Not a Bomb

Not A Bomb Podcast
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  • FILM REVIEWS
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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.

  1. NAB Presents: Breaking Brad - Experiment 16 - King Kong Fu

    17H AGO

    NAB Presents: Breaking Brad - Experiment 16 - King Kong Fu

    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

    1h 14m
  2. Episode 306 - Vampire vs. Vampire

    5D AGO

    Episode 306 - Vampire vs. Vampire

    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

    1h 36m
  3. Episode 305 - The Blade

    APR 24

    Episode 305 - The Blade

    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

    1h 31m
  4. Episode 304 - Bullet in the Head

    APR 17

    Episode 304 - Bullet in the Head

    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

    1h 29m
  5. Episode 303 - The Shadow's Edge

    APR 10

    Episode 303 - The Shadow's Edge

    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

    1h 40m
  6. Episode 302 - American Ninja vs The Hunted (1995) (Movie Matchup Edition)

    APR 3

    Episode 302 - American Ninja vs The Hunted (1995) (Movie Matchup Edition)

    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

    1h 38m
  7. Episode 301 - Gladiator (1992) vs Diggstown (Movie Matchup March)

    MAR 27

    Episode 301 - Gladiator (1992) vs Diggstown (Movie Matchup March)

    There’s something special about early ‘90s boxing movies. They live in that sweet spot between grit and charm—before everything became overly polished, but after the genre had already gone a few rounds with audiences. For Episode 301 of Not A Bomb, we step into the ring with two films that don’t always get a title shot: Gladiator (1992) and Diggstown (1992). Here is the tale of the tape: Gladiator (1992) Gladiator comes out swinging with raw, underground energy. It’s a coming-of-age story that doesn’t pull its punches, following a young fighter caught in a world where every decision feels like going toe-to-toe with disaster. This movie fights in close quarters, dirty, aggressive, and personal. There’s no dancing around the ring here. Every hit lands, and you feel it. It’s the kind of film that wins on sheer grit… even if it occasionally looks like it forgot the game plan between rounds. Gladiator Rowdy Herrington and stars Cuba Gooding Jr., James Marshall, Robert Loggia, Ossie Davis, and Brain Dennehy. Diggstown (1992) Diggstown, meanwhile, is light on its feet and heavy on charm. It’s less about haymakers and more about the long con—built around a bet that feels like the cinematic equivalent of calling your shot before the fight even starts. This film shadowboxes with expectations. It jabs, it dodges, and every now and then it lands a clever uppercut of a twist. It may not hit as hard as Gladiator, but it definitely knows how to score points with the judges (and the audience). Diggstown is directed by Michael Ritchie and stars James Woods, Louis Gossett Jr., Oliver Platt, Heather Graham, Bruce Dern 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

    1h 33m
  8. Episode 300 - Heat

    MAR 20

    Episode 300 - Heat

    For our 300th episode, Not A Bomb takes a moment to look back on nearly six years of exploring overlooked and misunderstood films. Brad and Troy reflect on the evolution of the show, the community that has grown around it, and the conversations that have shaped its identity. To mark the milestone, the episode revisits Michael Mann’s Heat (1995) — a film that has long been part of the podcast’s internal history. Though never a “bomb,” Heat is a work whose reputation has deepened over time, making it a fitting choice for this moment. The discussion examines the film’s legacy, performances, craftsmanship, and themes, drawing on ideas explored in past blog posts while offering new perspective. Episode 300 serves as both a celebration and a reaffirmation of the show’s purpose: to give films the thoughtful attention they deserve and to continue discovering the stories behind them. Heat is directed by Michael Mann and stars Al Pacino, Robert De Niro, Tom Sizemore, Diane Brenneman, Ashley Judd, Mykelti Williamson, Wes Studi, Ted Levine, Jon Voight, and Val Kilmer Support the Show 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

    1h 55m
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5
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About

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.

Information

  • Creator
    Not A Bomb Podcast
  • Years Active
    2020 - 2026
  • Episodes
    347
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © Not A Bomb Podcast
  • Show Website
    Not a Bomb

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