Exploding Helicopter

“They don’t call me the Alaskan pipeline for nothing.” How bad does a film have to be that Steven Seagal won’t star in it? We go looking for the answer in HALF PAST DEAD 2 (2007), the Seagal-free follow up to the Buddhist botherer’s prison escape movie. We joined by Nick Rehak to discuss which minor cast member from the original film has been promoted to leading man status, and the other strained...

“Sounds like an Arabian racehorse to me.” On this episode we investigate a movie made by a unique British filmmaker: Cliff Twemlow. After working as a bodybuilder, bouncer, music composter and novelist, Twemlow decided to reinvent himself as a movie mogul. Over a 10-year period, he made a string of low budget – and often no budget - films for the home video market. Here, we look at one of his work...

“We got the best ball and chain in the world – your ass.” On this episode we take a look at futuristic prison movie starring Rutger Hauer: WEDLOCK (1991). We discuss cinema’s most typecast actors, jailhouse conjugals, and all the exploding helicopter action. Show notes Wedlock (1991) aka Deadlock Plot: A male prison escapee heads for his hidden loot electronically attached to a female prisoner. Di...

“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, H...

“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...

“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 helicop...

“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, Ra...

“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 a...

“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.

“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)...

“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. 

“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...

“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’...

“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...

“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.

“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

“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. 

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.

“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.

“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: Jo...

“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.

“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 Deadl...

"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 150.

“Get real Beavis – she’s just clearing her throat.” On this episode we look at yet another volcano disaster movie that features an exploding helicopter, DANTE’S PEAK (1997). There was really only one man for this job, so we’re joined once again by magma movie enthusiast Fred Andersson to discuss the alluring appeal of Pierce Brosnan, the gratuitous glory of grandmothers being dissolved in acid lak...