dec 09, 2021•2 hr 30 min•Transcript available on Metacast Amy & Paul go to bat for 2001's mega-hit Bollywood sports musical Lagaan! They compare star Aamir Khan to Tom Cruise and Brad Pitt, learn about a key last-minute change to the love triangle plot, and ask what makes the choreography of the musical numbers feel both heightened and naturalistic. Plus: Was Lagaan's campaign to win an Oscar a success? Next week Unspooled concludes this series on musicals with Little Shop Of Horrors! You can join the conversation for this series on the Unspooled Faceb...
Dec 02, 2021•2 hr 36 min•Transcript available on Metacast Amy & Paul shoot up 2002's darkly comic musical revival Chicago! They interrogate director Rob Marshall's choice to use rapid cuts over long takes, discuss how Renee Zellweger and Catherine Zeta-Jones contrast perfectly with each other, and revisit a time when Oscar voters were thirsty for any musicals at all. Plus: Some of the many parodies Chicago has inspired. Next week Unspooled continues our series on musicals with Lagaan! You can join the conversation for this series on the Unspooled Faceb...
Nov 25, 2021•2 hr 33 min•Transcript available on Metacast Paul & Amy know 1978’s retro musical sensation Grease is the word! They praise Stockard Channing’s fiercely independent performance as Rizzo, compare the film to contemporary period piece American Graffiti, and explore the early career of “Plastic Bubble”-boy John Travolta. Plus: revisiting an infamous awards disaster masterminded by Grease producer Allan Carr. Next week Unspooled continues our series on musicals with Chicago! You can join the conversation for this series on the Unspooled Facebo...
Nov 18, 2021•1 hr 27 min•Transcript available on Metacast 
