“And grab some toilet paper – I ain’t gonna use no leaves”

On this episode of Exploding Vertical Take Off and Landing Aircraft we look at a film heralded as one of the most right-wing movies ever made, RED DAWN (1984).

After the Soviet Union and their allies invade the good ol’ USA, it is up to a ragtag collection of teenagers to kick some Commie arse. We marvel at Lea Thompson’s guerrilla chic, Harry Dean Stanton’s guide to good parenting, and – of course – the exploding vertical take-off and landing aircraft action.

Joining me behind enemy lines on this show is the DTV Connoisseur himself, Matt Poirier.

Episode 170.

“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 notes

Half Past Dead
Director: Don Michael Paul
Stars: Steven Seagal, Ja Rule, Tony Plana, Morris Chestnut, Linda Thorson, Nia Peeples
Plot: 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.

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Website: explodinghelicopter.com
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“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 notes
Giantess Attack vs Mecha Fembot (2019)
Director: Jeff Leroy
Starring: Tasha Tacosa, Rachel Riley, Christine Nguyen
Plot: 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 Helicopter
Bluesky: @chopperfireball.bsky.social
Website: explodinghelicopter.com
Instagram: 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 notes

Alien 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 Avila
Cast: 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.