Not a Bomb

Latest Episodes:

Episode 167 - Kingdom of Heaven (Director's Cut) Aug 23, 2023

Show notes

Welcome back to another exciting episode of Not A Bomb. This is the podcast where we go back and reexamine some of the biggest bombs in cinematic history and see if they deserve a second chance. On this week’s “epic” episode, we discuss yet another Ridley Scott film, 2005’s historical drama - Kingdom of Heaven (Director’s Cut). Based on a heavily fictionalized portrayal of the the Third Crusade, Kingdom of Heaven had mixed reviews and was a domestic flop on its initial release in May of 2005. Later that same year, Scott went back to the film and added back in 45 minutes of footage for a special showing on December 23rd in Los Angeles, California. The new director’s cut was embraced by the critics and eventually released on DVD. Most film enthusiasts consider this release to be the definitive version of the film. But do we agree, or is this just a bigger bomb? Listen and find out! Timestamps: - Intro - (1:13), Background Information - (13:40), Kingdom of Heaven (Director’s Cut) Discussion - (47:50), Listener Feedback - (82:19) and Outro - (100:17) Kingdom of Heaven (Director’s Cut) is directed by Ridley Scott and stars Orlando Bloom, Eva Green, Jeremy Irons, David Thewlis, Brendan Gleeson, Marton Csokas, and Liam Neeson. 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

Episode 166 - Sorcerer Aug 16, 2023

Show notes

Hey film fans! Welcome back to a brand-new episode of Not a Bomb Podcast! To memorialize one of the greatest directors of all time, Not A Bomb takes a deep dive into 1977’s iconic theatrical bomb directed and produced by William Friedkin - Sorcerer. Coming four years after The Exorcist, Sorcerer arrived in theaters when audiences were shifting their movie appetites from gritty, 70’s ” New Hollywood” cinema to bigger budget blockbusters. Critics even dismissed the film as being “impenetrably obscure” and “remarkably lackluster,” which was an unusal reaction to one of America’s top directors. To assist with a proper dissection of this divisive and complex film, Not A Bomb welcomes Jose from Watch/Skip+. Timestamps: Intro - (0:54). Background Information - (15:06), Sorcerer Discussion - (60:56), and Outro - (107:45) Sorcerer is directed by WIlliam Friedkin and stars Roy Scheider, Bruno Cremer, Francisco Rabal, Amidou, and Ramon Bieri. Make sure to check out Jose on Watch/Skip+ and make sure to drop them a review! 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

Episode 165 - The Big Lebowski Aug 10, 2023

Show notes

On this very “Dude like” episode of Not A Bomb, Brad and Troy are joined by Josh from The VHS Files podcast to discuss 1998’s crime/comedy - The Big Lebowski. A nod to classic noir films, The Big Lebowski, was seen as a letdown after the commercial and critical success of Fargo. Today, The Big Lebowski, has sparked a new religion, annual festivals, and even a spin-off sequel. Listen as the guys talk about Preston Sturges, numerous The Big Lebowski quotes, the greatest comedies of all time, and collectable action figures. You’ll even get some thoughts on the unofficial spin-off, The Jesus Rolls, as well as great listener feedback on Stephen Chow recommendations! Timestamps: Intro - (2:12), Background Information - (5:12), The Big Lebowski Discussion - (58:22), Listener Feedback - (109:00) and Outro - (126:30) The Big Lebowski is directed by Joel and Ethan Coen and stars Jeff Bridges, John Goodman, Julianne Moore, Steve Buscemi, David Huddleston, John Turturro, and Philip Seymour Hoffman. Please sure to check out The VHS Files wherever you get you podcasts and subscribe to their YouTube channel - The VHS Files YouTube. Cast: Brad, Troy, Josh

Episode 164 - Underwater Aug 02, 2023

Show notes

Welcome back to another exciting episode of Not A Bomb. This is the podcast where we go back and reexamine some of the biggest bombs in cinematic history and see if they deserve a second chance. On this week’s episode, the guys are joined by Sammy from the GGTMC and Jose from Watch/Skip+ to discuss 2020’s science fiction film - Underwater. Marred by COVID, Underwater failed to make a splash at the box office and critics found the story to be derivative. Join us as we explore the infinite scope of the ocean and wonder if Underwater is truly a bomb. Timestamps: Intro - (1:02), Background Information - (17:09), Underwater Discussion - (54:06), and Outro - (108:43) Underwater is directed by William Eubank and stars Kristen Stewart, Vincent Cassel, Jessica Henwick, John Gallagher Jr., Mamoudou Athie, and T.J. Miller 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

Episode 163 - Gymkata Jul 26, 2023

Show notes

From the genius mind that brought us Enter the Dragon and Black Belt Jones, comes the tale of an Olympic gymnast turned super spy trying to win “The Game” in fictional, Parmistan. That’s right, this week on Not A Bomb, the gang finally tackles Gymkata. Joining Troy and Brad is resident karate expert - John Nance. The gang breaks down all the finer details of this masterpiece from walking on your hands, the Village of Crazies, giant birds, wannabe Mel Brooks, the longest slow-motion sequence in cinema history and so, so much more. Timestamps: Intro - (0:48), Gymkata Discussion - (41:03), and Outro - (87:40) Gymkata is directed by Robert Clouse and stars Kurt Thomas, Tetchie Agbayani, Richard Norton, and Edward Bell. 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, John

Episode 162 - Green Lantern Jul 19, 2023

Show notes

“In brightest day, in blackest night, no evil shall escape this podcast.” Welcome back to your favorite podcast about some of Hollywood’s biggest bombs. On this week’s episode, the guys welcome back Sammy from the GGTMC to discuss 2011’s superhero film - Green Lantern. As one of the biggest box-office bombs of all time, it was only a matter of time before the gang tackled Hal Jordan and his magical ring. With a production budget of $200 Million, Green Lantern was marred by director/actor conflicts, less than stellar CGI, several rewrites, and extended scenes of expository dialogue. Somehow, the guys discuss all those issues and Mutated Ron Jeremy! The more important question….did anybody actually enjoy the film? Download and find out! Timestamps: Intro - (1:06), Box Office and Critcal Response - (3:15), People Involved - (12:53), Commerical Break - (49:15), Green Lantern Discussion - (50:50), Is it a Bomb? - (99:18), and Outro - (114:55) Green Lantern is directed by Martin Campbell and stars Ryan Reynolds, Blake Lively, Peter Sarsgaard, Mark Strong, Angela Bassett, and Tim Robbins. 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. If you want to hear more of Sammy, make sure you subscribe to the Gentlemen’s Guide to Midnite Cinema and be sure to leave them a review. Cast: Brad, Troy, Sammy

Episode 161 - The Fountain Jul 12, 2023

Show notes

On this week’s episode of Not A Bomb, the guys do a complete 180 from last week and discuss one of the most thought-provoking love story films - The Fountain. Coming six years after Requiem for a Dream, Aronofsky effortlessly creates a heartbreaking romance between Hugh Jackman and Rachel Weisz. This film is too philosophical for a two-person podcast, so the guys welcome Sammy from the GGTMC back to the show. Listen as the gang spoils the heck out of this film and discusses the deep, philosophical subtext within each frame. Don’t worry! This episode isn’t just an academic deliberation on man’s mortality. They also derail the conversation with thoughts on white tree sap, intimate sex scenes in bathtubs that cause water damage to hardwood floors, “naturalistic upper male nudity”, and so much more. Timestamps: Intro - (1:35), Box Office Response and Critical Response - (2:52), People Involved - (11:21), Production and Development - (32:15), Commerical Break - (48:06), The Fountain Discussion - (50:05), Is it a Bomb? - (98:50), and Outro - (107:00) The Fountain is directed by Darren Aronofsky and stars Hugh Jackson Rachel Weisz, and Ellen Burstyn. 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. If you want to hear more of Sammy, make sure you subscribe to the Gentlemen’s Guide to Midnite Cinema and be sure to leave them a review. Cast: Brad, Troy, Sammy

Episode 160 - Nothing but Trouble (with Mike McGranaghan) Jul 06, 2023

Show notes

Welcome back to Not A Bomb, the podcast that re-examines some of the biggest bombs in cinematic history! This week, the guys are excited to welcome Mike McGranaghan, friend of the show and online film critic from The Aisle Seat. For this episode, the gang travels to Valkenvania and tackles one of the weirdest comedies…or maybe horror movies… ever made - Nothing but Trouble. The movie started out as a passion project for Dan Akroyd after he went to a screening of Hellraiser. However, Nothing but Trouble was thrown into “Mr. Bonestripper” by the critics and failed to recoup its $45 million budget. Mike provides some much-needed context as Troy and Brad try to wrap their heads around the plot and all the zany, creepy characters. Timestamps: Intro - (1:25), 5 Burning Questions - (7:15), Box Office Results and Critical Response - (13:49), People Involved - (16:27), Production and Development - (36:40), Commercial Break - (44:04), Nothing but Trouble Discussion - (46:15), Is it a Bomb? - (70:20), and Outro - (83:42) Nothing but Trouble is directed by Dan Akroyd and stars Chevy Chase, Dan Aykroyd, John Candy, and Demi Moore. Mike McGranaghan, is a member of the Critics Choice Association and the Online Film Critics Society. His reviews appear weekly on the radio stations of Sunbury Broadcasting Corporation. His work also regularly appears at Ranker. He is the author of two books, Straight-Up Blatant and My Year of Chevy: One Guy's Journey Through the Filmography of Chevy Chase. You can also find all of Mike’s reviews over at www.aisleseat.com. 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, Mike McGranaghan

NAB Presents: Breaking Brad - Experiment 6: From Justin to Kelly Jul 04, 2023

Show notes

Welcome back to Not A Bomb Presents: Breaking Brad! Troy, Sammy from the GGTMC, and Jose from the Watch/Skip+ pick some of the worst films imaginable to see if they can break Brad. On this episode, the gang tackles 2003’s American musical comedy - From Justin to Kelly. This well-known box office turkey stars American Idol winner, Kelly Clarkson and runner -up, Justin Guarini. From Justin to Kelly is the product of what a boardroom of old white men think happens on spring break. Infamously, From Justin to Kelly is considered one of the worst musicals of all time and has gained a reputation as one of the worst films ever made. Naturally, someone on the podcast loves the film while the others are left wondering why this cash-grab was even made. Was this the film that finally broke Brad? Or did it cause some collateral damage among the group? Listen and find out! 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

Episode 159 - The Haunting of Julia (AKA Full Circle) Jun 30, 2023

Show notes

On this very spooky episode of Not A Bomb, the guys fulfill a promise to a loyal listener and discuss 1977’s supernatural horror film - The Haunting of Julia, also known as Fill Circle. This little-known horror film had a troubled release schedule and would finally be released in the US, three years later, in 1981. Brad and Troy do their best to dance around spoilers and decide the best course of action is to copy the Watch/Skip+ podcast. Listen as our hosts discuss the history of the Heimlich Maneuver, creepy wind-up clown toys, and turtle murder. Does the striking imagery, gothic atmosphere, and Mia Farrow’s performance make this film a ghostly classic? Download and find out! *** Spoiler Warning *** if you want to skip the spoiler talk, be sure to check the timestamps Timestamps: Intro - (1:47), Release Information - (7:00), People Involved - (13:02), Production and Development - (24:24), Why did it bomb? - (27:19), Commerical Break - (31:04), The Haunting of Julia spoiler-free discussion - (34:05), Is it a Bomb? - (55:40), Spoiler talk - (59:48), End of Spoilers - (78:51), and Outro - (87:50) The Haunting of Julia is directed by Richard Loncraine and stars Mia Farrow, Keir Dullea, Tom Conti, Robin Gammell, Jill Bennett, and Cathleen Nesbitt. 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

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