Unspooled podcast
4.3/5
Critic Rating
4.0/5
Listener Rating
Critic Reviews
Score: 4.6
Benjamin Nease • Quill Inc. • Nov 10, 2019
"Amy gives the much needed history and context for each film and Paul brings either his fandom/dislike for the movie if he has seen it or his curiosity about the movie if he hasn’t. Even though Paul is more known for his comedy and Amy for her seriousness they both meet in the middle with a fun and earnest discussion into whatever movie they are featuring. This podcast is not afraid to call a spade a spade when it comes to some films being on the list that they feel probably don’t belong there."
Score: 4.5
Declan Green • The Nerd Daily • Mar 17, 2019
"The rapport between actor Paul Scheer and film critic Amy Nicholson is the backbone of the show, the two bouncing off each other with wit and intelligence. Unspooled also understands that not every classic movie is enjoyable in the traditional sense. You wouldn’t be the first person to leave a screening of 2001: A Space Odyssey wondering what the hell you just watched, or found yourself stuck trying to figure out why Citizen Kane is such a revered film. For film buffs, casual podcast listeners, or for anyone with an interest in American cinema, Unspooled makes for a thoughtful and stimulating listen. Amy and Paul are excellent hosts, leading engaging film-based discussions and presenting them in an easily digestible format..."
Score: 3.5
Ellie Bufkin • The Federlist • Jan 18, 2019
"This podcast should be fantastic. The premise of a highly charismatic comedian experiencing many of these treasured movies for the first time held a great deal of promise. One would think Nicholson’s education and years of experience in film would provide the context, knowledge, and texture to play off Scheer’s wit and enthusiasm. Unfortunately, this is not at all how “Unspooled” has played out. Nicholson adds about as much knowledge and charm to the podcast as a damp washcloth. The show quickly devolved from insightful study of classic films into amateur reviews by two unqualified co-hosts with zero chemistry. “Unspooled” would be far better served by pairing Scheer with a partner who matches his joy and curiosity with expert knowledge and an emphatic love of film."
Score: 4.5
Marshall • Lost Laker • Aug 10, 2018
"They don’t over-complicate the episodes with a ton of exposition, setup or sidebars. It’s fairly straight forward and moves along at a nice pace, with both hosts offering their opinions, theories and verdicts with supporting evidence. They also read reviews from dissenting opinions, which is always a entertaining. My only criticism would be on occasion they tend to apply 21st century morals and ethics to the characters in the film. For example, in their review of King Kong (1933), they were critical of how heroine Ann Darrow was portrayed, especially in regards to interactions with her boyfriend, Jack Driscoll. All that being said, this is still a great podcast for hardcore film fans, and casual movie goers. At one a week, it’s not tough to stay caught up either, and even nice to listen to a couple back-to-back. …"
Listener Reviews
Score: 4
Imran A. • May 4, 2020
"I really liked this listen. Paul made a funny comparison for C3P0 not being sentient like Data from Star Trek. I definitely chuckled since I know those two universes. Amy does a good opposite of Paul and holds up the discussion of not always agreeing with him. I appreciate that. Bonus was the film editor from the OG Star Wars. His insight and influence on pacing with the transition wipes were cool. "
