Not a Bomb

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 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

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

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, TroyGuest: John

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

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 CorderoWant 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 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 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 MatchupThis 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 YouGot 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

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 DernWe Want to Hear From YouGot 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

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 aren’t just stepping into the ring, they’re calling the fight of the century. It’s a bruising, bare‑knuckle, cinematic heavyweight showdown between two crime‑soaked epics: King of New York and Gangs of New York. Decades apart, stylistically worlds away, but both swinging for the fences with operatic violence, towering performances, and enough swagger to level a city block.King of New YorkDirected by Abel Ferrara and starring Christopher Walken, Laurence Fishburne, Wesley Snipes, David Caruso, Victor Argo, and Giancarlo Esposito, this neon‑drenched gangster fever dream follows drug lord Frank White as he storms back into New York’s underworld after a stint in prison. It’s stylish, chaotic, and packed with performances so intense they practically melt through the screen.Gangs of New YorkDirected by Martin Scorsese and starring Leonardo DiCaprio, Daniel Day‑Lewis, Cameron Diaz, Brendan Gleeson, Jim Broadbent, and John C. Reilly, this sprawling historical epic throws you into the blood‑soaked streets of 1860s Manhattan. Rival factions. Political corruption. Revenge quests. And at the center of it all, Daniel Day‑Lewis delivering one of the most terrifying, magnetic performances of his career as Bill the Butcher. This isn’t just a comparison; it’s a clash of titans. Frank White vs. Bill the Butcher. Modern crime mythmaking vs. historical gangland opera. Ferrara’s gritty, punk‑rock filmmaking vs. Scorsese’s grand, blood‑stained spectacle. Troy and Brad break down which film lands the cleanest hits, which one stumbles, and which earns the coveted weekly crown. Expect fireworks, body blows, and enough cinematic carnage to fill Madison Square Garden.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

For the month of February, Not A Bomb is shining a spotlight on some of the greatest Black directors in cinematic history. This week, Troy and Brad dive into their first film from legendary music‑video visionary Hype Williams with his 1998 crime drama Belly, a film that’s as visually bold as it is culturally influential.Anchored by performances from DMX and Nas, the film brings Willams’ unmistakable aesthetic to every frame — surreal lighting, striking color palettes, and kinetic camera work, creating a dreamlike, hypnotic atmosphere that feels ripped straight from the golden era of hip‑hop. It’s a world where every shot looks like an album cover and every moment feels charged with style and attitude. While critics were divided on its narrative, Belly has endured as a cult classic, influencing filmmakers, musicians, and visual artists for decades. It’s messy, ambitious, and unlike anything else released in its era, which makes it perfect for the Not A Bomb treatment. The guys are also happy to bring friend of the show, Zo from Back Look Cinema Podcast back to the show! Be sure you go support his show!Belly is directed by Hype Williams and stars DMX, Nas, Taral Hicks, Method Man, Tionne “T‑Boz” Watkins, and Hassan Johnson.Support the ShowWant 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, TroySpecial Guest: Zo

For the month of February, Not A Bomb is shining a spotlight on some of the greatest Black directors in cinematic history. This week, Troy and Brad shift gears from grounded crime dramas to full‑throttle grindhouse fantasy as they explore their first film from RZA — the Wu‑Tang Clan legend turned filmmaker — with his 2012 martial‑arts epic The Man with the Iron Fists.Set in the chaotic, neon‑splashed world of Jungle Village, the film follows a humble blacksmith who becomes entangled in a violent power struggle between assassins, warriors, mercenaries, and one extremely committed Russell Crowe. Drawing inspiration from Shaw Brothers classics, spaghetti westerns, and old‑school kung fu cinema, RZA blends genre homage with his own hip‑hop sensibilities to create something loud, stylish, and completely unrestrained.With bone‑crunching fight scenes, outrageous characters, and a world that feels ripped straight from a fever‑dream comic book, The Man with the Iron Fists asks a simple question: can pure passion and love for martial‑arts cinema overcome a chaotic script and some questionable acting choices? Troy and Brad dig into RZA’s directorial vision, the film’s wild production energy, and why this gonzo kung‑fu mashup has earned a cult following.Sharpen your blades — this one gets rowdy.The Man with the Iron Fists is directed by RZA and stars Russell Crowe, Cung Lee, Lucy Liu, Bryon Mann, RZA, Rick Yune, David Bautista, and Jamie ChungWant 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