Episode 166: Santa's Slay

“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 notesHalf Past DeadDirector: Don Michael PaulStars: Steven Seagal, Ja Rule, Tony Plana, Morris Chestnut, Linda Thorson, Nia PeeplesPlot: 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 HelicopterBluesky: @chopperfireball.bsky.socialWebsite: explodinghelicopter.comInstagram: 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 notesGiantess Attack vs Mecha Fembot (2019)Director: Jeff LeroyStarring: Tasha Tacosa, Rachel Riley, Christine NguyenPlot: 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 HelicopterBluesky: @chopperfireball.bsky.socialWebsite: explodinghelicopter.comInstagram: 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 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.