Exploding Helicopter

Episode 170: Red Dawn

Exploding Helicopter — Wed, 01 Apr 2026 04:00:00 +0000

“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

Exploding Helicopter — Sun, 01 Mar 2026 05:00:00 +0000

“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

Exploding Helicopter — Sun, 01 Feb 2026 05:00:00 +0000

“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.

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Episode 167: Giantess Attack vs Mecha Fembot

Exploding Helicopter — Thu, 01 Jan 2026 05:00:00 +0000

“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?
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Episode 166: Santa's Slay

Exploding Helicopter — Thu, 25 Dec 2025 05:00:00 +0000

“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

Exploding Helicopter — Mon, 01 Dec 2025 05:00:00 +0000

“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

Exploding Helicopter — Sat, 01 Nov 2025 06:00:00 +0000

“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

Exploding Helicopter — Wed, 01 Oct 2025 03:00:00 +0000

“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

Exploding Helicopter — Mon, 01 Sep 2025 03:00:00 +0000

“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.

Episode 162.

Show notes

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Facebook: facebook.com/groups/cinemasmorgasbord/
Bluesky: cinemasmorgasbord.bsky.social

Episode 161: Bigfoot

Exploding Helicopter — Fri, 01 Aug 2025 03:00:00 +0000

“I see you still like the granola type.”

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

Exploding Helicopter — Tue, 01 Jul 2025 03:00:00 +0000

“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

Exploding Helicopter — Sun, 01 Jun 2025 03:00:00 +0000

“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

Exploding Helicopter — Thu, 01 May 2025 03:00:00 +0000

“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

Exploding Helicopter — Tue, 01 Apr 2025 03:00:00 +0000

“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

Exploding Helicopter — Sat, 01 Mar 2025 04:00:00 +0000

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

Exploding Helicopter — Sat, 01 Feb 2025 04:00:00 +0000

“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

Exploding Helicopter — Wed, 01 Jan 2025 04:00:00 +0000

“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.

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Episode 153: The Day The Earth Stood Still

Exploding Helicopter — Sun, 01 Dec 2024 04:00:00 +0000

“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.

Episode 152: Deadly Encounter

Exploding Helicopter — Fri, 01 Nov 2024 04:00:00 +0000

“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.

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Episode 152.

Episode 151: Carter

Exploding Helicopter — Tue, 01 Oct 2024 03:00:00 +0000

"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.

Episode 150: The Towering Inferno

Exploding Helicopter — Sun, 01 Sep 2024 03:00:00 +0000

“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

Exploding Helicopter — Thu, 01 Aug 2024 03:00:00 +0000

“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

Exploding Helicopter — Mon, 01 Jul 2024 03:00:00 +0000

"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

Exploding Helicopter — Sat, 01 Jun 2024 03:00:00 +0000

“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

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Episode 146: Uncommon Valor

Exploding Helicopter — Wed, 01 May 2024 03:00:00 +0000

“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.

Episode 146.

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Episode 145: Where Eagles Dare

Exploding Helicopter — Mon, 01 Apr 2024 03:00:00 +0000

“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

Exploding Helicopter — Fri, 01 Mar 2024 04:00:00 +0000

“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.

Follow Asim Burney
Asim Burney Twitter/X
Khandaan – A Bollywood Podcast Twitter/X
Khandaan – A Bollywood Podcast YouTube
Khandaan - A Bollywood Podcast iTunes

Episode 143: The Wolf's Call

Exploding Helicopter — Thu, 01 Feb 2024 04:00:00 +0000

“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.

Episode 142: The Gauntlet

Exploding Helicopter — Mon, 01 Jan 2024 04:00:00 +0000

“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

Exploding Helicopter — Fri, 01 Dec 2023 04:00:00 +0000

“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.

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Episode 140: The Island

Exploding Helicopter — Wed, 01 Nov 2023 04:00:00 +0000

“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.

Episode 139: The Sentinel

Exploding Helicopter — Sun, 01 Oct 2023 03:00:00 +0000

“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

Exploding Helicopter — Fri, 01 Sep 2023 03:00:00 +0000

“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.

Episode 138.

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Episode 137: Black Sunday

Exploding Helicopter — Tue, 01 Aug 2023 03:00:00 +0000

“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)
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

Exploding Helicopter — Sat, 01 Jul 2023 03:00:00 +0000

“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.

Episode 136.

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Episode 135: Under Siege

Exploding Helicopter — Thu, 01 Jun 2023 03:00:00 +0000

“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.

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Episode 134: Small Soldiers

Exploding Helicopter — Mon, 01 May 2023 03:00:00 +0000

“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: When missile technology is used to enhance toy action figures, the toys soon begin to take their battle programming too seriously.

Episode 134.

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Episode 133: Swamp Thing

Exploding Helicopter — Sat, 01 Apr 2023 03:00:00 +0000

“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

Exploding Helicopter — Wed, 01 Mar 2023 04:00:00 +0000

“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.

Episode 132.

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Episode 131: The Final Countdown

Exploding Helicopter — Wed, 01 Feb 2023 04:00:00 +0000

”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.

Episode 131.

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Episode 130: Soldier Boyz

Exploding Helicopter — Sun, 01 Jan 2023 04:00:00 +0000

“Where’s the Sixties music dude?”

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.

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Twitter: @dtvconnoisseur
Website: DTVConnoisseur.blogspot.com
Novel: Holtman Arms by Matt Poirier

Episode 129: Evasive Action

Exploding Helicopter — Thu, 01 Dec 2022 04:00:00 +0000

“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.

Episode 129.

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Twitter: @ConAirPod
Twitter: @LifeVsFilm
Website: LifeVsFilm

Episode 128: Shadow Conspiracy

Exploding Helicopter — Tue, 01 Nov 2022 04:00:00 +0000

“Did your date lose the handcuff key?”

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?

Episode 128.

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Episode 127: Godzilla (2014)

Exploding Helicopter — Sat, 01 Oct 2022 03:00:00 +0000

“They call him GORR-Z-YAH!”

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

Exploding Helicopter — Thu, 01 Sep 2022 03:00:00 +0000

“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.

Episode 126.

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Episode 125: Firepower (1979)

Exploding Helicopter — Mon, 01 Aug 2022 03:00:00 +0000

“What’s going on here? I’m lost.”

On this show we review Michael Winner’s FIREPOWER (1979). A film where the plot is almost as bonkers as the cast.

We’re joined by Nick Rehak to try and work out what on earth is going on and discuss the exploding helicopter action.

Show notes

Firepower (1979)
Directed by: Michael Winner
Cast: James Coburn, Sophia Loren, OJ Simpson, Vincent Gardenia, Eli Wallach, Jake La Motta, Victor Mature
Plot: A retired hitman is hired by the F.B.I. to track down a powerful and reclusive businessman who is suspected of murder.
Episode: 125

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Episode 124: High Ice

Exploding Helicopter — Fri, 01 Jul 2022 03:00:00 +0000

“Never blame a mountain for what it does.”

On this episode we take a look at one of the last films of the Seventies disaster movie cycle, the rock climbing catastrophe HIGH ICE (1980).

Joining us to discuss the film is disaster movie enthusiast Fred Andersson from Schmollywood Babylon. We marvel at the film’s tremendous antagonist, its annoying kid, and the most undignified death in disaster movie history. And, of course, the exploding helicopter action.

Show notes

High Ice (1980)
Director: Eugene S Jones
Plot: A park ranger clashes with an egotistical army officer over how to handle a rescue operation to save three rock climbers stranded on a mountain ledge.
Cast: David Janssen, Tony Musante, Dorian Harewood.

Episode 124.

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Twitter: @homosatanis
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Episode 123: Samurai Commando: Mission 1549

Exploding Helicopter — Wed, 01 Jun 2022 03:00:00 +0000

“The past is attacking us.”

If you’ve ever wondered what a film that pitted soldiers from 16th century feudal Japan would fare against the military technology of the 21st century would look like, then wonder no more. You just need to check out SAMURAI COMMANDO: MISSION 1549 (2005).

We discuss time travel, samurais, and the sixteenth century exploding helicopter action.

Show notes

Samurai Commando: Mission 1549 (2005)
Director: Masaaki Tezuka
Plot: After an experiment goes wrong soldiers from Japan's defence force are sent 460 years into the past. But when mysterious anomalies threaten the present, a new team of soldiers is sent back in time to correct history and save the world.

Episode 123.

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Episode 122: The Tayo Movie - Mission: Ace

Exploding Helicopter — Sun, 01 May 2022 03:00:00 +0000

“I welcome you warmly to the land of toy cars.”

On this show we take a look at the surprisingly dark children’s animation THE TAYO MOVIE – MISSION: ACE (2016).

We’re joined by Nick Rehak to discuss abandonment issues, post-traumatic stress, militarised violence and unchecked authoritarian rule. And, of course, the exploding helicopter action.

Show notes

The Tayo Movie – Mission: Ace (2016)
Director: Ryu Jung-woo and Anna Paik
Plot: Tayo travels to Toy Land with Duri and Hana to save Duri's favourite car Ace. Will they save Ace? And can they find their way back home?

Episode 122.

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Episode 121: Waterworld

Exploding Helicopter — Fri, 01 Apr 2022 03:00:00 +0000

“I’d say there’s two ways of doing that – no way and no how.”

On this exciting new episode of Exploding Jet Ski we finally tackle the Citizen Kane of exploding jet ski cinema, WATERWORLD (1995).

To review a film of such profound artistic importance there was really only one man to call, jet ski film aficionado Mark Hofmeyer.

Show notes

Waterworld (1995)
Director: Kevin Reynolds
Cast: Kevin Costner, Jeanne Tripplehorn, Dennis Hopper
Plot: In a future where the polar ice-caps have melted and Earth is almost entirely submerged, a mutated mariner fights starvation and outlaw "smokers," and reluctantly helps a woman and a young girl try to find dry land.

Episode 121

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Twitter: @Mhofmeyer
Website: Movies Films and Flix

Episode 120: One Shot

Exploding Helicopter — Tue, 15 Mar 2022 11:00:00 +0000

“Nobody ever asks how many you saved.”

We take a look at the new Scott Adkins film ONE SHOT (2021), one of the most ambitious action film in recent years.

And who better to help us review the film than action auteur Alex Rallo from Head Exposure and Kinemotions.

Warning! This podcast contains views about the career of Isaac Florentine that some listeners may find upsetting.

Episode 120

Show notes

One Shot (2021)
Director: James Nunn
Cast: Scott Adkins, Ryan Phillipe, Ashley Green
Plot: An elite squad of Navy SEAL's are on a covert mission to transport a prisoner from a CIA island black site. He’s wanted for interrogation as it’s believed he’s got vital information that can stop an imminent terrorist attack. As the SEALS are about to leave with their man, the prison is attacked by insurgents who are trying to rescue the prisoner to stop him revealing what he knows.

Follow

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Twitter: @HeadExposure
Website: Film Exposure
YouTube: Kinemotions

Episode 119: Uncharted

Exploding Helicopter — Sat, 19 Feb 2022 21:45:31 +0000

“If something’s lost – it can be found.”

On this episode, Will is joined by Nick Rehak to take a look at the big screen adaptation of the hit computer game franchise UNCHARTED (2022).

*Be warned this is a film review WITH spoilers*

Episode 119.

Show notes

Director: Ruben Fleischer
Cast: Tom Holland, Mark Wahlberg, Antonio Banderas
Plot: Street-smart Nathan Drake, is recruited by seasoned treasure hunter, Victor "Sully" Sullivan, to recover a fortune amassed by Ferdinand Magellan, and lost 500 years ago by the House of Moncada.

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Episode 118: Fifty/Fifty

Exploding Helicopter — Tue, 01 Feb 2022 12:00:00 +0000

“It’s not religion – it’s the onset of senility.”

We take a look at one of the last films made by the legendary Cannon Group, FIFTY/FIFTY (1992) before the company went belly up.

The film stars Robocop and Ted Stryker as a pair of bickering mercenaries hired by the CIA to overthrow a meddlesome dictator.

We’re joined by Cannon aficionado Austin Trunick, author of The Cannon Film Guide, to discuss this under-the-radar gem.

Show notes

Fifty/Fifty (1992)
Director: Charles Martin Smith
Cast: Peter Weller, Robert Hays, Charles Martin Smith
Plot: Two bickering mercenaries are hired by the CIA to overthrow a South East Asian dictator.

Episode 118.

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Website: Cannon Film Guide

Episode 117: Dancin' - It's On!

Exploding Helicopter — Sat, 01 Jan 2022 12:00:00 +0000

“What do you know about dancing?”

You don’t find many exploding helicopters in musicals and romantic dramas, but we’ve managed to find the one film that features a chopper fireball alongside the dance numbers. So, on this episode, we’re reviewing the most unique film we’ve ever tackled: DANCIN’ – IT’S ON! (2015).

Helping us make sense of this cinematic first is Matt Poirier from the DTV Connoisseur.

We try to work out what Gary Daniels is doing in this film, discuss the filmic art of ‘angry dances’ and, of course, the exploding helicopter.

Show notes

Dancin’ – It’s On (2015)
Director: David Winters
Cast: Gary Daniels, David Winters, Witney Carson, Chehon Wespi-Tschopp
Plot: Two young dancers fall in love and eventually work together to win a dance competition.

As discussed on the episode, you can watch Gary Daniels interview with Scott Adkins on YouTube.

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Twitter: @DTVConnoisseur
Website: DTV Connoisseur

Episode 117.

Episode 116: Godzilla (1998)

Exploding Helicopter — Wed, 01 Dec 2021 12:00:00 +0000

“They call him Gojira, you moron!”

No fictional character has appeared in more films with an exploding helicopter than Godzilla.

So, on this show, we’re looking at the Big G’s controversial appearance in Roland Emmerich’s GODZILLA (1998).

Show notes

Godzilla (1998)
Director: Roland Emmerich
Cast: Matthew Broderick, Jean Reno
Plot: French nuclear tests irradiate an iguana into a giant monster that heads off to New York City. The American military must chase the monster across the city to stop it before it reproduces.

Episode 116.

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Episode 115: The Expendables 3

Exploding Helicopter — Mon, 01 Nov 2021 11:00:00 +0000

“It’s a great plan - if it was 1985.”

As The Expendables 4 cranks into gear, we thought it was a good time to take a look at the last entry in the pensioner-led action franchise.

Our special guest on this episode is author, filmmaker, and bad film aficionado Timon Singh.

Show notes
The Expendables 3 (2014)
Director: Patrick Hughes
Cast: Sylvester Stallone, Jason Statham, Dolph Lundgren, Arnold Schwarzenegger, Harrison Ford, Mel Gibson.
Plot: Barney hires a team of new blood to take down Conrad Stonebanks, a notorious arms dealer who also happens to be the Expendables co-founder.

Episode 115.

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Twitter: TimonSingh
Website: Born To Be Bad
Facebook: Born To Be Bad

Episode 114: Royce

Exploding Helicopter — Wed, 06 Oct 2021 08:00:00 +0000

“Let me guess – you saw that work on Inspector Gadget?”

On this show we take a look at the bizarre attempt to turn Jim Belushi into a James Bond-style action hero.

We’re joined by Matt Poirier from the DTV Connoisseur who helps us try and understand how everyone’s second favourite Belushi has managed to maintain a forty-year screen career and discuss a unique exploding helicopter scene.

Show notes

Royce (1994)
Director: Rod Holcombe
Cast: James Belushi, Miguel Ferrer, Peter Boyle, Anthony Head
Plot: A group of former covert black ops agents plan to steal five nuclear warheads and sell them to a South American drug cartel. The only man who can stop them is their former colleague: secret agent Shane Royce.

Episode 114.

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Episode 113: The Sum Of All Fears

Exploding Helicopter — Wed, 15 Sep 2021 04:00:00 +0000

“When I asked for your advice, I didn’t mean you should actually speak.”

After 6 years of podcasting, Exploding Helicopter is pleased to finally have a guest who actually knows what they’re talking about. So, on this show, we’re joined by nuclear weapons expert and host of The Super Critical Podcast, Tim Westmyer, to review THE SUM OF ALL FEARS (2002). A film which sees two of the world’s great superpowers brought to the brink of nuclear war.

We discuss biscuits, footballs, two-man rules and a unique exploding helicopter.

Show notes

Director: Phil Alden Robinson
Cast: Ben Affleck, Morgan Freeman, Liev Schreiber, James Cromwell, Philip Baker Hall, Alan Bates, and Ciarin Hinds
Plot: When the President of Russia suddenly the change in political leaders sparks increasing tensions between the United States and Russia. Then the unthinkable happens: a nuclear bomb explodes in a US city, and America is quick to blame the Russians.

Episode 113.

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Episode 112: The Guardian

Exploding Helicopter — Wed, 25 Aug 2021 04:00:00 +0000

“Sometimes you gotta shoot a hostage.”

Is Kevin Costner the greatest actor of all-time? Or is he more like a jar of peanut butter you find at the back of the kitchen cupboard? These are among the many important questions we ponder as we review Big Kev’s coastguard drama THE GUARDIAN (2006).

Our guest on this show is Kevin Costner aficionado – and Waterworld apologist – Barry Riddell from the Tru Bromance Podcast.

Show notes

Director: Andrew Davis
Cast: Kevin Costner, Ashton Kutcher, Clancy Brown, John Heard
Plot: A high school swim champion with a troubled past enrolls in the U.S. Coast Guard's "A" School, where legendary rescue swimmer Ben Randall teaches him some hard lessons about loss, love, and self-sacrifice.

Episode 112.

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Website: truebromancefilm.com

Episode 111: Red Mob

Exploding Helicopter — Wed, 04 Aug 2021 15:00:00 +0000

"At sunset - all birds look black."

In 1991 the Soviet Union collapsed and the newly independent state of Russia was ready to embrace those familiar symbols of Western capitalist decadence: big macs, blue jeans and, of course, action films. So, on this show, we’re reviewing Russia’s first attempt at an American-style action film: RED MOB (1992).

Show notes

Red Mob (1992)
Director: Vsevolod Plotkin
Cast: Vladimir Menshov
Plot: After mobster kidnap his son, an Afghan war veteran is blackmailed into leading a gun smuggling operation across the border.

Episode 111.

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Episode 110: Ape vs Monster

Exploding Helicopter — Wed, 14 Jul 2021 18:00:00 +0000

“Black – just like the heart of the space programme!”

When the world zigs left, Exploding Helicopter likes to zag right. So, with Godzilla vs Kong stomping around in cinemas, we naturally headed straight for The Asylum’s mockbuster take on the film, APE VS MONSTER (2021).

We’re joined by Nick Rehak to look at the film’s surprisingly interesting plot which takes in Eighties Cold War conspiracies, sexual politics, and some very dubious science. We also identify a new exploding helicopter film trope!

Show notes
Director: Daniel Lusko
Cast: Eric Roberts
Plot: An ape crash-lands on Earth, which creates a sludge that makes him and a passing scorpion grow to giant-size, resulting in a fight for dominance.

Episode 110.

High Risk

Exploding Helicopter — Wed, 23 Jun 2021 03:00:00 +0000

“No risk, no reward.”

Revenge is a dish best served in celluloid. Or so thought legendary Hong Kong director Jing Wong after he had a falling-out with Jackie Chan. The resulting, score-settling film was HIGH RISK (1995), a 100 minute-long takedown of the acclaimed martial artist.

Helping Will investigate the beef behind the backstory is Alex Rallo from One Perfect Headshot. They discuss what led the two movie moguls to loggerheads, some stunning action set pieces, and Wong’s peculiar brand of toilet humour.

Show notes

High Risk (1995)

Director: Jing Wong

Cast: Jet Li, Jacky Cheung, Chingmy Yau and Wu Ma

Plot: After his wife and child are killed by a terrorist known only as The Doctor, Kit Li retires from the police to work as a bodyguard and secret stunt double for the cowardly martial arts film star Frankie Lane. While Frankie is attending an event at a Hong Kong hotel, The Doctor's gang take over the building giving Ki Li the chance to take his revenge.

Episode 109

The Omega Man

Exploding Helicopter — Wed, 02 Jun 2021 03:00:00 +0000

“There’s never a cop around when you need one.”

When you boil it all down, Charlton Heston was known for two types of films, biblical epics and science fiction sagas. So, on this show, we’re hurtling into the near future to review a film about a plague hit Earth, THE OMEGA MAN (1971).

Joining us to review the film is a woman who always dresses for dinner on Sunday, Erica Shultz from Customers Also Watched.

Show notes

The Omega Man (1971)

Director: Boris Sagal

Cast: Charlton Heston, Rosalind Cash, Robert Zerbe

Plot: Robert Neville is the only survivor following an apocalyptic war waged with biological weapons. The plague caused by the war has killed everyone except a few hundred deformed, nocturnal people calling themselves "The Family".

Episode 108.

Bridge Of Dragons

Exploding Helicopter — Wed, 12 May 2021 03:00:00 +0000

“Welcome to the revolution!”

Over the years, Dolph Lundgren has starred in plenty of big budget action films like Universal Soldier and The Expendables films. Now, Exploding Helicopter could have reviewed one of the Swedish muscleman’s more prestigious outings, but that’d be boring. Instead we’re looking at the under-the-radar classic, Bridge Of Dragons (1999).

Joining Will on this episode is Sweden’s second greatest muscle guy, Fred Andersson from Schmollywood Babylon and The Human Centipod.

Show notes

Bridge Of Dragons (1999)

Director: Isaac Florentine

Cast: Dolph Lundgren, Cary-Hiroyuki Tagawa, Gary Hudson

Plot: An evil General seeks to quash a popular uprising by marrying the daughter of the ruler he murdered. But when his bride absconds, the dictator sends a loyal soldier to recapture her triggering a series of events that lead to his downfall.

Episode 107.

Fortress 2: Re-entry

Exploding Helicopter — Wed, 21 Apr 2021 03:00:00 +0000

“Just for the record, I ain’t the least bit happy about this.”

What? They made a sequel? Yes, it’s absolutely true. Christopher Lambert may have escaped a futuristic prison in Fortress (1992), but he couldn’t escape the lure of the DTV sequel Fortress 2: Re-entry (2000).

Joining Will to review the film is That Sequel Guy, follow-up film specialist, Dom O’Brien.

Show notes

Fortress 2: Re-entry (2000)

Director: Geoff Murphy

Cast: Christopher Lambert, Patrick Malahide, Pam Grier

Plot: Seven years after the original Fortress movie, Brennick along with the rebels are captured and sent to a new, more sophisticated fortress prison, in outer space.

Episode 106.

Code Name: Vengeance

Exploding Helicopter — Thu, 01 Apr 2021 03:00:00 +0000

“Sure I like kids - but I’m not here to start an orphanage.”

On this special episode of Exploding Forklift we take a look at a film often hailed by forklift fireball film fans as one of genre’s best: CODE NAME: VENGEANCE (1987).

We review this vintage video store action movie and make an in-depth examination of the exploding industrial loader action.

Guesting on this episode is Nick Rehak from Forklift Toast Sunday.

Show notes

Director: David Winters

Cast: Roberty Ginty, Shannon Tweed, Cameron Mitchell

Plot: The geopolitical interests of America are threatened when an evil terrorist called Tabrak kidnaps the wife and son of the leader of an African country. After Uncle Sam decides to step in and help their ally, they quickly realise that there is only one man who can help, a disgraced former CIA agent called Monroe Bieler.

Episode 105

Bird On A Wire

Exploding Helicopter — Sun, 07 Mar 2021 14:13:18 +0000

“Since when did you start wearing underpants?”

Hard as it may be to believe now, but there was a time when audiences were happy to see Mel Gibson as the lead in a light-hearted romantic action comedy.

So, on this show, Will is joined by Nick Rehak from French Toast Sunday to review BIRD ON A WIRE (1990), a film that was made at a more innocent time for Mel the Mullet. They also take a look at the film’s unique exploding helicopter action.

Show notes

Director: John Badham

Cast: Mel Gibson, Goldie Hawn, Stephen Tobolowsky, Bill Duke, David Carradine, Jeff Corey

Plot: Rick Jarmin is put in witness protection after he helps the FBI bust drug dealer Eugene Sorenson. Fifteen years later, he is living with a new identity as a gas station attendant when his old flame Marianne stops at the garage and recognizes him, blowing his cover. The recently released Sorenson finds out, and both Jarmin and Marianne have to flee across country with the vengeful Sorenson in hot pursuit.

Episode 104

Episode 103: Attack Of The Killer Tomatoes

Exploding Helicopter — Tue, 19 Jan 2021 04:00:00 +0000

“All we wanted was a bigger – healthier tomato.”

On this show Will and Nick take a look at the low budget comedy spoof ATTACK OF THE KILLER TOMATOES (1978).

They take a look at the film’s scattershot approach to humour and an exploding helicopter that’s surprisingly real and first to be destroyed by a popular salad item.

Show notes

Director: John De BelloCast: David Miller, George Wilson, Sharon Taylor

Plot: A group of scientists band together to save the world from mutated killer tomatoes.

Episode 103.

Episode 102: Rampage

Exploding Helicopter — Tue, 29 Dec 2020 04:00:00 +0000

“Of course the wolf flies.”

On this show we’re joined Jay Cluitt from the Deep Blue Sea podcast to review Rampage (2018).

We discuss genetically modified monster movies, whether science can explain Jeffrey Dean Morgan’s accent, and the wolf based exploding helicopter action.

Show notes

Rampage (2018)

Director: Brad Peyton

Cast: Dwayne Johnson, Naomie Harris, Jeffrey Dean Morgan

Plot: When three different animals become infected with a dangerous pathogen, a primatologist and a geneticist team up to stop them from destroying Chicago.

Episode 102.

Episode 101: Baazi

Exploding Helicopter — Tue, 08 Dec 2020 04:00:00 +0000

“Can anyone douse the fire of truth?”

We make a return to the world of Bollywood action cinema to review BAAZI (1995), a film that could, most politely be described as, being ‘inspired’ by Die Hard. Not to mention borrowing scenes from half-a-dozen other action films.

Our guest on this show is Asim Burney from the Khandaan podcast. We try and pin down just how many films Baazi ripped off, the career of its star Aamir Khan, and an exploding helicopter that may be one of the most embarrassing ever committed to film.

Show notes

Baazi (1995)

Director: Ashutosh Gowariker

Cast: Aamir Khan, Mamta Kulkarni, Paresh Rawal

Plot: A tough police officer wages a one-man war against terrorists and a corrupt politician who have planned to assassinate a top government official.

Episode 101.

Darkman

Exploding Helicopter — Tue, 17 Nov 2020 04:00:00 +0000

“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 burned him alive.

Episode 100.

Crackerjack 2

Exploding Helicopter — Tue, 27 Oct 2020 03:00:00 +0000

“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 girlfriend and a trainload of other hostages from vicious criminals in a mountain tunnel hideout.

Episode 99.

Angel Has Fallen

Exploding Helicopter — Tue, 06 Oct 2020 03:00:00 +0000

“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 assassination of the President and must evade his own agency and the FBI as he tries to uncover the real threat.

Episode 98.

The Other Guys

Exploding Helicopter — Tue, 15 Sep 2020 03:00:00 +0000

“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 they idolise, only things don't quite go as planned.

Episode 97.

The Last Of The Finest

Exploding Helicopter — Tue, 25 Aug 2020 03:00:00 +0000

“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 vice cops resign from the L.A.P.D. amid the full out from a botched drugs bust. Suspecting a bigger conspiracy, the former cops band together to bring down the drug ring as vigilantes.

Episode 96

Resident Evil: Apocalypse

Exploding Helicopter — Tue, 04 Aug 2020 03:00:00 +0000

“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.

Episode 95.

Tiger Zinda Hai

Exploding Helicopter — Tue, 14 Jul 2020 03:00:00 +0000

“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 GoenkaEpisode 94.

When Time Ran Out

Exploding Helicopter — Tue, 23 Jun 2020 03:00:00 +0000

“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 is the last great flowering of the Seventies disaster genre.

Episode 93.

Show notes

When Time Ran Out… (1980)

Director: James Goldstone

Cast: Paul Newman, Jacqueline Bisset, William Holden, Edward Albert, Red Buttons, Barbara Carrera, Burgess Meredith, Ernest Borgnine, James Franciscus, Pat Morita.

Plot: An active volcano threatens a south Pacific island resort and its guests as a power struggle ensues between the property's developer and a drilling foreman.

Man On The Roof

Exploding Helicopter — Tue, 02 Jun 2020 03:00:00 +0000

“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 cinema’.

Episode 92.

Show notes

Man On The Roof (1976)

Director: Bo Widerberg

Cast: Carl-Gustaf Lindstedt, Sven Wollter, Thomas Hellberg

Plot: After a policeman is murdered in his hospital bed, detective Martin Beck and his colleagues must solve the mysterious murder. But as they investigate they discover that the murderer had more than one target.

Social media: Follow Anders or Jonas on Twitter.

Far Cry

Exploding Helicopter — Tue, 12 May 2020 03:00:00 +0000

“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 Schweiger, Udo Kier, Craig Fairbrass, Michael Pare

Plot: An ex-special forces soldier turned boatman is hired by a journalist to investigate a top-secret military base on a nearby island.

Episode 91.

Kill And Kill Again

Exploding Helicopter — Tue, 21 Apr 2020 03:00:01 +0000

“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 topics we touch on. Plus, the film’s very exciting exploding helicopter action.

Episode 90.

Show notes

Kill And Kill Again (1981)

Director: Ivan Hall

Cast: James Ryan, Ken Gampu, Mike Mayer

Plot: Martial arts champion Steve Chase is hired to save the Nobel Prize winning scientist Horatio Kane, who has been kidnapped by a rich, evil genius named Marduk. Chase assembles a team of mercenaries who must overcome treacherous encounters on their way to the villain's stronghold and then fight for their lives after they themselves are captured.

Undercover Brother

Exploding Helicopter — Wed, 01 Apr 2020 03:00:00 +0000

“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)

Directed by: Malcolm D Lee.

Cast: Eddie Griffin, Billy Dee Williams, Dave Chapelle, Denise Richards, and Neil Patrick Harris.

Plot: When a white faceless corporate despot tries to derail a black candidate's presidential campaign, Undercover Brother and his fellow secret agents come to the rescue.

Episode 89.

Colossal

Exploding Helicopter — Sat, 07 Mar 2020 16:59:37 +0000

“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 back home. When reports surface that a giant creature is destroying Seoul, she gradually comes to the realization that she is somehow connected to this phenomenon.

Episode 88.

China Strike Force

Exploding Helicopter — Sat, 15 Feb 2020 04:00:00 +0000

“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: Stanley Tong

Cast: Aaron Kwok, Norika Fujiwara, Leehom Wang and Coolio

Plot: After two elite cops witness an assassination, their investigation takes puts them on the trail of a local mobster with ambitious plans to set up a drug smuggling operation.

Episode 87.

The Mighty Peking Man

Exploding Helicopter — Sun, 26 Jan 2020 04:00:00 +0000

“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-biz promoter.

Directed by: Meng Hua Ho

Cast: Danny Lee, Evelyne Kraft, Chow Yun Fat (uncredited).

Dragon Wars

Exploding Helicopter — Sun, 05 Jan 2020 11:24:49 +0000

“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 havoc and destruction. This time they must be stopped.

Episode 85.

Codename: Wild Geese

Exploding Helicopter — Sun, 08 Dec 2019 09:13:29 +0000

“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 notes

Codename: Wild Geese (1984)

Plot: A team of mercenaries go to the Golden Triangle in Southeast Asia to overthrow a dictator who is also major opium manufacturer.

Cast: Lewis Collins, Ernest Borgnine, Lee Van Cleef and Klaus Kinski.

Episode 84.

Amerigeddon

Exploding Helicopter — Mon, 11 Nov 2019 12:26:55 +0000

“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. They discuss the insane plot, some strange cameos, plus a truly unique exploding helicopter.

Show notes

Amerigeddon (2016)

Plot: A global organisation aligned with the United Nations disables the United States' power grid and institutes Martial Law. Can a dedicated family of patriots save America and reclaim its freedom.

Stars: Dina Meyer, Diane Ladd, AnnaLynne McCord

Dreamcatcher

Exploding Helicopter — Sun, 20 Oct 2019 13:03:45 +0000

“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 Morgan Freeman

Plot: Friends on a camping trip discover that the town they're vacationing in is being plagued in an unusual fashion by parasitic aliens from outer space.

The Domino Principle

Exploding Helicopter — Sun, 22 Sep 2019 16:10:26 +0000

“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 if he accepts to undertake a contract killing for a shady organisation.

T-Force

Exploding Helicopter — Thu, 29 Aug 2019 19:52:31 +0000

“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 near future, after a hostage situation goes awry, the last resort option of law enforcement, cybernaut unit T-Force, is ordered to be disassembled. But the robots see this as a "threat to their self-preservation" and go on a killing rampage. It's up to police lieutenant Jack Floyd and one of the cybernauts, who is on the right side of the law, to bring them down.

For more information about the history of PM Entertainment then check out a great article on the Hopes & Fears website http://www.hopesandfears.com/hopes/culture/film/217129-an-oral-history-of-pm-entertainment

Takers

Exploding Helicopter — Sun, 04 Aug 2019 14:08:07 +0000

“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 Luessenhop

Starring: Idris Elba, Paul Walker, Matt Dillon, Michael Ealy, TI, Chris Brown, Zoe Saldana, Hayden Christensen

Plot: A seasoned team of bank robbers successfully complete their latest heist and lead a life of luxury while planning their next job. But then a former member of their team is released from prison and convinces the group to strike an armored car carrying $20 million. As the "takers" carefully plot their strategy and draw nearer to pulling off the grand heist, a reckless police officer inches closer to apprehending the criminals.

Golgo 13: The Professional

Exploding Helicopter — Tue, 09 Jul 2019 13:54:16 +0000

"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 Osamu Dezaki

Plot: After killing the son of a powerful oil tycoon, an assassin-for-hire becomes the target of American soldiers and superhuman killers.

Stars: Tetsurô Sagawa, Gorô Naya, Toshiko Fujita

Rambo III

Exploding Helicopter — Tue, 18 Jun 2019 05:00:00 +0000

“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.

Show notes

Rambo III (1988)

Director: Peter MacDonald

Cast: Sylvester Stallone, Richard Crenna, Kurtwood Smith

Plot: Rambo mounts a one-man mission to rescue his friend Colonel Trautman from the clutches of the formidable invading Soviet forces in Afghanistan.

The Lego Movie

Exploding Helicopter — Sat, 18 May 2019 20:16:01 +0000

“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.

You Only Live Twice

Exploding Helicopter — Mon, 22 Apr 2019 08:52:15 +0000

“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: Lewis Gilbert

Cast: Sean Connery, Tetsurô Tanba, and Donald Pleasance

Plot: Agent 007 and the Japanese Secret Service ninja force must find and stop the true culprit of a series of spacejackings before nuclear war is provoked.

Find Richard at Kirkham A Movie A Day: http://kirkhamclass.blogspot.com/

The Hindenburg

Exploding Helicopter — Mon, 01 Apr 2019 04:00:00 +0000

“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 Hindenburg disaster in which a zeppelin burst into flames.

Dhoom 2

Exploding Helicopter — Thu, 14 Mar 2019 18:18:50 +0000

“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 (2006)

Director: Sanjay Gadhvi

Cast: Hrithik Roshan, Abhishek Bachchan, Aishwarya Rai Bachchan

Summary: Mumbai cops Jai Dixit and Ali Khan pursue a mysterious international super-criminal known only as Mr A. Their hunt takes them around the world as they try to stop the master thief taking down his next target.

Lone Survivor

Exploding Helicopter — Thu, 21 Feb 2019 09:11:41 +0000

“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: Mark Wahlberg, Ben Foster, Eric Bana, Emile Hirsch

Plot: Biographical war drama, based on the eponymous 2007 non-fiction book by Marcus Luttrell. Set during the war in Afghanistan, it dramatizes the unsuccessful United States Navy SEALs counter-insurgent mission Operation Red Wings, during which a four-man SEAL reconnaissance and surveillance team was tasked to track down a Taliban leader.

Behemoth The Sea Monster

Exploding Helicopter — Thu, 31 Jan 2019 08:48:49 +0000

“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 witness history in the making.

Episode 71.

The Last Castle

Exploding Helicopter — Thu, 10 Jan 2019 09:10:13 +0000

“The prince of Venezuela. Who do you think I mean?”

Joining Will in the jail of his own creation (the Exploding Helicopter podcast) is Nick Rehak from French Toast Sunday. They’ve been locked up behind microphones to review the military prison flick The Last Castle (2001).

They take a look at the film and its over-elaborate exploding helicopter.

Episode 70.

Show notes

The Last Castle (2001)

Directed by: Rod Lurie

Starring: Robert Redford, James Gandolfini, Mark Ruffalo, Delroy Lindo

Sahara

Exploding Helicopter — Wed, 19 Dec 2018 09:53:18 +0000

“I’m sorry, I don’t speak English.”

On this show Will is joined Nick Rehak from French Toast Sunday to review the infamous action adventure SAHARA (2005).

They discuss how and why this film became one of Hollywood’s most notorious flops, the surreal plot, and a unique exploding helicopter.

Episode 69.

Who Killed Captain Alex?

Exploding Helicopter — Fri, 30 Nov 2018 21:52:47 +0000

“Expect the unexpectable.”

On this show Will and Dara abandon Hollywood for Wakaliwood and Uganda’s very first action film, the cult sensation, Who Killed Captain Alex? (2010).

They discuss the filmmakers unique take on action cinema, the genius of the video jockey, and try to work out exactly who did kill Captain Alex?

They also look at the exploding helicopter action which could be the best or worst they’ve ever seen.

Episode 68.

The Expendables 2

Exploding Helicopter — Fri, 09 Nov 2018 20:19:20 +0000

“I now pronounce you man and knife”

We’re joined by Heather Baxendale-Walsh from the MILFcast to review action ensemble extraordinaire The Expendables 2 (2012).

Among the topics of conversation, the series’ fluctuating tone, what today’s teenagers make of 70-something action stars, and who the hell is going to be in a future Expendables reboot.

They also look at the film’s exceptional exploding helicopter which sees a motorcycle repurposed as a surface to air missile.

Episode 67.

Broken Arrow

Exploding Helicopter — Fri, 19 Oct 2018 20:56:56 +0000

“I said, goddamn what a rush.”

On this show Will is joined by Jeanette Ward from The Mundane Adventures of a Fangirl to review one of the all-time great exploding helicopter films, Broken Arrow (1996).

They discuss the film’s “Woo quotient”, John Travolta’s extraordinary performance before taking a little detour to discuss classic nineties erotic serial The Red Shoe Diaries.

They also examine the film’s four spectacular helicopter explosions.

Episode 66.

Spy Game

Exploding Helicopter — Fri, 28 Sep 2018 07:12:26 +0000

“Dinner out is a go.”

On this show Will and Dara carry out an in depth interrogation of Spy Game (2001).

Among the topics of discussion, when does your relationship status justify a prison break, Tony Scott’s hyperkinetic directing, and whether the craft of espionage is just opening your eyes and looking at stuff.

They also discuss a chopper fireball that deserves to be in the exploding helicopter hall of shame.

Episode 65.

The Park Is Mine

Exploding Helicopter — Sun, 09 Sep 2018 13:48:02 +0000

“I have a message for New York. Central Park is mine.”

On this show, Exploding Helicopter is looking back at the Rambo inspired Eighties curio THE PARK IS MINE (1986).

Tommy Lee Jones plays a troubled Vietnam veteran who launches an armed takeover of Central Park after he’s pushed too far.

Joining Will to review the film is Rich Nelson from the Betamax Video Club. They discuss the film’s First Blood inspirations, questionable policing tactics, and try to figure out just what Tommy Lee Jones is protesting about.

And, of course, they take a look at the film’s exploding helicopter action.

Episode 64.

American Ninja 4: The Annihilation

Exploding Helicopter — Fri, 17 Aug 2018 20:17:00 +0000

“The password is big blue wrecking crew”

On this show we’re joined by author, podcaster and bad film aficionado Ti Singh to review American Ninja 4: The Annihilation (1990).

Among the exciting topics of discussion, villains without a plan, expert marksmen who can’t shoot straight, and the majesty of Steve James (who isn’t even in this sequel).

Oh yes, we talk about it all and more, including the exploding helicopter action.

Check out the Exploding Helicopter website or follow us on Twitter.

You can buy Ti's book, Born To Be Bad, where he interviews movie villains online or follow him on Twitter.

Episode 63.

The 6th Day

Exploding Helicopter — Fri, 03 Aug 2018 20:36:09 +0000

“Try to stay dead this time.”

On this show Will and Dara attempt to unscramble the DNA of Arnold Schwarzenegger’s sci-fi thriller, The 6th Day (2000).

Along the way they decode the film’s surprisingly solid science fiction ideas, ponder Arnie’s Noughties film career, and the strange documentary career of Michael Rapaport.

And they of course dissect the film’s futuristic exploding helicopter scene.

Check out the Exploding Helicopter website.....

....or follow us on twitter @chopperfireball

Episode 62

Skyfall

Exploding Helicopter — Sun, 01 Jul 2018 11:08:03 +0000

“Were you expecting an exploding pen?”

On this mini-episode, Will takes a look at Skyfall (2012), the last James Bond movie to feature an exploding helicopter.

Episode 61.

Apocalypse Now

Exploding Helicopter — Sat, 02 Jun 2018 08:48:53 +0000

"Never get out of the boat."

In a break from the usual programming, Will travels upriver alone on this show to review Apocalypse Now (1979).

On the journey, he considers how the film's uncanny parallels to a package holiday - albeit, one with a little light homicide thrown in.

Episode 60.

Lasko Death Train

Exploding Helicopter — Fri, 11 May 2018 20:05:28 +0000

“Next time we’ll take a cruise.”

On this show Will is joined by Doug Tilley from Eric Roberts Is The Man to review the bizarre faith-based martial arts movie Lasko: Death Train (2005).

The film sees its hero, a peace-seeking monk, recruited into a secret paramilitary group dedicated to protecting the church. Along the way he has to fight terrorists, a deadly virus, and some truly horrendous dubbing. And there’s also two stone cold classic exploding helicopters.

Episode 59.

Game Over Man

Exploding Helicopter — Sat, 21 Apr 2018 18:02:34 +0000

“Band aids and butterbeans, we’re online.”

On this show Will is joined by DJ Valentine from Simplistic Reviews to review the new Netflix action-comedy Game Over, Man! (2018).

Among the topics of discussion, the film’s Die Hard pastiche, what on earth Daniel Stern is doing in this, the off-colour humour, and – of course – the exploding helicopter action.

Episode 58.

Midnight Run

Exploding Helicopter — Fri, 30 Mar 2018 14:45:05 +0000

“Is this moron number one? Put moron number two on the phone.”

On this show Will forcibly escorts Dara to the end of the podcast in the hope of collecting a bounty as they review Midnight Run (1988).

Along the way the pair bicker then bond as they discuss Robert De Niro’s comedy chops, why you can never remake Eighties films, and all the exploding helicopter action.

Episode 57.

5 Days Of War

Exploding Helicopter — Sat, 10 Mar 2018 07:20:05 +0000

“Everything’s easier in a mini-skirt.”

In a break with the usual programming, Will carries out his first ever solo review by looking at the Renny Harlin helmed propaganda film 5 Days Of War (2011).

Starring Val Kilmer and Andy Garcia the film tells the story (or at least one side of it) of plucky Georgia and its heroic efforts to resist a Russian invasion.

There are horror-inducing cameos, terrible accents, and, of course, an exploding helicopter.

Episode 56.

Ultraviolet

Exploding Helicopter — Fri, 16 Feb 2018 22:02:47 +0000

“I was born into a world you may not understand.”

On this show Will and Dara suck the blood out of Milla Jovovich’s sci-fi vampire flick Ultraviolet (2006).

They discuss the film’s strange use of visual effects, vampires that don’t act like vampires, and the music career of Milla Jovovich.

They also take a look at Ultraviolet’s spectacular exploding helicopter action which involves 'Midriff' Jovovich motorcycling through an airborne whirlybird.

Episode 55.

Ant Man

Exploding Helicopter — Sat, 27 Jan 2018 08:32:42 +0000

“Whose pyjamas are these?”

On this show Will is joined by Troy-Jeffrey Allen from Action A Go Go to talk about Ant Man (2015).

They take a dive into the characters comic book history, discuss where it fits in Marvel’s recent output, and review the unique exploding helicopter sequence (even though Troy completed missed it).

Episode 54.

Shooter

Exploding Helicopter — Sat, 06 Jan 2018 10:03:55 +0000

“I don't think you understand, these boys killed my dog.”

On this show Will and Dara take a look at assassination conspiracy thriller Shooter (2007) starring Mark Wahlberg and Danny Glover.

Among the topics of debate: Mark Wahlberg’s controversial disguise, Danny Glover’s teeth, and does this film contain one of the poorest helicopter explosions we’ve yet seen.

Episode 53.

World War Z

Exploding Helicopter — Mon, 18 Dec 2017 17:36:20 +0000

“Looks like we just woke the dead.”

Will is joined by his regular shambling, brain dead sidekick Dara to take a look at big budget zombie action spectacular World War Z (2013).

Among the topics of discussion: the film’s toothless approach to gore, it’s controversially re-shot ending, and a rare, zombie-related exploding helicopter.

Episode 52.

Olympus Has Fallen

Exploding Helicopter — Wed, 29 Nov 2017 14:19:19 +0000

“Get me some coffee. Half and half. Three sweet'n’lows. In a real cup.”

Will is joined by occasional Exploding Helicopter sidekick and self-confessed action movie luddite Joe Clift to discuss Olympus Has Fallen (2013).

They talk about the villain’s curious politics, Gerard Butler’s head-stabbing antics while Joe tries to recall if he’s ever watched Die Hard. And as always the pair look at the film’s explosive helicopter action.

Episode 51.

The Delta Force

Exploding Helicopter — Sat, 11 Nov 2017 18:32:48 +0000

“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.

Zero Dark Thirty

Exploding Helicopter — Mon, 16 Oct 2017 16:40:34 +0000

“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.

Arabesque

Exploding Helicopter — Fri, 22 Sep 2017 16:23:59 +0000

“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.

Escape From LA

Exploding Helicopter — Sat, 09 Sep 2017 06:03:13 +0000

“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.

Courage Under Fire

Exploding Helicopter — Sat, 26 Aug 2017 20:52:50 +0000

“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.

The World Is Not Enough

Exploding Helicopter — Wed, 02 Aug 2017 16:13:36 +0000

“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.

Austin Powers In Goldmember

Exploding Helicopter — Sun, 02 Jul 2017 08:05:10 +0000

“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.

Cliffhanger

Exploding Helicopter — Fri, 12 May 2017 18:47:09 +0000

“Season’s over a55hole!”

Will and Dara don their climbing gear and attempt to reach the summit of Sylvester Stallone’s action career, Cliffhanger (1993).

On their route to the top they discuss the merits of John Lithgow’s robbery plan, the film’s bizarre lurch into stoner dude comedy, and the legend that is British TV hardman Craig Fairbrass.

They also examine the film’s classic exploding helicopter action sequence which sees Stallone and Lithgow engage in a fistfight on an upside-down chopper dangling from a mountain.

Episode 43.

The Life Aquatic With Steve Zissou

Exploding Helicopter — Fri, 14 Apr 2017 14:00:59 +0000

“It’s a documentary, it’s all really happening.”

Exploding helicopters are almost exclusively found in the action genre. But on this show we’re reviewing that rarest of all aviation animals: an exploding helicopter in an art house movie.

Will is joined by Helen from the Flixwatcher Podcast to review Wes Anderson’s The Life Aquatic With Steve Zissou (2004). So get ready for matching tracksuits, childish adults, and popular songs sung in a foreign language.

Episode 42.

SWAT

Exploding Helicopter — Thu, 23 Mar 2017 20:18:09 +0000

“You’re either SWAT or you’re not.”

Will and Dara take a look at SWAT (2003) the big screen reboot of an old, long forgotten, Seventies cop show.

After a considered discussion of the film’s puzzling structure and Hollywood’s approach to reboots, they try to answer such important questions as who likes Jeremy Renner and why Michelle Rodriguez always wears vests.

Episode 41.

Stone Cold

Exploding Helicopter — Wed, 01 Mar 2017 16:58:59 +0000

"Imagine the future, because you're not in it."

Will is joined by Nick Rehak from French Toast Sunday to look at the cult classic Stone Cold (1991). It marked the movie debut of the former American footballer turned actor Brian Bosworth.

In time honoured fashion, he plays a maverick cop who plays by his own rules trying to bring down a biker gang run by Lance Henriksen. The result is one of the most explosive films ever committed to celluloid. And more importantly it features a truly legendary exploding helicopter.

Episode #40

The Interview

Exploding Helicopter — Sat, 21 Jan 2017 09:49:05 +0000

“They hate us, because they ain’t us.”

Will and Dara take a look at one of the most controversial films of recent times, The Interview (2014).

They try to work out how on earth this film caused a diplomatic storm, an embarrassing email scandal, and how it became a totem for free speech.

They also take a look at what could be one of the greatest exploding helicopters of all-time.

Episode 39.

X Men Origins Wolverine

Exploding Helicopter — Tue, 27 Dec 2016 13:54:44 +0000

“We're going to make you indestructible - but first, we're gonna have to destroy you.”

Will is joined by Bubba Wheat from Flights, Tights and Movie Nights to look at X Men Origins: Wolverine (2009).

Among the topics of discussion why cool guys don’t look at explosions, heroes with under-powered superpowers and a personality free exploding helicopter.

Episode 38.

Charlie Wilson's War

Exploding Helicopter — Sun, 11 Dec 2016 11:21:26 +0000

“Well I told you what we had to do, shoot down the helicopters.”

Will and Dara take a look at Charlie Wilson’s War (2007) a film which tells the true story of America’s involvement in the Soviet/Afghan war.

Among the topics of discussion Tom Hanks’ weirdly sex scene free career, whether exploding helicopters were the key to ending the Cold War, and of course film’s six chopper fireballs.

Episode 37.

Battleship

Exploding Helicopter — Wed, 23 Nov 2016 20:33:20 +0000

“Oh brother, somebody gonna kiss the donkey!”

Will is joined by Nick Rehak from French Toast Sunday to look at the most important film in the exploding helicopter genre BATTLESHIP (2012), a movie that features a record-breaking 8 (eight) helicopter explosions.

Our intrepid hosts also discuss chicken burritos, old dudes kicking butt, and whether this alien invasion movie, isn’t really about an alien invasion.

Episode 36.

Men Of Honor

Exploding Helicopter — Sat, 22 Oct 2016 12:23:01 +0000

“God damn, if I’d just been a couple minutes early he’d be breathing now.”

Will and Dara pull on their diving suits, hook up their oxygen line and plunge into nautical biopic Men Of Honor (2000).

Among the topics of discussion: the strange demise of Cuba Gooding Jr’s career, Robert De Niro impressions, and one of the worst exploding helicopter scenes we’ve ever had the misfortune to witness.

Episode 35.

Die Hard 4.0

Exploding Helicopter — Sat, 24 Sep 2016 13:39:51 +0000

“You just killed a helicopter with a car.”

On this show we’re looking at Die Hard 4.0 (2007) a film that includes one of the greatest ever helicopter explosions.

So, in keeping with the movie, Exploding Helicopter’s cranky old podcast presenter Will, is joined by an irritating youthful sidekick - Daniel from Get Reel Movies - for a show that’s a pale shadow of previous installments.

Episode 34.

On Deadly Ground

Exploding Helicopter — Sat, 27 Aug 2016 19:57:21 +0000

“What does it take to change the essence of a man?”

On this show Will and Dara don eccentrically tasselled jackets and tie their hair into ponytails to look at On Deadly Ground (1994), Steven Seagal’s bizarre attempt to save the environment via the medium of action cinema.

They also examine what has been described as “one of the screen’s greatest ever exploding helicopters.”

Episode #33

Rambo First Blood Pt II

Exploding Helicopter — Sun, 31 Jul 2016 08:09:58 +0000

“Do we get to win this time?”

On this show Will sharpens his Bowie knife, ties on a bandana and perms his mullet in readiness to talk about Rambo: First Blood Part II (1985).

Guesting on this show are Barry and Jairo from the True Bromance film podcast. Among the topics of discussion, revenge fantasies, the technical definition of a mullet, and Rambo as homoerotic icon.

They also look at a spectacular exploding helicopter and ponder the classic philosophical question: If a helicopter blows up in a forest and there’s no-one there to see it, did it actually explode?

Episode 32.

The Green Berets

Exploding Helicopter — Thu, 14 Jul 2016 14:38:45 +0000

“This trip is going to make LSD feel like aspirin.”

On this show Will is joined by Nick Rehak from French Toast Sunday to look at John Wayne’s infamous Vietnam War propaganda film The Green Berets (1968).

Among the topics of discussion: what on Earth’s the film’s message is, whether it even has a plot, and the name of Hamchuk’s dog is.

They also look at cinema history and the only scene to feature John Wayne and an exploding helicopter.

Episode 31.

Sheena

Exploding Helicopter — Mon, 20 Jun 2016 16:51:16 +0000

“When paradise became a battleground, she led the fight for survival.”

On this show Exploding Helicopter looks at the at the frankly bonkers jungle adventure romp Sheena (1984), a film which features the strangest and possibly greatest chopper fireball of all time.

Guesting on this show are Dec and Em from Two Takes. Amongst the topics of discussion: the Eighties craze for ‘white people in the colonies’ movies, whether this is the most ‘adult’ PG film ever made, and the cinematic joy of monkeys throwing grenades.

Episode #30.

Three Kings

Exploding Helicopter — Fri, 03 Jun 2016 16:42:10 +0000

“Are we shooting people or what?”

On this show Will and Dara take a look at Three Kings (1999) and try to work out if it’s a comedy, a drama or a war movie.

They also examine a rare exploding helicopter featuring an unexpectedly combustible American football.

Episode 29.

Machete Kills

Exploding Helicopter — Sat, 21 May 2016 08:56:27 +0000

“Vengeance never dies. It only changes target.”

When Robert Rodriguez made a fake trailer for part of the Grindhouse project with Quentin Tarantino, no-one could have guessed it would become a real-life film franchise.

So, on this show Will and Nick Rehak from French Toast Sunday take a look at the Mex-sploitation action flick Machete Kills (2013).

Among the topics of discuss who would make Hollywood’s most unlikely action star, the enduring appeal of Moonraker, and of course an epic exploding helicopter of gonzoid inventive genius.

Episode #28.

Capricorn One

Exploding Helicopter — Fri, 08 Apr 2016 14:21:38 +0000

"Pervert."

On this show Will and Joe take a look at one of the classics of the 1970s wave of conspiracy thrillers: Capricorn One (1978). Or do they?

What real evidence is there that they watched the film? Can you trust their opinions? And where's the proof it's even their voices on this recording?

There is though one thing that you can believe in: that this film features an exploding helicopter.

Episode #27.

The Hunt For Red October

Exploding Helicopter — Fri, 01 Apr 2016 06:01:15 +0000

“One ping only.”

On this episode of Exploding Submarine we take a look at one of the big sea beasts of the genre: The Hunt For Red October (1990).

Will is joined in the conning tower by Nick Rehak from French Toast Sunday.
We discuss the appeal of the submarine genre, Sean Connery’s hairpiece, and the optimum number of sonar pings in an underwater film.

We also talk about one of the classic exploding submarine scenes ever committed to celluloid.

Episode #26.

Sudden Death

Exploding Helicopter — Wed, 09 Mar 2016 18:01:51 +0000

“Terror goes into overtime.”

After Die Hard rewrote the rules of the action movie, Hollywood started churning out thinly disguised knocks offs that replicated its plot in increasingly bizarre locations.

So on this show Will and Dara take a look Jean Claude Van Damme’s Sudden Death (1995), which took the Die Hard concept and moved the action into the unlikely environs of an ice rink.

Among the topics of discussion: the wondrous villainy of Powers Boothe, improvised weapon making, and the never before seen sight of the Muscles from Brussels fighting a 7ft female penguin.

They also look at one of the most operatic exploding helicopters ever committed to celluloid.

Episode #25.

True Lies

Exploding Helicopter — Wed, 17 Feb 2016 20:07:32 +0000

“I married Rambo.”

Exploding Helicopter takes a look at the action classic True Lies (1994), which features one of the all-time great helicopter explosions (in case you’ve forgotten: a chopper is destroyed by a missile-propelled terrorist).

Along the way, Will and Dara go all chin-stroking intellectual to discuss the film’s strange gender politics and equally weird geopolitics. But they quickly revert to type to discuss Jamie Lee Curtis’ striptease and the bits where stuff blows up.

Episode #24.

22 Jump Street

Exploding Helicopter — Wed, 03 Feb 2016 18:33:22 +0000

“Something cool.”

Will and Dara, the maverick podcasters who play by their own rules, are back. This time they’ve only 24 hours to review the buddy cop movie comedy 22 Jump Street (2014) otherwise it’s their ass.

They also take a look at the chopper fireball action and debate whether this film includes the greatest exploding helicopter kiss-off line ever uttered on screen. And our heroes also take a look at a rare animated helicopter explosion.

Episode 23.

Iron Man 3

Exploding Helicopter — Wed, 20 Jan 2016 18:43:39 +0000

"Is that all you got? A trick and a cheesy one-liner."

Exploding Helicopter is joined by Ben Dadds from Top Film Tip to take a look at Iron Man 3 (2013), a film where we get to see a helicopter destroyed by a grand piano. Well, almost.

Among the other topics of discussion: is Tony Stark the most unlikeable superhero, movie red herrings, and why it is impossible to make a conspiracy thriller in Britain.

Episode 22.

Batman Forever

Exploding Helicopter — Tue, 22 Dec 2015 21:30:06 +0000

“I’ll bring the wine. You bring the scarred psyche.”

Exploding Helicopter and Troy Allen from Action Ago Ago squeeze into luridly coloured lycra, strap on their utility belts, and adopt ridiculously husky voices to take a look at 1995’s Batman Forever.

Among the topics of discussion, the strange career of Joel Schumacher, whether helicopters can have steering locks, and why on Earth the Statue of Liberty is in Gotham.

Episode 21.

Absolute Zero

Exploding Helicopter — Sat, 05 Dec 2015 10:04:39 +0000

“Science is never wrong.”

On this episode we take at the low budget disaster movie Absolute Zero (2005), where the only people who can save the world from a new ice age are Jeff Fahey and Erika Eleniak. (Probably best not to make too many plans for next week).

On this show Exploding Helicopter is joined by Jason and Nolahn from Your Face and the Liar of the Unwanted. Among the topics of discussions, the demise of Jeff Fahey’s career, some highly questionable “science”, and how exactly you pronounce Erika Eleniak.

Episode 20.

GoldenEye

Exploding Helicopter — Sat, 14 Nov 2015 08:23:42 +0000

“The things we do for frequent flyer mileage.”

After disappearing from cinema screens for 6 years, GoldenEye (1995) sought to relaunch the career of the world’s most famous spy. But how did they make James Bond – a sexist, misogynistic dinosaur and relic of the Cold War – relevant to the Nineties?

To look at this question, Exploding Helicopter is joined by Tim Postins from Bride Of Crapula to discuss the feasibility of helicopter ejector seats, terrible one-liners, and two memorable helicopter explosions.

Episode 19.

Angels & Demons

Exploding Helicopter — Wed, 04 Nov 2015 10:53:27 +0000

“What a relief. The symbologist is here.”

Exploding Helicopter takes a look at Angels & Demons (2009), a film which features one of the most ridiculous exploding helicopter sequences we’ve ever encountered.

Well, it’s not every day you get to see the Pope blow up a helicopter with an anti-matter bomb is it?

Episode 18.

Munich

Exploding Helicopter — Sun, 18 Oct 2015 09:13:44 +0000

“You want the last of the baklava?”

Steven Spielberg may be the greatest living director, he may have won every cinematic award known to man, but it wasn’t until his 24th feature film that the bearded boy wonder finally blew up a helicopter.

So on this show Will is joined by Lindsay Street from French Toast Sunday to discuss MUNICH (2005) and one of the most extraordinary exploding helicopters we’ve ever seen.

Episode 17.

The Beast Must Die

Exploding Helicopter — Sat, 03 Oct 2015 11:47:52 +0000

“One of you is a werewolf!”

Exploding Helicopter is joined by Jim Moon from the Hypnobobs podcast to talk about The Beast Must Die (1974) one of the oddest werewolf movies ever made.

We sink our oversized canines into subjects including the history of Old Dark House films, whether you can ever make a German Shepherd dog look like a blood crazed lycanthrope, not to mention the “werewolf break” – the film’s notoriously bizarre marketing gimmick.

We also discuss the most “bling” helicopter explosion in history.

Episode 16.

Jurassic World

Exploding Helicopter — Mon, 21 Sep 2015 07:15:34 +0000

“Who’s the alpha? You’re looking at him kid.”

On this show we’re looking at Jurassic World (2015) the latest entry in the ‘dinosaur eating people’ franchise.

Will is joined by his film quiz teammate Kobi Omenaka to tackle questions including whether animatronics are better than CGI, what the plot of a sequel could be, and where this films ranks in the series.

They also attempt to answer an age old narrative question: if you see a helicopter in the first act does it have to explode by the third act.

Episode 15.

The Swarm

Exploding Helicopter — Thu, 03 Sep 2015 18:14:07 +0000

“Oh my god, bees bees, millions of bees.”

Arm yourself with bug spray and a fly swatter because the bees are coming! That’s right, we’re looking at one of the classics of ‘bad cinema’, infamous seventies disaster movie The Swarm (1978).

On this episode Exploding Helicopter is joined by Booze from the Sweet Feathery Jesus podcast. Amongst the topics of discussion: the bizarre outbreaks of Northern Soul dancing, septuagenarian love triangle, and whether this film isn’t just a little bit *whisper it* racist.

Episode 14.

Invasion USA

Exploding Helicopter — Wed, 19 Aug 2015 13:40:01 +0000

“I’m gonna hit you with so many rights you’ll be begging for a left.”

Pull on your denim jeans and shirt, strap on your Uzis and prepare for war, because we’re looking at the Chuck Norris action classic Invasion USA (1985).

On this show, Will is joined by Todd Liebenow from Forgotten Films to discuss ‘Cold War cinema’, whether Chuck Norris is the ultimate American male, and whether it’s ethical to blow-up a defenceless helicopter.

Episode 13.

Black Dynamite

Exploding Helicopter — Thu, 06 Aug 2015 18:09:17 +0000

“Ain't nothin' in the world get Black Dynamite more mad than some jive ass sucka dealin' smack to the kids!”

Pour yourself a large glass of Anaconda Malt Liquor, and relax with Exploding Helicopter’s review of blaxsploitation send-up Black Dynamite (2009).

On this show Will is joined by DJ Valentine from Simplistic Reviews to chew the fat about the state of genre parodies, the kung-fu skills of US Presidents, and whether this film features the greatest White House exploding helicopter scene ever.

Episode 12.

Mission Impossible

Exploding Helicopter — Sat, 25 Jul 2015 09:44:44 +0000

“Would you consider the cinema of the Ukraine?”

On this show Will is once again joined by Dara to discuss Mission Impossible (1996) and one of cinema’s greatest exploding helicopter scenes.

Among the points of discussion: Tom Cruise as an action star, whatever happened to Emilio Estevez, and whether the film suffers from the “Big Momma’s House” syndrome.

Episode 11.

Blue Thunder

Exploding Helicopter — Sat, 11 Jul 2015 09:59:15 +0000

“We just came up with a mince pie under each arm.”

On this show, Will and Bob strap themselves into the cockpit and turn on the surveillance mikes to discuss an undisputed classic of the exploding helicopter genre, Blue Thunder (1983).

Among the points of discussion, Vietnam flashbacks in eighties movies, A-Team style violence and whether Malcom McDowell is the most sneer-y actor in film history. All this and two classic exploding helicopter scenes.

Episode 10.

American Ninja

Exploding Helicopter — Tue, 23 Jun 2015 12:01:26 +0000

“The deadliest art of the Orient is now in the hands of an American.”

On this show, Exploding Helicopter dons karate pyjamas to take a look at the eighties VHS action classic American Ninja (1985).

Amongst the points of discussion, how much would it cost to maintain an army of ninja warriors? The acting career of Michael Dudikoff. And whether any element of this film’s plot makes sense.

Will and Dara also pick over another classic helicopter explosion and debate whether every film can be improved by the inclusion of a chopper fireball.

Episode #9

Fire Birds: Wings of the Apache

Exploding Helicopter — Tue, 02 Jun 2015 18:44:55 +0000

“When we have mastered these tactics, we will use them to seek out and confront the forces of evil and kill 'em deader than hell!”

In 1986 Top Gun took the breath away of film fans around the world, but the movie had one noticeable flaw: no helicopters.

Fortunately, that error was corrected in 1990 with Fire Birds – Wings of the Apache. It took the Top Gun’s formula, added helicopters and a scenery chewing Nicolas Cage to make cinematic gold (or possibly tin).

On episode #8 Exploding Helicopter is joined by Nick Rehak from French Toast Sunday to discuss whether Fire Birds is the greatest exploding helicopter film of all-time.

Die Hard

Exploding Helicopter — Fri, 15 May 2015 17:41:49 +0000

“We’ve shut them down. We let them sweat for a while. Then we give ‘em helicopters.”
“Right up the ass.”

On episode #7, Will and Dara take off their shoes and socks, and strip down to their vests to discuss the greatest action movie ever made, Die Hard (1988).

Among the topics of discussion: Al Powell’s twinkie consumption, Robert Davi’s singing career, and the sexuality of Dick Thornberg. There’s also some confusion over Christian Bale’s little known cameo appearance...... all this and an in-depth discussion of the exploding helicopter action.

The Matrix

Exploding Helicopter — Thu, 30 Apr 2015 21:33:17 +0000

“Remember there is no spoon.”

On episode #6 Will and Joe don designer sunglasses, slip on fashionably distressed clothes, and swallow the red pill in order to talk about the sci-fi classic The Matrix (1999).

Among the points of discussion, the weirdly unmemorable Carrie Anne Moss, Laurence Fishburne’s ‘bullet time dialogue’, and the strange post-Matrix career of ‘spoon boy’.

All this and a spectacular alternate reality exploding helicopter.

Hard Ticket To Hawaii

Exploding Helicopter — Sun, 12 Apr 2015 07:53:35 +0000

“Are you ready to pay the price for paradise?”

On this show we don hula skirts to say aloha to the bonkers cult action movie Hard Ticket To Hawaii (1987).

Exploding Helicopter is joined on episode #5 by From The Depths Of DVD Hell’s Elwood Jones to discuss the history of female bazooka use, unique weapons in films, and the rare sight of a woman exploding a helicopter.

Deep Blue Sea

Exploding Helicopter — Tue, 31 Mar 2015 18:11:44 +0000

“Bigger, smarter, faster, meaner.”

On this show we take a look at the Citizen Kane of mutant shark movies, Deep Blue Sea (1999).

Joining Exploding Helicopter on our fourth episode is Jay Cluitt from Life vs Film.

They discuss the ‘career’ of Samuel L Jackson, Thomas Jane drinking games, and some truly award winning acting. And by awards we mean the Razzies.

DNA

Exploding Helicopter — Mon, 23 Mar 2015 10:18:34 +0000

“Don’t mess with mother nature.”

An insane scientist resurrects prehistoric alien being using the genetic code from a rare beetle. What could possibly go wrong? Yup, we’re looking at the cult creature feature DNA (1997) starring Mark Dacascos and Jurgen Prochnow.

On show #3 Exploding Helicopter supremo Will is joined by Fred Anderson from Schmollywood Babylon and The Human Centipod.

They discuss DNA’s uncanny resemblance to Predator, Jurassic Park, Aliens and Apocalypse Now. Not to mention one of the greatest exploding helicopter scenes of all-time.

If you want more then check out the Exploding Helicopter website.

Predator

Exploding Helicopter — Thu, 12 Mar 2015 20:19:05 +0000

“Get to the chopper!”

Yes, we’re talking about the Arnold Schwarzenegger action classic Predator (1987).

On this show, Exploding Helicopter head honcho Will is joined by long-time contributor Dara. They discuss the quality of Arnold Schwarzenegger’s “eye acting”, the mental health needs of US Special Forces, and whether it would be possible to set up a Predator tourist business.

So, smear yourself in mud, build a complicated series of traps out of the natural environment, and listen to the show.

Warning this episode contains multiple impressions of Arnold Schwarzenegger, Carl Weathers, Bill Duke, and Jesse Ventura.

Don’t forget to check out the Exploding Helicopter website or follow us on Twitter.

Thanks to Bantz Cochrane for the music.

The Spy Who Loved Me

Exploding Helicopter — Sun, 01 Mar 2015 09:39:58 +0000

Exploding Helicopter is dedicated to celebrating the art of exploding helicopters in films.

So, for our first ever show we take a look at the James Bond film The Spy Who Loved Me (1977) which includes two helicopter explosions, including a classic of the genre.

Exploding Helicopter supremo Will is joined by long-time contributor Joe. Before getting down to analysing the quality of the chopper fireballs, Will and Joe discuss whether a Bond film should ever include disco music, the practicalities of living underwater, and if Moonraker is actually a remake of The Spy Who Loved Me.

If you like the show then check out the Exploding Helicopter website or follow us on Twitter.

Thanks to Tim for the Exploding Helicopter music.