Reel Confessions: Mike Mitchell
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In this episode of Unspooled's Real Confessions, hosts Paul Scheer and Amy Nicholson welcome comedian and actor Mike Mitchell to the confessional, where he unloads a whirlwind of candid, often controversial film opinions. Mitchell, best known for his work on The Doughboys and his new film Napa Boys, shares his love for absurd, boundary-pushing comedies and his deep disdain for the over-saturation of franchises like Star Wars and the streaming model that prioritizes convenience over cinematic experience. He defends his love for 'basic' crowd-pleasers like Goodfellas, Once Upon a Time in Hollywood, and Avatar—movies he admits are 'bro-tier' but deeply meaningful to him—while also confessing his embarrassment over his unfiltered opinions, especially when they clash with industry giants. He passionately argues for the theatrical experience, criticizes Netflix for undermining cinema, and celebrates independent filmmaking, particularly Napa Boys, which he calls a bold, original, and proudly divisive comedy made without studio interference. The episode closes with a heartfelt cinema repentance booth moment, where Mitchell apologizes for his 'basic' tastes and commits to finally watching classic black-and-white films, starting with the forgotten gem Footlight Parade.
Comedies like Napa Boys thrive in theaters—shared laughter and audience reactions are essential to their impact.
Independent, no-notes filmmaking leads to bolder, more original work that challenges audiences and defies mainstream expectations.
The theatrical experience is irreplaceable, especially for intense or emotionally charged films, as home viewing often disrupts the filmmaker's intended emotional arc.
Over-saturation of franchises (like Star Wars) and the 'monkey's paw' effect of endless content can ruin fan joy—knowing when to step away is a sign of respect for the art.
Your most passionate movie opinions are often the ones you should keep to yourself, especially in Hollywood, where they can backfire spectacularly.
…and 3 more takeaways available in PodZeus
Welcome to the Confessional
Paul Scheer and Amy Nicholson introduce the episode and guest Mike Mitchell, setting the tone for raw, unfiltered cinematic confessions.
The 2005 Oscar Fuck, Marry, Kill
“I would marry Scorsese. I would fuck Clint Eastwood. And then I have to kill Alexander Payne? Wow, you said it. It came out to you very natural that you had to kill Alexander Payne.”
The Embarrassment of Being Too Honest
“I was like, fuck. And I just, I was just screaming fuck. And he was just laughing. He just laughed at me to his credit.”
The Value of 'Bad' Movies
“I still adore movies like that and, you know, they don't get the credit they deserve a lot of the time and they're never in, you know, like, I don't know if anyone else would want to be in Deep Blue Sea but that movie ruled and it meant a lot to me when I was younger.”
The Franchise Fatigue and the Art of Leaving Happy
“I think if you can go out satisfied, then it never is sullied in your mind. And I think unfortunately with many Star Wars fans, we all, we kept on eating after the expiration date.”
“I think that's a big distinction. You actually subject yourself to the 90 minutes or in the Avatar sense, three hours and 40 minutes. You have an earned opinion, which is rare and rare and rare these days.”
“I'm sorry for my love of Goodfellas. I wear it on my sleeve. I think maybe I should apologize for liking so many bro movies. You know what I mean? I do have basic tastes a lot of the time...”
“I would marry Scorsese. I would fuck Clint Eastwood. And then I have to kill Alexander Payne? Wow, you said it. It came out to you very natural that you had to kill Alexander Payne.”
Hosts
Guest
Mike Mitchell
person
Paul Scheer
person
Amy Nicholson
person
Napa Boys
media
The Doughboys
media
Sideways
media
Coke Freestyle Machine
product
Star Wars
other
Goodfellas
media
Alexander Payne
person
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