Exploding Helicopter – Details, episodes & analysis

“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 action. 

Episode 149.

Show notes

Dante’s Peak (1997)
Director: Roger Donaldson
Cast: Pierce Brosnan, Linda Hamilton
Plot: A volcanologist arrives at a countryside town recently named the second-most desirable place to live in America, and discovers that a nearby long-dormant volcano may awaken at any moment.

“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.

“Whatever happens, we’ll always remember our silver wedding anniversary.”

On this show Will takes Dara hostage in order to review the 1980s action classic The Delta Force (1986).

Among the topics of discussions: the film’s surprisingly accurate dramatisation of a real-life airplane hijacking, how on earth the cast stars four Oscar winners, and the weird incompetence of America's 'elite' special forces.

They also examine the film’s stunning exploding helicopter and what may well be the greatest opening scene in cinematic history.

Episode 50.

“If you lie to me I hurt you.”

On this show Will is joined by Ben Dadds from Top Film Tip for an enhanced interrogation of Zero Dark Thirty (2012).

They unpick the controversy around the film’s depiction of torture, what story Kathryn Bigelow was trying to tell, and a considered discussion as to who among the cast wears the worst wig.

They also examine the film’s exploding helicopter action which “really gets the helicopter hormones going”.

Episode 49.

“I’m sorry, I didn’t mean to interrupt your threat.”

On this episode Will is joined by Todd Liebenow from the Forgotten Filmcast to review Sixties mystery thriller Arabesque (1966).

Among the topics of discussion, Stanley Donen’s psychedelia-inspired direction, the awkward chemistry between Gregory Peck and Sophia Loren, and what on earth the plot’s meant to be about.

They also take a look at one of cinema’s earliest exploding helicopters where the whirlybird is destroyed by the unconventional use of a ladder.

Episode 48.

“What do you say we play a little Bangkok rules?”

On this show Will injects Nick Rehak from French Toast Sunday with a lethal virus and blackmails him into reviewing Escape From LA (1996).

They try to figure out what the hell John Carpenter was attempting with this film and whether this it accurately predicts the American of 2017.

And we of course examine the film’s futuristic exploding helicopter action.

Episode 47.

“Let’s kill ‘em all.”

On this show Will and Dara bravely take on Courage Under Fire (1996).
Among the topics of discussion, the film’s Rashomon-influenced structure, Matt Damon’s coming of age performance, and the stunning sight of Lou Diamond Phillips' jockstrap.

They also attempt to tackle the thorny philosophical question of whether you can explode an already exploded helicopter.

Episode 46.

“I thought Christmas only came once a year.”

Will is joined by Joe Scaramanga of the Now Music Fan Blog to review The World Is Not Enough (1999).

Pierce Brosnan’s third outing as 007 is regularly ranked as one of the worst ever Bond movies. But does the film deserve its reputation? Or was it an ambitious attempt to rejuvenate the formula that paved the way for the Daniel Craig era?

They also discuss James Bond’s licence to kill helicopters, and two chopper fireballs which leave our reviewers shaken but unstirred.

Episode 45.

“Blimey! I thought I smelled cabbage.”

On this show Will and Dara dig out their thick-rimmed glasses, crushed velvet flares, and anachronistic social attitudes to review Austin Powers In Goldmember (2002).

Does Mike Myers’ spy spoof comedy hold up? Did Jimmy Savile ruin this film? How to swear in Japanese, and a surprisingly heartfelt appreciation of the life and works of Susannah Hoffs.

Oh, and not to forget a review of a truly awe-inspiring exploding helicopter.

Episode 44.