“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 helico…

“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…

"Listen to me if you want to live." On this show we take a look at the insane, non stop, action-fest CARTER (2022) that's filmed as if it were all one take. We're joined by Nick Rehak to discuss the film's unconventional approach and marvel at not one, not two, not three, but four, YES FOUR, exploding helicopters. Episode 151.…

“Did you leave a cigarette burning?” On this episode we look at one of classics of the disaster movie boom of the 1970s, The Towering Inferno (1974). We’re joined by Nick Rehak to discuss the future of Faye Dunaway’s journalism career, how much water you can really store at the top of a skyscraper, and all the exploding helicopter action. Episode 1…

“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…

"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, thi…

“Fifty bucks and the monkey can watch” On this show we’re taking a look an animated film that celebrates the Eighties maverick cop genre, CHUCK STEEL: NIGHT OF THE TRAMPIRES (2018). Our guest on this episode is a podcaster on the edge, a maverick broadcaster who plays by his own rules, is Matt Poirier from the DTV Connoisseur. Episode 147 Twitter: …

“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 wh…

“Strange... I seem to remember... that the cathedral was on the other side of the square.” On this episode of Exploding Cable Car we take a look at the classic war epic WHERE EAGLES DARE (1968). We discuss inept interrogation tactics, Richard Burton’s bad mood, and all the explosive cable transportation action. Episode 145.…

“It’s time to befriend the devil.” On this episode we return to the world of Bollywood to look at Shah Rukh Khan’s action blockbuster PATHAAN (2023). We fire up the wind machine so Asim Burney from the Khandaan podcast can make a suitably dramatic return to the show. We discuss screen bromances, scandalous bikinis, and whether it’s not too late for…

“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 situat…

“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 Nam…

“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…

“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…

“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 …

“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 wri…

“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 Manchuri…

“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 wi…

“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 …

“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, Robe…

“Some of the men say it’s one of those abdominal snowmen.” On this episode of Exploding Air Boat we take a look at one of the classics of the propeller assisted water transport genre, SWAMP THING (1982). We’re joined by Nick Rehak to discuss the film’s strange cult status, monster costumes and the spectacular air boat action. Episode 133.…

“Only a lunatic would build a world class resort on a ticking time bomb of molten earth.” On this show we do the deep dive on the shallowest volcano movie ever made, SKYFIRE (2019). We’re joined by disaster movie aficionado Fred Andersson to discuss spectacular set-pieces, one dimensional characters, and a classic exploding helicopter. Show notes S…

”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 t…

“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 sp…

“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 kn…

“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 h…

“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 exp…

“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 sh…

“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 L…

“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…

“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 explodi…

“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 …

“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 (…

“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 lis…

“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-smar…

“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 Tru…

“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 cinem…

“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 te…

“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 S…

“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 discu…

“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 (20…

“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 W…

"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). Sh…

“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 plo…

“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 …

“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 …

“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 Dr…

“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,…

“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 actio…

“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…