Not A Bomb Podcast explores the cinematic failures of the box office as well as movies that critics, universally, didn‘t love. Each week, Brad and Troy discuss the history of a disastrous movie release and debate whether the film deserves a second chance. From misunderstood classics like Heaven’s Gate to cheesy flicks like Samurai Cop, you’ll find a wide variety of films that get a little extra attention and a possible second chance at success.
Welcome back to Not A Bomb, the podcast where we resurrect cinema’s most infamous box office disasters and ask the burning question: is it a bomb? This week, Troy and Brad strap into the chaotic, nitro‑fueled world of the 2001 racing epic Driven . And before we go any further, yes, Troy is back from surgery and only slightly a little high on pain medication, which honestly might be the perfect state of mind for revisiting a movie this unintentionally wild. Driven arrived during the era when Hollywood believed the cure for every script problem was “more CGI, more speed, more Stallone.” The film promised high‑octane racing, intense rivalries, and behind‑the‑scenes drama in the world of CART. What audiences got instead was a dizzying mix of digital car mayhem, melodramatic speeches, and physics‑defying crashes. Troy and Brad dig into the film’s over‑the‑top action sequences, the baffling script choices, and one of the worst displays of “acting” this podcast has ever seen…. cough, cough - KIP! They also explore how the film’s reputation has evolved, why some viewers have embraced its unintentional charm, and whether Driven deserves a second look or remains a cautionary tale about letting Stallone write his own sports movies. Buckle up, avoid the flying manhole covers, and prepare for a ride that makes absolutely no sense. This is one cinematic spinout worth revisiting. Want to help support the show? Head over to the Not A Bomb Tee Public store and check our merchandise. Special thanks to Ted Blair for the amazing designs! We're committed to hearing your feedback and suggestions. If there's a cinematic flop you'd like us to delve into, please reach out to us at NotABombPod@gmail.com or through our contact page . Your reviews and feedback are what drive us. If you enjoy our content, consider leaving a review on Apple Podcast or Spotify. Cast: Brad , Troy
Welcome back to Not A Bomb, the podcast where we resurrect cinema’s most infamous box office disasters and ask the burning question: is it a bomb? This week, Troy and Brad jump down the strangest cinematic warp pipe ever constructed and land in the dystopian, fungus‑covered madness of Super Mario Bros. from 1993. The guys spend the entire episode trying to figure out what the heck is going on in this movie, because even after thirty years, the answer remains unclear. Super Mario Bros. arrived with one of the most recognizable brands in pop culture. Mario wasn’t just a video game character; he was the video game character. So naturally, Hollywood took this beloved, colorful, family‑friendly world and said, “What if we turned it into a grimy Blade Runner knockoff with lizard people, cyberpunk plumbing, and Dennis Hopper threatening everyone with de‑evolution lasers?” It’s the kind of creative decision that makes you wonder if someone accidentally adapted the wrong property. Troy and Brad dig into the film’s chaotic production history, the wild rewrites, the directors who seemed determined to reinvent Mario into something no one asked for, and the baffling creative choices that turned a simple platformer into a dystopian sci‑fi fever dream. Grab your overalls, avoid the fungus, and hold onto your Koopa coins. This is one cinematic misadventure worth revisiting. Want to help support the show? Head over to the Not A Bomb Tee Public store and check our merchandise. Special thanks to Ted Blair for the amazing designs! We're committed to hearing your feedback and suggestions. If there's a cinematic flop you'd like us to delve into, please reach out to us at NotABombPod@gmail.com or through our contact page . Your reviews and feedback are what drive us. If you enjoy our content, consider leaving a review on Apple Podcast or Spotify. Cast: Brad , Troy
Welcome back to Not A Bomb, the podcast where we resurrect cinema’s most infamous box office disasters and ask the burning question: is it a bomb? This week, Troy and Brad set sail into the explosive, alien‑filled chaos of the 2012 blockbuster Battleship. And yes, the guys know this one wasn’t just an underperformer. It was one of the biggest cinematic wipeouts of the year. In fact, Battleship is part of a rare double‑feature of disaster courtesy of Taylor Kitsch, who somehow managed to star in two of 2012’s biggest bombs with this film and John Carter . A true achievement in box office misfortune. Battleship arrived with all the makings of a summer tentpole: massive effects, a stacked cast, and a marketing campaign that practically shouted from the rooftops. It also came with one of the strangest Hollywood pitches of the decade, since the entire movie is based on a board game. Yes, the same board game you played as a kid, the one where you yelled “You sunk my battleship!” while trying not to knock over the plastic grid. Hollywood looked at that and said, “What if aliens?” Troy and Brad dig into the film’s wild production, its attempt to blend military spectacle with sci‑fi mayhem, and the curious creative decisions that turned a simple naval strategy game into a full‑blown alien invasion epic. They also explore how the film’s reputation has shifted over time, why some viewers have embraced its over‑the‑top charm, and whether Battleship deserves a second look or remains a cautionary tale about adapting literally anything into a blockbuster. Grab your grid, call out a coordinate, and brace for impact. This is one cinematic bomb worth revisiting. Want to help support the show? Head over to the Not A Bomb Tee Public store and check our merchandise. Special thanks to Ted Blair for the amazing designs! We're committed to hearing your feedback and suggestions. If there's a cinematic flop you'd like us to delve into, please reach out to us at NotABombPod@gmail.com or through our contact page . Your reviews and feedback are what drive us. If you enjoy our content, consider leaving a review on Apple Podcast or Spotify. Cast: Brad , Troy
Welcome back to Not A Bomb, the podcast where we resurrect cinema’s most infamous box office disasters and ask the burning question: is it a bomb? This week, Troy and Brad dive into the world of espionage, revenge, and shark tanks with the 1989 James Bond entry License to Kill . And yes, the guys are fully aware this one wasn’t a full‑blown bomb, but it definitely underperformed and remains one of the more divisive chapters in 007’s long cinematic history. Coming off The Living Daylights , Timothy Dalton returned as Bond in a darker, more brutal story that tossed out the gadgets and globe‑trotting glamour in favor of a personal vendetta against a drug kingpin. Critics and audiences weren’t quite sure what to make of this grittier take, especially at a time when summer blockbusters were leaning hard into big, flashy spectacle. But revisiting the film today, it’s clear Dalton wasn’t just playing Bond — he was proving he deserved to be Bond. Troy and Brad break down the film’s intense action sequences, its surprisingly grounded tone, and the behind‑the‑scenes decisions that led to one of the most unconventional Bond movies ever made. They also explore how the film’s reputation has evolved, why fans have rallied around Dalton’s interpretation, and how License to Kill quietly paved the way for the more serious Bond era that would arrive decades later. Grab your shark‑repellent (just in case) and settle in. This is one Bond mission worth revisiting Want to help support the show? Head over to the Not A Bomb Tee Public store and check our merchandise. Special thanks to Ted Blair for the amazing designs! We're committed to hearing your feedback and suggestions. If there's a cinematic flop you'd like us to delve into, please reach out to us at NotABombPod@gmail.com or through our contact page . Your reviews and feedback are what drive us. If you enjoy our content, consider leaving a review on Apple Podcast or Spotify. Cast: Brad , Troy
This week’s experiment: Visitors from the Arkana Galaxy , an Eastern European sci‑fi fever dream that asks, “What if humanity’s first contact looked like a disco‑soaked existential crisis?” and then answers with one of the most gloriously unhinged films ever committed to celluloid. Strange creatures, stranger humans, and a plot that feels beamed in from another dimension collide into something so confident, so imaginative, so defiantly weird that you start to wonder if the filmmakers actually were from Arkana. The movie drifts through surreal set pieces, deadpan performances, and cosmic absurdity with the swagger of a masterpiece that knows you’ll never fully understand it and doesn’t care. In no way is this Breaking Brad ; if anything, it might be one of the greatest films ever made, a reminder that sometimes the best cinema comes from the outer edges of sanity and geography. Expect baffling brilliance, unexpected beauty, and the kind of sci‑fi ambition that makes modern blockbusters look timid. Visitors from the Arkana Galaxy isn’t just a movie, it’s a transmission from a better, weirder universe, and we’re lucky it reached us at all. Be sure to subscribe to the Gentlemen’s Guide to Midnite Cinema to hear more of Sammy. Also, check out Jose’s podcast - Watch/Skip+ • A podcast on Anchor . Both are highly recommended. If you want to leave feedback or suggest a movie bomb, please drop us a line at NotABombPod@gmail.com or Contact Us - here . Also, if you like what you hear, leave a review on Apple Podcast . Cast: Brad , Troy , Jose , Sammy
Welcome back to Not A Bomb! — the podcast where we resurrect cinema's most infamous box office disasters and ask the burning question: is it a bomb? This week, the guys march into the chaos of Steven Spielberg's 1979 war comedy 1941 . Fresh off the unprecedented successes of Jaws and Close Encounters of the Third Kind , Spielberg was handed the ultimate Hollywood blank check to make whatever he wanted. The result was an enormous, effects-driven comedy about panic erupting across Southern California in the days following Pearl Harbor. While 1941 wasn't a full-blown box office bomb, it fell well short of the massive expectations surrounding Spielberg's first comedy, becoming one of the earliest examples of how even Hollywood's hottest director wasn't immune to a stumble. But was the film unfairly judged, or is 1941 simply too loud, too chaotic, and too overstuffed for its own good? Troy and Brad break down the film's incredible cast, jaw-dropping practical effects, and the fascinating production that saw Spielberg pushing his filmmaking ambitions to new heights. The hosts also discuss how the film's reputation has evolved over the decades, why it has developed a passionate cult following, and how its perceived failure may have helped shape Spielberg's remarkable run of classics that followed. Sound the air raid sirens, keep an eye on the Ferris wheel, and join Not A Bomb as they revisit one of Hollywood's most fascinating near-misses, proving that sometimes even a box office disappointment can become an unforgettable piece of blockbuster history. Want to help support the show? Head over to the Not A Bomb Tee Public store and check our merchandise. Special thanks to Ted Blair for the amazing designs! We're committed to hearing your feedback and suggestions. If there's a cinematic flop you'd like us to delve into, please reach out to us at NotABombPod@gmail.com or through our contact page . Your reviews and feedback are what drive us. If you enjoy our content, consider leaving a review on Apple Podcast or Spotify. Cast: Brad , Troy
Welcome back to Not A Bomb! — the podcast where we resurrect cinema’s most infamous box office disasters and ask the burning question: is it a bomb? This week, the guys set sail for one of the most ambitious and accomplished films of the 21st century with Peter Weir's Master and Commander: The Far Side of the World. Released in 2003, this sprawling naval epic follows Captain Jack Aubrey and the crew of HMS Surprise as they pursue a powerful French warship across the globe during the Napoleonic Wars. Despite earning critical acclaim, multiple Academy Award wins, and a passionate fanbase, the film never quite became the blockbuster franchise many expected. Over the years, however, Master and Commander has steadily grown in reputation, earning recognition as one of the finest historical adventures ever put to screen. But does the film deserve its status as a modern masterpiece? Troy and Brad dive into the incredible craftsmanship behind the production, from its obsessive attention to historical detail to its thunderous sea battles and unforgettable performances from Russell Crowe and Paul Bettany. The hosts also discuss why director Peter Weir remains one of cinema's most underappreciated filmmakers despite a career that includes classics like The Truman Show, Witness, and Picnic at Hanging Rock. Hoist the colors, secure the gun decks, and join the chase as Not A Bomb celebrates a film that proves blockbuster filmmaking can still be intelligent, immersive, and endlessly rewatchable. Want to help support the show? Head over to the Not A Bomb Tee Public store and check our merchandise. Special thanks to Ted Blair for the amazing designs! We're committed to hearing your feedback and suggestions. If there's a cinematic flop you'd like us to delve into, please reach out to us at NotABombPod@gmail.com or through our contact page . Your reviews and feedback are what drive us. If you enjoy our content, consider leaving a review on Apple Podcast or Spotify. Cast: Brad , Troy
Welcome back to Not A Bomb! — the podcast where we resurrect cinema’s most infamous box office disasters and ask the burning question: wis it a bomb? This week is extra special as Troy and Brad celebrate six years of cinematic redemption, deep dives, financial flops, and the occasional chocolate-covered pretzel. To mark the anniversary, the guys are heading back to the mid‑’90s to revisit Kevin Smith’s sophomore effort — Mallrats . Released in 1995, this follow‑up to Clerks was supposed to launch Smith into the mainstream. Instead, it belly‑flopped harder than Brodie Bruce off an escalator. Critics weren’t impressed, audiences stayed home, and Universal watched its teen‑comedy gamble turn into a full‑blown financial wipeout. Of course, like many Not A Bomb favorites, Mallrats eventually found a second life on home video, becoming a cult staple for slackers, comic‑book nerds, and anyone who has ever loitered in a food court. But how does Mallrats hold up nearly three decades later? Is it an unfairly maligned comedy that deserved better, or a chaotic, juvenile relic that only works if you lived through the era of Magic Eye posters? Troy and Brad dig into the film’s legacy, its infamous production woes, and the early signs of the View Askewniverse taking shape. Snootchie bootchies — and listen now! Want to help support the show? Head over to the Not A Bomb Tee Public store and check our merchandise. Special thanks to Ted Blair for the amazing designs! We're committed to hearing your feedback and suggestions. If there's a cinematic flop you'd like us to delve into, please reach out to us at NotABombPod@gmail.com or through our contact page . Your reviews and feedback are what drive us. If you enjoy our content, consider leaving a review on Apple Podcast or Spotify. Cast: Brad , Troy
This week’s experiment: the shimmering, logic‑defying pop‑music fever dream known as Glitter . A film that dares to ask, “What if Mariah Carey starred in her own A Star Is Born ?” and then immediately forgets to answer because it got distracted by a sparkly butterfly. Set in a version of 1980s New York that appears to have been reconstructed entirely from perfume commercials and vague memories, Glitter is less a movie and more an extended montage that occasionally remembers it should have dialogue. Plot threads drift in and out like they’re late for a different film, emotional beats land with the grace of a dropped microphone, and the editing suggests someone was frantically trying to escape the room while cutting it. Mariah whisper‑acts her way through heartbreak, fame, and several questionable wardrobe choices, while her love interest delivers a performance so beige it could be sold at Home Depot. It’s not just a movie, it’s a stress test. Of patience. Of endurance. Of Brad’s ability to keep his soul from leaving his body mid‑episode. And this week, we find out whether he can survive ninety minutes of glitter‑coated melodrama… or if this is the moment he finally, truly, spectacularly breaks. Be sure to subscribe to the Gentlemen’s Guide to Midnite Cinema to hear more of Sammy. Also, check out Jose’s podcast - Watch/Skip+ • A podcast on Anchor . Both are highly recommended. If you want to leave feedback or suggest a movie bomb, please drop us a line at NotABombPod@gmail.com or Contact Us - here . Also, if you like what you hear, leave a review on Apple Podcast . Cast: Brad , Troy , Jose , Sammy
This week, Not A Bomb slows things down for a very different kind of Ani‑MAY‑e pick. The hosts dive into Angel’s Egg , Mamoru Oshii’s 1985 avant‑gothic meditation on faith, memory, and meaning. If last week was all speed and neon, this film is pure atmosphere, built from quiet moments, stark imagery, and a story that refuses to explain itself. The episode sets the stage by exploring the film’s unusual production history, its cult reputation, and why it remains one of the most debated works in anime. Troy and Brad talk about how Angel’s Egg abandons traditional narrative structure in favor of mood and symbolism, creating a viewing experience that lingers long after the credits roll. They are joined once again by Mr. Korean Kool, John from the YouTube podcast And Now For Something A Little Bit Different . Few films invite deep discussion like this one, and the trio goes long, stretching the conversation well past the film’s 71‑minute runtime. Together they unpack themes, imagery, and interpretations while debating whether the film is a masterpiece, a puzzle, or something in between. Want to support the show? Check out the Not A Bomb TeePublic store for merch , featuring designs by Ted Blair. We’d love to hear from you—send your feedback, suggestions, or film recommendations to NotABombPod@gmail.com or through our contact page. If you enjoy the show, consider leaving a review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify. Cast: Brad, Troy Guest : John
For this installment of Not A Bomb’s Ani‑MAY‑e celebration, the hosts floor it into Redline — the 2009 hand‑drawn fever dream that treats racing like ritual and animation like pure adrenaline. What reads like a simple, neon‑soaked contest on the surface quickly reveals itself as an all‑out sensory sprint: outrageous vehicle designs, frame‑heavy animation that refuses to idle, and a world where every overtake feels like a declaration. The episode opens by putting Redline in context, its famously long production, cult ascent, and why it still feels like a film that was built to be watched at full throttle. Troy and Brad take turns unpacking whether Redline works better as an entry point for newcomers or as a reward for longtime anime fans. Is the film’s thin plot a barrier or a feature? The hosts argue it’s intentional: Redline isn’t trying to teach you the rules of its universe so much as strap you in and let the visuals do the talking. That said, they also note moments where the parade of eccentric racers and one‑off set pieces can feel like a dizzying pit lane for viewers who prefer a map. The gang is happy to welcome back, Mr. Korean Kool - John from the YouTube podcast - And Now For Something A Little Bit Different. Want to support the show? Check out the Not A Bomb TeePublic store for merch , featuring designs by Ted Blair. We’d love to hear from you—send your feedback, suggestions, or film recommendations to NotABombPod@gmail.com or through our contact page. If you enjoy the show, consider leaving a review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify. Cast: Brad, Troy Guest : John
For this installment of Not A Bomb’s “Ani-MAY-e” celebration, the hosts dive into Jujutsu Kaisen 0 , the explosive prequel to the massively popular Jujutsu Kaisen. Centered on the tragic story of Yuta Okkotsu, the film introduces audiences to a world where cursed spirits, powerful sorcerers, and overwhelming grief collide in spectacular fashion. What begins as a supernatural tale about loss and isolation quickly transforms into a high-energy action epic filled with brutal battles, emotional revelations, and enough cursed energy to level entire city blocks. The hosts break down how the film functions both as an entry point for newcomers and as expanded lore for longtime fans of the series. Does this prequel do a good job at bringing in new fans, or is the parade of random new characters distracting? Troy and Brad discuss whether the film successfully balances world-building with emotional storytelling, or if the barrage of terminology, powers, and side characters risks overwhelming audiences unfamiliar with the anime. There’s also plenty of appreciation for the film’s jaw-dropping fight sequences, with the hosts praising the fluid animation, intense choreography, and massive scale of the action. From one-on-one duels to full-scale supernatural chaos, the conversation highlights how the film uses animation to create battles that feel fast, weighty, and emotionally charged all at once. The hosts also examine the relationship between Yuta and Rika, exploring how the film blends themes of love, trauma, guilt, and personal growth beneath all the explosive spectacle. Want to support the show? Check out the Not A Bomb TeePublic store for merch , featuring designs by Ted Blair. We’d love to hear from you—send your feedback, suggestions, or film recommendations to NotABombPod@gmail.com or through our contact page. If you enjoy the show, consider leaving a review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify. Cast: Brad, Troy
For this installment of Not A Bomb’s “Ani-MAY-e” celebration, the hosts step into the surreal dreamscape of Paprika , Satoshi Kon’s mind-bending animated thriller that continues to blur the line between fantasy and reality nearly two decades after its release. What begins as a psychological mystery quickly spirals into a dazzling exploration of identity, technology, and the fragile barrier between the waking world and the subconscious mind. The hosts unpack how Paprika weaponizes dream logic to create an intentionally disorienting experience, where transitions between scenes, locations, and even characters occur without warning. They dig into the film’s central conflict between dreams and reality, exploring how the DC Mini device transforms private thoughts into dangerous shared spaces where control, repression, and desire collide. The conversation also highlights how the film questions whether reality itself is any more stable or coherent than the dreams invading it. There’s plenty of discussion about the film’s unforgettable imagery, from the chaotic parade sequences to the constantly shifting environments that refuse to obey conventional storytelling rules. The hosts examine how Satoshi Kon uses animation as a storytelling tool that could never be replicated in live action, creating scenes that feel simultaneously beautiful, unsettling, and emotionally overwhelming. Want to support the show? Check out the Not A Bomb TeePublic store for merch , featuring designs by Ted Blair. We’d love to hear from you—send your feedback, suggestions, or film recommendations to NotABombPod@gmail.com or through our contact page. If you enjoy the show, consider leaving a review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify. Cast: Brad, Troy
This week’s experiment: the baffling, bargain-bin martial arts spectacle known as King Kong Fu . A film that dares to ask, “What if a kung fu master… was also a gorilla?” and then refuses to answer that question in any coherent way. Shot in Wichita, the very place Troy grew up, this cinematic fever dream brings things uncomfortably close to home. Local landmarks, questionable fight choreography, and a surprising amount of gorilla-related mayhem combine into something that feels less like a movie and more like a dare that went too far. We would explain the plot, but much like the film itself, it seems to wander off halfway through and never fully return. Instead, expect a whirlwind of awkward dialogue, ambitious-but-confusing action, and editing choices that suggest time itself may be broken. It’s not just a movie, it’s a test of endurance. Of friendship. Of sanity. And on this episode, we find out whether Brad can survive a gorilla with a black belt… or if this is the episode that finally breaks him. No bananas required. Just emotional support. Be sure to subscribe to the Gentlemen’s Guide to Midnite Cinema to hear more of Sammy. Also, check out Jose’s podcast - Watch/Skip+ • A podcast on Anchor . Both are highly recommended. If you want to leave feedback or suggest a movie bomb, please drop us a line at NotABombPod@gmail.com or Contact Us - here . Also, if you like what you hear, leave a review on Apple Podcast . Cast: Brad , Troy , Jose , Sammy
For the month of April, Not A Bomb shines a spotlight on Hong Kong cinema. This week, Troy and Brad take a sharp turn into horror-comedy with Vampire vs. Vampire , a wildly inventive entry in the jiangshi (hopping vampire) subgenre that blends folklore, slapstick, and supernatural mayhem. Joining Troy and Brad this week is Sophia from the Moviestruck Podcast , who brings a deep well of knowledge to the discussion, having even written about Hong Kong cinema during her college studies. Her insights help ground the conversation in the cultural and historical context of the jiangshi genre, while also highlighting what makes this film such a unique crossover oddity. The hosts dig into how Vampire vs. Vampire balances tonal extremes, shifting from genuinely creepy moments to outright absurd comedy without losing its footing. They explore Lam Ching-ying’s iconic presence as the stoic yet resourceful priest, and how his performance anchors the film even as things get increasingly ridiculous. There’s also plenty of discussion about the film’s practical effects, choreography, and how it stands apart from more traditional vampire stories. At its core, the episode examines why this film endures as both a cult favorite and a fascinating cultural mashup, one that reflects Hong Kong cinema’s willingness to experiment, collide genres, and embrace the unexpected. Brace yourself—this episode is spooky, hilarious, and full of unexpected turns. Vampire vs. Vampire is Lam Ching-ying and stars Chin Siu-ho, David Lui, Sndra Ng, Billy Lau and Maria Cordero Want to support the show? Check out the Not A Bomb TeePublic store for merch , featuring designs by Ted Blair. We’d love to hear from you—send your feedback, suggestions, or film recommendations to NotABombPod@gmail.com or through our contact page. If you enjoy the show, consider leaving a review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify. Cast: Brad, Troy, Sophia
For the month of April, Not A Bomb is shining a spotlight on Hong Kong films. This week, Troy and Brad shift from contemporary action to a raw, visceral reimagining of wuxia as they explore Tsui Hark’s 1995 film The Blade — a brutal, expressionistic take on revenge and identity that strips the genre down to its bone structure. Set in a bleak, rain‑slick world where honor and survival collide, The Blade follows a young swordsman whose life is shattered by betrayal and violence. Tsui Hark abandons glossy spectacle for something harsher and more immediate: jagged editing, stark production design, and fight choreography that feels dangerous and unpredictable. The film trades polish for pulse, and the result is a movie that looks and sounds like it was carved from steel. Troy and Brad dig into how Tsui Hark’s direction reframes wuxia tropes: rather than romanticizing violence, the film interrogates it. Long, disorienting sequences and a willingness to linger on aftermath make the emotional stakes feel earned. The Blade is directed by Tsui Hark and stars Vincent Zhao, Moses Chan, Hung Yan-yan, Song Lei, Austin Wai, Chung Bik-ha, and Valerie Chow. Want to help support the show? Head over to the Not A Bomb Tee Public store and check our merchandise. Special thanks to Ted Blair for the amazing designs! We're committed to hearing your feedback and suggestions. If there's a Hong Kong film or a cinematic flop you'd like us to delve into, please reach out to us at NotABombPod@gmail.com or through our contact page. If you enjoy our content, consider leaving a review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify. Cast: Brad, Troy
For the month of April, Not A Bomb is shining a spotlight on Hong Kong films. This week, Troy and Brad shift from modern action thrillers to one of John Woo’s most personal and harrowing works: Bullet in the Head . Directed, written, produced, edited, and shaped by John Woo, the film pushes his trademark balletic action into darker, tragic territory. The film opens in 1967 Hong Kong and moves into the chaos of war‑torn Vietnam, following three childhood friends whose loyalty and innocence are corroded by greed, survival, and the horrors they witness. The narrative moves from raucous camaraderie to harrowing tragedy, making the city and the war zones feel like active, punishing characters in the story. Troy and Brad were both taken aback by how the film uses violence to mean something, the shootouts and set‑piece carnage are never mere spectacle; they’re instruments of moral and emotional collapse. The hosts dig into how Woo stages chaos with somber precision, using long takes and operatic framing so that every gunshot carries weight. Both hosts agreed the film’s emotional punches land as hard as its physical ones. The hosts examine the film’s moral center, the breakdown of friendship under pressure, and the ways Woo’s visual language amplifies grief. They also discuss the film’s scale and ambition, and why Bullet in the Head remains a touchstone for Hong Kong cinema fans who want action that hurts as much as it thrills. Brace yourself: this episode is intense, reflective, and emotionally raw. Bullet in the Head is directed by John Woo and stars Tony Leung Chiu‑wai, Jacky Cheung, Waise Lee, and Simon Yam. Want to help support the show? Head over to the Not A Bomb Tee Public store and check our merchandise. Special thanks to Ted Blair for the amazing designs! We're committed to hearing your feedback and suggestions. If there's a Hong Kong film or a cinematic flop you'd like us to delve into, please reach out to us at NotABombPod@gmail.com or through our contact page. If you enjoy our content, consider leaving a review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify. Cast: Brad, Troy
For the month of April, Not A Bomb is shining a spotlight on Hong Kong films. This week, Troy and Brad shift gears from modern action thrillers to a film that feels like a love letter to classic Hong Kong stunt cinema as they explore Jackie Chan’s 2025 return to the kind of handcrafted, physical filmmaking that made him a legend — The Shadow’s Edge . With jaw‑dropping practical stunts, a surprising amount of warmth, and a few well‑timed laughs, The Shadow’s Edge asks a simple question: can a veteran action star still surprise us when the camera stays close and the risks feel real? Troy and Brad argue yes, both calling it a return to form for Jackie Chan. They dig into how the film trusts physical performance over CGI, how the tone balances grit and levity, and why seeing Chan take hits and improvise in the frame still lands in a way few modern action films manage. Buckle up: this one is equal parts thrilling and tender. The Shadow’s Edge is directed by Larry Yang, and stars Jackie Chan, Zhang Zifeng, Tony Leung Ka-fai, and Ci Sha. Want to help support the show? Head over to the Not A Bomb Tee Public store and check our merchandise. Special thanks to Ted Blair for the amazing designs! We're committed to hearing your feedback and suggestions. If there's a Hong Kong film or a cinematic gem (or flop) you'd like us to delve into, please reach out to us at NotABombPod@gmail.com or through our contact page. Your reviews and feedback are what drive us. If you enjoy our content, consider leaving a review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify. Cast: Brad, Troy
For the entire month of March, the guys at Not A Bomb are throwing it back to their old Movie Matchup format, pitting notorious box office bombs against each other in a battle for redemption. Two flops enter… only one survives. There can only be one! This week, Troy and Brad are strapping on their headbands, polishing their katana, and diving into a matchup that blends ‘80s martial‑arts mayhem with ‘90s neo‑samurai intensity. It’s a clash of cultures, a duel of destinies, and—let’s be honest, a celebration of that timeless cinematic art form: white‑guy karate. That’s right, it’s American Ninja vs. The Hunted , and the dojo has never been more chaotic. American Ninja (1985) Directed by Sam Firstenberg and starring Michael Dudikoff, Steve James, Judie Aronson, and Tadashi Yamashita, this Cannon Films classic is the apex of Reagan‑era martial‑arts absurdity. It’s a movie where ninjas fall from trees like confetti, the U.S. Army apparently has no HR department, and the choreography proudly screams, “We taught this guy karate last week.” A cult favorite for anyone who believes the greatest martial art is confidence. The Hunted (1995) Directed by J.F. Lawton and starring Christopher Lambert, John Lone, Joan Chen, and Yoshio Harada, this sleek, bloody thriller drops a confused American businessman into a centuries‑old samurai feud. Lambert, armed with nothing but bewilderment and the fighting instincts of a man who once took a weekend aikido class. It’s stylish, atmospheric, and surprisingly intense, proving that even in the ‘90s, Hollywood couldn’t resist the allure of “What if a regular white guy accidentally became part of a ninja war?” The Matchup This isn’t just a duel—it’s a full‑blown martial‑arts heavyweight fight . Cannon‑era ninja chaos vs. moody samurai noir. Dudikoff’s “I guess I’m a ninja now” energy vs. Lambert’s “I definitely did not sign up for this” panic. Troy and Brad break down which film kicks harder, which one stumbles, and which earns the coveted weekly crown. Expect shurikens, sword fights, questionable accents, and enough white‑guy karate to power a VHS dojo. We Want to Hear From You Got a cinematic flop you want us to tackle? Drop us a line at NotABombPod@gmail.com or reach out through our contact page. Reviews on Apple Podcasts or Spotify help us grow and keep the chaos coming. Cast: Brad, Troy
This week’s experiment: the pint-sized action sequel The Impossible Kid , starring the endlessly charming Weng Weng. After the crew unexpectedly fell in love with the chaotic brilliance of For Your Height Only , they’re diving back in… and happily so. And somehow, the magic is still there. What could have easily felt like a retread instead leans into everything that made the first film so special, the inventive action, the earnest weirdness, and a lead performance that’s impossible not to root for. Sure, it’s scrappy. Sure, it’s unconventional. But that’s exactly where the charm lives. This time, instead of asking “what are we watching?” the better question might be “why are we smiling so much?” The gadgets are still wild, the plot still zigzags in unexpected ways, but it all comes together into something that feels genuinely fun, and surprisingly heartfelt. It’s not just a sequel… it’s a reminder that sometimes lightning can strike twice. And on this episode, instead of trying to break Brad, the guys might have accidentally found something they all just… enjoy. Be sure to subscribe to the Gentlemen’s Guide to Midnite Cinema to hear more of Sammy. Also, check out Jose’s podcast - Watch/Skip+ • A podcast on Anchor . Both are highly recommended. If you want to leave feedback or suggest a movie bomb, please drop us a line at NotABombPod@gmail.com or Contact Us - here . Also, if you like what you hear, leave a review on Apple Podcast . Cast: Brad , Troy , Jose , Sammy
