Exploding Helicopter

“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.

“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

“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.

“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.

“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.

“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.

“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.

“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.

“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.

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.