“Arigato Gamera…..” On this episode we review the Japanese monster movie, Gamera vs Gyaos (1967). We discuss how the titular prehistoric turtle matches up against Godzilla, the film’s kid friendly slant, and whether all Japanese children are evil sacks of lard. We also examine the exploding helicopter action and the Chinook to ever be blown up on film. Our special guest this time is Fred Andersson. Episode 160.
“Relax – we’re the good guys.” On this show we look at the Bruce Willis science fiction thriller SURROGATES (2009). The film explores what happens when humans being abandon the real world for a virtual one… what could possibly go wrong? Episode 159.
“The thing is – they make you put the furniture together yourself.” On this episode we take a look at another attempt to make a film about people tapping a computer keyboard, SWORDFISH (2001). We discuss the history of computer hacking on film and why the makers of this film blew up completely the wrong helicopter. Episode #158
“You can’t kill me – I’m already dead.” On this exciting episode of Exploding Stagecoach we take a look at one of the most divisive films in the history of wooden wheeled transportation destruction, Van Helsing (2004). We discuss what happens when movie monsters collide, the Universal Horror Universe, and all the horse drawn fireball action. Episode 157.
Before Roger Moore got his licence to kill, he was able to give his 007 persona a dry run in a little-known espionage thriller that’s fallen between the cinema seats of film history, CROSSPLOT (1969). We’re joined by the Lambcast’s Richard Kirkham to see how Britain’s favourite eyebrow waggler acquits himself in this tale of international intrigue and assignation. Episode 156.
“It’s not the meat – it’s the heat.” On this episode we look at Zach Snyder’s zombie heist movie, ARMY OF THE DEAD (2021). As we review the film, we try to make sense of Snyder’s career and an exploding helicopter that is as divisive as the CGI enthusiast himself. Episode 155.
“You’ve been killing me with Hitler’s gun?” On this episode of Exploding Helicopter, we look at the time loop action-comedy BOSS LEVEL (2021). We discuss the film’s video game influenced take on the concept before frazzling our brains by trying to work out EXACTLY how many exploding helicopters the movie features. It’s gets meta-physical baby! Episode 154. Show notes Boss Level (2021) Director: Joe Carnahan Cast: Frank Grillo, Naomi Watts, Mel Gibson, Michelle Yeoh Plot: Trapped in a time loop t...
“This body will take some getting used to.” On this episode of the Exploding Helicopter podcast, we look at a remake of one of the most famous science fiction films of the 1950s, THE DAY THE EARTH STOOD STILL (2008). We discuss the film’s thematic update, the futile efforts to launch Jaden Smith’s acting career, and, of course, the exploding helicopter action. Episode 153.
“I don’t turn into an idiot just because I get horny.” On this show we look at the ultimate high concept thriller, DEADLY ENCOUNTER (1982) – a film about a 90-minute-long helicopter pursuit. We discuss the film’s extravagant aerial stunts, Larry Hagman as a leading man, and whether you can mix and match your aviation fuels. And we of course look at the exploding helicopter action. Show notes Deadly Encounter (1982) Director: William A Graham Cast: Larry Hagman, Susan Anspach, James Gammon Plot: ...
"Listen to me if you want to live." On this show we take a look at the insane, non stop, action-fest CARTER (2022) that's filmed as if it were all one take. We're joined by Nick Rehak to discuss the film's unconventional approach and marvel at not one, not two, not three, but four, YES FOUR, exploding helicopters. Episode 151.
“Did you leave a cigarette burning?” On this episode we look at one of classics of the disaster movie boom of the 1970s, The Towering Inferno (1974). We’re joined by Nick Rehak to discuss the future of Faye Dunaway’s journalism career, how much water you can really store at the top of a skyscraper, and all the exploding helicopter action. Episode 150.
“Get real Beavis – she’s just clearing her throat.” On this episode we look at yet another volcano disaster movie that features an exploding helicopter, DANTE’S PEAK (1997). There was really only one man for this job, so we’re joined once again by magma movie enthusiast Fred Andersson to discuss the alluring appeal of Pierce Brosnan, the gratuitous glory of grandmothers being dissolved in acid lakes, some of the best miniature work we’ve ever seen, and – of course – the exploding helicopter acti...
"You're not going to kill anyone else are you?" On this episode we're looking at the film that attempted to turn Sir Anthony Hopkins into the next James Bond, WHEN EIGHT BELLS TOLL (1971). To see if we should award Old Tony a license to thrill is Richard Kirkham from the cryptically titled Kirkham A Movie A Day. Episode 148. NB - Unfortunately, this episode suffers from some audio issues. Hopefully, they're not too distracting.
“Fifty bucks and the monkey can watch” On this show we’re taking a look an animated film that celebrates the Eighties maverick cop genre, CHUCK STEEL: NIGHT OF THE TRAMPIRES (2018). Our guest on this episode is a podcaster on the edge, a maverick broadcaster who plays by his own rules, is Matt Poirier from the DTV Connoisseur. Episode 147 Twitter: @chopperfireball Website: explodinghelicopter.com Instagram: explodinghelicopter...
“Most human problems can be solved with an appropriate charge of high explosive” During the 1980s, it seemed as if Hollywood sent every one of its action stars on unsanctioned missions to Vietnam to rescue American POWs. But before Chuck Norris and Sylvester Stallone got in on the MIA rescuing act, it was the more unlikely figure of Gene Hackman who first went in to get ‘our boys’ back. So, on this show, we’re looking at the film that kicked off an entire sub-genre of the Eighties Namsploitation...
“Strange... I seem to remember... that the cathedral was on the other side of the square.” On this episode of Exploding Cable Car we take a look at the classic war epic WHERE EAGLES DARE (1968). We discuss inept interrogation tactics, Richard Burton’s bad mood, and all the explosive cable transportation action. Episode 145.
“It’s time to befriend the devil.” On this episode we return to the world of Bollywood to look at Shah Rukh Khan’s action blockbuster PATHAAN (2023). We fire up the wind machine so Asim Burney from the Khandaan podcast can make a suitably dramatic return to the show. We discuss screen bromances, scandalous bikinis, and whether it’s not too late for us to get a sculpted six pack. Episode 144. Show notes Director: Siddharth Anand Cast: Shah Rukh Khan, John Abraham, Deepika Padukone, Salman Khan, D...
“Gentlemen – cancel your turkey orders.” On this show we rig for silent running and plunge below crush depth to review the French submarine thriller The Wolf’s Call (2019). Show notes The Wolf’s Call (2019) Director: Antonin Baudry Cast: Francois Civil, Omar Sy, Reda Kateb Plot: In the near future, a French submarine finds itself in a crisis situation.
“You wouldn’t hit a lady would ya?” Over a near 20-year period Clint Eastwood was one of the most popular box office stars in American cinema. On this episode we take a look at a film from Old Squint’s commercial pomp, THE GAUNTLET (1977). We take a look at a film that appears to be just another run of the mill cop thriller from the Man With No Name, but under the surface turns out to be peculiarly odd. Episode 142.
“She was as easy to crack as a raw egg.” On this episode we take a look at one of the most important exploding helicopter scenes in film history. But before we do that, we discuss Narrow Margin (1990), Peter Hyams’ remake of a film noir classic. Film notes Narrow Margin (1990) Director: Peter Hyams Cast: Gene Hackman, Anne Archer, M Emmet Walsh, JT Walsh Plot: A Los Angeles Deputy District Attorney is sent to protect a woman who accidentally witnessed a Mafia murder. Episode 141. Follow Explodin...
“Wow – that tongue thing is amazing.” On this episode we take a look at Michael Bay’s The Island (2005). We discuss how well the inventor of ‘Bayhem’ handles a film which attempts an exploration of philosophical and ethical questions whilst trying to figure out why we keep wanting to buy expensive consumer goods. Oh, and of course we take a look at the exploding helicopter action. Episode 140.
“Have you received adequate training for your profession?” On this show we’re taking a look at the Michael Douglas noughties comeback THE SENTINEL (2006). After a three year absence from acting everyone’s favourite recovering sex addict returned to the big screen with presidential assassination conspiracy thriller. Did we suffer a fatal attraction for The Sentinel? Or did fail to satisfy our basic instinct? After that we take some time to consider the musical career Kiefer Sutherland. Lucky us… ...
“You may be bulletproof – but you’re not love proof.” On this show we take a look at the cult Eighties action film BULLETPROOF (1987). We’re joined by Matt Poirier from the DTV Connoisseur to discuss the action movie credentials of Gary Busey, why you should take a nap around this film’s third innings, and whether it provided inspiration to the writers of The Simpsons. We also review the exploding helicopter action and discuss a method of chopper destruction that’s only been seen 8 times in the ...
“Now – just blink for yes – or die for no.” Over a 40-year career John Frankenheimer earned himself a reputation as one of Hollywood’s foremost directors of action and suspense films. Here we're joined by Nick Rehak to take a look at one of his less heralded films, Black Sunday (1977). While it may not have the prestige and plaudits of The Manchurian Candidate, Seven Days In May or Ronin, it does have an exploding helicopter (which elevates its status in our eyes). Show notes Black Sunday (1977)...
“The rich must pay or the rich will die.” On the new Exploding Helicopter we’re joined by Doug Tilley from Cinema Smorgasbord to look at a very strange film: ASSAULT IN PARADISE (1977). We try to decide if the film was trying to make a sophisticated exploration of the exploitation of Native Americans, or if it was just a confused mess of a movie with nothing to say. We discuss seduction at gunpoint, comedic car chases, wildly inappropriate cultural appropriation, and, of course, the exploding he...
“Mother goose, mother goose, the quails are in the nest.” We take a look at the maritime-themed spin on Die Hard that briefly turned Steven Seagal into an A-list action movie star: UNDER SIEGE (1992). Was this film really a Steven Seagal vehicle though? Why did Tommy Lee Jones never record a blues rock album? And was the action in this film really no better than the Tom Cruise and Nicole Kidman ‘Oirish’ drama Far And Away? All these points and the exploding helicopter action are discussed in our...
“What are you worried about? They’re only toys.” On this episode we’re reviewing Joe Dante’s SMALL SOLDEIRS (1998). We discuss this surprisingly dark kids flick, subversive messaging and, of course, the exploding helicopter action. Show notes Small Soldiers (1998) Director: Joe Dante Cast: Kirsten Dunst, Kevin Dunn, Dennis Leary, Phil Hartman, Robert Picardo, Dick Miller, Tommy Lee Jones, Ernest Borgnine, Frank Langella, Bruce Dern, George Kennedy, Christina Ricci and Sarah Michelle Geller. Plot...
“Some of the men say it’s one of those abdominal snowmen.” On this episode of Exploding Air Boat we take a look at one of the classics of the propeller assisted water transport genre, SWAMP THING (1982). We’re joined by Nick Rehak to discuss the film’s strange cult status, monster costumes and the spectacular air boat action. Episode 133.
“Only a lunatic would build a world class resort on a ticking time bomb of molten earth.” On this show we do the deep dive on the shallowest volcano movie ever made, SKYFIRE (2019). We’re joined by disaster movie aficionado Fred Andersson to discuss spectacular set-pieces, one dimensional characters, and a classic exploding helicopter. Show notes Skyfire (2019) Director: Simon West Cast: Hannah Quinlivan, Wang Xue-Qi, Jason Isaacs Plot: Geologist Wentao Li (Xueqi Wang) vowed he would never retur...
”Somebody - for some reason - wants us to believe that we’re back in 1941.” On this show we spiral backwards through the time tunnel to review THE FINAL COUNTDOWN (1980). We discuss time paradoxes, marvel at the art of background acting, and admire the film’s military hardware. Oh, and we of course discuss an exploding helicopter which may secure the outcome of WWII. Show notes The Final Countdown (1980) Director: Don Sharp Cast: Kirk Douglas, Martin Sheen, Charles Durning, Ron O’Neal, Katharine...
