“No more Mr Nice Guy.” We’re joined by Doug Tilley from Cinema Smogasbord to discuss Sam Raimi’s Darkman (1990). We discuss the film’s origins and inspirations, its place in the development of superhero movies and its subsequent comic book adaptation. Oh, and we also look at the spectacular exploding helicopter action. Show notes Darkman (1990) Director: Sam Raimi Cast: Liam Neeson, France McDormand, Larry Drake Plot: A brilliant scientist left for dead returns to exact revenge on the people who...
Nov 17, 2020•48 min
“There goes my safety record” We’re joined once again by Brett and Ty from Comeuppance Reviews to shine a light on one of the undiscovered gems of DTV action: CRACKERJACK 2 (1997). We discuss the film’s (sadly) unsuccessful attempt to turn Judge Reinhold into an action movie film star, the weird world of unlikely DTV action heroes, and the exploding helicopter action. Show notes Director: Robert Lee Cast: Judge Reinhold, Carol Alt, Michael Sarrazin Plot: A policeman working alone must rescue his...
Oct 27, 2020•40 min
“We’re lions – and that ain’t ever gonna change.” On this show we’re joined by Todd Gaines of Bulletproof Action and Letterboxd fame to review ANGEL HAS FALLEN (2019). We discuss the most surprising entry in the Has Fallen franchise and one of the few films where we get to see the Presidential helicopter blown up. Show notes Director: Ric Roman Waugh Cast: Gerard Butler, Morgan Freeman, Danny Huston, Piper Perabo, Lance Reddick, Nick Nolte Plot: Mike Banning is framed for the attempted assassina...
Oct 06, 2020•45 min
“Free hots dogs for life. No drinks.” On this episode Will is joined by Nick Rehak from French Toast Sunday to take a look at the buddy cop genre parody THE OTHER GUYS (2010). They also take a look at a very special and unique exploding helicopter. Show notes Director: Adam McKay Cast: Mark Wahlberg, Will Ferrell, Dwayne Johnson, Samuel L Jackson, Steve Coogan, Michael Keaton, Eva Mendes. Plot: Two mismatched New York City detectives seize an opportunity to step up like the city's top cops, whom...
Sep 15, 2020•32 min
“Meat Inspectors – don’t even fart.” On this show Exploding Helicopter pays tribute to one of its favourite actors, Brian Dennehy, who died earlier this year. We’re joined by the DTV Connoisseur himself, Matt Poirier to reminisce about our favourite Dennehy performance and take a look at his vigilante cop thriller THE LAST OF THE FINEST (1990) . Show notes The Last Of The Finest (1990) Director: John Mackenzie Cast: Brian Dennehy, Joe Pantoliano, Bill Paxton, Jeff Fahey Plot: An elite group of v...
Aug 25, 2020•41 min
“My name is Alice and I remember everything.” We return to the world of video game adaptations once again to take a look at Resident Evil: Apocalypse (2004). Guesting on this show is Nick Rehak from French Toast Sunday. Show notes Director: Alexander Witt Cast: Milla Jovovich, Sienna Guillory, Iain Glen, Jared Harris Plot: Alice wakes up in the Racoon city hospital after the city has been overrun by zombies, and must now make it out of the city before a nuclear bomb is dropped on the city. Episo...
Aug 04, 2020•35 min
“That’s what we call women empowerment.” On this show we make another visit to the world of Indian action cinema to take a look at TIGER ZINDA HAI (2017). Once again Nick Rehak from French Toast Sunday joins us to help review the film. Show notes Tiger Zinda Hai (2017) Plot: When a group of Indian and Pakistani nurses are held hostage in Iraq by a terrorist organization, a secret agent is drawn out of hiding to rescue them. Director: Ali Abbas Zafar Cast: Salman Khan, Katrina Kaif, Anupriya Goen...
Jul 14, 2020•38 min
“You’ve lived through the collapse of vaudeville and burlesque.” On the episode we take a look at the volcano-themed, disaster film WHEN TIME RAN OUT… (1980). A notorious critical and commercial flop, the movie has now passed into legend as the film that killed off the Seventies disaster genre. Helping Will to review the film is When Time Ran Out super-fan Fred Andersson from Schmollywood Babylon. They discuss the film’s “beautiful melodrama”, its questionable special effects, and why this film ...
Jun 23, 2020•46 min
“Can I hitch a ride to the liquor store?” Helicopter explosions in films are very much an international phenomenon and on this episode we cast our cinematic eye on the Swedish cop thriller MAN ON THE ROOF (1976) . To discuss the film we’re joined by Anders and Jonas from the Pod Hard podcast to discuss the film’s strange blend of gritty social realism and Dirty Harry-style maverick cop action. We also take a look at a helicopter explosion that’s considered the ‘proudest moment in Swedish action ...
Jun 02, 2020•41 min
“You owe me a meatball sandwich.” On this episode, Exploding Helicopter takes a look at one of the worst ever films by one of the one worst ever directors. Yes, we’re diving headlong into one of Uwe Boll’s notorious videogame adaptations, FAR CRY (2008) only to ask, ‘Is it really that bad?’ To answer this important question we’re joined once again by Nick Rehak from French Toast Sunday who helps us look at a very memorable chopper fireball. Show notes Far Cry (2008) Director: Uwe Boll Cast: Til ...
May 12, 2020•34 min
“Must have been domestic.” On this episode we wind the clock back to the early Eighties to take a look at the cult martial arts movies KILL AND KILL AGAIN (1981) . We’re joined by Brett and Ty from Comeuppance Reviews to discuss what many people (just us, really) are hailing as the most influential film ever made (terms and conditions apply). World domination through potato-based mind control, ninja armies and British cinema’s bizarre obsession with nunchuck censorship are just some of the topic...
Apr 21, 2020•43 min
“If you touch the fro, you got to go.” On the new Exploding Golf Cart we take a look at a film often hailed by fans as a classic of the combustible cart genre, UNDERCOVER BROTHER (2002). Is this blaxsploitation and spy movie spoof, a top of the leaderboard comedy, or does it miss the cut? And does the exploding golf cart action live up to the hype? Join us on the first tee to find out! Caddying for Will on this show is Nick Rehak from French Toast Sunday. Show notes UNDERCOVER BROTHER (2002) Dir...
Apr 01, 2020•27 min
“She’s the monster, I’m the robot.” Will is joined by Nick Rehak from French Toast Sunday to review the romantic comedy, meets Japanese kaiju movie, meets dark relationship drama, Colossal (2017). They try to work what sort of film it is, and then look at a rare ‘slap-sticky’ exploding helicopter. Show notes Colossal (2017) Directed by: Nacho Vigalondo Starring: Anne Hathaway, Jason Sudekis, Dan Stevens Plot: Gloria is an out-of-work party girl forced to leave her life in New York City and move ...
Mar 07, 2020•27 min
“You want bread? See a baker.”For reasons lost in the mists of time, it used to be all the rage for action films to pair a martial artist with a rapper. So, on this show, we’re looking at one of curiosities of this odd action trend: China Strike Force (2000). A film that saw martial arts luminary Mark Dacascos teamed up with everyone’s favourite, sticky-up haired rapper, Coolio. Helping us review the film is Alex Rallo from One Perfect Headshot . Show notes China Strike Force (2000) Director: St...
Feb 15, 2020•42 min
“That’s okay, my wife’s a gorilla too.” Will is joined by Nick Rehak from French Toast Sunday to review the bonkers King Kong rip-off The Mighty Peking Man (1977). Among the topics of discussion are the films *ahem* unique special effects, the strange adult themed plot, and – of course – the spectacular exploding helicopter action. Episode 86 Show notes The Mighty Peking Man (1977) Plot: King Kong goes Hong Kong as a giant Himalayan beast tries to save a sexy Russia Tarzanette from a sleazy show...
Jan 26, 2020•35 min
“Aren’t you going to congratulate me – it’s my 20th birthday.” It’s a very special episode of Exploding Helicopter as we take a look at Dragon Wars (2007), the film with most helicopter explosions in cinematic history. To help us look at this piece film history we’re joined by Nick Rehak from French Toast Sunday. Show notes Dragon Wars (2007) Director: Hyung-rae Shim Cast: Jason Behr, Amanda Brooks, Robert Forster Plot: Once every 500 years, ancient mythical creatures come to Earth to wreak havo...
Jan 05, 2020•34 min
“We’re only screaming to scare them.” When you think of the great directors of Italian cinema you think of Fellini, Pasolini, Visconti, Antonioni, Rosselini and other people whose names end in ‘I’. But on this show we’re reviewing Codename Wild Geese (1984) and celebrating one of the unsung heroes of Italian cinema – Antonio Margheriti. We’re joined by Matt Poirier from DTV Connoisseur to review the film and we discuss the eclectic cast, and it’s unusual and spectacular special effects. Show not...
Dec 08, 2019•39 min
“You know, when I was your age – I was a tough son of a biscuit eater - just like you.” On this show, Exploding Helicopter takes a deep dive into the bonkers conspiracy thriller Amerigeddon (2016). After the United Nations engineers a military takeover over of the USA - yes, the same United Nations that struggles to organise a drinks reception in a wine bar – it’s up to one, lone, Texan family to lead the fight back. To help review the film Will is joined by Nick Rehak from French Toast Sunday ....
Nov 11, 2019•38 min
“Oo-be-dooby-do, where are you?” On this show Will is joined by Nick Rehak from French Toast Sunday to review the bonkers Stephen King adaptation, DREAMCATCHER (2003) . They try to work just what the hell is going on in the plot, why Morgan Freeman has been dressed as an owl, before taking a look at the film’s exploding helicopter action. Episode 82. Show notes Dreamcatcher (2003) Director: Lawrence KasdanStarring: Damian Lewis, Timothy Olyphant, Tom Sizemore, Donnie Wahlberg, Thomas Jane and Mo...
Oct 20, 2019•34 min
“Salami, cheese, pickles in a barrel.” On this show Will is joined by Todd Liebenow from the Forgotten Filmcast to review the Seventies conspiracy thriller The Domino Principle (1977) . They try and work out who’s out to get them while taking a look at an exciting exploding helicopter. Show notes The Domino Principle (1977) Director: Stanley Kramer Cast: Gene Hackman, Richard Widmark, Eli Wallach, Candice Bergen Plot summary: A Vietnam War veteran, imprisoned for murder, is offered his freedom i...
Sep 22, 2019•40 min
“Not bad for a tin man.” On this episode Will is joined by Chris Kavinsky from Bulletproof Action as they travel back in time to the video store era to review T-Force (1994) They discuss one of the high points of the PM Entertainment catalogue and why their films continue to enjoy a cult reputation today. And, of course, they look at an exploding helicopter that is crucial to the film’s plot. Episode 80. Show notes Director: Richard Pepin Actors: Jack Scalia, Erin Gray, Vernon Wells Plot: In the...
Aug 29, 2019•32 min
“Nice house. Cool view. Great scotch.” Heist films follow a largely identical template. A group of misfit individuals are brought together to execute a seemingly fool-proof plan, only for the whole enterprise to go disastrously wrong. So, given the plot of TAKERS (2010) , it seemed only fitting that Exploding Helicopter regulars Will and Dara teamed up with Barry and Jairo from The True Bromance Podcast to discuss this masterpiece of cinema. Episode 79. Show notes Takers (2010) Directed by John ...
Aug 04, 2019•50 min
"I've waited so long for you to pull my trigger." On this show we're looking at a historic film. GOLGO 13: THE PROFESSIONAL (1983) is the very first animation to incorporate CGI. Not only that, the groundbreaking specials effects are used to explode a helicopter. Amazing! Who thought Exploding Helicopter podcast could be so educational? To review this epoch marking event we're joined by Nick Rehak from French Toast Sunday. Episode 78. Show notes Golgo 13: The Professional (1983) Directed by Osam...
Jul 09, 2019•37 min
“We already had our Vietnam. Now you’re going to have yours.” We mark the 10th anniversary of Exploding Helicopter by taking a look at one of the classics of the exploding helicopter genre, Rambo III (1988) . We reflect on the last decade of gyratory destruction before getting stuck into Sylvester Stallone’s headband and mullet action. There’s incredibly bad Russian accents, an analysis of movie villains through the decades, and a dissection of four top quality exploding helicopters. Episode 77....
Jun 18, 2019•39 min
“Release the copper choppers.” On this episode we venture into the world of animated exploding helicopter action when we review The Lego Movie (2014) . We’re joined by Nick Rehak from French Toast Sunday to discuss the film’s blend of comedy, action and social critique. And, of course, we look at the rare animated exploding helicopter action. Episode 76.
May 18, 2019•39 min
“Japanese proverb say, bird never make nest in bare tree.” On this show Will is joined by Richard Kirkham from Kirkham A Movie A Day to review You Only Live Twice (1967) . They discuss the film’s highs (and many lows), and examine the first fully formed appearance of Blofeld in the Bond universe. They also take a look at the film’s outstanding aerial helicopter battle as 007 fights four Spectre choppers in the iconic ‘Little Nellie’. Episode 75 Show notes You Only Live Twice (1967) Director: Lew...
Apr 22, 2019•42 min
“Next time we’ll take the titanic.” On this episode of Exploding Airship we take a look at one of the classics of the genre, The Hindenburg (1975). Will is joined by Nick Rehak from French Toast Sunday to discuss the film’s conspiracy thriller plot, it’s sprawling cast, and – of course – the exploding airship action. Episode 74. Show notes Director: Robert Wise Cast: George C Scott, Anne Bancroft, Burgess Meredith, William Atherton, Charles Durning. Plot: A film that chronicles the events of the...
Apr 01, 2019•35 min
“Wait a minute, didn’t Snow White have seven dwarves?” Will is joined by Nick Rehak from French Toast Sunday to find out what happens when you cross a buddy cop film with a Bollywood musical when they review Dhoom 2 (2006) . They discuss the film’s over the top action sequences, dance numbers, and its chaotic efforts to incorporate every known genre (except horror) into one movie. And, of course, they take a look at the film’s spectacular exploding helicopter. Episode 73. Show notes Dhoom 2 (200...
Mar 14, 2019•37 min
“How much is an Arabian horse?” On this show Will is joined, once again, by Dara to look at the biographical war drama Lone Survivor (2013) starring Mark Wahlberg. They discuss the film’s brutal depiction of conflict, whether this is biography or hagiography, before swerving off for an examination of Mark Wahlberg’s musical career. And, as always, there’s a review of the film’s exploding helicopter action which features a unique chopper fireball. Episode 72. Show notes Director: Peter Berg Cast:...
Feb 21, 2019•38 min
“All this? For an over-sized crocodile?” On this special episode Exploding Helicopter travels back in time to 1959 to look at the very first film to feature an exploding helicopter: Behemoth The Sea Monster aka The Giant Behemoth. To review this historic moment, Will is joined by Nick Rehak from French Toast Sunday . They discuss the film’s creature feature thrills, the odd chemistry between the stars, and cinema’s first helicopter explosion. Don’t miss this episode of Exploding Helicopter as we...
Jan 31, 2019•36 min
