Exploding Helicopter

“No sheep is safe tonight.” On this episode we take a look at THE JEWEL OF THE NILE (1985) to see if how the sequel to the Eighties box office smash Romancing The Stone measured up. We’re joined by Jairo from the True Bromance podcast to discuss whether Kathleen Turner’s dancing, extensive scenes of fire-breathing and juggling, and a [possibly] pharmaceutically enhanced Danny De Vito, can make up for a spectacularly lacklustre script. And of course we examine an exploding helicopter that’s the equivalent of cinematic pizza. Episode 175. Show notes Follow Exploding Helicopter Bluesky: @chopperfireball.bsky.social Website: explodinghelicopter.com Instagram: explodinghelicopter Follow True Bromance Twitter: @TruBromanceCast

“No killing the other patients, rule number one.” We travel into the near future and check in at HOTEL ARTEMIS (2018), a mysterious, members only hospital for crooks, hitmen and con artists. We discuss the John Wick vibes, genre mash ups, and an exploding helicopter that could double as a video art installation. Show notes Hotel Artemis (2018) Plot: Set in riot-torn, near-future Los Angeles, 'Hotel Artemis' follows the Nurse, who runs a secret, members-only emergency room for criminals. Cast: Jodie Foster, Sterling K Brown, Jeff Goldblum, Zachary Quinto, Sofia Boutella, Dave Bautista Episode 174.

“They don’t call me the Alaskan pipeline for nothing.” How bad does a film have to be that Steven Seagal won’t star in it? We go looking for the answer in HALF PAST DEAD 2 (2007), the Seagal-free follow up to the Buddhist botherer’s prison escape movie. We joined by Nick Rehak to discuss which minor cast member from the original film has been promoted to leading man status, and the other strained efforts at series continuity. We also examine an exploding helicopter scene that is troublingly familiar. Episode 173. Show notes Follow Exploding Helicopter Bluesky: @chopperfireball.bsky.social Website: explodinghelicopter.com Instagram: explodinghelicopter

“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 works, TARGET EVE ISLAND (1983). We’re joined by Doug Tilley from Cinema Smorgasbord to look at the fascinating life, career, and work of Cliff Twemlow. And as part of this, we also discuss the documentary MANCUNIAN MAN: THE LEGENDARY LIFE OF CLIFF TWEMLOW (2023). Episode 172. Show notes Follow Exploding Helicopter Bluesky: @chopperfireball.bsky.social Website: explodinghelicopter.com Instagram: explodinghelicopter Follow Cinema Smorgasbord Bluesky: @Cinemasmorgasbord.bsky.social Website: Cinema Smorgasbord

“We got the best ball and chain in the world – your ass.” On this episode we take a look at futuristic prison movie starring Rutger Hauer: WEDLOCK (1991). We discuss cinema’s most typecast actors, jailhouse conjugals, and all the exploding helicopter action. Show notes Wedlock (1991) aka Deadlock Plot: A male prison escapee heads for his hidden loot electronically attached to a female prisoner. Director: Lewis Teague Cast: Rutger Hauer, Mimi Rogers, James Remar, Joan Chen, Stephen Tobolowsky, Danny Trejo Episode 171. Follow Exploding Helicopter Bluesky: @chopperfireball.bsky.social Website: explodinghelicopter.com Instagram: explodinghelicopter

“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.

“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.

“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. Follow Exploding Helicopter Bluesky: @chopperfireball.bsky.social Website: explodinghelicopter.com Instagram: explodinghelicopter

“And I haven’t been laid since the Clinton administration.” On this show we step into the world of low budget filmmaking to review the campy, fetish themed GIANTESS ATTACK VS MECHA FEMBOT (2019). We also witness cinematic history with a helicopter being destroyed by a giant pair of boobs. Episode 167. Show notes Giantess Attack vs Mecha Fembot (2019) Director: Jeff Leroy Starring: Tasha Tacosa, Rachel Riley, Christine Nguyen Plot: The evil space queen Metaluna unleashes a giant female cyborg to destroy an animal shelter. Can the two stars of a cancelled TV show overcome their animosity and destroy the titanic robot? Follow Exploding Helicopter Bluesky: @chopperfireball.bsky.social Website: explodinghelicopter.com Instagram: explodinghelicopter

“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.

“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) 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

“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 theatrical comedies, the film’s bizarre WWE tie-in, and a unique (well, almost) exploding helicopter. Episode 162. Show notes Follow Exploding Helicopter Bluesky: @chopperfireball.bsky.social Website: explodinghelicopter.com Instagram: explodinghelicopter Find Cinema Smorgasbord Website: cinemasmorgasbord.com Facebook: facebook.com/groups/cinemasmorgasbord/ Bluesky: cinemasmorgasbord.bsky.social

“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.

“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.

“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.