Explore every episode of the podcast Exploding Helicopter
Dive into the complete episode list for Exploding Helicopter. Each episode is cataloged with detailed descriptions, making it easy to find and explore specific topics. Keep track of all episodes from your favorite podcast and never miss a moment of insightful content.
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Title
Pub. Date
Duration
Episode 175: The Jewel Of The Nile
01 Sep 2026
00:39:20
“No sheep is safe tonight.”
On this episode we take a look at THE JEWEL OF THE NILE (1985) to see if how the sequel to the Eighties box office smash Romancing The Stone measured up.
We’re joined by Jairo from the True Bromance podcast to discuss whether Kathleen Turner’s dancing, extensive scenes of fire-breathing and juggling, and a [possibly] pharmaceutically enhanced Danny De Vito, can make up for a spectacularly lacklustre script. And of course we examine an exploding helicopter that’s the equivalent of cinematic pizza.
We travel into the near future and check in at HOTEL ARTEMIS (2018), a mysterious, members only hospital for crooks, hitmen and con artists.
We discuss the John Wick vibes, genre mash ups, and an exploding helicopter that could double as a video art installation.
Show notes
Hotel Artemis (2018) Plot: Set in riot-torn, near-future Los Angeles, 'Hotel Artemis' follows the Nurse, who runs a secret, members-only emergency room for criminals. Cast: Jodie Foster, Sterling K Brown, Jeff Goldblum, Zachary Quinto, Sofia Boutella, Dave Bautista
Episode 174.
Episode 173: Half Past Dead 2
01 Jul 2026
00:42:03
“They don’t call me the Alaskan pipeline for nothing.”
How bad does a film have to be that Steven Seagal won’t star in it? We go looking for the answer in HALF PAST DEAD 2 (2007), the Seagal-free follow up to the Buddhist botherer’s prison escape movie.
We joined by Nick Rehak to discuss which minor cast member from the original film has been promoted to leading man status, and the other strained efforts at series continuity. We also examine an exploding helicopter scene that is troublingly familiar.
On this episode we investigate a movie made by a unique British filmmaker: Cliff Twemlow. After working as a bodybuilder, bouncer, music composter and novelist, Twemlow decided to reinvent himself as a movie mogul. Over a 10-year period, he made a string of low budget – and often no budget - films for the home video market. Here, we look at one of his works, TARGET EVE ISLAND (1983).
We’re joined by Doug Tilley from Cinema Smorgasbord to look at the fascinating life, career, and work of Cliff Twemlow. And as part of this, we also discuss the documentary MANCUNIAN MAN: THE LEGENDARY LIFE OF CLIFF TWEMLOW (2023).
“We got the best ball and chain in the world – your ass.”
On this episode we take a look at futuristic prison movie starring Rutger Hauer: WEDLOCK (1991). We discuss cinema’s most typecast actors, jailhouse conjugals, and all the exploding helicopter action.
Show notes Wedlock (1991) aka Deadlock Plot: A male prison escapee heads for his hidden loot electronically attached to a female prisoner. Director: Lewis Teague Cast: Rutger Hauer, Mimi Rogers, James Remar, Joan Chen, Stephen Tobolowsky, Danny Trejo
“And grab some toilet paper – I ain’t gonna use no leaves”
On this episode of Exploding Vertical Take Off and Landing Aircraft we look at a film heralded as one of the most right-wing movies ever made, RED DAWN (1984).
After the Soviet Union and their allies invade the good ol’ USA, it is up to a ragtag collection of teenagers to kick some Commie arse. We marvel at Lea Thompson’s guerrilla chic, Harry Dean Stanton’s guide to good parenting, and – of course – the exploding vertical take-off and landing aircraft action.
Joining me behind enemy lines on this show is the DTV Connoisseur himself, Matt Poirier.
Episode 170.
Episode 169: White House Down
01 Mar 2026
00:41:16
“It’s a gift certificate for a massage.”
2013 was a banner year for actions films set in the White House with not, one, but TWO movies where a lowly federal functionary must save the President from terrorists. Having already reviewed Olympus Has Fallen, we’re turning our attentions to Roland Emmerich’s WHITE HOUSE DOWN (2013).
Joining me in the podcast equivalent of the Oval Office is Matt Poirier from the DTV Connoisseur. We discuss fictional presidents as action movie heroes, a candidate for the most irritating child actor ever seen on screen, and, of course, all the exploding helicopter action.
Episode 169.
Episode 168: Half Past Dead
01 Feb 2026
00:43:23
“It’s a nice night to die.”
On this episode we review a pivotal film in the career of Steven Seagal. HALF PAST DEAD (2002) was the aikido arm thrower’s last theatrically released movie before he moved into the netherworld of DTV. But what do we make of the pony-tailed pugilist’s last cinematic outing?
From gigging with Michael Jackson, to unconvincing hair dye, to a controversial exploding helicopter scene, we discuss every element of this important film.
Show notes
Half Past Dead Director: Don Michael Paul Stars: Steven Seagal, Ja Rule, Tony Plana, Morris Chestnut, Linda Thorson, Nia Peeples Plot: FBI agent Sasha Petrosevitch goes undercover in the newly reopened Alcatraz prison to find out who killed his wife. While there he stumbles onto a plot involving a death-row inmate and his $200 million stash of gold.
“And I haven’t been laid since the Clinton administration.”
On this show we step into the world of low budget filmmaking to review the campy, fetish themed GIANTESS ATTACK VS MECHA FEMBOT (2019). We also witness cinematic history with a helicopter being destroyed by a giant pair of boobs.
Episode 167.
Show notes Giantess Attack vs Mecha Fembot (2019) Director: Jeff Leroy Starring: Tasha Tacosa, Rachel Riley, Christine Nguyen Plot: The evil space queen Metaluna unleashes a giant female cyborg to destroy an animal shelter. Can the two stars of a cancelled TV show overcome their animosity and destroy the titanic robot? Follow Exploding Helicopter Bluesky: @chopperfireball.bsky.social Website: explodinghelicopter.com Instagram: explodinghelicopter
Episode 166: Santa's Slay
25 Dec 2025
00:32:17
“Thank you for not making us poor – or Samoan.”
On this brand new episode of Exploding Sleigh we take a look at a festive-themed entry in the combustible snow sled genre, SANTA’S SLAY (2005).
In this twisted holiday tale, Santa is the not the portly present giver we’re all familiar with, but a demonic entity out on a murderous killing spree. But does this horror comedy deliver top quality laughs and the chills, and – more importantly – does it give us the sleigh combustion thrills we want?
Episode 166.
Episode 165: Godzilla: King Of The Monsters
01 Dec 2025
00:46:45
“Have you got a catchy name for this one?”
On this episode we look at a double helicopter homicide in GODZILLA: KING OF THE MONSTERS (2019).
We discuss the film’s attempt to simultaneously meld a climate change allegory with a moving family drama and a kaiju movie smackdown, before enjoying a little light relief by investigating the musical career of one of the film’s stars.
Episode 165.
Episode 164: Alien Rubicon
01 Nov 2025
00:35:51
“Really – a whole box of beef jerky?”
On this episode of we look at film history and a movie that features an incredible 13 exploding helicopters, the most in any film ever: ALIEN RUBICON (2024).
We discuss the film’s, erm, lack of discussion points, irritating lead characters, sloppy wardrobe decisions, and, of course, the exploding helicopter action.
Episode 164.
Show notes
Alien Rubicon (2024) Plot: A series of alien spheres land on planet Earth destroying everything in their path with ease. It's up to a scientist and the President of the USA to find a way to stop the alien invasion. Director: Adrian Avila Cast: Michael Pare, Preston Geer, Paul Logan
Episode 163: Guardians
01 Oct 2025
00:38:10
“In this world – even good has to clench its fists.”
You know what the trouble with superhero movies is? They’re all a bit too American. So, on this episode we’re taking a look at GUARDIANS (2017), a Russian attempt to create a team of caped crusaders.
We discuss the film’s Soviet Union inspired themes, it’s many similarities to Hollywood superhero movies, and the exploding helicopter action.
Episode 162: The Naked Gun 33 1/3 - The Final Insult
01 Sep 2025
00:59:27
“I treated him like my brother – the one I didn’t kill.”
In a desperate bid for topical relevancy, we thought the release of The Naked Gun reboot was a good reason to go back and review the only entry in that series to feature an exploding helicopter: The Naked Gun 33 1/3 – The Final Insult.
Joining us on this show is Doug Tilley (that’s t-i-l-l-E-y] from Cinema Smorgasbord. We discuss the fate of theatrical comedies, the film’s bizarre WWE tie-in, and a unique (well, almost) exploding helicopter.
On this episode we take a look at The Asylum’s BIGFOOT (2012), a film that pits Partridge Family and Brady Bunch alumni against each other in a wild fight to the death atop Mount Rushmore.
We’re joined by Matt Poirier from the DTV Connoisseur to discuss stunt casting, the curious film trope of presidential portraits, and the exact location of Kevin Costner’s statute from The Postman. All this, and a look at the first and only helicopter blown up by a trash can.
Episode 161.
Episode 160: Gamera vs Gyaos
01 Jul 2025
00:45:01
“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.
Episode 159: Surrogates
01 Jun 2025
00:35:51
“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.
Episode 158: Swordfish
01 May 2025
00:37:53
“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
Episode 157: Van Helsing
01 Apr 2025
00:33:05
“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.
Episode 156: Crossplot
01 Mar 2025
00:36:17
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.
Episode 155: Army Of The Dead
01 Feb 2025
00:39:07
“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.
Episode 154: Boss Level
01 Jan 2025
00:32:23
“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 that constantly repeats the day of his murder, a former special forces agent must unlock the mystery behind his untimely demise.
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.
Episode 152: Deadly Encounter
01 Nov 2024
00:35:51
“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: An ex-combat helicopter pilot helps a widowed ex-girlfriend find the black book her husband kept from mobsters.
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.
Episode 150: The Towering Inferno
01 Sep 2024
00:34:53
“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.
Episode 149: Dante's Peak
01 Aug 2024
00:47:14
“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.
Episode 148: When Eight Bells Toll
01 Jul 2024
00:34:44
"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.
Episode 147: Chuck Steel: Night Of The Trampires
01 Jun 2024
00:37:07
“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.
“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 movie boom, UNCOMMON VALOR (1983).
We’re joined by Todd Liebenow from the Forgotten Filmcast to discuss Nam movie tropes, the film’s wildly eclectic cast, and whether America got to win this time.
Show notes
Director: Ted Kotcheff Cast: Gene Hackan, Patrick Swayze, Randall ‘Tex’ Cobb, Fred Ward, Reb Brown, Robert Stack, Tim Thomerson, Harold Sylvester Plot: Ten years after his son went M.I.A. in Vietnam, U.S. Marine retired Colonel Jason Rhodes assembles a private rescue team to find Americans held in P.O.W. camps in Laos.
“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.
Episode 144: Pathaan
01 Mar 2024
00:44:46
“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, Dimple Kapadia Plot: An Indian agent races against a doomsday clock as a ruthless mercenary, with a bitter vendetta, mounts an apocalyptic attack against the country.
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.
Episode 142: The Gauntlet
01 Jan 2024
00:36:55
“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.
Episode 141: Narrow Margin
01 Dec 2023
00:36:13
“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.
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.
Episode 139: The Sentinel
01 Oct 2023
00:47:41
“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…
Episode 139.
Show notes
The Sentinel (2006) Director: Clark Johnson Cast: Michael Douglas, Kim Basinger, Kiefer Sutherland, Eva Longoria Plot: A Secret Service agent is framed as the mole in an assassination attempt on the President. He must clear his name and foil another assassination attempt while on the run from a Secret Service Protective Intelligence Division agent.
Episode 138: Bulletproof
01 Sep 2023
00:46:30
“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 entirety of film history!
Show notes
Bulletproof (1987) Director: Steve Carver Cast: Gary Busey, Henry Silva, Danny Trejo, William Smith, LQ Jones, RG Armstrong. Plot: McBain - a former CIA agent turned renegade – loose cannon cop is called back to action by The Agency when an experimental, super tank is stolen. Our hero is sent to Mexico to recover the super weapon from the rag tag collection of Arab terrorists and Latin American commies who are behind the heist.
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) Director: John Frankenheimer Cast: Robert Shaw, Steven Keats, Bruce Dern, Marthe Keller Plot: Terrorists attempt to blow up a Goodyear blimp hovering over the Super Bowl stadium in an attempt to kill the American president and 80,000 spectators.
Episode 136: Assault On Paradise
01 Jul 2023
00:43:48
“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 helicopter action!
Listen now, listen later, but just make sure you listen
Show notes
Assault In Paradise (1977) Director: Richard Compton Cast: Oliver Reed, John Ireland, Stuart Whitman, Paul Koslo, Deborah Raffin Plot: An Arizona resort town is rocked when local cops are struck down by a crossbow-wielding assassin dressed as a Native American. The perpetrator of these murders is demanding a million-dollar payoff from the town’s wealthiest citizens – lest they become his next victims. Fearing for their lives – and no doubt hoping to save themselves a few quid – the town’s gentry call in a hard-drinking mercenary to stop the reign of terror before the killer notches up more victims.
“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 new show.
Episode 135.
Show notes
Under Siege (1992) Director: Andrew Davis Cast: Steven Seagal, Tommy Lee Jones, Gary Busey, Erika Eleniak Plot: An ex-Navy Seal turned cook is the only person who can stop a group of terrorists when they seize control of a U.S. battleship.
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: When missile technology is used to enhance toy action figures, the toys soon begin to take their battle programming too seriously.
“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.
Episode 132: Skyfire
01 Mar 2023
00:41:18
“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 return to Tianhuo Island after a catastrophic volcano eruption tragically killed his wife. But 20 years later, his daughter Meng works on the island that took her mother's life, developing an eruption forecasting system. The island has now been transformed into a theme park by greedy businessman Jack Harris (Jason Isaacs) despite Meng's warnings. As the volcano begins to erupt, it's a race against the clock to save the tourists and villagers from the apocalyptic chaos.
”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 Ross Plot: A modern aircraft carrier is thrown back in time to 1941 near Hawaii, just hours before the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor.
On this show we take a look at the insane genre mash-up SOLDIER BOYZ (1995) – a film that attempts to fuse a prison movie, a teen drama with a ‘back to Vietnam rescue mission’ action film.
Matt Poirier from the DTV Connoisseur returns to the show to discuss young offender rehabilitation, the film’s computer game spin-off and the only collaboration to date between Michael Dudikoff and Darren Aronofsky.
Show notes
Soldier Boyz (1995) Director: Louis Morneau Cast: Micahel Dudikoff, Cary Tagawa, Don Stroud, Jacqueline Obradors Plot: After the daughter of a wealthy American businessman is captured by a Vietnamese guerrilla group – an ex-Marine turned juvenile prison counsellor - is hired to lead a rescue mission alongside six young offenders.
“You wait – my travel agent is going to hear about this.”
On this episode we take a look at EVASIVE ACTION (1998) a film which tries to recreate the magic of Con Air, but this time on a train.
Jay Cluitt from the Con Air: The Podcast joins us to look at the uncanny and shameless similarity to the Nicholas Cage classic. We also examine the little known musical career of one of the film’s stars and, of course, the exploding helicopter action.
Show notes
Evasive Action (1998) Director: Jerry P Jacobs Cast: Dorian Harewood, Roy Scheider, Ray Wise, Sam Jones, Clint Howard Plot: A group of dangerous prisoners need to be transported to a new, maximum security, prison. Having witnessed the disastrous events of Con Air – when the authorities tried to transfer prisoners by plane – the criminals here are to be transported in a special rail carriage attached to a regular passenger train. But it soon becomes apparent that some of the prisoners have an escape plan.
On this episode we don our tin foil hats to review the conspiracy thriller SHADOW CONSPIRACY (1997).
We’re joined by Nick Rehak to discuss conspicuous hitmen, the cinematic significance of basketball, and Stephen Lang’s hair through the ages. Oh, and we also talk about an exploding helicopter that one of our hosts declares the best they’ve even seen!
Show notes
Director: George P Cosmatos Cast: Charlie Sheen, Linda Hamilton, Donald Sutherland, Sam Waterston, Ben Gazarra, Gore Vidal, Stephen Lang Plot: Bishop, trusted advisor to the president, has shots fired at him when Pachenko comes to him about a traitor in highest level of government. He gets away from the cold blooded assassin twice. Will he find the traitor before getting killed?
After punishing ourselves by reviewing Roland Emmerich’s 1998 version, we turn our attentions to the Gareth Edwards helmed reboot, remake, re-quel GODZILLA (2014).
Big G superfan joins us to discuss how this version honours/besmirches (delete as appropriate) the monster series traditions. And we of course look at the exploding helicopter action. Or, in this case, the exploding helicopter chain reaction.
Show notes
Director Gareth Edwards Cast: Aaron Taylor-Johnson, Elizabeth Olsen, Bryan Cranston, Juliette Binoche, Ken Watanabe Plot: Ford Brody - a Navy bomb expert - has just reunited with his family in San Francisco when he is forced to go to Japan to help his estranged father, Joe. Soon - both men are swept up in an escalating crisis when Godzilla - rises from the sea to combat malevolent adversaries that threaten the survival of humanity.
Episode 127.
Episode 126: Black Hawk Down
01 Sep 2022
00:37:50
“It’s all in the grind Sizemore.”
On this show we’re taking a look at Ridley Scott’s war epic BLACK HAWN DOWN (2001).
As the events the film depict fade from memory, how does it play today? What point was the film trying to make? And how in the hell has Ridley Scott only ever made one film with exploding helicopter. We ask many questions on this show, but do we have any answers? Listen now and find out.
Show notes
Director: Ridley Scott Cast: Ewan McGregor, Eric Bana, Josh Hartnett, Sam Shepherd, Tom Sizemore Plot: US soldiers are dropped into Mogadishu in October 1993 to capture the lieutenants of a renegade warlord, but find themselves in a desperate battle with a large force of heavily-armed Somalis.