Episode 159: Surrogates

“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 notesAlien 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 AvilaCast: 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 notesFollow Exploding HelicopterBluesky: @chopperfireball.bsky.socialWebsite: explodinghelicopter.comInstagram: explodinghelicopterFind Cinema Smorgasbord Website: cinemasmorgasbord.comFacebook: 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.