Exploding Helicopter

“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 notesSoldier Boyz (1995)Director: Louis MorneauCast: Micahel Dudikoff, Cary Tagawa, Don Stroud, Jacqueline ObradorsPlot: 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.Follow Exploding HelicopterTwitter: @chopperfireballWebsite: explodinghelicopter.comInstagram: explodinghelicopterFollow DTV ConnoisseurTwitter: @dtvconnoisseurWebsite: DTVConnoisseur.blogspot.comNovel: Holtman Arms by Matt Poirier

“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 notesEvasive Action (1998)Director: Jerry P JacobsCast: Dorian Harewood, Roy Scheider, Ray Wise, Sam Jones, Clint HowardPlot: 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. Follow Exploding HelicopterTwitter: @chopperfireb

“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 notesDirector: George P CosmatosCast: Charlie Sheen, Linda Hamilton, Donald Sutherland, Sam Waterston, Ben Gazarra, Gore Vidal, Stephen LangPlot: 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.Follow Exploding HelicopterTwitter: @chopperfireballWebsite: explodinghelicopter.comInstagram: explodinghelicopterFollow Nick RehakTwitter: @TheRehakWebsite: Rehak Radio

“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 notesDirector Gareth EdwardsCast: Aaron Taylor-Johnson, Elizabeth Olsen, Bryan Cranston, Juliette Binoche, Ken WatanabePlot: 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.

“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 notesDirector: Ridley ScottCast: Ewan McGregor, Eric Bana, Josh Hartnett, Sam Shepherd, Tom SizemorePlot: 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.Follow Exploding HelicopterTwitter: @chopperfireballWebsite: explodinghelicopter.comInstagram: explodinghelicopterFollow Nick RehakTwitter: @TheRehakWebsite: Rehak Radio

“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 notesFirepower (1979)Directed by: Michael WinnerCast: James Coburn, Sophia Loren, OJ Simpson, Vincent Gardenia, Eli Wallach, Jake La Motta, Victor MaturePlot: A retired hitman is hired by the F.B.I. to track down a powerful and reclusive businessman who is suspected of murder. Episode: 125Follow Exploding HelicopterTwitter: @chopperfireballWebsite: explodinghelicopter.comInstagram: explodinghelicopterFollow Nick RehakTwitter: @TheRehakWebsite: Rehak Radio

“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 notesHigh Ice (1980)Director: Eugene S JonesPlot: 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.Follow Exploding HelicopterTwitter: @chopperfireballWebsite: explodinghelicopter.comInstagram: explodinghelicopterFollow Fred AnderssonTwitter: @homosatanisInstagram: Schmollywood Babylon

“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 notesSamurai Commando: Mission 1549 (2005)Director: Masaaki TezukaPlot: 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.Follow Exploding HelicopterTwitter: @chopperfireballWebsite: explodinghelicopter.com Instagram: explodinghelicopterFollow Nick RehakTwitter: @TheRehakWebsite: Rehak Radio

“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 notesThe Tayo Movie – Mission: Ace (2016)Director: Ryu Jung-woo and Anna PaikPlot:  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.Follow Exploding HelicopterTwitter: @chopperfireballWebsite: explodinghelicopter.comInstagram: explodinghelicopterFollow Nick RehakTwitter: @TheRehakWebsite: Rehak Radio

“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 notesWaterworld (1995)Director: Kevin ReynoldsCast: Kevin Costner, Jeanne Tripplehorn, Dennis HopperPlot: 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 121Follow Exploding HelicopterTwitter: @chopperfireballWebsite: explodinghelicopter.comInstagram: explodinghelicopterFollow Mark HofmeyerTwitter: @Mhofmeyer Website: Movies Films and Flix

“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 120Show notesOne Shot (2021)Director: James NunnCast: Scott Adkins, Ryan Phillipe, Ashley GreenPlot: 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. FollowFollow Exploding HelicopterTwitter: @chopperfireballWebsite: explodinghelicopter.comInstagram: explodinghelicopterFollow Alex RalloTwitter: @HeadEx

“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 notesDirector: Ruben FleischerCast: Tom Holland, Mark Wahlberg, Antonio BanderasPlot: 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.Follow Exploding HelicopterTwitter: @chopperfireballWebsite: explodinghelicopter.comInstagram: explodinghelicopterFollow Nick RehakTwitter: @TheRehakWebsite: Rehak Radio

“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 notesFifty/Fifty (1992)Director: Charles Martin SmithCast: Peter Weller, Robert Hays, Charles Martin SmithPlot: Two bickering mercenaries are hired by the CIA to overthrow a South East Asian dictator.Episode 118.Follow Exploding HelicopterTwitter: @chopperfireballWebsite: explodinghelicopter.comInstagram: explodinghelicopterFollow Austin TrunickTwitter: @CannonFilmGuideFacebook: Cannon Film GuideWebsite: Cannon Film Guide

“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 notesDancin’ – It’s On (2015)Director: David WintersCast: Gary Daniels, David Winters, Witney Carson, Chehon Wespi-TschoppPlot: 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. Follow Exploding HelicopterTwitter: @chopperfireballWebsite: explodinghelicopter.comInstagram: explodinghelicopterFollow Matt PoirierTwitter: @DTVConnoisseurWebsit

“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 notesGodzilla (1998)Director: Roland EmmerichCast: Matthew Broderick, Jean RenoPlot: 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.Follow Exploding HelicopterTwitter: @chopperfireballWebsite: explodinghelicopter.comInstagram: explodinghelicopterFollow Nick RehakTwitter: @TheRehakWebsite: Rehak Radio

“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 notesThe Expendables 3 (2014)Director: Patrick HughesCast: 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.Follow Exploding HelicopterTwitter: @chopperfireballWebsite: explodinghelicopter.comInstagram: explodinghelicopterFollow Timon SinghTwitter: TimonSinghWebsite: Born To Be BadFacebook: Born To Be Bad

“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 notesRoyce (1994)Director: Rod HolcombeCast: James Belushi, Miguel Ferrer, Peter Boyle, Anthony HeadPlot: 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.Follow Exploding HelicopterTwitter: @chopperfireballWebsite: explodinghelicopter.comInstagram: explodinghelicopter

“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 notesDirector: Phil Alden RobinsonCast: Ben Affleck, Morgan Freeman, Liev Schreiber, James Cromwell, Philip Baker Hall, Alan Bates, and Ciarin HindsPlot: 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.Follow Exploding HelicopterTwitter: @chopperfireballWebsite: explodinghelicopter.

“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 notesDirector: Andrew DavisCast: Kevin Costner, Ashton Kutcher, Clancy Brown, John HeardPlot: 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.Follow Exploding HelicopterTwitter: @chopperfireballWebsite: explodinghelicopter.comInstagram: explodinghelicopterFollow Tru Bromance PodcastTwitter: @TruBromanceCastWebsite: truebromancefilm.com

"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 notesRed Mob (1992)Director: Vsevolod PlotkinCast: Vladimir MenshovPlot: After mobster kidnap his son, an Afghan war veteran is blackmailed into leading a gun smuggling operation across the border. Episode 111.Twitter: @chopperfireballWebsite: explodinghelicopter.comInstagram: explodinghelicopter