Episode 150: The Towering Inferno

“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 notesBoss Level (2021)Director: Joe CarnahanCast: Frank Grillo, Naomi Watts, Mel Gibson, Michelle YeohPlot: Trapped in a time loop that constantly repeats the day of his murder, a former special forces agent must unlock the mystery behind his untimely demise.Follow Exploding HelicopterTwitter: @chopperfireballWebsite: explodinghelicopter.comInstagram: explodinghelicopter

“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 notesDeadly Encounter (1982)Director: William A GrahamCast: Larry Hagman, Susan Anspach, James GammonPlot: An ex-combat helicopter pilot helps a widowed ex-girlfriend find the black book her husband kept from mobsters.Follow Exploding HelicopterTwitter: @chopperfireballWebsite: explodinghelicopter.comInstagram: explodinghelicopterEpisode 152.

"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 lakes, some of the best miniature work we’ve ever seen, and – of course – the exploding helicopter action.  Episode 149.Show notesDante’s Peak (1997)Director: Roger DonaldsonCast: Pierce Brosnan, Linda HamiltonPlot: A volcanologist arrives at a countryside town recently named the second-most desirable place to live in America, and discovers that a nearby long-dormant volcano may awaken at any moment.